Rockville RV1212P

Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Car Audio Subwoofer Enclosure User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Rockville RV1212P is a dual 12-inch car audio subwoofer system designed to deliver powerful and clear bass. This vented enclosure features two 12-inch subwoofers with a combined peak power of 1200 watts and a continuous RMS music rating of 600 watts. The enclosure is constructed from durable 3/5-inch Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), bonded, stapled, and braced for structural integrity. It incorporates an optimized 15-degree angled design with bottom-mounted aero ports to enhance low-end response and improve in-vehicle bass alignment. The subwoofers utilize polypropylene cones, high-excursion butyl rubber surrounds, 3-D molded dust caps, 4-layer aluminum voice coils, and 60oz magnets per woofer. Audio signal connection is provided via gold-plated push terminals.

Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosure, front angled view with side logo

Figure 1.1: Front angled view of the Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosure, showcasing the two subwoofers and the Rockville logo on the side.

Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosure, front angled view with top logo

Figure 1.2: Another front angled view of the Rockville RV1212P, highlighting the Rockville branding on the top of the enclosure.

2. Setup and Installation

2.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the subwoofer enclosure from its packaging. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or service needs.

2.2 Placement

The RV1212P enclosure is designed with a 15-degree angle for optimal in-vehicle bass alignment. Position the enclosure securely in your vehicle's trunk or cargo area. Ensure it is stable and will not shift during vehicle movement. Avoid placing objects directly on top of the enclosure that could obstruct sound or damage the unit.

2.3 Wiring Connections

The RV1212P features gold-plated push terminals for connecting to an external amplifier. This subwoofer enclosure has a 4-ohm impedance. It is crucial to pair it with an amplifier capable of delivering 600 watts RMS at a 4-ohm load for optimal performance and to prevent damage to the subwoofers or amplifier.

  1. Ensure your amplifier is powered off before making any connections.
  2. Connect speaker wires from your amplifier's subwoofer output to the gold-plated push terminals on the RV1212P enclosure. Match positive (+) terminals on the amplifier to positive (+) terminals on the enclosure, and negative (-) to negative (-).
  3. Press down on the terminal lever, insert the stripped end of the speaker wire, and release the lever to secure the connection. Ensure no stray wire strands are touching other terminals, which could cause a short circuit.
Rockville RV1212P Subwoofer Enclosure rear view with terminal

Figure 2.1: Rear view of the Rockville RV1212P enclosure, showing the gold-plated push terminals for amplifier connection.

Close-up of gold-plated push terminals on Rockville RV1212P

Figure 2.2: Detailed view of the gold-plated push terminals, illustrating the connection points for speaker wires.

2.4 Power Connection

The subwoofer enclosure itself does not require a direct power connection. Power is supplied to the amplifier, which then drives the subwoofers. Ensure your amplifier is properly wired to your vehicle's 12-volt power system according to the amplifier's instruction manual.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Initial Power-On and Testing

  1. After all connections are made and verified, power on your vehicle's audio system and amplifier.
  2. Start with the amplifier's gain control set to its minimum position.
  3. Play a familiar audio track with a good bass presence at a low volume.
  4. Gradually increase the amplifier's gain until the desired bass level is achieved without distortion.

3.2 Adjusting Amplifier Settings

For optimal performance, adjust the following settings on your amplifier:

  • Gain Control: Matches the output voltage of your source unit to the input sensitivity of the amplifier. Set it to achieve maximum clean output without distortion.
  • Low-Pass Filter (LPF): This filter allows only frequencies below a certain point to pass through to the subwoofers. A common setting for subwoofers is between 80Hz and 120Hz.
  • Bass Boost: Use sparingly, if at all, as excessive bass boost can lead to distortion and potential damage to the subwoofers.
  • Phase Control: If your amplifier has a phase switch (0° or 180°), experiment with both settings to find the one that provides the most impactful and cohesive bass response with your main speakers.

3.3 Recommended Usage

To ensure longevity and optimal performance, avoid operating the subwoofers at excessively high volumes for extended periods, especially if distortion is present. Always ensure proper ventilation around your amplifier to prevent overheating.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and performance of your subwoofer enclosure.

  • Cleaning: The enclosure is covered with aviation-grade tweed carpet. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris. For stubborn stains, use a mild carpet cleaner applied to a cloth, then gently blot the affected area. Avoid saturating the carpet.
  • Connection Inspection: Periodically check all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Loose connections can lead to signal loss or intermittent performance.
  • Environmental Care: Avoid exposing the enclosure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight for prolonged periods, or excessive moisture. These conditions can degrade the enclosure materials and subwoofer components.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your RV1212P subwoofer enclosure, refer to the following troubleshooting guide:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No sound from subwoofers
  • Amplifier not powered on
  • Loose or incorrect wiring
  • Amplifier in protection mode
  • No signal from source unit
  • Check amplifier power indicator and connections.
  • Verify all speaker wire connections are secure and correct (+ to +, - to -).
  • Turn off amplifier, check for shorts, and restart.
  • Ensure source unit (head unit) is sending an audio signal to the amplifier.
Distorted or unclear bass
  • Amplifier gain set too high
  • Incorrect amplifier settings (e.g., bass boost)
  • Subwoofers overdriven
  • Reduce amplifier gain gradually until distortion disappears.
  • Adjust LPF and bass boost settings on the amplifier.
  • Lower volume or reduce amplifier output.
Weak or insufficient bass
  • Amplifier gain too low
  • Incorrect phase setting
  • Improper LPF setting
  • Subwoofer placement
  • Increase amplifier gain gradually.
  • Toggle amplifier's phase switch (0°/180°) and listen for improvement.
  • Adjust LPF to a suitable frequency (e.g., 80-120Hz).
  • Experiment with different placement within the vehicle.
Amplifier overheating
  • Insufficient ventilation
  • Improper impedance match
  • Amplifier gain too high
  • Ensure amplifier has adequate airflow.
  • Verify amplifier is rated for a 4-ohm load.
  • Reduce amplifier gain.

6. Specifications

FeatureSpecification
BrandRockville
Model NumberRV1212P
Speaker TypeSubwoofer
Speaker Maximum Output Power1200 Watts Peak
RMS Music Rating600 Watts
Woofer DiameterDual 12 inches
Frequency Response35Hz - 500Hz
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)101dB @ 1w/1m
Impedance4 Ohm
Enclosure Material3/5" MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Cone MaterialPolypropylene
Voice Coil4-layer Aluminum
Magnet Weight60oz per woofer
Dimensions (L x W x H)29.4" x 18.4" x 15.9"
Item Weight36.5 pounds
Input Voltage12 volts (for connected amplifier)
ConnectivityGold-plated push terminals for speaker wire
Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosure dimensions diagram

Figure 6.1: Dimensional diagram of the Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosure.

7. Official Product Video

Video 7.1: An official video providing an overview and detailed information about the Rockville RV1212P Dual 12-inch Car Audio Subwoofer Enclosure.

8. Warranty Information

This Rockville RV1212P subwoofer enclosure is covered by a 1-year limited warranty. For specific terms, conditions, and details regarding warranty claims, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or contact Rockville customer support.

9. Support

For technical assistance, product inquiries, or customer service, please visit the official Rockville website or contact their customer support department. Additional resources and product information may also be available on the Rockville Store on Amazon.

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