Shallow Mount Subwoofer

Shallow mount subwoofers are specialized subwoofers that feature a slim, compact design, allowing them to be installed in tight or shallow areas of a vehicle. Unlike traditional subwoofers requiring significant mounting depth, shallow mount versions have a reduced top mount depth. This makes them ideal for installations behind seats, in doors, or even in small custom enclosures. Despite their reduced size, shallow mount subwoofers are capable of delivering impressive bass output, adding depth and punch to your car's sound system. Many models even include advanced features like cooling systems to ensure peak performance.

A shallow-mount subwoofer has a slimmer design than a regular subwoofer, making it suitable for tight spaces. Regular subwoofers tend to provide slightly better bass due to larger air displacement but require more space. Shallow-mount subwoofers are ideal when space is limited without sacrificing much performance.

The basic mechanics of a shallow mount subwoofer are similar to a traditional subwoofer—they convert electrical signals into sound by moving a cone back and forth. However, their construction involves several clever modifications to achieve their slim design:

• Shorter Voice Coil: Shallow mount subwoofers often use a shorter voice coil to reduce the overall depth of the unit. Despite being smaller, these voice coils are engineered for optimal performance, ensuring that the subwoofer can still handle high power levels, including peak power and continuous power.
• Modified Magnet Structure: The magnet structure in a shallow mount subwoofer is adjusted to keep the depth at a minimum without compromising the magnetic field needed for proper cone movement. This efficient design allows for strong bass performance despite the smaller package.
• Advanced Suspension Systems: Shallow mount subwoofers utilize advanced suspension systems that allow for the controlled movement of the cone, which is crucial for producing clean bass. This feature is especially important given the smaller space in which these subwoofers operate. Components like spiders, tinsel leads, and enhanced xmax (maximum cone excursion) contribute to superior audio quality.

Shallow mount subwoofers can be used in both sealed and ported enclosures. A sealed box provides tighter, more accurate bass, while a ported box allows for louder, deeper bass. The choice depends on your desired sound profile and space available.

One of the most significant advantages of shallow mount subwoofers is their flexibility in terms of installation. Here are some popular locations:

• Under Seats: Placing a shallow mount subwoofer under a seat is a great way to add bass without taking up any visible space in the vehicle. This location is common for sedans, trucks, and even some SUVs.
• Rear Deck: In certain vehicles, mounting a shallow subwoofer on the rear deck can produce excellent bass while keeping the trunk space clear.
• Behind the Seat: Pickup trucks and compact cars often have shallow mount subwoofers installed behind the seats. This setup allows for good bass response without interfering with passenger space.