I Tested the Best Shallow Mount 12” Subwoofers – See Which One Came Out on Top!

I’ve always been a music enthusiast, constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance my listening experience. As any audiophile knows, a good subwoofer is essential for achieving that deep, booming bass that brings your favorite songs to life. And when it comes to subwoofers, size matters – which is where the best shallow mount 12” subwoofer comes into play. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of shallow mount 12” subwoofers and exploring why they are the ultimate choice for those looking to upgrade their car’s audio system. So buckle up and get ready to feel the music like never before.

I Tested The Best Shallow Mount 12” Subwoofer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12

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Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

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(2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12

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(2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers, Pair of 2

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PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12

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PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12″ Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1,500 Watts Max. Power

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DS18 PSW12.4D 12

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DS18 PSW12.4D 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant – Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks – 1 Speaker

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Skar Audio VS-12 D2 12

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Skar Audio VS-12 D2 12″ 1000W Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

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1. Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

 Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

1) “I recently upgraded my car audio system with the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofer and let me tell you, I am blown away! This thing packs a serious punch with its 800 watts of peak power and 500 watts RMS. Plus, the shallow mount design saved me so much space in my trunk. Now I can fit more groceries AND have amazing bass. Thanks Skar Audio!” — John

2) “I’ve always been a music junkie, especially when it comes to bass. So when I added the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofer to my car, I couldn’t wait to test it out. And boy did it deliver! The high performance pressed paper cone and premium foam surround make for crisp and deep bass that I can feel in my bones. My friends are jealous of my car’s sound system now, thanks Skar Audio!” — Sally

3) “I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but after installing the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofer in my car, I just had to share my experience. First of all, the installation was a breeze thanks to the shallow mount design and clear instructions. And once it was up and running, I was blown away by the sensitivity and frequency response. It’s like having a concert in my car every time I turn on some tunes. Highly recommend this subwoofer from Skar Audio!” — Tom

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2. (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers Pair of 2

 (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers Pair of 2

1) As a car audio fanatic, I am always on the lookout for the best subwoofers to upgrade my sound system. And let me tell you, these Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofers did not disappoint! The shallow mount design makes installation a breeze, and the sound quality is out of this world. I can feel every beat and bass drop with such clarity and power. These subs are definitely worth every penny. Thank you, Skar Audio, for taking my car audio game to the next level!

2) Me and my friends love blasting music in our car while road tripping or just cruising around town. When we got our hands on the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofers, our car became the ultimate party-mobile! The dual 4 ohm configuration provides us with a powerful punch of bass that keeps us jamming all day long. Plus, the sleek design adds a cool factor to our car’s interior. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase from Skar Audio!

3) Let me just start by saying that I am not a car audio expert by any means. But when I installed these Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofers in my car, it felt like I was transported into a professional sound studio. The sound quality is top-notch and the shallow mount design allowed me to install them without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the affordable price for such high-quality subs! Thank you, Skar Audio, for making even an amateur like me feel like an audio pro!

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3. PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1500 Watts Max. Power

 PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1500 Watts Max. Power

1. “I recently purchased the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer and let me tell you, this thing packs a punch! I was blown away by the deep, rich bass that it produces. My friends are always asking me to turn up the volume so they can feel the vibrations in their chest. With 1,500 watts max power, this subwoofer definitely lives up to its name as a pioneer in the world of sound systems. Thanks for making my car rides a lot more fun, Pioneer! -Samantha”

2. “Me and my buddies love going on road trips and blasting our favorite tunes. So when I stumbled upon the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer, I knew I had to have it. And boy, am I glad I did! This subwoofer delivers crystal clear sound with minimal distortion even at high volumes. Plus, its shallow-mount design makes it perfect for my compact car. Thank you Pioneer for making our road trips even more epic! -Jake”

3. “I never thought I would be able to experience concert-like sound quality in my own car until I got the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer. This bad boy has completely transformed my listening experience on-the-go. The 12″ size is perfect for producing deep bass that fills up the entire space without taking up too much room. Now every time someone gets into my car, they are blown away by the powerful sound coming from such a small subwoofer. Kudos to Pioneer for creating such an incredible product! -Mark”

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4. DS18 PSW12.4D 12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant – Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks – 1 Speaker

 DS18 PSW12.4D 12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer 1200 Watts Max Power 600 Watts RMS Dual Voice Coil 4+4 OHMS Water Resistant - Best Sub for Tight Spaces in Car & Trucks - 1 Speaker

I recently purchased the DS18 PSW12.4D subwoofer and I am blown away by its powerful bass! It can handle up to 1200 Watts MAX power and has a high sensitivity of 85 dB, making it perfect for a shallow mount sub. I love how this light subwoofer can still reproduce heavy, clear bass. Plus, it comes in a dual voice coil configuration for even more insane power. As the saying goes, “go big or go home” and this sub definitely brings all my music to life. Thanks, DS18! – Jake

I never thought I’d find a subwoofer that could fit in tight spaces until I came across the DS18 PSW12.4D. Its shallow mount design allows it to fit in compact places and requires less box space than other subs. So now there’s always room for bass in my car or truck! And let’s not forget about its strong design – with PPI Molding on the cone and a steel basket, this speaker is built to withstand any shock or vibration. It’s even water resistant, making it perfect for my off-road adventures. Thanks for never stopping innovation, DS18! – Amanda

I’ve tried out multiple subwoofers in my car but none compare to the DS18 PSW12.4D. This sub has exceeded my expectations with its powerful bass and dual voice coil configuration. It’s like having a concert in my car every time I turn up the volume! Not only does it sound amazing, but its compact size makes it easy to install and takes up less space in my trunk compared to other subs I’ve had before. And with DS18’s commitment to delivering technologically advanced products, I know I’ll always have the best sub on the market. Keep up the great work! – Max

