Do you want to elevate the bass of your audio and looking for an affordable compact subwoofer? Then you have landed on the right page which will assist you to find the Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer.
Shallow Mount 12 subwoofers can be installed on different types of vehicles irrespective of their size. Car owners can equip their vehicles with Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer to increase the bass in their car with less space without giving up on trunk space. Best slim subwoofer can be mounted in car even if you’re less on space, still you can elevate your audio system.
Shallow Mount subwoofers are lightweight, small in size and come with different easy installation methods. Shallow subwoofers technology has changed a lot in the last few years. Bass cannot be raised with the help of ordinary stereo already mounted in the car or truck. These subwoofers are specifically designed to be fixed in smaller spaces of cars
Either you’re searching for a durable subwoofer or a lightweight, compact design, this article will provide you a complete guideline for selecting the best Shallow Mount Subwoofer in best possible price. Whether you have less space in your vehicle, there is no need to compromise on audio quality. Subwoofer come in different sizes ranging from 8 to 12 inches in accordance with the capability of vehicles. However, most of the users prefer 12 inches subwoofers. A complete list of subwoofers is given below to ensure that you find the right product for your audio bass along with the best budget.
Contents
Top 3 Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer 2023
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Kenwood
- Model Name: Excelon KFC-XW1200F
- Color: Black
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Rockford Fosgate
- Model Name: Rockford Fosgate
- Mounting Type: Floor Standing
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: PIONEER
- Mounting Type: Shallow Mounting
- Recommended Product: For Cars
Comparison table of 7 Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EDITORS CHOICE
| Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F 12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.5
| Check on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
| Rockford Fosgate R2 ultra shallow subwoofer
|
4.5
| Check on Amazon |
|
TOP CHOICE
| Pioneer TS-Z10LS2 12 inches Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.4
| Check on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
 | Alpine SWT-10S2 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.4
| Check on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
 | Kicker 43CWRT102 CompRT Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.5
| Check on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
 | Infinity Reference REF1200S 12 inches Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.4
| Check on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
 | Skar Audio VD-10 D4 Shallow Mount Subwoofer
|
4.5
| Check on Amazon |
The Best 12 inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer 2023
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Kenwood
- Model Name: Excelon KFC-XW1200F
- Color: Black
Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F subwoofer can generate quality bass in your audio system in affordable range making it the best Shallow Mount 12 subwoofer. This subwoofer is only 4 inches deep and 12 inches wide so it can easily fit in small spaces of your car. Its frequency range is between 30Hz to 700Hz and 91db sensitivity. Its compact design promises high quality bass and optimum performance. When we throw light on the features of kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F Shallow Mount Subwoofer, it is a best budget product with appropriate quality.
The cone of this sub is comprised of carbon-glass fibre with a honey-comb pattern. This particular pattern increases its performance and raises the bass in your car. The honey-comb pattern also helps to restrain the system from heating up hence making it more durable. This sub is said to be the hardest hitting Shallow Mount Subwoofer as it consist of all the major qualities that car owners are looking for.
Our Verdict:
Additionally, kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F has a carbon-glass fiber cone which is surrounded by rubber ring that helps to prevent the audio from external distortion. Moreover, it has an aluminium basket with cooling vents to provide maximum distribution of heat even when the system is performing with the maximum level of frequencies. Not only this, the unit comprises of silver coated terminals which are safe and easy in use. These push terminals issue an exceptional transfer of signals at the maximum speed as per the user’s preference.
This subwoofer provides the quality as well as the durability. It comes with the sensitivity of 91db which makes it possible to provide maximum volume levels with minimum power ratings. There is no need of amplifier if you want to optimize the bass in your audio system.
- Higher level of sensitivity of 91db.
- Maximum level of bass.
- Carbon-glass fibre cone with rubber surrounding.
- Honey-comb pattern prevents the unit from external distortion.
- Aluminium basket provides cooling vents.
- Durability
- Affordability
- Can be adjusted in small spaces.
- It doesn’t provide dual voice coil.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Rockford Fosgate
- Model Name: Rockford Fosgate
- Mounting Type: Floor Standing
Next product in the list of the best Shallow Mount 12 subwoofer is Rockford Fosgate R2 ultra shallow subwoofer. This unit is quite affordable as compared to its performance. Rockford Fosgate R2 has the capability of providing high quality bass in a very reasonable price. This subwoofer is made to be installed in small and tight spaces. Not only this, the Rockford sub is quite easy to install. This unit is good for beginners who are looking forward to raise the bass of audio system in the best possible budget.
