The best way to set amp gain?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video I show you the best tool to set your amp gain. The camera shows the difference between the SMD distortion detectors and the Liumy Oscilloscope.
Many thanks to Steve Meade for the gift. No doubt this is the best way to set your amp gain, but it is to expensive for some people. Get your test equipment here*:
Thanks to @meade916 @DAmoreEngineering @barevids for technical assistance with this video!
DD1: bit.ly/3LvAXkn
DD1+: bit.ly/3uU953k
Liumy Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3Lw3g1X
Calibrated Microphone: bit.ly/3Bka7a0
AMM1: bit.ly/3Lz2DET
DM RTA: bit.ly/3Bqwr24
If you found this video helpful then you can support the channel on Patreon for as little as $3 a month: / diyaudioguy
If you need a coupon code to use at Parts Express you can find one at my blog: www.diysubwoofer.net
Shop for Car Audio at Sonic Electronix: bit.ly/3bazPBs
Connect with me on social media:
Facebook: / diy-audio-guy-11142806...
Instagram: / diyaudioguy
Twitter: / diyaudioguy1
Podcast: www.soundadviceshow.com
DIY Audio Merch: my-store-b3f136.creator-sprin...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:15 Backstory
3:14 Scope vs DD1 Test
8:20 Understanding THD
9:20 Scope vs DD1+ on a Dirty Amp
12:10 Amp Dyno with a Dirty Amp
15:00 Recommendation
*As an amazon associate marketer I may earn a small commission on qualified purchases. As an affiliate marketer I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase at Parts Express, Sonic Electronix or Down4Sound. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
My goal for this video was to provide information, a lot of people are trying to decide if they need SMD tools. There are ton of ways to set gain, it is OK to use the method that works best for you.
Yes most definitely. So many ways to have the same end result..
If u going to recommend just one to set the gains witch one you recommend??
When you adjust the gain for distortion either for the smd or multimeter, did you move the crossover frequency for the lpf all the way up. My polk audio has a freq of 50hz-500hz on the knob and on hpf it's 20hz-400hz. Need to adjust my gain this weekend and while I know how to get the target voltage I don't know what to do to the frequency before I start moving the gain knob to PROPERLY reach the targeted voltage
You the man bro,thanks
Personally I don't want to spend $1000 on a couple items that are going to sit in my toolbox most of the time. I switch cars every 3 to 5 years so...
nice video! out of all that, the MOST important thing you talked about was how everything in the chain starting from the beginning matters. I see a lot of lame video's on YT where someone is trying to "teach" people how to set gains with an O-scope and they are doing it completely wrong. "Just turn up the gain till you see (or hear) clipping" is not how you set gains. Head unit (or L.O.C if tapping in), DSP, crossovers etc, everything BEFORE the amps needs to be known first or it is all out the window. Also there is gain overlaps. Something completely ignored by these so called youtube "teachers". I have always told people, USE AN OSCOPE first. Learn it. Love it. USE IT RIGHT. Then get a DD-1 (for more accurate and simple results) once you feel like you are ready. It's the same process. (The DD-1+ Plus is a little different). But the standard DD-1 uses the same exact technique you would use if you had a scope. So no matter which one you choose, just do it correctly. Or turn all knobs to the right and jam on till you smell that smell. There is a right way and LOTS of wrong ways to do it. Thanks for the video it was a good watch :) Appreciate ya for that!
Thanks for the tools!
@@DIYAudioGuy no prob! enjoy :)
@@meade916 I was pleasantly surprised to see the DD1 detect distortion when there was no clipping. I knew that system did not sound right.
You make awesome stuff bro! My DD1 and CC1 are well worth the money. So then I got the hard case for them. And now I've got the TMM1 for the fans. Turns heads man. Badass stuff!!
I’m an owner of the DD-1+ and the original DD-1 HV, CC-1, IM-SG (first gen), AMM-1, and the VM-1 OM-1 and the TM-1. I also have a TPi meter/scope in my kit, a polarity tester and multiple connection options for any and every install need or tuning. I use the Liumy for work. For me, it’s the perfect travel set for on the road installs, audio monitoring, or just tinkering. From NY to CA, high heat, to cold weather, no cooked equipment, and everything is clean. Thanks DIY Audio Guy, and Thanks meade916 for the videos and tools. The audio world needs all your support to DIYR! (Do it yourself right.)
Sam's probably one of the coolest knowledgeable people on TH-cam.
Not just about amplifier repair either.
Enjoyed the video again!
I wish I had half of his knowledge and skill.
This was one of the most informative and helpful videos I’ve ever seen on car audio. Major props to you! Subscribed ✅
dd1 has been on my wish list for a while, thankfully im getting divorced so i can get back to focusing on me projects!
