SMD DD-1 vs. DD-1 Plus! Is it worth the money?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- The SMD DD-1 Plus is $100 more than the SMD DD-1. Is the plus worth the extra money, or should you skip both and just get an Oscilloscope when setting your amp gain? In this video I explain the differences between the two devices so you can decide.
Many thanks to @meade916 for sending these out, they have been great!
Links* to products used in the video:
SMD DD1: lddy.no/12t66
SMD DD1 Plus: lddy.no/14doe
MiniDSP 8x12: bit.ly/3brDD2o
JP8 Amplifier: lddy.no/133la
Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3urTwzo
Kicker Subwoofer: shop-links.co/cgZanpbU12f
Alpine Head Unit: shop-links.co/cg0totF3HI1
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
Get your basshead gear at Down4Sound: lddy.no/1065t
Shop for Car Audio at Sonic Electronix: bit.ly/3bazPBs
Connect with me on social media:
Facebook: / diy-audio-guy-11142806...
Instagram: / diyaudioguy
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Podcast: www.soundadviceshow.com
DIY Audio Merch: my-store-b3f136.creator-sprin...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and Overview
0:48 THD vs Clipping
1:00 Gain Setting Overview
1:25 Comparison Test
2:00 DD1 vs. Amp Clip Light
4:00 Advantages of the DD-1 Plus
6:25 Advantages of SMD devices vs Oscilloscope
*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 many of your favorite online retailers. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
After a lot of testing I do think this is the best way to set gains, get one here: lddy.no/12t66. But an O-Scope is an affordable alternative: amzn.to/3urTwzo.
Yes, I bought the SMD DD1 sorry for not being so clear. There’s nothing I change while using the DD1 to the amp, even if you’re bringing it down to a 1ohm load
you still test it the same
@@ronb6333 Nope, it is designed to be very easy to use.
Great video keep it up!
Hey, thanks man!
Just got my SMD DD-1 in the mail today honestly I like it!! Worth the money
I like mine more and more every time I use it.
I found a great way set my gains I ordered a teampie 2000.1 with a clip limiter button , you press it and amp will not. Clip at all no matter where you set the gains $283 shipped I hope this feature catches on to other amp companies. And thank you sir for the video great content as always
That is common on PA equipment.
I really enjoyed this video thank you for that. I have a DD1+ and have used it to set a few amps gain level. I like the tool even though I don't use it much but I do run a youtube channel my self and have been debating on getting an AMM-1 for my channel to see what those JL Audio C7 speakers are actually tolerating watt wise, I've been getting alot of backlash from people telling me that they do tolerate their power but from my testing using math I was able to get no wear near close what JL says those expensive speakers can do and on my channel I want to save people money by telling them the truth about whatever gear I have and let them know is it worth the hefty price or not. I can't find a good alternative to the AMM-1 hahahaha. Anyways I freaking love your knowledge and I wish more people were like you even if others get mad at us for just being honest.
Tweeters don't actually use much power.
@@DIYAudioGuy exactly! 😎👏👏👏 I wish more people would know that so when a manufacturer tells you they can handle a specific wastage they really can't do, consumers won't buy into that nonsense.
i have the DD-1 and dont use it a lot, but it is nice to have and help others
I will use mine a lot, but only because I am setting up a lot of gear for the channel.
I may end up getting a DD1. I started getting into building amp kits. I enjoy soldering them together and then power testing them. You make a good point that clipping and distortion aren't the same thing. I've put some amps together that don't clip but sound terrible. I was looking at getting a bench top THD meter and they are like 6K which is crazy. This is pretty reasonable for what it does. I could use this and the scope together to get the most accurate power measurements.
I think this is a good tool for that purpose. I've definitely tested amps that get really dirty long before they clip!
