I noticed you talk about setting the gain at minimum while figuring out the HU clipping volumes but where would the amp's crossover be set during three processes? And also should the subwoofer be turned off when finding out the max clean volume level that your head unit clips at? And yes, like the article says: "Set the receiver's EQ presets and the amp's bass boost to the way you normally listen to your music" before setting the gain. P.S.- AT least I have a Fluke 87 TRUE RMS !! It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers. Setting gain to just below the clipping point, whether ascertained audibly or visually, ensures maximum signal headroom and minimum noise floor. I needed to find out which tone clipped the receiver first, at the lowest volume setting. An example of a a clean waveform (left) and a distorted, clipped wave (right). I have a question, I also played a male singer, to see if it would be any different — it wasn’t. Amplifier Bass Gain Settings. Then I backed it off until the hum alone remained. Well written. This equation is solved as; voltage equals to the square root of watts multiplied by resistance. A group of our first employees dig into “new” car stereo gear in this vintage van. Thomas, Just because a receiver's spec states it can put out a 4-volt preamp signal doesn't mean the signal is clean at that level. This is because most meters are made to measure AC voltage accurately at 50-60 Hz (the common frequency of all power systems around the world). It would help if you disconnected positive speaker wire from the positive terminal on your amplifier.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',103,'0','0'])); Ensure that all the EQ settings are turned off or set to zero including; loudness, treble, bass, EQ functions, processing and bass boost. I have read some tutorials stating that you should only use the scope and test tone to set the gain up to the voltage calculated by the units actual power and the 4 ohms, and not the clipping point. You'll probably get better results. Comments will display after being approved by our moderators. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. Set the amp gain to minimum (all the way to the left) 5. Again, that was only an example, use the ratings of your amp to figure that out. Great article and information. This is why I do recommend using test tones and your ears to set gain accurately. If you were to have the gain somewhere else but still on the lower end, (say 10% or 20%), would the distortion point on the HU vary in any way? You can measure the signal's peak-to-peak voltage with your scope, as well as see when it clips. Using the test tones disc was easier than listening to music. With the amp gain at minimum, play the 40 Hz tone and turn up the receiver’s volume until you hear it buzz. i am also running a kicker key 180.4 amp to power these. But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material. This is why I do recommend using test tones and your ears to set gain accurately. Setting the Gain (s) To set the gain (s), you need two things: 1. Voltage = sqrt (400W*ohms) Voltage = 20V. If I do that there's no headroom left the turn up amplifier gain at all. A sine wave sounds like a hum. Raise the amp’s gain until you hear it buzz, back off until it hums, and you’re done. Stranger still channels 3 and 4 which are for the woofers low passed at (100Hz as per Mosconi) show voltages of 20-21 without any sign of distortion. When using a multimeter do I need to set the gain with you eq being how I listen to it? I turned it up until I heard something go wrong with the vocal — it seemed thinner, not as bell-like, and harsher. Thank you so much for all the great information. To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfield’s SpeakerCompare Listening Kit. SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. For instance, the Amprobe 15XP-B multimeter I used in this Labs demonstration reads the voltage of a 0 dB 1 KHz signal about one-fifth the level that it reads at 40 Hz or 100 Hz. Take one probe of your multimeter and place it on the positive lead and the other one on the negative lead of your speaker. It means that it adjusts the power from the amplifier to the level, where it can be managed easily by the speakers. A non-distorted sine wave test tone sounds like a pure hum. My car has a stock head unit . When testing subwoofer 50 to 60 Hz is the recommended level while 1000 to 1500 Hz will be ideal for the main stereo amp level. A DMM (digital multi-meter) that is capable of measuring AC voltage (needs to be able to measure up to a range of 200V). But I proved to myself, at least, that the ear-and-tone method worked just as well and as accurately as using a scope. Thank you....do i need to connect the amp wires in series?? Any ideas why I am getting less than normal wattage readings? hello, You will be able to find AC output using a multimeter in order to perform the equation when setting gain in your stereo.