Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch 12" P3S Shallow 4-Ohm DVC Subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch 12" P3S Shallow 4-Ohm DVC Subwoofer

Professional 12-inch shallow mount subwoofer specifically engineered for depth-limited vehicle installations delivering authentic Rockford Fosgate Punch bass performance despite compact mounting depth requirements. Features dual 4-ohm voice coils providing flexible wiring configurations for various amplifier and system designs, 400 Watts RMS continuous power handling with 800 Watts peak capacity, anodized aluminum cone with matching aluminum dustcap ensuring lightweight rigidity and excellent transient response, M-Roll Santoprene surround maintaining cone linearity throughout excursion range, StampCast basket with integrated spider venting for thermal management, dual linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads preventing lead failure during extreme excursion, diamond cut cast aluminum trim ring with optional grille for premium appearance, shallow motor assembly enabling installation in restricted depth applications including truck enclosures under seats and compact vehicle cargo areas, optimized for both sealed and vented enclosure designs providing installation flexibility across diverse vehicle platforms.

Product Overview

The Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 addresses the critical challenge facing enthusiasts installing subwoofers in depth-limited vehicles where traditional deep-mount subwoofers cannot physically fit. Many modern vehicles, particularly trucks with under-seat storage, compact cars with limited cargo depth, and vehicles with intrusive wheel wells or spare tire compartments, lack sufficient mounting depth for conventional subwoofers requiring 6-8 inches clearance behind mounting surface. Historically, depth restrictions meant compromising bass performance or abandoning subwoofer installation entirely. The P3S shallow mount series eliminates this compromise, delivering authentic Rockford Fosgate Punch bass performance in compact 3.75-inch mounting depth package. The dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration provides wiring flexibility supporting series connection for 8-ohm load, parallel connection for 2-ohm load, or independent voice coil operation for creative system designs matching various amplifier configurations and impedance requirements.

The P3SD4-12 employs advanced engineering optimizing bass output within shallow motor constraints. Anodized aluminum cone construction provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio enabling precise cone control throughout excursion range while maintaining lightweight characteristics critical for transient response and low-frequency extension in compact enclosures. M-Roll Santoprene surround maintains cone linearity preventing distortion during peak excursion despite shallow motor assembly. StampCast basket integrates spider venting channels directing airflow across voice coil maintaining thermal stability during sustained high-power operation. Dual linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads prevents connection failures common with external tinsel leads during extreme excursion cycles. Diamond cut cast aluminum trim ring provides premium appearance with optional grille for protection and aesthetic enhancement. The P3SD4-12 performs optimally in both sealed enclosures providing tight accurate bass response, and vented enclosures delivering extended low-frequency output, with Rockford Fosgate providing detailed enclosure specifications for both configurations ensuring proper installation maximizing performance potential in depth-challenged vehicle installations.

Key Features

Shallow Mount Design – Compact 3.75-inch mounting depth enables installation in depth-limited applications including under-seat truck enclosures, compact vehicle cargo areas, and vehicles with intrusive wheel wells where traditional deep-mount subwoofers cannot physically fit.

Dual 4-Ohm Voice Coils – Provides flexible wiring configurations supporting series connection for 8-ohm load, parallel connection for 2-ohm load, or independent voice coil operation matching various amplifier designs and system impedance requirements for optimal power transfer.

400 Watts RMS Power Handling – Continuous power handling capacity of 400 Watts RMS with 800 Watts peak ensures adequate power capacity for high-output systems delivering authentic Rockford Fosgate Punch bass performance without thermal limitations or voice coil failure.

Anodized Aluminum Cone – Lightweight rigid aluminum cone construction with anodized finish provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio enabling precise cone control throughout excursion range while maintaining transient response characteristics critical for accurate bass reproduction.

M-Roll Santoprene Surround – Premium Santoprene rubber surround with M-Roll profile maintains cone linearity throughout excursion range preventing distortion during peak output while providing long-term durability resisting environmental degradation and mechanical fatigue.

