KICKER CWCS8 8 Inch Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer Owner’s Manual
- June 13, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
KICKER CWCS8 8 Inch Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer
Product Information
The KICKER CompC-Series Subwoofers are high-performance audio speakers designed to enhance the bass output in your car audio system. These subwoofers come in different sizes and voice coil configurations to suit your specific needs. The subwoofers are made with single and dual 4 voice coils, allowing for flexible wiring configurations. They are built with durable materials and designed for optimal performance.
Specifications
Model| Woofer Size (in, mm)| Recommended Amplifier Power (Watts RMS)| Peak
Power Handling (Watts)| Sensitivity (1W, 1m)| Rated Impedance| Frequency
Response (Hz)
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
CWCS8| 8, 20| 400| 83.3| 4| 42.2
CWCS10| 10, 25| 500| 85.9| 4| 33.9
CWCS12| 12, 30| 400| 83.6| 4| 49.7
CWCS15| 15, 38| 500| 85.2| 4| 35.1
CWCD8| 8, 20| 400| 83.6| 4| 49.7
CWCD10| 10, 25| 500| 85.2| 4| 35.1
CWCD12| 12, 30| 400| 83.6| 4| 49.7
CWCD15| 15, 38| 500| 85.2| 4| 35.1
Note : All specifications and performance figures are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit the official website at www.kicker.com.
Installation
Wiring Configuration: The CompC-Series subwoofers come with single and
dual 4 voice coils. To connect the voice coils to a source of amplification,
follow these guidelines:
Dual voice coil models can be wired in parallel to provide a 2 ohm load or
wired in series to provide an 8 ohm load. Make sure your source unit or
amplifier is rated at the correct ohm load for operation.
Speaker Wire Placement: When routing the speaker wire, ensure that it is
kept away from sharp edges and avoid the possibility of it getting pinched by
the trunk. If there is no existing factory hole or accessible grommet, you may
need to drill a hole to run the wire. Be cautious not to drill into other
wiring or existing mechanisms. Always use a rubber or plastic grommet to
protect the wire from damage when running it through a hole.
Series Wiring: Dual 4 Voice Coils = 8 ohm Load
Parallel Wiring: Dual 4 Voice Coils = 2 ohm Load
Box Building Notes
When building an enclosure for your CompC subwoofer, follow these recommendations:
- Use 3/4 (1.9cm) or thicker MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for optimal strength and sound quality. Seal the joints with silicone to prevent air leaks.
- Use the provided template inside the subwoofer’s shipping carton to mark the mounting hole, then cut directly on the marked line.
- Internal bracing is recommended for these designs. Add triangular bracing between each of the larger unsupported panels to enhance structural integrity.
Pro Tip: Consider upgrading your entire audio system by pairing the KICKER CompC-Series Subwoofers with a KICKER amplifier and speaker upgrades. Consult your dealer for more information on these additional products.
Overview
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
- PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A DISTORTED, CLIPPED OR OVER-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE UP TO 4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM) CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE. KICKER PRODUCTS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SOUND LEVELS THAT CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING! TURNING UP A SYSTEM TO A LEVEL THAT HAS AUDIBLE DISTORTION IS MORE DAMAGING TO YOUR EARS THAN LISTENING TO AN UNDISTORTED SYSTEM AT THE SAME VOLUME LEVEL. THE THRESHOLD OF PAIN IS ALWAYS AN INDICATOR THAT THE SOUND LEVEL IS TOO LOUD AND MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE WHEN CONTROLLING VOLUME.
- The KICKER CompC-Series are the classic that never goes out of style. We’ve introduced our latest technology, Forced Air Cooling™, for maximum efficiency and product longevity from a 20% reduction in heat, while offering 8, 10, 12 and 15 inch subs with a choice of Dual or Single voice coils so that you always have the perfect subwoofer to meet your needs or fit in your vehicle. For peak performance and sound quality, use these subwoofers with KICKER accessories and amps to get the best results.