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',107,'0','0'])); When performing the math equation, it will be best if you have a calculator with you in order to get the right figures. Should the head unit be left at factory settings when setting the gains and finding out the max clean volume? Hey Buck are you tired yet of giving the same answer over and over? So to much question... should I be setting the gain based on the 1kHz signal or let the higher frequencies set the ceiling? Our boxes are packed with biodegradable packing peanuts. Setting the Gain(s) To set the gain(s), you need two things: 1. I take the 100 to be the nominal rating in that? Amp - Alpine PDR-V75 (gains set low - no "Bass boost" or HPF applied) It does not take into account whether the source signal is clipped or not. I don't know which receiver you have, but you should set its subwoofer output as you would the gain - turn it up until it distorts, then lower it until it's clean. Confirm that the DSP output voltage is matched to the amplifier's input sensitivity. I will try the 100Hz tone (maybe the others too) for both the 4channel Pioneer GM 8604 and the SSL LoPro10 sub. Two hours later, my ears were still painfully ringing from the very high 8K Hz tone. There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our Amplifier FAQ answers many common questions like: How can I add an amp to my system? Take the square root of the 1000W, and the voltage should be 31.62V when running the amplifier with single gain control. Crutchfield is servicemark of Crutchfield Corporation. A DMM (digital multi-meter) that is capable of measuring AC voltage (needs to be able to measure up to a range of 200V). Even pinknoise, phased and de-phased. I closed my eyes when I did this test, so no numbers were used to set the receiver’s top volume. To accurately measure your amplifier’s output power with a multimeter, use a 60 Hz tone for a subwoofer amp, and a 100 Hz tone for a full-range amp with its high-pass filter turned off. Kevin, You can adjust the subwoofer volume to balance in with the full-range speakers by either lowering the subwoofer level of the receiver or with the sub amp's gain. I plan on setting my gain using a multimeter and calculating the max volts I should see for my sub. I swapped that speaker's wires to the left crossover, which is run by channel one, to rule that out. Fosgate P3D4 to wire for the A 800 2V which likes 800 Watts RMS X 1CH @ 4 Ohms. Maybe using your method, I will finally get the best of my PolkDB6502s and my 70RMS rear 6x9 kickers. Seems strange since both channel's wire is run side by side on the passenger side. Very knowledgeable & always happy to help. Set LPF to 100-125Hz. 1-888-292-2575. James, I don't recommend using a multi-meter to set an amplifier's gain because it'll only read voltage accurately around 60 Hz (maybe 40-100 Hz) and can't tell you if the signal's clipped or not. However, at 1000 hz, I can only get to about 30% on the dial before a very noticable buzz. How do I incorporate remote level control on the amp (SoundStream PN1.650D) in this process? Set your receiver’s EQ presets and the amp’s bass boost to the way you normally listen to your music. Anthony. It's a focal amp, 70 watts rms x 2, and it's pushing morel maximo 6 components. Equalizer settings to zero. If you want a question answered about a system, you must identify your equipment by brand names and model numbers. To set gain for the mid-bass amplifier, take 315 Hz. In trying to find the maximum HU volume, my full-range components (Morel Tempo Ultra 5 1/4") began buzzing at a much lower HU volume than normal everyday listening volume - I'm talking normal person listening volume... not "car audio enthusiast" volume haha. Step 8. If you don't have a scope, the easiest way to do it with a meter is know how much power the amp is supposed to make (in watts) multiply that # by the impedance of the speaker to be connected, then take the square root of that # and that is the voltage you need to be at on the output side. Along the way, power flows through the circuit's transisters, inductors, and capacitors that have the ability to boost the subsequent AC (alternating current) output. You should then adjust the amplifier gain knob as you keep an eye on your multimeter. When recording audio, gain usually is the first control that a microphone signal will go through in a mixer as the levels are being adjusted. ground is good from the amp to the frame. I used 1K Hz and 40 Hz test tones to adjust my gains and when I'm listening to my music I still hear my speakers crackle and my speakers buzz, but if I turn on my headlights to turns into a hum noise. What is interesting to me is the 4channel amp when playing a test tone at max unclipped rca output does not form a square wave but starts to spike in the center with what looks like harmonic destabilizing centered around the wave peak which if gain is further increases shows the expected flat top however it still contains a sharp spike at the start and end of the square peak. If you think it's the speakers than that's pretty disappointing - especially at $400 a pair. Sign up for our emails, Buck Pomerantz. Also if you know of a CD that has 0 Db test tones. I get up to 7 but ohms law calls for 14.14. Natasha, Give us a call so an Advisor can help you match an amp to your subs. Thank you. Christhian, Disengage the amp's filters for these steps. You will require having a CD with a proper test tone; it should be recorded at 0db reference level and must have several tests done. I cant use cd's on my stereo, so im going to download some tones and play them via usb and the use a oscillioscope. I have installed a Pyle 5 channel amp 6800 watts into a chevy cruze.. Powering an alpine 12" sub rated for 1000 rms. Care to recommend any? can offer. Setting amplifier gains using a digital multimeter - Arc Audio Ks300.4. Tendai, I don't recommend using a multi-meter to set an amp's gain because it'll only read voltage accurately around 60 Hz and can't tell you if the signal's clipped or not. 3. You should then adjust the amplifier gain knob as you keep an eye on your multimeter. After turning the receiver down a little, restoring the fine quality of the singer’s voice, I turned up the amp gain until I heard the same thing. That meant certain frequencies would play louder than others. If using amplifiers in bridged/mono mode or using two amplifi-ers in bd-SYNC mode, simultaneously