👍
Def recommend the dd1+ it's just a little more but worth every penny
I shouldn't laugh but this comment was funny 🤣
@@tridelv702 more 'happy' than funny.. good 4 him. 😊
🎉
No lie, the distortion detector is more than double what I am willing to pay for it.. I’ve been installing car audio since 85 and have used multi meters and oscillation scopes and pretty much could tune by ear back then, now I doubt my old ears can be that accurate so I’m banking on a oscillation scope 😂
This was a good watch. The distortion issue is one that I never had considered or taken much thought into before, so it was really interesting to see that demonstrated. Just due to being the type who likes to tinker, see how things work in depth, and get the absolute best value, I'll probably always have a love for scopes. But this video was great in how it presented and educated about the SMD tools, I have quite a bit more respect for the engineering behind those tools now.
That compressor behavior is something I think I've only seen on pro audio gear before (with my very limited experience with pro stuff), so it was really interesting to see that on that little premade car enclosure. It makes me wonder how common that circuitry is on lower end gear, or if maybe it was just a once in a blue moon thing that some engineer thought was a good idea on that particular system.
Anyways I really appreciate your content man, it's the thing I like seeing in the audio, and really any, community. We shouldn't get so caught up in what's "better" and "worse". Instead we should be educating each other on how to make the best of the gear we do have. That and of course, trying to stick to the facts of the situation is always the way to go. There's always more to learn. Thanks.
You are exactly right.
You can use a scope to find clipping, and you can use a $80 calibrated mic to find distortion with free software. For the DIYer that's probably the way to go.
Yep, lot of ways to do it.
You said I was gonna want to watch the whole video, but you didn't say time after time after time again! You know you have the only channel I've even considered becoming a patron. Not going to lie I've very close to pushing the patron button 💯
I would appreciate that, but no pressure.
Hopefully more and more manufacturers will start including clip indicators on their products. Obviously we still need to check head unit outputs for distortion along with any other gear we put in the signal chain. But, simple clip lights on all amps would be enormously helpful.
Very interesting and informative video Justin!👍
That would be nice.
Been watching your videos for awhile this one made me subscribe. Love your content!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video! Steve Meades equipment IS the best available to those who know. I don’t own any myself but I do have access to most of it and rely on it for every customer.
His stuff is very easy to use.
I too am like you, am in my 30s getting back into car audio, i use to "install" in my younger days, looking back im not super proud lol. Now that I'm older and better funded which leads to better tools and materials I can actually do professional level install, so far its just been doing my own stuff, I might take on side work in the future, but now that I have proper shop tools, and the knowledge and experience now to do it right, plus the technology and pricing is so much better these days, additionally guys like Justin and Steve sharing info, I love the hobby all over again. I have been wanting to get a few of the SMD products for a while, I think they are really cool, I just can't justify their cost at the moment for as much as I would use them, currently I'm using the O scope and DMM method, which is light years beyond how I use to set stuff lol. Thanks again Justin and Steve.
I certainly don't consider myself a pro. Hence the channel name DIY audio guy. But when I think about the rat's nest of wires that I had in my car back in the day, I've definitely gotten better.
I use an oscilloscope with fft as that allows me to see the actual wave form and the harmonics being produced. Where I live a two channel oscilloscope with this function is a third of the price of one SMD device and can be used to read many other signals for other projects. You can add a current probe and do math to get real time power and impedance numbers.
It all boils down to price versus performance no matter who you are and no matter where you are.
steve meade makes money on people that think math is scary, and now they got a little blinky light for 300bux, and steve using scare tactics to preach how everyone's system is clipping, and if they keep letting it clip their subs will explode.
Plus if the Amp ever dies you can use the scope to trouble shoot and repair it if you choose.
@@nickn7939 Sounds like a good reason to pay attention in math class.
I think it's unfair too ues ones product and mass produced these units to sell at a very expensive price for what is a simple light the smd dd1 is good for what i does but Steve should be ashamed for over pricing a piece of equipment that only has a light no screen and advised everyone that they need he's product so he can continue too live out his expensive life style. I bought one because i too fell into the track . I repair and install and modified car audio and im a electrician as my job i been installing car audio since i was 12 and since then i love car audio i remember the real and fun reason the days of car audio and electronics and it's why i made my hobbie too learn it i will simply say dont believe the hype i uesd the tool that cost me up too 200 plus shipping with a cd and a blinking light knowed as the smd dd1 and i returned it the next day reset my gains in my system and too my ears i was more pleased with my sound again i noticed that my gains were a little lower than with tool . The car audio and sales is all about making money now . And selling cheap products made and deigned with cheap parts what does matter if it says made in usa with cheap parts from China. People stop making these con artists rich they over price there gear and boasting there worth all over the internet. Car audio was never about money it was about music and joy and products that were way better than todays junk for half the cost i should know i been repairing amps and electronics since i was 17 in fact my amps are modified and are old school Components cause i know how well they outperform todays way over priced junk back in the day you did get what you payed for.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Too funny, that Alpine M500 you talked about. My wife has had that amp for years powering her sub along with another Alpine for her midranges. She's had them for years and moved them to a number of cars. Last fall I upgraded them with an Audio Control D-5-1300. I made use of the DD1 as well during the install.
