Dual ALB12 12 Inch Ported Enclosure with Built-In Amplifier Owner’s Manual

: June 13, 2024
: Dual

Table of Contents

Dual ALB12 12 Inch Ported Enclosure with Built-In Amplifier
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Getting Started
- Before You Start
INSTALLATION
Troubleshooting
WARRANTY
Specifications
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Dual ALB12 12 Inch Ported Enclosure with Built-In Amplifier

Product Information

The Dual ALB12 is a 12″ ported enclosure with a built-in amplifier. It is designed to provide powerful and high-quality audio in your vehicle. The enclosure is equipped with various features and controls to enhance your listening experience. Please read the entire manual before installation to ensure proper usage and safety.

Features:

12″ ported enclosure
Built-in amplifier
Crossover frequency control
Input level control
Phase control
Power indicator
Ground connection
Remote connection
Power connection
Fuse (15A)

Preparation:

Before installing the Dual ALB12, please take note of the following:

Read and understand the entire manual before installation.
Consider having the product installed by a professional installer or authorized dealer.
Familiarize yourself with the amplifier functions before completing the final mounting procedure.

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Precautions:

Ensure safety during installation and use of the ALB12 by following these precautions:

Read and understand the instructions before installation.
If unsure, seek professional car audio installation services.
If additional wiring is required, run all wires prior to mounting the enclosure.
Use high-quality connectors to minimize signal or power loss.
Do not run speaker wires underneath the vehicle. Run them inside the vehicle for better protection.
Avoid running wires over, near, or through sharp-edged surfaces. Use rubber grommets to protect wires routed through metal.
Avoid running the speaker cable near sources of high current.

Connection Descriptions:

Follow these general guidelines when making connections:

Follow the specific instructions included with your amplifier installation kit.
Attach the ground connection to an unpainted section of metal or the vehicle chassis after cleaning the area.
Connect the power wire to the positive terminal of the battery and install a suitable fuse within 18 inches for protection.
Use the appropriate fuse type and amperage to avoid damaging the amplifier.
Use 12 gauge wire or larger for power and ground connections.

Wire Routing:

For optimum performance, follow these wire routing guidelines:

Connect the BAT+, GND, and REM wires accordingly. Install a suitable fuse on the BAT+ lead within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle’s electrical system. Use 12 gauge wire or larger for power and ground connections.

For more detailed information, please refer to the full user manual available at https://manual-hub.com/

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the Dual ALB12 12″ ported enclosure with built-in amplifier. Although Dual has attempted to ensure the information in this manual is accurate, please be aware that any part of it is subject to change without notice.
Please read entire manual before installation. Due to the technical nature of amplifiers, it is highly recommended that your Dual ALB12 is installed by a professional installer or an authorized dealer.

Before You Start

Always disconnect the negative battery terminal. Consult a qualified technician for instructions if you are unsure.
Avoid installing the amplifier where it would be subject to high temperatures, such as from direct sunlight, or where it would be subject to dust, dirt or excessive vibration.
Use extreme caution when drilling holes to avoid damaging fuel lines or existing vehicle wiring.
All amplifier installations require power, signal and speaker wires (not included).
An amplifier installation kit (sold separately) is highly recommended to facilitate the installation. Consult your dealer for recommendations.

Mounting Location

Choose a mounting location for the ALB12. Suggested locations include behind a seat or in the trunk.
For optimum performance, make sure to provide at least 1″ of space around all sides of the amplifier.
Do not mount the ALB12 under carpets or where airflow is restricted.
Do not install the ALB12 where it may be exposed to moisture.
The optimum mounting location varies between vehicles. Remember to test all amplifier functions before completing the final mounting procedure.

INSTALLATION

Safety First

CAUTION

The following instructions are designed to ensure safety during installation and use of the ALB12. Failure to heed these instructions can result in injury or damage to the unit or vehicle.
The following installation instructions are intended to be used as a basic guideline. If you feel unsure about installing this speaker system yourself, Dual recommends acquiring the services of a professional car audio installation center.

Before installation, please review the following guidelines:

Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install this product.
If additional wiring is required, we recommend running all wires prior to mounting your enclosure in place.
To ensure reliable performance and minimize signal or power loss, use the highest quality connectors available.
Never run speaker wires underneath your vehicle. Running speaker wires inside the vehicle provides the best protection from exhaust, heat and environmental elements.
Avoid running wires over, near or through sharp-edged surfaces. We suggest you also use rubber grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.
When running the speaker cable to the amplifier, avoid running it near sources of high current (i.e. wiring harnesses, battery cables).

Connection Descriptions

Note: Be sure to follow specific instructions included with your amplifier installation kit (not included with this amplifier). The information below should be used a general guideline only.

Power Wire (+12V)

Disconnect negative battery terminal before proceeding. Consult a qualified technician for instructions if you are unsure.
Plan wire routing before cutting any wires to length. Begin by routing the power +12V wire from the battery to the amplifier location. Use a grommet when running wires through the firewall or metal openings. Avoid running the power wire near existing vehicle wiring to prevent induced noise from entering the audio system.
Use extreme caution when drilling holes to avoid damaging fuel lines or existing vehicle wiring.
The +12 wire MUST be fused within 18″ of the battery for protection of the vehicle’s electrical system.

Ground Wire (GND)

The amplifier ground wire should be as short as possible. Choose a clean unpainted section of metal or the vehicle chassis when attaching the ground connection. Be sure to clean the area of any dirt or grease.

