VIBE Black Death Subwoofer - Instruction Manual

To ensure maximum performance and safety, please follow this manual. Please retain the manual for future reference after installation.

Owners Manual

Congratulations on purchasing your Vibe BLACKDEATH subwoofer. Please read this manual to fully understand how to get the best results and ensure all advice on looking after the subwoofer is followed. Thank you for buying VIBE.

Features

• Unique dust cap design increases effective surface area and adds positive reinforcement to the woofer cone, resulting in increased SPL.
• Hybrid multi-layer foam surround with VIBE's unique hi-roll geometry allows huge excursion of the woofer cone without decreasing vital cone area. The narrow hi-roll surround allows for greater surface area and rolled tall design for massive peak-to-peak excursion, moving greater volumes of air.
• Two versions of BLACKDEATH are available: the BD15P with a paper/fibreglass cone for deep, controlled bass, and the BD15C with a carbon fibre cone for lower mass and higher sensitivity, preferred for SPL applications.
• A cast alloy basket keeps the cone, voice coil, and suspension in perfect alignment throughout the subwoofer's massive peak-to-peak excursion.
• A specially developed 6-layer conex spider provides immense support to the suspension, keeping the voice coil motion linear even under extreme SPL conditions.
• A 3-inch vented aluminium voice coil bobbin with 4-layer extra-heavy gauge pure copper winding allows for high ampere-turns, increasing BL (magnetic strength) for authoritative cone movement.
• Heavy gauge speaker cables are directly connected to the voice coil. The cable consists of 3 sets of 42 silver strands (128 strands total per cable), increasing cross-sectional area and lowering resistance losses compared to conventional speaker cables.
• A huge double-stacked magnet weighing 8.2kg provides the massive magnetic field required to propel the woofer cone to incredible SPL levels.
• The top plate features a narrow, high-velocity air path that directs cool air to the voice coil and washer, dissipating heat, increasing thermal power handling, and reducing low-frequency distortion.

Run-in Procedure

Vibe recommends following the run-in procedure. New subwoofers are stiff and rigid; their moving parts need time to loosen up for optimal performance. For the first 30 hours, play the subwoofer at low to medium volumes, gradually increasing the level. If listened to for 1 hour daily, it will take approximately one month for the speaker to run in properly. The sound will deepen and harden, and output will increase as the suspension loosens. Driving the subwoofer hard from the start can cause damage, not covered by warranty. Failure to follow this procedure is a common cause of subwoofer failure.

Wiring Options

The BLACKDEATH subwoofer features a dual voice coil. Two or more amplifiers may be connected. Consult your amplifier manufacturer for the most suitable wiring method.

Installation

Ported Enclosure Installation

VIBE recommends installing the BLACKDEATH subwoofer only in a ported enclosure. A ported (vented) enclosure is similar to a sealed design but includes a hole (port). A correctly designed vent interacts with the cabinet air and woofer to increase output and reduce cone excursion at the tuning frequency. At this frequency, the vent produces most of the bass. Ported enclosures are more complex to tune for optimal performance due to critical enclosure and port volumes, but can yield up to three times the output of a sealed box. They are well-suited for dance, R&B, and electronically produced music, and high SPL applications.

Enclosure Construction

Use at least 1-inch MDF (medium density fibreboard) or Birch ply for construction, with at least 2 inches recommended for the baffle. Panels should be glued, screwed, and braced. The BLACKDEATH woofer can produce internal pressures that can damage poorly made enclosures, so great care in construction and bracing is essential. Seal joints with silicone sealer for an airtight seal. Note: Do not screw the subwoofer into the enclosure within 24 hours of applying silicone sealer, as curing gasses can damage the surround, voiding the warranty.

Enclosure Volume Calculation

To calculate the required enclosure volume, refer to recommended volumes specified for your Subwoofer (in cubic feet). To convert cubic feet to litres, multiply by 28.3. The formula for enclosure size is: 1 cubic foot = 12" x 12" x 12" = 1728 cubic inches. For example, a 2.5 cu ft volume requires 2.5 x 1728 = 4320 cubic inches. To find the depth, divide the total cubic inches by the height and width (e.g., 4320 / 15" height / 20" width = 14.4" depth). These are internal dimensions; add material thickness for external dimensions.

