Hifonics BXS Series Subwoofers: Quick Start Installation Guide
This guide provides essential information for installing your Hifonics BXS series subwoofer. For comprehensive details on system setup, speaker configuration, and model-specific specifications, please visit Hifonics.com.
Important Safety Information
CAUTION: Always consult a professional audio installer before installing new subwoofers. High-power audio systems can produce sound levels exceeding 130dB, and prolonged exposure to such levels can cause hearing damage. Ensure all new wiring is routed through safe areas to avoid interference with vehicle operation.
Subwoofer Dimensions
Diagram showing a subwoofer with dimensions labeled A, B, C, and D.
Model | A (in/mm) | B (in/mm) | C (in/mm) | D (in/mm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
BXS8D4 | 8.43" (214) | 2.77" (70) | 7.17" (182) | 0.57" (14.4) |
BXS10D4 | 10.31" (262) | 2.93" (74) | 9.06" (230) | 0.67" (17) |
BXS12D4 | 12.28" (312) | 3.00" (76) | 10.59" (269) | 0.96" (24) |
Before You Start
Confirm that your purchased subwoofer size is correct for your vehicle. If you have any doubts about completing the installation yourself, we recommend seeking professional assistance. Proceed with caution. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing any electrical work on the vehicle.
Enclosure Types
Sealed Enclosures
Sealed enclosures offer a range of performance profiles based on internal air volume. Larger enclosures provide a smoother, more extended response, while smaller enclosures yield increased output in a focused frequency range. Sealed enclosures are the simplest to construct but must be completely airtight.
Diagram of a sealed subwoofer enclosure, depicted as a closed box.
Vented Enclosures
Vented designs are NOT recommended for this subwoofer. This model is designed to perform optimally in small sealed enclosures.
Diagram showing a vented enclosure with a port, crossed out to indicate it's not recommended.
Volume Calculation
Accurate internal volume calculation is crucial for optimal performance. Measure the height, width, and depth of your intended enclosure. Subtract the material thickness. Multiply these measurements and divide by 1728 to obtain the volume in cubic feet.
For enclosures with angled panels, measure the larger and smaller depths, add them together, and divide by two to determine the average depth for calculation.
Formula for volume: Enclosure Volume = (Height x Width x Depth) / 1728
(in cubic feet)
Formula for average depth: Average Depth = (Depth 1 + Depth 2) / 2
Diagram illustrating volume calculation for enclosures. For rectangular boxes, dimensions H (height), W (width), and D (depth) are shown. For angled boxes, two depth measurements, D1 and D2, are shown.
Recommended Enclosures
Rectangular Enclosures
Model | Height | Width | Depth | Vb (ft³) | F3 (Hz) | Qtc |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BXS8D4 | 12.5" | 12.5" | 9.0" | 0.5 | 46 | .866 |
BXS10D4 | 13" | 13" | 10" | 0.65 | 42 | .959 |
BXS12D4 | 14.5" | 14.5" | 10.25" | 0.75 | 40 | 1.10 |
Angled Enclosures
Model | Height | Width | Depth 1 | Depth 2 | Vb (ft³) | F3 (Hz) | Qtc |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BXS8D4 | 12.5" | 17.5" | 5.5" | 7.5" | 0.5 | 46 | .866 |
BXS10D4 | 13.5" | 18.5" | 6.0" | 8.0" | 0.65 | 42 | .959 |
BXS12D4 | 14.5" | 19.5" | 6.0" | 8.0" | 0.75 | 40 | 1.10 |
Enclosure Construction Tips
- Use 3/4" MDF material.
- Ensure the woofer mounting panel is full width and height.
- Glue all mating surfaces securely.
- Use wood screws for assembly.
- Apply silicone caulk to all internal joints for airtightness.
Diagram showing corner joints and screw placement for enclosure construction.
Crossovers
Low Pass (LPF)
A Low Pass Filter (LPF) allows only bass frequencies to reach the subwoofer, creating a smoother transition to higher frequency drivers. Consult your amplifier's manual for specific settings.
Graph showing a Low Pass Filter (LPF) curve, allowing frequencies below a certain point (e.g., 35Hz to 250Hz) to pass.
Subsonic Filter
We recommend using an electronic subsonic filter to protect the woofer from extreme low-frequency distortion. Many amplifiers include this feature; check your amplifier's manual for details.
Graph showing a Subsonic filter curve, allowing frequencies above a certain point (e.g., 15Hz to 100Hz) to pass.
Wiring Connections
This subwoofer is equipped with quick disconnect terminals. Use appropriate crimp terminals or solder the wires directly to the terminals.
Diagram illustrating quick disconnect terminals for subwoofer wiring, showing positive and negative connections.
Wiring Configurations
Depending on the number of subwoofers and desired impedance load for your system, various wiring configurations are possible. Consult your amplifier's manual for specific recommendations.
Diagrams illustrating various wiring configurations for subwoofers to achieve different impedance loads (e.g., 2 ohm, 4 ohm, 8 ohm) using multiple voice coils.
Subwoofer Specifications
Parameter | Unit | BXS8D4 | BXS10D4 | BXS12D4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nominal Impedance | Ohm | 2 x 4 | 2 x 4 | 2 x 4 |
Sd (Cone Area) | sqM | .021 | .034 | .047 |
Revc (DC Resistance) | Ohm | 6.20 | 6.90 | 7.05 |
BL (Force Factor) | TxM | 11.04 | 14.14 | 15.38 |
Vas (Equivalent Volume) | Liters | 12.19 | 27.55 | 53.98 |
Cms (Compliance) | um/N | 192.42 | 168.01 | 171.14 |
Mms (Moving Mass) | Grams | 76.26 | 130.81 | 174.42 |
Fs (Resonant Frequency) | Hz | 41.5 | 33.95 | 29.13 |
Qms (Mechanical Q) | 4.660 | 5.440 | 6.928 | |
Qes (Electrical Q) | 1.010 | 0.963 | 0.952 | |
Qts (Total Q) | 0.830 | 0.819 | 0.837 | |
no (Efficiency) | % | 0.081 | 0.108 | 0.135 |
SPL@1W/1m | dB | 82 | 83 | 86 |
Xmax (Linear Excursion) | mm | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
RMS Power Handling | Watts | 200 | 300 | 300 |
Peak Power Handling | Watts | 400 | 600 | 600 |
Warranty Information
Maxxsonics USA Inc. warrants this product to the original consumer purchaser for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, covering defects in material and workmanship. Maxxsonics USA Inc. will, at its discretion, repair or replace defective products. Components must be returned to the original authorized retailer with a copy of the original receipt. Costs for removal, re-installation, and freight are the responsibility of the customer. This warranty is limited to defective parts and excludes incidental or consequential damages. For the full warranty details, please visit the website.