watch part 1 here: th-cam.com/video/0nqJhkrNq6A/w-d-xo.html - i ordered 5 more cheap LOC's today i will be testing more. I will also be putting the Audiocontrol LC2 to the test as well! Thanks for watching if you did!
Great content!! *cough* Kicker KEYLOC *cough* I have zero experience with LOC's so I feel like these o-scope videos that also include voltages are TH-cam gold. I'll be especially pumped if the KEYLOC is one of them since I've talked to enough people that STRONGLY favor the Kicker keyloc OR the LC2i. It'd be nice to see them compared in depth.
if you didn't know...the SMD HLC2 can be used as a line driver as well. It has class AB outputs and can push a lot of CLEAN juice out to as many amps as you can throw at it. :)
excited to see the lc2ipro in action, that's what I put in my Audi and everything sounds great so far. Paired with the Audio control LC1.800 and a JL 12w6v3 in a sealed box.
who wants to see the most in depth video about these LOC's that you have seen so far? I'm about to make someone look dumber than he already looks. I have the results back from very thorough AP (Audio Precision) testing. Some of you guys should probably start letting go of that dude's sack before i post it to save some face. lol SMH
I disconnected the scosche from one of my vehicles after watching your video. And to think that was what Crutchfield tech recommended i use! Im going to replace it with either an SMD or Audio control Lc2. Thanks for this video mate, eye opening!
As expensive as subs and amps are a DD1 actually seems like cheap insurance. Imagine how many subs globally could've been saved a premature death 😁 However it'd be interesting to see a cheap Amazon $40 o scope added to the test bench to see how inaccurate or accurate it actually is, at any rate thanks Mr.Meade for shining light on the garbage LOCs.
I’d definitely be interested in a test of the Audio Control LOCs. I want to do an install in my vehicle but there’s so much integrated into the head unit that I can’t just go with an aftermarket unit.
This is awesome learning material, thanks for putting in the work and passing along the knowledge. Can't wait to get one of your DD1 when I get the extra funds for it, such an amazing tool!
Miss shaped waves are normally caused by cheap by parts and isn’t healthy for amps at all they can cause a lot of issues such as wired passing issues in sound and a choppy sound and can also allow switching noise trough
Can someone please answer this question how come every time I turn my speaker system all the way up it turns off when I’m playing music from my iphone but when it’s on the radio station I can blast it and it won’t turn off 2014 Kia Optima sundown amp custom box skar 2 12’s skar coaxials all around stock head unit and electrical sky high 0 gauge wire
After dialing in my system with a cheap LOC, I can notice a slight distortion and offset in timing in the sub hits. I guarantee the SMD HLC2 will solve this problem especially after seeing the data.
Jesus...the second one looks like it wants to be a sawtooth wave. This would be okay in a digital use but analog that's terrible. The first one seems like it was phase shifting or something...I'm not an audio engineer so I'm not sure. Your loc is definitely the king here
I'm ordering 2 Sundown xv3's i know what battery, amps and wiring to get/do, I'm just unsure about all the little extra important things that need to go with everything
Dam thats horrible I wouldnt put on in my car ever again after what I went threw not only that but my stock radio sucked and it killed 2 usb drives after that I took it out couldnt be any happier. I use my dd1 any chance I get come in handy.
Hey Steve, I have a 2019 Golf R and I want to add a couple 12’s to the mix. Car already has a factory sub in the trunk. Will the SMD LOC allow me to do that? If I wanted to bypass everything in the factory system and continue to use the factory head unit, would I need multiple LOC’s? The factory head unit, like on most newer cars, controls everything through the screen otherwise I would just replace it as well.. Thanks for the help, love the videos.. 🤘🏼
the blue one looks even worse than i thought I think you'd actually be better off wiring up a potential divider out of 2 relatively high resistance resistors and then into a ground loop isolator then these cheapies
A spectrum analyzer would tell you everything. Like someone mentioned in the previous video, you have multiple harmonics going on which contributes to the distortion(you can kind of see it on the oscope). the DD1 or other measuring device you are using seems to be able to measure the harmonic distortion. But you need to realize is that just because harmonic distortion is being measured, does not mean you can hear it at a certain static frequencies. A device that is amplifying or "dampening" an audio signal is always going to have some sort of inherent distortion. A frequency sweep using a network analyzer would tell you even more, but why waste time on cheap devices. If a device has those types of specs, you know the manufacture measures that already using proper test equipment. So beyond the scope(no pun intended...ha) of the purpose of this video.
