Power bass S-104x User guide

Autosound "S" Series Subwoofer
Application & Enclosure Guide
Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new speakers. Should your PowerBass
Autosound speaker components ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.
S-104Dx
S-124Dx
S-104x
S-124x

Thank you and Congratulations
Congratulations on your decision to purchase PowerBass “S” series woofers. You now own a woofer of
uncompromising design and engineering philosophy from a factory that truly believes in the relentless
pursuit of perfection. Incorporating the highest quality parts and state-of-the-art materials, these woofers
display the ultimate balance between high fidelity, extreme performance and long-lasting reliability.
At PowerBass USA, Inc. we are confident you will have many years of outstanding enjoyment from your
superior WOOFER investment. For maximum performance we recommend that you have your new
PowerBass “S” series Woofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Dealer.
To learn more about PowerBass, please visit us on the World Wide Web at
http://www.powerbassusa.com
∆Warning ∆
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. PowerBass Autosound Speakers
are capable of producing sound pressure levels well over 170 dB. Please observe all local sound ordinances while listening to your
PowerBass Autosound system. PowerBass USA, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage due to the
result of use or misuse of this product.

3
POWERBASS AUTOSOUND "S" WOOFER FEATURES
Improved 4-layer Black Paper/Wool Cone: The premium grade cones on these subwoofers are deli-
cately balanced mix between Wool and Paper pulp. This results in a extremely warm and accurate sound
while remaining exceptionally stable even under the stress of high sound pressure levels.
Large Roll Foam Surround: This treated large roll surround is used to ensure long and linear travel
throughout the entire excursion range resulting in more bass output and higher SPL.
Flat Black Rigid Tooled Basket with Voice Coil Perimeter Aero-Vents: This thick stamped steel basket
is manufactured to the highest quality standards to ensure maximum excursion, exceptional alignment of the
subwoofer’s motor structure and moving parts while providing an extremely rigid non-resonant frame.
Chrome Push Input Terminals: These high strength compression loaded speaker terminals ensure
maximum current and power transfer.
100+ ounce Motor Structure: Just like a cars’ engine, the motor structure of a woofer drives the cone.
This large motor will allow your S series woofer to handle lots of power while delivering accurate linear
movement for a tight deep bass.
2” BASV High Temperature Voice Coil: These specially designed resin coated high temperature voice
coils ensure high power handling and precise linear excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation.
Rubber Mounting Gasket: The protective rubber-mounting gasket ensures an airtight seal which elimi-
nates bass robbing air leaks.
Single and Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil: Made with pure PIW wire for multiple woofer applications and high
energy and heat transfer. This makes the voice coil highly efficient, and allows you to play louder for longer.
Optimally Designed for Both Sealed and Ported Enclosures: for many sonic and installation applica-
tions. This gives you a wide range of uses for the S-Series Woofers.

WIRING GUIDELINES
It is highly recommended that you seek an authorized PowerBass dealer to properly setup, wire
and install your woofers for maximum performance.
There are multiple ways to wire your woofers depending on your amplifier and system configuration. The use
of multiple voice coils offers you more versatility in system configuration. It is important to know the limits of
your amplifier to optimize its performance. It is always better to use your subwoofer in a mono / bridged mode
if your amplifier has the capabilities. There are basically four different types of wiring configurations: Series,
Parallel, Series-Parallel or Parallel-Parallel. It is possible to change the impedance or load by how the speakers
are to be wired and by the quantity of woofers used.
Parallel wiring a dual 4 ohm sub = 2 ohm
Parallel-Parallel wiring two dual 4 ohm subs = 1 ohm
Series-Parallel wiring two dual 4 ohm subs = 4 ohm
NOTE: Never connect only one coil of a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) speaker. BOTH voice coils must be
connected to the amplifier
DUAL VOICE COIL WIRING
PARALLEL SERIES
SERIES PARALLELPARALLEL-PARALLEL
Series wiring a dual 4 ohm sub = 8 ohm
Amplifier
Amplifier
Amplifier Amplifier

SINGLE VOICE COIL WIRING
Parallel wiring of two single 4 ohm subs = 2 ohms
Parallel wiring of four single 4 ohm subs = 1 ohms
Series/ Parallel wiring of four single
4 ohm subs = 4 ohms
Single 4 ohm woofer
Amplifier
STANDARD
PARALLEL
Amplifier
PARALLEL
Amplifier
SERIES-PARALLEL
Amplifier
5

