Q-Class 12L7 - Subwoofer KICKER - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Subwoofer
Brand	KICKER
Model	Q-Class 12L7
Category	Car Audio Subwoofer
Rated Impedance	2 or 4 Ohms (dual voice coil)
Sensitivity (1W, 1m)	86.9 dB
Continuous Power Handling (RMS)	900 Watts
Frequency Response	20 - 100 Hz
Resonant Frequency (Fs)	34 Hz
Total Q (Qts)	0.539
Equivalent Compliance (Vas)	1.92 ft³ (54.27 L)
DC Resistance (Re)	6.8 Ohms
Outer Frame Dimensions	12-9/16" (32 cm) diameter
Mounting Depth	7-7/8" (20 cm)
Mounting Cutout	11-1/16" (28.1 cm) diameter
Voice Coil Configuration	Dual 2Ω or Dual 4Ω
Surround Material	Variable Cross Section Elastomeric
Spider Material	Blue-Lace™ for improved control
Heat Dissipation	Finned aluminum heat sinks around voice coil
Motor Structure	FEA Optimized for increased power handling
Recommended Sealed Enclosure	1.0 - 2.0 ft³ (28.3 - 56.6 L)
Recommended Vented Enclosure	Compact: 1.75 ft³ / SQ: 3.25 ft³
Break-in Time	2 weeks for optimum performance
Safety Warning	Prolonged distorted operation may cause overheating/fire

Frequently Asked Questions - Q-Class 12L7 KICKER

What is the difference between dual 2Ω and dual 4Ω voice coils on the Kicker 12L7?

The dual 2Ω version can be wired to present a 1Ω (parallel) or 4Ω (series) load to the amplifier. The dual 4Ω version presents a 2Ω (parallel) or 8Ω (series) load. Choose based on your amplifier's stable impedance rating.

How do I wire the Kicker 12L7 for a 2Ω load?

Use the dual 4Ω version and wire both voice coils in parallel: connect coil 1+ to coil 2+, coil 1- to coil 2-, then connect the amplifier + to the common positive and amplifier - to the common negative.

What is the recommended sealed enclosure volume for the 12L7?

The recommended sealed enclosure volume ranges from 1.0 ft³ (minimum) to 2.0 ft³ (maximum). Use 50% loose poly-fill stuffing for smoother response.

How do I check if my subwoofer is out of phase?

If bass response is poor, reverse the positive and negative speaker connections on the subwoofer. If bass improves, the subwoofer was out of phase with the rest of the system.

What power handling can the Kicker 12L7 handle?

The continuous power handling is 900 Watts RMS. It can handle higher peak power, but ensure the amplifier is not clipped to avoid damage.

How long is the break-in period for the 12L7?

Allow two weeks of break-in time at moderate volume for the subwoofer to reach optimum performance. During this period, avoid excessive power.

Can I use the 12L7 in a ported (vented) enclosure?

Yes, two vented designs are recommended: Compact (1.75 ft³ with 2.5x13.25" port, 22.5" length) and SQ (3.25 ft³ with 3x13.25" port, 14.5" length). Both require a properly sized port.

What tools and materials are needed to build an enclosure for the 12L7?

Use 3/4" (1.9cm) or thicker MDF, silicone sealant, screws, and a jigsaw with the mounting template from the carton. Add internal bracing (2"x2" for 8L7/10L7, 3"x3" for 12L7/15L7) on large panels.

What are the key features of the Kicker 12L7 subwoofer?

Key features include: Variable Cross Section Elastomeric Surrounds, Stitched Surround & Cone, Blue-Lace Spider, Finned Aluminum Heat Sinks, Laser Etched Polymer Components, and FEA Optimized Motor Structure.

How do I avoid damaging the subwoofer due to overdrive?

Avoid prolonged operation with audible distortion or clipping. Such conditions can cause the amplifier and subwoofer to overheat, potentially catching fire. Always use common sense with volume levels.