It's a great amp.
I sprung for a DD-1 about six months ago and I'm happy I did. I began my journey into car audio with a MTX1501D bought off a local Facebook group and have slowly continued to climb up to where I'm now running 6000 watts on strapped amps and backing it with lithium and a high output alternator. As you get into the more powerful and higher quality gear it becomes too expensive to risk doing it incorrectly. I've noticed my gain walks a little every few months from the vibration and a DD-1 is fast and simple enough that I can re-tune in a parking lot when something doesn't sound right.
I definitely agree that for someone just starting out the SMD tools may be a little too out of reach and a cheaper alternative may be needed...just as long as it is done right. For those bitten by the bug and constantly wanting more though, you can't go wrong with the SMD line.
Thanks for all the knowledge you've shared and for continuing to put videos like this out!
Awesome!
Just remember how you set your gains last time and do it again. Or make a mark, you don't need a dd1
LOVE THIS. Passing it on!
Please do!
Steve Mead is an amazing guy.. I am so glad he helped you with the ability to make this video. It was amazing.
Couldn't agree more!
Man……GREAT JOB!!!!!! Even better whn you clarified your goals as a content creator !!! We need more videos like such. Shout out to the “godfather” of car audio SMD!!!!! Thnks for the GREAT video. Been a fan for sometime now.
Far too many people want me just to tell them what to buy.
Love the videos keep it up 👊
Thanks! Will do!
Thank You so much for this video .
You are welcome.
This video is why I watch and subscribe to your channel.
I may have different views on a few comments but we all get something different from the same pages of a book.
I enjoy you topics and it contents. It is very imformative for those Novice whom just want to get louder within breaking the bank or destroying their gear due to lack of know-how.
Thanks!
I’m a DIY guy myself. I have 2 vehicles with aftermarket stereos and some higher end equipment. I’m frequently tinkering and trying different things. I have a DD-1 for gains. It always works great and is super simple to operate. I have complete confidence in SMD products and will continue to use them.
Yo love that dude.. bought his product earlier 2012 and then he signed his product.. love it..
He is a good dude.
You can find used SMD equipment on Ebay at great prices. I found my DD-1 just under 100 bucks. Now I have one. No longer a professional I shut down my store back in 2004. I just recently bought gear to have a nice system in my old Dakota and I just wanted the DD-1 to set my gain. It worked great and now I can either resell the DD-1 and possibly make a profit and have set gains, or just keep it and have it for life. I'm keeping mine and will set gains for friends if needed and have fun with it. As a former "pro" I only wished they had this back in my time. Great video as always.
I'm enjoying your videos! 😁😁😁
Glad to hear!
phenomenal vid. THANK YOU
Thanks for watching.
I know I’m super late to this, but great video and info, as usual! I use a Liumy scope in conjunction with a Fluke DMM and the tweeter version of the DD-1 that Sam had made a video of. Works great if you have the time and space to set up and test everything or the space to haul it around like I did when my friends needed equipment installed (apparently because I’m a big DIY audio hobbyist and all about learning, I’m the audio guru friend😂). I have limited space in my car so I finally made the choice to pick up a DD-1. No more Packouts crowding my little Focus just set up an amp! It’s great to have a vast selection of tools in your arsenal, even if you don’t use them. What’s that saying about needing it and not having it?? Yeah, that applies to a lot of stuff😂
However, as a DIY and a bit of a perfectionist, I do love buying the proper tools to do an install correctly, even if they’re the cheaper ones (usually temporarily) and I have spent a LOT of money on doing just that…the next couple of tools on my list to upgrade are the PT9A+ and an RTA & mic setup👌🏻 even though this is mostly all for just slowly upgrading my personal audio installs over time😅
Excellent video and explanations
Thanks.
The installaton of my Head unit Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX and the Pioneer GM-E360X4 has been a long road to say the least. I got the Head unit for 100 dollars off of Facebook Market Place with the 1 hour ride to and from the sellers location makes it a good price and good value. This will replace my stock unit in my 2013 Chevy Tahoe. The Amp was also picked up on Facebook Market Place and was 100 dollars also. This amp is a nightmare that I have been having over and over again for the last 2 months. It is going back on the market tomorrow and upon watching your channel I am better equipped to make the right choice for my Budget. Cheap and Dirty but one mam's cast off is anothers treasure. I really need a good installaton video as this is the most time and money pit as my electrical and fabracaton skills aver at a novice level and my wife would like the seats put back in the Tahoe asap. Can you recommend a video that will better deal with the pitfalls and shortcuts that a person in my sisutation should watch. Bingo Starr Great channel best one I have come across in the past year by far. Thanks for your clear and well thought out presentation.
