It is a test car, we removed the motor and rigged it up to be easily accessible for swapping out amps, subs, speakers, etc. Great for training new hires, testing product, and relaxing on break. :)
KNOW THIS. If you have access to a scope and can test the output you don't need the speaker to be attached. THIS IS an awesome way to test for clipping and you can see how well your head unit works with you amp.
It's also worth noting the fact that if you're setting gains on brand new subs, it'll likely be necessary to make future adjustments to the gains during and after break-in. This is especially true with high-roll, stuff suspension subs.
This has been a great help. Running my system for almost 2 years now without any problem. Hoping you could also show us how to set gains for our mids and highs? Thanks SonicElectronics!
Use a multimeter to test the impedance of the voice coil. If it says 2 or 4 you are probably fine. If there is no reading then the subwoofer is blown. Make sure your amplifiers gain is adjusted properly, and try to avoid using too much bass boost as it can introduce a lot of distortion.
On the headunit, turn the subwoofer control to one notch before max when you are setting your gain if you plan to use the control. If you are not going to touch it, then set you gain with it at the zero level.
It will serve the same purpose but will be slightly less effective when you consider the degradation of the signal quality through the auxiliary port. Make sure when you turn up your signal on the MP3 player it is not clipping. Go to about 80-90% volume on the MP3 player.
Tune with the max unclipped volume from your headunit. Once you find that, then you set the gain on your amplifier to level match it. However, set your sub level to zero and your EQ to flat when you are finding clipping points and adjusting gains.
nice video , proves you can set a gain by ear , but it also takes a good ear and knowing what to listen for . i normally get my speakers set up to the max vol they are clean and have the bass zero'ed out and sub level on zero and then set the amp for the subwoofer . just trying to toss some other things in there i use when setting by ear . keep up the good work . uploading a new video rite now also
Filters should be set to allow your test tone frequency through during testing, however once the gain is set, you have to set your filters based on your other speakers in the system so their frequencies blend together nicely. Bass boost should be avoided if possible.
40Hz is always 40Hz, meaning the sub itself will oscillate at 40Hz. However, depending on the enclosure and port tuning, your loudness level will vary by frequency.
Set the gain so that you don't hear distortion. The power handling of your speakers is close enough to the amps power that you shouldn't have any problems.
Potentially, but the quality of the test tone could introduce noise into your system if you are tuning it with more advanced equipment. Just make sure the quality of the tone is good.
Voltage = square root of watts x ohms. For example, a 500W RMS amplifier at 2 Ohms would configure like this: 500W RMS X 2 Ohms = 1000W. Now take the square root of 1000W and your voltage should be 31.62V if you're running an amplifier with one gain control.
Gain overlap is a way to compensate for the difference between test tones that are at a fixed db level vs music which is dynamic. You basically raise the gain knob until you achieve 5-10 db of signal with clipping. When you then play music the average will be far lower than the test tones and you should avoid any clipping. 5-10 db of gain overlap is pretty standard. However, if you are running amps that are larger than the recommendation for your subs you should not use any overlap.
I used ohm's law and a DMM to set my gain, and for some reason the amp was not reaching the correct voltage for 500watts. After giving up, and retuning it to the settings I had before, my sub isn't hitting anywhere near like it used to. About 95% sure my amplifier is on its last legs, but never gone into protect mode. Expensive lesson... either pay 200 for a DD-1 or 75 bux for an oscope tune -.-
No, it means that the box has the highest output at 32 Hz. The subsonic or high pass filter should be set to a little below 32Hz. Your low pass filter would be much higher, around 80Hz or so.
My question is when you are setting the gain, do you leave the subwoofer bass on the head unit on zero when you turn it up or should it be on the lowest level?
I stand corrected. It's a VW with stereo components where an engine should be. If this were a Ferrari, vintage vw, MR2 or a Bugatti... I wouldn't have commented.
i would guess but maybe all amps need to be at lease half way a notch more or less but i learn when you see flat at top/bottom that's distortion that's kool thing to know but i dont have that device but get that perfect thunder bass you feel more then you hear got keep playing with it
That "change" in sound, is over excursion/mechanical noise. That sound is the coil getting ready to leave the gap from over excursion, causing that sound.
It can be done by ear but it's best to use an RTA to get an accurate reading. A scope wont take in to account the effect of the box or the cabin. It only sees the voltage of the amp.
Would i need to turn the 50hz and 125hz frequencies on my preamplifier to 0 when doing this ? I have no problem with how the bass sounds at low volume, don't play my music very loud so i can't say if my gains are set properly.
