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JL Audio 12TW3-D4 Shallow-mount 12" subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils

Item # 13612TW3

If you've got a pickup truck, sports car, or you just need to haul a lot of stuff, then you know that adding some...

If you've got a pickup truck, sports car, or you just need to haul a lot of stuff, then you know that adding some...

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21 questions - 39 answers

Item # 13612TW3

Low stock
$499.99 -$82.00 Outlet savings
$417.99 each

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About the JL Audio 12TW3-D4

John Pollard

JL Audio Built In USA Bass for challenging spaces

If you've got a pickup truck, sports car, or you just need to haul a lot of stuff, then you know that adding some bass can be a challenge. That's why JL Audio built the TW3 Series 12TW3-D4 shallow-mount subwoofer. This super-thin 12" sub puts out big bass, yet only requires minimum air space, so you can use a much smaller enclosure. Now, you can have your bass and your space too.

JL Audio Built In USA Bass for challenging spaces

If you've got a pickup truck, sports car, or you just need to haul a lot of stuff, then you know that adding some bass can be a challenge. That's why JL Audio built the TW3 Series 12TW3-D4 shallow-mount subwoofer. This super-thin 12" sub puts out big bass, yet only requires minimum air space, so you can use a much smaller enclosure. Now, you can have your bass and your space too.

JL Audio 12TW3-D4

Don't let this sub's low profile fool you, it's made for big bass.

JL Audio's amazing engineering

JL Audio used all their tricks to build a sub this slender without giving up performance. Its tough polypropylene cone won't flex under high power, and the large, durable rubber surround helps the cone move large amounts of air. The heavy-duty cast-alloy frame only stands 3-1/2" tall, but provides a stable home for this high-performance bass driver. For best results, you'll want to send this sub up to 400 watts RMS, and its dual 4-ohm voice coils make it a perfect match for a mono amplifier.

Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams

To see sample wiring diagrams for all common subwoofer/amplifier combinations, check out this informative article.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • 12" subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils
  • shallow-mount design with small airspace requirements
  • mica-filled polypropylene cone with rubber surround
  • cast alloy basket
  • power range: 100-400 watts RMS
  • peak power handling: 800 watts
  • frequency response: 22-200 Hz
  • sensitivity: 84.11 dB
  • top-mount depth: 3-1/2"
  • sealed box volume: 0.8 cubic feet
  • ported box volume: 0.95 cubic feet
  • grille not included
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # 92185

What's in the box:

  • One 12" Thin-Line subwoofer
  • Owner's manual
  • Voice coil connection warning

Scratch & Dent items may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents.

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

Customer reviews for JL Audio 12TW3-D4

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Product Research

Features
Enclosure Compatibility

Features

Thin-Line Design: JL Audio's patented thin-line woofer technology compresses the architecture of the 12TW3-D4 subwoofer and allows it to deliver great bass performance in tight space applications (less than 3½" deep). Central to the technology is the Concentric Tube structure that supports the oversized voice coil and the suspension attachments. This permits placing the motor structure much further forward in the speaker than conventional designs, while maintaining excellent linear excursion capability. Equally important, the 12TW3-D4 is designed for extremely small enclosure applications; 0.8 ft³ is optimum.

Concentric Tube Suspension: JL Audio's patented Concentric Tube Suspension employs a molded structure which spans beyond the edge of the motor structure, supporting the spider on the outside of the motor's boundaries and the large diameter voice coil on the inside. The large voice coil permits the magnet to sit inside it, rather than surrounding the coil as is typical in most woofers. The concentric tube structure and the elimination of a conventional top-plate helps JL Audio place the motor higher up into the cone body's space to further compress depth, while still permitting excellent mechanical excursion.

Mica-Filled Polypropylene Woofer: The subwoofer features an injection-molded, mica-filled polypropylene cone woofer with a rubber surround for added durability, woofer excursion and bass response.

Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA): DMA is JL Audio's proprietary method of improving dynamic motor behavior. As a result of DMA optimization, the 12TW3-D4 motor remains linear over a long excursion range, and also maintains a stable fixed magnetic field in the gap over a wide power range. The result is reduced distortion, faithfully reproduced transients, and tight, clean, articulate bass.

Floating Cone Attachment Method (FCAM): JL Audio's patented FCAM technology is an innovative method of bonding the surround/cone assembly to the voice coil/spider assembly. This assembly technique ensures proper surround geometry in the assembled speaker for better excursion control and dynamic voice coil alignment.

Enclosure Compatibility

Recommended Sealed Box Volume: The sealed box size recommended by JL Audio is 0.8 ft³. A diagram is provided in the owner's manual for a sealed box with external dimensions of 21¼" W x 16" H x 6½" D, assuming ¾" thick material. (If you are using ⅝" thick materials, subtract ¼" from each dimension.)

