Amp Gain Settings

[CaviHitts 10+ year member]

How should the gain be set if you have a 2-channel amp bridgeded. Do the need to be set the same or does it matter?

Click to read more...

 

[jayxpk 10+ year member]

How should the gain be set if you have a 2-channel amp bridgeded. Do the need to be set the same or does it matter?

im very curiose about this too as i was about to post a question about it..

adding on here. is there an advantage to have high or low gain? and how do u figure out what its doin..like on my amp ill vbe turning a screw..but how will i know what its doin and if i got it set right?

 

[BallerKirb112 10+ year member]

The gain setting does not control the wattage going to the amp. All it is is a sensitivity adjuster. It adjusts the output sensitivity. It is used in "phasing" your system. In order to do this, turn the gain and bass boost all the way down. Then, adjust the volume on your head unit to 3/4 volume (ex. if the max volume your head unit goes to is 40, then set the volume to 30) The speakers being powered by the amp will not be putting out a lot of volume at this time. Then, SLOWLY increase the gain untill you hear distortion. When you reach the poaint when you begin top hear distortion, turn the gain down a tad untill there is no more distortion.

If you have anymore questions, email me at BallerKirb112@caraudio.com

 

[Puggsley456 10+ year member]

How do you factor the head units preout volume into that equation? Do you leave it at 0 when adjusting the gains?

 

[BallerKirb112 10+ year member]

In a setup without an amp. The speakers use the head unit's internal amplifier. Lets just say that inside a head unit there is a fixed gain. This preset gain is what determines the volume at which the music is played. But when you run RCA cables to an external amplifier, you have to set the gain yourself.

Then, adjust the volume on your head unit to 3/4 volume (ex. if the max volume your head unit goes to is 40, then set the volume to 30) The speakers being powered by the amp will not be putting out a lot of volume at this time. Then, SLOWLY increase the gain untill you hear distortion. When you reach the point when you begin to hear distortion, turn the gain down a tad untill there is no more distortion.

By doing this, the best and fullest possible signal is being sent from the head unit to the amplifier, and then on to your speakers. for great music!

 

[jayxpk 10+ year member]

In a setup without an amp. The speakers use the head unit's internal amplifier. Lets just say that inside a head unit there is a fixed gain. This preset gain is what determines the volume at which the music is played. But when you run RCA cables to an external amplifier, you have to set the gain yourself.


By doing this, the best and fullest possible signal is being sent from the head unit to the amplifier, and then on to your speakers. for great music!

thanks a ton for the help man, building my sub boxes right now, almost done will have it all hooked up tomorow and ready to adjust the gain //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

The gain setting does not control the wattage going to the amp. All it is is a sensitivity adjuster. It adjusts the output sensitivity. It is used in "phasing" your system. In order to do this, turn the gain and bass boost all the way down. Then, adjust the volume on your head unit to 3/4 volume (ex. if the max volume your head unit goes to is 40, then set the volume to 30) The speakers being powered by the amp will not be putting out a lot of volume at this time. Then, SLOWLY increase the gain untill you hear distortion. When you reach the poaint when you begin top hear distortion, turn the gain down a tad untill there is no more distortion.
If you have anymore questions, email me at BallerKirb112@caraudio.com

http://www.caraudio.com/vb/showthread.php?t=56935