"the Gain"

[efm80 10+ year member]

just was wondering what does the gain really do on a amp? Is it just to match the voltage of the pre-outs on your deck? So the higher the voltage the lower the gain can be set? Also if the gain is really set down a lot is the amp putting out its rated RMS power? And why is it good to have the gain lower?? I know thats tons of questions, but in my quest to become an expert at car audio I need to know more about gain. thanks CS!

eddie

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[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

just was wondering what does the gain really do on a amp? Is it just to match the voltage of the pre-outs on your deck? So the higher the voltage the lower the gain can be set? Also if the gain is really set down a lot is the amp putting out its rated RMS power? And why is it good to have the gain lower?? I know thats tons of questions, but in my quest to become an expert at car audio I need to know more about gain. thanks CS!
eddie

#1 yes....the idea is to match the hu's voltage

#2 yes....the rated rms will be output when the gain is set to match hu's voltage even if the gain knob is not "turned" very far

#3 the position of the knob does not make any difference on how good it is for the amp. all the knob does is change the amp's input sensitivity.

 

[Fine Vol 10+ year member]

I am suprised at how much moving the gain can really make a sub come alive. The gain is underated.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

I am suprised at how much moving the gain can really make a sub come alive. The gain is underated.

and misunderstood

 

[efm80 10+ year member]

and misunderstood

so what else is misunderstood about the gain??

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

so what else is misunderstood about the gain??

mainly what you asked and most people think it is a volume knob