Saw a few people asking about if having a "bass knob" which actually just adjusts the gain on your amplifier with max on the "bass knob" being whatever your gain adjustment is set to ,all the way down to the gain setting to zero on the minimum side of the "bass knob.". If you set your gain using this method that he showed...just set your " bass knob" to the MAX setting while adjusting the gain on your Amp using the multimeter square root method he showed in the video..What that does when setting the " bass knob" at max is assuring that you can never send a clipped signal because it was at max when you set your gain on the amp... you can go lower whenever you want on the fly depending on song choice but it ensures that you can never go to high...hope this makes sense to those who asked...👍
@@Whitetrashweldr not familiar with what you are talking about...Any "bass control knob I have encountered are basically just an adjustment on how many volts the amp puts out all the way up to whatever setting you have your gain adjustment set to on your amp...The "Bass EQ" setting on the physical amp usually does the function you are speaking of and is best to just leave off so you don't send a clipped signal...Not saying they don't exist....but is definitely not common place for a "bass control knob...
As far as I know the final output that an amplifier will put out is whatever you have your gain adjustment set at...That is why its very important to start from head unit and work your way all the way back to the amplifier for proper signal setting..Finding your clipping point from head unit first...then adjusting any Line Out Converters,Line Drivers, EQ's ect to just before clipping....then lastly the Amplifier Gain Setting to just before Clipping at Max everything...doing this ensures that turning your system up to absolute max will not harm anything because its all been set properly....As well as using the subsonic feature on your amp(if available) because this ensures that your subs won't "bottom out" at extremely low frequencies that 1)your sub isn't designed to produce ..2) If running on a ported or vented enclosure going to far down below the tuning frequency of your enclosure causing your sub to surpass its mechanical throw...Finally the "Boost Boost or Bass EQ function is the most dangerous setting to use because it bypasses the settings at certain frequencies to "boost" the bass which will send a clipped signal and cause damage..That feature is useless in most cases and should be taken off of amps in my opinion...if everything is set properly and you arent satisfied with the bass output......Get equipment that can produce what you desire...taking a short cut with "Bass EQ" Or "Bass Boost" will leave you with damaged equipment almost always....of course this all is just my thoughts and opinions but have yet to fry an amp or sub..👍
Cmon man if you’ve ever read an owners manual u would know what I’m talking about. Even power series from RF come with a EQ knob. If u want a gain knob buy a rca in rca out gain adjustment knob. But hey 🤷🏻♂️
@@Whitetrashweldr dude we are talking about two different features...any type of " Bass EQ" function on an amp should be left off! Whether it is a knob adjustment or on the amp itself!!! A so called "bass knob" is basically a gain adjuster and is perfectly okay to use AS LONG AS when setting your GAIN on the amp is done correctly...STOP ✋ trying to argue..if you are using a "bass eq" knob ....you are a fool...because its the same thing as the bass eq or "bass boost" on the amp...
NOBODY explains information about sound systems as you do. 🤝🏿I appreciate your content. I actually find myself rewatching a lot of older videos. Thank you big bro.
Sharp video champ, I'm 49yrs old and just getting back into car audio from late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. I didn't understand alot as far as technical stuff so I appreciate TH-cam so don't have to scratch your head all the time
I just want to say that in my opinion you have made the single most informative and easy to understand video I've seen on this subject. You've found a way to put your years of knowledge into a 30 min. Video and made it easy to understand and actually follow through on . I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this video and now have a great understanding of how to set up amps with confidence and great results and I owe it all to you . Thank you Very much I have subscribed and look forward to watching everyone of your videos. Never stop making videos and teaching your knowledge you're truly awesome at what you do . Thanks again.
This is the proper way to calibrate your gear, some mobile audio installers don't know how to properly calibrate the signal from the head unit to the amp and they should know thanks for the knowledge!
@@SheikhN-bible-syndrome well why don’t you tell us the proper way to set gains then since you know so much you probably have 2-8” Pyle subs on a 400.4 boss amp 😂
Every video i watched on this subject they make it more difficult to understand how to set it but you break it down in simple terms. Your actually a genius
I've been setting my gains like this for years but I do something at the end a little different. The 40 hertz constant load isn't what you will be using as a signal for day to day use, it's music. So being that music is far less stressful on a amp than a tone it seems to make sense that you can squeeze a little more of of the tune on music. This is my procedure. After I have my gain set same as the procedure in the video I then play a few bass heavy songs that I know play good in my system and I watch how close the voltage on the multimeter gets to my target set voltage. Usually it isn't hitting the target voltage so I add some gain on music till I see my peak voltage hit my number. Even if after three or so songs, if I see the peak voltage peak higher here and there, it's just for a fraction of a second at a time. I have had success for a decade or so doing this. This really requires you knowing your system and what songs play the best. If your new to it I suggest just following the video only. What do you think?
Idk man, @13:47 is what I was thinking when I read this… especially since different sources can have varying fidelity, it could easily lead to clipping, maybe inaudible, but it’d still be there
Makes a lot of sense because once in a while I'll do the math and set my voltage at what it says it should be I have two VXF 12s and two RP 2000 amps subs are wired to 2 ohms they each got their own amp they're getting 1400 RMS so math says to set it at I think like 53 volts and I always end up setting it to 53 volts and I spent a lot of time on back roads testing my system and whatnot and it seems my system sounds better at 64 volts and I have an oscope and everything and when I usually set it to the 53 volts I do everything the right way and turn all the filters off and I always end up studying it to the suggested voltage and then not liking it and turning it up to that sweet spot I have my subs on my backseat of my Dodge ram quad cab so I mean I can hear every little noise coming from the subs and even at the 64 volts I seem to not have any noises or problems but I also whether I have it at the 53 volts or the 64 I usually have my EQ set to flat I don't have any bass boost on or anything
@@marcus05011993 trip, I just set my two 18”s in my Silverado to 80v for 1600rms with the bass mechanic tracks. Then my bass knob showed clipping on some heavy songs, I tuned with those tracks and it ended up being turned down to 60v on the test tones so no matter what played I didn’t get clipping. It’d be cool if tracks had all the same levels, but everyone mixes differently, and none of the electronic components account for it, they just process and send the signal along. I didn’t hear it clip, but the knob was flashing red like crazy.
