This saves people a lot of money from buying expensive tools they don’t need THANKS EMF FOR BEING HONEST AND NOT TAKING PEOPLES MONEY WITH GIMMICK EQUIPMENT.
Venom Vaping he is playing a test tone or sine wave for each specific frequency once you turn the knob to that frequency it starts to drop when you have passed the frequency of the test tone he is playing
If you have an spl meter, it is quicker to "see" the peak of that frequency, when you have hit the target, while varying the knob. A fullrNge freq is needed though
On your head unit you have to play a test tone I would do it without the speakers hooked up turn the volume to wear you usually playing your music halfway whatever for example it'll say 12.2 volts move the knob until it starts to move up or down 12.1 or 12.3 and then go back to right before it starts to move and stop and whatever tone you're playing on your radio is what it set at but you need to set it to whatever your speaker box is set to so if your speaker box is set to 35 you need to play a 35 hz song don't know if that helps the hope it does good luck
Hello! I appreciate all your videos but I admit I'm not the best at understanding this stuff. I have a system I just put in on my Harley and I have a few questions I need help with. Is there anyway to contact u? I would appreciate it. Ty
For people that are just learning it would be nice to know where the wires are hooked from the digital multimeter. Also some people don't know what a DMM is. Or when you say the head unit is being set to this Hz so that Hz. What does that mean? I would assume you mean in the settings on the head unit. Many people no nothing about this. Thanks 😊
DMM stands for digital multimeter, and the negative and positive wires go in to the negative and positive outputs on the amplifier, were the speaker wires would go.
Depending on slope of crossover you have to calculate voltage that you are looking for. If you set -3dB crossover at 60hz, it will be -3dB at 60hz, not start to fall at 60hz. Method you showed is good to match setting if you run multiple amps but not for setting xover precisely.
For example you have 15v without filter, for -3dB crossover you should multiply that by 0.7079 and you get 10.61v or multipy with 0.5012 for -6dB. So you should turn your knob until you get 10.61v when playing your desired cutoff frequency.
If you want it that precise, use a DSP. What you hear is what matters (ear) but the start of the loss of voltage is the start of the slope. What you're talking about is the end of the slope, basically. I prefer the start of the slope because I know where the end of it will be.
@@EMFAudio Except you are wrong by whole octave, start of voltage loss is octave before xover point, setting it to 80hz and 40hz is not same. If you do it like that why not just do it by ear when listening to music?
@@iDAV8 My point here is that you don't need fancy tools to set it precisely, you just have to know right values to set which he set wrong here. I'm not hating it but missing whole octave is really bad, if you cross over your tweeter at 4khz or 2khz do you know how much difference does it make?
There will never be a DD1 in this shop, but it would be interesting to get a few people to set a gain by ear and compare it to an O-scope. I can tell you Sundown clip lights are very accurate. If they barely light up you're barely clipping it, if they go full brightness it's VERY clipped.
@@UrAvgBassheadThey don't prevent clipping like some people think, they don't optimize amplifier potential, they do everything you can do with a DMM, and in some cases they just don't work right. Somebody I was with decided to use it to set gains on a 30x4 Rockford Fosgate amp and it would say it was clipping at about 15 watts. It wasn't.
@@UrAvgBasshead Not necessarily. I've seen a lot of great things come from amateurs, educated and experience amateurs. They didn't get that way without learning and doing. I've also seen a lot of garbage come out of shops. Remember, being hired to do the job makes them a "professional" not the quality of their work.
VERY GOOD VIDEO?? what happened to the" gain function? could you set the volume with the speakers' connected t-then disconnect the speakers and continue with the adjustments?? thank you , PJP
Man that's great video. It's something I used to do all time. A great video would be showing how to get close the Dmm to your rms in order to avoid clipping. I know I know it's old school and it leaves power left on the table but it would be great to show how you can have more powerful amp and keep the wattage turn down in order to keep your sub saved from clipping. Also most guys don't have an oscilloscope. And they're already buying an amp so they might as well buy a bigger one and not use it fully
@@EMFAudio yes setting for your power for example you have a 2000 watt rms amp powering a 400 watt rms sub your maximizing your subs output not your amps
@@EMFAudio Awesome! Hey do amplifiers get hot just from being on? Sounds like a weird question but let me clarify. I have a amplifier that gets nice and hot just from a 30 minute drive without my subwoofer (only speaker hooked to it) playing. Litterally not audible at all, but the amp gets hot. Is this normal? New to all this. Its a class D amplifier.
when you set for the "LowPass" adjustment(4:14)did you move the DDM needles to the subwoofer speaker jacks and while you where at it also change the volume again for that🤔❓..thanks
Question for a video: Why is a lower impedance desirable? How does this affect the sound of a subwoofer? To elaborate, What sounds different about wiring a Dual 4 to 2 ohms vs 8 ohms? Similarly 2 dual 4s to 4 ohms vs 2 dual 2s to 2 ohms. How does it Change the sound? and ellectrical/wiring requirements?
Funny thing, technically a lower impedance ISN'T desirable. I'm very much a demonstration person so the reasons behind what you're wanting to see would require equipment I don't have for the most part. I do have 2 things that might be able to show it. I'll investigate and keep it in mind.
Lower impedances allow less voltage to reach a certain watt number, but needs more current. High impedances are the inverse--they need high voltages but significantly less current. Car audio systems use low impedance to enhance efficiency--it is not easy to make an amp that uses high voltage due to a higher ohm load as that exhausts the amplifier's power supply to deliver higher voltages! In transistors, the 'breakdown voltage'--the voltage where the silicon breaks down due to extra voltage stress--is shown by it's insulation layer thickness. A high-voltage transistor has a thicker insulation layer than a lower voltage one, In modern Class D amplifiers, this means a lot. In a Class D amplifier, we have transistors switching at fast speeds: 300,000 times a second or more(300 Kilohertz or more) with full-range applications! As I said, transistors that handle higher voltages have thicker insulation layer. Does this mean something? Of course! Thicker insulation means slower electrical particles, and slower switching! For a stellar example: A computer processor switches at more than 2 billion times a second, more than 2 gigahertz! What is the reason? The ultra-low voltage at around 1.6 volts! So lower voltages can switch faster, and does it efficiently than a high voltage one, at the same voltage. So you can add more current capacity without sacrificing the speed drastically. The reason you see lots of transistors on typical amps is the reason that paralleling them enables increased current handling, about twice when two are parallel with each other. Brazilian amps however, use higher voltage and higher current, and that makes them horribly suspectible to early failures due to overcurrent. Hope this helped you. Have some others read to understand! Kazane 'Sober Fool' Rui
A subsonic filter isn't a crossover though, or at least not referred to as one. Setting gains by voltage only isn't exactly a perfect science. It can be flat out wrong if the amp isn't loaded.