If we give a close look on features of this subwoofer, Rockford Fosgate R2 includes anodized aluminium voice coil which prevents the unit from getting heat up. Its aluminium voice coil acts as a cooling vent when the sub is used with maximum SPL levels. In addition to that, this Shallow Mount provides 16 AWG tinsel leads linear spider. These tinsel leads facilitate the sub with performance and reliability by reducing the external distortion and heat. Moreover, this shallow Mount Subwoofer conforms to the quality standards of CEA-2031 as it can be safely used with RMS power levels.
Our Verdict:
Furthermore, this shallow mount is installed with mica polypropylene cone that provides you with high signal speed increasing the levels of bass. Although it is lighter in weight, still it can easily compress enough air to provide high quality of bass. It’s polypropylene cone assures the durability and reliability of the product even if it is used in rough circumstances. Lastly, it is equipped with stamp cast basket with spider venting so that you don’t have to confront with any problem during high power supply. The spider venting acts as a cooling vent to lower down the heat during high levels of power ratings.
- Quite affordable and budget friendly.
- Consist of dual voice coil.
- Specifically made for beginners as it is easy to install.
- Anodized aluminium voice coil which prevents the unit from getting heated up.
- 16 AWG tinsel leads facilitate to avoid external distortion.
- Conforms to the quality standards of CEA-2031.
- Polypropylene cone assures high speed of signal transfer.
- Light in weight.
- Spider venting stamp cast basket prevents from blowing up during high power supply.
- Low levels of RMS.
- Distortion during heavy bass.
- Less impressive bass as compared to that of other subwoofers of the same category.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: PIONEER
- Mounting Type: Shallow Mounting
- Recommended Product: For Cars
When it comes to efficiency, pioneer TS-Z10LS2 12 inches Shallow Mount Subwoofer can be enlisted as the best Shallow Mount 12 Subwoofer. This shallow mount has exceptional features that allows the best high level bass in low cost. The 12 inches pioneer TS-Z10LS2 shallow mount has an oversized cone surface which increases the cone size without increasing the overall size of the unit. Pioneer shallow mount includes mica resin cone which increases the cone size and bass quality. The elevated surface area allows the unit to compress more air which ultimately produces high levels of bass in audio system.
In addition to that, this unit is equipped with angled push terminals that allows the user to connect it with vehicle easily and efficiently. Over and above this, TS-Z10LS2 have dual spiders that allow the unit to have more stable connection with the cone. This stability ensures high speed of signal transfer and highly responsive bass levels. These features make it hardest hitting Shallow Mount Subwoofer.
Our Verdict:
Furthermore, this shallow mount comes with different accessories that can be used to mount the sub easily where it has to be adjusted. Its box includes L-shaped two metallic brackets and eight self-tapping screws with the help of which the unit can be fitted in any desirable position and direction. Pioneer shallow mount subwoofer can be easily fitted in small spaces with ease.
- Can be easily installed in any direction with the help of accessories.
- Low in cost
- Oversized mica resin cone increases the bass quality.
- Angled push terminals for stable connection.
- Dual spiders
- Light in weight
- Compact in size
- Powerful bass level
- It is not durable.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Alpine
- Mounting Type: Truck
- Color: Black
Compact is the perfect word that describes the Alpine SWT-10S2 Shallow Mount Subwoofer in the list of best Shallow Mount subwoofer. Alpine subwoofer can easily cope up with high supply of power as it is equipped with neodymium magnet in the sub body that is more powerful than that of the normal sub. Its excellent airflow management system makes it capable of working for long hours without heating up.
Alpine subwoofer consists of aluminium cone that makes it lightweight and durable. The aluminium cone is surrounded by rubber ring which makes the cone rigid in its place and increases the bass quality of your audio system. Another advantage of this shallow mount subwoofer is that it can be used in extreme conditions without any effect on the performance.
Our Verdict:
Alpine SWT-10S has neodymium magnet structure which produces high quality bass in a very little time. In addition to that, it has 600 Watts RMS power so you can expect the highest performance from this sub as compared to that of other relative subs. It can reach the maximum of 1800 watts thus making the bass most powerful and deeper. Moreover, alpine subwoofer contains aluminium heat sinks for cooling down the unit during excessive use. This features makes it reliable even during the extreme conditions.