Simple and accurate instructions. I know how to do this but wanted to see how well the instructions were told and this video keeps it SIMPLE AND ACCURATE ❤
I use this method when dealing with a lower rms subwoofer and a higher powered amp.. this sets the amp perfectly to put out enough watts fora particular sub so you can ensure it’s not being over powered. I also use the SMD DD-1 to find my just before distortion level quickly. Both work in conjunction with the same possible outcome of setting the gain correctly. Explained well MBE
I put systems together that were cheap $60 to $100 amps pushing entey level subs, with low budget mids and highs and systems where the subs alone cost $700 a piece and the component speakers were close to the same. They all sound amazing without ever touching a multimeter. Most of us are never entering a sub competition and nor do we want to. We want to listen to music, feel the bass and have a good time. Just roll with a few simple rules/policies.....never push your amp to 100% gain always have more power than what you want to use and never push peaks with your speakers and subs. No need to blow anything or even the push limits on anything and it will last forever. Hope you are enjoying yourself some bass brother ❤ Keep thumping!
Great vids man. Appreciate it👍. People who have trouble with math download OHMS LAW CALCULATOR! JUST PUT IN OHM LOAD AND DESIRED POWER AND CALCULATE YOUR VOLTAGE
Great video thanks for breaking everything down and I really appreciate it I'm sure it has helped out a lot of people out here thanks again keep up the good work
Big ups on this video my friend! You took you time and explained it so an old guy like myself can understand. Best video I have watched on the topic. Very well done and not having to sit through a bunch of silly fluff.
I run 2 prime rockford truck box 12s 250 rms 500 max I used your formula to set gain for 500 w it sounds great!! Just two dual v coil 12s at 2 ohms plenty of great bass!!!! For a small F150
If you can't appreciate this video, then I don't know what else to tell ya! I'm an American Soldier searching for guidance starting with upgrading my electrical system to get my sound system right!
@A. Melbs It’s probably in your manual. If you look at the layout of your 4ch amp and compare the crossover capability, you will want the channels capable of processing a signal and ohm load you can achieve on those two channels. Definitely consult your manual to see with the amp can support bridged. Use 40hz on the lows and continue to use the 1kHz on the left and right channels mids and highs. Good luck.
Hell yea!i been wondering were to set voltage on my jl / 1000v1s with the regulated output i absolutely love those amps there big as hell and they take up space but wouldnt replace them for anything
This is how I set all my amps.. but it’s good practice to measure your rca as well.. especially if using a LOc.. not all LOc are equal and give a clean signal but a lot of clipping can be sent to the amp.. for example I use the kicker which has been shown to supply 6.5-7 clean wo clipping.. as I can measure clip I set mine to 6v to be safe then I work on the amp setting. The amp is the easiest thing to set.. but if you have a dirty signal going to the amp you’re only going to be amplifying that signal no matter how b good the amp is set… Also on my cue system I actually set bass to max for adjustment but that’s cause I use the bass setting on the slide unit as a bass knob but you can only do this with boss or HK systems as they have internal circuits that adjust column to eliminate clipping..
Yo unk man … Love your shit mann , ur channel inspires me … i wake up every morning to go out and work on my truck based off what i learn from your vids 💯
THIS IS A VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO,I HAVE ONE QUESTION.IF THE AMPLIFIER HAS TWO 40AMP FUSE, DO YOU MULTIPLE BOTH OF THEM BY TEN THEN ADD THE TOTAL WHICH GIVES YOU 800 OR YOU JUST MULTIPLE ONE THE FUSE BY TEN GIVING YOU THE TOTAL OF 400?
MBE baby that was a freaking great video...i always do my tuning by ear and im betting im close but i am going to do this tomorrow. For reference i have a Audio Control LC 1.1500 which bench rest at about 1750 at 2 ohm...this amp is not 1 ohm stable. My speaker setup are Morel tempo ultra components front and rear on a Audio Control LC 4.800 rated at 125 watts times 4 channels. My calculation from this video is 53 volts. My weakest link in my system is the stock head unit going into a PAC 4 volt out with low level signal. I can say without hesitation the Audio CONTROL LC2i Pro was far superior for a fraction of the cost $139 Crutchfield) than the PACGM PRO ($450) . My stock head unit (2015 GMC sierra stock Bose head unit) is junk....i need to get that past 3/4 to get voltage to kick in. between 3/4 and 7/8 is where it finally kicks in. For those reading this get the LC2i Pro it can put out 9 volts from high or low level inputs.....much better unit IMHO. For reference i run several systems but my current subwoofer system are two JL Audio 10w3-4 wired to 2 ohm to the amp. tuning is 32 hertz on a ported enclosure i built. sounds very very smooth and clean and very efficient. I change boxes frequently so i have a excellent reference for efficiency, versus power hungry versus box rise.....it all makes a difference....
Oh how upset the audio shop was. They are maybe behind the "Don't use a Multimeter to set you sensitivity/gain. Use a oscilloscope or SMD DD-1, they are expensive, we could do it for a small fee." Lol, I set my own JL Audio M1000/1 myself with my multimeter, bought my wires (wire kit) OFC 4-Gauge $74, ran my wires (hidden everwhere), ran my bass knob and replaced my 1 mid component speak. Just took my time. The quote, with everything listed for $434, I got it down to $50! I only allowed them to run my signal from my HK factory sub. They didn't answer any more questions and didn't hook anything up. Went home to the garage and got busy. Sealed 10TW3 (400w rms @ 4ohm), SQRT of 1600 = 40V. My ML550 with 11-speaker Logic 7 DSP HK system is now, musically perfect. The anger in their demeanor was excellent. I'm a OP EX engineering Expert, this was easy, anyone can do it if they research DIY 😄💯
What a great video!! I was trying to check my optimal voltage, but got no reading. Where do you connect the volt meter when changing the gain to set? Anyone’s help is appreciated.
@@M.B.Enclosures I understand that for setting the amp voltage, everything needs to be flat- but after the voltage is set, can I increase the bass value or treble value on head unit ?