Diagrams illustrating enclosure construction quality: 'GOOD' shows basic construction, 'BETTER' shows added bracing, and 'BEST' shows robust bracing and sealing for optimal performance.

Diagram showing a cubic foot calculation: 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches equals 1728 cubic inches.

Recommended Enclosures - Internal Volumes

Ported Enclosure Construction Details

When constructing a ported enclosure, pay attention to the port. For round ports, leave a gap at least equal to the port's diameter in front of and behind it for airflow. For slot ports, leave a gap at least equal to the shortest measurement. VIBE recommends slot ports as they are easier to integrate into the enclosure structure for added stability and are made from the same material. The ideal port placement is on the same baffle as the woofer.

Diagram of a ported subwoofer enclosure showing internal dimensions: 17 inches width, 9 inches height, 8 inches depth, with a port of 8 inches by 5 inches and 16 inches length. It also indicates a minimum clearance of 8 inches behind the port.

Technical Specifications

Parameters for BlackDeath Subwoofers:

A form for warranty registration with fields for Model Number, Serial Number, Purchased From, and Date of Purchase, with a reminder to 'KEEP IT SAFE Staple your receipt here:'.

Reconing Procedure (BD15CR-V1/BD15PR-V1)

Step 1: Turn the subwoofer over so that the cone is face down on the work surface and the magnet is facing up.

Step 2: Remove the 3 retaining bolts and carefully lift off the motor structure.

Step 3: Place the motor structure flat on the work surface and gently place the recone kit into position. This minimizes the risk of damage to the voice coil. Note: Do not attempt to place the motor structure on top of the recone kit, as its weight can damage the voice coil.

Step 4: With the motor structure in place, carefully flip the subwoofer over, holding the recone kit and motor together. Insert the 3 retaining bolts to complete the recone procedure.

VIBE Accessories

All accessories are available direct. For next day delivery call 0870 765 8423 or visit www.vibeshop.co.uk. For more product info see www.vibeaudio.co.uk.

• FLATBASS™ 13 SPK Bass speaker cable: Developed for BASS applications, offering SolidCores™™ for high power handling.
• VIBE 140 amp circuit breaker: Provides critical protection for your system against over-powering or short circuits. Resets via a switch.
• FLAT Y 2M/FLAT Y 2F RCA Y leads: Professional quality OFC Y-interconnects for pure signal transfer, with flat design and gold-plated plugs to reduce interference. Available in 1 male to 2 female (FLAT Y 2F) and 2 male to 1 female (FLAT Y 2M) configurations.
• VIBE BC10 level controller: Allows amplifier gain adjustment from the driver's seat, compatible with any system via RCA input/output.
• Slick level remote: Optional remote for Slick amplifiers, allowing level adjustment from the front of the car.
• VIBE PortPlug™: Used to seal VIBE TurboPort™™ in enclosures for tuning, creating sealed enclosures or re-tuning multi-ported enclosures. Available for 2.5" (PP25) and 3" (PP30) TurboPorts™.
• VIBE official Merchandise: Polo shirts (MPS), T-shirts (MTS), CD (MCD), CD case (MCC), Fleece (VFL), Tax disc holder (VTD).
• VIBE SD4/5 subwoofer defender grill: Protects subwoofers and adds style. SD4 fits 10" and 12" subs, SD5 fits 15" subs.
• VIBE GB41 banana plug: Gold plated 4mm banana plugs for quick release of bass enclosures, polarity marked with rubber shrouds.
• VIBE DB6 non fused distribution block: Professional block for connecting up to 5 amplifiers, with 2 x 4AWG inputs and 4 x 8AWG outputs for power or ground distribution.
• VIBE FD4 fused distribution block: Professional AGU fused distribution block for up to 4 amplifiers, with 1 x 4AWG input and 4 x 8AWG outputs, individually fused up to 80 amps.
• VIBE CT0/CT4 compression fit ring terminal: Gold plated terminals for maximum conductivity when connecting power cable to the vehicle battery.
• VIBE RT4/RT8 crimp on ring terminal: Gold plated terminals for connecting power cable to the vehicle battery, packed in pairs with rubber over boots.
• VIBE AGU30, AGU60, AGU80 fuses: AGU fuses for distribution blocks and wiring kits.

