Okay I now know how to tune my gain on my amplifier for my subwoofer, but I when you say go 3/4 on the volume on the radio, what happens if I go above it? Is it just distortion? And can it also be bad for the subwoofer?
We recommend 3/4 volume level to help ensure that the radio and source are not already being clipped or pushed to distorted levels. Once the gain is set, there will still be times that you can turn the volume level above 3/4 max as some songs/sources are quieter than others. How do you set the gain on your subwoofer amp?
@@crutchfield I have a cx1800 that does rated power and shows in the instructions the voltage per watts. So my comp q is 1000 watts so v44.7 I think, when I’m setting my gain should my volume be at 75%?
As mentioned above in the comments, the 3/4 volume should be the max to avoid clipping from your source. Anytime clipping occurs you will have distortion.
I’m tuning my Memphis srx2.150 ( 150w BRIDGED-4ohms), Just how CRUTCHFIELD IS RECOMENDING!! I got a 10inch pioneer ts-sw251 (800w max- 200w rms- Shallow Subwoofer) hooked up. Any tips ? Does this rule apply to stock radios. I got mine hooked up with a “LINE OUTPUT CONVERTER”?
An 80Hz test tone could be used to help with setting a filter on an amp. In regards to your other question, are you asking if you would use a bass boost in the head unit? Also, which head unit are you referring to?
The radio begins to add distortion above the 3/4 volume range, and that can damage your speakers. After tuning correctly, the 3/4 volume mark should represent the highest listening volume level.
The best way is using the oscilloscope.. the voltmeter is second best however u have to take note that some manufacturers may lie about their specs and you end up unknowingly clipping your equipment. By ear is just never a wise move. Just no.
You'll need to know the voice coil combination and impedance and wiring to calculate using the formula in the video. If you are confused using our method of setting amp gain by ear in the video is an excellent choice!
We have an article that goes into great detail about the process. Essentially, the gain is adjusted, crossovers set, and then gain adjusted again. Here is that article with all the steps: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/learn/how-to-tune-car-amplifier.html
So if my mains are 100 watts rms each. and the amp only puts out 75 watts rms, I can leave those to 100% right? And then the sub will take a total of 600 rms while the amp is putting out 700 rms. I think I can just have everything at max (but maybe turn the amp's sub down a bit.) Correct thinking or distasterous thinking?
If you are not using the "by ear" method outlined in the video, you will want to use test tones and a multimeter to dial in the exact output for your speakers. Since the gain (input sensitivity) is matching the input to the output stage of the amplifier rarely does having that set at 100% provide the best results. Setting the levels by ear can be done with no specialized tools or test tones, just one of your favorite tracks and your source unit at around 3/4 volume.
i have a question bro i have a 4 channel amp that on certain songs it goes too protect mode i got it tuned at a shop with a meter i have a d4smm1004 with speakers at 2ohms any tips i have good ground and power but cant find a solution
If your amplifier is going into protect mode it could mean you are driving the amplifier too hard, it is creating excessive heat and activating the protection circuits, or is possibly not getting enough current. Your amp requires a 4-gauge power wire and when using 2-ohm speakers you are generating the maximum wattage possible from your amplifier. Using a multimeter to test the exact voltage at the amplifier during those times it is going into protect mode is a great way to test and see if you are getting proper current. I hope this helps!
During this test, all amp settings including crossover settings, should be set as low as they can and it sounds like 50Hz is the lowest on your amp which makes it the setting to use.
The amplifier is producing voltage when the test tone is played, with no speakers connected. If you want to use the second method outlined in the video, you will leave your speakers connected.
![How to Tune an Amplifier by Ear [Car Audio Speakers]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n2b-27Usfkk/mqdefault.jpg)
quick and fast video , thanks
You're welcome. What type of amp are you tweaking?
Okay I now know how to tune my gain on my amplifier for my subwoofer, but I when you say go 3/4 on the volume on the radio, what happens if I go above it? Is it just distortion? And can it also be bad for the subwoofer?
We recommend 3/4 volume level to help ensure that the radio and source are not already being clipped or pushed to distorted levels. Once the gain is set, there will still be times that you can turn the volume level above 3/4 max as some songs/sources are quieter than others.
How do you set the gain on your subwoofer amp?
@@crutchfield I have a cx1800 that does rated power and shows in the instructions the voltage per watts. So my comp q is 1000 watts so v44.7 I think, when I’m setting my gain should my volume be at 75%?
As mentioned above in the comments, the 3/4 volume should be the max to avoid clipping from your source. Anytime clipping occurs you will have distortion.