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of PowerBass Autosound Subwoofers requires experience with a variety of mechanical proce-
dures including enclosure construction. This manual only provides general installation and operation in-
structions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills, please contact your local Authorized
PowerBass dealer for assistance.
CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
MULTI ENCLOSURE COMPATIBILITY the PowerBass Autosound Subwoofers are engineered to perform
well in various types of enclosures. These subwoofers offer the versatility of being used in either sealed,
vented or band-pass enclosures. For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Power-
Bass Autosound Subwoofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Autosound Dealer.
• SEALED BOX: A sealed or acoustic suspension enclosure is easy to build and typically offers
a smaller size enclosure and greater power handling. It has the most predictable frequency and
phase response; the bass response will roll off slower than that of a ported design. Sealed boxes
typically provide the best musical detail and definition. A well-designed sealed enclosure will exhibit
smooth frequency response with excellent sound quality and great low bass extension. They also
exhibit relatively accurate, punchy bass reproduction for most types of music. If a sealed enclosure
is too large to fit into a specific area of a vehicle, it is possible to decrease the recommended box
volume by using 1.5 pounds per cubic feet of low density, high heat specific box stuffing material.
PowerBass recommends Fiberglass, Dacron, Poly-Fill or long fiber wool for stuffing the enclosure.
(Decreasing the box enclosure however should not exceed 20% of the recommended
size.) When using any type of box stuffing material be sure that the subwoofer’s vented pole piece
is clear from any obstructions, since covering the pole piece will result in loss of bass and can
possibly cause damage to your subwoofer. The most important aspect of a sealed enclosure is to
make sure that it is airtight and solid. If your enclosure has any air leaks or if the panels vibrate or
flex, you will experience a loss of bass output. Using glue and some type of sealant (caulk) on all
seams will ensure a solid constructed box without any air leaks.

• VENTED BOX: Also known as a ported or bass reflex enclosure, this type of box is almost as easy
to construct as a sealed enclosure. This design however is more efficient and results in an increase
of bass output at certain frequencies. Although vented enclosure has an output advantage at some
frequencies, it also has a steeper roll off, which will only affect bass frequencies below port tun-
ing. Air inside the port will move in phase with the subwoofer reinforcing frequencies above the F3
(-3dB point). The SPL advantage of the vented enclosure comes from the fact that the effect of the
vent tuning reduces the excursion of the subwoofer near the tuning frequency allowing more SPL
to be produced before the subwoofer bottoms. Damping material should also be used to line the
internal walls to reduce any sonic reflection. Because of the characteristics of a vented enclosure,
subwoofers typically will become unloaded (act as if it is not in a box) at frequencies of ½ octave
below the enclosure tuning frequency. Using a high pass filter / subsonic filter will help prevent the
subwoofer from unloading or exceeding its excursion capabilities. It is important to stay within the
recommended enclosure designs. (PowerBass recommends port placement to coincide on
the same panel or baffle that the subwoofer resides on.)
• BANDPASS ENCLOSURE: The most common band-pass enclosure is a combination of a sealed
and a vented enclosure working together (4th order or single reflex band-pass system). The rear of
the speaker goes into the sealed chamber while the front of the speaker goes into the vented cham-
ber. Because the vent produces all the sound generated from this type of enclosure, sound quality
may not be as good as a well-designed ported or sealed design. Often the sacrifice for sound quality
and subwoofer cone control is greater SPL output. However unlike a sealed or vented enclosure,
you can effectively increase the enclosure sensitivity with the appropriate tuning choices. You can
choose to design a narrow frequency band with very high sensitivity or choose a wide frequency
band with the sacrifice of lower sensitivity. The damping effect of the vented chamber reduces the
motion of the cone so that potentially higher sound output is achieved without the subwoofer reach-
ing its mechanical limits. Minor deviations from design recommendations however may result in
frequency response and distortion problems.
(If you are intending to use multiple subwoofers in your system, PowerBass recommends hav-
ing separate chambers for each subwoofer if the subwoofers will be operated by two different
amplified signals. This will prevent any possible cancellation.)
7

