Set gain at max HU volume?

[aeronautica86 10+ year member]

Right now I have a single amp for my subs, and I set the gains according to the tutorial (with dmm etc) and did so using a -3db test tone and had the HU volume at 25/35. Fairly soon I'm planning on getting a second amp to power the full range speakers in the car and therefore the HU will not be powering any speakers. It seems to me that when I have external amps with adjustable gains powering all of the speakers it might be wise to set the gains so that I get the max voltage I want at max HU volume. This way I can still get max power at max volume without clipping, and also eliminate the possibility of hurting something if I accidentally turn the volume way to far up. Any comments?

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[Ali1 10+ year member]

They say that every headunit clips the signal at high volumes. Some HUs might clip later than others, but it's still there. I wanted to do the same method as you are, but there's a problem. While setting the gain correctly so the amp won't clip, the HU will stills end a clipped signal to the amp, which still makes it harder on the amp. Not sure on all this, but somebody can tell you more in details. Others hav said that this is not a very accurate method because there are many variables that are even being taken in while doing the DMM method. Best Choice is an O-Scope.

 

[MBrock4u 10+ year member]

Lot of people say try to set gains at 3/4 head unit volume. I have mine just a tad higher that that. 29/35

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

Many head units will clip the signal at maximum volume ...

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The reason for not setting the HU volume to maximum is because the HU's outputs will typically be clipped at that volume setting.