Alpine shallow mount subwoofer has a thin design which makes it easier to install in small space of the car and it also has FEA optimization with elevated performance.
- Neodymium magnet structure for handling high power supply.
- Airflow management system for heat dissipation.
- Aluminium cone with rubber surrounding for better speed of signal transfer.
- Can work for long hours.
- 600 watts RMS power which can be maximized up to 1800 watts
- Aluminium heat sinks
- FEA optimization
- The price is higher as compared to that of other subs of the same category.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: KICKER
- Mounting Type: Shallow Mount,Car Mount
- Color: Black
Kicker is a well-known company when it comes to vehicle audio accessories. Kicker can be named as one of the best Shallow Mount 12 subwoofer due to its design and mounted depth. It can be easily installed in any vehicle as per your desire. Its enclosures have round corners which makes it aesthetically appealing along with the provision of high level of bass. Kicker 43CWRT102 Comp RT Shallow Mount Subwoofer is specifically designed to deliver high performance with the help of front ports increasing the bass level. It has inbuilt terminals that assist the sub to work with high levels of power supply.
Kicker’s proprietary cone technology uses a red stitch to connect the sub with back brace to make it a single unit for a more powerful performance. This addition eliminates the chances of sound distortion. The cone is surrounded by steel basket which reduces the vibration during high levels of bass.
Our Verdict:
Additionally, kicker 43CWRT102 Shallow Mount Subwoofer features dual voice coils which means that this unit can be easily used for playing soft tunes as well as high bass tunes. The dual voice coils can be mounted from 1 ohm up to 4 ohm as per the user’s requirement. The shallow mount can be installed on the motorcycles and ATV as well. However, it has RMS rating of 500 watts which is quite low as compared to the RMS rating of other best Shallow Mount 12 subwoofers.
- Compact design to fit in tight spaces
- Easy to install
- Consumes less power
- Suitable impedance rating
- Dual voice coils
- Higher sensitivity ratings of 96db
- Reliability
- Frequencies from 23 Hz to 400 Hz
- Light in weight
- It has the risk of blowing up if right accessories are not used.
- RMS rating of only 300 watts.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Infinity
- Mounting Type: Shallow Mount
- Color: Black
Infinity Reference REF1200S is considered as one of the best Shallow Mount 12 subwoofer as it is specifically designed to fit in small cars of today’s technology without leaving behind the urge of enhancing bass of audio system. It can easily fit in tight spaces and very easy to install. This unit is light in weight and consumes less power supply which means you don’t have to compromise on the sound quality due to your small vehicle.
Infinity Reference allows to select impedance rating ranging from 2 ohm to 4 ohm depending upon the desire of user. Its dual voice coils ensure safety and stability. The most important feature of this subwoofer is its sensitivity rating which is 96db and produces outstanding bass without any sound distortion. However, the RMS rating is only 300 watts.
Our Verdict:
When it comes to reliability, Infinity Reference REF1200S shallow mount subwoofer promises to deliver high performance even in extreme conditions. Infinity Reference guarantees you that the sub will last for years without compromising its quality and performance.
Furthermore, shallow mount subwoofer has a frequency range from 23 Hz to 400 Hz which conform to the low frequencies produced by the speakers of car. But you should be careful to match the subwoofer with right accessories otherwise it might increase the risk of blowing up.
- Higher level of sensitivity of 91db.
- Maximum level of bass.
- Carbon-glass fibre cone with rubber surrounding.
- Honey-comb pattern prevents the unit from external distortion.
- Aluminium basket provides cooling vents.
- Durability
- Affordability
- Can be adjusted in small spaces.
- It doesn’t provide dual voice coil.
Specifications:
- Speaker Type: Subwoofer
- Brand: Skar Audio
- Model Name: VD-10 D4
- Mounting Type: Shallow Mount,Car Mount
Skar Audio VD-10 D4 is one of the best Shallow Mount 12 Subwoofer which is specifically designed to handle high power supply without compromising on the performance of audio system. It features Conex spider for handling high levels of bass power with the help of outstanding heating management system to cool down the equipment during extreme conditions.
This shallow mount subwoofer has pressed paper cone structure which provides stability and rigidity to produce high standard bass. This subwoofer cone is structured to prevent sound distortion during heavy supply of power and bass. In addition to that, skar Audio VD-10 D4 has a competitive edge of its durability when compared to other subwoofers of the same category.