Ok good information thanks, now if I have a 1000watt rms amp but my sub is only rated to 500watt rms can I use this calculation too set it around 500 on the amp ?
first time i ever tuned my setup like this, except i bought a super cheap oscilloscope on ebay, damn, iwe never had so nice sounding system as now, very recommended. Noticed that one of the amps didnt like the 4v low leven output from my headunit also, so a was super clipping before i turned down the hu's voltage out for the sub. Didnt know that until this but with oscilloscope adjustment
Love the video, and I appreciate the knowledge...My only question is, can you go over in depth on how you hooked up the multimeter as in whiere does the red and black probe goes...
lol listen to the video I say that in the video welp that's great maybe a person is hard of hearing and slow but can learn by seeing and hands on bruh I see your going out of your way to educate the ones whom is not slow learning but thanks anyway good video tho
@A. Melbs I have a flip phone from the government. Not everyone can have nice things but I'm trying to catch up tho but I do have my oldest brothers system bruh I'm trying to stay young even though I'm in my late 50s that I'm late in learning because I'm slow. And I'll never give up till I drop. Therefore it's always a learning course to challenge no matter whom we are or whatever it is as long as there's a willing to do so. My choice is to try catching up. But it's hard to do it by just seeing hands that's covering what it's exsplaining. God didn't give us all the same gift.
Yes sir & yes indeed piece is a must in my view at least I try to keep piece and get along with people the ones whom don't have respect for anyone is the ones that don't have respect for themselves which is sad but that's how some messed up people are lol.
Man that was very informative, great video sir!!! Well no use in crying over spilled milk right? I really could've been the bass master with your knowledge, but instead I turned a couple amps into new metal, and literally thrown rods out of subs! Yes sir this video is very important!!!!
This video is dead on with good info but I also use an Oscilloscope that I bought on Amazon .Do you leave subs connected when looking for the clip signal?Somewhere on TH-cam the suggestion was to leave the subs hooked up.Either way is a good way to set your gains.
This is a video i needed to watch. This may be a stupid question, but my thinking is, the only stupid question is a question not asked. So here we go. Does this method work for pro amps as well. I'm using Crown XLS 2502 to run a pair of 18' in a dual 4 0hm that is running in stereo and not bridged. This is in a home theater environment, of course. Can i use this same method to set the gains for each channel on my amp? Thanks in advance fam!
the RCA'S connected to the amp is it connecting to your phone also or to the multimeter ? I think I'm seeing the multimeter probes going to the + & - am I right ?
How do you feel about taramps? I have 2 12" deaf bonce avatar stu subwoofers. Looking for a solid amp to push 2 12" subwoofers 2ohm rated at 6k watts looking for an amp that will push atleast 5k like the taramps 5k. Are taramps legit though? The dyno tests I've seen look legit. Just wondering your thoughts on the subject, thanks.
TY for keeping it simple; but I have questions.. I am running 4ch amp in bridge to push the speakers bc 4way rms was way too little for the speakers; bout less than half. Will this formula and technique work the same for my setup? Bridge wattage squared = target voltage???? rounding down to play it safe for me btw... Also 40Htz test for 4channel bridged?
How much of a difference did you notice going to the Pro version LC2i? I’m having some issues pickin up lows and I’m tuned at 33hz using the regular LC2i
If you have an amplifier for your mids and another matching amp for your subwoofers, do you on set the voltage output equally on both amps. Lets say, 20 volts all channels on the mid amp AND on the sub amp....
Hey wanting to run 16k watts to 4 18s @.5 ohms I have the power for it huge custom lithium battery and 3 alts 16,000 x .5 =8,000 Sqroot of that is 89.44 is that right? Have a bass clef 17k
Great video boss, simple and clear, one question though. When using my multimeter should I put them in the Positive and Negative of where my sub wires are? And should I keep the wires in while playing the tone? And if I have an LC2i would I need to push the Hi/lo button on my amp?
When setting your gains you want to put your multimeter red lead to the positive speaker lead on amp and the black to the negative speaker lead on your amp and lightly tighten them up. Your will leave them hooked up to your amplifier while you are running your hz test tone and setting your gains. Make sure your Multimeter is set to AC voltage (not dc). Once the gains are set and matched to the proper power level you are looking for then you will disconnect your Multimeter leads and connect your speaker wire back up. Your Lc2i is just a line output converter so before you set your gains look up your amps specs and see what the supposed input voltage is and you can set your the loc to get a clean low level power to your amp. I think the lc2i range is like 2 to 9 volts but you will have to look it up on audio controls website. When it comes to your amp you will still have to use your hi/lo and make sure all your amp settings are correct. Remember bass boost is your enemy
@@michaelraykinney gotcha thanks bud, so for the Hi/Lo button on my amp, should I click it in? Should I set it to high or low? I have it set currently to the Hi
Thank you so much for this very informative video. Am using a 12 Volt system at home and it go like this, source (laptop, cp, CD player) to a 220VAC CARVER C1 preamp to Sony 50 x 4 amp and Alpine MRP-M450. The SONY powers up MBQuart 5 1/4" separates and the ALPINE drives a 12" Sony SVC sub. I use the Carver because of its multiple inputs and two outputs perfect for each amps. It is an "ironic" setup but I like it, please tell me your thoughts about a Carver going to two car amps. Thanks again and greetings from the Philippines.
Great information given. So, setting the Gain w/ Flat EQ means I can only stay unclipped or clean power on Flat, or can I slightly adjust my EQ to get the listening pleasure I desire?
Let's use 30 as max clean head unit volume. If you set gain at volume 30, than anything you do boost wise from EQ to Sub Level while playing at level 30 you will be increasing the gain of the head unit which in turn increases the gain of amp beyond it's abilities. For best results with an EQ you typically want to lower the settings of the other frequencies in order to make the frequencies you want to hear stand out more. So if you want to hear more midrange, you would lower the higher freq., if you wan to hear more higher freq. you want to lower the middle frequencies. For all around reasonable results, just use the smile curve and leave it alone. You could even set the smile curve first and than do the gain setting.
@A. Melbs Are you suggesting you're playing at max volume all the time and it's still not loud enough? That's an issue of needing more powerful speakers and amp so that you can play at your chosen volume and still have headroom for those adjustments.