USER MANUAL Q-Class 12L7 KICKER

Owner's Manual | English

L7 SUBWOOFER OWNER'S MANUAL

Models: 8L7 | 10L7 | 12L7 | 15L7

Authorized KICKER Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Speaker Model Number:

Speaker Serial Number:

Note: All specifications and performance figures are subject to change. Please visit www.kicker.com for the most current information. To get the best performance from your new KICKER Subwoofer, we recommend using genuine KICKER Accessories and Wiring. Please allow two weeks of break-in time for the subwoofer to reach optimum performance.

Sound Check: Poor bass response? Check the system phasing by reversing the positive and negative speaker connections on the subwoofer. If the bass improves, then the subwoofer was out of phase in reference to the rest of the audio system.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model 8L7	10L7	12L7	15L7
Rated Impedance [Ω] 2 or 4 2 or 4 2 or 4 2 or 4
Fs [Hz]	47.2	37.5	34	26.3
Sensitivity [1W, 1m]	82.4	85.9	86.9	88.6
Qts	0.735	0.507	0.539	0.539
Qms	8.828	9.791	9.488	11.868
Qes	0.802	0.535	0.571	0.565
Re [Ω]	6.6	7.9	6.8	7
Vas [ft3, L]	.322, 9.127	1, 28.32	1.92, 54.274	5.263, 149.048
Continuous Power Handling [Watts RMS]	500	750	900	1200
Outer Frame Dimension [in, cm]	8-13/16, 22.4	10-11/16, 27.2	12-9/16, 32	15-5/8, 39.6
Mounting Depth [in, cm]	5-7/16, 13.8	6-7/8, 17.5	7-7/8, 20	9 3/8, 23.9
Mounting Cutout [n, cm]	7 1/4, 18.4	9-5/16, 23.7	11 1/16, 28.1	13 3/4, 34.9
Frequency Response [Hz]	28 - 100	24 - 100	20 - 100	18 - 100

US Patent - www.kicker.com

WIRING

Use the push terminals to wire your subwoofer in series or parallel.

L7 subwoolers are available with dual 2Ω (ohm) or dual 4Ω voice coils. Both coils must be connected to a source of amplification. The dual 2Ω woofer will generate a 1Ω load if the coils are wired in parallel or a 4Ω load in series. The dual 4Ω woofer will provide a 2Ω load wired in parallel or 8Ω load wired in series. The terminals with the white dots are for the first voice coil. The terminals with solid-roof and solid-clock markings are for the second voice coil.

Paralleled Wiring Series Wiring

Dual 2Ω Voice Coils = 1Ω Load Dual 4Ω Voice Coils = 2Ω Load

Dual 2Ω Voice Coils = 4Ω Load Dual 4Ω Voice Coils = 8Ω Load

Pro Tip: With a KICKER IQ amplifier, a pair of KICKER QS speakers, and a few KICKER cables, you're looking at a full system upgrade that will dominate! KICKER amplifiers and accessories make it easy to upgrade with your existing or stock source unit. Ask your dealer about KICKER amplifiers and speaker upgrades to complete your system!

Paralleled Voice Coils, Woofers in Parallel

Dual 2Ω Voice Coils in Dual Subwoofer configuration = 0.5Ω Load Dual 4Ω Voice Coils in Dual Subwoofer configuration = 1Ω Load

Series Voice Coils, Woofers in Parallel
Dual 2Ω Voice Coils in Dual Subwoofer Configuration = 2Ω Load Dual 4Ω Voice Coils in Dual Subwoofer Configuration = 4Ω Load

WARNING: If you are using multiple subwoofers that are wired in series to one another, each subwoofer must be in a separate chamber. If not, the subwoofers could become damaged, resulting in loss of warranty.

