Series-Parallel Calculator
Confused about subwoofer wiring? Not sure when to use series, and when to use parallel? What are voice coils? How do you calculate Ohms? You are in the right place. This calculator will show you how to configure your subwoofers and voice coils, using various combinations of series and parallel wiring to get your target final impedance (i.e. resistance in ohms) at your amplifier.
If you are not confused then here is the calculator, for everybody else scroll down to learn more.
Subwoofer Resistance Calculator
What are voice coils?
They are literally just coils of wire. Some subwoofers have just one, some have two or even four. How do you know how many your subwoofer has? You can read the specs for your subwoofer. Or you can just look at the back. There will be a set of wire terminals for each voice coil. The subwoofers on the left have two terminals each, these are dual voice coil subwoofers.
Common Voice Coil Configurations
Most subwoofers are either Single (one) or dual (2) voice coils. But I have seen subwoofers with up to four voice coils.
Series vs. Parallel Wiring, Common Configurations.
Series Wiring, One Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
Install a jumper from Coil #1 negative to Coil #2 positive to wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in series.
Parallel Wiring, One Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
Connect all of the positive terminals together, and all of the negative terminals together to wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in parallel.
Series Wiring, Two Single Voice Coil Subwoofer
Install a jumper from Subwoofer #1 negative to Subwoofer #2 positive to wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in series.
Parallel Wiring, One Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
Connect all of the positive terminals together, and all of the negative terminals together to wire the subwoofers in parallel.
Parallel-Series Wiring, Two Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers
Wire the voice coils in parallel. Install a jumper from Coil #1 negative to Coil #2 positive to wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in series.
Parallel-Parallel Wiring, Two Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers
Connect all of the positive terminals together, and all of the negative terminals together.