Solo-Baric DS12L7 - Subwoofer KICKER - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Subwoofer
Brand	KICKER
Model	Solo-Baric DS12L7
Impedance Options	2, 4, or 8 ohms
Max Power Handling (RMS)	600 watts
Sensitivity	87.7 dB (1W/1m)
Frequency Response	20 - 100 Hz
Mounting Depth	5-5/8 inches (143 mm)
Mounting Hole Diameter	11-1/8 inches (283 mm)
Recommended Enclosure Volume (Sealed)	0.88 cubic feet
Cone Material	Hemispherical cone (distortion-resistant)
Voice Coil	Ribbon copper wire on Kapton former
Basket Material	Cast aluminum
Spider Type	Flat progressive-roll spider
Venting	Perimeter venting
Terminals	Heavy-duty nickel-plated
Surround	Stitched surround
Construction Features	UniPlate, one-piece pole, deep-bump backplate
Speaker Leads	High-power PVC-sleeved
Warranty	1 year (limited)
Recommended Enclosure Material	3/4" MDF or high-density wood

Frequently Asked Questions - Solo-Baric DS12L7 KICKER

What type of enclosure is recommended for the Solo-Baric DS12L7?

The Solo-Baric DS12L7 is designed for sealed enclosures only. Do not use ported, vented, free-air, or bandpass enclosures as they may cause driver damage and void the warranty.

What is the maximum power handling of this subwoofer?

The maximum RMS power handling is 600 watts with typical music program and minimal amplifier clipping. The minimum recommended RMS power is not specified, but using too little power can result in low output and distortion.

What is the mounting depth and hole diameter?

Mounting depth is 5-5/8 inches (143 mm) and mounting hole diameter is 11-1/8 inches (283 mm).

Can I use this subwoofer in a ported enclosure?

No, the Solo-Baric DS12L7 must only be used in sealed enclosures. Using it in vented, ported, or any other enclosure type can cause driver failure and void the warranty.

What is the warranty period and how do I get service?

The warranty is 1 year from original purchase date. For warranty service, return the defective item to an Authorized KICKER Dealer with proof of purchase, or call Kicker Customer Service at [phone] for a Return Authorization (RA) number.

What material should I use to build the enclosure?

Use 3/4-inch MDF (medium density fiberboard) or high-density particle board. Avoid particle board or low-grade plywood. Use wood glue and seal all inside joints with silicone sealer for an airtight box.

How do I wire the subwoofer correctly?

Observe correct polarity when wiring. Incorrect polarity causes loss of sound quality and reduced output. Use terminal cups if possible; if not, seal wire holes with silicone sealer.

What is the sensitivity rating?

Sensitivity is 87.7 dB measured at 1 watt/1 meter using Theoretical Piston Efficiency method.

What happens if I use more power than recommended?

If using more than rated power (e.g., up to 600W), the enclosure volume must be reduced to 0.66 cubic feet to prevent cone over-excursion. The rated power of 425W applies to the 0.88 cu ft box.

Where can I get technical support?

Contact KICKER Technical Services at 405-624-8583 or visit an Authorized KICKER Dealer.

USER MANUAL Solo-Baric DS12L7 KICKER

Congratulations. You have just purchased one of the car audio world's premier subwoofers. KICKER® Solo-Baric™ D-Series subwoofer's unique design delivers all the performance advantages of isobaric pair enclosure technology in a single driver. The result is truly incredible levels of bass using enclosures only half the size of traditional boxes.

