JL Audio 12W3v3-4 12" 30cm W3 Series Car Sub Subwoofer Driver 4ohm 500w RMS
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The JL Audio 12W3v3-4 is a 12 inch (300 mm) W3v3 subwoofer driver with a single 4 ohm voice coil and 500W RMS power handling. It delivers potent output and sound quality in medium power systems, in compact sealed or ported enclosures.
This is the 4 ohm version. The 12W3v3-2 is the same driver with a single 2 ohm voice coil.
Key specifications
- Size: 12 inch (300 mm)
- Power handling: 500W RMS
- Recommended amplifier power: 150 - 500W RMS
- Impedance: 4 ohm (single voice coil)
- Recommended sealed enclosure: 1.125 cu ft (31.8 litres)
- Recommended ported enclosure: 1.75 cu ft (49.6 litres)
- Mounting depth: 6.65 in / 169 mm
- Mounting hole diameter: 11.0625 in / 281 mm
- Linear excursion (Xmax, one way): 0.510 in / 13.0 mm
12W3v3-4: 12-inch (300 mm) Subwoofer Driver, 4 Ω
W3v3 12-inch Subwoofer (500 W, 4 Ω)
This powerhouse 12-inch driver delivers potent performance and world-class sound quality in medium power applications. Several exclusive JL Audio technologies and proprietary assembly techniques are applied to the 12W3v3 to enhance linearity and reliability.
The 12W3v3-4 is best used with amplifier power in the 150W - 500W range and is optimised to operate in a compact 1.125 cu. ft. (31.8 l) sealed enclosure, or a 1.75 cu. ft. (49.6 l) ported enclosure. Detailed enclosure recommendations can be found in the "Specifications" tab.
Dynamic Motor Analysis - DMA Optimised Motor
JL Audio's proprietary Dynamic Motor Analysis system is a powerful suite of FEA-based modelling systems, first developed by JL Audio in 1997 and refined over the years to scientifically address the issue of speaker motor linearity. This leads to vastly reduced distortion and faithfully reproduced transients... or put simply: tight, clean, articulate bass.
Elevated Frame Cooling
JL Audio's patented Elevated Frame Cooling design delivers cool air through slots directly above the top-plate to the voice coil of the speaker. This not only enhances power handling, but also sound quality by minimising dynamic parameter shifts and power compression.
Floating Cone Attach Method - FCAM™
This assembly technique, conceived by JL Audio, ensures proper surround geometry in the assembled speaker for better excursion control and dynamic voice coil alignment.
Vented Reinforcement Collar
JL Audio's Vented Reinforcement Collar (VRC®) improves the rigidity and stability of the cone/spider/voice coil junction and directs airflow over the voice coil windings for improved thermal performance.
Explore the full range in JL Audio Subwoofers.
Specification
| Mounting Depth | (E) 6.65 in / 169 mm |
|---|---|
More specs
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What's Included
- 12W3v3-4
- Black plastic trim ring
- Owner's Manual
JL Audio
About the JL Audio 12W3v3-4
From our tech experts at CEN
A JL Audio 12 inch W3 Series subwoofer driver, 4 ohm, handling 500w RMS.
Who it suits
Drivers building a system around a properly specified enclosure rather than a box off the shelf. W3 is the sweet spot of the range for most cars, and what we fit most often.
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 12W3v3-4 need?
A: JL Audio recommends 150 - 500W RMS of amplifier power for the 12W3v3-4. It is rated at 500W RMS continuous power handling (4 ohm impedance).
Q: What box size is recommended for the 12W3v3-4?
A: The 12W3v3-4 is optimised for a 1.125 cu ft (31.8 litres) sealed enclosure or a 1.75 cu ft (49.6 litres) ported enclosure. Full enclosure details are in the Specification tab.
Q: How deep is the 12W3v3-4 and what cut-out does it need?
A: The 12W3v3-4 has a mounting depth of 6.65 in / 169 mm and needs a mounting hole (cut-out) diameter of 11.0625 in / 281 mm.
