DC Audio Shortie FTW 12" Subwoofer
Key features
- Subwoofer size: 12.0 inches
- RMS power per subwoofer: 500 W
- Voice-coil options: D2, D4
- Mounting depth: 5.48 inches
- Mounting cutout diameter: 11.0 inches
- Voice-coil diameter: 2.5 inches
DC Audio Shortie FTW 12" Subwoofer - Dual 2 Ohm is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Description
Description
Product Overview
The DC Audio Shortie FTW 12" subwoofer brings substantial bass capability to car audio installations with limited space. Its 5.48" mounting depth, 2.5" voice coil, and side-vented motor are designed for a compact setup with high-power handling.
Key Features & Benefits
- Space-conscious design: The 12.5" outside diameter and 5.48" mounting depth help you plan around available installation space.
- Thermal design: Side motor venting is designed to aid cooling during high-drive use.
- Motor and frame: An FEA-optimized, CNC-machined motor assembly pairs with a cast aluminum frame.
- Driver construction: A stitched surround, paper cone, polypropylene dust cover, rubber motor boot, and heavy-duty tinsel wiring make up the assembly.
- Mounting and connections: Chrome spring-loaded push terminals and a rubber mounting gasket are built into the driver.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 10" | 12" |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting Depth | 5" | 5.48" |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 9.3" | 11.0" |
| Outside Driver Diameter | 11" | 12.5" |
| VC Diameter | 2.5" | 2.5" |
| Displacement | .11 ft | .14 ft |
| Power Handling rms/peak | 500/1000 | 500/1000 |
| Ohm Options | d2/d4 | d2/d4 |
| Sd | 346cm² | 552cm² |
| Vas | 7.17L | 18.47L |
| Cms | 121.51u M/N | 47.065u M/N |
| Mms | 218.5g | 301.6g |
| Fs | 45.5Hz | 41.9Hz |
| Bl | 15.678N/A | 19.067N/A |
| Re | 7 Ohm | 4 Ohm |
| Le | mH | mH |
| Qms | 4.382 | 5.128 |
| Qes | 0.819 | 0.728 |
| Qts | 0.690 | 0.633 |
| Xmax | 14mm | 14mm |
| Ref SPL @1 watt | 82db | 84.1 |
| Suggest Sealed Box | .5 ft | 1.0 ft |
| Suggested Ported Box | 1.0 ft | 1.5 ft |
Why Choose This Product?
The Shortie FTW 12" combines a shallow mounting depth with a 2.5" voice coil and a stated 500W RMS / 1000W peak power handling. Its 552 cm² cone area and 14 mm Xmax provide useful reference points when comparing drivers for a space-conscious car audio build.
Choose between the listed sealed and ported enclosure recommendations when planning your system. The 12" model’s suggested starting points are approximately 1.0 ft³ sealed or 1.5 ft³ ported.
Installation & Compatibility Notes
Allow for the 5.48" mounting depth, 11.0" mounting hole diameter, and 12.5" outside driver diameter when checking enclosure space. Match the amplifier to the selected voice-coil option and system requirements; the listed options are d2/d4.
Use the enclosure recommendations as planning figures, and account for the driver’s 0.14 ft³ displacement when determining available enclosure volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What enclosure sizes are suggested for the 12" model?
The listed recommendations are 1.0 ft³ for a sealed box and 1.5 ft³ for a ported box.
What mounting space does this subwoofer need?
The 12" model has a 5.48" mounting depth, an 11.0" mounting hole diameter, and a 12.5" outside driver diameter.
What impedance options are listed?
The specification grid lists d2/d4 ohm options. Match the chosen option to your amplifier and system configuration.
What does the 84.1 reference SPL figure describe?
It is the listed reference SPL at 1 watt for the 12" model.
Explore More
Want to learn more about DC Audio? Explore the brands we sell at 12 Volt Outlet.
| Shortie Subwoofers | 10" | 12" |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting Depth | 5" | 5.48" |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 9.3" | 11.0" |
| Outside Driver Diameter | 11" | 12.5" |
| VC Diameter | 2.5" | 2.5" |
| Displacement | .11 ft | .14 ft |
| Power Handling rms/peak | 500/1000 | 500/1000 |
| Ohm Options | d2/d4 | d2/d4 |
| Sd | 346cm² | 552cm² |
| Vas | 7.17L | 18.47L |
| Cms | 121.51u M/N | 47.065u M/N |
| Mms | 218.5g | 301.6g |
| Fs | 45.5Hz | 41.9Hz |
| Bl | 15.678N/A | 19.067N/A |
| Re | 7 Ohm | 4 Ohm |
| Le | mH | mH |
| Qms | 4.382 |
5.128 |
| Qes | 0.819 |
0.728 |
| Qts | 0.690 | 0.633 |
| Xmax | 14mm | 14mm |
| Ref SPL @1 watt | 82db | 84.1 |
| Suggest Sealed Box | .5 ft | 1.0 ft |
| Suggested Ported Box | 1.0 ft | 1.5 ft |
Recommended Monoblock Amplifiers
Power-matched options for one subwoofer or one complete loaded enclosure. We aim to include same-brand choices when their ratings qualify.
Loading amplifier suggestions…
Suggestions use 75–125% of the subwoofer’s RMS rating at the wiring load shown. Check wiring, enclosure needs, electrical capacity and installation space. Set gain and filters correctly to avoid overpowering the subwoofer. Buying more than one subwoofer changes the match.



