If using gain level controller, can I have gains on amp set to max?

[ckunke002 10+ year member]

I just got my sub level controller for my amp, and before I bought it I kept my amp gain 3/4 of the way up. With the controller plugged into my amp however, it makes it so I need to have the controller nearly all the way up for it to even have as much output as when it's not plugged in, eliminating the benefit of having a controller in the first place. My question is if I turn the gain knob on the amp all the way up and then plug in my controller, can I effectively control the level without the amp acting like the gains are all the way up and clipping? I just want to have more of a range of control over the sub's output level.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

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[ckunke002 10+ year member]

what amp?? is it a remote gain knob or a bass boost knob?? If u set ur gains without it, then more than likely it will clip when u run the knob wide open. Thats how mine works anyway

It's a remote gain knob. Well the thing is I set my amp gains for when the head unit is at 30 volume (the max before it clips). But what about when I'm listening to music at 20? I want to have a range and be able to turn up the sub depending on the song to match with the rest of the music. I wouldn't necessarily be pushing harder than it's supposed to. It's just weird to me how when I plug it in it makes it so my only real option is turning down the volume unless I turn up the gains on the amp itself.

 

[zako 10+ year member]

It seems like the volume control simply attenuates the amplifier output relative to your current gain. If you want to hear more bass with the control at its maximum position, then you may need to turn up the amplifier gain a little. If you have a DMM, you can probably find out what's going on.