Tune Amp with DMM?

[suzukigs750ez]

Hey guys. I'm just trying to understand how this concept works. I'm playing around with the idea. Before you say "don't do that" or any variation, please just answer then you can say whatever!

I'm trying to set my aplifier gain. I have a LPF on the amp, gain, and then bass boost, subsonic filter etc. I just use the LPF and the gain (obviously). When using a DMM, my amp would be tuned to 31.62v. Now my question is, if i have the LPF down at 40hz (i use 80hz) and tune to 31.62 with equalizer off, LPF on the HU off, etc. like i have read many places, when i turn all this back on, the voltage will rise. I also use a 50hz test tone and use 20/30 for volume. So what i'm not understanding is, if i'm supposed to have all settings off or at minumum, when i turn it all back on and the voltage goes up, it won't be at the 31.62... so wouldn't you tune it all up, then set the gains? If someone can shed some light and explain the procedure a bit more, i'd be very greatful!

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[snyderd758 10+ year member]

I set everything where I am going to have it when I listen then if I need to I cut.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

That method is only ok if you are 100% sure your amp does rated power.

 

[snyderd758 10+ year member]

That method is only ok if you are 100% sure your amp does rated power.

true. what amp op?

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Audiopipe APSM-1300, two hifonics HFX12D4 subs in a sealed box. Just bought a new head unit (reason for tuning). It's a JVC KD-R520.

 

[suzukigs750ez]

And so lets say the amp does put out 100% power, would you set amplifier as well as the equalizer and all those settings on the head unit and then tune to 31.62, or tune with all flat settings?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

That amp don't do 100% power. Really no telling what it does. O scope/DD-1 is the only way to be safe. EQs are meant to cut or boost just a small bit. They should be set after. You shouldnt boost enough to affect it. If you do than its wrong.

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Would tuning to 31.62 get me in the ballpark at least? I'm trying to not have to bring it to a shop... lol

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Can't say bro. Those amps have a very nasty clip right after they reach max clean. I mean it's very nasty very fast. I wouldn't go any higher than 700 watts, even then I would be careful.

 

[suzukigs750ez]

i have my subs wired down to 1 ohm, if that helps any...

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I think 700 would be more than enough for those subs anyway.

 

[snyderd758 10+ year member]

set everything flat except your lpf then after you set and start listening cut do not boost the eq in order to get the sound shaped how you like it 1 step up on an eq can drive your amp into clipping quickly.

 

[snyderd758 10+ year member]

if you want to get louder your best bet would be to build a vented enclosure to spec. is there any reason why your putting those subs in a sealed enclosure?

 

[suzukigs750ez]

They're sealed because that's what was recommended to me. The system is 4 years old. 4 years ago I was more knowledgable with Audio stuff but I haven't played with it all since then. I had it tuned to 31.62 years ago, but forgot exactly how I did it. So hypothetically (I'll tune to 700) let's keep that 31.62. I keep all eq settings flat, and turn the LPF on the Amp to 80hz and the HU to through and then to 31.62?