Specifications
Single Voice Coil Models| _ _CWCS8__ _ ___| CWCS10
_ ___| CWCS12 _ ___| CWCS15 _ ___
---|---|---|---|---
Woofer [in, mm]| 8, 20| 10, 25| 12, 30| 15, 38
Recommended Amplifier Power [Watts RMS]| 100–200| 125–250| 150–300| 225–450
Peak Power Handling [Watts]| 400| 500| 600| 900
Sensitivity [1W, 1m]| 83.3| 85.9| 87.3| 89.2
Rated Impedance [Ω]| 4| 4| 4| 4
Fs [Hz]| 42.2| 33.9| 30.4| 30.7
Outer Frame Dimension [in, cm]| 8-9/16, 21.7| 10-11/16, 27.2| 12-5/8, 32|
15-1/2, 39.3
Mounting Depth [in, cm]| 4-3/16, 10.5| 5-3/16, 13.2| 5-3/4, 14.6| 7-3/8, 18.7
Mounting Cutout [in, cm]| 6-15/16, 17.7| 9-3/16, 23.3| 11, 27.9| 13-3/4, 35
Frequency Response [Hz]| 30–500| 30–500| 27–500| 25–500
Dual Voice Coil Models| _ _CWCD8__ _ ___| CWCD10
_ ___| CWCD12 _ ___| CWCD15 _ ___
---|---|---|---|---
Woofer [in, mm]| 8, 20| 10, 25| 12, 30| 15, 38
Recommended Amplifier Power [Watts RMS]| 100–200| 125–250| 150–300| 225–450
Peak Power Handling [Watts]| 400| 500| 600| 900
Sensitivity [1W, 1m]| 83.6| 85.2| 87.1| 88.8
Rated Impedance [Ω]| 4| 4| 4| 4
Fs [Hz]| 49.7| 35.1| 30.6| 29.8
Outer Frame Dimension [in, cm]| 8-9/16, 21.7| 10-11/16, 27.2| 12-5/8, 32|
15-1/2, 39.3
Mounting Depth [in, cm]| 4-3/16, 10.5| 5-3/16, 13.2| 5-3/4, 14.6| 7-3/8, 18.7
Mounting Cutout [in, cm]| 6-15/16, 17.7| 9-3/16, 23.3| 11, 27.9| 13-3/4, 35
Frequency Response [Hz]| 30–500| 30–500| 27–500| 25–500
Note : All specifications and performance figures are subject to change.
Please visit www.kicker.com for the most current
information. To get the best performance from your new KICKER speakers, we
recommend using genuine KICKER accessories and wiring. Please allow two weeks
of break-in time for the speakers to reach optimum performance.
Pro Tip: You’re a KICKER amplifier and a few cables away from a full
system upgrade that will dominate any factory system! KICKER line of
amplifiers make it easy to upgrade to solid bass with your existing or stock
source unit. Also, ask your dealer about KICKER Speaker upgrades.
Installation
Wiring Configuration
CompC-Series subwoofers are made with single and dual 4Ω voice coils. Voice
coils must be connected to a source of amplification. The dual voice coil
models will provide a 2Ω load wired in parallel or 8Ω load wired in series.
Make sure your source unit or amplifier is rated at the correct ohm load for
operation.
The speaker wire should be kept away from sharp edges and avoid the
possibility of getting pinched by the trunk. If a factory hole and grommet do
not exist or are inaccessible, you must drill a hole through which to run the
wire. Be careful not to drill into other wiring or existing mechanisms. Any
time a wire is run through a hole, it
is necessary to insert a rubber or plastic grommet to protect the wire from
damage.
Series Wiring
Dual 4Ω Voice Coils = 8Ω Load
Parallel Wiring
Dual 4Ω Voice Coils = 2Ω Load
Box Building Notes
- Use 3/4” (1.9cm) or thicker MDF (medium density fiberboard) and seal the joints with silicone. Use the “template” inside your CompC subwoofer’s shipping carton to mark the mounting hole, then cut directly on the line. These designs need internal bracing. Add triangular bracing between each of the larger unsupported panels.