The amp pro is not an LoC, it is a DAC. Your radio outputs a digital signal through a BUS system. The AP turns that digital signal to analog and is a true Pre-amp section.
Just watch a video (didn't finished it) of some guy thats just SOUR!!! You get what you payed for. He talking mad cash shit about LOCS you make. You were honest and put it on camera. Am been installing systems for homeboys since i was 15 (now 38) and i have an install in a couple of days and your videos are dope Wanted info on new tech on LOC'S. Trash is trash, quality is quality (went with kicker (am a fan plus the kids 18 first system) APPRECIATE your help and info. Dude just SOUR HAHAHA!! Am on a JVC deck (ebay used $65) Kicker 600.1 mono(online refurbished $45) and 1 12 Alpine type S on custom box (made it 1.5 cubic feet) and orion wires but i sound CLEAN CLEAN!!! Bumping on a budget! Your setups are amazing once i hit the loto am Going bigger hahaha. Thanks for the vids!!
Yeah but sometimes is cheaper to keep the factory radio especially many new cars have many functions with the stereo. I have the audio control loc I felt the difference when I upgraded from scosche loc. next year I’m going to buy stereo looking into kenwood always been huge fan of kenwood stereos
I have a question for ya, I'm going to be running 4 T1000 bdcp amps for 6 10s and 2 15s. I have 4 deep cell batteries 2 xs 500 farad capacitors and 1 mechman 400 amp alternator. Do I need a 2nd 400 amp alternator
Can clearly see at the 5:30 mark that there is A LOT of noise on the signal. It is like it is using a digital carrier wave over the wanted signal. It is absolute garbage 🤣
All I'm saying is i watched and saw the difference and i was video like number 666, so now i have to douse myself in holy water and ask for forgiveness for buying one of the HLC-2s without permission from the almighty, AKA my other half...
@@hippo-potamus I would put Audio Control right after Wavtech these days. I feel like Wavtech is up and coming and they've actually forced some of the recent feature upgrades from Audio Control. Like Audio Control's new Epicenter Micro was only released well after Wavtech came out with their BassRESTOR, which also has a built-in LOC. Wavtech was also first to market with their multifunctional Bass Control Knob, which Audio Control also copied from them on their Epicenter Micro ACR-4 (which also costs $50 more than the BassRESTOR)... This tells me that Wavtech is really the one leading in innovation. Plus I've seen Wavtech's head engineer Jason on many podcasts, and he really represents his company well. And after I bought a Wavtech BassRESTOR and I needed to ask a technical question, I called them up, and literally within 60 seconds of calling I was transferred directly to the head engineer himself. Once I was talking to Jason, he was very personable and helpful, and he even gave me his extension number so I can reach him directly at any time in the future, and I'm just some random guy to him. Audio Control is still good quality, but they've got like 100+ products under their massive corporate umbrella. Wavtech meanwhile has like 10 products total, and they're all directly related to each other, so each one of Wavtech's models are treated as their pride and joy. These are my reasons to choose Wavtech over Audio Control.
watch part 1 here: th-cam.com/video/0nqJhkrNq6A/w-d-xo.html - i ordered 5 more cheap LOC's today i will be testing more. I will also be putting the Audiocontrol LC2 to the test as well! Thanks for watching if you did!
I'd love to see any of the Wavtech LOC's put to the test, particularly the built-in LOC on the BassRESTOR model. Thanks for educating us.
