Are you looking to add some extra power to your audio setup? Are you a big fan of bass?
A subwoofer could be the answer to your dreams as they transform your music from something you hear to something you feel.
If you are a serious basshead or just a lover of deep music a subwoofer will elevate your listening experience to a whole new level.
Usually, subwoofers are connected to a one-channel amp but it is possible to connect two subwoofers to a one-channel amp, this is what we will show you in this guide. This method is especially good for setting up an audio system in your car.
Connecting these pieces of audio equipment is a technical job and it is essential that you take the time to find out how to correctly connect two subwoofers to a one channel amp, bad wiring could destroy your audio system and if you are installing this system in your car bad wiring could spark a fire.
Let’s get back to basics and take a look at what exactly a subwoofer and one-channel amp is before we get to the tricky part.
What Is A Subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a speaker that is specially designed to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies as sub-bass and bass.
They differ from speakers as regular speakers cover mid and high-range frequencies. Subwoofers are popular as they give a full sensory experience when listening to music as you can feel the vibrations produced by the lower frequencies.
Subwoofers are often used by those who love EDM music or action movie fans may also opt to use a subwoofer.
Some may believe that the sound that comes out of subwoofers is louder than what a regular speaker would produce but this is not the case, the subwoofer simply provides a fuller, more robust sound which can make people think that the volume is set on a high setting.
Subwoofers can be used in your home, in cinemas, and in more modern times subwoofers are also a popular fixture in cars. Any audio setup will benefit from having a subwoofer as a part of it.
What Is A One Channel Amp?
A one-channel amp, or a monobloc amplifier, provides superior power amplifying for one single channel.
It also provides the power for a subwoofer or multiple subwoofers. They are popular among car enthusiasts who want to get the best from their audio setup.
For a more balanced tone and better sound quality, these single-channel amps can often be used alongside multiple-channel stereo amplifiers. One-channel amps are the best type to power a subwoofer, helping to create amazing bass effects when listening to music.
One-channel amps differ from full-range amplifiers as they specifically drive low-frequency audio signals rather than full-range which deliver mid and high-range frequencies. This type of amp should not be used for regular stereo music.
How To Connect Two Subwoofers To A One Channel Amp
The below may seem puzzling at first but it is not any more complicated than connecting one subwoofer to a one-channel amp.
Imagine the one channel amp and the first subwoofer as one link in a chain, the second subwoofer is simply another link. It will look like this:
(One Channel Amp + First Subwoofer) + (First Subwoofer + Second Subwoofer)
The first subwoofer is the common link between all the other components. Give yourself plenty of time to complete this job as it is not something that should be done in a rush.
What You Need:
- Speaker wire
- Wire stripper
- Two Subwoofers
- One channel amp
Before You Begin:
Decide where each piece of equipment will be installed as this will affect the length of wires that you need.
Check the packaging that comes with the speaker wire to understand what lead is positive and what lead is negative.
Check for the below items on your subwoofer and amp to avoid any mistakes:
- Speaker output terminals on the One Channel Amp
- Subwoofer terminals
Ensure the amp and subwoofers are not connected to any electricity to avoid getting electrocuted or causing sparks.
Carefully read the steps below before beginning. If you don’t feel confident in your ability we strongly urge that you seek help from a friend who has done this before or a professional.
Electricity can be extremely dangerous and fatal if not managed properly.
Basic Steps:
- Measure the distance from the first subwoofer positive terminals to the amplifier’s terminals and from the first subwoofer’s positive terminals to the second subwoofer’s positive terminals.
- Cut four pieces of wire to match the measurements taken above.
- Using a wire stripper, strip ½ inch of insulation from the ends of each length of wire, leaving bare wire visible on each.
- Taking the length of wire for the first subwoofer, connect the bare end of the wire to the speaker output terminals of the amplifier. Most amplifiers will have set-screw connections, simply loosen the screw and carefully slip the bare wire under the screw before re-tightening the screw back into place. Connect the positive lead of the speaker wire to the positive terminal and the negative to the negative, check your speaker wire to ensure you know which is positive and negative.
- Taking the end of the speaker wire for the first subwoofer, extend it to the terminals of the subwoofer and connect.
- Next take the piece of wire cut to connect the positive terminals, running from the first subwoofer to the second subwoofer and connect.
- Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 again but with the lengths of wire cut for the negative terminals.
- Ensure all the terminals are tightened so that the wires are securely fastened.
Final Thoughts
The above steps are a basic technique for connecting your one channel amp to two subwoofers.
There are more complicated ways of wiring your audio system, this will depend on the space you have to run the wires as well as the needs of the subwoofers and amp that you are using.
Always check that your subwoofers and one channel amp are compatible as different models will have different needs.
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