@@EMFAudio i used a dd1 to test to distortion and measured the output, then compared that to using ohms law to calcualte the voltage and compare that to my amps birth sheet. I didnt test with a clamp meter to test actual rms power, but it mathematically was really close. Also, jl amps actually prompt you to set gains with a dmm using voltage. Thanks man for your videos, lots of knowledge and ideas all around
You probably could have explained that you are using the dB rolloff to XO frequency to calculate the voltage drop at the XO frequency point. I'd like to recommend the Digitech QM1594 multi environment meter for audio work. It just has a lot of very useful scales for audio. Admittedly I am more into PA & HiFi than car audio. It has: a sensitive VAC scale for signal level which is rare on millimetres, Frequency, dBC, mV, Resistance, Capacitance, Temperature (ambient and probe) great for finding failing components, Lux meter which I have used verify IR remote control operations. It has just been a really useful tool to diagnose problems and set up PA system such as gain structure and max dBSPL at unity Amp input gain. This is important maximise S/N.
I feel like some specifics were left out. While tuning do you turn the headunit up to the max clean volume or how much volude do you give it? Does it matter? So you need to play a test tone at the frequency you want to tune to?
The volume doesn't matter for finding frequencies to set it to. Yes, the frequency played is a reflection of your setting. That's how you determine you're making a change at that frequency.
@@Chukijay the frequency played is the frequency played, clarity won't change that. If it's full blown clipped you'll have a voltage spike so you'd know that anyway.
Don't confuse maximum HU voltage with actual HU voltage. If a HU is rated for 2v, you won't get 2v unless the volume is all the way up (which may or may not be clipping) and in the case of subs, the sub volume will also have to be all the way up. It's best to check your actual voltage at a given volume level with your settings where you want them.
Can you explain how did you calculate the values in volts? I don't understand how you get to 15 volts, then 14.4. I appreciate your support or someone else's.
Im trying to learn this but it’s all Gibberish; okay so what are you playing on the headunit for input? You playing that specific tone your trying to adjust to? Are you playing random music? How does voltage change determine that the frequency you want to set it to is indeed correct? Voltage changes up and down either way.. how did you determine that 14 something volts is that certain frequency or that 13 something volts determine another?
You have to play the specific tone you're trying to set around. If your target is 80 hz, play 80 hz. When you filter above or below a frequency, voltage drops (indication output is being reduced). So if you set to 80 hz high pass, below 80 hz will show a reduced voltage and higher than 80 hz will be the same voltage.
If you are bridging an amp, does this apply as well? I am running 2 4 channel amps to power the speakers and want to ensure everything is set coerrectly. 2nd layer question; If I add a standalone EQ to the mix, how does that work? Thanks so much everyone, still learning and really want to get the basics right before I blow something 🤯
I have a question, was the gain set to zero? And how did you know the voltage for those frequencies because most amps only show certain hz frequencies? For example 60hz then jumps to 125hz and so forth.
@@bbfoto7248 Using this method worked fine.. Using a DMM to set pass/cut frequencies on the filters is no more dangerous than setting them by other methods.
@@bbfoto7248I wanted to say thanks for your response, and I did end up reading The comments and know about the "slope" in filters. There was no mid-range not teeters involved on my end. I was setting the subsonic and low pass filters on a mono amp for a single sub. Your response made me look into what you were saying. Thanks again.
It’s all well and good setting the filters (but your explanation of low pass, high pass and subsonic makes it really confusing) but without properly setting the gain first your always running the risk of damage through clipping if set too high.
That's exactly what I was saying its kind of confusing you explaining it...not saying you dont know what you're saying but for the novices-intermediates in can see why it would be confusing...but I was taught to set all head unit levels and amp levels to 0 except LPF..bass knob all the way up if applicable..do your formula math for your gain then work off the hertz tones with the other levels..what am I missing?
But your title says “amp settings using only a multimeter”. Gain is an amp setting. A far more important amp setting than any of the filters (which should be set on the headunit or DSP as I was always taught).
I literally don't understand, I have everything turned down volume all the way up but when I set anything to a certain frequency I get more voltage? For emample on LPF have a tone set to 70hz and I I start turning it up the voltage increases? Unless setting these knobs mean that you barely have to turn them up at all?
How does any of this work if you want to tune the hz to what you want. Not just because the reading changes? This seems like you forgot to mention you need a test tone at a specific frequency?
I currently have a line output converter (Lc2i) and an amp (JL Rd500x1) How would I set the gain on both? Also, With very low freq test running at least 75? Volume level, is there a for me do bypass my factory highs and lows so I don’t damage them? Thanks!
I believe to answer your question is first you have to find out where clipping is on your head unit then after you figure that out you play the track with volume turned up to that point your dmm will read a voltage once you start turning the knobs on amp and you see the change stop and adjust accordingly
Gain is a whole video in itself I think. The best way to set it is by ear, using a DMM will get you close but there are variances that would have to be discussed in the video to show why you can't rely on any single tool for a perfect setup.
@@EMFAudio I never expected this answer from someone in pro audio world, by ear? seriously? Most people don't have trained ear and can't hear small amount of distortion. DMM won't help either since you can't see waveform.
