What's Louder? One 18" subwoofer or two 12's? Car Audio

Today we discuss what is louder, one 18" subwoofer or two 12's. Also, be sure to post questions below and I will try to turn them into videos. Cheers!

[@freque1257]

Your videos are fantastic shocked it took me so long to find you

[@caraudiolab]

Glad you like them!

[@Randy_G]

Another good video on a roll. :)

[@caraudiolab]

Thanks!

[@mattp5565]

Would a 12 ported be louder than 1 18 sealed?

[@TheGamingChad.]

what about 6 18" 4" voice coil subs on 30,000w VS 12 12" 3" voice coil subs also on 30,000w? For high db 40-50hz music. These setups are usually 165+ DB territory

[@caraudiolab]

There are plenty of examples of where the 12's would be better and also examples of where the 18's would be better. This really depends on the specific subs you are considering. However, I will try to answer your question by generalizing. The 12's will have a higher fs and the 18's won't be as efficient due to heavier soft parts. Both of these reasons mean the 12's will be better suited for your higher bass frequency spl application. As an example, I would choose 12" Uv2 subwoofers for this application over almost any 4" coil sub. However as an example of the opposite, I would rather have the Fi 4.11 18" sub over Skar EVL 12's in this scenario.

[@johnoates3326]

2 12 is more cone area cone area is king..1 18 in the proper enclosure with hit lower with more authority..

[@rogelio2931]

I want to be heard a hundred yards.. What subs do I need? A couple Sundown U-15's?

[@knutarneaakra6013]

Does it play music or just making noice?

[@caraudiolab]

Music!

[@thomaswalton9089]

I'm going with skar I just cannot make up my mind go with 2-3 12s or 2 15s or one 18 I have a SUV so I have room also not trying to break the bank

[@caraudiolab]

Since you have an suv, you will probably be tuning low, like mid to low 30's? If so, I would recommend the 15's or 18's.

[@ardianjohn7221]

12s move more air

[@caraudiolab]

How do you figure?

[@carter.coleman]

@@caraudiolab12+12=24 and 24 bigger than 18

[@johnd5542]

​@carter.coleman lol thats not how it works. Its suface area and xmax not diameter. 2 12s = 225ish sq in 1 18 =255ish sq in Same sub same low power, 18 wins spl. Now 2 12s with more power and motor force will trash 1 18 and will sound better in a wider bandwidth. I got 2 Xv312s hitting 150.2 at 32hz. I can play music endlessly from 29hz to 40hz at 146dbs. But the enclosure build/placement and cabin mods will have the most affect, especially bandwidth. Flexing might look cool on a video but its terrible for spl and sq.

[@Johnsautorepair1]

Skar sux