Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 Shallow Mount Subwoofer Review

Author:

Published:

Updated:

As an affiliate, ImproveCarAudio get small commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Are you looking to upgrade the sound of your car’s audio system? Thanks to Rockford Fosgate’s new T1S1-12 shallow subwoofer, you no longer have to sacrifice sound quality for bass.

Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 shallow mount subwoofer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add powerful and deep bass tones to their car audio system. It’s easy to install and use and can handle up to 600 watts RMS. The sleek and modern design is a plus, and the subwoofer works well with various amplifier and crossover combinations. 

Tip: You can get this excellent subwoofer built into factory Rockford Fosgate Enclosure (link to Amazon), or if you want a customized box specifically for your car, you can have it designed in CarAudioFabrication.

Design

The Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 subwoofer is designed for those who want a big sound in a small package.

The subwoofer’s carbon fiber/PMI/glass fiber cone with aluminum dust cap and injection molded foam surround give it a sleek and modern look.

Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 Power 12" T1 Slim Single 1-Ohm Subwoofer

The patent-pending motor technology and Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) make this subwoofer unique and stand out from the competition.

The VAST technology allows the subwoofer to have a cone area larger than the typical shallow subwoofers, resulting in a fatter bass sound.

Additionally, the subwoofer’s neodymium motor structure with high-strength magnets helps to minimize the mounting depth, which makes it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of space in their vehicle.

Functionality

The T1S1-12 subwoofer is a 12″ 1-ohm component subwoofer that can handle up to 600 watts RMS (1200 watts peak) power.

This sub’s 1-ohm impedance makes it a great candidate for multiple sub setups or getting max power from high-performance mono amps.

This subwoofer can produce low-frequency sound in the range of 27-250 Hz. This range is generally considered the deep bass range, which is not often achievable even by standard size subwoofers.

The sensitivity of 85 dB means that the subwoofer can efficiently convert power into sound, which results in a louder and clearer sound, but it requires a strong amplifier with at least 500 W RMS.

Features

#1. 12″ 1-ohm component subwoofer

The 12″ size of the subwoofer is the largest size for shallow subwoofers, and the 1-ohm impedance is suitable for high-performance mono amps.

#2. Carbon fiber/PMI/glass fiber cone with aluminum dust cap

Using carbon fiber and other materials in the cone construction gives the subwoofer a stiff and lightweight design, resulting in better sound quality. 

Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 Power 12" T1 Slim Single 1-Ohm Subwoofer

In addition, the aluminum dust cap adds strength to the cone and helps to protect the subwoofer from damage.

#3. Injection molded foam surround

The foam surround provides a flexible and durable support for the cone, which allows the subwoofer to produce a more accurate and consistent sound.

#4. Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) increases cone area

The VAST technology increases the cone area, which results in a fatter bass sound.

#5. Patent-pending motor technology

The patent-pending motor technology allows the subwoofer to have a neodymium motor structure with high-strength magnets, which helps to minimize the mounting depth.

#6. Handles up to 600 watts RMS (1200 watts peak) power:

The subwoofer can handle a high amount of power, which means that it can produce a loud and powerful sound.

#7. Frequency response 27-250 Hz:

Playing at 27 Hz allows this sub to make lower tones than most standard-size subwoofers.

#8. Sensitivity 85 dB

The subwoofer can efficiently convert power into sound, resulting in a louder and stronger bass.

#9. Top mount depth: 3″

This is a fantastic achievement for such a large subwoofer, a shallow mounting depth of only 3″ makes it an excellent option for those who don’t have a lot of space in their vehicle.

#10 box volume

The subwoofer can be used in a sealed box with a volume of 1 cubic foot or a ported box with 2 cubic feet.

Using a ported box will allow the subwoofer to produce a deeper and more accurate bass sound.

Ease of Use

Depending on your car, the T1S1-12 subwoofer is easy to install but may require spacers or wedge spacers. I did not have to use any when testing it, but it depends on your exact location.

