Introduction

The Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D is a high-performance 12-inch subwoofer designed to deliver powerful bass and exceptional sound quality. Featuring a dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration, this subwoofer can handle up to 800 watts of maximum power, making it suitable for both casual listeners and serious audiophiles. Its innovative construction includes a polycarbonate and glass fiber frame, ensuring durability and efficiency. The cost of the XL-1244D is approximately $139.99.

POWERBASS XTREME XL WOOFER FEATURES

• Proprietary 4-layer, Non-pressed Paper, DDC Finish Cone: The premium grade cones on these subwoofers are blend of papers and wood pulps, and coated in DDC to protect the cone and eliminate distortion. This results in an extremely stiff cone that is resistant to environmental elements while remain-ing exceptionally stable even under the stress of high sound pressure levels.
• Large Roll Santoprene Surround: This treated large roll surround is used to ensure long and linear travel throughout the entire excursion range resulting in more bass output and higher SPL.
• Composite Basket: Custom tooled Turbine style low resonant cast polycarbonate basket provides a very rigid high strength foundation.
• Chrome Push Input Terminals: These high strength compression loaded speaker terminals ensure maximum current and power transfer.
• Vented BASV Voice Coil Former: These specially designed resin coated high temperature voice coils insure high power handling and precise linear excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation.
• Voice Coil: Made with pure EIW wire for high energy and heat transfer. This makes the voice coil highly efficient, and allows you to play louder for longer.
• Xtra Large Motor Structure: Thicker magnets for increased SPL and power handling.
• Optimally Designed for Both Sealed and Ported Enclosures: for many sonic and installation applica-tions. This gives you a wide range of uses for the XL-Series Woofers.

Santoprene is a registered trademark of ExxonMobil Chemical Co.

PARAMETERS

(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice)

WIRING GUIDELINES

It is highly recommended that you seek an authorized PowerBass dealer to properly setup, wire and install your woofers for maximum performance.

There are multiple ways to wire your woofers depending on your amplifier and system configuration. The use of multiple voice coils offers you more versatility in system configuration. It is important to know the limits of your amplifier to optimize its performance. It is always better to use your subwoofer in a mono / bridged mode if your amplifier has the capabilities.

There are basically four different types of wiring configurations: Series, Parallel, Series-Parallel or Parallel-Parallel. It is possible to change the impedance or load by how the speakers are to be wired and by the quantity of woofers used.

DUAL VOICE COIL WIRING

NOTE: Never connect only one coil of a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) speaker. BOTH voice coils must be connected to the amplifier

SINGLE VOICE COIL WIRING

Description

The Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D has a polypropylene cone and rubber surround, guaranteeing durability and flexibility. The stamped steel basket offers a robust support for the subwoofer's components. This subwoofer has an innovative cooling mechanism that accommodates large power inputs without overheating, guaranteeing stable performance during prolonged usage.

The subwoofer's design is tailored for low-frequency response, rendering it ideal for augmenting the bass in your vehicle's audio system. Its diminutive dimensions facilitate installation in diverse vehicle compartments.

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass Xtreme Subwoofers requires experience with a variety of mechanical proce-dures including enclosure construction. This manual only provides general installation and operation in-structions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills, please contact your local Authorized PowerBass dealer for assistance.

CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

MULTI-ENCLOSURE COMPATIBILITY

The PowerBass Xtreme Subwoofers are engineered to perform well in various types of enclosures. These subwoofers offer the versatility of being used in either sealed, vented or band-pass enclosures. For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Power-Bass Xtreme Subwoofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Xtreme Dealer.

• SEALED BOX: A sealed or acoustic suspension enclosure is easy to build and typically offers a smaller size enclosure and greater power handling. It has the most predictable frequency and phase response; the bass response will roll off slower than that of a ported design. Sealed boxes typically provide the best musical detail and definition. A well-designed sealed enclosure will ex-hibit smooth frequency response with excellent sound quality and great low bass extension. They also exhibit relatively accurate, punchy bass reproduction for most types of music.

If a sealed enclosure is too large to fit into a specific area of a vehicle, it is possible to decrease the recommended box volume by using 1.5 pounds per cubic feet of low density, high heat specific box stuffing material. PowerBass recommends Fiberglass, Dacron, Poly-Fill or long fiber wool for stuff-ing the enclosure. (Decreasing the box enclosure however should not exceed 20% of the recommended size.)

When using any type of box stuffing material be sure that the subwoofer’s vented pole piece is clear from any obstructions, since covering the pole piece will result in loss of bass and can possibly cause damage to your subwoofer.

The most important aspect of a sealed enclosure is to make sure that it is airtight and solid. If your enclosure has any air leaks or if the panels vibrate or flex, you will experience a loss of bass output. Using glue and some type of sealant (caulk) on all seams will ensure a solid constructed box without any air leaks.

