Popularity of the active subwoofer Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 on the Russian market due to its ability to generate a powerful low-frequency signal even in compact packages. Many car enthusiasts are looking for this particular model to spice up their audio system without radically changing the car's interior. The unique cone design and reinforced magnetic system allow the device to withstand high loads, providing clear and deep bass.
However, simply buying a box with a speaker is not enough to unlock the potential Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 requires proper installation and fine tuning. Incorrectly selected wire cross-section or incorrectly set cutoff frequencies can lead to distortion or even equipment failure. In this article we will analyze in detail the technical features, installation steps and operating nuances of this model.
Technical characteristics and design features
The heart of the model Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 is a powerful 12-inch woofer integrated into a cabinet with a Class D amplifier. This arrangement minimizes the footprint while maintaining high efficiency in converting electrical energy into sound. The body is made of high-density MDF, which eliminates extraneous sounds and resonances at low frequencies.
Amplifier power reaches 600 W peak load, which is enough to fill even the spacious interior of an SUV with sound. The diffuser is made of composite material with reinforcing inserts, which gives it the necessary rigidity and resistance to deformation under extreme loads. The magnetic system is equipped with a massive magnet, providing a fast and accurate response to the signal.- 🔊 Frequency range: 35-250Hz provides deep and tight bass
- ⚡ Impedance: 4 Ohm optimized for most car amplifiers
- 🛡️ Protection: Built-in thermal and short circuit protection system
It is important to note that the active subwoofer Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 equipped with adjustments that allow you to flexibly adapt the sound to the acoustic characteristics of a particular cabin. You can change the volume level, cutoff frequency and phase to achieve perfect balance with the rest of your audio system.
Stages of preparation for installation and the necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and check the availability of all required components. For high-quality installation of an active subwoofer, you will need a set of screwdrivers, wire cutters, electrical tape, and specialized crimping pliers for connectors. Do not skimp on power wires - the cross-section must correspond to the current load of the amplifier.
You need to carefully measure the installation location in the trunk so that the body Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 did not interfere with folding rear seats or stowing luggage. If the car has a complex ventilation or heating system, make sure that the subwoofer housing does not block the air ducts.
☑️ Preparation for installation
- 🔧 Power wire size: minimum 4 mm² for stable operation at high power
- 🔌 Speaker cable: shielded cable for connecting RCA connectors
- 🔒 Fasteners: secure bolts or screws to secure the body to the trunk floor
Pay special attention to the ground connection location. Poor contact with the car body is the most common cause of hum and unstable operation of the amplifier. Clean the mounting area to a metallic shine and use a wide washer to distribute the force.
Power and signal circuit diagrams
Correct switching is the key to system longevity. The power cable must go directly from the battery, bypassing the car's standard wiring. Be sure to install a fuse in the power circuit in the immediate vicinity of the battery terminal. This will protect the wiring from fire in the event of a short circuit.
To transmit the audio signal, use a high-quality shielded RCA cable. Lay it on the opposite side of the body from the power wires to avoid interference and interference. If the cable length is insufficient, use special double-shielded extension cords rather than cheap unshielded alternatives.
⚠️ Attention: The fuse must be installed strictly at a distance of no more than 30 cm from the positive terminal of the battery. Ignoring this rule may result in a fire if the main power wire is damaged.
The location of the Remote connector is critical. Connect it to the ignition circuit, which is only active when the engine is running. This will prevent the battery from draining if you forget to turn off the audio system.
- 🔋 Power (+B): direct wire from the battery through a 60-80 A fuse
- 🎛️ Remote: switching wire from the head unit or ignition circuit
- 🌍 Ground (GND): short and thick wire to the metal body
Adjusting frequencies and sound levels
After installation is completed, you need to start setting up operating parameters Kicks Gorilla Bass E12. Start by setting the volume control (Level) to the middle position. Play music with well-recorded bass and gradually increase the volume until you hear clear, but not distorted, sound.
The cutoff frequency (Low Pass Filter) determines the upper limit of reproduced frequencies. For most genres of music, the optimal value is the range of 80–100 Hz. This allows the subwoofer to take on only the low frequencies without overloading the mid-frequency range.
- Rock and Metal
- Pop and Dance music
- Hip-hop and rap
- Classical and Jazz
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the cutoff frequency above 120 Hz unless you have specialized phase settings. This can result in a dip in frequency response and loss of bass density.
Phase adjustment (0° or 180°) is necessary to synchronize the subwoofer with the main speakers. Switch the phase position and listen to which position the bass becomes tighter and more powerful. If the bass becomes thin and gets lost in the middle, it means the phase is incorrect.
- 🎚️ Level: adjusting the volume level relative to other speakers
- 📉 LPF: cutoff frequency, cutting off high frequencies
- 🔄 Phase: Wave sync for bass amplitude addition
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes users encounter that the active subwoofer does not turn on or makes strange sounds. First, check for voltage at the power connector and the Remote signal wire. If the indicator does not light up, the problem may be a fuse or poor ground contact.
If the amplifier turns on but there is no sound, check the integrity of the RCA cables and the head unit settings. Make sure the subwoofer channel is not muted or the volume is set too low in your media settings.
What to do if there is a background hum?
Humming often occurs due to poor cable shielding or improper routing of wires. Try moving the RCA cable away from the power wire or using ferrite beads on the power and signal cables.
If the amplifier overheats, the built-in protection is triggered and the device turns off. This may be due to the load impedance being too low or due to insufficient cooling. Check that the body vents are not blocked by objects in the trunk.
⚠️ Attention: If the amplifier turns off again after a few minutes of operation after cooling, stop use immediately and check that the speaker impedance matches the amplifier's output parameters.
Comparative analysis and final recommendations
Model Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 takes its rightful place among active subwoofers in the mid-price segment. It offers excellent value for money, delivering powerful bass without the need for a separate amplifier or complex cabinet design.
- ✅ Pros: compact, easy to install, powerful magnet
- ❌ Cons: limited fine-tuning options compared to individual components
- 💎 Result: An ideal choice for those who want powerful bass with minimal setup time and effort.
If you follow all installation and configuration recommendations, this subwoofer will last for many years, delighting you with deep and clear sound. Do not forget to regularly check the tightness of the terminals and the condition of the wire insulation.
| Parameter | Meaning | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 600 W (peak) | Do not exceed continuous power more than 300 W |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | Requires a high-quality signal source |
| Dimensions | 350×450×300 mm | Check compatibility with luggage rack |
| Impedance | 4 ohm | Suitable for most car audio systems |
| Weight | 18 kg | Securely secure in the trunk |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect Kicks Gorilla Bass E12 to a stock radio without an amplifier?
No, an active subwoofer requires external power and signal. The standard radio will not be able to provide the required power and signal level without preliminary amplification. You will need to either replace the head unit with a model with a subwoofer output, or use a signal converter.
Why does the subwoofer overheat when playing loud music?
Overheating can be caused by insufficient cross-section of the power wire, poor ground contact, or operating at full capacity for too long. Check the connections and try lowering the volume.
Do I need to soundproof the trunk before installation?
Although the subwoofer is active and has its own enclosure, soundproofing the trunk will significantly improve the sound quality by removing unnecessary metal resonances. This is especially true for cars with thin trunk walls.
How often should a powered subwoofer be serviced?
It is recommended to check the contacts and the condition of the wires once every six months. You should also ensure that dust and moisture do not get into the ventilation openings.
Can a subwoofer be used in a home audio system?
Theoretically it is possible if you connect it to an amplifier with a suitable output. However, the cabinet design is optimized for use in the confined spaces of a vehicle, so the sound may be less balanced in the room.