Its kinda cute and dry but some set gains with the sub connected some use sqr rt of the amp some the speaker me for instance have a salt 6 with a nightshade v6 15” which is 3000rms so which number do i use 6000 from amp or 3000 from sub
Just wanna make sure I’m doing this right I have 2 subwoofers 300 watts each side so total 600 watts and I’m doing 2 ohms so would I do 300 x 2 or 600 x 2
Nice explanation! I'm guessing, if you buy 500 watt rms sub but you have a 1500watt capable amp. You set the amp gain voltage to match the sub *not* the amp right? Or else you're feeding 1500w to that poor 500w sub.
I run a harmony audio 800.1 1ohm stable amp with a rated power 800 watts at 1ohm and a dyno sheet that stated it makes 904 watts at 1ohm. I have a Rockville singe 12 ,1ohm final load sub. It’s rated at 1400watts max and 350watts rms with 700 watt power handling. If I set my gain ,using this method , I would just set it using 800 watts ? Square root is 28.28. So that would be what I set it too but would that end up damaging my sub ? Thanks
I reset my gain on both amplifiers this time with EQ levers all at zero amps are running much more cooler bass is deeper highs and mids are so clear and loud ....them boys I sent shopping last week trying to compete look like they going back to the store....big dog and my electrical is not where I want it .... people ask how? I say TH-cam I learn something new every day
I have a jp-2300. Do you believe it puts out it’s rated 2300 watts rms. I’m running it on 2 sa v2 10s so wanting to tune it all correctly to the 2300 if possible
Now should I be setting my system to the correct voltage and then after all said and done mess with the equalizer in bass boost because math says I set my voltage to 53 volts I've tested my system on a lot of back roads and whatnot and it seems to sound the best at around 63 volts whether I have it at 53 or 63 I usually have the equalizer flat no bass boost or anything like that on so am I supposed to put it at 53 like it says and then experiment with setting like bass boost loudness exc...
Doing this will most likely hurt your feelings.You’ll set your amp like this and ending up turning it back up because you want more bass bc you decided it’s not loud enough. I’m just speaking from experience.
where do the speakers rated rms fall into place with setting your gains here, i have a 400 rms 4 channels but my speakers are rated for 300 & 325 rms. should i still do the math and set my amp to 40 volts per channel or do the math according to my speakers rms? not sure if it makes sense but thanks in advance
Great break down! Could u make a vid on setting the crossovers? I have a soundstream tarantula and it doesn’t have a sub sonic just a high and low. Also do I set the crossovers after gain? I have kinda a understanding on how to I’ve been setting gain then I set my subsonic at my what my enclosure is tuned to. Say it’s 35 I set a 35hz tone and turn up subsonic till I see a change in voltage and then back down some.
Theres alot to this topic its ok but not by any means perfect doing it this way,with a variable load when the subs are hooked up its very unpredictable!!! an oscope not even an expensive one with subs hooked up you will be able to see clearly where your starting to distort making it very simple to set for maximum power.....love the videos anyway just opinions my uncle stares at me saying in my days we just set it by ear so you know ❤❤dd1/oscopes/multimeters/ears so many ways
I have a Camry with Lc2i hooked up to the rear speakers stock head unit, how do I tune it with test tone do I unplug the front speakers ? Or is there another way..
hi sir i have kenwood 5200bt head unit with 35 volume degree. base on recommendation in this video i should put volume on 26. but this head unit don't have any distortion even in volume 32. in this case what volume you recommended? thanks alot
Great video. However when setting crossover for instance low pass. If I want 80 hertz I understand that my voltage will rise. I how do I know if I’m at 80 hertz when I adjust the filter?
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Saw a few people asking about if having a "bass knob" which actually just adjusts the gain on your amplifier with max on the "bass knob" being whatever your gain adjustment is set to ,all the way down to the gain setting to zero on the minimum side of the "bass knob.". If you set your gain using this method that he showed...just set your " bass knob" to the MAX setting while adjusting the gain on your Amp using the multimeter square root method he showed in the video..What that does when setting the " bass knob" at max is assuring that you can never send a clipped signal because it was at max when you set your gain on the amp... you can go lower whenever you want on the fly depending on song choice but it ensures that you can never go to high...hope this makes sense to those who asked...👍
not always, some knobs adjust BOOST by db at certain frequencies. that's dangerous and asking for clipping. gotta watch out
@@Whitetrashweldr not familiar with what you are talking about...Any "bass control knob I have encountered are basically just an adjustment on how many volts the amp puts out all the way up to whatever setting you have your gain adjustment set to on your amp...The "Bass EQ" setting on the physical amp usually does the function you are speaking of and is best to just leave off so you don't send a clipped signal...Not saying they don't exist....but is definitely not common place for a "bass control knob...
As far as I know the final output that an amplifier will put out is whatever you have your gain adjustment set at...That is why its very important to start from head unit and work your way all the way back to the amplifier for proper signal setting..Finding your clipping point from head unit first...then adjusting any Line Out Converters,Line Drivers, EQ's ect to just before clipping....then lastly the Amplifier Gain Setting to just before Clipping at Max everything...doing this ensures that turning your system up to absolute max will not harm anything because its all been set properly....As well as using the subsonic feature on your amp(if available) because this ensures that your subs won't "bottom out" at extremely low frequencies that 1)your sub isn't designed to produce ..2) If running on a ported or vented enclosure going to far down below the tuning frequency of your enclosure causing your sub to surpass its mechanical throw...Finally the "Boost Boost or Bass EQ function is the most dangerous setting to use because it bypasses the settings at certain frequencies to "boost" the bass which will send a clipped signal and cause damage..That feature is useless in most cases and should be taken off of amps in my opinion...if everything is set properly and you arent satisfied with the bass output......Get equipment that can produce what you desire...taking a short cut with "Bass EQ" Or "Bass Boost" will leave you with damaged equipment almost always....of course this all is just my thoughts and opinions but have yet to fry an amp or sub..👍
Cmon man if you’ve ever read an owners manual u would know what I’m talking about. Even power series from RF come with a EQ knob. If u want a gain knob buy a rca in rca out gain adjustment knob. But hey 🤷🏻♂️
@@Whitetrashweldr dude we are talking about two different features...any type of " Bass EQ" function on an amp should be left off! Whether it is a knob adjustment or on the amp itself!!! A so called "bass knob" is basically a gain adjuster and is perfectly okay to use AS LONG AS when setting your GAIN on the amp is done correctly...STOP ✋ trying to argue..if you are using a "bass eq" knob ....you are a fool...because its the same thing as the bass eq or "bass boost" on the amp...