Ported Box Volume: JL Audio recommends a ported box volume of 0.95 ft³. A diagram is provided in the owner's manual for a ported box with external dimensions of 30" W x 16⅝" H x 6½" D, assuming ¾" thick material. (If you are using ⅝" thick materials, subtract ¼" from each dimension.) A slot port is recommended with the following dimensions:

  • Width: 5"
  • Height: 2½"
  • Length: 31¼"

Shallow Mount Design: The JL Audio 12TW3-D4 requires a mounting depth of less than 3½".

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Customer Q&A

21 questions already asked

Q
Would 350 watts RMS at 4-ohm be sufficient for this sub? And/or would 600 watts RMS at 2-ohm be too much?
andre  Jun 16, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Andre, and thank you for your question. This JL sub can either be wired to 2 ohms, or 8 ohms. Not 4. 600 watts would be too much for this sub if you want it to still be under warranty. Its rated for 400 watts, and thats the most I can tell you to give it.
hogan  Jun 16, 2023 (Staff)
Q
can this fit in 23 bronco sub delete spot?
gregory  May 14, 2023
1 answer
A
Unfortunately, we do not currently have measurements of this speaker location in order to confirm fit.
zachary  May 15, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Can you replace the existing foam cover if damaged? Or is the foam not replaceable?
alberto  May 08, 2023
1 answer
A
Thank you for your question, Alberto. From what I am seeing the foam cover isn't replaceable. You may want to reach out to the manufacturer JL Audio Customer Service 954-624-0113 or if you purchased from us feel free to give our technical support team a call, their number can be found on your invoice and you receive lifetime technical support when you purchase from Crutchfield!
andrea  May 08, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I am wanting to get these for a c10. Is one 12" enough for a small cab truck? Should i go with two? Or would the 10" versions be better suited?
wesley  Dec 11, 2022
1 answer
A
Greetings Wes, and thank you for your question. Everyone will have different needs when it comes to bass. Some like more, some like less, some like none. Please contact one of our advisors at 800-324-9695 to see what will be best for you and your C10.
hogan  Dec 11, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I would like to use this subwoofer (JL Audio 12TW3-D4) with the custom MTX speaker box (F150C04BK12A-TN / F150C04C12A-TN) custom made for my specific truck 2004 F-150. Would that box be sufficient?
william kenneth  Apr 02, 2022
1 answer
A
We do not know the maximum driver depth and also do not know the internal air space within that enclosure. We do know that the amp built into that sub box will not be able to properly power the subwoofer. We recommend that a subwoofer get at least 70% of its top RMS watts. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to get a personal recommendation on a matched setup
jason  Apr 09, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will 2 of them hit pretty hard? Like being heard from down the block hard?
raul  Jan 01, 2022
1 answer
A
I was impressed with the one I installed in a boat. Its in a properly sized sealed enclosure being powered by the recommended watts. It reproduces the base very well even though it is being used outside. So while it is a slim design, it does not sacrifice any performance.
william  Jan 01, 2022
Q
Can these subs work off factory head unit?
gregory  Sep 28, 2020
1 answer
A
I'd say no. I have 500 watt mono alpine pushing mine
john  Sep 28, 2020
Q
is this sub compatible with Rockford Fosgate R500X1D 1 Channel 500w Monoblock?
salvador  Aug 07, 2020
2 answers
A
I am using an alpine 500 watt mono amp and it pushes this speaker with no issues. Have the gain turned up barely halfway and it's more than enuff
john  Aug 07, 2020
A
It should be you just got to wire it up with the right ohms Google Crutchfield subwoofer wiring diagrams put in your information of what you have and what you're getting it'll show you if it's compatible and how to wire it up for the right olhms
john m  Aug 07, 2020
Q
Can I run this sub to a bridges 2ohm amp?
debra  Jun 23, 2020
1 answer
A
I have 2 wired to 1 ohm on a 800w amp. Im sure you could with 1 sub
beau  Jun 23, 2020
Q
Can I run this sub to a bridges 2ohm amp?
debra  Jun 23, 2020
1 answer
A
Yes you can. Wire the JL 12TW3-D4 in parallel. It will be a 2 ohm load in this configuration. Hope this helps you!
andrew  Jun 23, 2020
Q
What is the minimum air space these can perform well (sealed)? I understand recommended is .8
shane  May 12, 2020
2 answers
A
i've always run the speakers at the recommended box size.
steve  May 14, 2020
A
That is correct. I have 4 12tw3-d8 woofers on a Rockford T-1500bdcp with .8 cubic feet each. Really pounds. These woofers are great and it's amazing how little airspace they require. Enjoy dude!
