Name: JL Audio 12TW3-D4
Brand: JL Audio
SKU: 13612TW3
Price: 499.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (55 reviews)

Overview

by Crutchfield's

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.

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Bass for challenging spaces

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.

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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
Our 60-day money-back guarantee
MFR # 92185

What's in the box:

JL Audio 12TW3-D4 owner's manual

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

Featured review

Great product! This is exactly what I needed to add some extra bass when I didn't have a lot of room to spare. This shallow mount sub fit perfectly under the back seat of my Silverado crew cab. It's built strong and hits hard. I am very pleased.

Paul from Jacksonville

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Customer Q&A

can this fit in 23 bronco sub delete spot?

Unfortunately, we do not currently have measurements of this speaker location in order to confirm fit.

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JL Audio 12TW3-D4 reviews

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55 reviews

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's Pat M.

Features & specs


Size	12 -inch
Impedance (Ohms)	2, 8
Cone Material	Mica-filled IMPP
Surround Material	Rubber
Ideal Sealed Box Volume (cubic feet)	0.8
Ideal Ported Box Volume (cubic feet)	0.95
Port diameter (inches)	N/A
Port length (inches)	N/A
Free-Air	No
Dual Voice Coil	Yes
Sensitivity	84.11 dB at 1 watt
Frequency Response	22 - 200 Hz
Max RMS Power Handling	400
Peak Power Handling (Watts)	800
Top Mount Depth (inches)	3 1/2
Bottom Mount Depth (inches)	N/A
Cutout Diameter or Length (inches)	11 5/8
Vas (liters)	48.73
Fs (Hz)	26.46
Qts	0.531
Xmax (millimeters)	15.2
Parts Warranty	1 Year
Labor Warranty	1 Year

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".

Accessories

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Q&A

20 questions already asked

can this fit in 23 bronco sub delete spot?

[ GREGORY May 14, 2023 ]

1 answer

Unfortunately, we do not currently have measurements of this speaker location in order to confirm fit.

[ ZACHARY May 15, 2023 ] Staff

Can you replace the existing foam cover if damaged? Or is the foam not replaceable?

[ Alberto May 08, 2023 ]

1 answer

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

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

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.

[ THOMAS Dec 11, 2022 ] Staff

I plan to install this under the back seat in my truck, down firing. How much clearance is needed from the mounting surface to the floor so that the sub will not come in contact with the floor at maximum excursion?

[ NICK May 06, 2022 ]

1 answer

This speaker has about 1" excursion but i would make sure at least 2" and preferably 2.5" available to prevent damage. ????

[ RANDALL May 07, 2022 ]

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

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

Will 2 of them hit pretty hard? Like being heard from down the block hard?

[ Raul Jan 01, 2022 ]

1 answer

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 ]

Can these subs work off factory head unit?

[ Gregory Sep 28, 2020 ]

1 answer

I'd say no. I have 500 watt mono alpine pushing mine

[ JOHN Sep 28, 2020 ]

is this sub compatible with Rockford Fosgate R500X1D 1 Channel 500w Monoblock?

[ SALVADOR Aug 07, 2020 ]

2 answers

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 ]

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 ]

Can I run this sub to a bridges 2ohm amp?

[ DEBRA Jun 23, 2020 ]

1 answer

I have 2 wired to 1 ohm on a 800w amp. Im sure you could with 1 sub

[ BEAU Jun 23, 2020 ]

Can I run this sub to a bridges 2ohm amp?

[ DEBRA Jun 23, 2020 ]

1 answer

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 ]

What is the minimum air space these can perform well (sealed)? I understand recommended is .8

[ shane May 12, 2020 ]

2 answers

i've always run the speakers at the recommended box size.

[ Deborah May 14, 2020 ]

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 ]

Can I use an Alpine PDX-V9 amp to power this sub?

[ MARVIN Feb 23, 2020 ]

2 answers

I would run this speaker to 2ohms with your pdx v9. This will give you more than enough!

[ BRETT Mar 17, 2020 ]

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

Can the JL 12TW3-D4 able to run in 1 ohm for two of them?

[ Chris Sep 05, 2019 ]

2 answers

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 ]

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 ]

Will a kicker 600 watt amp power 2 of these or should I go a little higher wattage?

[ Jarred Jun 25, 2019 ]

3 answers

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 ]

Im pushing my two with a Rockford Fosgate 1000

[ Casey Jul 04, 2019 ]

I would push 500 watts to each one. I also ported my box and it sounds incredible

[ Edward Jul 04, 2019 ]

Will a kicker 600 watt amp power 2 of these or should I go a little higher wattage?

[ Jarred Jun 25, 2019 ]

3 answers

It should be ok 800 to 1000 would be better. I have 400 watt RMS for one.

[ DAVID Jul 03, 2019 ]

I have a 500 powering one if I had 2 I'd go 1000 watt

[ Tyler Jul 03, 2019 ]

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 ]

Is a jx500/1d amp enough to push this sub?

[ Michael Jan 03, 2018 ]

2 answers

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 ]

That would be perfect, just make sure the gains are set properly so there is no clipping

[ Chris Jan 03, 2018 ]

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

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

How well would this sub work with a slot ported box?

[ RICKY AARON Mar 08, 2015 ]

5 answers

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 ]

Do not- instead put it in a sealed box . You will not be disappointed

[ Jack Mar 09, 2015 ]

Don't know. My box is sealed and the manual recommends a sealed box.

[ TRACEY Mar 09, 2015 ]

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 ]

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 ]

would a 1200 watt amp be alright for two of these subs?

[ justin Jul 26, 2014 ]

3 answers

Yes, sounds like too much power.

[ JONATHAN Jun 05, 2017 ]

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 ]

[ Greg Jul 26, 2014 ] Staff

What amps paired well w/ these subs?

[ Luis May 01, 2014 ]

1 answer