Great content!! *cough* Kicker KEYLOC *cough* I have zero experience with LOC's so I feel like these o-scope videos that also include voltages are TH-cam gold. I'll be especially pumped if the KEYLOC is one of them since I've talked to enough people that STRONGLY favor the Kicker keyloc OR the LC2i. It'd be nice to see them compared in depth.
I'm pumped to see the audio control lc2
I was thinking about how the audio control wave would look, hopefully its clean!
Would like to see a higher end one like kicker’s how it compares to SMD
if you didn't know...the SMD HLC2 can be used as a line driver as well. It has class AB outputs and can push a lot of CLEAN juice out to as many amps as you can throw at it. :)
any chance SMD gunna put out a a 6channel version?
Guess o need to change my loc.
Thanks Steve this is an awesome video!!!!
How so? By using a few RCA y splitters to connect them to multiple amps?
@@wassupBGHS sure. Or pass throughs....or a splitter box. Simple stuff.
excited to see the lc2ipro in action, that's what I put in my Audi and everything sounds great so far. Paired with the Audio control LC1.800 and a JL 12w6v3 in a sealed box.
This is exactly what people need to see!!
The waveforms don’t lie. Thanks for the incredible info and videos Steve ‼️
who wants to see the most in depth video about these LOC's that you have seen so far? I'm about to make someone look dumber than he already looks. I have the results back from very thorough AP (Audio Precision) testing. Some of you guys should probably start letting go of that dude's sack before i post it to save some face. lol SMH
Please do, there isn't enough science based testing in the community and too much hearsay and guessing.
@@mattcossel29 its up! th-cam.com/video/AlN__EF4-i4/w-d-xo.html
I disconnected the scosche from one of my vehicles after watching your video. And to think that was what Crutchfield tech recommended i use! Im going to replace it with either an SMD or Audio control Lc2. Thanks for this video mate, eye opening!
As expensive as subs and amps are a DD1 actually seems like cheap insurance. Imagine how many subs globally could've been saved a premature death 😁 However it'd be interesting to see a cheap Amazon $40 o scope added to the test bench to see how inaccurate or accurate it actually is, at any rate thanks Mr.Meade for shining light on the garbage LOCs.
I’d definitely be interested in a test of the Audio Control LOCs. I want to do an install in my vehicle but there’s so much integrated into the head unit that I can’t just go with an aftermarket unit.
This is awesome learning material, thanks for putting in the work and passing along the knowledge. Can't wait to get one of your DD1 when I get the extra funds for it, such an amazing tool!
Test the audio control units
Wondering how the built in LOC's in Rockford amps perform..
I’d like to see what upper tier brand LOC do, such as Audio Control.
would love to see the Audiocontrol LC2
Save $5 + Free Shipping with coupon code "MEADE916" - audiopartsdirect.com/smd-hlc-2-high-level-converter/
If the amp came with high level input would that be a better option then those pile of horse $hit
i like to see this same thing, done with a factory head unit of some sort.
Another great tutorial video with great information. Spreading facts, not fiction!
Just ordered one! I can’t wait to throw the one I have in the trash. I’m so glad I came across these videos
the difference is big bro? i have to a cheap one 10 $ , i ordered to a kicker , i can t wait to arrive
Cant wait to see the audio control lc2 since they are suppose to be a reputable product and what I use.
how do high level inputs on amps perform?
Miss shaped waves are normally caused by cheap by parts and isn’t healthy for amps at all they can cause a lot of issues such as wired passing issues in sound and a choppy sound and can also allow switching noise trough
the waves are ugly and will not sound good... but they won't hurt the amp
the amps that have speaker level inputs built in are they that noisy on average ?
Can someone please answer this question how come every time I turn my speaker system all the way up it turns off when I’m playing music from my iphone but when it’s on the radio station I can blast it and it won’t turn off
2014 Kia Optima sundown amp custom box skar 2 12’s skar coaxials all around stock head unit and electrical sky high 0 gauge wire
Remote wire?
After dialing in my system with a cheap LOC, I can notice a slight distortion and offset in timing in the sub hits. I guarantee the SMD HLC2 will solve this problem especially after seeing the data.
