SS12-22 12" Signature Series DVC Subwoofer 2 Ohm per Coil

Quick Overview

The Dayton Audio SS12-22 Signature Series 12" Subwoofer delivers exceptional low-frequency performance from compact enclosures. Engineered for high-output systems that require both accuracy and authority, the SS12-22 combines a rigid anodized aluminum cone, dual-spider suspension, and a powerful FEA-optimized motor structure for clean, controlled bass even at long excursion. Its 3" 4-layer copper voice coil on a vented aluminum former ensures excellent thermal handling, supporting up to 900 watts RMS with minimal compression. Whether used in DSP assisted sealed enclosures for tight, articulate bass or in small vented/passive radiator systems for maximum extension, the SS12-22 provides the performance, control, and durability demanded by serious listeners.

Product Highlights

  • Rigid anodized aluminum cone with indexed edge for pistonic accuracy and reduced resonance
  • 3" 4-layer copper voice coil on a vented aluminum former for superior power handling and cooling
  • FEA-optimized motor with triple-stacked magnets delivers exceptional strength and symmetry at high excursion
  • Extensive venting through cone, pole piece, spider, and gap minimizes thermal buildup and compression
  • Aluminum shorting sleeve, ring, and pole cap ensure linear inductance and ultra-low distortion
  • Dual spider suspension with stitched tinsel leads for precise pistonic motion and long-term reliability

Product Manuals / Spec Sheets / Downloads

Dayton Audio SS12-22 Specification Sheet
Dayton Audio SS12-22 Graphs/FRD/ZMA Data File

Buying Options

Dayton Audio SS12-22 12" Signature Series DVC Subwoofer

The Dayton Audio SS12-22 Signature Series 12" Subwoofer is the ideal balance of compact size and serious output capability. Designed for high-performance sealed or vented systems, the SS12-22 is optimized for DSP-assisted sealed enclosures that deliver tight, accurate bass, while also excelling in small vented or passive radiator designs that extend deep into the lowest frequencies. With the ability to handle 900 watts RMS, this 12" driver is equally at home in demanding home theater systems, high-fidelity music setups, or car audio designs where space efficiency and high output are essential.

Key Specs:

  • Nominal Diameter: 12"
  • Power Handling (RMS): 900W
  • Power Handling (MAX): 1,800W
  • Impedance: 2Ω + 2Ω (Dual voice coils)
  • Frequency Response: 20- 500Hz
  • Sensitivity: 88.1dB 2.83V/1m
  • Voice Coil Diameter: 3"
  • Maximum Linear Excursion: ±23 mm
SS1-22 Signature Series Front View2

Rigid Cone, Maximum Control

At the front of the SS12-22 is a thick anodized aluminum cone, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This lightweight yet rigid diaphragm resists flex under heavy excursion, maintaining pistonic motion across its range. An indexed edge strengthens the cone-to-surround transition, reducing unwanted resonances. A high-roll butyl rubber surround supports extreme excursion while preserving cone area, ensuring high output with low distortion.

SS12-22 Signature Subwoofer - Indexed Cone to Surround Junction

3" Voice Coil with Advanced Cooling

The SS12-22 is powered by a 3" diameter, 4-layer copper voice coil wound on a vented aluminum former. The multi-layer coil increases motor strength and control by maximizing conductor presence in the magnetic gap, while the aluminum former pulls heat away from the winding for superior thermal management. Venting through the pole piece, sub-cone, spider, and coil gap ensures airflow keeps the system cool, preventing power compression even during extended high-output playback.

SS12-22 Signature Subwoofer - Motor and Venting

Optimized Motor for Low Distortion

To achieve consistent performance at all output levels, the SS12-22 employs a triple-stacked, FEA-optimized magnet assembly that generates a powerful symmetrical magnetic field around the voice coil. This ensures identical forward and backward cone travel, keeping distortion low even at maximum excursion. Precision-machined plates with sculpted edges maximize magnetic transfer, while an aluminum shorting sleeve, pole cap, and top plate ring maintain linear inductance. These motor refinements extend clean response into the midbass region while minimizing non-linearities and intermodulation distortion.

Consistent Performance at High Excursion

The SS12-22 features a dual spider suspension spaced widely apart to maintain cone and coil alignment at high excursion. This design eliminates rocking motion, preserving pistonic accuracy under demanding conditions. For durability, stitched tinsel leads are integrated into the top spider to prevent fatigue and eliminate unwanted contact noise. Together, these design choices ensure long-term reliability and stable operation even when pushed to the limits.

SS12-22 Signature Subwoofer - Dual Spiders and Tinsel Leads Detail

Power, Control, Flexibility, and Reliability

With its balance of compact enclosure compatibility, high power handling, and precision-engineered components, the Dayton Audio SS12-22 Signature Series 12" Subwoofer is the perfect choice for sealed or vented designs where both output and accuracy are priorities. Whether anchoring a home theater, enhancing a high-fidelity music system, or pushing a powerful car audio build, the SS12-22 delivers the low-frequency authority that today’s listeners demand.


Note: The SS12-22 subwoofer is a dual voice coil driver with a 2-ohm impedance per coil. All parameters are measured with the voice coil wires in series, resulting in a single 4-ohm load.

Speaker Series Signature Series
Model Number SS12-22
Color Black
Unit of Measure Each
UPC 848791011146
Warranty - Parts 5 Years
Warranty - Labor 5 Years
Product Shipping Weight (lbs.) 34 lbs.
Speaker Type Subwoofer
Nominal Diameter 12"
Power Handling (RMS) 900 watts
Power Handling (max) 1,800 watts
Impedance 2 + 2 ohms
Sensitivity 88.1 dB@2.83V/1m
Frequency Response 20-500 Hz
Voice Coil Diameter 77 mm
DC Resistance (Re) 4.9 ohms
Voice Coil Inductance (Le) 1.8 mH
Resonant Frequency (Fs) 27 Hz
Mechanical Q (Qms) 3.47
Electromagnetic Q (Qes) 0.39
Total Q (Qts) 0.35
Diaphragm Mass Inc. Airload (Mms) 275g
Mechanical Compliance of Suspension (Cms) 0.125 mm/N
Surface Area Of Cone (Sd) 528 cm²
Volume of Displacement (Vd) 1194 cm³
BL Product (BL) 24.3 Tm
Compliance Equivalent Volume (Vas) 49.4 liters
Maximum Linear Excursion (Xmax) 23 mm
Cone / Diaphragm Material Aluminum
Surround Material Rubber
Voice Coil Wire Material CCA
Voice Coil Former Aluminum
Basket/Frame Material Cast Aluminum
Magnet Material Ferrite
Overall Outside Diameter 320.9 mm
Overall Depth 194.3 mm
Baffle Cutout Diameter 285.3 mm
# Mounting Holes 8
Bolt Circle Diameter 302 mm
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