Hard to say. As long as your system is not over powering your subs it should be fine, but definitely go to a shop and have them set your gains correctly.
If you play a track that is as loud as your tone, yes. However, you generally shouldn't run your HU at above 3/4 volume unless the recording is very quiet. If you set gains with your volume all the way up though, you have no room to turn the knob up any more on quiet tracks. So 3/4 gives you some wiggle room for quieter sources.
Generally wherever the identified clip point of your head unit is, going above that isn't ever advised even if you perceive the track to be quiet. That isn't set for wiggle room. That's set to be a maximum. With an aftermarket system, most people have gotten a system that I'd plenty loud enough to be at half volume and still have quiet tracks be loud enough. I know everyone's situation is different but taking the unit above it's identified clip point just isn't a good idea even on a quieter track. Because what if the track suddenly stops being quiet. You're gonna start clipping and cooking stuff.
After you set the gain what about the bass boost the LPf HPf what about those man I just want bass were do I set the LPf too and where do I set the HPf too man pls help thanks man
@@danielwarren129 so its simple really..first off you set your gains its basically checking your sub limit by simply watching the sub..you don't want to raise your gain too high otherwise your sub would be bottoming out..raise gains but not too much til you see the sub flex just enough but not OVER its limits...that in my opinion is a fine way to set gains however it should probably be a 40hz or somewhere near the tuning of the box so you don't play something that WILL flex your sub too much and ended up setting the gains far too low
Hate to break it to you, but the quality of tone you'll find on youtube probably isn't gonna be that good. There will be distortion on the source track from youtube. But by all means, find one if you're not concerned with the quality of tone
It shouldn't be too different, check out this Knowledge Base article we have that might help you out "How to Tune and Adjust Amplifier Gains and Bass Boost." A link to the Knowledge Bass articles are available on the bottom of our homepage, there's definitely a lot of other useful information there as well. I really think you'll enjoy it.
Or, just remove the rca's from your highs amp, unplug the speakers from the sub amp and turn your volume to the max you would have it at. Then turn your gain up. Have your ear right at the gain on the amp. Listen for a faint buzzing sound, that's clipping. Back it off and you're good to go. Tested it with the DD-1 right after and was dead on.
When you say turn your head unit 3/4th's of the way up before testing, does this mean my volume level should never surpass 3/4th's AFTER I get my gains figured out? I blew my 1st sub after tuning like this, and with gain turned up to near MAX , my 500w Type R barely produced decent bass at 80% volume on my Pioneer deck. Volume maxed at 62 and I'd play it between 49-55.That sub eventually got blown, so now I'm not sure if I should ever put volume above 75% or turn up my bass EQ on the headunit?
I tried this out, set my Kenwood sub level to 5/10, and volume level to 25/35 and 30/35, and both times I hit max gain with no sound difference, just got louder. To be honest the cone was moving a fair bit but no where near what yours was. It's a RF P300-10 btw. Any help/ info?
Can y’all make a video explaining subsonic and infrasonic filters? Or maybe something that gets more in depth into tuning amps? I’ve checked out a few of your amp videos and they’ve helped me a lot but I still have a few questions. I have 2 RF 12in P3s and a RF P1000X1BD it has “clean” so it was easy setting my gains but I just want to know how to set my frequencies the best to get the maximum sound quality out of my setup. Thank you guys
Thanks Sonics. I am running a L3 solobaric with an Alpine MRP500 in the 2012 TL Acura & working to find the optimum setting without expensive equipment. I've tried setting gains by ear, but am unable to detect distortion
No, you cannot pretune equipment. Tuning is based on what headunit, subswoofers, and other audio equipment you are using. The only way to tune it is to have all of your equipment connected and working.
thank you for the video so much, helped me out greatly. One question tho i have the skar evl 12’s it says the tuning frequency is 32 hz so would i play 32 hertz and tune it to that? or play 40 like you did
HEy sonic ! i have a question before trying this method : what other settings both on amp and head unit have to be set to ? i mean lpf , bass boost, and on head unit bass mids sub level , trebles... ? thanks
Tim Schutte You still sound like a depressed little boy. Must be to vomit hate at people for no reason to year old comments on a years old video. Thats sad.
Tim Schutte you are a bitter miserable person, and that is unfortunate. But you do not have to take it out on people asking questions on a RUclips video. Maybe it would be better if you waited until people had questions about how to properly play the skin flute, and then you could help people with the knowledge that comes only through many years of skin flute playing. Just a thought homie.