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR S SERIES WOOFER
Your PowerBass Autosound subwoofer has been meticulous engineered and designed to handle high
power musical reproduction. Despite their rugged construction, it is possible to damage your speaker if
they are improperly used. In general, you will hear distortion as a so-called warning before any damage
occurs. If you hear distortion in your system, immediately reduce the musical level to the point where the
sound retains its clarity.
1. All PowerBass Autosound subwoofers require an initial break-in period before it will reach optimum
performance. Like any new precision machinery, allow a minimum of several days to one week with
normal daily usage to ensure that the suspension has properly been broken-in.
2. With any dual voice coil subwoofers avoid using only one voice coil. Doing so will significantly de-
crease the efficiency and power handling of the speaker.
3. Be sure you supply the speakers with enough unclipped amplifier power to drive them properly.
(More damage can be done to a speaker by under-powering and clipping your amplifier than any
other way!)
4. Where possible, run your Speakers in mono instead of stereo. Most bass is reproduced in mono so
there is less chance of any cancellation if played in mono.
5. Where possible, wire your Speakers in parallel instead of series. Bass is reproduced either way but
again there is less chance of cancellation in parallel. NOTE: Be sure the amplifier you are using is
stable to the resulting impedance of the speaker load!
6. Where possible, a separate amplifier just for your subwoofers should be used with an electronic
crossover to set the frequency range. One amplifier with passive crossovers will work (Tri-Way
Setup), but the system will do more with less stress on the amplifier by using two amps.
7. Do not block the front of your speakers or ports. You want as much direct air coupling as possible.
Also be sure to round off the inside edges of the port to reduce any port noise.
8. For ported enclosures, keep in mind that you must leave at least twice the port diameter size be-
tween the subwoofer and the port itself. Leave at least the same distance between the port and any
walls of the enclosure as the diameter of the port. (e.g. if you use a 4” port there should be at least
4” between the back of the port and the back of the box.)
9. Remember the Golden Rule “Measure twice…cut once.”

BOX CONSTRUCTION (SEALED OR VENTED): The material used for enclosure walls should be
solid, dense and free of voids or warps. Your enclosure should be made ¾” or 19mm material, Finland
or Baltic birch type plywood is recommended where the enclosure will be transported frequently. High-
density fiberboard - MDF (not chip board) can be used on permanently installed systems. Minimum of 1”
(25mm) or double ¾” (1-1/2”) baffle is recommended on high-powered SPL applications. Corners must be
strong and air tight and should not have any air leaks or openings. Joints should be properly filled with glue
that will not crack under high stress or impact. If the integrity of the glue seal can’t be determined, hot
glue or RTV caulking should be used to seal all seams. Fiber reinforced resin may also be used to form any
difficult shapes. However avoid making large panels with resin to eliminate any chances of box flexing,
cracking or ratting under high pressure. Bracing made of 2 x 2” or 2 x 4” should be liberally applied either
inside or outside the cabinet, depending on whether the cabinet is to be permanently installed or portable.
This principle applies to any walls of the enclosure spanning more than 18” long. Any braces should also
be liberally glued or screwed down on edge. Edge-wise drilled, and countersunk holes through the braces
can be used for #10-2 Flathead wood screws to avoid the use of more expensive lag bolts. The majority
of strength from an enclosure comes from the glue. When using screws be sure to pre-drill holes to avoid
splitting the wood.
WARNING! The use of silicone rubber to seal in a speaker will void the Warranty! If any sealing
is needed in addition to the speaker’s gasket, use caulking cord or vinyl weather strip.
SUBWOOFER CROSSOVER SETTING
Your PowerBass subwoofers will perform best if they are used in conjuction with a subwoofer crossover of
some kind. Using a crossover will remove unwanted high frequencies and allow them to concentrate only
on bass. The two most common types of crossovers are "passive" or "active" (electronic crossovers are
active). Many amplifiers have a built in Low Pass (LPF) electronic crossover circuit. For optimum subwoofer
performance we recommend an initial electronic crossover setting between 80-100Hz and then tuning
the bass to your liking.
9