I would use two of these so I can maintain fade and balance but at 139 a pop? I have high level going directly into LC5.1300 now. Seems to work ok.
I have a converter for my 2019 GMC terrain can’t change my stock unit do you guys sell a converter for my vehicle?
I just tested a cheap walmart loc im using in my ford f150 and sure enough its distorting the signal as soon as I turn up the gains.
how did you test it?
Awesome to see! Haven't even watched and excited to see how bad the signals look.
Nice your loc seams to soften the chopped wave some which is nice
Not the hero we deserve, but the hero we need.
LC2i Pro Comparison
video 3 coming soon..
This is what I'm wanting to see
Jesus...the second one looks like it wants to be a sawtooth wave. This would be okay in a digital use but analog that's terrible. The first one seems like it was phase shifting or something...I'm not an audio engineer so I'm not sure. Your loc is definitely the king here
How much is the SMD line output Converter.
$140 link is in the description.
@@party1hard Thanks.
Save $5 + Free Shipping with coupon code "MEADE916" - audiopartsdirect.com/smd-hlc-2-high-level-converter/
I'm ordering 2 Sundown xv3's i know what battery, amps and wiring to get/do, I'm just unsure about all the little extra important things that need to go with everything
Dam thats horrible I wouldnt put on in my car ever again after what I went threw not only that but my stock radio sucked and it killed 2 usb drives after that I took it out couldnt be any happier. I use my dd1 any chance I get come in handy.
Hey Steve,
I have a 2019 Golf R and I want to add a couple 12’s to the mix. Car already has a factory sub in the trunk. Will the SMD LOC allow me to do that? If I wanted to bypass everything in the factory system and continue to use the factory head unit, would I need multiple LOC’s? The factory head unit, like on most newer cars, controls everything through the screen otherwise I would just replace it as well.. Thanks for the help, love the videos.. 🤘🏼
Look at Steve's comments earlier it can be used as a line driver also
Audio control has excellent equipment also
I put 2 , 10 inch in mine perfect ! The box takes up a lot of space . So 12s we’re a little bigger and heavier
Awww c'mon man, the blue one is just a Skosh distorted LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yup, just a scosche lol
the blue one looks even worse than i thought
I think you'd actually be better off wiring up a potential divider out of 2 relatively high resistance resistors and then into a ground loop isolator then these cheapies
I think it would be cool to see the Audio Control LC7i compaired to regular LOC's.
already did a video on it.
thanks for the info, had to look back to to years ago but I found it, will be looking forward to seeing the LC2 video
A spectrum analyzer would tell you everything. Like someone mentioned in the previous video, you have multiple harmonics going on which contributes to the distortion(you can kind of see it on the oscope). the DD1 or other measuring device you are using seems to be able to measure the harmonic distortion. But you need to realize is that just because harmonic distortion is being measured, does not mean you can hear it at a certain static frequencies. A device that is amplifying or "dampening" an audio signal is always going to have some sort of inherent distortion. A frequency sweep using a network analyzer would tell you even more, but why waste time on cheap devices. If a device has those types of specs, you know the manufacture measures that already using proper test equipment. So beyond the scope(no pun intended...ha) of the purpose of this video.
i still think that second LOC produces a sawtooth sine wave
Video was great as normal. Always enlightening
I had one of those blue boxes but never used it
Brand b looks like a phase misalignment issue yeah?
Test out PAC LP7-2!
what about sound procesors?
Thanks bro I will be looking out for that video
Bought 1 this morning to put it through the paces….
Lmmfao!!! Rock it till it burns up! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Truth is in the pudding, or in this case the wave! SMD, serious bidness
I hope my pac amp pro doesn’t do this shit lol. Thanks for the info!!
The amp pro is not an LoC, it is a DAC. Your radio outputs a digital signal through a BUS system. The AP turns that digital signal to analog and is a true Pre-amp section.
Thanks for that mow i now whats wrong with mi system time for a real deck
Just watch a video (didn't finished it) of some guy thats just SOUR!!! You get what you payed for. He talking mad cash shit about LOCS you make. You were honest and put it on camera.