I use bluetooth aux device with ground loop isolator. Streaming music via Spotify Highest Quality. And my phone iş Samsung S9+ Max volume is 15 on phone and max volume on sony head unit 50. Which setting is best ? Max volume on phone and 3/4 head unit ? Or %60 on phone 3/4 on head unit. Some folk says you should set BT volume about %50-60 to avoid distortion. Thank you for help
How do we run these tests (your lab tune video as well) without the composites? I blew one of mine on 75 percent with test tone using a volt meter...do,we have to,unlug them from the receiver?
I have a MTX amp 4 channel that produces 75rms at 4ohms, how would I go about adjusting the speakers that are only 50rms at 4ohms? Just listen for distortion from the speakers? The speakers will distort before the amp clips, correct? Great video as well! Was able to set it for my sub with ease. :) Regards, Brad.
the motor is most likely located in the back of the vehicle. some cars like some v.w cars have the motor located in the trunk. more commonly found on the vw bug, lambo's, & other cars from other country's. or this car might just be a test car for their classes. kinda like what wyotech does.
Does it matter if I don't know what my stock headunit preamp is? I have heard over and over again that the purpose of setting the gains on the amp is to match it to the headunit. I have set the gains using a multimeter measuring voltage due to mi amp is 1000 rms and my sub is 700 rms. But I'm still not sure if there is distortion in the signal. Thanking you in advance!
This appears to be tuning for maximum output. Is there any advice for tuning the subwoofer amp to properly blend with mids and highs? Can that be done by ear with a sweep tone or does it require a scope due to the human ear's variable sensitivity? I guess if you are tuning it to your ears though then you will get the best sounding system for "you".
After setting up your gain, you can adjust the bass boost to your like? and seting your bass boost too high will also cause distortion? and what does the hrtz control on the amp do? can you set it really low? or high?
I see that I am not the only one that is a noob when it comes to this & many off us are not going to buy the SMD so hopefully an updated video on this subject can be made for us lol.............. Great video before I begin: 1. Before touching the amp gain, how do I find the clipping volume limit on my head unit (or better yet, where was your level at in this video? lol). 2. The test tone part, 40hz (sub amp) & 1000hz (highs) @ 0 or -10db, which db is better and why? (the short version lol). I know a video may not be made but if anyone can answer these questions for myself & others who are looking for a more detailed answer and great sounding system, that would be great!! Thanks in advance everyone!!!
Almost forgot: what about the other freq's on the amp during the setting part and bass boost on the radio? Do I touch the bass boost AFTER I set the gains or leave it alone?
Start at -10db & turn the volume all the way up. If you can't get clipping then 0db but run the volume up slowly. If you still can't get clipping then leave it at 0.
Hi Allyn... this is Anish from India... been an ardent follower of all your knowledge base... I think you are brilliant am sure all will agree... I need your help on this please... Have a Sony XM-N1004 and need to drive a JL 12W0v3-4 Sub (displays 300 RMS @ 4 Ohms) in bridged mode Sony supports (175 RMS X 2 @ 4 Ohms).. what would be the gain Voltage, as per me Sony, max is 26.45V whereas JL can go upto 34.64... Hope am right, am setting this using a Multimeter using a 0DB 50Hz. All of this is hooked to a Pioneer DMH Z5290 BT... Front Channels uses a INFINITY REFERENCE Component... Please help sort this for me , Thanks Allyn
I have 2 sundown sa 15s in 4.6 cu in ported box on a audiopipe 2000w amp 2ohms 1300w rms between both speakers so when I do this should my bass boost knob be all the way up or down? Also what about the bass boost on amp and other tuning knobs will i still be able to have super loud bass coming from it while being able to use the bass knob . Really need help think I’m clipping the hell out my new sundowns
Should specify that when you hook that o-scope up, you stripped the speaker wires and probed them, not just jamming the probes in the amp, because I think I blew my amp that way today. Makes me wish I just tuned it by ear but it seems like 3000 watts plus needs the tuning equipment. Also, specify that the test tones you play should be at -10db or -15db if you listen to normal music, and closer to 0db if you listen to modified bass music. Also, why a 40 hz test tone? Why not 80Hz? And if I want to do this with my tweeters or Mid bass or mid range drivers, what tone would I use to do that?
Hey! This was helpful but now I have this problem. I did everything you said and got the gain set on both the amp and the stereo so that it's not clipping on the 40hz track but when I play music, the bass output is so low you almost can't hear it. What does that mean? Is my amp not powerful enough? It was really loud when I did the 40hz track but regular music, very faint bass output. Thanks.
