Which is better pink noise or test tones?

[Storis 10+ year member]

I want to set the gain on my amp using an oscilloscope, and I was wondering which is better to use a pink noise cd, or a test tone cd? Some people say use pink noise, some say use a test tone.

From what I understand with pink noise you get the full audio spectrum recorded at the same level for all frequencies. With the test tone cd you pick a tone approximately in the middle of the range the speaker is supposed to be reproducing; then with either cd you adjust the gain until you just start to see the wave form flatten then back the gain off until it isn't flat on the peak anymore.

It would seem to me that the pink noise would be better.

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[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

Don't use pink noise if you're using a scope. Use a single tone so that you can get a very clear image of the wave form clipping. Once you get that point on your gain, run a sweep through the scope from 20hz-20khz and watch for any clipping along the range (there shouldn't be if you don't have any frequencies boosted. Using pink noise could make the display of the scope difficult to read.