We're in the car audio world, not the pro audio world. Small amounts of distortion, like 1-2% you may not be able to hear, but it also won't matter. As far as using a DMM to set gain, I never recommend that because of variables, you could only go by theory of rated power to find the maximum voltage you should use. That would make it a starting point. If you really want to be technical about it, using an O-scope where you can see the waveform isn't perfect either because of the same variables as using a DMM. The ear is the best way, whether or not your trained to hear it or not isn't an ear problem, it's an installer problem.
@@EMFAudio It's nothing wrong if you set it by ear if you know what you are doing, but to amateur it's not. Even if you give him most expensive o-scope he still won't know what he's looking at. DD-1 is only thing i know that amateur can use and still get good results, everything else is for experienced installers.
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 those 40volts per channel or should i do the math according to my speakers rms? not sure if it makes sense but thanks in advance
I know it's possible to use a dmm to set gains . Can one find distortion with it as well? Also I am a automotive technician and I use scopes on scan tools...can I use this to my advantage as well?
Oscilloscope is the best way to find distortion, by far! You can sort of find distortion with a DMM, it's the point where you have a sudden irregular spike in voltage but that's hard clipping.
Quick question if you were to hook up a car stereo line out converter to the speaker terminals on a car amplifier and hook up a car amplifier to the line out converter will the car amplifier get damaged
I also understand that I can be wrong when I don't understand shit I tend to get mad and want to lash out at people sorry my cheap-ass budget can only afford as much as kicker or Soundstream also out of my frustration I want to know of anybody was listening some days I just feel there's nobody out there to ask questions to that can give me real answers .
@@EMFAudio also I just shelled out 400 bucks for a kicker CX 1200 I don't consider that to be the cheapest amp money can buy actually I feel it was quite expensive
@@user-jv8yu7ld7b It doesn't have to be the most expensive amp to get all those features either. Paying $400 for that amp sounds like you paid too much for that amp. There are brands (not Kicker) that are what I consider to be high value brands. You get a lot of product for your money. Example, our 2,000 watt amp with more features is $500.
I used a CD with different frequencies on it. Nothing special. For gain matching you can simply use your DMM to make both amps have the same voltage output. Alternatively if the amps are strappable you could do that and only have to set 1.
I have a dual voice coil 1 ohm kicker sub wired for 2 ohm , now when the impedance is measured it actually reads 2.6 ohm ! When useing ohms law do i stick with 2 ohm to work out gain voltage or use the 2.6 ohms it reads ?
@@EMFAudio i sussed it , no im in uk so not harbor freight ! Was told to touch terminal and deduct the difference, low and behold the difference was .6 so its a true 2 ohm final load ! Incidentally i baught an o scope and got 3 extra volts over the dmm before any sign of clipping, sounds a lot better 👍 thanks for the reply
I have a Lanzar VCT-2210 2 channel amp I am confused about if it's a 2ohm or 4ohm amp. 1,000 watts x2 output @2ohms. Dose that mean it is 2ohm per channel???
Bridgeable 2 channel amps will be half the impedance in stereo. If it's 4 ohm mono, it will be 2 ohm stereo stable. If it's 2 ohm mono, it's 1 ohm stable stereo.
I got a Lightning Audio L-5600....how would I find the voltage so I can do the same thing you did? I plan to use it at 50 watts RMS at 4 ohm for 4 channels and 300 RMS at 2 ohm x 1 channel.
If you aren't much for math, you can use this calculator. www.ohmslawcalculator.com/ohms-law-calculator Plug in the power and resistance and it will fill in voltage and amperage. That would give you maximum voltages. The voltages I was setting things with doesn't matter.
This is different than another video I watched which indicated I should measure voltage with no crossover, play a tone at the desired frequency, then adjust until voltage is roughly 50%. Example- looking for 80Hz 12db Play 80 Hz tone, measure AC voltage (eg 11 bolts) and adjust crossover until voltage is .503 or approximately 6.5 volts. Thoughts? Thanks!
Well you could always make a video detailing the reasons why you feel half bridge technology is superior. I have personally had great success sq/spl wise. But I also leave more than enough Headroom. Given the technology at hand
But my opinion on the design may change as yours may also. With that said I enjoy your videos I have subscribed and look forward to some more videos one info I would like/need to learn
@@matthewmassey2333 My opinion won't change, I know that. I've seen the results of too many subs on them. But, for me to properly educate in the video form I do, it would require showing, not telling. To show, it would require some equipment I don't have, including an amp to test/sacrifice.
Ok, so my plan is to connect focal polyglass 165 component speakers to my amp. No subwoofer. Is that mean I need to set all frequencies separately or just set it on full range and adjust my jl audio accordingly to the amp output? I am so confused right now lol
If you're using them with the supplied crossover then you should leave the amp full range. If you're using them active without the supplied crossover, you have a lot more adjusting to do for each speaker very specifically.
EMF Audio sure, that’s a great advice, thank you, didn’t know that. It would be great to see video how to set gain on the amp for full range component speakers. I am typically adjusting it by setting stereo 3/4 volume, playing a song or two and slowly increasing gain till sound is distorted, but definitely want to do it properly now with vault meter! 👌👌👌 thanks again!
if you get a smd dd1 you can set your volume on the head set until no clipping ,, then the gains no clipping then this ,, as your volume is all ready set with the dd1
That isn't necessarily a reading through the same channel but in most cases the ground is one in the same for all channels. So in doing that you'd just be reading off of where the positive is. There could be some variance in some cases though, so it's best to use the pos and neg to the channel you're checking.
I have a question that needs an answer, If you have several speakers(8 spks all @ 4 ohm load) all totaling 2000 Watts RMS in retrospect, and a receiver that has a 2000 watts peak power rating, is it possible to increase ohm load(4 ohm to 16 ohm) to decrease demand from the receiver to make this work without any damage to speakers and/or receiver?
Ok, so you are using a sine wave generator producing a certain frequency and when it begins to fall off during adjustment of the crossover, you are at the correct frequency?