Philip Casey I have a similar problem but I'm about to get bass blockers this takes bass out the component speakers so you can jump the bass setting in tones to 0 instead of -6 or what ever your unit will go. You'll see a huge jump in volume
Am I able to do this test with a lower volume on the head unit? My amp has too much power for my 12" sub so i dont wanna turn it all the way up. Im wondering if i could just set my head unit to a low volume and then ramp up the gain on the amp. Will i still hear clipping if the amp isnt putting out max power?
I would rather clip my sub for a minute, then risk further damage in the long run.I have always adjusted my amps by ear and I have had only one sub burn out on me. I was pushing it way to hard and I was well aware that I was doing so.If his way gets me closer to being more accurate I will do so.
That's average for where head units start sending distorted signal. Some can go all the way to full volume without distorting, though. 3/4 is just a safe guess
Will this work if the amplifier is set to Full Range? I have (8) 6.5 Subwoofers w/ Twitters Running on a mix of parallel/series wiring to my 2000w 4Ohm Sub I run it on Full Range so it will run both highs and lows since my subs come with tweeters
Yes, bass boost definitely will introduce clipping. It is often best not to use bass boost, it is known as the sub killer.
Just tried to test the 40hz for my sub and it blew . Awesome
It is a test car, we removed the motor and rigged it up to be easily accessible for swapping out amps, subs, speakers, etc. Great for training new hires, testing product, and relaxing on break. :)
KNOW THIS. If you have access to a scope and can test the output you don't need the speaker to be attached. THIS IS an awesome way to test for clipping and you can see how well your head unit works with you amp.
It's also worth noting the fact that if you're setting gains on brand new subs, it'll likely be necessary to make future adjustments to the gains during and after break-in. This is especially true with high-roll, stuff suspension subs.
This has been a great help. Running my system for almost 2 years now without any problem. Hoping you could also show us how to set gains for our mids and highs? Thanks SonicElectronics!
Absolutely!
This works for big woofers, little woofer, round woofers, square woofers, phat woofers, or skinny woofers.
Does it matter where the crossover is set?
We did 40 Hz because it is a standard frequency for setting gain on subs. We are using the test tone CD from SMD
Our test car gets 32Hz to the gallon.
Use a multimeter to test the impedance of the voice coil. If it says 2 or 4 you are probably fine. If there is no reading then the subwoofer is blown. Make sure your amplifiers gain is adjusted properly, and try to avoid using too much bass boost as it can introduce a lot of distortion.
On the headunit, turn the subwoofer control to one notch before max when you are setting your gain if you plan to use the control. If you are not going to touch it, then set you gain with it at the zero level.
What if you don't have a bass control knob? Kenwood ddx375bt. Distortion between 28-29 out of 35.
How about making a video on how to get Sonic Electronics to call you back using their automated system??? That would be an AWESOME video...
Louie YourBro , lol
Dang they had no response to that? 😂😂😂😂 Not a good look Sonic. You supposed to defend that name. You a year too late.
Awesome comment.
2 years later, no comment from Sonic.
Come on sonic. Answer the guy boss
It will serve the same purpose but will be slightly less effective when you consider the degradation of the signal quality through the auxiliary port. Make sure when you turn up your signal on the MP3 player it is not clipping. Go to about 80-90% volume on the MP3 player.
Tune with the max unclipped volume from your headunit. Once you find that, then you set the gain on your amplifier to level match it. However, set your sub level to zero and your EQ to flat when you are finding clipping points and adjusting gains.
nice video , proves you can set a gain by ear , but it also takes a good ear and knowing what to listen for . i normally get my speakers set up to the max vol they are clean and have the bass zero'ed out and sub level on zero and then set the amp for the subwoofer . just trying to toss some other things in there i use when setting by ear . keep up the good work . uploading a new video rite now also
How to set the filters on a amp
Filters should be set to allow your test tone frequency through during testing, however once the gain is set, you have to set your filters based on your other speakers in the system so their frequencies blend together nicely. Bass boost should be avoided if possible.
What about equalizers? Will that drive anyting in a bad direction if set afterward?
@@VndNvwYvvSvv EQs are fine, just lower frequencies instead of boosting them
40Hz is always 40Hz, meaning the sub itself will oscillate at 40Hz. However, depending on the enclosure and port tuning, your loudness level will vary by frequency.