NOBODY explains information about sound systems as you do. 🤝🏿I appreciate your content. I actually find myself rewatching a lot of older videos. Thank you big bro.
Sharp video champ, I'm 49yrs old and just getting back into car audio from late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. I didn't understand alot as far as technical stuff so I appreciate TH-cam so don't have to scratch your head all the time
I just want to say that in my opinion you have made the single most informative and easy to understand video I've seen on this subject. You've found a way to put your years of knowledge into a 30 min. Video and made it easy to understand and actually follow through on . I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this video and now have a great understanding of how to set up amps with confidence and great results and I owe it all to you . Thank you Very much I have subscribed and look forward to watching everyone of your videos. Never stop making videos and teaching your knowledge you're truly awesome at what you do . Thanks again.
This is the proper way to calibrate your gear, some mobile audio installers don't know how to properly calibrate the signal from the head unit to the amp and they should know thanks for the knowledge!
This is absolutely not the proper way to set your amp
@@SheikhN-bible-syndrome well why don’t you tell us the proper way to set gains then since you know so much you probably have 2-8” Pyle subs on a 400.4 boss amp 😂
Every video i watched on this subject they make it more difficult to understand how to set it but you break it down in simple terms. Your actually a genius
I've been setting my gains like this for years but I do something at the end a little different. The 40 hertz constant load isn't what you will be using as a signal for day to day use, it's music. So being that music is far less stressful on a amp than a tone it seems to make sense that you can squeeze a little more of of the tune on music. This is my procedure. After I have my gain set same as the procedure in the video I then play a few bass heavy songs that I know play good in my system and I watch how close the voltage on the multimeter gets to my target set voltage. Usually it isn't hitting the target voltage so I add some gain on music till I see my peak voltage hit my number. Even if after three or so songs, if I see the peak voltage peak higher here and there, it's just for a fraction of a second at a time. I have had success for a decade or so doing this. This really requires you knowing your system and what songs play the best. If your new to it I suggest just following the video only. What do you think?
Sounds smart dude, because there is maximum voltage the app can hit and also the running voltage it likes for continuous.
Idk man, @13:47 is what I was thinking when I read this… especially since different sources can have varying fidelity, it could easily lead to clipping, maybe inaudible, but it’d still be there
Makes a lot of sense because once in a while I'll do the math and set my voltage at what it says it should be I have two VXF 12s and two RP 2000 amps subs are wired to 2 ohms they each got their own amp they're getting 1400 RMS so math says to set it at I think like 53 volts and I always end up setting it to 53 volts and I spent a lot of time on back roads testing my system and whatnot and it seems my system sounds better at 64 volts and I have an oscope and everything and when I usually set it to the 53 volts I do everything the right way and turn all the filters off and I always end up studying it to the suggested voltage and then not liking it and turning it up to that sweet spot I have my subs on my backseat of my Dodge ram quad cab so I mean I can hear every little noise coming from the subs and even at the 64 volts I seem to not have any noises or problems but I also whether I have it at the 53 volts or the 64 I usually have my EQ set to flat I don't have any bass boost on or anything
@@marcus05011993 trip, I just set my two 18”s in my Silverado to 80v for 1600rms with the bass mechanic tracks. Then my bass knob showed clipping on some heavy songs, I tuned with those tracks and it ended up being turned down to 60v on the test tones so no matter what played I didn’t get clipping. It’d be cool if tracks had all the same levels, but everyone mixes differently, and none of the electronic components account for it, they just process and send the signal along. I didn’t hear it clip, but the knob was flashing red like crazy.
Simple and accurate instructions. I know how to do this but wanted to see how well the instructions were told and this video keeps it SIMPLE AND ACCURATE ❤
I've learned things I never knew prior to finding your channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Sir. 👊🏼
Awesome video my man! I watched a few other videos and I was even more lost then when I began! You broke it down and now I understand 100%. Thanks!!!
Absolute best video I've seen explaining setting your amp right. Props to you my man.
I use this method when dealing with a lower rms subwoofer and a higher powered amp.. this sets the amp perfectly to put out enough watts fora particular sub so you can ensure it’s not being over powered. I also use the SMD DD-1 to find my just before distortion level quickly. Both work in conjunction with the same possible outcome of setting the gain correctly. Explained well MBE
Thank you very much sir! You explained it well and I definitely WROTE down your instructions
What if you still clip after I do everything you instructed?
Chief I truly appreciate you bro.. u giving up real knowledge to the community
I put systems together that were cheap $60 to $100 amps pushing entey level subs, with low budget mids and highs and systems where the subs alone cost $700 a piece and the component speakers were close to the same. They all sound amazing without ever touching a multimeter. Most of us are never entering a sub competition and nor do we want to. We want to listen to music, feel the bass and have a good time. Just roll with a few simple rules/policies.....never push your amp to 100% gain always have more power than what you want to use and never push peaks with your speakers and subs. No need to blow anything or even the push limits on anything and it will last forever. Hope you are enjoying yourself some bass brother ❤ Keep thumping!
Nicely done. Learned more here than I did on similar amp setting videos.
Great vids man. Appreciate it👍. People who have trouble with math download OHMS LAW CALCULATOR! JUST PUT IN OHM LOAD AND DESIRED POWER AND CALCULATE YOUR VOLTAGE
Great video thanks for breaking everything down and I really appreciate it I'm sure it has helped out a lot of people out here thanks again keep up the good work
Big ups on this video my friend! You took you time and explained it so an old guy like myself can understand. Best video I have watched on the topic. Very well done and not having to sit through a bunch of silly fluff.