I love content like this. I have a DD1 sitting in my Amazon cart right now. I wanna add this tool to my arsenal but was more interested in doing other aspects of car audio. Now I have people wanting me to help install, and I think im going to pull the trigger on this.
My goal for the video was to provide information for people that are sitting on the fence.
Great video. A great learning experience. Thanks for all you do!
May I note that the transition effects were giving me a headache.
Thanks for the feedback.
Great video and very informative, the only thing that comes to mind in regards to needing a multimeter to set gain is in a situation lets say where you have an amp that can put out 2 or 3 times the subwoofers rated power. You would have to have a multi-meter or an oscope so you can turn the gain up to where the sub is rated at. If a DD1 is used you can only see where the amp starts clipping but at that point the power that the sub is rated at would be double or tripled. I cant see a reason to buy a DD1 and or 1 or 2 of the other SMD audio tuning devices unless you own a shop and time is a factor as the DD1 can speed up setting the amp if it can be done that way vs. using an oscope. If somebody does car audio as a hobby and setting there amp once or twice a $100 oscope is more than enough to do the job.
I agree.
Appreciate this information
Appreciate you watching.
Great video. I finally invested in the DD1... more so for ease of use and efficiency. I've been using the Lummy but when I'm doing multiple amps on a boat or vehicle the DD1 sure saves me time and I know it's consistent.
Great to hear!
Your videos are very informative!! I feel smarter now thanks lol
Happy to hear that!
I bought my first DD-1 nine years ago from Steve and used it to tune a similar Alpine amp available at that time
I'd love to see the content you'd create with the IM/SG in your hands, another choice piece of kit.
That's definitely on my wish list.
I've already purchased the smd dd1 and the cc1 love them both.
Cool! I have a way to set crossovers with math and a DMM. I would like to compare my method with the CC1.
Cool video man! Subbed to the channel, fellow audio/electrical enthusiast!
Awesome! Thank you!
@@DIYAudioGuy I'll have to jump on your blog and share some projects, keen to learn some things, can I ask did you study anything or are you fully self taught?
Love my Alpine v power 500w mono! Hooked up to two 12w0, perfect.
It is a great amp.
For me it is the Alpine PDX-M12, a bit more power on tap.
i have been building speakers for fun, since 87 when I was a schoolboy, I've made some good stuff in time but also made the worst sh....ever🤣🤣
but listening when setting gains by ear have never failed me, never burned any unit or amp... Steve Meade is one of my new idols in car audio, he's a genius and does things my way👌👌👌
If you train your ear it is a great tool. But a lot of people that set by ear have not done that. If you are ever listing to live music, and it sounds like crap, it is because the guy running the mixer in the back of the room has not trained their ear. (or the venue just sucks for audio)
@@DIYAudioGuy i don't like live music, i think it lacks quality, i like the bassdrum through the subs but not Moore than that...
I've trained my ears since 87 and i put a finger in each ear and listen close to the bass...
when I tune in the headunit I've always done as you also do and then i turn the gain on the amp for the woofer and set a mark aso for mid and treble.. and this is done with a original CD i use scorpions-passion rules the game for mid and treble and 80s pop/disco for the bass...sometimes hard rock..
some streaming are okay but most of it is too compressed and has no quality...
(one day i will try to connect my vinyl record player and listen to that, just for fun 😊)
Good video.
Steve is a very smart man.
He has certainly had a big impact on car audio.
Good stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it
I personally own the SMD DD-1 and the CC-1 I recommend this product to any one that is diy i have done install for many years and I never had a complaint about how clean and clear it sounded i have gotten some folk that wanted me to use the SMD DD-1 AND CC-1 to there system and they where very pleased about there sound. so shout out to Steve Meade 💪🏼 it can be pricey but it is truly worth the buck!
It all boils down to budget, they are great if you can afford them/justify the expense.
Good stuff man, 😎😎👍
Thanks!
Great video
Thanks.
Great video. If I was into systems like I was in my 20's I would have definitely spent the money on the Steve Meade gear. Nowadays, I might install an amp once every couple of years so the Liumy is good enough, plus it's a pretty decent multimeter. That part about the high frequency noise was a good tip. I have seen that before and thought it was distortion.
Thanks for your comments, I try to read them all and I try to listen to my viewers.
I'm a fan and believer in Steve meades products. He has been there and done that. And knows what is up!!
A lot of people agree with you.
Thanks dyi guy.. I think I wanna buy Steve Meade product.
Hey there, I just found your channel and your videos and you are awesome! I really love your videos and how much you know about all that.
So here's a tricky one for you: Try to get the maximum spl/lowest frequencies out of a custom build spare tire subwoofer!
Passive radiator.
