Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a DB Drive state-of-the-art subwoofer. Your selection of a DB Drive car audio product indicates a true appreciation of fine musical reproduction. Whether adding to an existing system or including your DB Drive subwoofer in a new system, you are certain to notice immediate performance benefits.
Product Commitment
DB's engineering professionals harnessed years of expertise, experience and passion, coupled with exhaustive testing and creative design to develop the optimal product and performance for your musical enjoyment. This is our commitment to you. It's what you deserve and have come to expect from DB DRIVE. We appreciate the confidence and look forward to your positive experience.
Keep Your Sales Receipt
Take this time to attach your sales receipt to the manual and put it in a safe place. In case of any unforeseen reason this product may need warranty service, your receipt will be necessary to establish purchase date.
Recommendation
A power subwoofer's performance is only as good as its installation. Proper installation will maximize the system's overall performance. It is recommended that you have our product installed by an authorized DB Drive retailer. However, if you decide to install it yourself, please carefully read through this manual and take your time to do a quality installation.
Optimal Product Choice
To get the maximum performance out of your stereo system, we recommend using 100% authentic DB Drive electronics and DB LINK wiring and accessories. Matching DB Drive amplifiers and speakers with your state-of the art electronics purchase is critical to optimize your system's performance. Wiring is the lifeblood of a system, make sure your audio system has the adequate current and signal transfer it deserves and needs. DB Link has it all, from wiring rolls; speaker, power, ground and remote to amplifier kits, RCA's, and fuse holders, distribution blocks and battery connectors. Insist on getting the best, DB LINK. It's what you deserve to get the optimum performance from your audio system.
IMPORTANT!
Before making any connections, disconnect the car's battery until the installation is completed to avoid possible damage to the electrical system.
WARNING!
Exposure to high power sound system can cause hearing loss or damage. Listening to your system at loud levels while driving will impair your ability to hear traffic sounds and emergency vehicles. Use common sense when listening to your system.
Serial #: ____________________________________ Model #: ___________________________________
Product Features
- Xtreme Excursion Surround
- True Carbon Fiber Dust Cap
- Proprietary Reinforced Aluminum Die-Cast Basket
- Tri-Layer Progressive Dampeners with Integrated Tinsel Leads
- Radial Balanced Paper Glass Fibrillated Mixed Cone
- 8 Gauge Push Spring Input Terminals
- 4-Layer Aluminum Flat Wire Voice Coil
- Triple Stacked Ferrite Magnets
- Excursion Induced Motor Cooling
- Aluminum Anodized Former With Reinforced Triple Joint
Images showing the physical appearance of the G7 series subwoofers.
Model Specific Features
| Feature | G7 8.2 / G7 8.4 | G7 12.1 / G7 12.2 | G7 15.1 / G7 15.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 9.17" (233 mm) | 12.91” (328 mm) | 15.82" (402 mm) |
| Max Power | 2500 Watts | 8000 Watts | 8000 Watts |
| Nominal Power | 1250 Watts | 4000 Watts | 4000 Watts |
| Impedance | 2.7" (6.85cm) 2Ω Dual Voice Coil/ 4Ω Dual Voice Coil |
3" (7.62cm) 1Ω Dual Voice Coil/ 2Ω Dual Voice Coil |
3" (7.62cm) 1Ω Dual Voice Coil/ 2Ω Dual Voice Coil |
Product Specifications
| Parameter | G7 8.2 | G7 8.4 | G7 12.1 | G7 12.2 | G7 15.1 | G7 15.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fs (Hz) | 48.936 | 50.135 | 29.414 | 30.346 | 24.512 | 23.461 |
| Re (Ω) | 2x2 | 2x4 | 2x1 | 2.2 | 2x1 | 2x2 |
| Qms | 2.010 | 2.158 | 2.108 | 2.269 | 2.182 | 2.466 |
| Qes | 0.699 | 0.776 | 0.443 | 0.613 | 0.473 | 0.573 |
| Qts | 0.518 | 0.571 | 0.366 | 0.482 | 0.389 | 0.465 |
| Vas (L) | 3.478 | 3.829 | 21.008 | 22.479 | 48.507 | 79.836 |
| Cms (mm/N) | 49.843 | 52.344 | 66.565 | 71.225 | 59.964 | 98.692 |
| BL (T·m or N/A) | 18.336 | 21.660 | 16.026 | 19.610 | 17.899 | 19.601 |
| Mms (g) | 212.219 | 192.525 | 439.839 | 386.199 | 703.084 | 466.313 |
| SPL (dB) | 79.5 | 79.8 | 82.7 | 82 | 83.7 | 84.4 |
| Xmax (mm) | 20 | 20 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Product Dimensions
Diagram illustrating subwoofer dimensions: A - Frame Diameter, B - Mounting Depth, C - Cutout Diameter.
| Dimension | G7 8.2 / G7 8.4 | G7 12.1 / G7 12.2 | G7 15.1 / G7 15.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Diameter (A) | 9.17" (233 mm) | 12.91" (328 mm) | 15.82" (402 mm) |
| Mounting Depth (B) | 7.38" (187.45 mm) | 9.6" (244 mm) | 11.75" (298 mm) |
| Cutout Diameter (C) | 7.48" (190 mm) | 11.14" (283 mm) | 13.85" (352 mm) |
Recommended Enclosures
The purpose of the information below is to help you select the most appropriate type of enclosure for your application. We have selected the two most popular enclosure types and their performance benefits.
