Setting gain, tips?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I am looking for any tips to set the gain on my amp. I am gonna try to do so without a mm, so the gain tutorial isnt much help. I am looking for any tips on how to do it, what to look for, etc. Also, what type of music should be played when setting it, just what I normally listen to or some sort of test track? Thank you for any input.

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[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I'd use something that represents what you normally listen to.

Set the x/o's at a typical frequency -- generally around 80hz, LP for subs, HP for 6.5's. Set the amp(s) gain(s) to their lowest sensitivity (highest voltage). Turn your HU to 75-80% and slowly increase the gains until it starts to distort then back it off a bit.

 

[Steven206Seattl 10+ year member]

I just turned my volume on my HU to the loudest I ever listen to it. Then turned the gain knob until the sub got sloppy and I could smell it. Then I turned it down a little bit til it played like normal.

 

[memphis_vette 10+ year member]

i used a -3 db test tone put it to 3/4 of what i usually listen to then set my gains using a dmm tester...which is what most people do lol besides using differ test tones

 

[jake760 10+ year member]

Buy a dmm or just see if someone will loan you one. Better then setting by ear imo.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

My amp does not have a knob for it, and I believe it has a left and right gain that are controlled using screws (havent looked real close yet). Would it be the same process with left and right? Also, I know it is crazy, but my 2 10's sound better on full than they do on lp. Will it work the same on that setting? Thanks a lot.

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

If you don't use a MM when setting a sub amp then you are pissing in the wind. Sub stages can have A LOT of distortion before the human ear notices. MMs are cheap and effective. BUY ONE! Ear methods work for mids and highs since thresholds of distortion are significantly lower in these frequency bands.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I set my gains by ear for years -- when I discovered the DMM method a few years ago I compared my "by ear" adjustment to DMM settings. You'd be surprised how close you can get if you take your time. By ear I usually end up with the gains too low if anything.

However - knowing Ark likes the sound of his subs on Full vs. LP the DMM is probably a good idea.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I will try to get a mm to use. How does it work with the left and right gain? My amp is bridged, so I am not sure if that effects it. Thanks.

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

I will try to get a mm to use. How does it work with the left and right gain? My amp is bridged, so I am not sure if that effects it. Thanks.

Doesn't affect it. Method is still the same.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I will try to get a mm to use. How does it work with the left and right gain? My amp is bridged, so I am not sure if that effects it. Thanks.

my 4 ch is bridged too - ot runs my components.

Doesn't affect it. Method is still the same.

right, you just make the measurement/adjustment twice, once for each gain.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I need to make sure I got the process right for setting the gain with my bridged amp. I will unhook all speaker wires, set all stuff on the hu at 0, and play a 50hz test tone. I will play the tone, use a mm to test one side at a time to get the desired voltage at each terminal, correct? There is another knob on the amp, I am mindblank and cant seem to think of what it is called, but it is the one that controls what tones come out to the sub. Is that all about right? Thanks.

 

[phantom240 5,000+ posts]

Fail.

Fail.

Fail.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I was trying to think of the crossover. So, how do I set the gain? I thought there was a sticky somewhere with it, but I can't seem to find it.