Getting a strong bass blast out of your rear speaker is worth everything. What if I tell you there is a way you can fix a sub to your rear speaker without visiting a tech shop? Keep reading this article till the end to get the basic step-by-step approach for connecting a sub to your rear speaker.
What You Need
Before we get into the main steps, here are some technical tools you might need to get available.
- Speaker wires
- Wirecutter
- Screwdriver
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Flashlight
- Connector
- Hook toolset
You should be able to get most of these from your tools box. If there is any you can’t get, you can check the local tech shop, it should cost just about a buck. Now let’s get to it!
Step 1: Disconnect All Power Source
Make sure to locate the power source. This should be the amplifier or as a beginner practice, just disconnect the battery head.
The battery is the main supplier of power to the car and once disconnected, you are good to go. This is the first step to all electrical-related DIYs. It is a practice for safety purposes to prevent an electrical-related accident(s).
Step 2: Positioning the Subwoofer
If you haven’t decided where you want to install the subwoofer, now may be the best time to do that.
Although, most of the time this decision is influenced by how large your car is, or where you have available space in the car. The two common places are
- Behind the car seats
- And the car trunk
Once you have decided where you want to place the subwoofer, the next consideration is the size of the subwoofer based on how much space you have. Check this subwoofer size chart to learn more.
But then, this is also dependent on the feeling you are trying to get from the subwoofer. Pick your choice and now to the next step.
Step 3: Connect to a Power Source
You need a power source to drive your subwoofer. Run the subwoofer amp wire to the battery to use it as a power source. Although this is not as simple as it sounds, it’s not an impossible task either.
- Passing your wire
Run the wire from the subwoofer position through the carpet to the front directly under the dashboard.
Here you will need a flashlight to locate if there is a hole through which you can connect to the engine area. Looking around under the dashboard, you should see a small round hole that connects to the engine.
If you are lucky to find this hole, simply pass the wire through it to the engine. But if you can’t, you might need to use the rubber seal that carries wire to the engine. Gently make a home and pass your wire through it.
- Connecting to the battery
You might need to use a hook tool to reach the wire, just in case it is not reachable by hand.
Run the wire to the battery and Peel off a small area on the head of the wire -this could be up to an inch or thereabout. Ensure you don’t fix more than half an inch to prevent melting wires in a short circuit.
Connect the positive wire to the positive end of the battery. This will most likely be labeled with a plus (+) sign.
Step 4: Connect the Amp Ground Wire and Remote On Wires
Run the amp ground wire to any metal you can find around the subwoofer position. To be sure this has been fastened well enough, use a crimp ring to complete the procedure. Also, connect the remote on wire. This should be around the ignition, and its function is to make sure audio devices in the car are turned on as you turn the car ignition on.
Step 5: Connect to The Subwoofer
Trace the wire from the rear speaker to the place the subwoofer is installed to tap the audio signal. Peel off a small portion of the rear speaker wire and connect the subwoofer wire with a crimp connector. Ensure all the connections have been properly made and arranged in the right place.
Step 6: Clean the Work Area
Now we are almost at the end of the connection process. To make the connection neat, arrange all wires together and a wires tie and cut any excess with a wire cutter. Also, pack any exposed connection with a crimp connector.
Step 7: Connect to the Speaker and Amp
Now that we have made all necessary connections (ensuring that the power is still turned off).
Connect the corresponding wires to the right source and connect those that are needed to be connected to the subwoofer and amp. By the time you turn on the power, your subwoofer should work just fine. Now you’re a pro!
How to Connect Sub Without an Amplifier
It is common knowledge that subwoofers require a strong power source to keep them running. However, what if you can’t get an amp but still want to use your subwoofer? Here is how to install without an amp
Step 1: turn off all power sources, particularly, from the battery terminal.
Step 2: remove the speaker and unscrew the fuse box for wiring accessibility.
Step 3: to bypass the need for an amplifier, connect your subwoofer to the speaker through an adapter.
Step 4: follow the correct connection procedure as will be indicated on the adapter and once you are done, connect the subwoofer to the jack.
As long as you have followed these steps to the letter, you can start enjoying your subwoofer now without an amp.
How to Connect your Sub Speaker Level Output
- Ensure the receiver and the subwoofer are compatible.
- Use the regular front and back connection to connect to the subwoofer. Connect the two speaker wires to the high-level audio output of the receiver.
- Adjust the bass output to your preference and also eliminate all possible distortion.
Conclusion
Now you can get the best experience from your rear speaker with the thumping bass effect on the go. If you follow these steps properly, you won’t need the help of a professional because you will be the professional. Enjoy!
