JBL Stage 122D 12-inch Dual 4-ohm DVC Car Subwoofer Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the JBL Stage 122D 12-inch Dual 4-ohm DVC Car Subwoofer. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your new subwoofer. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation or use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your product.

Safety Information

WARNING:

• Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any installation.
• Ensure all wiring is properly insulated and secured to prevent short circuits and damage.
• Avoid installing the subwoofer in locations where it may interfere with vehicle operation or safety features.
• Prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Use caution when adjusting volume levels.
• This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• 1x JBL Stage 122D 12-inch Subwoofer
• 1x Adhesive-backed foam gasket
• 1x Owner's manual (multi-language)

Features

The JBL Stage 122D subwoofer is engineered to deliver robust bass performance. Key features include:

• Polypropylene Cone: Designed for enhanced stiffness and durability, contributing to accurate bass reproduction.
• High-Roll Rubber Surround: Provides excellent cone excursion and longevity, capable of withstanding demanding conditions.
• Dual 4-ohm Voice Coils: Offers flexible wiring options to optimize impedance matching with various amplifiers.
• Power Handling: Capable of handling up to 250 watts RMS, ensuring powerful and clear bass.
• Versatile Enclosure Compatibility: Performs effectively in both sealed and ported enclosures, allowing for customization based on desired bass characteristics.
• Voice Coil Cooling: Airflow generated by cone movement helps cool the 1-1/2 inch voice coil, enhancing reliability during extended use.

Image: Front view of the JBL Stage 122D 12-inch subwoofer, showcasing the polypropylene cone and JBL logo.

Image: Close-up view of the subwoofer cone, highlighting the textured surface and the orange JBL logo at the center.

Setup and Installation

Enclosure Selection

The JBL Stage 122D is designed to perform well in both sealed and ported enclosures. The choice of enclosure will affect the subwoofer's sound characteristics:

• Sealed Enclosures: Typically provide tighter, more accurate bass response, suitable for musical detail.
• Ported Enclosures: Generally produce louder, deeper bass, often preferred for impact and SPL.

Consult your amplifier's specifications and recommended enclosure volumes for optimal performance. Ensure the enclosure is robust and properly sealed to prevent air leaks.

Wiring Configurations (Dual 4-ohm Voice Coils)

The dual 4-ohm voice coils offer flexibility in wiring to achieve different impedance loads for your amplifier. Always verify your amplifier's stability at the chosen impedance.

• 2-ohm Load (Parallel Wiring): Connect the positive terminals of both voice coils together, and the negative terminals of both voice coils together. Then connect the combined positive to the amplifier's positive output and the combined negative to the amplifier's negative output. This configuration provides maximum power output from most stable amplifiers.
• 8-ohm Load (Series Wiring): Connect the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. Then connect the remaining positive terminal to the amplifier's positive output and the remaining negative terminal to the amplifier's negative output. This configuration results in a higher impedance, drawing less power but potentially offering more control.

Note: Always refer to your amplifier's manual for compatible impedance loads and wiring recommendations.

Image: Rear view of the JBL Stage 122D subwoofer, displaying the speaker terminals for wiring connections.

Operating Instructions

Once installed, proper operation involves matching the subwoofer's output with the rest of your audio system.

• Amplifier Gain Setting: Adjust the amplifier's gain control to match the output voltage of your head unit. Avoid setting the gain too high, as this can lead to distortion and potential damage to the subwoofer.
• Crossover Settings: Use a low-pass filter (LPF) on your amplifier or head unit to send only low frequencies to the subwoofer. A common starting point is between 80 Hz and 100 Hz, but this may vary based on your vehicle and other speakers.
• Subsonic Filter: If your amplifier has a subsonic filter, enable it and set it slightly below your enclosure's tuning frequency (for ported enclosures) or around 25-30 Hz (for sealed enclosures) to protect the subwoofer from playing frequencies too low for its design.
• Phase Control: Experiment with the phase switch (0° or 180°) on your amplifier to find the setting that provides the most cohesive bass response with your front speakers.

Maintenance

The JBL Stage 122D subwoofer requires minimal maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the cone and surround. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the subwoofer for any signs of damage to the cone, surround, or wiring connections. Ensure all mounting screws are secure.
• Environmental Protection: Protect the subwoofer from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your JBL Stage 122D subwoofer, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, contact JBL customer support or a qualified car audio technician.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The JBL Stage 122D subwoofer comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

For warranty claims, technical assistance, or further support, please contact JBL customer service. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

For more information, visit the official JBL website or contact their support channels.