Re: Bass hits, voltage drops, how much is ok

Originally Posted by
scottrc5391
I'm not sure what exactly the diff. is between the two but I know that too high a gain would cause distortion (amplify weak signal) so it's better to keep it down and level up. I have been told to do this.
The "gain" is a level matching tool only. Since there is no standard for the voltage of preamp outputs in the car audio industry, some adjustability is needed at the input of every component to keep the component form exceeding its capabilites and clipping the signal, potentially damaging everything downstream in the signal path.
The gain controls how "easily" the amp can get loud, and the level I believe is just like another level knob like a remote bass knob is, which increases/decreases signal strength into the amp from HU.
The gain as described above should only be used to match the preamp level of the input to the input stage of the amp. It control the voltage required to get maximum power out of the amp. Set it to high and the amp clips, set it to low and the amp doesn't make as much power. If your Alpine deck has 4V preouts (most that have a sub level control do) then 1/3 is probably a bit high and with the sub level control set flat and the bass boost up, that amp is probably making close to if not its max power with the volume turned up.
The "level" control is probably a bass boost. If the gain is set properly, the addition of bass boost will cause the amp to clip when it wouldn't ordinarily. For every 3dB of boost the amp will attempt to double its power output. If the gain is set properly to produce maximum power with no bass boost, adding boost will cause the amp to try to do more than it can.
On top of those adjustments, I also use my Alpine's built in subwoofer level control a lot, so believe me I am not going to blow this sub. Yeah and I know this sub can handle 500Wrms and 1500W max so I am fine. Thanks for the replies so far.
Depending on the enclosure that you have that sub in, you are probably closer to blowing it than you know.
To comment on your original post...Running the amp at 1 ohm will increase current draw over any other configuration. Twice the current draw compared to 2 ohms, and four times the current draw compared to 4 ohms. You can help yourself out on a lot of fronts by rewiring your sub to 4 ohms and properly setting the gain on the amp. The amp will make close to the rated power of the sub and will run cooler and draw less current while doing it.
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