SOLO-BARIC FEATURES

Every element of the Solo-Baric's design is optimized for accurate reproduction of bass and sub-bass frequencies. The Solo-Baric has one of the most massive moving structures in speaker design history, yet it still has the ultra-low distortion and lightning-fast transient response essential for critical bass reproduction. New to the D-Series is the Solo-Baric hemispherical cone, KICKER's most distortion-resistant cone technology to date. Voice coils are made from ribbon copper wire, wound in multiple layers on black Kapton® formers for superior heat-dissipation. The rest of the motor structure incorporates design/performance features that make Solo-Barics world-famous for performance and durability...UniPlate™ construction, one-piece extended pole, deep-bump backplate, stitched surround, heavy-duty terminals, high-power PVC-sleeved speaker leads, and more. Additional Solo-Baric Performance Enhancements:

• Cast aluminum basket for superior support and great looks
• Flat progressive-roll spider for superior control and linearity
• Perimeter Venting to release pressures between spider and top plate
• Heavy-duty nickel-plated terminals for positive connections

POWER HANDLING

Power handling ratings on Solo-Baric subwoofers reflect the largest power amplifiers suitable for use on each model. We feel this rating is more useful to you than misleading "music power", "continuous", or other ratings often used.

The power ratings refer to the speaker's ability to dissipate heat from the voice coil, not the mechanical limits of cone excursion. Because the enclosure largely controls cone travel, we have provided enclosure designs that will best prevent problems due to cone over-excursion.

The minimum power rating suggests the least amount of RMS power per driver we recommend when designing a system using Solo-Barics. Too little power can result in low output and distorted sound. We recommend using as much power as possible, up to the maximum power ratings listed in the Specifications section.

A Note on Power Handling Capability:

The S15d and S8d will handle full rated power in the recommended enclosure size. However, the S12d and S10d have specific excursion limited (not thermal limited) power ratings in their stock box sizes. For these models to handle their rated power they must be used in smaller boxes.

The S10d will easily handle up to 350 watts in the .66 cubic enclosure; if more power (up to 450 watts) is available, the box size should be reduced to .60 cubic feet.

The S12d will handle up to 425 watts in the .88 cubic enclosure; if more power (up to 600 watts) is available, the box size should be reduced to .66 cubic feet.

BUILDING YOUR ENCLOSURE

Your enclosure should be made of 3/4" wood, minimum. Avoid low density material such as common particle board and low grades of plywood. The recommended materials are MDF (medium density fiberboard), high density particle board or high quality void free 7 to 13 ply plywood such as marine plywood. Because of the extreme pressures which can occur in the small enclosure your driver requires, use of material thinner than 3/4" may result in panel vibration and should be avoided.

When assembling the box, include glue blocks to strengthen corners and add cross-braces if you detect panel vibrations. Use a good grade of wood glue (such as Elmer's Professional or Titebond) on all joints. Do not use silicone, hot glue or caulk in place of glue. When the glue has set, seal all the inside joints with a liberal application of silicone sealer. This is important to ensure an airtight seal.

All the recommended enclosure specs require a 50% fill of polyester fiber. Commonly called fiberfill, it is normally used as pillow stuffing.

The use of terminal cups is the preferred means for getting wires to the woofer. If cups are not available drill a hole slightly larger than the wire used and carefully seal around the wire with silicone sealer. This is also very important to maintain a perfect seal in the box. Be sure to observe polarity when wiring up any speakers. Incorrect polarity will cause a loss of sound quality and in the case of woofers it can decrease output dramatically. If the woofer mounting hole is not cut exactly to specifications there is a good chance that air can leak out through the screw holes. To remedy this problem you can use a non-hardening sealer such as rope caulk or plumber's putty. Do not use silicone products to seal the woofer to the enclosure as this will void your warranty.

NOTE: DO NOT USE SOLO-BARIC DRIVERS IN THE FOLLOWING ENCLOSURE DESIGNS:

• Larger than recommended sealed enclosures
• Any vented or ported enclosure
  • Free air or infinite baffle mounting
• "7th order" double-vented bandpass enclosures
  • Passive radiator designs

Use of the Solo-Baric in enclosures with improper sealed volume can result in driver failure that may not be covered under warranty.