andrew  May 12, 2020
Q
Can I use an Alpine PDX-V9 amp to power this sub?
marvin  Feb 23, 2020
2 answers
A
I would run this speaker to 2ohms with your pdx v9. This will give you more than enough!
brett  Mar 17, 2020
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Mar 17, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Can the JL 12TW3-D4 able to run in 1 ohm for two of them?
chris  Sep 05, 2019
2 answers
A
I have two of them on my Toyota Tundra bridged to 1 ohm using a 1000/1 old school JL amp and they hit super hard! No one ever believes me that they're shallow mount.
alfredo  Sep 06, 2019
A
If you wire both coils in parallel then wire both woofers in parallel, the load should be 1 ohm. Hope this helps! Best of luck!
andrew  Sep 06, 2019
Q
Will a kicker 600 watt amp power 2 of these or should I go a little higher wattage?
jarred  Jun 25, 2019
3 answers
A
I returned mine I never use them I got the 12 W6v3 and I'm running a Rockford punch he 1000 that's about 1400 watt amplifier when I'm keeping everything JL so I'm ordering the new amplifier JL Audio has a nice p1000 that ain't had some nice power
john m  Jul 04, 2019
A
Im pushing my two with a Rockford Fosgate 1000
casey  Jul 04, 2019
A
I would push 500 watts to each one. I also ported my box and it sounds incredible
edward  Jul 04, 2019
Q
Will a kicker 600 watt amp power 2 of these or should I go a little higher wattage?
jarred  Jun 25, 2019
3 answers
A
It should be ok 800 to 1000 would be better. I have 400 watt RMS for one.
david  Jul 03, 2019
A
I have a 500 powering one if I had 2 I'd go 1000 watt
tyler  Jul 03, 2019
A
Im using a 1200 watt amp thats only running at 4 ohm and I'm getting enough power to push them pretty effectively in my opinion, 400 up to 800 watts seems to be a good ballpark to aim for. Hope this helps you
michael  Jul 03, 2019
Q
Is a jx500/1d amp enough to push this sub?
michael  Jan 03, 2018
2 answers
A
Looking at the specs, that amp should be adequate. I suggest running the sub in a vented box built to JL specs for maximum performance.
jonathan  Jan 03, 2018
A
That would be perfect, just make sure the gains are set properly so there is no clipping
chris  Jan 03, 2018
Q
How would this compare to the 10TW3. SQ wise? Having a hard time deciding which one to get. I don't listen to music blazing, but do appreciate good SQ base.
howard  Jun 04, 2017
4 answers
A
They are very similar I would say the 10 is a touch more crisp but the 12 is more pronounced. If you are only wanting one sub I would get the 12tw3 but two 10tw3's is a great package.
hunter  Jun 05, 2017
A
It depends on what you're listening too. I listen to Hiphop/Rap and Techno, so I always go with a 12". I have the sub in a ported box built almost completely to spec. Great output and SQ, though it doesn't go as deep as a sealed 12W6. SQ sounds almo like it's in a sealed enclosure. I'd go with the 12" for most music,
jonathan  Jun 05, 2017
A
The 12 is going to reproduce the lowest of frequencies better than the 10 which makes for better SQ. its definitely surprising how accurate and responsive the sub is given it's shallow frame.
jason  Jun 05, 2017
A
The 12TW3-D4 gives you a deeper harder hitting bass. The 10TW3 gives you a more defined thump. If you like your bass clean and crisp with a hard punch choose the 10. If you want earth shattering bass with a hard thump choose the 12. I prefer the 12.
john  Jun 04, 2017
Q
How well would this sub work with a slot ported box?
ricky aaron  Mar 08, 2015
5 answers
A
It'll work awesome in either one , ported or sealed i have tried in both its an amazing sub , I totally recommend it to you , you WONT be disappointed , just go for the specs measurements and it'll be amazing .
fernando  Mar 09, 2015
A
Do not- instead put it in a sealed box . You will not be disappointed
jack  Mar 09, 2015
A
Don't know. My box is sealed and the manual recommends a sealed box.
tracey  Mar 09, 2015
A
This sub is not designed to be used in a ported box - it should only be used in a sealed enclosure.
paul  Mar 09, 2015
A
Hey. I have mine in a sealed box and it hits super hard - about the only thing I can tell you is it FAAR outperforms the other short form speakers I've tried. I am sure as long as you get the airspace right with the ported enclosure it will get down nice and low for you.
michael  Mar 09, 2015
Q
would a 1200 watt amp be alright for two of these subs?
justin  Jul 26, 2014
3 answers
A
Yes, sounds like too much power.
jonathan  Jun 05, 2017
A
You'd def be overpowering them like crazy if that's RMS power... Make sure you keep that gain down otherwise you'll blow them...
daniel  Jul 27, 2014
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
greg  Jul 26, 2014 (Staff)
Q
What amps paired well w/ these subs?
luis  May 01, 2014
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  May 02, 2014 (Staff)
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