mixed speaker models

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=16116
Printed Date: July 26, 2025 at 5:36 PM

Topic: mixed speaker models

Posted By: BigDave
Subject: mixed speaker models
Date Posted: July 09, 2003 at 10:31 PM

Ihave 4 rockford fosgate speakers two of one model and of two of another is it ok to put in one single box together If so what would be the best way to wire them they are all single voice coil 4ohm

Replies:

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 3:39 AM

Yes, it should be ok as long as the divided RMS output of your amp does not go over the RMS rating of each sub (going over a little is ok, but you'll get longer performance from the subs if you stick near the RMS ratings).

When you refer to 2 different models, are you trying to say 2 different sizes? Like two 10's and two 12's? Or are you saying the same size subs, just 2 newer and 2 older?

If you are using 2 different sizes then you need to adjust the volume accordingly. You would be better off using a seperate enclosure for each sub, or 1 enclosure for 1 model, and 1 enclosure for the other model.

If your amp is a 1ohm stable Class D amplifier, then you can wire them in parallel like this for a 1ohm total load...
posted_image

If your amp is a 2-channel 2ohm stereo stable amplifier, then you can wire 2 subs in parallel to 1 channel, and the other 2 subs in parallel to the other channel like this....
posted_image

If you give the specific make and model numbers of the subs and amp then I can tell you if it will work or not.

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: nedgeworth
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 4:58 PM

You should never mismatch subs in a single enclosure your just asking for trouble. My suggestion is either 1 box with 2 seperate chambers housing the same subs in each or 2 seperate boxes. And listen to "wvsquirrel" on the wiring he seems to be the source of all wiring amps around here!!!

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 10:29 PM

Not by a long shot posted_image

It took me a while to fully understand the diferent wiring methods (especially where DVC's were concerned), and I still don't have Ohm's Law down perfect. I still have a long way to go before I can compare myself against some of the better installers here. But if it wasn't for the help of all the others on this site then I wouldn't be able to pass on even half the knowledge that I have now. But thanks for the compliment nedgeworth, its much appreciated posted_image

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: ghs_wreslter189
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 10:51 PM

i would only mix two with two different amps so you can use the correct frequencies for each set

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--Adam

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 11:05 PM

Even then it's dangerous. Without knowing the model numbers and their specs there are too many variables that can go wrong with mixing subs in the same enclosure. You have to take the possibility of different displacements into account when calculating the volume. If the different models reflect different size subs, then you also have different enclosure specs to calculate.

It's best to use seperate enclosures for each sub or each model. Now that is not to say that you can't combine the different enclosures into 1 main housing (outter shell with the different chambers inside) and still maintain the same effect.

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com