The subwoofer should be broken in slowly for the best results, and some recommend even two months to get the full effect and performance.

Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 Power 12" T1 Slim Single 1-Ohm Subwoofer

It is recommended to use a high-quality or custom box, and this sub is not designed to be mounted on an infinite baffle (free air), and for the strongest bass, I recommend using a ported box.

Installation is straightforward, and the subwoofer comes with detailed instructions that will guide you through the installation process.

Pros

#1. The T1S1-12 subwoofer is designed to produce a big bass sound in a small package, which makes it an excellent option for those who don’t have a lot of space in their vehicle.

#2. It can handle up to 600 watts RMS (1200 watts peak) power, which means that it can produce a loud and powerful sound.

#3. The 1-ohm impedance makes it a great candidate for multiple sub-setups, which allows you to create a more powerful and dynamic sound.

#4. Carbon fiber/PMI/glass fiber cone with aluminum dust cap and injection molded foam surround gives it a sleek and modern look.

#5. Patent-pending motor technology and VAST increases cone area and minimize the mounting depth, which results in a fatter bass sound and a better overall performance.

#6. It is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions that will guide you through the process.

Cons

#1. Depending on your car, it may require spacers or wedge spacers, which might require additional time and effort for installation.

#2. It does not come with a grille, so you must purchase one separately if you want to protect the subwoofer from damage.

#3. The subwoofer performs best when used with a high-quality or custom truck box, which might require additional cost.

#4. It needs to break in slowly to get full performance.

My Experience

In my personal experience with the Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 shallow mount subwoofer, I have been highly impressed with its design and how it sounds. It is just amazing.

I installed it in my car, which greatly enhanced my listening experience. The bass is powerful and deep without being overwhelming or distorted.

It has also been great for listening to music with heavy basses, such as hip-hop and electronic music. Its sleek and modern is a great addition to the car audio system.

What I have found fantastic is the flexfit basket design which allows me to make slight adjustments to the subwoofer position during installation. This is also handy when using slightly differently positioned existing mounting holes.

I highly recommend this subwoofer to anyone looking to enhance their car audio experience. It is the best of all the other models available.

Conclusion

Overall, the Rockford Fosgate T1S1-12 subwoofer is a perfect option for those who want big sound in a small package.

The subwoofer’s unique design, functionality, and features make it stand out from the competition. 

FAQ

How Can I Properly Break in the T1S1-12 Subwoofer?

To properly break in the T1S1-12 subwoofer, play some music at a moderate volume for at least the first two weeks.

Then, gradually increase the volume over the next two weeks. This process will allow the subwoofer to adjust and perform to its full potential.

What Kind of Amplifier Do I Need to Power The T1S1-12?

You will need a high-performance mono amplifier that can handle a 1-ohm impedance and provide the sub with 500-600 watts RMS. 

How Much Space Do I Need for The T1S1-12?

The T1S1-12 subwoofer has a top mount depth of 3 inches, so you will need at least 3 inches of space in your vehicle to properly install the subwoofer.

Can I Use the T1S1-12 Subwoofer in a Sealed or Ported Box?

You can use the T1S1-12 subwoofer in either a sealed or ported box.

A sealed (air-cushioned) box will provide a tighter and more accurate bass sound, while a ported box will provide a deeper and more powerful bass sound.

Why Is My Subwoofer Not Performing as Expected?

There could be a few reasons your T1S1-12 subwoofer is not performing as expected.

Make sure that you have it properly installed and that you have used a high-quality or custom box. Also, ensure that you have used a strong enough amplifier and adequately broken in the subwoofer.

Can I Add More Than One Subwoofer to My Vehicle?

You can add more than one T1S1-12 subwoofer to your vehicle.

The T1S1-12 subwoofer’s 1-ohm impedance makes it suitable for multiple sub setups, which allows you to create a more powerful and dynamic sound.

Just make sure to use solid amplifiers and pay close attention to the wiring.