Amp setting suggestions regarding gain adjustment

[morbidj 10+ year member]

I am a bit confused and believe this thread may be beneficial to those who are finding it difficult sorting through the lengthy post's regarding adjusting gain.

My amp has a selection switch for the sub sonic filter, under normal circumstances I have this set to 25hz. While adjusting gain do I leave the SSF in place or turn it off?

Next question I have is in regards to test tones. Some of the suggestion I have read list using a 0db 50hz tone while others suggest 60Hz then I have seen some that use -3db 50hz or 60hz. Can some one please explain the impact of using the different tones. From what I can tell the -3db tones make the system over all sound "louder" at the same head unit volume and amp voltage..

Last question pertains to the cross over frequency I am unable to switch off the cross over however I have the selection range of 40hz-200hz approximately. I set my gain with the crossover frequency of 200hz then readjusted to 80hz for regular listening, was this the correct way for adjustment?

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[Rashaddd 5,000+ posts]

you should have all filters cutting out the least possible (subsonic as low as it goes, LP as high as it goes) while setting gains. On a sub amp I'd use a 40 or 50hz tone, but as long as its not significantly higher than 60hz and preferably above ~30hz it should work fine. if you set it with a -3db tone, your system will be pushing harder once you start playing music on it, but it also leaves more possibility of clipping/overdriving your subs if you aren't giving your amp or subs any overhead. By setting them at 0db, you can almost be assured they will never be pushed beyond that point off of music, as the majority of music averages a few db's under

 

[morbidj 10+ year member]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my some what stupid questions but hey we all got to learn some time right?

Just to clarify, -3db confirms my suspicion makes perfect sense. Esentially will I have the exact result regardless of the hz for the sub test tones? Ex.. If initially set an up with a 40hz 0db tone with 27v will it produce 27v re metered with a 60hz 0db tone?

I guess im just being lazy and could try it out myself but if any one has an answer please chime in.

thanks again Rashaddd...

 

[morbidj 10+ year member]

oops double post...