@@angelvip2474 Well, for starters, you use those tools using an amp with no load on it and a set track to use. Do you listen to the track it was set with, and do you listen with speakers connected? What happens when the track you're listening to is recorded at a different volume level? The best adjustment is done in real time, because of your ears.
@@angelvip2474 So what if things are recorded at different volumes? That's literally everything. People say all the time it's impossible to clip their system because they used a DD1 to set gains. Well when that recording is at a louder level than it's set for, that's clipping. That completely negates using that tool. You just gave the perfect example of why not to use one. I'm not sure what "agenda" I have. I'm not saying "that product is crap, buy mine", I'm not selling a product for that solution. Your method works for you, great, that method is for beginners doing installs in their driveway. Professionals tune by ear, because optimal gain setting doesn't mean balanced sound either. Just because your clients have money doesn't mean you're good at installations, it just means they paid you.
You might be able to find a more antiquated multimeter, but it’ll be hard. I’d sure lose my job if I had to wait for the display to refresh every 2 seconds like that one 😳
@EMFAudio, what is the reason and is it safe to jump the remote wire directly from 12 v? Can u do this in car? I'm gonna assume if it was to be done in car that a toggle switch would be needed to manually power on and off the amp.
It is safe to do that, and the reason I do it sometimes on the bench is just to power it up. I wouldn't recommend doing it in a car because you'd forget to turn it off, killing your power supply, and there is absolutely no reason to leave it on.
The gain is only for the relationship for RCA voltage. Once that is set, you don't need to change it. You might find this video educational. th-cam.com/video/NqRTv8q4hc4/w-d-xo.html
You aren't measuring current for any of this, and with no speaker connected there is very little current being output. So the current capability of the meter doesn't matter.
An enclosure can be boomy, a sub can be boomy, power isn't boomy so much. The amount of power doesn't make it boomy unless maybe you're severely underpowered.
Gain is Irrelevant, what matters is the voltage reading at the point of when it falls off. voltage will be stable until a filter knocks the level down. and amps work best set full out.
Kevin Lechner the frequency that you play. So say you want your mids to be on high pass filter. You play a 80hz test tone so when it starts to fall off you e hit the 80hz filter.
Kevin Lechner coaxial only has a filter for the tweeter. The woofer part of the speaker is gonna bE playing full range. So you’ll have to set the filter on your amplifier or headunit if your headunit have that built in
How do you factor in a bass knob? Unplug it? Set to zero? I understand all this other stuff, it makes sense as far as gain settings and the settings you outlined in this video but I’m lost as far as where the bass knob comes in. Nobody ever explains that
Some amps, knobs will limit settings even when all the way up. So, it should be set with if it's being used or not being used, and if it is used it should be turned all the way up.
What is set at 65 then 70 are you touching the headunit off screen..man i wired up all my systems rock lights do all my own maintenance on my car from coil packs o2 sensors gaskets etc..and this has my mind confused..i was with u at 65hz and 14.43 then lost how you went to 75 and 15volts..
Voltage changes based on where the crossover is set. If you have it set to high pass and you go to a lower frequency than it's set to, you'll lose voltage.
The gain will typically be correct operating within rated impedance. When you go below rated impedance is when things change and you'll clip much sooner than the "correct" setting.
@@EMFAudio no the metal wich i use as a ground for my amplfiers, i dont get enough voltage to turn on my 4 amps, got 0 gauge ofc to the distribution block and then 4 gauge to my amps, all brand new anl fuses, even wen i jump the remote turn on from the 12v power they dont turn on
@@promo130 that's probably not a ground resistance related issue. It could be a ground quality issue which you may be able to tell by checking voltage at the amp. If it's low, it's not a good location at all, somehow isolated. Even a bad ground will show normal voltage if it's completing the circuit.
Yeah I still don't understand. Where are u getting the voltages from to begin with? How do u determine what voltage is what frequency? U show it going up and down but how do u know where to start from? I'm sorry, I am just a little confused.
Sorry for seeming like an idiot man. I can't afford the other products and I have no choice but to try and learn how to do it. I will continue to watch and may watch other videos and hopefully I will be able to understand it. Thanks for ur help.
What type of sound should go through the RCA into the amp while you are tuning? Meaning does the volume on the head unit need to be up only or does it need music or another type of sound
I have a 4 channel amplifier and I have 4 single ohms 6×8(2) and 6×9(2) if I put 1 speaker per channel what ohm load would that put the amplifier in?...Anyone?
@@EMFAudio ...but if the amplifier has a 4,2,and 1ohm load, what ohm load would the amplifier be in if I had (4) 4ohm speakers and I have 1 speaker on each channel?
@@johnathanhunter7899 The speaker is what determines the load on the amp. If you have a 4 ohm speaker, it's 4 ohms at the amp. Each channel is separate and treated as such.
You absolutely can, but you should use ONLY that one if you choose to do that. Most HU crossovers are pretty good now, but some are limited. Some you can't choose the frequency or may only have 2, and it's possible neither is appropriate. So, it's really a case by case basis.
Ideally it would be best with car running as a result of higher voltage producing more power. Additionally, low voltage (like 10v or sometimes 11v) can induce distortion well below the amps capabilities.
He is playing a test track cd or digital file..... But that never got mentioned or shown in the video..... But if can down a test tone generator you can do this.
EMF Audio Idk if I missed it or if you didn’t explain that you are playing a test tone to get the voltage reading. That’s kinda important to the video. I was lost on how you came up with the voltage until I read another viewers comment. I’m not being critical and maybe it’s because Im a novice but that’s kinda important for us rookies.
It could actually be LESS accurate because of the dynamics of the sub. If you did it at a higher volume it would heat up the coil and your electrical system could be dropping in voltage so your output would as well. If it was at a low volume you could do it, which is actually how you'd do it tuning by ear which is what I do.
When you’re setting the voltage you never mentioned what you were turning up, whether it’s the crossover or the input level, it’s impossible to see in the video.
At lest someone shows you don"t need all of those fancy multimeter to tune your amp. Because people today think o no if i don"t have those fancy tools my audio will suck
When you're talking about the frequency it would be good to say I have this test tone playing on the radio
Whatever frequency you're tuning to is the test tone frequency you play.