Keep in mind, the DD1 does not light up when the signal “clips”…. The DD1 lights up when it detects THD which is always a hair BEFORE clipping. Pretty much the same as a “Certified & Uncertified Dyno run”
Yeah, you can see that in my amp dyno videos. th-cam.com/video/JGjl4WygGT8/w-d-xo.html
Now, as you mentioned on other vids, to 0 out all levels on the radio, treble, bass, mids, to set the gains on an amp. So, once at 0 can I go back and add say more mids or treble once the amp gain is set? Or do I just leave it at 0 for all?
Going sound quality I'm buying a 2k to use at 1400rms. But I get it ,most try squeeze every last watt out no matter what they get instard just buying bigger and using only what you need
I like the idea of having extra power on tap.
One question! I'm resetting the Taramps smart 3k right now. I have the monitor for it plugged in, have my VM and DD1+ to do so. Everything is set to flat, RCA BASS KNOB... Do I turn all the way down or all the way up??? I can't remember! Please help?
Hello Steve,
Can you do another Video with Gain Overlap, using a DMM, DD1 W/ Test-CD and DD1+? Want to see if the Voltages match using all 3. Also do you have any more SMD Tools you can do Videos on? Haha, thinks! ✌🏼😀
What should the bass eq be on the amp when you are tuning with the distortion director and what overlap to use and what does over lap exactly mean
Gain overlap: th-cam.com/video/20XiqMBPIks/w-d-xo.html
Any form of equalization needs to be turned off when setting gains.
Could you please do a video on Polyfill. Please. I just removed a huge clump from my 15 inch sealed Kicker Solobaric box. Just to see what the difference is. It sounds better to me. Seems to hit lower now. Sounds like .. wait for it. A BIGGER BOX!
Interesting. Polyfill is tricky, you can use to much.
@@DIYAudioGuy polyfill is tricky. Exactly
I did notice the same thing with the dd1 and jp8 clip light. the clip light coming on a little sooner than the dd1. I’d rather be on the safer side if I’m already tuning to -5db -7.5db ish
It is a very small difference.
Ithink I would trust the dd1 since it looks for harmonics and it's calibrated against an actual Audio Precision test gear. I'm sure the JP amps clip detector works well but unless you bench it and compare it to an actual precision piece of equipment it's all still a dummy light from an overseas amp build house. Those amps are damn sexy though and put out hella power. I'm sure either way you are ok. Even if one light clips right before the other, how much of a power difference is it really. And also take into consideration the media in which the system is being tuned with. As soon as you use another source you might be clipping either way. I guess that's where the JP controller clip light may actually shine
@@DIYAudioGuy totally agree
@@angelvip2474 you understand. Most don’t understand that the clip light on the amp is what the amps peak voltage is on the output transistors. Not for reading distortion. If that was the case, amps would cost (the DD-1+ cost) on top of the amps cost. Or worse, the price of the THD (total harmonic distortion) analyzer plus the cost of the amp.
I read and seen articles that it's better to keep the subs connected when setting gain because when the amps sees this load, there's a voltage drop on the rails on the amp which affects the level of the gain. So do you think it's necessary to set gain with or without subs connected?
I don't enjoy the sound of test tones at full blast. So I always disconnect when setting gains.
When setting the amps, what should you put the frequency setting to for setting the gains?
You will want to play a 40hz test tone for subwoofers and a 1khz test tone for everything else.
Smart man I wish I knew as much as you 😁
Just takes some time to learn.
I have been learning from all your videos in fact i was watching your videos right now 😁
Question I had an issue I’ve notice when setting the gain on the amp id like to get some clarification on. I have a CXA1800.1 and while playing the 40hz test tone at max volume and bass knob maxed. I set the gain on the amp and noticed at about 30/40% the Distortion light would come on but then it goes away with increased gain at about 50% and then comes back on solid around 75% and stay on. Any idea what would cause this . I’m running the RCA from the aftermarket head unit which is android based.
Mine does the same thing. The device is auto-ranging and the light will flick on for a second when it switches between ranges. I feel like Steve mentioned that in the video somewhere but I can't trace down the video.
Great video I have a SMD DD1 i’m new to this. My question is on my subwoofer amp. It is a Roswell1000.1.