What about the cross over tune and the db
Set the gain so that you don't hear distortion. The power handling of your speakers is close enough to the amps power that you shouldn't have any problems.
Potentially, but the quality of the test tone could introduce noise into your system if you are tuning it with more advanced equipment. Just make sure the quality of the tone is good.
Voltage = square root of watts x ohms. For example, a 500W RMS amplifier at 2 Ohms would configure like this: 500W RMS X 2 Ohms = 1000W. Now take the square root of 1000W and your voltage should be 31.62V if you're running an amplifier with one gain control.
Gain overlap is a way to compensate for the difference between test tones that are at a fixed db level vs music which is dynamic. You basically raise the gain knob until you achieve 5-10 db of signal with clipping. When you then play music the average will be far lower than the test tones and you should avoid any clipping. 5-10 db of gain overlap is pretty standard. However, if you are running amps that are larger than the recommendation for your subs you should not use any overlap.
Finally a video about setting gains that anyone can understand
When setting the gain on my amp, do I set the separate bass level knob remote all the way up or all the way down?
Hypercity in the middle so you have the option to adjust it up or down before a specific song.
No. set it all the way up so you only have the option to turn it down as you have already set the volume to max gain .
All the way up
This test didn’t work for me. My 8 sundown audio 12’s don’t make clipping sound over my truck falling apart. Lmao
40Hz is the standard for bass testing. If you use other tones, your results will be different than the norm.
Setting by ear is ok if you really know what to listen for, but using a Digital Voltage Meter is always preferred if you can't use an O-Scope.
I used ohm's law and a DMM to set my gain, and for some reason the amp was not reaching the correct voltage for 500watts.
After giving up, and retuning it to the settings I had before, my sub isn't hitting anywhere near like it used to. About 95% sure my amplifier is on its last legs, but never gone into protect mode.
Expensive lesson... either pay 200 for a DD-1 or 75 bux for an oscope tune -.-
That dd1 is doing exactly what you did, but instead of doing it for $75, its $200
No, it means that the box has the highest output at 32 Hz. The subsonic or high pass filter should be set to a little below 32Hz. Your low pass filter would be much higher, around 80Hz or so.
Soo for the rest of the knobs like the lpf or bass boost etc would I have all those down ? And just turn up the gain then set the rest
My question is when you are setting the gain, do you leave the subwoofer bass on the head unit on zero when you turn it up or should it be on the lowest level?
dang this helps a lot, thanks!
do you guys have to set the settings on the head unit?
What volume does the radio need to be at when setting the gain?
Ummmm.... how has no one noticed that he is under the hood of this Mercedes adjusting an amp where the engine should be?
You mean Volkswagen? Some VW's are rear engine.
This VW is not rear engine. The engine has been removed.
I stand corrected. It's a VW with stereo components where an engine should be. If this were a Ferrari, vintage vw, MR2 or a Bugatti... I wouldn't have commented.
Evansthoughts The bass pushes the car
georgekelp how fucking stupid are you?
I'll try this out tomorrow with my Alpines. As it stands the gain is half way and the LP filter is somewhere between 75-80 for now.
i would guess but maybe all amps need to be at lease half way a notch more or less but i learn when you see flat at top/bottom that's distortion that's kool thing to know but i dont have that device but get that perfect thunder bass you feel more then you hear got keep playing with it
That "change" in sound, is over excursion/mechanical noise. That sound is the coil getting ready to leave the gap from over excursion, causing that sound.
When doing this, what do you set your Crossover (LPF) on the amp to?
It can be done by ear but it's best to use an RTA to get an accurate reading. A scope wont take in to account the effect of the box or the cabin. It only sees the voltage of the amp.
It could be a loose wire, bad amp or sub. Check to make sure all of your wires are secure, then consider testing the woofers on another amplifier.
Would i need to turn the 50hz and 125hz frequencies on my preamplifier to 0 when doing this ? I have no problem with how the bass sounds at low volume, don't play my music very loud so i can't say if my gains are set properly.
Hard to say. As long as your system is not over powering your subs it should be fine, but definitely go to a shop and have them set your gains correctly.
Should I set the eq on the head unit to flat or the setting I intend to use?
Will my amp clipping cause it to go into protect mode??
I used the 50hrtz test tone on my kicker cxa800.1 I have the amp gain at a smidge under half and have my kenwood excelon sub level at +6 out of 10
If you play a track that is as loud as your tone, yes. However, you generally shouldn't run your HU at above 3/4 volume unless the recording is very quiet. If you set gains with your volume all the way up though, you have no room to turn the knob up any more on quiet tracks. So 3/4 gives you some wiggle room for quieter sources.
