Gain voltage rating?

[shaneb 10+ year member]

Disclaimer - I know about gains, I know how to set them, I don't need to search, I understand most the math and theory behind setting them before clip and such. This is a completely theoretical question that I was curious about.

I was reading my Memphis pr300.2 manual. Just to learn up a little more on my stuff. And I was looking at the "ratings" chart where it talks about watts/ohms etc...Anyway.There is Low Level and High Level, under high level, it basically states what the knob on the amps says..0.5v-5v...

Here's my THEORETICAL question. Assuming my HU sincerely puts out 5v on its outputs as it states, does the 5v setting (basically gain knob cranked max) mean that the closer I am to that, the closer I am to having the "ideal" gain setting, in relation to my input voltage?

Are the 0.5v-5v there to be a guide to match your HU output voltage with that knob?

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[shaneb 10+ year member]

Sorry guys, internet is freaking out, didn't mean to double thread.

 

[funkyab 10+ year member]

test it and let us know.

 

[funkyab 10+ year member]

In THEORY that might be correct.

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=542

 

[thch 10+ year member]

the labels are for what input would give a full scale output. thus 0.5V would require more gain then 5V. so 5V would be fully minimum.

its like talking about gas mileage in gallons per mile -- its a valid measure, but not what is expected.

In this case the amp makers are trying to make things too simple -- look up the HU preout and turn the knob to that point on the dial -- what could be easier?! Unfortunantly it means higher voltages mean less gain, which isn't immediately obvious (until you turn the dial).