Inconsistent Subwoofer

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

Hello guys I always have had this thing with my subwoofer where it is very inconsistent in the sound. Whenever I am driving the subwoofer sounds quiet, but whenever I stop or get to a red light it suddenly gets louder. I have a sundown sml-12 and it’s being powered by a cheap Amazon recoil 600 watt amp. The subwoofer is wired down to 2 ohm. Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hello guys I always have had this thing with my subwoofer where it is very inconsistent in the sound. Whenever I am driving the subwoofer sounds quiet, but whenever I stop or get to a red light it suddenly gets louder. I have a sundown sml-12 and it’s being powered by a cheap Amazon recoil 600 watt amp. The subwoofer is wired down to 2 ohm. Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi Emanuel,

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with subwoofers related to the dynamics of the vehicle's electrical system and possibly the amplifier's performance. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. **Check Voltage Levels**: When you are driving, the engine's alternator is supplying power to various systems in your car, which might affect the voltage supplied to your amplifier. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the amp while driving compared to when you are stationary. If the voltage drops significantly while driving, it could be causing the amp to underperform.

2. **Amplifier Quality**: You mentioned that you are using a cheap Amazon Recoil amp. Lower quality amplifiers can struggle to maintain consistent output under varying conditions. Consider investing in a higher-quality amplifier that can handle the demands of your subwoofer better.

3. **Grounding**: Ensure that your amplifier is grounded properly. A poor ground connection can lead to inconsistent power supply, which affects performance. Make sure the grounding point is clean, solid, and free from rust or paint.

4. **Wiring and Connections**: Inspect all wiring and connections between the battery, amplifier, and subwoofer. Look for any loose connections, frayed wires, or signs of wear that could impact performance. A secure and high-quality wiring setup is crucial for consistent sound.

5. **Gain Settings**: Check the gain settings on your amplifier. If the gain is set too high, it can cause distortion, especially at higher volumes. Conversely, if it's set too low, the subwoofer may not perform well at all times. Adjust the gain while listening and see if you can find a sweet spot.

6. **Subwoofer Enclosure**: Make sure that your subwoofer is in an appropriate enclosure (sealed or ported) that matches its specifications. An improperly sized or built enclosure can lead to poor performance.

7. **Test with Different Sources**: Sometimes, the issue can be with the audio source. Try playing different songs or using a different audio source to see if the problem persists.

8. **Check for Clipping**: When driving, if the amp is clipping (distorting the sound), it can cause the subwoofer to sound quieter. Make sure to listen at moderate levels to avoid this issue.

If you've checked all these suggestions and the problem persists, consider reaching out to a local car audio professional for a more in-depth diagnosis.

I hope this helps you troubleshoot the issue with your subwoofer! If anyone else has experienced this or has additional tips, please chime in.

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

What is the source?

 

[slater]

Theres all sorts of radio setting on factory modern radio on newer vehicles that may also contribute to that, that need to be turned off...

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

What is the source?

I currently have a Pioneer AVH-X1500DVD

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

Theres all sorts of radio setting on factory modern radio on newer vehicles that may also contribute to that, that need to be turned off...

I have a pioneer avh-x1500dvd and I’m driving an 08 Silverado

 

[slater]

pioneer avh-x1500dvd

Well it aint what I suggested then...
Its done this since day 1?
Double check all your power & grounds?

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Measure voltage at the amp when the car is moving. I guess you'll need some assistance on that one.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

Measure voltage at the amp when the car is moving.

I can just check that by putting a multimeter on the power and ground of the amp right?
Also the truck has a volt reader on the dash when I first start it up its at 14.4 but then it usually goes to just 14v. Then there has been other times where it drops down all the way to 13

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

I can just check that by putting a multimeter on the power and ground of the amp right?
Also the truck has a volt reader on the dash when I first start it up its at 14.4 but then it usually goes to just 14v. Then there has been other times where it drops down all the way to 13

If you're above 12v, you should be fine. I want to measure voltage at the amp, not at the battery or alternator, which is where truck gets its voltage reading.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

If you're above 12v, you should be fine. I want to measure voltage at the amp, not at the battery or alternator, which is where truck gets its voltage reading.

Imma have to buy a voltmeter to do that. I will get back to you when I get one

 

[slater]

evaluate everything would be a great idea...
No battery lights / alternator light coming on while driving?
Wouldn't hurt to also check your overall alternator output, just to educate yourself.
Start car & have meter on battery....
rev engine a few thousand rpm & you want to see 14 volts.
Not 12

Generally voltage gauges built into cars instrument clusters are nothing more than an idiot light, not accurate at all in most cases.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

evaluate everything would be a great idea...
No battery lights / alternator light coming on while driving?
Wouldn't hurt to also check your overall alternator output, just to educate yourself.
Start car & have meter on battery....
rev engine a few thousand rpm & you want to see 14 volts.
Not 12

Generally voltage gauges built into cars instrument clusters are nothing more than an idiot light, not accurate at all in most cases.

No lights turn on while driving so thats good. Ill check alternator output when I can get a meter.

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

No lights turn on while driving so thats good. Ill check alternator output when I can get a meter.

You can also try testing the amp by using a 3.5mm to RCA cable that connects your phone to the amp.

 

[Old_Slapper]

It sounds like you have a ground issue. It might even be the power issue. Are your RCA's plugged into the subwoofer output of the radio?