SEALED ENCLOSURE APPLICATIONS

The L7 generates more sound pressure than an equivalently-sized round speaker and excels when used in the recommended sealed boxes. These sealed enclosure designs give the smoothest response with increased energy at the lowest frequencies, 20Hz–30Hz. These designs deliver massive amounts of highly-accurate bass and can be driven with punishing levels of amplifier power. The high performance suspension system can operate in a larger sealed enclosure. This maximum enclosure volume application is ideal for ultra sound quality installations. The maximum enclosure generates a very flat response curve and superbly extends the sub-bass response.

L7 wofers perform well in any size sealed enclosure between the minimum and maximum volume recommendations. These systems will exhibit benefits of both designs: Minimum produces high-impact bass, and maximum generates low bass frequency protraction. Overall, the system will sound more like the recommended enclosure design it is closest to in enclosure volume. These enclosure recommendations have been calculated with the airspace inside the enclosure and include the displacement of the woofer. All sealed-enclosure airspace should be filled to 50% loose poly-fill (polyester fiberfill) stuffing. Do not make the airspace greater than the maximum enclosure volume recommendation.

Minimum Sealed

Model	Volume ft ^a (L)	Power Handling
8L7	.4 (11.33)	500W RMS
10L7	.8 (22.65)	750W RMS
12L7	1 (28.32)	900W RMS
15L7	1.75 (19.56)	1200W RMS

Maximum Sealed

Model	Volume ft3 (L)	Power Handling
8L7 .75 (21.24)	500W RMS
10L7	1.25 (35.4)	750W RMS
12L7	2 (56.64)	900W RMS
15L7	6 (169.9)	1200W RMS

Panel Dimensions for Minimum Sealed Enclosures using 3/4" (1.9cm) thick MDF

Model	Box Volume [ H^3,L ]	Panel A [in, cm]	Panel B [in, cm]	Panel C [in, cm]
8L7	.4 (11.33)	11x11, 27.9x27.9	11x7.75, 27.9x19.69	9.5x7.75, 24.13x19.69
10L7	.8 (22.65)	13.5X13.5, 34.3X34.3	13.5x9.5, 34.5x24.13	12x9.5, 30.5x24.13
12L7	1 (28.32)	13.5X13.5, 34.3X34.3	13.5x12, 34.3x30.5	12x12, 30.5x30.5
15L7	1.75 (49.56)	16.5x16.5, 42x42	16.5x13.5, 42x34.3	15X13.5, 38.1X34.3

Simple line drawing of a cube with labeled faces A, B, and C (no text or symbols beyond labels)

VENTED ENCLOSURE APPLICATIONS

These boxes are the enclosure of choice for outrageous bass, so if space is not a problem and you want to get the most from your L7, try one of these vented designs. L7 subwoofers will handle massive amounts of power in any of the recommended enclosures, minimum or maximum. The smaller enclosures are best for use in limited-space applications. The larger recommended enclosures will yield slightly more bass at the lowest frequencies.

The vented minimum design increases bass efficiency and fits in many space-limited applications. Although it is the smallest recommended vented enclosure, the output from 30Hz–80Hz will be considerably higher than that of a sealed box. The maximum vented design has even more output in this frequency band. The maximum vented enclosure is the largest and most efficient design.

Vented Compact 8L7		10L7	12L7	15L7
Box Volume, I^3 (L) + port displacement , .66 (18.69) 1.25 (35.4) 1.75 (49.6) 3.0 (85)
Port Opening Size, in x in (cm x cm) 1.5x9.5 (3.8x24) 2.5x11.25 (6.4x29) 2.5x13.25 (6.4x34) 2.5x16.25 (6.4x41)
Port Length, in (cm) 19.25 (49) 19.75 (50) 22.5 (57) 19.5 (50)
Power	Handling,	RMS	500	/50
Vented SQ 8L7		10L7	12L7	15L7
Box Volume, I^3 (L) + port displacement , 1 (28.32) 2.25 (63.7) 3.25 (92) 6.0 (170)
Port Opening Size, in x in (cm x cm)	2x9.5 (5.1x24)	3x11.25 (7.6x29)	3x13.25 (7.6x34)	3.5x16.25 (8.9x41)
Port Length, in (cm) 21.25 (54) 18 (46)		14.5 (37) 13.75 (35)
Power	Handling,	RMS	500	/50