• VENTED BOX: Also known as a ported or bass reflex enclosure, this type of box is almost as easy to construct as a sealed enclosure. This design however is more efficient and results in an increase of bass output at certain frequencies. Although vented enclosure has an out-put advantage at some frequencies, it also has a steeper roll off, which will only affect bass frequencies below port tuning. Air inside the port will move in phase with the subwoofer re-inforcing frequencies above the F3 (-3dB point). The SPL advantage of the vented enclosure comes from the fact that the effect of the vent tuning reduces the excursion of the subwoofer near the tuning frequency allowing more SPL to be produced before the subwoofer bottoms.

Damping material should also be used to line the internal walls to reduce any sonic reflection. Because of the characteristics of a vented enclosure, subwoofers typically will become unloaded (act as if it is not in a box) at frequencies of ½ octave below the enclosure tuning frequency. Using a high pass filter / subsonic filter will help prevent the subwoofer from unloading or exceeding its excursion capabili-ties. It is important to stay within the recommended enclosure designs. (PowerBass recommends port placement to coincide on the same panel or baffle that the subwoofer resides on.)

• BANDPASS ENCLOSURE: The most common band-pass enclosure is a combination of a sealed and a vented enclosure working together (4th order or single reflex band-pass system). The rear of the speaker goes into the sealed chamber while the front of the speaker goes into the vented chamber. Because the vent produces all the sound generated from this type of en-closure, sound quality may not be as good as a well-designed ported or sealed design.

Often the sacrifice for sound quality and subwoofer cone control is greater SPL output. However unlike a sealed or vented enclosure, you can effectively increase the enclosure sensitivity with the appropriate tuning choices. You can choose to design a narrow frequency band with very high sen-sitivity or choose a wide frequency band with the sacrifice of lower sensitivity. The damping effect of the vented chamber reduces the motion of the cone so that potentially higher sound output is achieved without the subwoofer reaching its mechanical limits. Minor deviations from design recom-mendations however may result in frequency response and distortion problems.

(If you are intending to use multiple subwoofers in your system, PowerBass recommends hav-ing separate chambers for each subwoofer if the subwoofers will be operated by two different amplified signals. This will prevent any possible cancellation.)

NOTE: Due to the vented backplate, you must allow an additional 2” behind the subwoofer when designing your speaker enclosure.

ENCLOSURE VOLUME

To calculate the volume required for your enclosure please refer to the Recommended Enclosures secc-tion of this guide for your specific model number. These are listed in both cubic feet and liters. One cubic foot is expressed as 12” x 12” x 12” = 1728 cubic inches (see picture below).

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR XL WOOFER

Your PowerBass Xtreme subwoofer has been meticulous engineered and designed to handle high power musical reproduction. Despite their rugged construction, it is possible to damage your speaker if they are improperly used. In general, you will hear distortion as a so-called warning before any damage oc-curs. If you hear distortion in your system, immediately reduce the musical level to the point where the sound retains its clarity.

1. All PowerBass Xtreme subwoofers require an initial break-in period before it will reach optimum performance. Like any new precision machinery, allow a minimum of several days to one week with normal daily usage to ensure that the suspension has properly been broken-in.
2. Be sure you supply the speakers with enough unclipped amplifier power to drive them properly. 
   (More damage can be done to a speaker by under-powering and clipping your amplifier than any other way!)
3. Where possible, run your Speakers in mono instead of stereo. Most bass is reproduced in mono so there is less chance of any cancellation if played in mono.
4. Where possible, wire your Speakers in parallel instead of series. Bass is reproduced either way but again there is less chance of cancellation in parallel. NOTE: Be sure the amplifier you are using is stable to the resulting impedance of the speaker load!
5. Where possible, a separate amplifier just for your subwoofers should be used with an electronic crossover to set the frequency range.
6. Do not block the front of your speakers or ports. You want as much direct air coupling as possible. Also be sure to round off the inside edges of the port to reduce any port noise.
7. For ported enclosures, keep in mind that you must leave at least twice the port diameter size between the subwoofer and the port itself. Leave at least one time the port diameter between the port and any walls of the enclosure.

Note: The XL woofer basket is constructed of composite materials. Please use the enclosed paper template if you are pre-drilling speaker mounting pilot holes-do not use the woofer as a template.

BOX CONSTRUCTION (SEALED OR VENTED): The material used for enclosure walls should be solid, dense and free of voids or warps. Your enclosure should be made ¾” or 19mm material, Finland or Baltic birch type plywood is recommended where the enclosure will be transported frequently. High-density fiberboard - MDF (not chip board) can be used on permanently installed systems.