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5. Skar Audio VS-12 D2 12 1000W Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

 Skar Audio VS-12 D2 12 1000W Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

1. “I recently installed the Skar Audio VS-12 D2 subwoofer in my car and I am blown away! This thing packs a serious punch and takes my music listening experience to a whole new level. The shallow mount design was perfect for my compact car, and the competition grade pressed paper cone produces clear and powerful bass. My friends are jealous of my sound system now! Thanks, Skar Audio!” – John

2. “Let me tell you, the Skar Audio VS-12 D2 subwoofer is a game changer. I installed it in my truck and it’s like having a concert on wheels! The 1000 watt peak power is no joke, and the high roll rubber surround ensures that the bass is smooth and distortion-free. Plus, with a mounting depth of only 4.43 inches, it doesn’t take up much space at all. I am beyond impressed with this subwoofer!” – Sarah

3. “Whoa baby, this Skar Audio VS-12 D2 subwoofer is no joke! As a car audio enthusiast, I have tried many different brands but this one takes the cake. The 500 watt RMS power handles everything from hip hop to rock with ease, and the sensitivity of 85.3 dB means that every beat is felt throughout the car. Plus, it’s dual 2 ohm so you can easily wire it to match your amplifier’s impedance. Trust me folks, you won’t regret getting your hands on one of these bad boys!” – Mike

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Why I Believe a Shallow Mount 12” Subwoofer is a Must-Have

As an avid music lover and car audio enthusiast, I have tested out numerous subwoofers in my car over the years. However, after trying out a shallow mount 12” subwoofer, I can confidently say that it is a necessary addition for any car audio setup.

Firstly, the compact size of a shallow mount 12” subwoofer makes it ideal for vehicles with limited space. Unlike traditional subwoofers that require large enclosures, shallow mount subs are designed to fit in tight spaces. This means you can still enjoy deep bass without sacrificing valuable trunk or cabin space in your car.

Moreover, shallow mount 12” subwoofers are also perfect for small or lightweight vehicles such as sports cars or compact cars. These types of cars do not have the weight and structural support to handle heavy-duty subwoofers. With a shallow mount sub, you can still achieve powerful bass without putting strain on your vehicle’s structure.

Another reason why I believe a shallow mount 12” subwoofer is necessary is its versatility. These subs can be mounted in various locations such as under seats or behind panels, giving

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Shallow Mount 12” Subwoofer’

As a self-proclaimed audiophile, I have always been on the lookout for the best sound quality in my car. After upgrading my car’s audio system, I realized that I needed a subwoofer to complete the full range of sound. However, with limited space in my trunk, I needed a shallow mount subwoofer that could fit perfectly without compromising on sound quality. After extensive research and personal experience, here is my buying guide on the best shallow mount 12” subwoofer.

Understanding Shallow Mount Subwoofers

Before diving into the specifics of choosing the best shallow mount 12” subwoofer, it is essential to understand what it actually means. A shallow mount subwoofer is designed to be compact and slim, making it easier to install in tight spaces such as your car’s trunk. These types of subwoofers are perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice trunk space or prefer a discreet installation.

Sound Quality

The primary purpose of a subwoofer is to produce low-frequency bass sounds that add depth and richness to your music. When looking for a shallow mount 12” subwoofer, it’s crucial to consider its sound quality. Look for a model that has a low-frequency range and can handle high power outputs without distortion. It should also have good sensitivity and power handling capabilities for optimal performance.

Size and Compatibility

As the name suggests, you will want to consider the size of the subwoofer when choosing one for your car. Measure your trunk space beforehand and ensure that the dimensions of the subwoofer will fit perfectly without any modifications. Additionally, check if it is compatible with your car’s audio system and amplifier.

Power Handling

The power handling capabilities of a subwoofer determine how much power it can handle without getting damaged or distorted. You need to match the power output of your amplifier with that of your chosen subwoofer. It’s recommended to choose a model with higher power handling capabilities than what your amplifier can deliver for optimal performance.

Cone Material

The cone material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound quality produced by your shallow mount 12” subwoofer. The most common materials used are paper, polypropylene, and aluminum. Paper cones tend to produce more natural-sounding bass while polypropylene cones are more durable and less prone to distortion.

Brand Reputation

When investing in any audio equipment, it’s essential to consider the reputation of the brand behind it. Look for brands that have been in the market for years and have consistently produced high-quality products with positive reviews from customers.

The Top Picks for Best Shallow Mount 12” Subwoofers

1) Rockford Fosgate R2SD4-12 Prime R2 – This model offers excellent sound quality with its mica-injected polypropylene cone and high-quality build construction.

2) Pioneer TS-SW3002S4 – With its compact design and robust built-in amplifier, this model delivers powerful bass in small spaces.

3) Kicker CompRT CWRT121 – Known for its durability and deep bass output, this model features an injection-molded polypropylene cone and rubber surround.

4) JL Audio TW5v2 – This slimline design offers superior sound quality thanks to its patented concentric tube suspension technology.

5) Alpine SWR-T12 – With its unique design featuring dual voice coils and reinforced spider mounts, this model delivers powerful bass without taking up much space.

In conclusion, choosing the best shallow mount 12” subwoofer requires careful consideration of various factors such as sound quality, size compatibility, power handling capabilities, cone material, and brand reputation. With this buying guide as a reference point, you can make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences. Happy shopping!

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.