That I run 1000 W at 1 ohm
It’s 4 ohm @500 wats
When I’m using the dd1 I still set it on the positive and negative there’s no way to set it to the 1000 at 1 ohm.
Whenever it shows the distortion that will do the same when I have it parallel down
The technical answer is a bit long and I should probably do a video on it. But the short answer is you will be just fine. If the lights not on then you're not distorted.
@@DIYAudioGuy thank you that’s what I was thinking. I just couldn’t find an answer anywhere on it.
@diy audio guy, if my headunit only has one subwoofer preout do I have to use an RCA y splitter or could I just take one RCA like from the headunit sub pre out into either the left or right input RCA at the subwoofer amp?
You just need one. You can buy single strands. They usually labeled as video cable or as a subwoofer cable designed for home stereo use. But it's mostly all the same stuff.
@@DIYAudioGuy o nice! So I don't need to y split it since the amp has a L & R input. This really saves me time. Thank you
If I have a DSP, should that be zeroed out before setting the gains on my amplifiers with the DD1 plus?
We will try to answer that on tonight's live show! th-cam.com/users/liveVCpaaVaU8-Y?feature=share
I have a Roswell marine amp and it has a Clip light you set this up with speakers connected?
Or do you disconnect the speaker wires?
Yes, disconnect the speakers. These test tones sound unpleasant and they can damage speakers.
What I haven't understood yet is you find your head unit distortion with a flat eq. After you set your desired eq after completing the steps want that change the volume of the distortion?
Not if you set the EQ correctly. Use it to cut, not boost. Only boost as a last resort.
I have the JP8. Should I be avoiding any flickering of the clip light, or welcome some flickering and avoid constant light. I find myself lowering the volume to disappointing bass levels to keep that darned clip light happy.
Not sure what to tell you. Either you crave a bigger system or something is set up incorrectly.
Justin ?
I have a JP 95 what's your opinion on setting gain overlap. -5 on 1k ( mid/highs) and -10 on 40k (sub) thanx Bobby
I like to set my mids and highs at around negative 5 DB and the subwoofer around a negative 10, sometimes -15 if I'm feeling bold.
@@DIYAudioGuy thank you
Hello I recently got a dd1+ and when I play the test tone in not seeing the test tone. It's's showing around 3 volts with my head unit all the way up. I've emailed damoreengineering and smd but I'm not getting any response. Any suggestions
We will try to answer on the live show today. th-cam.com/users/livePhyeZpUSQyw?si=KgM_9A3W1Vvfe40l
+1 on more info on the miniDSP c-dsp 8x12
I have been planning to install it, maybe in a few weeks.
Does it show what wattage ur pushing through ur subs and what ohm load?
It does not, for that you need this: lddy.no/13cri
Hi I just picked up a Dd1 plus. If I’m using the kicker test sine tones. They only have 50 Hz will this show up on the digital screen And read that or does it have to be 40 Hz
I do not know. You can download the SMD tones.
@@DIYAudioGuy thanks
I used the dd1 on my skar skv2 2500, it doesn't distort gain all the way up,is it ok for the clip light on the bass knob to flash a little
That is odd, sound like you might be able to turn your source unit up a bit.
@@DIYAudioGuy I use android auto on a Kenwood double din, 8 called Kenwood and they said it's normal for it to happen different outputs they said
So, I am using a factory radio and its hooked to a pac amp pro ty13 to give me rca outs. It does 4v and 5v preout. I also have a DSP. So, how would I start to properly test all of these? Would I zero out headunit find the volume it distorts at? Would I set all the other stuff neutral as well? How do I test distortion for the Pac Amp pro and etc?
Yes, start at the head unit and work your way back. You want everything just below clipping.
I just ordered the DD1 Plus. So id hook them to sub amp and neutralize my DSP and my line out converter and same with headunit or what? New to this tuning stuff @DIYAudioGuy
@@OfficialCPProduction I really need to do a video on it, it's just kind of hard to make it interesting. I've got some footage that I guess I should go through. The basic idea is you want to find out where the head unit rcas clip and be just a small here under clipping, then do the same thing with everything in between the head unit and the amplifiers. I think you can just hook right up to the amplifier and you should be able to do it that way, but I typically hook up to the head unit at RCA's, then the DSP, then the amp.
