setting gains with -10db test tones

[wildboys 10+ year member]

Are there any advantages of tuning your system with a -10db test tone instead of a 0db tone.I have an o-scope so clipping should not be a problem.Are should i just use a 0db tone

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

-10 is a bit much. -3 or -6 is a little bit more conservative and will still allow you to get the most out of the amp on music while minimizing clipping.

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

-6 to 0 is the best bet. -3 being ideal IMO

 

[xluben 10+ year member]

Are there any advantages of tuning your system with a -10db test tone instead of a 0db tone.I have an o-scope so clipping should not be a problem.Are should i just use a 0db tone

if you set your gains using an o-scope and a -10 dB tone you will not have clipping up to -10 dB from reference (0 dB). if you happen to play a song with notes louder than -10 dB (which eventually will happen), then you'll be clipping.

if you set your gains using a 0 dB tone you'll guarantee no clipping. ever. but then when you're playing music that peaks at -4 dB (or whatever) you'll be losing 4 dB by not using your system to it's max.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

The advantage of setting your gain with an attenuated test tone is that you'll be applying more actual power to your speakers with regular music.

Richard Clark and David Navone recommend a -10db test tone, for an approximate 3:1 gain overlap. If you don't feel comfortable with that level of test tone, then do as helo recommended and use either a -6db or -3db tone instead.