Gain Question

[sdwrx 10+ year member]

I have a newb Gain question...

I have an Alpine 9813 HU, Profile AP600 (300wRMS @ 4ohms), and a 10" Alpine Type S sub (300rms). Can I set the gain all the way up? I have bass boost set at zero and gain at 3/4 and it sounds fine. I guess I'm just wondering if you can set your gain too high even if you may be underpowering a sub?

Click to read more...

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Yes, the gain is used to put out the desired power within limits of the amplifier. If you have the gain at max, then the amp will try to put out more than its rated power, and it will do it, but it will send clipped signals to the speaker. This will eventually kill your subs and amp. Get yourself a DMM and set it correctly.