Wiring of Dual Voice Coil Speaker Drivers

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Wiring dual voice coil (DVC) drivers can be tricky if you’re not well-versed in electrical circuits. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, explaining each wiring configuration and how they impact your speaker’s power handling and impedance.

What is a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) Driver

DVC drivers are speaker drivers that contain two separate voice coils, each with its own terminal, wound around a common cylinder attached to the speaker cone. Unlike single voice coil (SVC) drivers, which have only one set of voice coils, DVC drivers offer greater flexibility in wiring configurations.

A typical DVC driver has two coils that can be wired in different configurations—series, parallel, or independently. This ability to reconfigure the impedance makes DVC drivers particularly useful audio setups to match with amplifiers.

Why Do Some Speaker Driver have Dual Voice Coils?

1. Improved Control: By offering multiple wiring options, DVC drivers allow for better control over the speaker’s power handling and output. This is especially useful in custom installations where precise tuning is required.
2. Wiring Flexibility: DVC drivers can be wired in series or parallel, allowing for a wider range of impedance options. This flexibility can help optimize the driver’s performance according to the amplifier’s specifications.
3. Multi-Driver Setups: With the ability to change the impedance, DVC drivers make it easier to match multiple drivers in a system. This ensures that the combined load presented to the amplifier is optimal, allowing for more efficient power distribution and better overall performance in setups involving multiple speakers or subwoofers.

Series Wiring Configuration

Wiring a DVC driver in series involves connecting the positive terminal of one coil to the negative terminal of the other coil. The remaining positive and negative terminals are then connected to the amplifier.

Impact on Impedance:

• In a series configuration, the impedance of the coils adds up. For example, two 4-ohm coils wired in series will result in an 8-ohm load.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Connect the positive terminal of Coil 1 to the negative terminal of Coil 2.
2. Connect the remaining terminals (one positive and one negative) to the amplifier’s corresponding outputs.
3. Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure.

When to Use Series Wiring:

• Series wiring is beneficial when you need to match a higher impedance amplifier or when you want to reduce the current draw from the amplifier. It’s also useful in scenarios where multiple speakers are connected to the same amplifier.

Parallel Wiring Configuration

In a parallel wiring configuration, the positive terminals of both coils are connected together, as are the negative terminals. This configuration is then connected to the amplifier.

Impact on Impedance:

• In a parallel configuration, the impedance is halved. For example, two 4-ohm coils wired in parallel will result in a 2-ohm load.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Connect the positive terminals of both coils together.
2. Connect the negative terminals of both coils together.
3. Connect these combined terminals to the amplifier’s corresponding outputs.
4. Verify the connections to avoid any short circuits.

When to Use Parallel Wiring:

• Parallel wiring is ideal when you want to maximize the power output from a lower impedance amplifier. It is often used in car audio systems where high output is desired.

Independent Wiring Configuration

In some setups, you may choose to wire each coil independently, allowing for separate amplification and control.

Impact on Impedance:

• Each coil operates independently, maintaining its own impedance, which can be matched with separate channels of an amplifier or different amplifiers.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Connect the positive and negative terminals of Coil 1 to one amplifier channel.
2. Connect the positive and negative terminals of Coil 2 to a second amplifier channel.
3. Ensure both amplifier channels are set to the same output level to maintain balance.

When to Use Independent Wiring:

• Independent wiring is useful in advanced setups, such as bi-amping or when using digital signal processors (DSP) to control each coil separately. This configuration offers the most control, but requires careful tuning.

Matching Impedance

Matching the impedance of your DVC drivers to your amplifier is very important for maintaining system stability and performance. If the impedance is too low, the amplifier may overheat or go into protection mode. If the impedance is too high, the amplifier may not deliver enough power to the driver.

Calculating Impedance:

• Series Wiring: Impedance = Coil 1 + Coil 2
• Parallel Wiring: Impedance = (Coil 1 × Coil 2) / (Coil 1 + Coil 2)
• Independent Wiring: Impedance remains the same as each coil’s rating

Examples:

• Two 4-ohm coils wired in series = 8 ohms
• Two 4-ohm coils wired in parallel = 2 ohms

Applications:

• Series Wiring: Use when connecting to high-impedance amplifiers
• Parallel Wiring: Use when maximizing power output from low-impedance amplifiers
• Independent Wiring: Use in bi-amping or DSP-controlled setups for fine-tuning (Expert Users Only)

Ensuring Proper Phase Alignment

Phase alignment is critical in any audio setup. Misaligned phases between DVC drivers or between multiple speakers can result in phase cancellation, which reduces bass output and overall sound quality.

Checking Phase Alignment:

• Ensure that the positive and negative terminals are consistently wired.
• Use a phase tester or a simple battery test to check the movement of the speaker cones. The cones should move in the same direction when a small voltage is applied.

Troubleshooting Phase Issues:

• If you notice a loss of bass or a hollow sound, check the phase alignment. Reversing the wiring on one coil can often resolve these issues.
• Use an SPL meter or real-time analyzer (RTA) to verify phase alignment in your listening environment.

Power Handling and Amplifier

The way you wire your DVC drivers affects their power handling capability. Proper amplifier selection ensures that your drivers receive the right amount of power without distortion or damage.

Power Handling Tips:

• Ensure that the amplifier’s power output matches the combined impedance of the DVC wiring.
• Avoid overloading the amplifier by wiring too many drivers in parallel.
• If using independent wiring, ensure each amplifier channel is set equally to avoid imbalance.

Common Pitfalls:

• Overloading: Wiring DVC drivers in parallel without considering the amplifier’s minimum impedance can overload the amplifier, leading to shutdowns or damage.
• Underpowering: An underpowered amplifier can result in weak bass response and potential driver damage over time.

To Summarize

We explored the fundamentals of dual voice coil (DVC) drivers, including their wiring flexibility, how different configurations impact impedance and power handling, and when to use series, parallel, or independent wiring setups. Key considerations like phase alignment, impedance matching, and amplifier selection were also highlighted to ensure optimal system performance.

Final Tips for a Successful DVC Setup:

• Always double-check your wiring connections to prevent phase issues or short circuits.
• Match the impedance of your driver configuration with the amplifier’s specifications to avoid overloading or underpowering your system.
• Use tools like SPL meters or phase testers to ensure power phase alignment.