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation.
• An electric drill with bits
• Saber, circular and jig saw
• Phillips-head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool and needle-nose pliers
• Silicone sealant (for enclosures), closed cell weather-stripping (for the speakers)
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer otherwise; let your dealer do it.
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Turn off all stereo and other electrical devices before you begin.
• Disconnect the (-) negative lead from your vehicle’s battery.
• Keep the speakers in the package until final installation, and always rest it with the cone facing up.
Never use force when installing a speaker.
• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning your installation.
• Check to see if there is enough clearance behind the mounting surface before drilling holes or install-
ing screws for proper speaker ventilation.
• Also make sure there’s enough front clearance for speaker cone excursion. Failure to do this could
cause the cone to vibrate against any obstructing object.
• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from the speaker mounting hole location before drilling. It is
hard to get a good seal if you have both the carpet & subwoofer gasket between the speaker and
the enclosure.
• When running speaker wires through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the
wires from metal edges.

PARAMETERS FOR POWERBASS S SERIES WOOFERS
(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)
S-104x S-104Dx S-124x S-124Dx
VC Impedance
(ohms)
4Ω4Ω+ 4Ω4Ω4Ω+ 4Ω
Test Impedance
(ohms)
3.2 1.56 3.4 1.6
Fs (Hz) 33.4 32 31.5 31
SD (sqCM) 330.06 330.06 514.7 514.7
Vas (Ltr) 40 39 62 59
Cms (M/N) 232.6 240 167.7 155.4
Mms (g) 93 96.1 145 149
BL™ 11.65 7.44 13.34 8.78
Qms 7.61 6.18 7.895 7.29
Qes 0.47 0.553 0.557 0.643
Qts 0.44 0.507 0.52 0.58
No (%) 0.29 0.23 0.37 0.31
Spl (dB) 86.7 86 88 87.5
Xmax (mm) 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5
Voice Coil Size
(inches)
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Frequency
Response (Hz)
33-500 32-500 31-500 31-500
Motor Structure 158 oz. 158 oz. 164 oz. 164 oz.
Mounting Depth 5.2” 5.2” 5.5 5.5”
Power (RMS/
Peak)
275/550
watts
275/550
watts
300/600
watts
300/600
watts
11

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURES
Please note that these enclosure volume recommendations are for the internal airspace inside the enclo-
sure and include the displacement of the subwoofer and ports.When choosing your enclosure type, please
pay close attention to your specific woofer, failing to use the correct enclosure may result in lower power
handling and poor sound quality. To calculate the internal airspace required, take the internal
dimensions of the box. First multiple these number by themselves and then divide this sum by
1728. (W x H x D) / 1728. Please contact your authorized PowerBass Autsound dealer for other designs
and specifications. (Even though these subwoofers can be used in a ported enclosure, PowerBass
recommends a sealed enclosure for optimum performance and sound quality.)
S-104x
Optimum Sealed Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer displacement 0.75 cu.ft 21.24 Liters
F3 (-3dB) Hz 54Hz 54Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 275 Watts 275 Watts
Acceptable Volumes (0.6 - 1.25 cu. ft) (17 - 32.25 Liters)
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
Optimum Ported Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer & port
displacement
1.5 cu.ft 42.49 Liters
Port opening size 10” x 2” D 254mm x 50.8mm D
Port length 20.7" 525.8mm
Fb (Box Tuning) 38Hz 38Hz
F3 (-3dB) 41Hz 41Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 275 Watts 275 Watts
Subsonic Filter Setting If Applicable 33Hz 33Hz
Poly-Fill Yes Yes

S-104Dx
Optimum Sealed Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer displacement 0.75 cu.ft 21.24 Liters
F3 (-3dB) Hz 48Hz 48Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 275 Watts 275 Watts
Acceptable Volumes (0.6 - 1.5 cu. ft) (17-42.48 Liters)
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
Optimum Ported Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer & port displacement 1.5 cu.ft 42.49 Liters
Port opening size 10” x 2” D 254mm x 50.8mm D
Port length 38Hz 38Hz
Fb (Box Tuning) 20.7" 525.8mm
F3 (-3dB) 40Hz 40Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 275 Watts 275 Watts
Subsonic Filter Setting If Applicable 34Hz 34Hz
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
S-124x
Optimum Sealed Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer displacement 1.25 cu.ft 35.4 Liters
F3 (-3dB) Hz 45Hz 45Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 300 Watts 300 Watts
Acceptable Volumes (1.0-1.75 cu. ft) (28.32-49.58 Liters)
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
Optimum Ported Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer & port displacement 2.5 cu.ft 70.75 Liters
Port opening size 12.5" x 2.25" D 317.5mm x 57.15mm D
Port length 18.8" 477.5mm
Fb (Box Tuning) 35Hz 35Hz
F3 (-3dB) 38Hz 38Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 300 Watts 300 Watts
Subsonic Filter Setting If Applicable 33Hz 33Hz
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
13