Sealed Enclosure (Air-Suspension Design)
Characteristically simpler to make, sealed enclosures usually are better at controlling the woofer's excursion and performance at lower frequencies. The added control allows for higher power handling or use of a bigger amplifier. The secret is to maintain a perfect seal. Using glues and sealants at all seams is recommended to prevent leaks and integrity of the enclosure. The size or volume of the enclosure will directly affect the performance of the woofer. Smaller enclosures generally provide the desired bump to the frequency response curb and greater SPL. Larger enclosures will provide a lower but flatter response for deeper bass. In general, the benefit to the sealed enclosure versus a ported enclosure is a smaller foot print, simpler build with higher power handling, a more linear flat response, superior sound quality and extended low frequency output.
Ported Enclosure (Bass-Reflex or Vented)
A ported enclosure is simply a sealed enclosure with a port or vent added to the sealed design for the purpose of tuning the enclosure to higher output at the desired tuned frequency, typically 3db or higher. Another advantage of a ported enclosure is the reduction of cone motion for the speaker, thus distortion at higher power levels within the tuned frequency response of the port. A drawback is that building a ported enclosure is more complex than sealed. Having the wrong port or vent could result in poor sound, and the potential of damaging a woofer when played too loud or out of the tuning frequency. Thus we recommend not guessing, please follow the guidelines listed in this manual or go to a professional. In general, the benefit of a ported enclosure versus a sealed is higher volume output at the tuned frequency, stronger bass output with lower power input.
Construction Recommendations
We recommend using 3/4” MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) for the construction of an enclosure. It is critical for the side walls of the enclosure not to flex due to the pressure generated by the woofer, bracing might be required. The enclosure sides should be secured together with nails/screwed. We also recommend the use of glues and sealants to maintain the integrity of the enclosure and eliminate leaks.
Vented Enclosure Specifications
Diagram illustrating a typical vented subwoofer enclosure.
| Specification | G7 8.2 / G7 8.4 | G7 12.1 / G7 12.2 | G7 15.1 / G7 15.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woofer Cut-out | 7.48 in. (190 mm) | 11.14 in. (283 mm) | 13.85 in. (352 mm) |
| Mounting Depth | 7.38 in. (187.45 mm) | 9.6 in. (244 mm) | 11.75 in. (298 mm) |
| Sealed Box | NOT RECOMMENDED | NOT RECOMMENDED | NOT RECOMMENDED |
| Vented Box Volume | 1.4 cuft. (39.64 L) | 3.5 cu ft. (99.12 L) | 4.5 cu.ft. (127.43L) |
| Vent Area | 12.57 sq in. (81.09 cm2) | 52 sq in. (335.4 cm2) | 75 sq in. (483.87 cm2) |
| Vent Length | 15 in. (38.1 cm) | 28 in. (71.12 cm) | 25 in. (63.5 cm) |
| Tuning (Hz) | 36Hz | 34Hz | 33Hz |
| Dynamic Power (Watts) | 2500 Watts | 8000 Watts | 8000 Watts |
| Nominal Power (Watts) | 1250 Watts | 4000 Watts | 4000 Watts |
Calculating Enclosures
It is recommended to build your enclosure from at least 3/4” thick MDF (medium density fiber board). Make sure the enclosure is sealed airtight.
Calculating External Volume
To calculate box volume, measure the outside Width x Height x Depth of the enclosure. Example: 12" x 14" x 9" = 1512 cubic inches. Next, you must convert cubic inches into cubic feet by dividing the total by 1728. Example: 1512 / 1728 = 0.875 cubic feet.
Calculating Internal Volume
To calculate the internal (net) volume of the box, first multiply the thickness of the wood you are using by Two (2). Example: 3/4" x 2 = 1.5 inches. Next, subtract 1.5 inches from each of the outside measurements of the box.
Example:
- Width: 12" - 1.5" = 10.5"
- Height: 14" - 1.5" = 12.5"
- Depth: 9" - 1.5" = 7.5"
Multiply the new totals (Width x Height x Depth). Example: 10.5" x 12.5" x 7.5" = 984.375 cubic inches. Next, convert cubic inches into cubic feet by dividing the total by 1728. Example: 984.375 / 1728 = 0.5696 cubic feet.