Generally wherever the identified clip point of your head unit is, going above that isn't ever advised even if you perceive the track to be quiet. That isn't set for wiggle room. That's set to be a maximum. With an aftermarket system, most people have gotten a system that I'd plenty loud enough to be at half volume and still have quiet tracks be loud enough. I know everyone's situation is different but taking the unit above it's identified clip point just isn't a good idea even on a quieter track. Because what if the track suddenly stops being quiet. You're gonna start clipping and cooking stuff.
After you set the gain what about the bass boost the LPf HPf what about those man I just want bass were do I set the LPf too and where do I set the HPf too man pls help thanks man
all of that is easy stuff mannnn basic stuff..but considering this comment is 4 years old now i believe you figured it out by now ?
@@infrasonicrebasses4763 No. I need to know.
@@danielwarren129 so its simple really..first off you set your gains its basically checking your sub limit by simply watching the sub..you don't want to raise your gain too high otherwise your sub would be bottoming out..raise gains but not too much til you see the sub flex just enough but not OVER its limits...that in my opinion is a fine way to set gains however it should probably be a 40hz or somewhere near the tuning of the box so you don't play something that WILL flex your sub too much and ended up setting the gains far too low
Phase: 0
Lpf: 80hz
Bass boost: 0
Sibsonic: 20-25 hz
@@ocielgarcia479 dude the sub sonic is gonna have to be MUCH higher depending on where his box is tuned yah know
You should do it using a volt meter or SMD DD-1 so you don't need the system playing to set your gains correctly.
Hate to break it to you, but the quality of tone you'll find on youtube probably isn't gonna be that good. There will be distortion on the source track from youtube. But by all means, find one if you're not concerned with the quality of tone
Have you ever had any loud popping noise wen adjusting the gain? Is that considered clipping
Thanks man, I just set mine up, I was already a notch away but lowering it that tiny bit my amp isn't getting as hot now.
It shouldn't be too different, check out this Knowledge Base article we have that might help you out "How to Tune and Adjust Amplifier Gains and Bass Boost." A link to the Knowledge Bass articles are available on the bottom of our homepage, there's definitely a lot of other useful information there as well. I really think you'll enjoy it.
Or, just remove the rca's from your highs amp, unplug the speakers from the sub amp and turn your volume to the max you would have it at. Then turn your gain up. Have your ear right at the gain on the amp. Listen for a faint buzzing sound, that's clipping. Back it off and you're good to go. Tested it with the DD-1 right after and was dead on.
so what frequencies should i use for my subs? why is there 40 50 60hz and so on ?
what is the crossover set at while you're playing the test tone?
Since the car's voltage drops when the engine is turned off, do I set the gains with the car turned on or off?
im gonna give this a shot. was thinking of buying a DD1 and CC1 from SMD, might try this first before spending 300 bucks.
When you say turn your head unit 3/4th's of the way up before testing, does this mean my volume level should never surpass 3/4th's AFTER I get my gains figured out?
I blew my 1st sub after tuning like this, and with gain turned up to near MAX , my 500w Type R barely produced decent bass at 80% volume on my Pioneer deck. Volume maxed at 62 and I'd play it between 49-55.That sub eventually got blown, so now I'm not sure if I should ever put volume above 75% or turn up my bass EQ on the headunit?
You had your gain turned up too high if it was near max.
I know this is almost a decade old now but yeah. Lesson learned. They even said play the tone starting from 0 on the gain. Lmao.
Slightly, yes. However, some clipping is fine. Only go above 3/4th volume for short periods of time.
I tried this out, set my Kenwood sub level to 5/10, and volume level to 25/35 and 30/35, and both times I hit max gain with no sound difference, just got louder. To be honest the cone was moving a fair bit but no where near what yours was. It's a RF P300-10 btw. Any help/ info?
Can y’all make a video explaining subsonic and infrasonic filters? Or maybe something that gets more in depth into tuning amps? I’ve checked out a few of your amp videos and they’ve helped me a lot but I still have a few questions. I have 2 RF 12in P3s and a RF P1000X1BD it has “clean” so it was easy setting my gains but I just want to know how to set my frequencies the best to get the maximum sound quality out of my setup. Thank you guys
Do you "have" to use a CD for the test tone?? Or can you use a downloaded USB file Or Bluetooth/AUX RUclips video, Android APP, ect ect? Thanks.
Should I leave the bass level control at - or + to do this test? And what about the frequency knob?