BOX BUILDING NOTES

Use 3/4" (1.9cm) or thicker MDF (medium density fiberboard) and seal the joints with silicone. Use the "template" inside your L7's shipping carton to mark the mounting hole, then cut directly on the line. See Figure 1.

These designs need internal bracing. Add triangular bracing between each of the larger unsupported panels. See Figure 2

D = 3" x 3" for 12L7, 15L7
D = 2" x 2" for 8L7, 10L7

8L7 - 1.5" (38.1mm)
10L7 - 1.5" (38.1mm)
12L7 - 1.75" (44.5mm)
15L7 - 1.7" (43.2mm)

All the cubic feet (L) measurements in this manual include the displacement of the woofer. For the vented enclosures the displacement of the port must be calculated and added to the internal volume of the final design. Use the outer dimensions of the vent and multiply "X x Y x Z", and convert to cubic feet, for example the 12L7 vented Compact design's external vent dimensions are, using 3/4" (1.9cm) MDF:

[(13.25" + 1.5" total MDF wall thickness) x (2.5" + 1.5" total MDF wall thickness) x 22.5"] x (1 ft ^3 / 1728 in ^3 ) = .77 ft ^3

Add this number to the internal volume of the enclosure. The 12L7 is:

1.75ft^3 + .77ft^3 = 2.52ft^3

Due to the necessary length of these vents, you may want to fold the vent along the bottom and back walls. It will be impractical to use round vents for these designs. Do not install a vent opening against a solid surface, such as an internal brace, back-panel or trunk wall, seal or interior panel of your vehicle. The vent opening must remain unobstructed. Use the smallest dimension of the rectangular vent as the minimum amount of space between the vent opening and any solid surface to insure unrestricted airflow.

If you prefer an ultra-smooth bass response, you should loosely fill your L7 enclosure with poly-fi I stuffi ng. Vented designs will require covering the end of the port (located inside the box) with grill cloth, chicken wire, or expanded metal to prevent the poly-fi I from exiting the port. The use of poly-fi I will slightly decrease efficiency, but will deepen and extend the low frequency output.

For more advice on box building, refer to your Authorized Kicker Dealer, or click on the Support tab on the Kicker homepage, www.kicker.com. Please e-mail [e-mail] or call Technical Support at [phone] for specific or unanswered questions.

WARNING: KICKER products are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning up a system to a level that has audible distortion is more damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted system at the same volume level. The threshold of pain is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently damage your hearing. Please use common sense when controlling volume.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING – PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER IN A DISTORTED OR CLIPPED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE.

Technical line drawing of a 3D rectangular box with internal cavity and labeled dimensions X, Y, Z (no text or symbols beyond labels)

KICKER®

MANUAL DEL PROPIETARIO DE ALTAVOZ SUBWOOFER L7

Modelos: 8L7 | 10L7 | 12L7 | 15L7

Technical line drawing of a 3D rectangular box with internal cutout and labeled dimensions X, Y, Z (no text or symbols beyond labels)

IMPORTANTE ADVERTENCIA DE SEGURIDAD: EL FUNCIONAMIENTO CONTINUO PROLONGADO DE UN AMPLICADOR DE MANERA DISTORSIONADA O RECORTADA PUEDE CAUSAR EL RECALENTAMIENTO DE SU SISTEMA DE AUDIO, POSIBLEMENTE PUEDE PRENDERSE FUEGO Y RESULTAR EN UN DAÑO SERIO A SUS COMPONENTES Y/O VEHÍCULO.

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