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURES

Solo-Baric drivers are designed to be used in small cabinets and behave very much as an isobaric pair of KICKER Competition™ drivers. They are optimized for excellent performance in a specific range of sealed or single reflex bandpass enclosures. Use of these drivers in non-recommended enclosures can result in driver damage and loss of warranty on the driver.

The following shows suitable enclosures for Solo-Baric subwoofers. We highly recommend that custom enclosures varying from the dimensions...and especially bandpass enclosures...be designed and built by an Authorized KICKER Solo-Baric Dealer.

PANEL DIMENSIONS

Model Panel A (in.) Panel B (in.) Panel C (in.) Enclosure Volume (cu. ft.)

S15d 16-1/2 x 16-1/2 16-1/2 x 11-1/2 15 x 11-1/2 1.5

S12d 13 x13 13 x 11-1/2 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 .88

S10d 12 x12 12 x 10-1/2 10-1/2 x 10-1/2 .66

S8d 10 x10 10 x 8 8 x 8-1/2 .33

Note: Panels should be 3/4" MDF.

SOLO-BARIC D-SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Model	Impedance (ohms)	Max. Amp Power (watts)†	Sensitivity (dB 1w/1m)‡	Frequency Response	Mounting Depth (in., mm)	Mounting Hole Diameter (in., mm)	Recommended Sealed Enclosure Volume
S15d	2, 4, 8	750	89.3	18-100	7, 178	14-1/16, 357	1.5
S12d	2, 4, 8	600	87.7	20-100	5-5/8, 143	11-1/8, 283	.88
S10d	2, 4, 8	450	87.6	24-100	4-7/8, 124	9-3/8, 234	.66
S8d	2, 4, 8	300	86.2	28-100	3-7/8, 99	7-5/16, 186	.33

† Assumes typical music program with minimal amplifier clipping
Methods used for deriving sensitivity vary widely; therefore, caution should be used when comparing the sensitivity ratings of various speakers. Solo-Baric ratings are based on a procedure called Theoretical Piston Efficiency, a measurement which reflects the performance of the speaker in real-world applications.

If you have more questions about the installation of your new KICKER component, see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you purchased your component. You may also call our Technical Services phone line at 405-624-8583 for technical assistance.

SPEAKER SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY

Stillwater Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from date of original purchase, unless this product is labeled "B Stock", in which case it is warranted for ninety (90) days from date of purchase. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period, Stillwater Designs will replace or repair (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise at no charge. Warranty replacements on "B-Stock" may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with equivalent products.

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the product subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a 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; however you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE

Defective merchandise must be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs (Kicker/Impulse) Dealer for warranty. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer can be obtained by writing or calling Stillwater Designs direct. You can confirm that a dealer is authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window decal.

If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise, call the Kicker Customer Service Department at [phone] for a Return Authorization (RA) number. Package all defective items in the original container or in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to

Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075

The RA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Return only defective components. Return of entire cabinets, system packs, pairs, etc. increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items received will be returned freight collect.

Include a dated proof-of-purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Warranty expiration on items returned without proof-of-purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated if this date is greater than one (1) year previous to the date item is sent in. Freight must be prepaid; items received freight collect will be refused.

Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the Kicker Customer Service Department at [phone].

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does not cover:

• Install slips (screwdriver holes)
- Damage caused by exposure to water and/or excessive heat.
- Damage through negligence, misuse, or accident.
- Items physically damaged due to abuse.
- Freight damage.
- The cost of shipping product to Stillwater Designs Service.

• Items previously repaired by any unauthorized repair facility.
• Items returned from unauthorized individuals or dealers.
• Return shipping on non-defective items.
• Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion.
• Speakers with silicon caulk used for gasket material.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Stillwater Designs maintains a goal of 24-hour service for all returns. Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

Contact your International Stillwater Designs dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty policies.

P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A. • 405 624-8510

STILLWATER Design ^®

WARNING:

KICKER drivers 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!