A few questions regarding setting gains.... Simple and quick

[bowhunter 10+ year member]

Question #1- I've read three different things, 40 hz, 50hz, and 60 hz test tones... Which one should I I use? My box is tuned to 28 hz if that makes a difference

Question #2- balance/fader centered, all eq's set at 0... Subwoofer level all the way up?

Question #3- What are "0 db" test tones?

That's all for now I believe. Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[tommydh 10+ year member]

I wouldnt set sub level at max. I generally use 0 as my max then work down but thats me. Try it at 0 first then maybe +5 if not happy

 

[bowhunter 10+ year member]

I wouldnt set sub level at max. I generally use 0 as my max then work down but thats me. Try it at 0 first then maybe +5 if not happy

I usually just set mine by ear but I have new

Speakers on the way and I just got my new head unit so I'm trying to get everything

Right and leaving it. Lol I was just going by what I've read from several sources... I just wish there was one clear answer! Thanks

For the advice!

 

[phemps 10+ year member]

I wouldnt set sub level at max. I generally use 0 as my max then work down but thats me. Try it at 0 first then maybe +5 if not happy

set sub level at max as it is just an attenuation circuit and nothing is being boosted. then you can adjust it to whatever you want when your gains are set. its counter productive to not set it up all the way when gain setting. your losing some swing in your level adjustment otherwise

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

Question #1- I've read three different things, 40 hz, 50hz, and 60 hz test tones... Which one should I I use? My box is tuned to 28 hz if that makes a difference
Question #2- balance/fader centered, all eq's set at 0... Subwoofer level all the way up?

Question #3- What are "0 db" test tones?

That's all for now I believe. Thanks!

Personal preferences.. however...

0 dB is the (theoretical) highest recorded level on a CD. Most commercial recordings are significantly below that. I set my sub gain with -5dB source at 40Hz. Some people like 50 or 60 Hz because DMM's are most accurate there, but personally I like to stay an octave below the LPF setting (I use 80 for that).

I like to have a bit of adjustability in sub level in case I want to boost the bass in a recording that's lacking. So, sub level at 3/4 when setting up gain.

 

[razaice]

Question #1- I've read three different things, 40 hz, 50hz, and 60 hz test tones... Which one should I I use? My box is tuned to 28 hz if that makes a difference
Question #2- balance/fader centered, all eq's set at 0... Subwoofer level all the way up?

Question #3- What are "0 db" test tones?

That's all for now I believe. Thanks!

1. 50 or 60 are supposed to be the most accurate on a dmm.

2. Sub level should be either max or close to it. The only reason you'd set it lower than max would be so you could make slight adjustments right on your head unit instead of having to go to your trunk and mess with amp gains. Personally, I'd just set it to max.

3. I'd use a -3 db test tone. I've looked at many songs using the program called audacity, and I've only ever seen one song that has bass that consistently goes above -3 db, but a ton of songs peak right at -3 db. Using this tone would allow you to get the most out of your amp while at the same time almost never clipping.