Is it ok to mix the wiring? and does the power get distibuted evenly between the subs.
Here are the general guidelines, with few exeptions:
- all subs shall be identical models; same make, size, and voice coil configuration
- all subs shall be wired identically (or such that each sub arrives to the same impedance as all other subs, as in the case where a set of coils is polarity-reversed because the driver is inverted)
If you are stuck with an impedance problem because of your choice of subs and the number of them, you will need to make changes in your system. Different amp, multiple amps, different subs, different number of subs...
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
There are 3 safe ways to wire subs:
1) Series
2) Parallel
3) Series/Parallel or Parallel/Series (this is the "mix" you asked about)
The simple answer to your first question is
Yes, it is possible to use both Series and Parallel wiring (in fact it's done quite often with multiple DVC subs).
The answer to your second question is again
Yes. As long as the subs are the same impedance and have the same number of voice coils then the wattage should be distributed evenly to each one.
If you want more specific wiring examples/diagrams then I need to know if you are using SVC's or DVC's and what the impedance is of each sub. The make/model is preferable so I can look up the specs.
I agree with Stevdarts guidelines. Its always best not to mix-and-match subs that will be wired together using the same amplifier.
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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.comYou need to pay extra attention to the layout of the wiring if you mix series parallel.
For example, say you have 3 4 ohm subs and you are trying to get to a safe load to wire to a 2 ohm stable amp.
If you wire two subs in series you get an 8 ohm load and if you parallel that with a 4 ohm sub you'll get 2.6 ohms. Your load is fine, but your power distribution will not be equal at all to the subs. The 4 ohm sub will get significanly more power then the rest of the subs.
As a rule of thumb here NEEDS to be an even number of coils involved to wire series/parallel. You need to make sure you have the same number of coils in each "leg" that is going to be paralleled together to make sure all subs recieve the same amount of power.
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Kevin Pierson