AudioControl SPK-8S4 Spike 8" Single 4-Ohm High Performance Subwoofer

AudioControl SPK-8S4 Spike 8" Single 4-Ohm High Performance Subwoofer | Ultimate Bass Excellence

Spike Series 8-inch single 4-ohm high performance subwoofer delivering ultra-low bass with 8.5mm linear excursion, fiber matrix paper cone with mica coating, and advanced dual damping system

Product Overview

The AudioControl SPK-8S4 Spike Series 8" subwoofer represents the ultimate in compact high-performance bass reproduction, engineered for enthusiasts who demand exceptional low-end response in space-constrained installations. This single 4-ohm subwoofer features advanced high excursion design with 8.5mm linear excursion (Xmax) for ultra-low bass extension, combined with fiber matrix paper cone construction and mica coating for superior acoustic performance and durability.

AudioControl has been helping people take their car audio to the next level for over 45 years, and the Spike Series continues this tradition with enhanced performance specifications in a compact form factor. The 3-layer high temperature voice coil former handles serious power levels while maintaining distortion-free bass reproduction. The dual damping system ensures linear bass response across the entire frequency range, while the dual dust cap system provides enclosure compression control for optimal performance in various installation scenarios.

Key Specifications

• Model: SPK-8S4
• Woofer Size: 8" (214mm overall diameter)
• Voice Coil Configuration: Single 4-ohm
• Power Handling: 350W RMS, 200W-500W range
• Linear Excursion (Xmax): 8.5mm
• Frequency Response: 30-500 Hz
• Sensitivity: 82.0 dB (1W/1M)
• Cut-out Diameter: 7.25" (184mm)
• Mounting Depth: 4.29" (109mm)

Features & Benefits

High Excursion Design Excellence
The SPK-8S4 features exceptional 8.5mm linear excursion capability for an 8" driver, delivering impressive bass extension and maximum output for immersive listening experiences in compact installations.

Advanced Cone Construction
Features fiber matrix paper cone with mica coating that provides superior acoustic properties, enhanced durability, and precise bass reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.

Professional Power Handling
The 3-layer high temperature voice coil former handles up to 350W RMS power while maintaining clean, distortion-free bass reproduction even during extended high-power operation.

Dual Damping System Technology
Advanced dual damping system ensures linear bass reproduction and controlled cone movement, eliminating unwanted resonances and maintaining accuracy across all listening levels.

Efficient Motor Design
Heavy-duty motor design with dual dust cap system provides enclosure compression control and efficient power transfer while maintaining thermal stability during demanding performance conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
• DC Resistance (Re): 3.2 ohms
• Resonance Frequency (Fs): 60.37 Hz
• Moving Mass (Mms): 92.4g
• Mechanical Compliance (Cms): 0.075mm/N
• Force Factor (BL): 11.3 T.m
• Total Q Factor (Qts): 0.75
• Volume Acoustic Compliance (Vas): 3.9L (0.14 cu ft)
• Displacement: 0.05 cu ft (1.4L)
• Voice Coil Diameter: 2.0" (50.8mm)
• Motor Diameter (with Cover): 5.55" (141mm)

Scope of Delivery

• SPK-8S4 Spike Series Subwoofer
• Removable Protection Grille
• Installation Manual
• Warranty Documentation

Enclosure Recommendations

Ported Enclosure Specifications:

• External Dimensions: 23"W × 11.5"H × 12"D
• Net Internal Volume: 0.89 ft³
• Tuning Frequency: 40 Hz
• F3 Response: 34 Hz
• Port Area: 17.50 inch²
• Port Inlet: 1.75"W × 10"H
• Port Length: 28"

Sealed Enclosure Specifications:

• External Dimensions: 14.5"W × 10"H × 10"D
• Net Internal Volume: 0.49 ft³
• Qtc: 0.86
• F3 Response: 69 Hz

How It Works

Compact High Performance Bass System – The SPK-8S4 utilizes advanced high excursion design with 8.5mm linear excursion to maximize air movement from the compact 8" form factor for impressive bass extension. The fiber matrix paper cone with mica coating provides superior acoustic properties while the dual damping system ensures linear response. The 3-layer voice coil former handles high power levels while maintaining thermal stability for consistent performance in space-constrained applications.

Compatible With / Goes Well With

Installation Types: Compact enclosures, tight-space installations, under-seat boxes, multi-driver arrays
Amplifier Compatibility: 200W-500W RMS amplifiers, 4-ohm stable amplifiers, AudioControl amplifiers
Vehicle Applications: Cars, trucks, SUVs with limited space requiring quality bass reproduction
System Integration: Compact component systems, space-efficient audio builds, multiple driver configurations

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the AudioControl SPK-8S4 suitable for compact installations?

The SPK-8S4 combines advanced high-performance features in a compact 8" form factor with only 4.29" mounting depth, making it ideal for tight-space installations while still delivering impressive 8.5mm linear excursion and 350W RMS power handling.

How does the 8.5mm linear excursion benefit bass performance in an 8" driver?

The exceptional 8.5mm Xmax is outstanding for an 8" subwoofer, allowing maximum air movement and bass extension that rivals larger drivers while maintaining the space-saving benefits of the compact form factor.

What amplifier power range works best with the SPK-8S4?

The subwoofer performs optimally with amplifiers delivering 200-500W RMS at 4 ohms, with 350W RMS being the ideal power level for maximum performance and longevity while maintaining clean bass reproduction.

How does the dual damping system improve performance?

The dual damping system provides superior cone control and linear bass reproduction by eliminating unwanted resonances and maintaining accurate response across all frequency ranges and power levels, crucial for smaller driver performance.

What enclosure type provides the best performance for the SPK-8S4?

For maximum bass extension, a ported enclosure (0.89 ft³ tuned to 40 Hz) provides F3 response to 34 Hz. For tighter, more controlled bass in minimal space, a sealed enclosure (0.49 ft³) offers excellent performance with F3 response to 69 Hz.

How does the 8" Spike Series compare to larger models?

The SPK-8S4 provides excellent bass performance in a compact package, making it ideal for space-constrained installations where larger drivers won't fit. While output is naturally less than 10" or 12" models, the advanced engineering delivers impressive performance for its size.