Series 1
WOOFERS
S1-408
S1-410
S1-412
S1-415
S1-808
S1-810
S1-812
S1-815
O W N ER' S MAN U AL
TABL E O F C O N T E N T S
Series 1 Woofer Contents .................................................................. 1
Introduction ...................................................................................... 1
Design Features................................................................................. 1
Voice Coil ................................................................................... 1
Vented Pole Piece ....................................................................... 1
PVA Treated Cone ....................................................................... 1
Suspension .................................................................................. 2
Dual Input Terminals................................................................... 2
Low Frequency Speaker Systems ....................................................... 2
Using the Series 1 Woofer ................................................................. 2
Calculating Load Impedance ............................................................. 3
Calculating Volume .......................................................................... 3
Building An Enclosure ....................................................................... 4
Specifications .................................................................................... 5
Warranty Information ........................................................................ 6
SERIES 1 WOOFER CONTENTS
Series 1 Woofer
Owner's Manual
IN T RO D U C T I O N
This manual contains information on the construction, installation
and operation ofthe Series1 low frequencyspeakers. We recommend
you keep this manual for future reference.
The Series 1 Woofers are a full line of low frequency drivers ranging
in size from 8" to 15" in diameter. System compatibility is ensured by
offering each size at four and eight ohm impedance. Designed to offer
Rockford Fosgate quality in an affordable speaker, the Series 1
Woofers offer the beginning car stereo enthusiast an opportunity to
enjoy solid low frequency music reproduction. Our engineers have
selected materials and techniques used in building our speakers
which offer performance and reliability comparable to other speakers
selling for much more.
D E SI G N FE AT U R E S
The following section describes the methods used in constructing the
Series 1 Woofers and how each was optimized.
Black Anodized Aluminum Voice Coil Former – To improve the
reliability of the voice coil, it is wound on a black, anodized
aluminum former. Because aluminum is an efficient thermal conduc-
tor, it keeps heat from concentrating in the voice coil during normal
use.
Vented Pole Piece – To allow operation at reasonably high power
levels, ventilation is needed. This is done through the use of a vented
pole piece. The venting allows fresh air to circulate and remove the
built up heat form the voice coil assembly.
PVA Treated Paper Cone – The cone is constructed from a light-
weight, rigid paper material. The cone is treated with Polyvinyl
Acetate which lowers the resonance and reduces distortion. The PVA
also reduces damage from the harsh environmental conditions typi-
cal of a car interior.
1
Suspension – The suspension of a speaker is the part of the speaker
which controls the motion of the cone. This is what changes the
electrical energy to sound energy. The surround is constructed from
a dual laminated foam which ensures linear motion of the cone while
resisting mechanical and environmental damage.
Dual Input Terminals – To facilitate hook-up in multiple driver
configurations, each positive and negative terminal has two connect-
ing lugs. The positive terminal is identified by a dot which also
indicates the speaker's impedance. A red dot is used on a 8Ω speaker,
a violet dot on a 4Ω speaker.
LO W FREQ UENCY SPEAKER SYSTEM S
The Series 1 Woofers require an enclosure to achieve optimum
results. The enclosure allows the speaker to operate at lower frequen-
cies with improved power handling. The two most commonly used
types of low frequency speaker systems are acoustic suspension and
bass reflex. The acoustic suspension enclosure, commonly referred to
as a sealed box, relies upon the changing air pressure in a tightly
sealed chamber of its operation. The bass reflex, commonly referred
to as a ported enclosure, uses a vent inserted into the box which takes
over for the speaker at a desired frequency which is determined by the
internal volume of the enclosure and the size of the vent used. The
Series 1 Woofer will yield optimum performance in a ported enclo-
sure.
USING THE SERIES 1 WOOFERS
Speakers are built in different sizes to optimize their performance in
different frequency bands. Crossovers are used to route the different
frequency bands for each appropriate speaker. There are two opera-
tional types of crossover: active and passive. An active crossover is an
electronic filter which is placed before the amplifier and separates the
signal fed to different amplifiers in the system. A passive crossover is
positioned after the amplifier and separates the signal fed to each
speaker in the system. Active crossovers offer the accuracy and
flexibility needed for a sophisticated system and are used in complex
multiple amp designs. Passive crossovers (capacitors and inductors)
allow the use of multiple speakers in a simple system which can easily
be expanded over time. We recommend using a 6dB per octave,
100Hz low-pass crossover for the Series 1 Woofers when used with
a passive system.
To customize the installation, try adjusting the crossover point one
octave up or down to optimize the system staging.