@@DIYAudioGuy I didn't have the time to watch all of your videos (or at least the most important ones). How does the shape of a box affect the sound? And how do you match the box to a fitting sub (&passive)?
I'm asking because these weirdly shaped cabinets for the sides inside the trunk exist.
Thanks!!
@@GamingShiiep The shape of the box is not affect the sound.
I'd do an infinite baffle 15" or 18" on 500-1,000 watts. It should fit most tire wells. Its fairly common in serious vehicles. Can play loud below 20Hz if needed. It does require cutting metal out of your car.
Another great video DIY Guy. Most of my sub amps have clip lights and I adjust the highs by ear. I think highly of Steve and defiantly have some of his tools on my audio wish list. Once again Steve generously giving away his tools and wanting nothing in return. The man believes in what he sells.
I am a big fan of clip lights on amps. Very handy for the typical DIY'er.
He gives them away to these popular YT channels because he gets free advertisement out of them. Advertisements turn into sales and sales turn into profit.
When your using the clip lights, are you using a -5dB or -10dB sine wave?
I have majority of the SMD tools and a few of the meters. Having the tools for the job, according to the sensitivity of the project, is important. The SMD Tools puts the bench size of each audio portion, into a travel size hand held tool. Justification of the cost, yeah it is a jump, but I say, their is no cost too high, when it comes to safety.
Right, no need to drag a laptop or tablet into the car.
@@DIYAudioGuy except when tuning a processor unfortunately…
So I've I stalled an jvc kwm745 head unit paired with an audison sr5.600. I have looked at the out put of the head unit using an oscilloscope there no cliping at full voltage . Although I have sent the gain to matched the pre out
I was thinking is there any reason why I can match it it to the speakers, which are audison rated to 100w rms @ 2ohm. Or set the gain as close to speaker max before oscilloscope shows cliping.
What are ur thoughts
I have a DD1, CC1, and an IMSG+. All amazing tools.
I think the best part is you don't need to drag out a laptop, connect an app to a phone or anything like that. The devices are mostly self-contained.
Fair review
Thanks.
I use a mini oscilloscope and a multimeter to find the maximum my amp can go (5 chs) then I rely on my ears. I know up to what point I can raise it, it's just a matter of preference thereafter. I have noticed my amp mono section needs to be tuned in that way but the 4 ch output has a Max of 30v just like you've gone through.
Cool
25hz, One test you can also do when settings gains and tuning in conjunction with your ears, what I do is use my Oscilloscope as a visual guide of what my amps are doing with my sub/bass/mid bass/midrange/mid high/brightness frequencies and what ones clip for adjustments. Whatever clips, or is wasted energy and can be filtered out, or EQ’ed.
Great video Justin maybe do a video on setting gains like 80hz on DD 1 vs oscope
Great suggestion!
A better scope would have more options that would be far more useful. SMD is selling convenience and simplicity. Don't mistake their equipment for being more accurate or giving more information. Hell if I could afford them I'd have some SMD stuff too, because regardless of Steve being a little baby the engineers that actually made this stuff did accomplish what they were going for. Shame that it lines Steve's pockets but wdyd.
Steve is certainly polarizing.
My JL amp has a red light around the gain screw and if that ever blinks it’s clipping. It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever seen on an amp 😂 I love this video though because it has so much info I didn’t know
I think we will eventually get to the point where every amplifier has a clip light.
At 10:00 when the distortion light comes on, but there's no clipping. Keep in mind that there's different types of distortion than just clipping. You can see the sine wave looks a bit crooked, not a perfect wave. That is the distortion that's being detected. It's pretty hard to see 1% distortion of a sine wave. A few percent higher and it's easier to see.
I love technical videos and I really enjoyed this. Thank you
I still think the best advice in your video is - buy a decent brand, which solves a lot of problems.
Right, you don't have to drop big cash on the high-end stuff, just avoid the bottom of the barrel. Pioneer, for example, makes solid amps that are clean and do rated. Rockford Fosgate Prime amps even have a clip light.
@@DIYAudioGuy 100% decent brand doesn't necessarily mean buy the top end. You are correct. I'd rather own a Prime RF than some dubious brand.
Thanks for this nice informative video… just a little concern, please stop switch scene between the scope and your postur, too often. It gets me dizzy, would keeping up with your voice. Because I try to keep up with the scope detail view as well. 😊
I know I know. Everyone has their tool they like to use. But let me tell ya. I got the DD-1, and used it with the Cheap gear I was testing. My god man. It was a gift from beyond! I was able to find every bit of CRAP gear and identify almost every little bit of distortion or noise in my system or gear that just did not make the cut and I was able to get this very inexpensive gear and find out its weaknesses and even fix it.