StampCast Basket with Spider Venting – Precision StampCast basket construction integrates spider venting channels directing airflow across voice coil maintaining thermal stability during sustained high-power operation preventing power compression and voice coil damage from excessive heat.

Dual Linear Spider – Dual spider design with progressive suspension provides proper cone control throughout excursion range while embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads eliminate external lead connections preventing lead failure common during extreme excursion cycles in high-output applications.

Diamond Cut Aluminum Trim Ring – Premium cast aluminum trim ring with diamond cut finish provides elegant appearance with included mounting hardware, optional protective grille available separately for applications requiring woofer protection from cargo or passenger contact.

Optimized for Multiple Enclosures – Engineering optimized for both sealed enclosure designs providing tight accurate bass response with minimal enclosure volume requirements, and vented enclosure configurations delivering extended low-frequency output with proper tuning for maximum efficiency.

Shallow Motor Assembly – Specialized motor design maintains voice coil control and power handling capacity despite compact mounting depth constraints through optimized magnetic circuit ensuring authentic Punch performance in depth-limited installations.

Anodized Aluminum Dustcap – Matching anodized aluminum dustcap coordinates with cone finish while providing rigid voice coil former protection preventing debris intrusion and maintaining voice coil alignment during extreme excursion protecting internal components.

Professional Grade Construction – Rockford Fosgate USA engineering ensures component quality, manufacturing precision, and performance consistency delivering reliable long-term operation withstanding demanding mobile audio environment including temperature extremes, mechanical vibration, and sustained high-power operation.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes this subwoofer "shallow" and why would I need one?

A: The P3SD4-12 requires only 3.75 inches mounting depth compared to traditional subwoofers requiring 6-8 inches. This shallow design enables installation in depth-limited applications like under truck seats, compact vehicle cargo areas, or vehicles with intrusive wheel wells where standard subwoofers won't fit. Despite the compact depth, it still delivers authentic Rockford Fosgate Punch bass performance through specialized motor design and optimized components.

Q: How should I wire the dual 4-ohm voice coils?

A: The dual 4-ohm voice coils provide three wiring options: Wire in series for 8-ohm total impedance (lower power but stable load for many amplifiers), wire in parallel for 2-ohm total impedance (higher power output from compatible amplifiers), or use a single voice coil for 4-ohm impedance. Your choice depends on your amplifier's specifications and desired power output. Most users wire in parallel to 2-ohms for maximum power transfer from modern amplifiers.

Q: What size enclosure do I need for this subwoofer?

A: Rockford Fosgate recommends 0.75 cubic feet for sealed enclosures providing tight, accurate bass response, or 1.25 cubic feet tuned to 40Hz for vented enclosures delivering extended low-frequency output. These are net internal volumes after subwoofer displacement and port volume. Sealed enclosures work well in smaller spaces, while vented enclosures provide more output if you have the space and can accommodate port construction.

Q: Can I use this subwoofer in a bandpass enclosure?

A: While the P3SD4-12 is optimized for sealed and vented enclosures as specified by Rockford Fosgate, experienced installers can design bandpass enclosures. However, bandpass designs are complex requiring precise tuning, and the shallow mounting depth may present challenges with typical bandpass geometry. For best results and warranty coverage, follow Rockford Fosgate's recommended sealed or vented enclosure specifications.

Q: How much power do I need to drive this subwoofer?

A: The P3SD4-12 handles 400 Watts RMS continuous power. For optimal performance, match it with an amplifier delivering 300-400 Watts RMS at your chosen impedance (2-ohm or 8-ohm depending on voice coil wiring). Underpowering results in limited output, while significantly overpowering risks damage. Most users achieve excellent results with 400-500 Watts RMS from quality amplifiers providing clean power without excessive distortion.

Q: Is the grille included or sold separately?

A: The P3SD4-12 includes the diamond cut cast aluminum trim ring but the protective grille is sold separately as an optional accessory. If your installation exposes the subwoofer to potential cargo or passenger contact, purchasing the optional grille is recommended for protection. Many enclosed installations don't require grilles as the enclosure itself protects the cone.