increase both gain controls so they are balanced (at the same level). When I isolate the head unit I'm checking the max output through the rca cables with a 0dB test tone suite I made.. once I found the max receiver volume at 0dB I disconnected all speakers and plugged the rca pre-amps back in. And remember, DMMs only accurately measure AC signals round 60 Hz, so they're not the best tool to set amp gains with. My amp and sub are both 400 watts rms wired at 4 ohms. Should I check the whole process on head unit first then the loc and then the amp? Turn the amplifier attenuation pot(s) all the way down. 100 rms Cody, The misuse of low-pas filters (HPF) and bass boosts lead to the destruction of many subwoofers. But both times, the amp gain setting was exactly the same as the other methods. I've done some searching on the web but everyone says different. Because that volume represented the level that all the tones would play cleanly through the receiver, I used the 51 setting for the receiver’s volume for the next step. The other methods of setting gain involve using test tones. That's why subwoofers exist - to provide the bass that regular speaker can't play. I started with the amp’s gain set to its minimum, and the speakers disconnected. Then I turned up the receiver’s volume until I could see something bizarre happening to the wave’s shape. Keep up the great work! Great company & fair deals! One single sub in back.100 rms. I imagine you have to bring the receiver volume back down somewhere to have headroom to bring the gain up. If you own a car stereo, you would like to get the most sound from your system which includes your amplifier. I used test tones to set my amp gain for my component speakers. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a Now I By now, your amplifier gain will haven adjusted correctly. Wheres a good ground connection In the trunk? Adjust all amplifier gains and any Punch EQ to minimum. This would result in a calculated wattage about one-twentieth of the correct output power. Your multimeter might also have a dedicated setting for testing the amperage of AA, AAA, and 9V batteries. Then once I get that volume, I will tune two amps I have in the back of the Jeep (one amp drives 4 speakers in the box and the other amp drives 2 subs). Then, while playing music I could use the remote knob to turn down the bass to desired levels, knowing that I could not worry about turning it up to max if desired. Before you begin, do not connect the RCA outputs of the converter to the aftermarket amp yet. Hi again Buck The short duration of the time it takes setting gain shouldn't endanger your speakers. How to Set Amp Gain With a Multimeter Step 1. I really appreciate the clear response (perhaps dumbed-down for me, thank goodness) and the informative article. Wattage equals the voltage squared divided by the sub's impedance in ohms. Maybe it's just me I'm not sure, very well could be. Thank you all! 21 on the ALPINE VOLUME SCALE IS MAX FOR DISTORTION! I played the tone and looked at the sine wave while turning up the amplifier’s gain knob. So attaining an output of 30 volts RMS through a 2-ohm load produces 450 watts RMS. Problem is when I am setting it, it should be set at 40 on the meter, but it won't go up that high when I turn the gain all the way up. Since 1974. after the auto tune finished i try to set my gians. That explained some of the "extra" power. I bought them from Crutchfield. Keene, To start off, the amp crossover filters should be set to "off" or "full range." Thnx. Anyway My I went into The Crutchfield Labs and set up an amplifier, wired to a power supply, a car receiver, and a pair of speakers. Can you shed some light on this please? Estimated wait for next available agent : We’ll email you a transcript of this conversation for your records. That meant the receiver played 40 Hz clean and at its loudest at its "52" volume. All settings on hu and amp set to minimum or 0 - volume at 75%. Doing so will virtually guarantee your amp will clip the signal when the receiver's volume is turned up later. What the heck is going on? The second time, it was one notch higher than the tones and scope setting. I worked in my high school's stage crew, running sound, lights, and a movie projector. Clipped signals, as you noticed, don't always take the form of a square wave. I played the first tone, 40 Hz, a low bass note, only fit for subwoofers, and set the scope to view the sine wave. Thanks Buck. A less expensive solution would be to get a pair of noise-reducing earplugs that'll protect your hearing while still allowing you to hear test tones humming and buzzing. I play the 50hz sounds and my multimeter starts at 6 volts and i turn the gain all the way up and the highest voltage i get is 44. However, using a multimeter in setting gain is relatively easy and much faster when compared to the oscilloscope. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Dann, The owner's manual for that amplifier is a bit confusing as to the actual function of the remote - whether it adjusts the amp's input gain or output level. This is so the gain would be set under real-world conditions. What gives?? This amp has a gain control, a bass boost control, and an external remote level control. Without the Bass Boost setting either set to half or full the AMP will not give any power to the Subwoofer. i can set the rear gains to about half way on their rotation. Hello Buck ! But i wonder what level the tones should be, -0db, -5db and so on. After downloading, you can burn them to a CD or store them onto a thumb drive for playing later. Perhaps it isn't important at all whatsoever since it's never mentioned. Am I missing something? Plus, I don't usually listen to music full-blast for very long periods of time, so in real use, I would likely never be able to hear the difference. input level. