JL Audio 12TW1-4 12 Inch Sub TW1 Series Shallow Mount Subwoofer 4 ohm 300w RMS
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The JL Audio 12TW1-4 is a 12-inch (300 mm) shallow-mount subwoofer from the TW1 series, rated at 300W RMS with a single 4 ohm voice coil. Its 117 mm mounting depth and 0.65 cu ft (18.4 litre) sealed enclosure requirement make it suited to under-seat, truck and sports car installations where a standard 12-inch driver won't fit.
This listing is the 4 ohm version. The TW1 12-inch is also available in 2 ohm (12TW1-2).
Key specifications
- Size: 12 inch (300 mm)
- Power handling: 300W RMS
- Recommended amplifier power: 75–300W RMS
- Impedance: 4 ohm (single voice coil)
- Recommended sealed enclosure: 0.65 cu ft (18.4 litres)
- Mounting depth: 4.62 in / 117 mm
- Mounting hole diameter: 11.0625 in / 281 mm
- Linear excursion (Xmax, one way): 0.40 in / 10.0 mm
12TW1-4: 12-inch (300 mm) Subwoofer Driver, 4 Ω
TW1 12-inch Subwoofer (300 W, 4 Ω)
Built on JL Audio's patented thin-line subwoofer technology, the 12TW1 combines a shallow mounting depth with strong excursion capability, operating in a sealed enclosure as small as 0.65 cu ft (18.4 litres). A cast alloy frame design keeps the overall profile low, making it a practical choice for under-seat truck installs, two-seat sports cars and other space-restricted applications.
JL Audio's patented thin-line technology uses a "concentric tube" structure built into the injection-moulded cone body. This supports the voice coil and a full annular spider whilst allowing a large motor structure to sit further forward than conventional designs permit.
The frame design minimises the frontal clearance needed during excursion by recessing the suspension attachment surface, so most forward movement stays within the frame's own dimensions. The result is just 0.87 inches (22 mm) of frontal clearance required — grille included — allowing more enclosure volume within a given overall depth.
Despite being optimised for a much smaller enclosure than any other JL Audio 12-inch subwoofer, the 12TW1 delivers rich, deep, controlled bass rather than the strained sound of an oversized driver in too small a box.
- Very shallow mounting depth: 4.62 in / 117 mm
- No pole vent — can mount close to the rear wall of the enclosure
- Extremely small sealed enclosure volume requirement
- Long linear excursion: 0.40 in / 10 mm (one-way)
- DMA-optimised motor design
- Patented "concentric tube" architecture
- Patented "floating cone attach method" technology
- Cast alloy frame with flat edges for tight driver grouping
- Injection-moulded, mica-filled polypropylene cone
- Rubber surround
- Steel mesh grille included
- Precision-built in the USA at JL Audio's Miramar, Florida factory using global components
Explore the full range in JL Audio TW1 Shallow Mount Subwoofers.
Specification
| Mounting Depth | (E) 4.62 in / 117 mm |
|---|---|
More specs
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What's Included
- 12TW1-4
- Steel mesh grille
- Warranty information
- JL Audio stickers
JL Audio
About the JL Audio 12TW1-4
From our tech experts at CEN
A JL Audio 12 inch TW1 Series subwoofer driver, shallow mount for vehicles where depth rules out a conventional sub, 4 ohm, handling 300w RMS.
Who it suits
Drivers building a system around a properly specified enclosure rather than a box off the shelf. TW1 is the shallow-mount range for vehicles where depth is the problem.
Our tech experts advise
This is a driver, not a finished system: enclosure volume and tuning decide most of what you hear, and JL publish specifications worth building to, and the 4 ohm coil decides how it should be wired to your amplifier. We build enclosures to suit both driver and vehicle at our Beeston workshop. Installation is priced per vehicle, so get in touch with your make, model and year and we will confirm what it needs. See car audio installation.
Explore the full JL Audio range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all JL Audio
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an amplifier for this subwoofer?
A: Yes, unless it is an active (powered) subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. Passive subwoofers need an external amplifier matched to the RMS power and impedance shown in the Specification tab.
Q: What size enclosure does this subwoofer need?
A: The recommended enclosure volume is listed in the Specification tab where the manufacturer provides it. As a rule, sealed enclosures give tighter, more accurate bass while ported enclosures deliver more output. Contact CEN if you would like a recommendation for your build.
Q: What does RMS power mean?
A: RMS is the continuous power a subwoofer can handle, and it is the number that matters when matching an amplifier. Peak or max figures describe short bursts only. Match your amplifier output to the RMS rating in the Specification tab.
Q: Sealed or ported enclosure - which should I choose?
A: Sealed boxes are compact and produce tight, controlled bass suited to sound quality builds. Ported boxes are larger and produce more output at low frequencies, suited to those who want maximum impact. Either works well when built to the recommended volume.
Q: Can CEN build or supply an enclosure and fit everything?
A: Yes. CEN supplies enclosures and offers professional installation from our Nottingham premises, including amplifier wiring. Contact us to discuss your build.
Q: What amplifier power does the JL Audio 12TW1-4 need?
A: JL Audio recommends 75 - 300W RMS of amplifier power for the 12TW1-4. It is rated at 300W RMS continuous power handling (4 ohm impedance).
Q: What box size is recommended for the 12TW1-4?
A: The 12TW1-4 is optimised for a 0.65 cu ft (18.4 litres) sealed enclosure. Full enclosure details are in the Specification tab.
Q: How deep is the 12TW1-4 and what cut-out does it need?
A: The 12TW1-4 has a mounting depth of 4.62 in / 117 mm and needs a mounting hole (cut-out) diameter of 11.0625 in / 281 mm.
Q: How much front clearance does the 12TW1-4 need?
A: The 12TW1 needs only 0.87 in (22 mm) of frontal clearance, even with its grille installed, because most of the forward excursion happens within the frame.