Noted. This joint is saved to my playlist. Thanks for this one extremely helpful 🫡🔊🔊🔊🦾
Thanks for sharing these things you know. I appreciate you very much and I'm learning new things thanks to you MBE.🙌
I run 2 prime rockford truck box 12s 250 rms 500 max I used your formula to set gain for 500 w it sounds great!! Just two dual v coil 12s at 2 ohms plenty of great bass!!!! For a small F150
Good video... glad you explained what hz to use while setting there gains. That’s where a lot of people new to this mess up
what hz did he said please ?
@@7ankss 40
If you can't appreciate this video, then I don't know what else to tell ya! I'm an American Soldier searching for guidance starting with upgrading my electrical system to get my sound system right!
Good video brother this is much needed information that no one will give you and people always have their amps set wrong.
Great video. Probably saved somebody thousands of dollars.
Oh hell yeahh ! Im subscribing. Nobody i have seen do this as detailed as you man. Right on. Thanks you!
1 kHz should be used for the mids and highs when setting your amps running your front stage and rear speakers.
@A. Melbs It’s probably in your manual. If you look at the layout of your 4ch amp and compare the crossover capability, you will want the channels capable of processing a signal and ohm load you can achieve on those two channels. Definitely consult your manual to see with the amp can support bridged. Use 40hz on the lows and continue to use the 1kHz on the left and right channels mids and highs. Good luck.
@A. Melbs Hook up the probes the same way you want to wire your speakers.
Bro .... Best video I've been looking for !!
Hell yea!i been wondering were to set voltage on my jl / 1000v1s with the regulated output i absolutely love those amps there big as hell and they take up space but wouldnt replace them for anything
This is how I set all my amps.. but it’s good practice to measure your rca as well.. especially if using a LOc.. not all LOc are equal and give a clean signal but a lot of clipping can be sent to the amp.. for example I use the kicker which has been shown to supply 6.5-7 clean wo clipping.. as I can measure clip I set mine to 6v to be safe then I work on the amp setting. The amp is the easiest thing to set.. but if you have a dirty signal going to the amp you’re only going to be amplifying that signal no matter how b good the amp is set…
Also on my cue system I actually set bass to max for adjustment but that’s cause I use the bass setting on the slide unit as a bass knob but you can only do this with boss or HK systems as they have internal circuits that adjust column to eliminate clipping..
Love it when you set you shit right, and you realize you need to buy a bigger amp! Thanks for helping me spend money!
go to work and aim for the best
Also open up your LPF on your amp all the way up
Why?
@@excessivethrottle8918 so you know the full voltage w/o cross over intervention
Another Very Informative video....thank you thank you
Thank you for such an informative and well explained video.
very nice video, next time make another one with the head unit on top of the amp, could help, thanks
Yo unk man … Love your shit mann , ur channel inspires me … i wake up every morning to go out and work on my truck based off what i learn from your vids 💯
THIS IS A VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO,I HAVE ONE QUESTION.IF THE AMPLIFIER HAS TWO 40AMP FUSE, DO YOU MULTIPLE BOTH OF THEM BY TEN THEN ADD THE TOTAL WHICH GIVES YOU 800 OR YOU JUST MULTIPLE ONE THE FUSE BY TEN GIVING YOU THE TOTAL OF 400?
May God Bless you for making this Video
Man I've honestly learned a lot from you !
Oh I know you're a fan of 8 inch subwoofers. Try the Dead Game Audio 8.
MBE baby that was a freaking great video...i always do my tuning by ear and im betting im close but i am going to do this tomorrow. For reference i have a Audio Control LC 1.1500 which bench rest at about 1750 at 2 ohm...this amp is not 1 ohm stable. My speaker setup are Morel tempo ultra components front and rear on a Audio Control LC 4.800 rated at 125 watts times 4 channels. My calculation from this video is 53 volts. My weakest link in my system is the stock head unit going into a PAC 4 volt out with low level signal. I can say without hesitation the Audio CONTROL LC2i Pro was far superior for a fraction of the cost $139 Crutchfield) than the PACGM PRO ($450) . My stock head unit (2015 GMC sierra stock Bose head unit) is junk....i need to get that past 3/4 to get voltage to kick in. between 3/4 and 7/8 is where it finally kicks in. For those reading this get the LC2i Pro it can put out 9 volts from high or low level inputs.....much better unit IMHO. For reference i run several systems but my current subwoofer system are two JL Audio 10w3-4 wired to 2 ohm to the amp. tuning is 32 hertz on a ported enclosure i built. sounds very very smooth and clean and very efficient. I change boxes frequently so i have a excellent reference for efficiency, versus power hungry versus box rise.....it all makes a difference....
Installed my setup by my self took it to the local audio shop and he set my gain for free
Oh how upset the audio shop was. They are maybe behind the "Don't use a Multimeter to set you sensitivity/gain. Use a oscilloscope or SMD DD-1, they are expensive, we could do it for a small fee." Lol, I set my own JL Audio M1000/1 myself with my multimeter, bought my wires (wire kit) OFC 4-Gauge $74, ran my wires (hidden everwhere), ran my bass knob and replaced my 1 mid component speak. Just took my time. The quote, with everything listed for $434, I got it down to $50! I only allowed them to run my signal from my HK factory sub. They didn't answer any more questions and didn't hook anything up. Went home to the garage and got busy. Sealed 10TW3 (400w rms @ 4ohm), SQRT of 1600 = 40V. My ML550 with 11-speaker Logic 7 DSP HK system is now, musically perfect. The anger in their demeanor was excellent. I'm a OP EX engineering Expert, this was easy, anyone can do it if they research DIY 😄💯
What a great video!! I was trying to check my optimal voltage, but got no reading. Where do you connect the volt meter when changing the gain to set? Anyone’s help is appreciated.
I learn a lot from you. Can you make a video about how to calculate port displacement.
Why? Plenty of software and apps that will do it automatically
@@M.B.Enclosures Which one do you suggest?
@@M.B.Enclosures I understand that for setting the amp voltage, everything needs to be flat- but after the voltage is set, can I increase the bass value or treble value on head unit ?