This saves people a lot of money from buying expensive tools they don’t need THANKS EMF FOR BEING HONEST AND NOT TAKING PEOPLES MONEY WITH GIMMICK EQUIPMENT.
Can you do more videos on amp tuning. I really am having a hard time wrapping my head around it
Venom Vaping he is playing a test tone or sine wave for each specific frequency once you turn the knob to that frequency it starts to drop when you have passed the frequency of the test tone he is playing
If you have an spl meter, it is quicker to "see" the peak of that frequency, when you have hit the target, while varying the knob. A fullrNge freq is needed though
On your head unit you have to play a test tone I would do it without the speakers hooked up turn the volume to wear you usually playing your music halfway whatever for example it'll say 12.2 volts move the knob until it starts to move up or down 12.1 or 12.3 and then go back to right before it starts to move and stop and whatever tone you're playing on your radio is what it set at but you need to set it to whatever your speaker box is set to so if your speaker box is set to 35 you need to play a 35 hz song don't know if that helps the hope it does good luck
Hello! I appreciate all your videos but I admit I'm not the best at understanding this stuff. I have a system I just put in on my Harley and I have a few questions I need help with. Is there anyway to contact u? I would appreciate it. Ty
Does car have to be started. Or just turn key on,does it matter?
By far the simplest explanation of how to do this! Thanks a lot!
For people that are just learning it would be nice to know where the wires are hooked from the digital multimeter. Also some people don't know what a DMM is. Or when you say the head unit is being set to this Hz so that Hz. What does that mean? I would assume you mean in the settings on the head unit.
Many people no nothing about this. Thanks 😊
DMM stands for digital multimeter, and the negative and positive wires go in to the negative and positive outputs on the amplifier, were the speaker wires would go.
@@dustinbrunolli426 Thanks i'm very new to this, and i was wondering where to hook up the multimeter. But this stuff is still very confusing haha
He shows where the multimeter is hooked up to the amp @about 30 seconds in. Maybe rewatch the video. DMM=Digital Multimeter
Depending on slope of crossover you have to calculate voltage that you are looking for. If you set -3dB crossover at 60hz, it will be -3dB at 60hz, not start to fall at 60hz. Method you showed is good to match setting if you run multiple amps but not for setting xover precisely.
For example you have 15v without filter, for -3dB crossover you should multiply that by 0.7079 and you get 10.61v or multipy with 0.5012 for -6dB. So you should turn your knob until you get 10.61v when playing your desired cutoff frequency.
If you want it that precise, use a DSP. What you hear is what matters (ear) but the start of the loss of voltage is the start of the slope. What you're talking about is the end of the slope, basically. I prefer the start of the slope because I know where the end of it will be.
@@EMFAudio Except you are wrong by whole octave, start of voltage loss is octave before xover point, setting it to 80hz and 40hz is not same. If you do it like that why not just do it by ear when listening to music?
@@iDAV8 My point here is that you don't need fancy tools to set it precisely, you just have to know right values to set which he set wrong here. I'm not hating it but missing whole octave is really bad, if you cross over your tweeter at 4khz or 2khz do you know how much difference does it make?
@@cekpi7 or you can just hook up a small speaker with a small microfared 100v 200v capacitor.
Excellent information! Bravo man, this will help me immensely.
Very informative info on how to properly set up an amp’s frequencies with only a multimeter! Thanks for the content!
I'd like to see a comparison between using a DD1 ,oscilloscope, and the ear when gain setting or how accurate different clip light / volt meters are
There will never be a DD1 in this shop, but it would be interesting to get a few people to set a gain by ear and compare it to an O-scope. I can tell you Sundown clip lights are very accurate. If they barely light up you're barely clipping it, if they go full brightness it's VERY clipped.
EMF Audio what’s wrong with a DD1?
@@UrAvgBassheadThey don't prevent clipping like some people think, they don't optimize amplifier potential, they do everything you can do with a DMM, and in some cases they just don't work right. Somebody I was with decided to use it to set gains on a 30x4 Rockford Fosgate amp and it would say it was clipping at about 15 watts. It wasn't.
EMF Audio ok thanks. Best to trust a professional installer is what you are saying. I let my local audio shop do all my stuff anyway.
@@UrAvgBasshead Not necessarily. I've seen a lot of great things come from amateurs, educated and experience amateurs. They didn't get that way without learning and doing. I've also seen a lot of garbage come out of shops. Remember, being hired to do the job makes them a "professional" not the quality of their work.
VERY GOOD VIDEO?? what happened to the" gain function? could you set the volume with the speakers' connected t-then disconnect the speakers and continue with the adjustments?? thank you , PJP
Man that's great video. It's something I used to do all time.
A great video would be showing how to get close the Dmm to your rms in order to avoid clipping. I know I know it's old school and it leaves power left on the table but it would be great to show how you can have more powerful amp and keep the wattage turn down in order to keep your sub saved from clipping. Also most guys don't have an oscilloscope. And they're already buying an amp so they might as well buy a bigger one and not use it fully
So you mean more setting for power, not setting for maximizing potential?
@@EMFAudio yes setting for your power for example you have a 2000 watt rms amp powering a 400 watt rms sub your maximizing your subs output not your amps
That would be a little extra complicated on showing the proper way to do it but it can be done, I'll add it to the list.
For the amateurs that have an O scope, wouldnt it be better to underpower your subs and set amp gain to clipping?
i.e.: 500 wrms amp for 2 x 300 wrms subs...or something close to that. No cheater amps!
Best video on TH-cam. Any tips of distortion or keep to using your ears?
No tool is better than your ear, but a nice cheap option to help would be this th-cam.com/video/6CKM0AdqNJw/w-d-xo.html
@@EMFAudio Awesome! Hey do amplifiers get hot just from being on? Sounds like a weird question but let me clarify. I have a amplifier that gets nice and hot just from a 30 minute drive without my subwoofer (only speaker hooked to it) playing. Litterally not audible at all, but the amp gets hot. Is this normal? New to all this. Its a class D amplifier.