Thanks Sonics. I am running a L3 solobaric with an Alpine MRP500 in the 2012 TL Acura & working to find the optimum setting without expensive equipment. I've tried setting gains by ear, but am unable to detect distortion
No, you cannot pretune equipment. Tuning is based on what headunit, subswoofers, and other audio equipment you are using. The only way to tune it is to have all of your equipment connected and working.
thank you for the video so much, helped me out greatly. One question tho i have the skar evl 12’s it says the tuning frequency is 32 hz so would i play 32 hertz and tune it to that? or play 40 like you did
This
So you want to set the gain right at where you can the difference? Or right before you can hear the difference?
Can u just use the hz app to play the 40 hz
We are doing out best, thank you Joseph! :)
May be a stupid question, but I should probably find a way to turn my speakers off before i do this, right?
Might as well tune it using a voltmeter because it doesn’t need speakers connected
HEy sonic ! i have a question before trying this method : what other settings both on amp and head unit have to be set to ? i mean lpf , bass boost, and on head unit bass mids sub level , trebles... ? thanks
Giedrius Gricius , if you have to ask, do not turn anything on, EVER !!!!!!!
DIP SHIT
Tim Schutte need a dip stick dip shit? 7 comments of you calling people a dip shit. Gtfo
BlackRaven , lol. that's Mr. Dip Shit to you.lmfao
Tim Schutte
You still sound like a depressed little boy. Must be to vomit hate at people for no reason to year old comments on a years old video. Thats sad.
Tim Schutte you are a bitter miserable person, and that is unfortunate. But you do not have to take it out on people asking questions on a RUclips video. Maybe it would be better if you waited until people had questions about how to properly play the skin flute, and then you could help people with the knowledge that comes only through many years of skin flute playing. Just a thought homie.
Definitely the 0dB test tone. If you use the other tones you could run into trouble.
I use bluetooth aux device with ground loop isolator. Streaming music via Spotify Highest Quality. And my phone iş Samsung S9+
Max volume is 15 on phone and max volume on sony head unit 50.
Which setting is best ?
Max volume on phone and 3/4 head unit ?
Or %60 on phone 3/4 on head unit.
Some folk says you should set BT volume about %50-60 to avoid distortion. Thank you for help
Turn your phone all the way up. Set your gains from there.
What setting is the lpf and subsonic at for this? I have those options as well on my amp and I’m unfamiliar with how to adjust them
How do we run these tests (your lab tune video as well) without the composites? I blew one of mine on 75 percent with test tone using a volt meter...do,we have to,unlug them from the receiver?
I have a MTX amp 4 channel that produces 75rms at 4ohms, how would I go about adjusting the speakers that are only 50rms at 4ohms? Just listen for distortion from the speakers? The speakers will distort before the amp clips, correct?
Great video as well! Was able to set it for my sub with ease. :)
Regards, Brad.
So after I set the gain what about the settings and on my head unit can I turn those up or will it cause my amp to clip
Did you find this out? Same question here
Set the head unit settings first, then set your amp settings.
the motor is most likely located in the back of the vehicle. some cars like some v.w cars have the motor located in the trunk. more commonly found on the vw bug, lambo's, & other cars from other country's. or this car might just be a test car for their classes. kinda like what wyotech does.
Does it matter if I don't know what my stock headunit preamp is? I have heard over and over again that the purpose of setting the gains on the amp is to match it to the headunit. I have set the gains using a multimeter measuring voltage due to mi amp is 1000 rms and my sub is 700 rms. But I'm still not sure if there is distortion in the signal.
Thanking you in advance!
This appears to be tuning for maximum output. Is there any advice for tuning the subwoofer amp to properly blend with mids and highs? Can that be done by ear with a sweep tone or does it require a scope due to the human ear's variable sensitivity? I guess if you are tuning it to your ears though then you will get the best sounding system for "you".
Can this same method be used on large speakers connected to an amp? Maybe with a higher hz value? Say 120hz?
This is for people that do not have an SMD DD-1. For consumers just trying to tune their system.
After setting up your gain, you can adjust the bass boost to your like? and seting your bass boost too high will also cause distortion? and what does the hrtz control on the amp do? can you set it really low? or high?
I see that I am not the only one that is a noob when it comes to this & many off us are not going to buy the SMD so hopefully an updated video on this subject can be made for us lol.............. Great video before I begin: 1. Before touching the amp gain, how do I find the clipping volume limit on my head unit (or better yet, where was your level at in this video? lol). 2. The test tone part, 40hz (sub amp) & 1000hz (highs) @ 0 or -10db, which db is better and why? (the short version lol). I know a video may not be made but if anyone can answer these questions for myself & others who are looking for a more detailed answer and great sounding system, that would be great!! Thanks in advance everyone!!!
