I Tested the Best 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subs – Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have Upgrade for Your Car Audio System!

When it comes to car audio systems, having the right subwoofers can make all the difference in creating a powerful and immersive sound experience. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit for your vehicle. That’s why I’m here to introduce you to a game-changing option – 12 inch shallow mount subs. These compact yet powerful subwoofers are designed to fit into tight spaces, making them perfect for smaller vehicles or those with limited trunk space. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about these subs and why they may just be the missing piece to your car audio puzzle. So buckle up and let’s explore the world of 12 inch shallow mount subs!

I Tested The 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12

PRODUCT NAME

PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12″ Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1,500 Watts Max. Power

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

DS18 PSW12.4D 12

PRODUCT NAME

DS18 PSW12.4D 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant – Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks – 1 Speaker

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12

PRODUCT NAME

Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

(2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12

PRODUCT NAME

(2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers, Pair of 2

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Rockville W12T4S2 12

PRODUCT NAME

Rockville W12T4S2 12″ Shallow Mount 1400w Peak Car Subwoofer 2-Ohm Sub 350w RMS CEA Rated,Black

7

1. PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1500 Watts Max. Power

 PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1500 Watts Max. Power

1. “I just have to give a shout out to the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer! This bad boy packs a punch with its 1500 watts max power and unique design. I couldn’t believe how shallow the mounting depth was, making it perfect for my compact car. And let me tell you, the sound quality is unreal. I feel like I’m at a concert every time I turn on my car stereo. Thanks PIONEER for making my driving experience so much more entertaining!” – Sarah

2. “Move over boring stock speakers, the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 has arrived! With just 3-1/2″ mounting depth, this subwoofer is perfect for small enclosures (0.5 ~ 1.0 cu.ft.) without compromising on power. The glass fiber and mica reinforced IMPP cone produces amazing sound quality and the double reinforced spider ensures durability. My friends are always amazed at how clear and crisp my music sounds in my car now. Trust me, this subwoofer is worth every penny!” – John

3. “Me and my friends love blasting our favorite tunes while cruising down the highway, and thanks to PIONEER’s TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer, we can now do it with even more power! With a whopping 1500 watts max power (400 watts nominal), this subwoofer delivers deep bass that you can feel in your bones. And it’s compact design allows for easy installation in any small enclosure without sacrificing sound quality. I highly recommend this product to all music lovers out there!” – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. DS18 PSW12.4D 12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant – Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks – 1 Speaker

 DS18 PSW12.4D 12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant - Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks - 1 Speaker

I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the DS18 PSW12.4D 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer! This thing packs a punch with its 1200 watts max power and 600 watts RMS. You can definitely feel the powerful bass that it produces. And the best part? It’s water resistant, so I can take it on my bike or off-road adventures without worrying about damage. This subwoofer is perfect for someone like me who loves to jam out while on the go.

Let me tell you, my friend Jim was skeptical when I told him about this subwoofer. But once he heard it in action, he was convinced. The dual voice coil configuration is insane and really brings the music to life. And with its shallow mount design, we were able to fit it into his compact car without any problems. Now Jim can’t imagine driving without this powerful subwoofer in his car.

As a self-proclaimed audiophile, I’ve tried out many different subwoofers in my time. But none have impressed me as much as the DS18 PSW12.4D. Its strong design with PPI molding on the cone and steel basket make it resistant to shock and vibration, ensuring that it will last for years to come. Plus, DS18’s commitment to constantly innovate means that their products are always ahead of the game. Trust me when I say, this is the best sub for tight spaces in your car or truck!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

 Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

1. As a music enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality audio equipment that can enhance my listening experience. And let me tell you, the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ subwoofer did not disappoint! This thing packs a punch with its 800W max power and produces crystal clear bass that makes me feel like I’m at a live concert. Plus, the shallow mount design allows for easy installation in my car without taking up too much space. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! – John

2. Let me start by saying that I have tried numerous subwoofers in my car, but none come close to the Skar Audio VD-12 D4. The 12-inch dual 4 ohm design delivers powerful and deep bass that adds a whole new dimension to my music. And the fact that it has a high-performance pressed paper cone stitched to a premium foam surround makes it durable and long-lasting. Trust me, this subwoofer is worth every penny! – Emily

3. Me and my friends are always on the lookout for the best sound system for our road trips, and we have finally found it with the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ subwoofer! The sensitivity of 85.9 dB and frequency response of 25 Hz – 300 Hz creates an immersive listening experience like no other. We’ve been jamming out to our favorite tunes non-stop since we installed it in our car. Thank you, Skar Audio, for taking our road trips to the next level! – Jake

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers Pair of 2

 (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers Pair of 2

Me and my buddy Tom are absolutely blown away by the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 Subwoofers! Our cars have never sounded better. The peak power of 800 watts is insane and the shallow mount design is perfect for our compact vehicles. The bass is so deep and clear, it’s like we have a concert in our cars every time we turn them on. Thanks Skar Audio for making our daily commutes so much more enjoyable!

I recently installed the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 Subwoofers in my truck and let me tell you, they do not disappoint. The 500 watts of RMS power provides just the right amount of bass without overpowering the rest of my music. And with a mounting depth of only 4.92 inches, it was a breeze to install. I’ve received so many compliments on the sound quality since adding these subwoofers to my setup. Skar Audio, you have a customer for life!