@FOVAirsoft yes it will still get hot but nowhere near as hot as it should get when u been playing full tilt if it does your amp is on its way out
"The Gnostics of car audio finding truth for all car audio enthusiasts"
Awesome little trick! Left a like. Keep it up brotha!
I'm trying to learn how to set crossovers and this video came about so what volume headunit has to be on and how do you know frequencies put it on
when you set for the "LowPass" adjustment(4:14)did you move the DDM needles to the subwoofer speaker jacks and while you where at it also change the volume again for that🤔❓..thanks
The meter needs to be on whatever channel you're adjusting. If it's not, you won't see a change on the meter at all anyway.
Question for a video:
Why is a lower impedance desirable? How does this affect the sound of a subwoofer?
To elaborate,
What sounds different about wiring a Dual 4 to 2 ohms vs 8 ohms? Similarly 2 dual 4s to 4 ohms vs 2 dual 2s to 2 ohms. How does it Change the sound? and ellectrical/wiring requirements?
Funny thing, technically a lower impedance ISN'T desirable. I'm very much a demonstration person so the reasons behind what you're wanting to see would require equipment I don't have for the most part. I do have 2 things that might be able to show it. I'll investigate and keep it in mind.
Lower impedances allow less voltage to reach a certain watt number, but needs more current. High impedances are the inverse--they need high voltages but significantly less current.
Car audio systems use low impedance to enhance efficiency--it is not easy to make an amp that uses high voltage due to a higher ohm load as that exhausts the amplifier's power supply to deliver higher voltages!
In transistors, the 'breakdown voltage'--the voltage where the silicon breaks down due to extra voltage stress--is shown by it's insulation layer thickness.
A high-voltage transistor has a thicker insulation layer than a lower voltage one, In modern Class D amplifiers, this means a lot.
In a Class D amplifier, we have transistors switching at fast speeds: 300,000 times a second or more(300 Kilohertz or more) with full-range applications!
As I said, transistors that handle higher voltages have thicker insulation layer. Does this mean something? Of course! Thicker insulation means slower electrical particles, and slower switching!
For a stellar example: A computer processor switches at more than 2 billion times a second, more than 2 gigahertz! What is the reason? The ultra-low voltage at around 1.6 volts!
So lower voltages can switch faster, and does it efficiently than a high voltage one, at the same voltage. So you can add more current capacity without sacrificing the speed drastically.
The reason you see lots of transistors on typical amps is the reason that paralleling them enables increased current handling, about twice when two are parallel with each other.
Brazilian amps however, use higher voltage and higher current, and that makes them horribly suspectible to early failures due to overcurrent.
Hope this helped you. Have some others read to understand!
Kazane 'Sober Fool' Rui
Amazing man. The title should have been about xovers though. It should have included how to set gains using a voltage calculation
A subsonic filter isn't a crossover though, or at least not referred to as one. Setting gains by voltage only isn't exactly a perfect science. It can be flat out wrong if the amp isn't loaded.
@@EMFAudio i used a dd1 to test to distortion and measured the output, then compared that to using ohms law to calcualte the voltage and compare that to my amps birth sheet. I didnt test with a clamp meter to test actual rms power, but it mathematically was really close. Also, jl amps actually prompt you to set gains with a dmm using voltage. Thanks man for your videos, lots of knowledge and ideas all around
You probably could have explained that you are using the dB rolloff to XO frequency to calculate the voltage drop at the XO frequency point.
I'd like to recommend the Digitech QM1594 multi environment meter for audio work. It just has a lot of very useful scales for audio.
Admittedly I am more into PA & HiFi than car audio.
It has:
a sensitive VAC scale for signal level which is rare on millimetres,
Frequency,
dBC,
mV,
Resistance,
Capacitance,
Temperature (ambient and probe) great for finding failing components,
Lux meter which I have used verify IR remote control operations.
It has just been a really useful tool to diagnose problems and set up PA system such as gain structure and max dBSPL at unity Amp input gain. This is important maximise S/N.
How did he calculate the 13.3v target he was after ?
Thanks. You saved me 500 dollars for only a one time use on that product
Probably better off bringing it to a shop then buying the tool 🤷♂️
I feel like some specifics were left out. While tuning do you turn the headunit up to the max clean volume or how much volude do you give it? Does it matter?
So you need to play a test tone at the frequency you want to tune to?
The volume doesn't matter for finding frequencies to set it to. Yes, the frequency played is a reflection of your setting. That's how you determine you're making a change at that frequency.
@@EMFAudio but if you rock the volume on the source unit, you’d essentially be tuning to an already bad signal.
@@Chukijay the frequency played is the frequency played, clarity won't change that. If it's full blown clipped you'll have a voltage spike so you'd know that anyway.
MAN... That is something really valuable..
I am surprised..
Thanks so much for that
Trust me, it's not. Depending on your type of filter, you could be off by as much as a factor of 10.
Thank you for telling us about this it help me alot
My head unit is 2v pre out
Would that put my gain on amp around the 11:00 position?
APCLE 3k
Don't confuse maximum HU voltage with actual HU voltage. If a HU is rated for 2v, you won't get 2v unless the volume is all the way up (which may or may not be clipping) and in the case of subs, the sub volume will also have to be all the way up. It's best to check your actual voltage at a given volume level with your settings where you want them.
@@EMFAudio 👍😎👍
Can you explain how did you calculate the values in volts?
I don't understand how you get to 15 volts, then 14.4.
I appreciate your support or someone else's.
Is there acway to figure out when your hear unit clips using a digital multimeter?
Im trying to learn this but it’s all Gibberish; okay so what are you playing on the headunit for input? You playing that specific tone your trying to adjust to? Are you playing random music? How does voltage change determine that the frequency you want to set it to is indeed correct? Voltage changes up and down either way.. how did you determine that 14 something volts is that certain frequency or that 13 something volts determine another?