DVC Wiring Configurations
You can change the wiring configuration of your speakers (Series, Parallel, and Series/Parallel) to match the impedance loads that maximize the power output of your amplifier. Wiring the same woofer or multiple woofers in these three different wiring configurations will result in different impedance loads.
- Series: Is the method of wiring of alternate positive with negative terminals (string method).
- Parallel: Is the method of wiring where you wire match 2 speaker terminals with positive to positive terminal and negative to negative.
- Series/Parallel: This configuration is a combination of both series and parallel. We recommend series for the terminal and parallel for the leads to the amp.
1Ω & 2Ω DVC Wiring Configurations
1 x 2Ω DVC Subwoofer (Series)
Wiring: Positive of Coil 1 to Amplifier +, Negative of Coil 1 to Positive of Coil 2, Negative of Coil 2 to Amplifier -.
Resulting Impedance: 4Ω
1 x 2Ω DVC Subwoofer (Parallel)
Wiring: Positive of Coil 1 to Positive of Coil 2, Negative of Coil 1 to Negative of Coil 2. Then connect these pairs to Amplifier + and Amplifier -.
Resulting Impedance: 1Ω
2 x 1Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration 1 (Series): Coil 1 Pos to Amp +, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 2 Neg to Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 2Ω
Configuration 2 (Parallel): Coil 1 Pos to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Neg. Then connect these pairs to Amp + and Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 1Ω
2 x 2Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration 1 (Series): Coil 1 Pos to Amp +, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 2 Neg to Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 4Ω
Configuration 2 (Parallel): Coil 1 Pos to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Neg. Then connect these pairs to Amp + and Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 2Ω
2Ω DVC Wiring Configurations
3 x 2Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration (Series/Parallel): Two subwoofers wired in series (4Ω total), then this pair wired in parallel with the third subwoofer (2Ω).
Resulting Impedance: 1.33Ω
4 x 2Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration (Series/Parallel): Two pairs of subwoofers wired in series (4Ω each pair), then these two pairs wired in parallel.
Resulting Impedance: 2Ω
4Ω DVC Wiring Configurations
1 x 4Ω DVC Subwoofer
Wiring: Positive of Coil 1 to Amplifier +, Negative of Coil 1 to Positive of Coil 2, Negative of Coil 2 to Amplifier -.
Resulting Impedance: 4Ω (as depicted in diagram)
2 x 4Ω DVC Subwoofer
Configuration 1 (Series): Coil 1 Pos to Amp +, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 2 Neg to Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 8Ω
Configuration 2 (Parallel): Coil 1 Pos to Coil 2 Pos, Coil 1 Neg to Coil 2 Neg. Then connect these pairs to Amp + and Amp -.
Resulting Impedance: 2Ω
2 x 4Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration (Series/Parallel): Two subwoofers wired in series (8Ω each), then these two pairs wired in parallel.
Resulting Impedance: 4Ω
3 x 4Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration (Series/Parallel): Two subwoofers wired in series (8Ω each), then this pair wired in parallel with the third subwoofer (4Ω).
Resulting Impedance: 2.66Ω
4 x 4Ω DVC Subwoofers
Configuration (Series/Parallel): Four subwoofers wired in series pairs (8Ω each pair), then these two pairs wired in parallel.
Resulting Impedance: 2Ω
Limited Warranty
DB Drive™ G7™ warrants any G7™ Subwoofers purchased in the U.S.A. from an authorized DB Drive™ G7™ dealer. All G7™ Subwoofers are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one (1) year. This warranty applies to the original purchase only.
DB Drive™ will repair any unit that has been found to be defective and under warranty provided the defect occurs within the one (1) year warranty period.
The warranty does not cover burnt or open voice coils, open tinsel lead wires, ripped surrounds or folded cones that are results of clipped and excessive power and/or improper amplifier calibrations.
This limited warranty does not extend to units that have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, or accident. In DB Drive™'s judgment, products that show evidence of having been altered, modified, or serviced without DB Drive™'s authorization, will be ineligible under this warranty.
The original sales invoice must be presented at the time any warranty will be inspected before any warranty agreement is issued.
Due to general competition of the G7™ Subwoofers, warranty is for repairs only. No exchanges or credits will be given.
To obtain warranty service please contact your retailer or visit our website at www.dbdrive.net for more details.
Designed and Engineered in the U.S.A.
DB Research L.L.P.
302 Hanmore Industrial Parkway - Harlingen, TX 78550
Ph: (877) 787-0101 - Fax: (956) 421-4513 - tech support: support@dbdrive.net
DB Drive, Euphoria, Expert