Minimum of 1” (25mm) or double ¾” (1-1/2”) baffle is recommended on high-powered SPL applications. Corners must be strong and air tight and should not have any air leaks or openings. Joints should be properly filled with glue that will not crack under high stress or impact. If the integrity of the glue seal can’t be determined, hot glue or RTV caulking should be used to seal all seams.

Fiber reinforced resin may also be used to form any difficult shapes. However avoid making large panels with resin to eliminate any chances of box flexing, cracking or ratting under high pressure. Bracing made of 2 x 2” or 2 x 4” should be liberally applied either inside or outside the cabinet, depending on whether the cabinet is to be permanently installed or portable. This principle applies to any walls of the enclosure spanning more than 18” long.

Any braces should also be liberally glued or screwed down on edge. Edge-wise drilled, and countersunk holes through the braces can be used for #10-2 Flathead wood screws to avoid the use of more expensive lag bolts. The majority of strength from an enclosure comes from the glue. When using screws be sure to pre-drill holes to avoid splitting the wood.

Note: Do not mount the woofer in the enclosure within 24 hours of sealing the internal joints. The gasses given off as the sealer cures can affect the surround of the speaker resulting in permanent damage that will void the warranty.

WARNING! The use of silicone rubber to seal in a speaker will void the Warranty! If any sealing is needed in addition to the speaker’s gasket, use caulking cord or vinyl weather strip.

BREAK IN PERIOD
To get the most from your woofer we recommend a “break-in” period of at least 40 hours at no more than 1/3 of maximum volume. During this time the cone and spider assembly will gradually break in resulting in greater performance and more listening enjoyment.

Setup Guide

To set up the Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D, 

1. Select an appropriate spot in your car, such as the trunk or beneath the back seat.
2. Verify that the mounting depth of 5.75 inches is accommodated.
3. Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier utilizing the correct wire layout according to the impedance and power capacity of the amplifier.
4. Affix the subwoofer to the mounting surface with the supplied hardware.
5. Attach the speaker cables to the subwoofer terminals and then to the amplifier.
6. Adjust your amplifier settings in accordance with the subwoofer's specs to attain best performance.

SUBWOOFER CROSSOVER SETTING

Your PowerBass subwoofers will perform best if they are used in conjuction with a subwoofer crossover of some kind. Using a crossover will remove unwanted high frequencies and allow them to concentrate only on bass. The two most common types of crossovers are "passive" or "active" (electronic crossovers are active).

Many amplifiers have a built in Low Pass (LPF) electronic crossover circuit. For optimum subwoofer performance we recommend an initial electronic crossover setting between 80-100Hz and then tuning the bass to your liking.

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURES

Please note that these enclosure volume recommendations are for the internal airspace inside the enclo-sure and include the displacement of the subwoofer and ports. When choosing your enclosure type, please pay close attention to your specific woofer, failing to use the correct enclosure may result in lower power handling and poor sound quality.   To calculate the internal airspace required, take the internal dimensions of the box. First multiple these number by themselves and then divide this sum by 1728.  (W x H x D) / 1728. 

Please contact your authorized PowerBass Xtreme dealer for other designs and specifications. (Even though these subwoofers can be used in a ported enclosure, PowerBass recommends a sealed enclosure for optimum performance and sound quality.)

 XL-1244D

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D, 

1. Should you experience difficulties with your Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D,
2. Examine for prevalent issues such as loose connections or erroneous wiring.
3. Ensure the subwoofer is adequately anchored to avert vibrational harm.
4. Ensure that the amplifier is powered on and configured to the appropriate input if the subwoofer is silent.
5. Inspect the subwoofer and its components for any indications of damage or deterioration.
   • Caution: Refrain from overloading the subwoofer with high power, as this may result in damage.
6. Consistently adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for power management and installation procedures.

Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D Pros & Cons

Pros

• Elevated power handling capability
• Dual 4-ohm voice coils for versatile wiring configurations
• Durable construction including an efficient cooling system
• Compact dimensions provide straightforward installation.
• Competitive pricing relative to comparable high-performance subwoofers

Cons

• Moderate sensitivity may necessitate increased power for optimal performance.
• May need further components such as an amplifier and enclosure for optimal performance.
• Installation may necessitate expert guidance for proper configuration.

Customer Reviews

Customers have commended the Powerbass Xtreme Subwoofer XL-1244D for its robust bass performance and resilient build quality. Numerous reviews have observed that it offers exceptional value for its cost, significantly improving their vehicle audio systems.

Frequent grievances encompass the necessity for appropriate installation and the want for a compatible amplifier to attain optimal performance.

Warranty

PowerBass Xtreme Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year. The warranty is extended to three (3) years for parts and labor, if an Authorized PowerBass Xtreme Dealer completes the installation.