Remote Turn-on Wire (REM)
• The remote turn-on wire connects to the head unit’s amplifier turn-on lead or other switched 12 volt source.

Input Signal

The amplifier’s input signal connects to the head unit’s low level (RCA) outputs.

CAUTION

Never run any wires underneath or outside the vehicle.

Connections and Controls

$Dual-ALB12-12-Inch-Ported-Enclosure-with-Built-In-Amplifier-FIG- $1$$

Line In (Left)
Line In (Right)
Crossover Frequency
Input Level Control
Phase Control
Power Indicator
Ground Connection
Remote Connection
Power Connection
Fuse (15A)

Typical Wire Routing

$Dual-ALB12-12-Inch-Ported-Enclosure-with-Built-In-Amplifier-FIG- $2$$

Main Power Connections
Connect BAT+, GND and REM wires accordingly. A suitable fuse MUST be installed on the BAT+ lead within 18″ of the battery for protection of the vehicle’s electrical system.

Fuse Rating

When replacing the fuse, make sure new fuse is the correct type and amperage. Using an incorrect fuse could damage the amplifier.
The ALB12 uses (1) 15 amp ATO style fuse.

Power/Ground Wire Size

For optimum performance, use only 12 gauge wire or larger. Make sure to use the same size power and ground wire.

Control Setup and Adjustment

Input Signal Connections Low Level (RCA)
Low level (RCA) input signal is preferred for best performance. Typical trunk- mount installations require a 17-20 foot RCA cable. Most trucks and behind- seat applications require a 6-12 foot RCA cable. Using twisted pair construction RCA cables will minimize noise.
Crossover Frequency Control
The adjustable crossover is used to filter out frequencies above 40Hz ~ 160Hz. Adjust it to where the ALB12 sound output blends with the rest of the sound system.
Phase Control
The phase control compensates for delay between the ALB12 output and the rest of the sound system.
Begin with the phase control set to 0 degrees. If the sound is adequate from the normal listening position inside the vehicle, no further adjustment is necessary. If the sound is thin or lacking bass, adjust the phase control until the bass is full and punchy.
Input Level Control
The input level control (LEVEL) is used to obtain the best possible match between the head unit audio output and the amplifier input. Begin by turning the input level control fully counterclockwise. Next, turn up the head unit volume control around 3/4 of the way up. Adjust the input level control clockwise until audible distortion is heard, then slightly counterclockwise to provide the best match.
LED Indicator
The LED indicator illuminates green during normal operation.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Action
Unit will not turn on (no power LED indicator)	BAT+ wire not
connected or incorrect voltage REM wire not connected or incorrect voltage

Check connections for proper voltage (11~16VDC)
GND wire not connected| Check connection to ground
Fuse(s) blown| Replace fuse(s)
Unit has power – LED is green (but no sound)| Volume turned all the way down| Increase volume level at head unit
Speaker defective or damaged| Check/replace speaker
Input signal not connected| Check high or low level inputs for

proper connection

clean bare metal

Signal ground loop or RFI (radio frequency interference)| Re-route RCA cables from existing

high current wiring

Distorted audio output| Incorrect input signal type or

input level too high

| Check connections and reduce/adjust input level
Low audio output| Incorrect input signal type or input level too low| Check connections and increase or adjust input level
Weak bass| Low frequency output is out of phase| Adjust phase control as needed

WARRANTY

Limited One-Year Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Dual Electronics Corp. warrants this product to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase.
Dual Electronics Corp. agrees, at our option, during the warranty period, to repair any defect in material or workmanship or to furnish an equal new, renewed or comparable product (whichever is deemed necessary) in exchange without charges, subject to verification of the defect or malfunction and proof of the date of purchase. Subsequent replacement products are warranted for the balance of the original warranty period.
Who is covered? This warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser for products purchased from an authorized Dual dealer and used in the U.S.A.
What is covered? This warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship in this product. The following are not covered: software, installation/removal costs, damage resulting from accident, misuse. abuse, neglect, product modification. improper installation, incorrect line voltage.
unauthorized repair or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product, or damage occurring during return shipment of the product. Specific license conditions and copyright notices for the software can be found via www.dualav.com.

What to do?

Before you call for service, check the troubleshooting guide in your owner’s manual. A slight adjustment of any custom controls may save you a service call.
If you require service during the warranty period, you must carefully pack the product (preferably in the original package) and ship it by prepaid transportation with a copy of the original receipt from the retailer to an authorized service center.
Please describe your problem in writing and include your name. a return UPS shipping address (P.O. Box not acceptable), and a daytime phone number with your shipment.
For more information and for the location of the nearest authorized service center please contact us by one of the following methods:
- Call us toll-free at 1-866-382-5476
- E-mail us at cs@dualav.com

Exclusion of Certain Damages: This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of any and all other warranties, expressed or implied, including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and any obligation, liability, right, claim or remedy in contract or tort, whether or not arising from the company’s negligence, actual or imputed. No person or representative is authorized to assume for the company any other liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall the company be liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages.

Notes
For Your Records Please keep your original sales receipt and be prepared to provide this receipt in the event you require service, as your original receipt is considered the best proof of purchase and indicates the date you purchased your Dual product.

Dealer Name
Dealer Phone
Purchase Date

Register Your Product Register your product online at www.dualav.com