VIBE Wiring Kits

The CriticalLink™™ range of FLAT series cabling ensures the critical link between source, amplifier, and speakers. Using VIBE CriticalLink™™ cables can enhance system power and sound quality by over 20%.

BASS SYSTEM KIT

Designed for maximum output from high-power Bass systems. Features VIBE CriticalLink™™ BASS specific cables:

• FLATLINESTM 4AWG PWR Power and Ground cable (5m Power, 1m Ground)
• FLATBASSTM RCA SolidCore™™ Interconnect (5 metre)
• FLATBASSTM 13 SPK Bass speaker cable (3 meters)
• FLATLINES™™ remote 18 (5 metres)
• VIBE 140 amp circuit breaker

Compatible with most amplifiers, recommended for VIBE BASS monoblock amplifiers.

STEREO SYSTEM KIT

Designed for maximum output from high-power full-range systems. Combines VIBE CriticalLink™™ full-range cables:

• FLATLINESTM 8AWG PWR Power and Ground cable (5m Power, 1m Ground)
• VIBE FLATSTEREOTM RCA - OFC high definition full range interconnect
• FLATLINES™™ remote 18
• FLATSTEREO™™ speaker cable
• AGU Fuse Holder

Compatible with most amplifiers, recommended for VIBE full-range STEREO amplifiers.

ACTIVE SYSTEM KIT

Designed for maximum output from high-power Active Bass systems (Bass Boxes). Features VIBE CriticalLink™™ BASS specific components:

• FLATLINESTM 8AWG PWR Power and Ground cable (5m Power, 1m Ground)
• FLATBASSTM RCA SolidCore™™ Interconnect (5 metre)
• FLATLINES™™ remote 18 (5 metres)
• AGU Fuse Holder
• FastPlug™™: Allows fast and safe removal of active bass enclosures.

Compatible with most amplifiers, recommended for VIBE active bass enclosures.

Individual Cable Types

• FLATLINESTM Power and Ground Cable: Developed for maximum voltage transfer, flat design for slim, flexible, heavy-duty cable. Available in 8 AWG, 4 AWG, and 0 AWG.
• FLATSTEREOTM High Definition full range Interconnect: OFC high definition interconnect for full-range systems, flat design for easy installation. Available in 1m and 5m lengths.
• FLATBASSTM SolidCore™™ Bass interconnect: Specifically developed for BASS SYSTEMS, featuring oversized SolidCore™™ OFC signal wires for higher voltage transfer. Available in 1m and 5m lengths.
• FLATFLEX™™ High Definition speaker cable: OFC high definition speaker cable made from fine copper strands, flat design for discreet installation. Available in 16 gauge and 12 gauge.

Limited Warranty

All VIBE products carry a full twelve-month warranty from the original receipt date. The warranty card must be returned to VIBE within seven days of purchase, along with the original receipt and packaging. If a product develops a fault during the warranty period, it should be returned to the point of purchase. If the store cannot fix it, it may be returned to VIBE for repair (approx. 7 working days). Full warranty information is available at www.vibeaudio.co.uk/warranty.

What is not covered:

• Damage due to improper installation.
• Subsequent damage to other components.
• Damage from moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, or UV radiation.
• Damage through negligence, misuse, accident, or abuse.
• Costs related to removal or re-installation.
• Damage caused by amplifier clipping or distortion.
• Items repaired or modified by unauthorized facilities.
• Return shipping on non-defective items.
• Products returned without a returns authorization number.
• Damage due to the use of sealant.

International Warranty

Contact your international Vibe audio dealer or distributor for country-specific warranty procedures.

Warning

Vibe subwoofers can produce sound pressure levels that may cause permanent hearing damage. Use common sense and practice safe sound when listening to your car audio system.

Copyright and Legal Information

All content in this manual is the property of VIBE Technologies Limited and is protected by copyright laws. VIBE trademarks and trade dress may not be used in connection with non-VIBE products. The manual and its content are provided "AS IS" without warranties. VIBE is not liable for damages arising from the use of this manual or its content. VIBE recommends caution when listening to music at high volumes, as it can cause permanent hearing damage. Use of VIBE equipment constitutes agreement to this disclaimer.