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. In 2006, I finally came to my senses and got this job at Crutchfield. Overall, very positive experience. Pick the tone with the lowest clean volume setting and play it again at that setting. Turn on the source unit and set volume to zero. When level matching the amp to the hard unit do you leave the seating on the head to 0 ( Tribble bass .loudness ). But I've seen no advice regarding the remote control. Set the gain to a minimum, turn on your sinus, and adjust the volume of the radio. Polk MM 692's. So basically to tune properly the LPF needs to be all the way up along with the volume at the proper level then adjust the gain till it clips/distorts/buzzes right? If you like the tone when using a bass boost, you must readjust the amp's gain control to compensate for the boost in over-all volume and ensure that no dangerous distortion ever plays. i played test tones from my phone over the Bluetooth connection and with my phone volume all the way up. It is the setting which helps us set the sensitivity of the amplifier. ... Current is measured in Amperes (Amps) and it typically doesn’t take more than 10 milliamps (10 mA) to cause one to lose control of their muscles and as little as 1/10 of 1 amp for only 2 seconds to cause death. . If that's not possible (filters always on), then you'd start with high-pass filters set to their lowest frequency and the low-pass filters set to their highest frequency. Crutchfield will restore your faith in the industry. Setting your amp gain is a critical step in achieving maximum performance as well as protecting your system. I don't have a dummy 2 ohm load rated for that kind of power. Use our handy wire gauge chart to find out. This will allow for reasonable gain overlap with moderate clipping at full volume. Do I do each speaker individually by going to front left, FR,RL,RR? Monty, Googling "download 0dB test tones" brings up quite a few reputable sites where you can download tones and purchase test tone CDs. setting. John, No. the difference being that the former is the manufacturers recommended limit for "stable" power, and though there may be headroom between that number and the clipping point (your extra found power), it was not necessarily stable there... do you have any insight on that? Each tone creates a reference-level (0 dB) sine wave that you can observe on an oscilloscope screen. That said I then went on to check the output voltages after all had been set with lovely sine waves on the scope. I may have read somewhere that it is safer to disconnect the speaker wires from the amp. Just a random guy who likes to build things. Set your input sensitivity gain to zero. STEP 3. Great article by the way! In the Crutchfield Labs, I ran a set of tests and determined that "doing it by ear and music" works, but not quite as accurately or scientifically as using test tones. Brandon, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. I have a Mosconi 130.4 DSP amp rated at 130RMS per channel at 4 ohms or 175RMS at 2 ohms. John, Each gain knob controls two channels - left and right - so setting gain with a pair of speakers playing is probably the beat way to go. It's through the magic of each manufacturer's design that it's done. Clipping doesn't seem to be a problem for me. All rights reserved. To set the gain properly after I have set eq and bass. Is that simply another gain control knob? Also, would hearing protection inhibit your ability to accurate determine the clipping point? Achieving full power in an amplifier depends on setting the gain correctly, not on the tone of the bass signal. Strangely channels 1 and 2 show voltages of 17.5 and 16.5 even though I set them both to high pass at the same level (180 as per mfr). The foam kind that you fit in your ear canals lessen the volume but don't change the tone. I absolutely recommend using ear plugs when in loud noise situations. Eventually I moved back to Charlottesville, Virginia and opened a small demo recording studio. The male singer's voice suddenly developed a rasp. Logically it seems appropriate since theres lots of activity going on in that frequency range, normally played at higher levels than 35% HU volume. Without these essentials, you can develop hearing loss quickly as you increase the volume.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); It is advisable to protect your ears since building a decent sounding system without having to hear it will be a waste of time and resources. Anyone can market and sell a product. Is that the right approach? These wiring diagrams illustrate how amplifiers connect to your audio system, which will make it easier to shop for the gear you need for the system of your dreams. Best Laptops for CNC Routers – Complete Reviews with Comparisons, The Best CNC Router for Hobbyists – Complete Reviews with Comparisons, Best Entry Level CNC Router – Complete Reviews with Comparisons, Top 5 Best CNC Routers Under $2000 – Complete Reviews with Comparisons, The Top 5 Best CNC Routers Under $1000 – Complete Reviews with Comparison. Set Subsonic to 30-35Hz. This setting is usually denoted with the battery symbol. A multimeter is highly essential when it comes to measuring various electrical units from resistance to voltage. I keep a document with a bunch of stock answers to those frequently repeated questions saved, so all I have to do is copy and paste them when needed. Crutchfield will get you on the fast track to big bass with this simple guide. Website user interface is clean, easy to navigate & super helpful customer service.