I was even able to determine the weak spots in my signal chain for my head unit
same with the digital signal processor I was using.
the thing is, I don't just use one tool I use as many as I can to go ahead and get a good reference just like somebody at audiosciencereview uses a very expensive machine to go ahead and get results and measurements from gear.
but all that does is give you a baseline working in a lab environment which in our car audio world doesn't quite work that way.
but thanks to his tools, Steve made literally made my car audio experience not only inexpensive but I was able to get the absolute maximum with the equipment I was using.
the final judge is always going to be you and your ears. But for me? I use as many tools as possible to track down any sources of noise in my signal path and chain.
my final piece of advice is don't worry about the best way worry about the most thorough away and you will always have your audio Nirvana
Right, you have to test everything.
Good video. I have the original liumy. The backlight screen has gone out, but still works. I recently bought Dean's irta2, which I love to see the signal. I switch out between audio control, audison, my d'amore mono block and old skool Phoenix gold( original ti series) amps on a regular basis. Yes, the audio control has distortion detection built in, and the audison software has clip lights too. However, I still, after 30+ years in car audio, have a hard time with 'gain over lap'. I understand the reasoning why, but I need a tool to help with that. So, now it's a matter of dd1, or dd1+? I figure , if I'm going to buy these amps( which I doubt I'll ever stop doing) , then I need the right equipment to tune it, otherwise I've wasted my $$$ on the gear.
They can all do overlap, but the DD1+ makes it easier, no math required.
Do you have a video on how to check for clipping on your cell phone?
Love the Channel.. quick question. I want to check to see where the volume on my iPhone distorts. Should I go with 3.5mm to RCA into the DD-1?
Thanks
Reason I’m asking is because I’m going to be using a DragonFly Black into the vehicle’s head unit for lossless Audio. And the DragonFly Black pushes out 1.2Volts… And that would probe my be the highest signal for Setting up the Gains on my amp.
The DD 1 may not detect voltage that low. If it can that should work.
My stereo OCDs caused me to get both, The DD-1 works and does exactly what you want it to. You're kinda paying more money for the product that is easier to use without having to think. If you're on a budget, The O scope is more than adequate, you just have to know what you're looking at (like your examples). I like that the O scope gives you voltage at the same time.
Ears can work.. You can for sure hear exactly when the wave clips with your ear, the tone changes. You just need a way to attenuate the signal so you don't blow your ears out. Example: find where the head unit clips by turning amp gain all the way down. you'll hear it change.
Right! It's easy and you don't have to think.
The dd 1 one reminds me of my hp distortion analyzer. The scope isn't a distortion meter it's a wavemeter it does care about distortion. So it makes sense the dd1 will pick up distortion before its visible on the scope.
I was really shocked at how quick that plate amp distorted.
0.4 millls difference 😂😂😂😂😂😂wow
When I was younger I did it by ear 👂 but now that I have some education with electrical and using O-Scopes it's a basic understanding of how AC works and what many people forget is different frequencies have different wave forms and time periods with a good O-scope you can measure multiple things at once I believe you can't do that with The DD1? I really don't believe it's a bad tool at all but the cost per usage is what I look at when buying a tool to do a job, If I bought a dd1 it's only for testing and tuning amplifiers with an oscope it has many usagages not just car amplifiers so would I buy one nope 🙅 I will stick to what I was trained on
That's why the scopes are so popular, they do a lot more. I was pleasantly surprised by the DD1. It does one thing, but does it very well.
@@DIYAudioGuy and thank you for making a great video on these tools
Tried training my ear, ended up loosing hearing in my left ear😉. But seriously though, a lot can probably get it close by ear. However I don't trust it enough. The way I look at it I spend enough on amps and subs that it's not worth risking. I've tried by ear then followed with the dd1 and an amm1. Then check it with a dmm to see how far off I was. Next smd goodie I want is the signal generator. Thanks for sharing another excellent video
The best thing about the SMD tools is that you don't need to plug into a computer.
@DIY Audio Guy agreed. I still have to plug into the dm-608 dsp once in a while. I have the bt-24 bluetooth dealio but it's just easier to adjust thing on the laptop. It's really cool to stream hq files and bypass the head unit though. We live in a cool day n age with tons and tons of goodies to play with.
the funny thing is I have friends that tuned their systems by ear or by a voltmeter. I did it by ear then I invested in a dd1 and boy was not only mine clipping but my friends were clipped worse than mine. I love my dd1 and my taramps smart3 clip led is the best thing that came to amps
Awesome!
Would this same application be suitable for calibrating a pro audio or consumer in-home stereo system with separate components and passive speakers?
Yes.
man i was sold on the oscilloscope in the begin but after watching this now i even more confused about this Great
tldr:
Use this if you are broke or do not set up amplifiers often: amzn.to/3SYtrm6
Use this if you are a pro or if you do this frequently: lddy.no/14doe
Hey man I know this is late but I have the dd1 and I tested my head unit for distortion I played the 40hz0db and1khz0db and I get no distortion on max volume on both sound waves , am I good to ply max volume and just turn up the gain?