You have to play the specific tone you're trying to set around. If your target is 80 hz, play 80 hz. When you filter above or below a frequency, voltage drops (indication output is being reduced). So if you set to 80 hz high pass, below 80 hz will show a reduced voltage and higher than 80 hz will be the same voltage.
Brother I hear you man they got mad at me for saying the same thing I really didn't understand a word they were saying
If you are bridging an amp, does this apply as well? I am running 2 4 channel amps to power the speakers and want to ensure everything is set coerrectly.
2nd layer question; If I add a standalone EQ to the mix, how does that work? Thanks so much everyone, still learning and really want to get the basics right before I blow something 🤯
I have a question, was the gain set to zero? And how did you know the voltage for those frequencies because most amps only show certain hz frequencies? For example 60hz then jumps to 125hz and so forth.
Just watched & going to use what I learned, right now.
@@bbfoto7248 Using this method worked fine.. Using a DMM to set pass/cut frequencies on the filters is no more dangerous than setting them by other methods.
@@bbfoto7248I wanted to say thanks for your response, and I did end up reading The comments and know about the "slope" in filters.
There was no mid-range not teeters involved on my end.
I was setting the subsonic and low pass filters on a mono amp for a single sub.
Your response made me look into what you were saying. Thanks again.
It’s all well and good setting the filters (but your explanation of low pass, high pass and subsonic makes it really confusing) but without properly setting the gain first your always running the risk of damage through clipping if set too high.
The gain is completely separate from the rest, it has to do with the input, not the output. The other settings have to do with output.
That's exactly what I was saying its kind of confusing you explaining it...not saying you dont know what you're saying but for the novices-intermediates in can see why it would be confusing...but I was taught to set all head unit levels and amp levels to 0 except LPF..bass knob all the way up if applicable..do your formula math for your gain then work off the hertz tones with the other levels..what am I missing?
But your title says “amp settings using only a multimeter”. Gain is an amp setting. A far more important amp setting than any of the filters (which should be set on the headunit or DSP as I was always taught).
I literally don't understand, I have everything turned down volume all the way up but when I set anything to a certain frequency I get more voltage? For emample on LPF have a tone set to 70hz and I I start turning it up the voltage increases? Unless setting these knobs mean that you barely have to turn them up at all?
How does any of this work if you want to tune the hz to what you want. Not just because the reading changes? This seems like you forgot to mention you need a test tone at a specific frequency?
I currently have a line output converter (Lc2i) and an amp (JL Rd500x1) How would I set the gain on both? Also, With very low freq test running at least 75? Volume level, is there a for me do bypass my factory highs and lows so I don’t damage them? Thanks!
So basically you play a freq on a track and move the crossover until you see a certain number on the meter? How do you know what number to look for?
The number isn't what matters, when it changes is what matters.
I believe to answer your question is first you have to find out where clipping is on your head unit then after you figure that out you play the track with volume turned up to that point your dmm will read a voltage once you start turning the knobs on amp and you see the change stop and adjust accordingly
What about the gain? To clipping?
Agreed, "settings" should probably be clarified.
Gain is a whole video in itself I think. The best way to set it is by ear, using a DMM will get you close but there are variances that would have to be discussed in the video to show why you can't rely on any single tool for a perfect setup.
@@EMFAudio I never expected this answer from someone in pro audio world, by ear? seriously? Most people don't have trained ear and can't hear small amount of distortion. DMM won't help either since you can't see waveform.
We're in the car audio world, not the pro audio world. Small amounts of distortion, like 1-2% you may not be able to hear, but it also won't matter. As far as using a DMM to set gain, I never recommend that because of variables, you could only go by theory of rated power to find the maximum voltage you should use. That would make it a starting point. If you really want to be technical about it, using an O-scope where you can see the waveform isn't perfect either because of the same variables as using a DMM. The ear is the best way, whether or not your trained to hear it or not isn't an ear problem, it's an installer problem.
@@EMFAudio It's nothing wrong if you set it by ear if you know what you are doing, but to amateur it's not. Even if you give him most expensive o-scope he still won't know what he's looking at. DD-1 is only thing i know that amateur can use and still get good results, everything else is for experienced installers.
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 those 40volts per channel or should i do the math according to my speakers rms? not sure if it makes sense but thanks in advance
How or where do you get the hz for high n low crossover ????also what’s it playing for n the stereo ???
That's is a nice video. I have a question. Where will I set my head unit volume to?
I know it's possible to use a dmm to set gains . Can one find distortion with it as well?
Also I am a automotive technician and I use scopes on scan tools...can I use this to my advantage as well?
Oscilloscope is the best way to find distortion, by far! You can sort of find distortion with a DMM, it's the point where you have a sudden irregular spike in voltage but that's hard clipping.
@@EMFAudio thank you. Oh by the by...got a new subscriber 😉😎
Quick question if you were to hook up a car stereo line out converter to the speaker terminals on a car amplifier and hook up a car amplifier to the line out converter will the car amplifier get damaged
You mean using the output from an amp to turn it into another RCA output?
EMF Audio yeah I mean that and what I was going to say could that possibly damage the amplifier itself
How many amps do you buy nowadays that come with all these adjustments
There are plenty when you don't buy the cheapest amp money can buy.
@@EMFAudio we're not all going to the stereo competition at the fairgrounds
I also understand that I can be wrong when I don't understand shit I tend to get mad and want to lash out at people sorry my cheap-ass budget can only afford as much as kicker or Soundstream also out of my frustration I want to know of anybody was listening some days I just feel there's nobody out there to ask questions to that can give me real answers .
@@EMFAudio also I just shelled out 400 bucks for a kicker CX 1200 I don't consider that to be the cheapest amp money can buy actually I feel it was quite expensive
@@user-jv8yu7ld7b It doesn't have to be the most expensive amp to get all those features either. Paying $400 for that amp sounds like you paid too much for that amp. There are brands (not Kicker) that are what I consider to be high value brands. You get a lot of product for your money. Example, our 2,000 watt amp with more features is $500.
Are you playing music or frequency tones?
I have 4 channels Sony amp 1200w, 2 speakers 120w rms (each) and 1 sub 380w rms..
