Setting Gains with 3:1 Overlap

[xluben 10+ year member]

Can I set my gains for a 3:1 overlap without an o-scope?

Right now I have them set with my HU volume at 25/35 and using a -3dB test tone.

If I use a HU volume of 20/30 (to make sure that I'm not clipping its output) and a -10db test tone will I probably be OK?

Is it even worth it?

Thanks for any help!

Click to read more...

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

http://www.audiogroupforum.com/csforum/showthread.php?t=8910&highlight=overlap

 

[BAsK510 10+ year member]

Are there any other links so i can learn more about the 3:1 overlap? The one posted is a tad confusing and doesnt explain How to do it...

BAsK

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

Are there any other links so i can learn more about the 3:1 overlap? The one posted is a tad confusing and doesnt explain How to do it...
BAsK

Just set your gains as you normally would but use a -10db test tone when doing so. You do not need an oscope, only a DMM. Although, an oscope would be nice.

If you need to know how to set your gains there is a tutorial in the amplifier forum on this site.

 

[BAsK510 10+ year member]

What i got from the links i have read it seemed like there was more involved, i dunno. Like getting everything to clip at the relative same time so u maximize everything and some other things.

BAsK

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

Can I set my gains for a 3:1 overlap without an o-scope?
Right now I have them set with my HU volume at 25/35 and using a -3dB test tone.

If I use a HU volume of 20/30 (to make sure that I'm not clipping its output) and a -10db test tone will I probably be OK?

Is it even worth it?

Thanks for any help!

I would suggest using the 25/35 instead of the 20/35. You still will not be clipping the signal at the Head Unit (unless your Alpine is different than the models I've owned). Using the 25 will give you great range to play with on the volume dial and you won't have to boost your gains as high, thus reducing the amplification of noise.

I would say it is worth it, but certainly not necessary. Try it out and if you like it keep it. If not, for whatever reason, reset using a higher level tone (-6 dB or -3 dB).

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

What i got from the links i have read it seemed like there was more involved, i dunno. Like getting everything to clip at the relative same time so u maximize everything and some other things.
BAsK

You are correct. If you had multilple pieces to worry about (external crossover, external EQ, etc etc) you would need to make sure they all started to clip at the same time. But you only have two things to worry about - the head unit and the amp. As long as you set the gains using the head unit volume set below a level where the head unit clips the signal, you should be fine.

 

[BAsK510 10+ year member]

Aight now that makes more sense, IF u have other equiptment before the amp. Anyways thanks for clearing those things up GrnEydDvl...

BAsK

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

Aight now that makes more sense, IF u have other equiptment before the amp. Anyways thanks for clearing those things up GrnEydDvl...
BAsK

No problem.