@@7ankss after it set yes.... just know if you at high volume and you increase Bass you might be clipping
Thanks again for all your help. Just wondering what do I leave my LC2i and Epicenter at when setting the gain with the mulit-meter? Thanks
TY.. bruh this probably saved my system 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🦾🦾🦾
Ok good information thanks, now if I have a 1000watt rms amp but my sub is only rated to 500watt rms can I use this calculation too set it around 500 on the amp ?
Loving this info great job on this video never had it explain this way thanks for this info
first time i ever tuned my setup like this, except i bought a super cheap oscilloscope on ebay, damn, iwe never had so nice sounding system as now, very recommended. Noticed that one of the amps didnt like the 4v low leven output from my headunit also, so a was super clipping before i turned down the hu's voltage out for the sub. Didnt know that until this but with oscilloscope adjustment
⁹I ⁹
Love the video, and I appreciate the knowledge...My only question is, can you go over in depth on how you hooked up the multimeter as in whiere does the red and black probe goes...
Listen to the video..I say that in the video
lol listen to the video I say that in the video welp that's great maybe a person is hard of hearing and slow but can learn by seeing and hands on bruh I see your going out of your way to educate the ones whom is not slow learning but thanks anyway good video tho
@A. Melbs I have a flip phone from the government. Not everyone can have nice things but I'm trying to catch up tho but I do have my oldest brothers system bruh I'm trying to stay young even though I'm in my late 50s that I'm late in learning because I'm slow. And I'll never give up till I drop. Therefore it's always a learning course to challenge no matter whom we are or whatever it is as long as there's a willing to do so. My choice is to try catching up. But it's hard to do it by just seeing hands that's covering what it's exsplaining. God didn't give us all the same gift.
Yes sir & yes indeed piece is a must in my view at least I try to keep piece and get along with people the ones whom don't have respect for anyone is the ones that don't have respect for themselves which is sad but that's how some messed up people are lol.
I remember at Shop testing old orion xtr plugging in wally scoket 50 60 hertz 120 volt lol
Man that was very informative, great video sir!!! Well no use in crying over spilled milk right? I really could've been the bass master with your knowledge, but instead I turned a couple amps into new metal, and literally thrown rods out of subs! Yes sir this video is very important!!!!
There is a 30 dollar oscilloscope on ebay It shows when you are getting a distorted signal. But this method works as well
This video is dead on with good info but I also use an Oscilloscope that I bought on Amazon .Do you leave subs connected when looking for the clip signal?Somewhere on TH-cam the suggestion was to leave the subs hooked up.Either way is a good way to set your gains.
@@bassface1984 yes leave the subs in. And slowly find the clipping point and back off a tad
This is a video i needed to watch. This may be a stupid question, but my thinking is, the only stupid question is a question not asked. So here we go. Does this method work for pro amps as well. I'm using Crown XLS 2502 to run a pair of 18' in a dual 4 0hm that is running in stereo and not bridged. This is in a home theater environment, of course. Can i use this same method to set the gains for each channel on my amp? Thanks in advance fam!
the RCA'S connected to the amp is it connecting to your phone also or to the multimeter ? I think I'm seeing the multimeter probes going to the + & - am I right ?
You still need to have a sub connected when you set your gains with a meter. Rail voltages change with and without a load.
How do you set subsonic and lpf also great video
You should make a short version of this. Maybe 3 mins long.
How do you feel about taramps? I have 2 12" deaf bonce avatar stu subwoofers. Looking for a solid amp to push 2 12" subwoofers 2ohm rated at 6k watts looking for an amp that will push atleast 5k like the taramps 5k. Are taramps legit though? The dyno tests I've seen look legit. Just wondering your thoughts on the subject, thanks.
Sweet!!! Explained to the point liked and sub'ed bruh 👍🏾👍🏾💥💥
Thank you so much for the info brother
TY for keeping it simple; but I have questions.. I am running 4ch amp in bridge to push the speakers bc 4way rms was way too little for the speakers; bout less than half. Will this formula and technique work the same for my setup? Bridge wattage squared = target voltage???? rounding down to play it safe for me btw... Also 40Htz test for 4channel bridged?
Does a base restoration device make a difference and if so should the amplifier be hooked up to the base restoration device set at full power
How much of a difference did you notice going to the Pro version LC2i? I’m having some issues pickin up lows and I’m tuned at 33hz using the regular LC2i
Thanks very much teacher learn alot
Will this affect tunning if the inline converter is connected to rear speaker
I don't think it would.. bc that would be the signal in..
If you have an amplifier for your mids and another matching amp for your subwoofers, do you on set the voltage output equally on both amps. Lets say, 20 volts all channels on the mid amp AND on the sub amp....
Hey wanting to run 16k watts to 4 18s @.5 ohms I have the power for it huge custom lithium battery and 3 alts
16,000 x .5 =8,000 Sqroot of that is 89.44 is that right?
Have a bass clef 17k
Great video boss, simple and clear, one question though.
When using my multimeter should I put them in the Positive and Negative of where my sub wires are? And should I keep the wires in while playing the tone?
And if I have an LC2i would I need to push the Hi/lo button on my amp?
When setting your gains you want to put your multimeter red lead to the positive speaker lead on amp and the black to the negative speaker lead on your amp and lightly tighten them up. Your will leave them hooked up to your amplifier while you are running your hz test tone and setting your gains. Make sure your Multimeter is set to AC voltage (not dc). Once the gains are set and matched to the proper power level you are looking for then you will disconnect your Multimeter leads and connect your speaker wire back up.
Your Lc2i is just a line output converter so before you set your gains look up your amps specs and see what the supposed input voltage is and you can set your the loc to get a clean low level power to your amp. I think the lc2i range is like 2 to 9 volts but you will have to look it up on audio controls website.
When it comes to your amp you will still have to use your hi/lo and make sure all your amp settings are correct. Remember bass boost is your enemy
@@michaelraykinney gotcha thanks bud, so for the Hi/Lo button on my amp, should I click it in? Should I set it to high or low? I have it set currently to the Hi
Thank you so much for this very informative video. Am using a 12 Volt system at home and it go like this, source (laptop, cp, CD player) to a 220VAC CARVER C1 preamp to Sony 50 x 4 amp and Alpine MRP-M450. The SONY powers up MBQuart 5 1/4" separates and the ALPINE drives a 12" Sony SVC sub. I use the Carver because of its multiple inputs and two outputs perfect for each amps. It is an "ironic" setup but I like it, please tell me your thoughts about a Carver going to two car amps. Thanks again and greetings from the Philippines.