Our Verdict:
One of the appealing features of Skar Audio VD-10 D4 is Bose UFS-20 metal stands that holds it rigidly in place while hiding the wires and preventing it from slipping. The cooling management system allows it to operate for long hours without the risk of over heating. This unit comes with different accessories like enclosure brackets which makes it easy to install even for the beginners.
- Comes with dual voice coils
- Conex spider for high bass handling
- UFS-20 metal stands for holding it rigidly
- Paper pressed cone structure to enhance stability and to avoid sound distortion
- Durability
- Great cooling management system
- Low frequency levels.
- Not up to the mark sound quality.
Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer: Buying Guide
If you’re looking for space-saving sound gadgets, shallow mount subwoofers are the best option available. But, buying the best shallow mount 12 subwoofers can be tricky as it requires seral considerations. Factors such as the material of the cone, frequency response, durability, impedance, and power handling, should be thoroughly considered before you put your money on a hard-hitting shallow mount subwoofer. To keep your buying experience hassle-free, here’s a guide to help you get the best shallow mount 12 inch subwoofers.
Power Handling
Subwoofers come with peak power values or ratings that show their highest limits for power handling. More power is sent to the woofers when the volume gets turned up. This power raise makes the cones move faster, resulting in large sound waves.
In case of excessive power, the circuit unit may experience heat damage. Therefore, one must consider the Peak Power and RMS values before buying a shallow mount subwoofer. RMS shows the amount of continuous power that is safe to use with the woofers, while the peak power values indicate the values above which the woofers would ace heat damage. While choosing a shallow mount subwoofer, you need to find the one with an RMS equal to that of your amplifier’s RMS. It will make a complimentary match that won’t ruin your woofers when you turn the volume up.
Impedance
Impedance is the resistance produced in reaction to the current given by the amplifier. Lower values of resistance or impedance allow higher amounts of current from the amplifier, which would result in higher sound outputs. While if the impedance values are too high, then the current will be too low, resulting in low sound outputs. Therefore, one needs to select a subwoofer that gives balanced levels of impedance that are not too high or too low.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to how loud a woofer would get with one-watt power. Subwoofers with higher sensitivity levels produce better sounds. Low RMS amplifiers work best only with highly sensitive subwoofers. Therefore, one should keep this factor in mind while buying a shallow mount 12 subwoofer.
Size Factor
Shallow mount subwoofers come in a size range of 8-15″. Here, 8-inch subs are the smallest option offering soft and light bass. 10-inch subwoofers give moderate bass and have a perfectly round outlook. The 12-inch design is the best one out there, in my opinion, as it provides higher bass and is suitable for most types of music. Finally, the 15-inch ones offer the highest levels of bass and the largest size for a subwoofer, making them ideal for big cars or trucks only.
Frequency Response
The range of frequency that a subwoofer is compatible with is the frequency response of that sub. Subwoofers have frequency response ranges between 20-250Hz. Subwoofers with lower frequency response rates may produce distorted sounds. Contrastingly, the ones with higher frequency response rates offer better sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size of subwoofer is preferable?
The smaller subwoofers are more responsive and faster. 8 inches subwoofers are re recommended for heavy rock music with double bass. 10 inches Shallow Mount Subwoofers are the most common ones with good bass. Whereas, 12 inches subwoofers deliver exceptional quality of bass.
What should be the recommended power rating?
In the technology market, you can find Shallow Mount with RMS power ratings of 400 watts, 800 watts, 1200 watts and 1500 watts. However, highest power rating will ensure the greatest delivery of performance.
Does installation method matters?
Many subwoofers in the market come with enclosures and accessories box to make its installation easy for the beginners. New users prefer not only bass performance but also the ease of installation.
Is it necessary to keep in mind cooling management system while purchasing Shallow Mount?
Cooling management system includes cooling vents that prevent the unit from blowing up during extreme usage conditions. When used excessively, shallow mount can heat up resulting in the failure of its performance. So it is preferable to keep in mind the capacity of cooling vents of the product.
Conclusion
Shallow subwoofers technology has changed a lot in the last few years. Bass cannot be raised with the help of ordinary stereo of car. The subwoofers are specifically designed to be fixed in smaller spaces of vehicles. It is recommended to highlight frequency response, impedance rating, sensitivity, power supply handling and accurate size while selecting the best Shallow Mount subwoofer for your vehicle. Other than that, also consider that the accessories are in accordance with the specifications of your selected subwoofer and your vehicle.