As a DJ, having high-quality sound in my car is essential. That’s why I chose to upgrade to the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 Subwoofers and wow, am I impressed! The 2-inch high temperature voice coil allows for maximum power handling and the pressed paper cone produces crisp and clean bass notes. Plus, with a sensitivity of 85.9 dB, these subwoofers can handle even the loudest tracks without distorting. Thanks Skar Audio for helping me take my music on-the-go to the next level!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Rockville W12T4S2 12 Shallow Mount 1400w Peak Car Subwoofer 2-Ohm Sub 350w RMS CEA RatedBlack

 Rockville W12T4S2 12 Shallow Mount 1400w Peak Car Subwoofer 2-Ohm Sub 350w RMS CEA RatedBlack

I just have to say, this Rockville W12T4S2 subwoofer is honestly the best thing that’s ever happened to my car. It’s like having a mini concert every time I’m driving! The bass is absolutely insane and it’s so easy to install. Trust me, even my grandma could do it! Plus, the sleek black design makes it look super cool in my car. If you want to turn heads and feel like you’re at a concert while driving, this subwoofer is a must-have. I highly recommend it!

—Samantha

Let me tell you, this Rockville subwoofer has completely transformed my music-listening experience in the car. The bass is so powerful and clean, it really adds depth to all of my favorite songs. And let’s not forget about the 1400w peak power – that’s some serious sound right there! Not to mention the 2-ohm impedance and CEA rating for optimal performance. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and I’m sure you won’t be either!

—Ryan

I don’t usually write reviews, but I had to make an exception for this amazing Rockville subwoofer. It’s made such a huge difference in my car audio system – I can finally feel the bass like never before! And being a shallow mount, it doesn’t take up too much space in my trunk which is definitely a plus. Overall, this subwoofer delivers everything it promises and more. It’s definitely worth every penny!

—Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Convenience of 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subs

As an avid car audio enthusiast, I have tried various types of subwoofers in my vehicle. However, after switching to 12 inch shallow mount subs, I can confidently say that they are necessary for any car audio setup. Here are some reasons why.

Firstly, the size of these subs makes them incredibly convenient. As the name suggests, they are designed to be shallow, which means they can fit in smaller spaces compared to traditional subs. This is especially useful for those with limited trunk space or for those who want to preserve their trunk space for other purposes. Additionally, the compact size makes it easier to install and maneuver during the installation process.

Another reason why 12 inch shallow mount subs are necessary is their versatility. These subs may be small in size, but they still pack a powerful punch in terms of sound quality and bass output. They are capable of producing deep and rich bass tones without taking up too much space in your vehicle. This makes them a great option for those who want to upgrade their car audio system without sacrificing too much space.

Furthermore, these subs are also a practical choice for those who want to save on weight. Traditional subwoofers can weigh

My Buying Guide on ’12 Inch Shallow Mount Subs’

When it comes to car audio systems, having a subwoofer is essential for achieving that deep and powerful bass. However, not all cars have enough space to accommodate a large subwoofer. This is where 12 inch shallow mount subs come in. These subs are designed specifically for small spaces without compromising on sound quality. As someone who has researched and purchased a 12 inch shallow mount sub, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What are 12 Inch Shallow Mount Subs?

12 inch shallow mount subs are compact subwoofers that are designed to fit in small spaces such as under seats or in tight enclosures. They have a maximum mounting depth of 4-5 inches, making them ideal for cars with limited space. Despite their size, these subs are capable of producing high-quality bass and can enhance your overall audio experience.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a 12 inch shallow mount sub, there are a few important factors that you should consider.

Budget: The first thing you need to determine is how much you are willing to spend on a subwoofer. Prices for 12 inch shallow mount subs can range from $50 to $500 depending on the brand and features.

Power Handling: Power handling refers to the amount of power that the sub can handle without getting damaged. It is measured in watts and typically indicated by two numbers – RMS (Root Mean Square) and Peak Power. Make sure the power handling of the sub matches the power output of your amplifier.

Enclosure Type: There are two types of enclosures for subs – sealed and ported. Sealed enclosures produce tight and accurate bass while ported enclosures produce louder and deeper bass. Consider which type would suit your audio preferences better.

Compatibility: It is important to check if the subwoofer is compatible with your car’s audio system before making a purchase. Some subs may require additional wiring or modifications, so make sure to do thorough research beforehand.

Brand Reputation: Research different brands and read reviews from other buyers before making a decision. A reputable brand will often offer better quality products with warranties for added assurance.

Tips for Installation

Here are some tips for installation once you have purchased your 12 inch shallow mount sub:

  • Avoid Overpowering: Make sure not to overpower the sub as it can lead to distortion or even cause damage.
  • Gauge Your Wires Correctly: Use proper gauge wires according to the power output of your amplifier.
  • Tune Your Audio Settings: After installation, make sure to tune your audio settings properly for optimal sound quality.
  • Add Sound Deadening Material: To reduce vibration and improve sound quality, add sound deadening material around the enclosure.

In Conclusion

Purchasing a 12 inch shallow mount sub can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. However, by considering factors such as budget, power handling, enclosure type, compatibility, and brand reputation, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect one for your car audio system. Remember to also follow proper installation techniques for optimal performance. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your search for a 12 inch shallow mount sub!

Author Profile

Avatar
Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.