You are good to apply max volume and then set the gain with the DD1.
I had to go looking for smd products second hand or other way cheaper. I even tried to reach out to Steve Mead for help
Yea, SMD stuff ain't cheap. The scope works fine if you want to save some cash.
@DIY Audio Guy I love your videos and had a few questions boggling my mind any answers or advice is much appreciated:) So I set my gains using a Oscilloscope and the wave was clean up to 40 volts on a skar rp.800d:) My first question is that I feel 40 volts is quite high for a 800 watt rms at 1 ohm amp so am I not understanding something correctly here? My second question is I realized by watching the soundwave that when I set my crossovers (subsonic=26hz/lpf=100hz) while playing the same 40hz-5db tone the voltage drops from the 40 volts to 25 volts. I'm just a little lost on why my voltage is changing so some clarification would be great cause that's quite the voltage drop. Last question, is it not good to set your gain with crossovers already set? I see everybody set crossovers after gain but I'm just curious if you can set crossovers then gain as long as you never touch the crossovers after setting the gain? Cause in my mind it makes sense that that would maximize voltage/performance:) I believe that with 25 volts after crossovers I'm only getting 625rms wattage out of the amp so if it needs boosted a bit I will:) thanks for any advice or clarification:) I also have the smd dd-1 and the smd clips at the same point as my Ocsilloscope so I believe everything is accurate:)
The crossover works by cutting voltage, the slope follows log10. So it is not a wall, it is a gradual roll off that gets steeper. What you're seeing is the top of that gradual roll-off.
And yes, that does seem like a lot of volts for an 800 watt amplifier.
@@DIYAudioGuy Awesome thank you for the reply:) Would it be bad to set my gain with the crossovers already set?
@@robertohara9547 Not the way I would do it, but it will not hurt anything as long as you are not clipping.
@@DIYAudioGuy Awesome thank you so much for the advice I appreciate it a ton!!:)
hi, i am confused with the osci, when i try to turn the gain, the recommended voltage for a 2000 watts under 1.5 ohm is 54.7v. but the osci does not detech distortion until 65v. what gain should I set? the osci wave form that clips over 60v or the voltage calculator that is 54.7v?
With a multimeter you're not testing for clipping or distortion. You're just sitting the voltage to the level that will get you the power you are trying to produce.
Sounds like you have an amplifier that can put out more than it's rated power, so if you use the scope you'll be getting more power.
Sam audio guy is lovely dude we 100+ miles away
So genuine and dam good person❤
Hey bro can you do a video on running 3 amplifiers? I’m planning on doing 2 4 channel amps to run my mids and highs and ofcourse the 3rd amp is for my subwoofer. Being that now days the tweeters are so high in watts as well as the 6x9s I want to run everything separately instead of wiring the tweeters to the 6x9’s. Also my car has a factory hole for an 8” subwoofer which I bought an 8” mid speaker for. Hence why I’m planning out 2 four channel amplifiers
th-cam.com/video/UXqqPDiRx-o/w-d-xo.html
have you tried using a piezo tweeter or tweeter with built in crossover/ capacitor to set gains vs o scope or dd1
I have not.
20 years using an oscilloscope and plan to stay the same, I bought one and sold it shortly after, it was just collecting dust on my shelf.
I honestly was not expecting the DD1 to be any better than the scope, but I already had that plate amp pulled off so I gave it a try. I was shocked.
alot of amp today has onboard clip indicator. how accurate is it onboard clip led? when clip light flashing, just turn down a bass knob. some song or music will clip, but some is clean. some more bass, but some is slow. some got soft clip, but some is clean 😅
I am sure some suck and some are great.
I just posted some vids testing my alpine decks with DD1 and O scope. Even ran an RTA on one if you see the description. I'd like to do more if I had the units
Awesome!
From watching this MOST INFORMABLE video, there is not much difference btween the dd-1 and the oscilliscope, I will trust the oscilliscope beause it will keep under the clipping safely. Thank you very much!
Glad it was helpful!
Most add a subwoofer folks just crank the gain, and don't know, nor care if it's distorting. If you actually care about the sound or care of your system the SMD tools are in my opinion the ONLY WAY TO GO! They are idiot proof. Great video and even better product! Absolutely worth the money!
Yea, a lot of people destroy their gear with the gain knob.
Very nice video again , i own the dd combo, but if i'm not mistaking when you read the instructions , thay say to play 40/1000hz tone when you try to find the max volum of your head unit , but when you set your amp they say somethinf about -5/-10 db 40 hz tone. So what s the right way ? 40 hz 0db , or -5/-10 ?
I will probably do a video on that.
@@DIYAudioGuy please do 😅 , i now it has something to do with the music that you are listening to , but that's it .