Almost forgot: what about the other freq's on the amp during the setting part and bass boost on the radio? Do I touch the bass boost AFTER I set the gains or leave it alone?
Start at -10db & turn the volume all the way up. If you can't get clipping then 0db but run the volume up slowly. If you still can't get clipping then leave it at 0.
Hey thanks for the video not everyone has all those hi tech equipment and this video will help allot of us thanks again keep up the good work
You should use at least the 8 Gauge kit, not 10. You will want the least resistance and maximum current draw which only larger wire can offer.
Hi Allyn... this is Anish from India... been an ardent follower of all
your knowledge base... I think you are brilliant am sure all will
agree... I need your help on this please... Have a Sony XM-N1004 and
need to drive a JL 12W0v3-4 Sub (displays 300 RMS @ 4 Ohms) in bridged
mode Sony supports (175 RMS X 2 @ 4 Ohms).. what would be the gain Voltage, as
per me Sony, max is 26.45V whereas JL can go upto 34.64... Hope am right,
am setting this using a Multimeter using a 0DB 50Hz. All of this is
hooked to a Pioneer DMH Z5290 BT... Front Channels uses a INFINITY
REFERENCE Component... Please help sort this for me , Thanks Allyn
You do the gain last on the amp knobs right?
I have 2 sundown sa 15s in 4.6 cu in ported box on a audiopipe 2000w amp 2ohms 1300w rms between both speakers so when I do this should my bass boost knob be all the way up or down? Also what about the bass boost on amp and other tuning knobs will i still be able to have super loud bass coming from it while being able to use the bass knob . Really need help think I’m clipping the hell out my new sundowns
Should specify that when you hook that o-scope up, you stripped the speaker wires and probed them, not just jamming the probes in the amp, because I think I blew my amp that way today. Makes me wish I just tuned it by ear but it seems like 3000 watts plus needs the tuning equipment.
Also, specify that the test tones you play should be at -10db or -15db if you listen to normal music, and closer to 0db if you listen to modified bass music.
Also, why a 40 hz test tone? Why not 80Hz? And if I want to do this with my tweeters or Mid bass or mid range drivers, what tone would I use to do that?
Hey! This was helpful but now I have this problem. I did everything you said and got the gain set on both the amp and the stereo so that it's not clipping on the 40hz track but when I play music, the bass output is so low you almost can't hear it. What does that mean? Is my amp not powerful enough? It was really loud when I did the 40hz track but regular music, very faint bass output. Thanks.
Philip Casey I have a similar problem but I'm about to get bass blockers this takes bass out the component speakers so you can jump the bass setting in tones to 0 instead of -6 or what ever your unit will go. You'll see a huge jump in volume
What do we do with the bass and filters???
Am I able to do this test with a lower volume on the head unit? My amp has too much power for my 12" sub so i dont wanna turn it all the way up. Im wondering if i could just set my head unit to a low volume and then ramp up the gain on the amp. Will i still hear clipping if the amp isnt putting out max power?
Will this method work for finding where your headunit distorts
I would rather clip my sub for a minute, then risk further damage in the long run.I have always adjusted my amps by ear and I have had only one sub burn out on me. I was pushing it way to hard and I was well aware that I was doing so.If his way gets me closer to being more accurate I will do so.
From sonic! Haha I've bought so much stuff from you guys its unreal. Keep up the great product man... For the BEST price
Which handheld o-scope do you recommend under $500?
Hi! Maybe this is a noob question, but why turn the radio exactly 3/4?
That's average for where head units start sending distorted signal. Some can go all the way to full volume without distorting, though. 3/4 is just a safe guess
chiefdarklord69 thank you!
So that's adjusting the "gain" knob, what about adjusting the other knobs on the amp?
They are all subservient to the gain.
weaponology602 different video obviously dip stick
Tim Schutte you’re fucking annoying
How do you do this without all the exspensive equipment all I have is ears trying to set a cxa 400.1 mamp to a kicker solo baric10 inch L7
Will this work if the amplifier is set to Full Range?
I have (8) 6.5 Subwoofers w/ Twitters
Running on a mix of parallel/series wiring to my 2000w 4Ohm Sub
I run it on Full Range so it will run both highs and lows since my subs come with tweeters