12TW3 - Subwoofer JL Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Subwoofer Driver
Brand	JL Audio
Model	12TW3-D4 / 12TW3-D8
Nominal Diameter	12.0 in (300 mm)
Overall Major Diameter (A1)	13.2 in (335 mm)
Overall Minor Diameter (A2)	12.5 in (318 mm)
Mounting Hole Diameter (B)	11.625 in (295 mm)
Bolt Hole Circle (C)	12.5 in (318 mm)
Magnet Diameter (D)	6.125 in (156 mm)
Mounting Depth (E)	3.5 in (89 mm)
Net Weight	14.9 lbs (6.8 kg)
Driver Displacement	0.029 ft³ (0.82 liters)
Nominal Impedance Options	Dual 4-ohm or Dual 8-ohm voice coils
Continuous Power Handling	400 W
Free Air Resonance (Fs)	26.46 Hz (D4) / 32.66 Hz (D8)
Total Speaker Q (Qts)	0.531 (D4) / 0.668 (D8)
Equivalent Compliance (Vas)	1.72 ft³ (48.73 L) D4 / 1.205 ft³ (34.12 L) D8
One-way Linear Excursion (Xmax)	0.60 in (15.2 mm)
Efficiency (1W/1m)	84.11 dB SPL (D4) / 84.23 dB SPL (D8)
Effective Piston Area (Sd)	83.517 in² (0.0539 m²)
Recommended Enclosure Types	Sealed or Ported
Sealed Enclosure Volume (D4)	0.80 ft³ (22.7 L) net internal
Ported Enclosure Volume (D4)	0.95 ft³ (26.9 L) net internal
Wiring Requirement	Both voice coils must be connected (series or parallel)
Warranty	1 year limited (USA)

Frequently Asked Questions - 12TW3 JL Audio

What are the differences between the 12TW3-D4 and 12TW3-D8 models?

The 12TW3-D4 has dual 4-ohm voice coils, while the 12TW3-D8 has dual 8-ohm voice coils. This affects wiring configurations and final impedance. The D4 has slightly lower Fs (26.46 Hz) and Qts (0.531) compared to the D8 (Fs 32.66 Hz, Qts 0.668).

How do I wire the dual voice coils?

Both voice coils must be connected. For series wiring, connect one coil's positive to amplifier positive and negative to the other coil's positive, then that coil's negative to amplifier negative. For parallel, connect both positives together and both negatives together. Refer to the wiring diagrams in the manual for exact loads.

What is the recommended power range for the 12TW3?

The recommended continuous (RMS) power range is 125W - 500W per driver. Optimal performance is around 250W - 500W. Maximum safe power is up to 1000W but caution is advised. Exceeding 1000W voids warranty.

Can I use a passive crossover with this subwoofer?

No, JL Audio does not recommend using a passive crossover (coil) as it will adversely affect performance. Use a bi-amplified system with active crossover from the amplifier.

What are the recommended enclosure sizes?

For a sealed enclosure, use 0.80 ft³ (D4) or 1.00 ft³ (D8) net internal volume. For a ported enclosure, use 0.95 ft³ (D4) or 1.3 ft³ (D8) net internal. External dimensions are provided in the manual using 3/4" material.

How do I securely install the subwoofer in a vehicle?

The enclosure must be firmly bolted through the metal floorpan or frame using large diameter washers. This prevents the enclosure from becoming a projectile in a collision, especially in hatchbacks, SUVs, or vans.

What is the warranty coverage?

JL Audio offers a 1-year limited warranty for automotive subwoofer components in the USA. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. Damage from abuse, misuse, or unauthorized repairs is not covered. Warranty void if serial number is removed or defaced.

Can I use two 12TW3 subwoofers in a common enclosure?

Yes, simply double the required internal volume for the enclosure. For example, two D4 sealed subs need 1.60 ft³ net. Follow the same recommended enclosure type.

What is the F3 frequency (lowest -3dB point) for the recommended enclosures?

For the sealed enclosure, F3 is approximately 37.99 Hz (D4) and 38.27 Hz (D8). For the ported enclosure, F3 is 32.52 Hz (D4) and 29.79 Hz (D8).

How do I interpret the power recommendation chart?

The chart shows four zones: Minimum (125-250W) for comfort, Optimum (250-500W) for best performance and reliability, Maximum (500-1000W) for extra SPL with caution, and Warranty Void (>1000W) where failure is likely. Always use continuous RMS power per driver.