- All the cubic feet (L) measurements in this manual include the displacement of the woofer. For the vented enclosures the displacement of the port must be calculated and added to the internal volume of the final design. Use the outer dimensions of the port and multiply “X x Y x Z”, convert to cubic feet, for example the CompC12 Vented Minimum design’s external port dimensions are, using 3/4” (1.9cm) MDF:
- (12.5” + 1.5” total MDF wall thickness) x
- (2.5” + 1.5” total MDF wall thickness) x
- (20”) x (1 ft3 / 1728 in3 ) = .65 ft3
- Then, add this number to the internal volume of the enclosure. 1.75 ft3 + .65 ft3 = 2.4 ft3
- Due to the necessary length of these ports, you may want to fold the port along the bottom and back walls. It will be impractical to use round ports for these designs.
- Do not install a port opening against a solid surface, such as an internal brace, back-panel or trunk wall, seat or interior panel of your vehicle. The port opening must remain unobstructed. Use the smallest dimension of the rectangular port as the minimum amount of space between the port opening and any solid surface to insure unrestricted airflow.
- You can loosely fill your enclosure with poly-fil stuffing. Ported designs will require covering the end of the port (located inside the box) with grill cloth, chicken wire, or expanded metal to prevent the poly-fil from exiting the port. The use of poly-fil will slightly decrease efficiency, but will deepen and extend the low frequency output by making your subwoofer think it’s in a bigger box.
Add triangular bracing between each of the larger unsupported panels
CWC12, CWC15: D = 3” x 3” (8cm x 8cm) CWC8, CWC10: D = 2” x 2” (5cm x 5cm)
For more advice on box building, refer to your Authorized Kicker Dealer, or
click on the Support tab on the Kicker homepage, www.kicker.com. Please e-mail
support@kicker.com or call Technical Support at
405-624-8583 for specific or unanswered
questions.
Sealed Enclosures
- These sealed enclosure designs give the smoothest response with increased energy at the lowest frequencies, 20 to 30Hz. These designs deliver massive amounts of highly-accurate bass and can be driven with punishing levels of amplifier power.
- The CompC-Series high performance suspension system can operate in a larger sealed enclosure. This maximum enclosure volume application is ideal for SQ (ultra sound quality) installations. The Maximum enclosure generates a very flat response curve and superbly extends the sub-bass response.
Minimum Sealed
CWC8 | .5 (14.2) | 200W RMS |
---|---|---|
CWC10 | 1 (28.3) | 250W RMS |
CWC12 | 1.25 (35.4) | 300W RMS |
CWC15 | 2.25 (63.7) | 450W RMS |
Maximum Sealed
Model | Volume ft 3 | (L) | Power Handling |
---|---|---|---|
CWC8 | 1.2 (34) | 200W RMS | |
CWC10 | 2.4 (68) | 250W RMS | |
CWC12 | 3.5 (99.1) | 300W RMS | |
CWC15 | 5 (141.6) | 450W RMS |
Panel Dimensions for Minimum Sealed Enclosures using 3/4” (1.9cm) thick MDF:
CWC8 | CWC10 | CWC12 | CWC15 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volume ft3 [L] | .5 [14.2] | 1 [28.3] | 1.25 [35.4] | 2.25 [63.7] |
Panel A in. [cm] | 11X11 [27.9X27.9] | 13.5X13.5 [34.3X34.3] | 14.5X14.5 | |
[36.8X36.8] | 17.25X17.25 [43.8X43.8] | |||
Panel B in. [cm] | 11X9.5 [27.9X24.1] | 13.5X12 [34.3X30.5] | 14.5X13 [36.8X33] |
17.25X15.75 [43.8X40]
Panel C in. [cm]| 9.5X9.5 [24.1X24.1]| 12X12 [30.5X30.5]| 13X13 [33X33]|
15.75X15.75 [40X40]
CompC-Series subwoofers perform well in any size sealed enclosure between the Minimum and Maximum volume recommendations. These systems will exhibit benefits of both designs. Overall, the system will sound more like the recommended enclosure design it is closest to in enclosure volume. These enclosure recommendations have been calculated with the airspace inside the enclosure and include the displacement of the woofer. All sealed-enclosure airspace should be filled to 50% loose poly-fil (polyester fiberfill) stuffing. Do not make the airspace greater than the SQ, maximum enclosure volume, recommendation.