I’m tuning my Memphis srx2.150 ( 150w BRIDGED-4ohms), Just how CRUTCHFIELD IS RECOMENDING!! I got a 10inch pioneer ts-sw251 (800w max- 200w rms- Shallow Subwoofer) hooked up. Any tips ? Does this rule apply to stock radios. I got mine hooked up with a “LINE OUTPUT CONVERTER”?
what about the low pass filter how do know where 80hz is and do you leave head unit flat
An 80Hz test tone could be used to help with setting a filter on an amp. In regards to your other question, are you asking if you would use a bass boost in the head unit? Also, which head unit are you referring to?
What about if the sub is 4ohm and I wire it at 2ohm if I want to calculate the volts i do the math as 4 ohm or 2ohm i am a little bit confused
Also my sub is 400w rms and the amp gaves at 2 ohm 500w rms so I should really know how to set the gain or my coils are cocked
What is the brand and model of your subwoofer?
so when we set it to 3/4 volume, are we maxing out at 3/4 volume from now on? or can we turn it up all the way with our gains now set?
The radio begins to add distortion above the 3/4 volume range, and that can damage your speakers. After tuning correctly, the 3/4 volume mark should represent the highest listening volume level.
@@crutchfieldokay thank you for the reply and help!
We are here to help anytime! 🥰
The best way is using the oscilloscope.. the voltmeter is second best however u have to take note that some manufacturers may lie about their specs and you end up unknowingly clipping your equipment.
By ear is just never a wise move. Just no.
I have a kicker (750zx.1) and 2 kicker 12 inch L5s, im kind of confused on how to calculate the gain
You'll need to know the voice coil combination and impedance and wiring to calculate using the formula in the video. If you are confused using our method of setting amp gain by ear in the video is an excellent choice!
I got two of the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-12 and A s2-a60m amp how would I connect the two sub to the mono amp
Here's a wiring diagram that covers that scenario: images.crutchfieldonline.com/ca/learningcenter/car/subwoofer_wiring/2DVC_2-ohm_mono.jpg
when i tune with the multimeter, do i need to turn every thing down in the headunit. Like subwoofer level, subwoofer filter, etc.
Crossover can be set to your preferences, with the subwoofer level adjustment set to flat (0db) when setting your gains with the multimeter.
When tuning by ear, is it best to set any relevant crossovers beforehand?
Great video by the way.
We have an article that goes into great detail about the process. Essentially, the gain is adjusted, crossovers set, and then gain adjusted again. Here is that article with all the steps:
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/learn/how-to-tune-car-amplifier.html
So if my mains are 100 watts rms each. and the amp only puts out 75 watts rms, I can leave those to 100% right? And then the sub will take a total of 600 rms while the amp is putting out 700 rms. I think I can just have everything at max (but maybe turn the amp's sub down a bit.) Correct thinking or distasterous thinking?
If you are not using the "by ear" method outlined in the video, you will want to use test tones and a multimeter to dial in the exact output for your speakers. Since the gain (input sensitivity) is matching the input to the output stage of the amplifier rarely does having that set at 100% provide the best results. Setting the levels by ear can be done with no specialized tools or test tones, just one of your favorite tracks and your source unit at around 3/4 volume.
@@crutchfield Thank you :) What do you think about the oscilloscope method? I settled on that, just ordered one.
That can also work very well! 🙂
i have a question bro i have a 4 channel amp that on certain songs it goes too protect mode i got it tuned at a shop with a meter i have a d4smm1004 with speakers at 2ohms any tips i have good ground and power but cant find a solution
If your amplifier is going into protect mode it could mean you are driving the amplifier too hard, it is creating excessive heat and activating the protection circuits, or is possibly not getting enough current. Your amp requires a 4-gauge power wire and when using 2-ohm speakers you are generating the maximum wattage possible from your amplifier. Using a multimeter to test the exact voltage at the amplifier during those times it is going into protect mode is a great way to test and see if you are getting proper current. I hope this helps!
DD-1 SMD or oscilloscope is the best way
Yes, that can certainly work well too.
How do i set the freq 50-200
During this test, all amp settings including crossover settings, should be set as low as they can and it sounds like 50Hz is the lowest on your amp which makes it the setting to use.
how do you have load on the output side by just using the multimeter? or the amp just produces power without load?
The amplifier is producing voltage when the test tone is played, with no speakers connected. If you want to use the second method outlined in the video, you will leave your speakers connected.
What is rear stage?
We are referring to the rear speakers powered by the amplifier, or any speakers powered off of channels 3/4 on your 4-channel amp.
i have my gain on max when i want to play out my friends then i make it lower when i drive alone