Do you have a mono amplifier and want to add a bass system to it? If yes, you can do it by following a simple process! But you must make sure that the power capabilities and impedance ratings of the amplifier and subwoofer must match.
So, before we move ahead with the wiring process, first figure out the perfect subwoofer and amplifier.
What is a Mono amp?
A mono amplifier is called a Monoblock amplifier, which is a device that augments a single audio channel. It helps in amplifying the mono channel rather than sharing amplified signals between distinct channels.
A mono amp is a great way to boost bass output. For this, you need to connect it to subwoofers, which is explained in this post.
How to Choose a Subwoofer?
You can pick a dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with two terminals sets or a single voice coil (SVC) subwoofer with one terminal set.
The SVC model has limited wiring options while the DVC model offers numerous wiring facilities. DVC models are built for higher performance and power handling.
How to Choose an Amplifier?
There are a variety of amplifiers available that come with different power levels. You must pick one that supplies the right volume of power to your subwoofer.
Additionally, you can pick between a 2-channel amplifier or a single-channel (mono) amplifier. The channels define the level of bass these devices offer.
Now, once you have selected your mono amp and two subwoofers it is time to learn how to do it.
How to Wire 2 Subs to a (Single) Mono Amp?
Mono amps are perfect for wire two subwoofers. But you need to cut the wires correctly to wire the subwoofer to a mono amp. Additionally, wiring depends on the load range of the amp and impedance specifications of the subwoofer.
The wiring process can be done in two ways:
- A Series Connection
- A Parallel Connection
Let’s learn each process one by one.
Way 1 – Wiring 2 Subs to a Mono Amp in a Series Connection
This connection is ideal for doubling the impedance of each subwoofer in context to the total number of subs connected. For example, wiring 2 subwoofers of 8 ohms give a total impedance of 16 ohms. The steps you may follow are:
Step 1 – Cut Wires
Cut two wires of equal length. These wires must be long enough to form a smooth connection between the subwoofer and amplifier.
The wire length depends on the distance between the second and first subwoofer. Hence, measure the distance before cutting the wire length.
Step 2 – Strip Wires
Remove the insulation from the ends of both wires to expose around ½ inch of bare wire. This allows a smooth connection.
Use a wire stripper or a knife to finely cut the wire without damaging it.
Step 3 – Connect Wires of Speaker to Amp
Take one wire and connect its one end to the speaker terminal of the amp. Form a secured connection using a screw.
Connect the positive end of the speaker wire to the positive terminal. Similarly, connect the negative terminal and negative lead.
Step 4 – Connect the Wires of the Speaker to the Subwoofer
Finally, connect one end of the speaker wire to the positive terminal of the subwoofer and the second wire of the second subwoofer to the negative terminal. Make sure both the wires are secured well.
Connect the other wire to the positive terminals of both subwoofers. Tighten the screws and form a secured connection.
Way 2 – Wiring 2 Subs to a Mono Amp in a Parallel Connection
The other way to wire two subs to a mono amp is using a parallel connection. This form of connection offers half of the total impedance. So, if your subwoofers possess an individual impedance of 8 ohms, the final impedance is 4 ohms.
The steps to follow for forming a parallel connection are:
Step 1 – Cut Wire Length
Cut two wires of distinct lengths ensuring the cables can easily cover the distance between the subwoofers and the amplifier.
The wire length must be equal to the distance of the amplifier from both subwoofers.
Step 2 – Strip Wire for Insulation
Creating insulation in the wires is important to form a secured connection. You need to strip off around ½ inch wire from both ends using a wire stripper.
Step 3 – Connect the Amp to Speaker Wires
Take one end of the wire and connect it to the speaker terminal of the amp. Loosen screws and slip the bare wire underneath for a firm connection.
Connect the positive terminal to the speaker’s positive lead and the negative terminal to the speaker’s negative lead.
Step 4 – Connect Subwoofer to Speaker Wires
You now have to join the speaker to the subwoofer. Make sure that each terminal is connected to its respective point. Once connected, tighten the wires using a screw and create a firm connection.
Other than the abovementioned connections, you can also form other setups for powering rich bass to your amplifier.
Wiring 2 Single Voice Coil 4 Ohm Subs to a Mono Amp
You must seek a parallel connection for forming this setup.
Start with connecting the speaker wire to two positive terminals of your subwoofers. Similarly, connect the negative terminals.
By forming a parallel connection your 4 ohms subwoofer will render output of 2 ohms.
Wiring 2 Double Voice Coil 2 Ohm Subs to a Mono Amp
Wiring 2 DVC to a mono amp can be achieved by forming a series connection.
You may connect the speaker wire to two positive terminals of the subwoofers and wire the positive end of the amp. Do the same process with negative terminals as well.
The total impedance you will get through this process is 4 ohms.
Final Words
You can amplify one channel using a mono amp. It supplies enough power to subwoofers to generate great bass. Though it can amplify a single channel, you can always wire it with two subwoofers by following the above steps. This saves you a lot of time and saves you from investing in two subs.