USER MANUAL 12TW3 JL Audio

Two black audio speakers with 'JL AUDIO' branding, shown from different angles (no text or symbols on the speakers themselves)

12TW3 Subwoofer Driver

Congratulations on your purchase of a JL Audio subwoofer component. Your JL Audio subwoofer is a precision loudspeaker which has been engineered to produce the highest quality sub-bass performance in your vehicle. Authorized JL Audio dealers have extensive technical information for many different applications of your new speaker. They also have the knowledge, skills and tools to build a high-quality enclosure that will maximize the performance of your speaker. We highly recommend that you have your enclosure built by an authorized JL Audio dealer.

Inside you will find specifications and two recommended enclosures for your speaker; one is a sealed enclosure, the other is a ported design. Both types of enclosures will give you excellent sound quality and low-frequency extension. The sealed enclosure is a better choice if space is extremely tight, but the ported enclosure will produce 3dB more output at the same power if you have the extra space to work with.

JL AUDIO 12TW3-D4 / 12TW3-D8

A2 B C D A1 JL AUDIO. 12TW3 E

12TW3 SUBWOOFER PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Nominal Diameter:	12.0 in 300 mm
Overall Major Diameter (A1):	13.2 in. 335 mm
Overall Minor Diameter (A2):	12.5 in 318 mm
Mounting Hole Diameter (B):	11.625 in. 295 mm
Bolt Hole Circle (C):	12.5 in. 318 mm
Magnet Diameter (D):	6.125 in 156 mm
Mounting Depth (E):	3.5 in 89 mm
Net Weight:	14.9 lbs 6.8 Kg
Driver Displacement:	0.029 ft ^3 0.82 liters

SUBWOOFER 12TW3-D4 12TW3-D8
Free Air Resonance (Fs):	26.460 Hz 32.660 Hz
Electrical "Q" (Qes):	0.558 0.715
Mechanical "Q" (Qms):	10.766 10.071
Total Speaker "Q" (Qts):	0.531 0.668
Equivalent Compliance (Vas):	1.72 ft ^3 48.73 litres	1.205 ft ^3 34.12 litres
One-way, Linear Excursion (Xmax)*:	0.60 in15.2 mm	0.60 in15.2 mm
Efficiency (1W/1m)**:	84.11 dB SPL 84	23 dB SPL
Effective Piston Area (Sd):	83.517 in ^2 0.0539 m ^2	83.517 in ^2 0.0539 m ^2
DC Resistance (Re)***:	9.280 ohm 14.800 ohm
Nominal Impedance:	Dual 4-ohmvoice coils	Dual 8-ohmvoice coils
Power Handling (continuous):	400 W	400 W

12TW3 Dual Voice Coil Wiring

Please Note: The TW3 is a dual voice coil driver. BOTH voice coils must be connected to the amplifier (in series or parallel) for the speaker to operate properly. To accomplish this, each TW3 features a pair of main input connection push-terminals for each voice coil. Verify that the connections are properly configured based on these wiring diagrams to achieve the desired load prior to sending signal to the subwoofer.

Voice Coils Wired in Series

(Multiple speakers wired in Parallel)

8Ω (D4) 16Ω (D8) 4Ω (D4) 8Ω (D8) 2.7Ω (D4) 5.3Ω (D8)

Voice Coils Wired in Parallel

(Multiple speakers wired in Parallel)

2Ω (D4) 4Ω (D8) 1Ω (D4) 2Ω (D8) 0.7Ω (D4) 1.3Ω (D8)

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED SEALED ENCLOSURE
	Volume (nct int.)	External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)	F3 (Hz)	Fc (Hz)	Qtc
12TW3-D4	0.80 ft ^3 22.7 liters	21.25 in x 16 in x 6.5 in 540 mm x 406 mm x 165 mm	37.99 46	97 0.9426
12TW3-D8	1.00 ft ^3 28.3 liters	25 in x 16.625 in x 6.5 in 635 mm x 422 mm x 165 mm	38.27 48	50 0.9919

D H W

SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED PORTED ENCLOSURE
	Volume (nct int.)	Enclosure External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)	Slot Port Internal Dimensions (Slot Width x Slot Height x Slot Length)	Tune to: (Hz)	F3 (Hz)
12TW3-D4	0.95 ft ^3 26.9 liters	30 in x 16.625 in x 6.5 in762 mm x 422 mm x 165 mm	5 in x 2.5 in x 31.25 in127 mm x 64 mm x 794 mm	32.14 32.52
12TW3-D8	1.3 ft ^2 36.8 liters	34 in x 17 in x 6.75 in864 mm x 432 mm x 171 mm	5.25 in x 2.375 in x 24 in133 mm x 60 mm x 610 mm	31.00 29.79

