adjusting amp with DMM(read stickys)

[406er 10+ year member]

when adjusting your amp with a DMM should i use 0, -3, -6dB test tones. ive use 0dB tones and the out put **** big time. ive adjusted my ear where it sound pretty good, but just wanna know for sure!!

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[Raisedin305 5,000+ posts]

0db test tone

 

[Raisedin305 5,000+ posts]

I recommend doing it with a 50hz test tone or 60hz.

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

when adjusting your amp with a DMM should i use 0, -3, -6dB test tones. ive use 0dB tones and the out put **** big time. ive adjusted my ear where it sound pretty good, but just wanna know for sure!!

Ok, the thing about setting gains with a DMM and a 0db tone it the output will be less (usually) than if you set it by ear.

"Why?" you might ask... it's because when setting it by ear (for all those except trained veterans that know exactly how to do this), you don't give a SHIT about the safety of your woofer, most people want that shit loud.

Where as when setting with a DMM and 0 db tone there is no variance, the speaker is not hooked up, so you don't have a flippin clue how loud it is.

THAT IS A GOOD THING, that quietness that you don't seem to like just yet, that's the sound of a speaker being powered by an amp that is at it's limits, but not beyond. Not beyond being the key phrase. If you set your gains with a DMM and a 0db tone, you CANNOT drive the amp to clip when playing music, it won't happen. (Unless you turn the volume higher than when the gain was set, or start boosting frequencies.) This is overall MUCH safer for the longevity of your woofer.

So while you may not like that the speaker is a little quieter, it's better this way, if you want more power sell your amp and buy a different, more powerful one.

 

[digital mint 10+ year member]

Ok, the thing about setting gains with a DMM and a 0db tone it the output will be less (usually) than if you set it by ear.

"Why?" you might ask... it's because when setting it by ear (for all those except trained veterans that know exactly how to do this), you don't give a SHIT about the safety of your woofer, most people want that shit loud.

Where as when setting with a DMM and 0 db tone there is no variance, the speaker is not hooked up, so you don't have a flippin clue how loud it is.

THAT IS A GOOD THING, that quietness that you don't seem to like just yet, that's the sound of a speaker being powered by an amp that is at it's limits, but not beyond. Not beyond being the key phrase. If you set your gains with a DMM and a 0db tone, you CANNOT drive the amp to clip when playing music, it won't happen. (Unless you turn the volume higher than when the gain was set, or start boosting frequencies.) This is overall MUCH safer for the longevity of your woofer.

So while you may not like that the speaker is a little quieter, it's better this way, if you want more power sell your amp and buy a different, more powerful one.

well said.

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

-10dB tones.

Anyone know about the crest factor?//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

-10dB tones.
Anyone know about the crest factor?//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Keep talking mike, I googled it a bit, but I want you to explain why it's ok to set the gains like that and not worry about overdriving the amp.

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

http://www.carsound.com/UBB/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004440

also a big thread about it over on SSA.

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

http://www.carsound.com/UBB/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004440
also a big thread about it over on SSA.

Searching ssa

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

I'll make it easier for you. here

I'm not saying everybody should do it, but if you want more out of your system with music, then it's for you.

I know plenty of people who have done it and aren't going back to 0dB tones, myself including.

*edit* Dave Navone & Richard Clark recommend ALL high-end systems to be setup this way.

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

I can't find the thread on SSA. Atleast not right now.

IDK I just wouldn't feel safe paying some of the songs I do knowing I set the gains -10db.

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

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IDK I'll keep looking into it, I get what you're saying.... but IDK if I'd feel comfortable doing that.

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

if you have any processing in the chain, they all are setup w/ 0dB tones. The -10dB is done @ the amp. 3:1 overlap is teh shit.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

But if you want to compete, you're SOL //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Unless you make sure you always use -10dB tones instead of the standard 0dB //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

all my processing is in the head unit, maybe I'll give this a try today... I'm gonna be uber careful though.