S-124Dx
Optimum Sealed Vol. Standard Metric
Gross Vb Internal 1.25 cu.ft 35.4 Liters
F3 (-3dB Cutoff) 41Hz 41Hz
Pe (Watts-Rms) 300 Watts 300 Watts
Acceptable Volumes (1.0-1.75 cu. ft) (28.3-49.58 Liters)
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
Optimum Ported Vol. Standard Metric
Optimum Vol. f3, Gross Internal including woofer & port
displacement
2.5 cu.ft 70.75 Liters
Port opening size 12.5" x 2.25" D 317.5mm x 57.15mm D
Port length 18.8" 477.5mm
Fb (Box Tuning) 35Hz 35Hz
F3 (-3dB) 37Hz 37Hz
Power Handling (Watts-Rms) 300 Watts 300 Watts
Subsonic Filter Setting If Applicable 33Hz 33Hz
Poly-Fill Yes Yes
Notes:
1) For smoother bass response in a ported enclosure try adding a small amount of poly-fill.
COMPATIBILITY
ENCLOSURE
MULTI

WE WANT YOU LISTENING FOR A LIFETIME
Dear Customer,
Selecting fine audio equipment such as the speakers you’ve just purchased is only the start of your musi-
cal enjoyment. Now it’s time to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment
offers. PowerBass and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) want you to get the most out of your
equipment by playing at a safe level. One that lets the sound come through loud and clear without annoy-
ing, blaring or distortion- and, most importantly, without affecting your sensitive hearing.
Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing " comfort level" adapts to higher volumes of sound. So
what sounds "normal" can actually be loud and harmful to your hearing. Guard against this by setting your
equipment at a safe level BEFORE your hearing adapts.
PowerBass and the CEA want you to listening for a lifetime!
This manual is the exclusive property of PowerBass USA, Inc. Any reproduction of this manual, or use other than its intentions is
strictly prohibited without the express consent of PowerBass USA, Inc. Copyright 2011 PowerBass USA, Inc.

POWERBASS AUTOSOUND LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
PowerBass USA, Inc. offers limited warranty on PowerBass products under normal use on the following terms:
PowerBass Autosound Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year.
This warranty applies only to PowerBass products sold to consumers by Authorized PowerBass Dealers in the United States
of America. Products purchased by consumers from a PowerBass dealer in another country are covered only by that coun-
try’s Distributor and not by PowerBass USA.
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of PowerBass product. In order to receive service, the purchaser must
provide PowerBass with a valid purchase receipt from an authorized reseller stating the consumer name, dealer, product
and date of purchase.
Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be equiva-
lent) at PowerBass’s discretion and will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. PowerBass will not warranty
this product under the following situations:
•Speakersreceivedwithbentframesorwaterdamage
 •Abusesuchasholesinthecone,surroundorrippedspider
 •Voicecoildamageduetoamplierclippingordistortion
 •Productthathasnotbeeninstalledaccordingtothisownersmanual
Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in duration to the period of
the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this
limitation may not apply. No person is authorized to assume for PowerBass any other liability in connection with the sale
of this product.
Please call [phone] for PowerBass Customer Service. You must obtain an RA# (Return Authorization Number)
to return any product to PowerBass. The RA number must be prominently marked on the outside of the shipping
carton or the delivery will be refused. Please pack your return carefully; we are not responsible for items damaged in
shipping. Return the defective product along with a copy of the original dated retail sales receipt, plus $12.00 for handling
and diagnostic evaluation to:
PowerBass USA, Inc.,
Attn: Returns (RA#__________)
13936 Mountain Avenue, Chino, CA 91710
Residents of HI, AK and US territories will be charged for return shipping. All inquires regarding service and warranty should
be sent to the above address.
Removed or altered serial numbers will void this warranty
16

PowerBass Autosound – A division of PowerBass USA, Inc.
13936 Mountain Avenue – Chino, CA 91710
Tel. [phone] – Fax [phone]
www.powerbassusa.com