I have the SMD DD-1, and the instruction booklet says to connect the red lead to a positive speaker output and black lead to negative speaker output. However, almost every video I’ve seen shows connecting the black lead to the amp’s ground. I bought mine just over a year ago. Do you know if this was a change in newer models?
I connected mine to the speaker outputs.
@@DIYAudioGuy I appreciate the quick response. I assumed that there was a change sometime ago. Your video is the most recent I could find concerning this tool. Subbing now. Thanks again!
I have a question for you. If I DIY a pair of probes into a single RCA, can I use that on an oscilliscope to find the distortion of my headunit volume?
Yes, I did something like that. I picked up some cheap RCA to speaker wire pig tails and just crimped on a female spade terminal. You should be able to attach banana plugs to plug right into the scope.
@@DIYAudioGuy Thank you Cheif! I appreciate you!
Is there a way how to test a phone/tablet for distortion? Especially when streaming bluetooth, can I max the volume out?
If the amp is not clipping then you can turn the BT up until you see clipping. Either the scope or DD1 can be used for this.
I was just thinking about doo the install and taking it to a legit car audio shop to have them tune it.
Some shops won't do that.
So were you using a -5, -10 or -15db when testing this and showing clipping on the lumi and not dd1?
0 DB, I am working on a video comparing the different test tones. Just need to get the script pinned down so I can film it.
I know my particular radio clips at 37 of 40. I set all my radio settings to where I like them. I set the amp for my highs first so I can hear any hiss or distortion. Then I moce on to the bass amp. Bass knob all the way up and amp gain all the way down. Radio set to volume 37. I play a 0db 40hz test tone. I hook a tweeter to the subwoofer channel. Slowly turn gain up to I hear a buzz in the tweeter. Then back it down to it stops. Basically quick explanation of how I set my system
👍Smart
@@DIYAudioGuy so I basically got completely ripped by Steve Meade saying I can set my gains with a tweeter just as well as his smd tool. I've seen multiple videos of people testing his smd tool against a tweeter with a capacitor to set gains on a bass amp. The red light on the smd comes on and off as the the buzz of the tweeter stops and starts. So what's your take on using a tweeter to set amp gains. Because he literally ripped into hard . Said I'm as smart as a box of nails 😂
I dropped a link to the video of him rippin into me. It's a bit rude and not very mature the way he spoke to me. I would expect a mature response from man like him. Anyways if u have time to go over the conversation that's in the link.
I'd greatly appreciate it sir.
Thanks and love your videos
Where did you find that amm1....it's been out of stock for over a year?
I just checked all of my usual spots. They are all out of stock.
Can't you put the probes of the oscilloscope in the positive and negative speaker terminals on the amp like you do the dd1. To find the clipping from the headunit? And also set gains on the amp
Yes.
I would recommend a analog oscope, the issue with new digital scopes is the latency in cheap oscopes. I use a Iwatsu 200mhz 3 Channel scope. But it's heavy and clunky. But very accurate . Rigol digital and the better brands are fine, but the processing is a little slower, just a little tech tip
Definitely want to get my hands on one of those at some point.
Question? How do we check the signal going to your speakers once we set head unit EQ, dsp settings etc.
You should not need to, and remember when setting up the equalizer you cut instead of boost. You only boost a frequency if there's no other option.
@@DIYAudioGuyQuestion? After you check your head unit for clean signal, flat eq, no bass boost etc. then make sure amp signal is clean, dsp signal clean I never see anyone show how the signal is after you set eq to your liking.
What about 1000+€ oscilloscopes, as you said if you're doing this professionally do you think SMD can still compare to high end ones?
Yes, Steve has tested it against those scopes on his channel. The beauty of this device is the simplicity. When the light is you have clipping.
How accurate are the built in clip lights on bass knobs?
I tested a few, they all turned out like the test in this video: th-cam.com/video/5puEET5Bpjk/w-d-xo.html
Hey I need some help with an amp that I want to install without a head unit I want to use my phone to play music directly using rca phone adapter like you did on this video. but every time I power the amp it makes a loud pop on the speakers. How can I stop that from happening ?
Since I can't see how you have it wired I can't give advice on how to fix it.
Where can I send you a picture of the setup?
What setting did you use on the LM2020 to show the (~) around the distortion?
Also I'd like an SMD meter but I don't have any CD options for my dash board. What do you recommend?
It was set to AC voltage. You have to hold down the r button in order to get it to show the waveform. Then sometimes you need to go into the menu to fine tune the display in order to actually get a good look at the wave. It's kind of a pain in the ass. That's one of the advantages of the SMD device. It's extremely simple to use.
I just load the test tones on my phone or onto a USB stick. I didn't convert them to mp3, you want a high quality file.
@@DIYAudioGuy thanks I have an LM2020 and I'm saving up for the DD1+