• The enclosure recommendations listed are external dimensions which assume the use of 3/4" (19mm) thick material. If you are using 5/8" (16mm) thick material, subtract 1/4" (6.5mm) from each dimension. Do not use any material with a thickness of less than 5/8" (16mm) as this may compromise the rigidity of the enclosure.
• Enclosure volumes listed are net internal volumes! Box volume displacement, port displacement and brace displacement must be added to obtain the final gross internal volume. All enclosure dimensions listed have already taken this into account.
  -When using two subwoofers in a common enclosure simply double the required volume.
• We recommend the use of this speaker in a bi-amplified system using high-quality satellite speakers and amplifiers. We do not recommend the use of this subwoofer with a passive crossover (coil), as this type of device will adversely affect performance.

W SW H D

SH PL Cutaway View

Port Wall Length:

12TW3-D4: 26 in (660 mm)

12TW3-D8: 22.0625 in (560 mm)

(End correction accounted for)

Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100dB can cause permanent hearing loss. This high-performance speaker can exceed this level. Please exercise restraint in its operation in order to preserve your ability to enjoy its fidelity.

When installing a subwoofer in your vehicle, it is extremely important to secure the enclosure firmly. We recommend bolting the enclosure through the metal of the floorpan or the frame of the vehicle with large diameter washers for reinforcement. If an enclosure is not firmly attached, it can become a projectile in a collision. This is particularly important in a hatchback, station wagon, sports utility vehicle, or van.

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

RECOMMENDED CONTINUOUS (RMS) POWER RANGE FOR ONE SUBWOOFER DRIVER:

12TW3 125W250W500W1000W75W LEGEND: MINIMUM OPTIMUM MAXIMUM WARRANTY VOID

MEDIUM GRAY (MINIMUM):

From a reliability standpoint, this zone represents a very comfortable operating power range for each driver. This level of power will not stress the woofer but will not extract all of its performance potential, either.

Use of less than the minimum power level will not damage the woofer, but may result in unsatisfactory performance.

This zone represents the best compromise between long-term reliability, high-output and low-distortion performance. This power level is lower than the woofer's continuous power rating (as published in its specifications), but you will still be taking advantage of the woofer's, low-distortion performance range without undue risk of failure.

DARK GRAY (MAXIMUM):

Slightly more SPL will be gained by pushing the power into this zone, but typically not more than 2dB, compared to the light gray zone. The subwoofer driver is designed to operate safely up to this power range, but not beyond. Operate with caution.

BLACK (WARRANTY VOID):

We do not recommend operating woofers at this level of power. In this zone, there is a very high probability that the driver will fail due to excessive heat and/or mechanical stress.

Subwoofer drivers operated at these levels of power are NOT covered under warranty.

JL Audio offers an extensive line of high-performance subwoofer drivers to fit a wide variety of enclosure and power applications. When designing systems with our drivers, it is very important to achieve a good power match between the subwoofer amplifier and the subwoofer driver's capabilities. The power levels listed in the above chart represent continuous (RMS) amplifier power per woofer and assume that the user will regularly make full use of that power without drastically overdriving the amplifier(s). Make sure you factor system impedance and the total number of subwoofers into your calculations. Adhering to these power recommendations will result in systems that are both reliable and enjoyable.

JL AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY (USA)

Automotive Subwoofer Components

JL AUDIO warrants this speaker to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase.

Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions, unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is not covered under warranty.

This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchaser of the product from an authorized JL AUDIO dealer. Warranty is voided if the factory-applied product serial number is removed or defaced.

Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction, JL AUDIO will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge.

Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:

All warranty returns should be sent to JL AUDIO freight prepaid through an authorized JL AUDIO dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt.) Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized dealers will be refused unless specifically authorized by JL AUDIO with a valid return authorization number. Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Return only defective components. Non-defective items received will be returned freight-collect. Customer is responsible for shipping charges and insurance in sending the product to JL AUDIO. Freight damage on returns is not covered under warranty. Always include proof of purchase (sales receipt).

For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call:

JL Audio customer service: [phone] during normal business hours (Eastern Time)

JL Audio, Inc

10369 North Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025

International Warranties:

Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country's distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.