Tuning Gains

[argenis69 10+ year member]

HI, I was happy with my sub response when I had added some bass boost on the crossover but I've done a lot of reading and research these last months and everyone states that it's not recommended or needed. After that, I've done my gains properly several times, following all the recommendations I have seen online on different websites, but I can't feel my Fi Audio SP4 15'' sub D2 (in a flare ported 3.5 cu ft box)as loud. My JVC hu settings and my Crescendo 3500bc are correct and I've done the tuning/setting gains with the 40hz tone at 0db and I found the bass response very low, then I did it at -5db and I still find it low. I know most of you out there listen to American music(hip hop, r&b, etc.) that have lots of bass, but I mostly listen to Hispanic/Caribbean music. I'm guessing I'm using the wrong frequency to tune my bass due to the fact of the type of music I listen to...

1- What frequency you recommend for me to set my subwoofer/bass gains with?

2- At what db , for the loudest/cleanest response?

3-Also, What's the best frequency and db to tune/gains the Image Dynamics 6.5 mids on the doors?

Thank you.

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[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

If your music doesn't have low bass then you either live with less bass or you boost it with the subwoofer level setting on your head unit. It sounds like you've found out why the DMM method *****. You're "tuning" the amp for one frequency, but you have no idea if it's clipping unless you can clearly hear the change in sound from the sub. Try tuning at 50 Hz or even 60 Hz. Use a -5 dB test tone.

The standard tone frequency for tuning speakers is 1 kHz. Use -5 dB for that as well.

 

[bbeljefe]

Also, if you listen to a lot of music that isn't heavy on bass, there's no harm in using the bass boost setting on your amplifier. I don't recommend setting it more than half way up and when you use it, set it where you (think) you want it before you set the gain.

The whole purpose of bass boost is to amplify the bass in music that doesn't have much. But most people think it's there so you can get more out of the amp/speaker than they're capable of. And that can actually be done. But only if the gains are set by a pink leprechaun.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

well, if it helps, I used the dso nano oscilloscope first to check for clipping in the signal, before trying to set the gains and volume on the amps. And yes I also used the dmm at the amps speakers outputs "to limit the max volume to each speaker to prevent overpower as said on youtube", if that really works.

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

What amp and what's the rms rating.

 

---------- Post added at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:15 PM ----------

 

What amp and what's the rms rating, and does it do rated before clipping.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Crescendo 3500bc with a Fi Audio SP4 15" D2.

 

[Nut Hair Trick 10+ year member]

Try inverting the phase 180 on the crescendo.

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

That thing should be wangin

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Ok, today I set my subwoofer amp gains with the DMM with time 50hz at -7.5db and it sounds a little louder, I tried with the 60hz and the output was lower, did I do something wrong?, I will try with the 40hz -7.5db, later, like that I think I will have more output. What is your opinion?

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Bump

 

[clickclickw00t 10+ year member]

YOu need to get yourself some kind of bass processor. Or you can get something like this :

Amazon.com: Audio Control Epicenter Bass Maximizer: Explore similar items

It has a bass enhancer that will add lower bass notes to stuff that doesn't have it. Don't expect to get window rattling bass if you're not listening to bass-type tracks.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Really?

 

[clickclickw00t 10+ year member]

Really?

Yes, really.

 

[jerryp.]

Yeah, I'd go for a bass processor. I guarantee you if you played a bass song, that thing would bump. Since your music taste are lacking the bass, there is nothing really wrong with going with an epicenter. I use one occasionally for Spanish music. Really brings out the tuba!! Lol

I tuned my amp with a 50hz tone -3db because I noticed using apples AU Lab that thats where most of my music was peaking. And yup most of my music bumps loud and clear with my tuning but yet Spanish music doesn't. Do i use my little magical device, the epicenter lol

 

[bbeljefe]

Go ahead and set the bass boost on the amp at about half way and then set the gains on a 50 hx tone at -5 or -7.5.

Bass boost only becomes a real problem when you crank on it after gain setting. If you haven't already done it that way, it may suffice but if not, consider an Epicenter or some other sort of processor that can enhance the bass signal cleanly.

Also, what kind of vehicle is it in? Can you change the orientation of the subwoofer cabinet? If you can orient it where the port is loaded into a corner or a back/side wall of the vehicle, that will increase the impact it has... just keep it 4-12" from said corner/panel.

And what sort of electrical are you running? That amp needs a good supply of power in order to produce a good supply of power.