Vented Enclosures
These boxes are the enclosure of choice if space is not a problem and you want to get the most output and low freqeuncy extension from your CompC subwoofer. CompC subwoofers will handle massive amounts of power in any of the recommended enclosures, minimum or maximum. The smaller enclosures are best for use in limited-space applications. The larger recommended enclosures will yield slightly more bass at the lowest frequencies.
Box Volume, ft3 [L] | .66 [18.7] | 1.25 [35.4] | 2.25, 63.7 | 3 [85] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Port Opening, in. x in. | 1.5X8 | 1.5X10.5 | 2X12.5 | 3X15.5 |
[cm x cm] | [3.8X20] | [3.8X26.7] | [5.1X31.8] | [6.4X39.4] |
Port Length, in. [cm] | 18, [45.7] | 14.5, [36.8] | 16, [40.6] | 17, [43.2] |
Power Handling, RMS | 200 | 250 | 300 | 450 |
Box Volume, ft3 [L] | 1.2, [34] | 1.75 [49.6] | 2.25 [63.7] | 4, [113.3] |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
Port Opening, in. x in. | 1.5X8 | 1.5X10.5 | 2X12.5 | 3X15.5 |
[cm x cm] | [3.8X20.3] | [3.8X26.7] | [5.1X31.8] | [7.6X39.4] |
Port Length, in. [cm] | 12.25, [31] | 13.25, [33.7] | 16.375, [41.6] | 16.25, |
[41.3]
Power Handling, RMS| 200| 250| 300| 450
The Vented Minimum design increases bass efficiency and fits in many space- limited applications. Although it is the smallest recommended ported enclosure, the output from 30 to 80 Hz will be considerably higher than that of any sealed box. The Vented Maximum design has even more output in this frequency band. The Maximum is the largest and most efficient enclosure design.
Warranty
When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer, KICKER warrants this product
to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ONE (1) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. If this
product is identified as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited
to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from the date of original purchase. In all
cases you must have the original receipt. Should service be necessary under
this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect
or malfunction during the warranty period, KICKER will repair or replace (at
its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise.
Warranty replacements may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued
products may be replaced with more current equivalent products. This warranty
is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the
product subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable implied
warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty as
provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail,
and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product
thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties;
therefore, these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights; however you may have other rights that vary from state
to state.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE:
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater
Designs (KICKER) Dealer for warranty service. Assistance in locating an
Authorized Dealer can be found at www.KICKER.com or by contacting Stillwater
Designs directly. You can confirm that
a dealer is authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window
decal.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to
Stillwater Designs (KICKER), call the KICKER Customer Service Department at
405-624-8510 for a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Package only the defective items in a package that
will prevent shipping damage, and return to:
Stillwater Designs3100 North Husband St Stillwater, OK 74075
The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please return only defective components. The return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items will be returned freight collect to you. For example, if a subwoofer is defective, only return the defective subwoofer, not the entire enclosure. Include a copy of the original receipt with the purchase date clearly visible, and a “proof-of-purchase” statement listing the Customer’s name, Dealer’s name and invoice number, and product purchased. Warranty expiration on items without proof-of-purchase will be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must be prepaid; items sent freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which
it was designed. It does not cover:
- Damage due to improper installation
- Subsequent damage to other components
- Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
- Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered abuse
- Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
- Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
- Return shipping on non-defective items
- Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
- Products with tampered or missing serial numbers
- Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
- Products purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer
- Freight Damage
- The cost of shipping product to KICKER
- Service performed by anyone other than KICKER
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one-week service for all acoustics
(subwoofers, midrange drivers, tweeters, crossovers, etc) returns. Delays may
be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered. Failure
to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to
the KICKER Customer Service Department at
405-624-8510. Contact your
International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for
your country’s warranty policies. 50CompC-c-230731
P.O. Box 459 Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 USA (405) 624–8510
References
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