@DIYAudioGuy makes sense. So I am using factory radio which I know kills quality some but it's a 2018 camry with jbl system and birdseye. So I had to get a pac amp pro ty13 that hooks directly to radio and gives me 4v or 5v pre out with a gain knob.then it goes to a dsp then amp. Just confused how I should go about using factory unit plus the line out converter
@@DIYAudioGuy So, would I neutralize the headunit, dsp, and the line out converter? Tune the headunit to below clipping then start at the line out converter? Then go to dsp then amp last? Since its in that order?
I'm curious what CC-1 can do when tuning the crossover on a DSP like the HKI dsp
It Steve sends me one then I would be glad to test it for you.
I have the cc1 and dd1. Works great for amps. DSP is another animal. You don't have to verify tuning the crossover. You just set the frequency and slope
to setup a DSP you have to make sure all signal into it is flat and clean undistorted. Then to tune, you must use a RTA to adjust to the sound in the environment your speakers are in, as well as the placement of your microphones listening position. The CC-1 is used to set your crossovers and with its special feature, you can gain match all your Channels so you have equal power from all channels. Pink noise at 0db is the most accurate sound to play to set your EQ bands. Also, you never want to have to boost an EQ band. If you have to, you never want to exceed a 3db boost, otherwise you could run into distortion when at max volume.
@@mikehonda7934 okay thanks for the info
@@MrChuckstick no problem! Happy to give some guidance.
but the clip light doesn't monitor the head unit output
That is true.
Do Jl audio subwoofers has to be tuned to 0db ?
It is not a function of the brand. More overlap increases the chances of clipping on real world music, less overlap means less power and thus not as loud.
@@DIYAudioGuy gotcha I have 2 15 Jl audio w0 on a Rockford fosgate amp and at first I tuned it to -10 db then it was way too much bass then I turned it down to 0db didn’t sound like getting too much power then I did -5db and it was better
Dear Mr DIY, i have tried my best, but i cant find SMDDD1+ anywhere online, so i wanted to request you to suggest how can i buy SMDDD1+
, i am from India..thanks
They are easy to find here in the US -- just click the link in the video description. I am not sure about international shipping.
@@DIYAudioGuy Sir, even in U.S its not available, is there anyway i can buy a used one in good condition ?
@@paramjeetsingh2159 ebay
I'd like one to play around with but it's hard to justify. I have been trying to only buy amps with clip lights so the old school ones are all I'd really need it for and they aren't used regularly
Buying amps with clip lights only protect the amp. Doesn’t protect your speakers from distortion. You don’t want clipped distortion, or distortion in general.
Not a bad plan.
What if my head unit doesn't have a CD player?!
I ripped the files to my computer and loaded them on my phone. Just have to find a computer with an optical drive, which may be easier said than done.
My amp uses it from Bluetooth. The gains and other stuff is all Bluetooth
Cool!
Steve ain’t gonna like that you didn’t recommended these to the casuals 🤣
he did, to them that are pro or set up a lot of amps :)
It is my honest opinion. I don't have a problem if people are mad when I am honest.
@@DIYAudioGuy I’m with you on honesty. Thing is, people don’t understand the difference between distortion and clipping. I think a video of the difference between the two need to be done. If people knew the difference, they would understand the cost of the devices. They are just a small version of a $1,000 plus bench harmonic distortion detector in your hand. Clip lights on amps aren’t distortion detectors. They are only peak rail voltage meters, so you don’t burn coils, or worse, overheat and burn up your amp.
Oh I have a great idea for you then YOU go ahead and do some things that will make Steve happy or that he will like ... As a matter of fact call him up and see if he'll let you have a sleepover at his pad!
You misunderstood, i dont care what steve meade thinks just commenting on his fragile ego when people criticize his products. The laughing smiley face implied the sarcasm in the comment...