Need to use a negative db tone to simulate music though… usually-5 for mids highs and -10 for subs
Thank you! must have over looked this video somehow
Great information given. So, setting the Gain w/ Flat EQ means I can only stay unclipped or clean power on Flat, or can I slightly adjust my EQ to get the listening pleasure I desire?
Let's use 30 as max clean head unit volume. If you set gain at volume 30, than anything you do boost wise from EQ to Sub Level while playing at level 30 you will be increasing the gain of the head unit which in turn increases the gain of amp beyond it's abilities. For best results with an EQ you typically want to lower the settings of the other frequencies in order to make the frequencies you want to hear stand out more. So if you want to hear more midrange, you would lower the higher freq., if you wan to hear more higher freq. you want to lower the middle frequencies. For all around reasonable results, just use the smile curve and leave it alone. You could even set the smile curve first and than do the gain setting.
@A. Melbs Are you suggesting you're playing at max volume all the time and it's still not loud enough? That's an issue of needing more powerful speakers and amp so that you can play at your chosen volume and still have headroom for those adjustments.
@A. Melbs Unless you want to use meters, it's all subjective to your own listening preferences.
Love your style, you'd make a fantastic teacher/instructor/professor...ty. subd. Peace out professor....
Its kinda cute and dry but some set gains with the sub connected some use sqr rt of the amp some the speaker me for instance have a salt 6 with a nightshade v6 15” which is 3000rms so which number do i use 6000 from amp or 3000 from sub
Super helpful video, thanks bro! 🙏🏻
Thank you for this video.
And if i set it up like how its explained in the video can play with the equalizer if i would like to have different settings ?
@MB you mentioned audio control devices. Which ones are you using LCI, epicenter, dsp, line driver
Just wanna make sure I’m doing this right I have 2 subwoofers 300 watts each side so total 600 watts and I’m doing 2 ohms so would I do 300 x 2 or 600 x 2
Nice explanation! I'm guessing, if you buy 500 watt rms sub but you have a 1500watt capable amp. You set the amp gain voltage to match the sub *not* the amp right? Or else you're feeding 1500w to that poor 500w sub.
Correct.. or set it to 750rms off your sub underrated
Do u need to play test tone in order to set gain on amp?? Or can I set with just power supply and multimeter
I run a harmony audio 800.1 1ohm stable amp with a rated power 800 watts at 1ohm and a dyno sheet that stated it makes 904 watts at 1ohm. I have a Rockville singe 12 ,1ohm final load sub. It’s rated at 1400watts max and 350watts rms with 700 watt power handling. If I set my gain ,using this method , I would just set it using 800 watts ? Square root is 28.28. So that would be what I set it too but would that end up damaging my sub ? Thanks
I reset my gain on both amplifiers this time with EQ levers all at zero amps are running much more cooler bass is deeper highs and mids are so clear and loud ....them boys I sent shopping last week trying to compete look like they going back to the store....big dog and my electrical is not where I want it .... people ask how? I say TH-cam I learn something new every day
I have a jp-2300. Do you believe it puts out it’s rated 2300 watts rms. I’m running it on 2 sa v2 10s so wanting to tune it all correctly to the 2300 if possible
Really like the information
Keep it up
Now should I be setting my system to the correct voltage and then after all said and done mess with the equalizer in bass boost because math says I set my voltage to 53 volts I've tested my system on a lot of back roads and whatnot and it seems to sound the best at around 63 volts whether I have it at 53 or 63 I usually have the equalizer flat no bass boost or anything like that on so am I supposed to put it at 53 like it says and then experiment with setting like bass boost loudness exc...
Doing this will most likely hurt your feelings.You’ll set your amp like this and ending up turning it back up because you want more bass bc you decided it’s not loud enough. I’m just speaking from experience.
where do the speakers rated rms fall into place with setting your gains here, i have a 400 rms 4 channels but my speakers are rated for 300 & 325 rms. should i still do the math and set my amp to 40 volts per channel or do the math according to my speakers rms? not sure if it makes sense but thanks in advance
Great break down! Could u make a vid on setting the crossovers? I have a soundstream tarantula and it doesn’t have a sub sonic just a high and low. Also do I set the crossovers after gain? I have kinda a understanding on how to I’ve been setting gain then I set my subsonic at my what my enclosure is tuned to. Say it’s 35 I set a 35hz tone and turn up subsonic till I see a change in voltage and then back down some.
Also does that app play a 0db tone? I’ve seen some ppl use a -3 to -5 db
The hpf is actually the sub sonic filter look it up for the details
@@fediplomat yea I figured it out back then thanks for answering for others that may be wondering
Theres alot to this topic its ok but not by any means perfect doing it this way,with a variable load when the subs are hooked up its very unpredictable!!!
an oscope not even an expensive one with subs hooked up you will be able to see clearly where your starting to distort making it very simple to set for maximum power.....love the videos anyway just opinions my uncle stares at me saying in my days we just set it by ear so you know ❤❤dd1/oscopes/multimeters/ears so many ways
Question if using smd dd1 for bass amp set gains at 5 db or 10 db 40 hertz. Whats your advise
If the max gain you should use on this amp is 23v regardless of load, why doesn’t the gain just stop at 23v?
I have a Camry with Lc2i hooked up to the rear speakers stock head unit, how do I tune it with test tone do I unplug the front speakers ? Or is there another way..
I wonder the same thing
Unfortunately it can still clip with the multimeter signal because a lot of songs are recorded way to loud.
hi sir
i have kenwood 5200bt head unit with 35 volume degree. base on recommendation in this video i should put volume on 26. but this head unit don't have any distortion even in volume 32. in this case what volume you recommended?
thanks alot
Great video. However when setting crossover for instance low pass. If I want 80 hertz I understand that my voltage will rise. I how do I know if I’m at 80 hertz when I adjust the filter?
Nice tutorial man 👍