2
CALCULATING LOAD IMPEDANCE
The Series 1 Woofers are used for the sub-bass region, those frequen-
cies below 100Hz. This is the foundation for the music and the
frequency range you feel. Before selecting the passive crossover, it is
necessary to calculate the load impedance of the speaker system. In
a series circuit the impedance is determined by the formula:
R = R + R + R …
T
1
2
3
In a parallel circuit the impedance is determined by the formula:
1
1
1
1
=
R
R +R + R …
T
1
2
3
Where R is the total speaker load and R , R , etc. represent each
T
1
2
speaker in the system.
The crossover is connected in line to the positive terminal of the
speaker system. The crossovers are available from Authorized Rock-
ford Fosgate Dealers.
CALCULATING VO LUM E
Calculating volume is merely a matter of measuring the dimensions
in inches and using the formula: Volume = Height x Width x Depth.
The result is in cubic inches. Convert this to cubic feet by dividing by
1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). If two facing sides
are of uneven length, add them together and divide by two to get the
average. Using this number will give you the volume without the
necessity of calculating the box in sections and adding the sections
together. The thickness of the baffle material determines the internal
volume. The speaker itself also reduces the internal volume. The
amount of air displaced by each model is listed on the specification
sheet and should also be subtracted from the gross volume calcula-
tion.
3
BU ILD IN G AN EN C LO SU RE
To work properly, the walls of the enclosure must be rigid and not flex
when subjected to the high pressures generated by the speaker's
operation. We recommend using 3/4" thick high density particle
board or medium density fiberboard (MDF), which are available at
most building supply stores. For a large box, internal bracing is
needed for reinforcement. The joints should be glued, using non-
flammable carpenter's glue, and secured with either nails or screws.
Internally the joints should be sealed with silicon to prevent air from
leaking. Because the high density particle board and MDF are porous
materials, it is suggested to seal the outside enclosure walls with
polyurethane. Ideally, the port should be located on the same face as
the speaker and positioned at least one port diameter away from the
side and back walls.
In Conclusion
Special care has been taken to ensure your satisfaction with the Series 1
Woofers. The materials and workmanship have been carefully se-
lected to guarantee performance equal to the needs of the most
demanding conditions. If you have any further questions or advanced
system needs, your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer will be
happy to assist you.
4
5
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Rockford Fosgate warrants all loudspeakers to the original purchaser for a period
of two (2) years parts and labor, providing the product was purchased from an
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. Speakers found to be defective during the
warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be
equivalent) at Rockford Fosgate’s discretion. Repaired or replaced speakers will
cover the balance of the original warranty period only. Warranty applies only to
original purchaser and is non-transferable. Warranty does not cover abuse or
installation error. If a determination is made that the product has been abused or
is out of the warranty period, it will be repaired, exchanged, and billed. Parts not
covered underwarrantywillbe repaired orreplaced and billed. Forspeakerboxes,
please return the speaker only. Serial number must be intact to obtain warranty.
Speakers must be returned prepaid to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
GENERAL
Electronics and speaker warranties do not cover any appearance item, any cost or
expense related to the removal or reinstallation of the product, any accessory used
in conjunction with the product, damage to the product resulting from alteration,
accident, misuse or abuse, or improper installation. This warranty does not apply
if the parts or labor, which would otherwise be provided without charge under this
warranty, are obtained from any source other than Rockford Fosgate or an
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Service Center.
The warranty is the only express warranty and does not create any implied
warranties. Rockford Fosgate limits its obligations under any implied warranties
under state laws to a period not to exceed the written warranty period. Some states
do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply. This warranty applies only to products sold in the United
States of America or its possessions. For warranty outside the U.S.A., please
contact the nearest Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. This warranty gives the
consumerspecific legalrights, and the consumermayhave otherrightswhich vary
from state to state.
A defective product must be shipped prepaid to the Authorized Rockford Fosgate
Dealer from which the consumer purchased the product or to the address below,
in the original factory carton or equivalent. Any shipping loss or damage will be
borne by the consumer or the consumer’s shipper. A consumer returning a
product to the factory should call (800) 669-9899 for a Return Authorization
Number. All shipments shall be clearly marked with the Return Authorization
Number on the outside of the shipping carton.
Rockford Corporation
609 Myrtle N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Receiving-speakers)
NO TES
NO TES
Rockford Fosgate
Rockford Corporation
546 South Rockford Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281 U.S.A.
In U.S.A., (602) 967-3565
In Canada, call Korbon (905) 567-1920
In Europe, Fax (49) 4207-801250
In Japan, Fax (81) 559-79-1265
CP-8975
7/94
|