Am been installing systems for homeboys since i was 15 (now 38) and i have an install in a couple of days and your videos are dope
Wanted info on new tech on LOC'S.
Trash is trash, quality is quality (went with kicker (am a fan plus the kids 18 first system) APPRECIATE your help and info.
Dude just SOUR HAHAHA!! Am on a JVC deck (ebay used $65) Kicker 600.1 mono(online refurbished $45) and 1 12 Alpine type S on custom box (made it 1.5 cubic feet) and orion wires but i sound CLEAN CLEAN!!! Bumping on a budget!
Your setups are amazing once i hit the loto am Going bigger hahaha.
Thanks for the vids!!
That's the shit right there folks.
* Word
Can we get a test off a battery to eliminate all the noise from that power supply just a suggestion
power supply isn't making any noise. So nah...
👍
Messiest test bench ever? Lol... look at just one of my bench videos 🤣
mine is never this messy! it was driving me nuts with all the wires everywhere LOL :D
Cheap line level converters are full of distortion !
Pretty shocking to say the least, it would not seem like the simple process of changing two speaker wires to one rca would make such a shit signal
Not per say the wiring difference, but what's between those differences.
Is it better to invest on a aftermarket stereo than using the loc?
it would be best , but if your tight on cash or cant fit a head unit in , the LOC is perfect dont listen to bullshit.
Yeah but sometimes is cheaper to keep the factory radio especially many new cars have many functions with the stereo. I have the audio control loc I felt the difference when I upgraded from scosche loc. next year I’m going to buy stereo looking into kenwood always been huge fan of kenwood stereos
@@juliobello4561 I have a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and I had to use a LOC because my A/C controls are integrated into my radio.
Proof dfinately in the pudding here, great product bro
I have a question for ya, I'm going to be running 4 T1000 bdcp amps for 6 10s and 2 15s. I have 4 deep cell batteries 2 xs 500 farad capacitors and 1 mechman 400 amp alternator. Do I need a 2nd 400 amp alternator
Yes
no.
@@meade916 ok thanks
YES!!!
Can clearly see at the 5:30 mark that there is A LOT of noise on the signal.
It is like it is using a digital carrier wave over the wanted signal.
It is absolute garbage 🤣
👍👍❗
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤝🏻
All I'm saying is i watched and saw the difference and i was video like number 666, so now i have to douse myself in holy water and ask for forgiveness for buying one of the HLC-2s without permission from the almighty, AKA my other half...
3rd
Dayum shark tooth..., top trash...
These are my Top 3 LOC's for 2022...
1. SMD HLC-2
2. Kicker KeyLOC
3. Wavtech BassRESTOR
Where does Audio control Lc2 fall?
@@hippo-potamus at the top!
@@hippo-potamus I would put Audio Control right after Wavtech these days. I feel like Wavtech is up and coming and they've actually forced some of the recent feature upgrades from Audio Control. Like Audio Control's new Epicenter Micro was only released well after Wavtech came out with their BassRESTOR, which also has a built-in LOC. Wavtech was also first to market with their multifunctional Bass Control Knob, which Audio Control also copied from them on their Epicenter Micro ACR-4 (which also costs $50 more than the BassRESTOR)... This tells me that Wavtech is really the one leading in innovation.
Plus I've seen Wavtech's head engineer Jason on many podcasts, and he really represents his company well. And after I bought a Wavtech BassRESTOR and I needed to ask a technical question, I called them up, and literally within 60 seconds of calling I was transferred directly to the head engineer himself. Once I was talking to Jason, he was very personable and helpful, and he even gave me his extension number so I can reach him directly at any time in the future, and I'm just some random guy to him.
Audio Control is still good quality, but they've got like 100+ products under their massive corporate umbrella. Wavtech meanwhile has like 10 products total, and they're all directly related to each other, so each one of Wavtech's models are treated as their pride and joy.
These are my reasons to choose Wavtech over Audio Control.
👍