Elemental Designs E12a (2002)

12″ subwoofer · DVC · 500 W RMS

35 HzFs, resonance

0.53Qts

1.55 ft³Vas

0.59″Xmax

500 WRMS

Source	web.archive.org · manufacturer data
Checked against source	October 2026
Thiele/Small parameters	complete
Mounting dimensions	1 of 4 — missing: mounting depth, frame outer diameter, magnet diameter; the designer will use an estimate

Recommended box

For a sedan, one sub, 500 W. It’s the same math as the designer’s step-by-step mode, where you can fit the box to your space, vehicle and amp and get plans, a cut sheet and DXF.

Sealed

smaller, tighter

1.20 ft³ (34 L)

Net volume

Bass character (Qtc)	Tight and punchy · 0.80
Fc	53 Hz
F3 (−3 dB, no cabin gain)	50 Hz
Example box (outside)	14 9/16″ × 14 9/16″ × 14 1/2″

Open sealed box in designer

Ported

deeper, louder

1.27 ft³ (36 L)

Net volume

Tuning (Fb)	34 Hz
Port	slot 1 9/16 × 14 5/16″, 37 1/8″ long
Port velocity at 500 W	49 ft/s
F3 (−3 dB, no cabin gain)	36 Hz
Example box (outside)	31 1/2″ × 15 3/4″ × 9 5/8″

Open ported box in designer

Deeper: 3.07 ft³ (87 L) tuned to 31 Hz, 31 1/2″ × 15 3/4″ × 16 1/4″ outside — a bigger box with flatter deep bass. Open in the calculator

Where to buy Amazon

Sealed Ported · SPL in dB at 1 W / 1 m, no cabin gain

Thiele/Small parameters

Size	12″
Voice coils	DVC
RMS power	500 W
Fs	35 Hz
Qts	0.53
Qes	0.597
Qms	4.57
Vas	1.55 ft³

Re (one coil)	3.3 Ω
Sd	79.4 in²
Xmax	0.59″
Vd	46.9 in³ calc.
Mms	175 g calc.
BL	14.6 T·m calc.
EBP	59 — sealed or ported calc.
Sensitivity, 1 W / 1 m	87 dB calc.

Mounting dimensions

Cutout diameter	11 1/4″
Mounting depth	≈ 5 7/8″

Cone area (Sd) calculated from Fs, Vas and Mms: 79.4 in².

“≈” means the value isn’t in the spec sheet and a typical value for the size is used; “calc.” means it’s calculated from the published parameters. Check the manufacturer’s spec sheet before you build.

Data sources

web.archive.org/web/20020605125556/http://edesignaudio.com/e12ats.htm

Other Elemental Designs 12″ models

Elemental Designs 13Kv.2 12″ · DVC
Elemental Designs 13Ov.2 12″ · DVC
Elemental Designs e3.12 12″ · dual 2 Ω
Elemental Designs e5.12 12″ · dual 2 Ω
Elemental Designs e12A (2003) 12″
Elemental Designs E12k (2002) 12″
Elemental Designs e12K (2003) 12″ · DVC
Elemental Designs e12kd4 12″ · DVC
Elemental Designs E12o 12″ · DVC
Elemental Designs e12O.14 12″ · 4 Ω
Elemental Designs e12O.44 12″ · dual 4 Ω

Similar 12″ subwoofers from other brands

Close in Fs, Qts and Vas — a box of similar volume will suit them.

Swat REV-12 v.2 1.27 ft³ sealed · 1.31 ft³ ported
Skar Audio VD-12 D2 1.31 ft³ sealed · 1.77 ft³ ported
Hifonics ZSPL12D2 1.20 ft³ sealed · 1.27 ft³ ported
Pioneer TS-W307D4 1.06 ft³ sealed · 1.17 ft³ ported
Alpine SWS-12D4 (Type-S) 1.55 ft³ sealed · 1.24 ft³ ported
SPL Dynamics PRO-300D4 1.02 ft³ sealed · 1.20 ft³ ported

FAQ

What box does the Elemental Designs E12a (2002) need?

Recommended net volume: 1.20 ft³ sealed, 1.27 ft³ ported tuned to 34 Hz — for one sub in a sedan at 500 W. Fit the box to your space and amp in the free calculator, with plans and a cut sheet.

What are the Elemental Designs E12a (2002) Thiele/Small specs?

Fs 35 Hz, Qts 0.53, Vas 1.55 ft³, Xmax 0.59″, Sd 79.4 in².

How much power does the Elemental Designs E12a (2002) handle and how do I wire it?

RMS power rating: 500 W. Wiring for several subs and amp power — in the wiring calculator.