How to tune the right voltage with multimeter please!
What track did u play different frequencys? And how should u gain match to amps going on 1 sub?
I used a CD with different frequencies on it. Nothing special. For gain matching you can simply use your DMM to make both amps have the same voltage output. Alternatively if the amps are strappable you could do that and only have to set 1.
I have a dual voice coil 1 ohm kicker sub wired for 2 ohm , now when the impedance is measured it actually reads 2.6 ohm ! When useing ohms law do i stick with 2 ohm to work out gain voltage or use the 2.6 ohms it reads ?
Are you using a Harbor Freight meter? If so, impedance is wrong, it's probably 1.0. they're often 0.6 ohms off.
@@EMFAudio i sussed it , no im in uk so not harbor freight ! Was told to touch terminal and deduct the difference, low and behold the difference was .6 so its a true 2 ohm final load ! Incidentally i baught an o scope and got 3 extra volts over the dmm before any sign of clipping, sounds a lot better 👍 thanks for the reply
What frequency should I set it at for tweeters?
I have a Lanzar VCT-2210 2 channel amp
I am confused about if it's a 2ohm or 4ohm amp.
1,000 watts x2 output @2ohms. Dose that mean it is 2ohm per channel???
Bridgeable 2 channel amps will be half the impedance in stereo. If it's 4 ohm mono, it will be 2 ohm stereo stable. If it's 2 ohm mono, it's 1 ohm stable stereo.
I got a Lightning Audio L-5600....how would I find the voltage so I can do the same thing you did? I plan to use it at 50 watts RMS at 4 ohm for 4 channels and 300 RMS at 2 ohm x 1 channel.
If you aren't much for math, you can use this calculator. www.ohmslawcalculator.com/ohms-law-calculator Plug in the power and resistance and it will fill in voltage and amperage. That would give you maximum voltages. The voltages I was setting things with doesn't matter.
This is different than another video I watched which indicated I should measure voltage with no crossover, play a tone at the desired frequency, then adjust until voltage is roughly 50%.
Example- looking for 80Hz 12db
Play 80 Hz tone, measure AC voltage (eg 11 bolts) and adjust crossover until voltage is .503 or approximately 6.5 volts.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Awesome video brother
Wouldn’t you be tuning for peak power with this method? Or would music go over the output voltage you turn to when it peaks/gets loudest?
Using true RMS meters takes peak out of the equation but using a tone over time, IE not instantaneously is doing similar.
Is there a reason why you don't like "Brazilian" full bridge amplifiers? EMF Audio
In short, yes. If I go in depth it will turn into accusations and crying by somebody, or many.
Well you could always make a video detailing the reasons why you feel half bridge technology is superior. I have personally had great success sq/spl wise. But I also leave more than enough Headroom. Given the technology at hand
But my opinion on the design may change as yours may also. With that said I enjoy your videos I have subscribed and look forward to some more videos one info I would like/need to learn
@@matthewmassey2333 The people I speak of would still have the same comments. They'd also argue why one is different than another when they aren't.
@@matthewmassey2333 My opinion won't change, I know that. I've seen the results of too many subs on them. But, for me to properly educate in the video form I do, it would require showing, not telling. To show, it would require some equipment I don't have, including an amp to test/sacrifice.
Ok, so my plan is to connect focal polyglass 165 component speakers to my amp. No subwoofer. Is that mean I need to set all frequencies separately or just set it on full range and adjust my jl audio accordingly to the amp output? I am so confused right now lol
If you're using them with the supplied crossover then you should leave the amp full range. If you're using them active without the supplied crossover, you have a lot more adjusting to do for each speaker very specifically.
EMF Audio sure, that’s a great advice, thank you, didn’t know that. It would be great to see video how to set gain on the amp for full range component speakers. I am typically adjusting it by setting stereo 3/4 volume, playing a song or two and slowly increasing gain till sound is distorted, but definitely want to do it properly now with vault meter! 👌👌👌 thanks again!
if you get a smd dd1 you can set your volume on the head set until no clipping ,, then the gains no clipping then this ,, as your volume is all ready set with the dd1
Then you play actual music and clip it anyway because of different track volumes.
So you want to put a lead on each channel? Negative lead on say channnel 1 and the positive lead on channel 2?
That isn't necessarily a reading through the same channel but in most cases the ground is one in the same for all channels. So in doing that you'd just be reading off of where the positive is. There could be some variance in some cases though, so it's best to use the pos and neg to the channel you're checking.
I have a question that needs an answer, If you have several speakers(8 spks all @ 4 ohm load) all totaling 2000 Watts RMS in retrospect, and a receiver that has a 2000 watts peak power rating, is it possible to increase ohm load(4 ohm to 16 ohm) to decrease demand from the receiver to make this work without any damage to speakers and/or receiver?
Ok, so you are using a sine wave generator producing a certain frequency and when it begins to fall off during adjustment of the crossover, you are at the correct frequency?
More or less, it's connected to a CD player with tones.
@@angelvip2474 Well, for starters, you use those tools using an amp with no load on it and a set track to use. Do you listen to the track it was set with, and do you listen with speakers connected? What happens when the track you're listening to is recorded at a different volume level? The best adjustment is done in real time, because of your ears.
@@angelvip2474 So what if things are recorded at different volumes? That's literally everything. People say all the time it's impossible to clip their system because they used a DD1 to set gains. Well when that recording is at a louder level than it's set for, that's clipping. That completely negates using that tool. You just gave the perfect example of why not to use one. I'm not sure what "agenda" I have. I'm not saying "that product is crap, buy mine", I'm not selling a product for that solution. Your method works for you, great, that method is for beginners doing installs in their driveway. Professionals tune by ear, because optimal gain setting doesn't mean balanced sound either. Just because your clients have money doesn't mean you're good at installations, it just means they paid you.
Ok so the track on which you turn the volume up and down is ita a hertz tune? Or wtf? What song you using to tune?
Always using tones.
You might be able to find a more antiquated multimeter, but it’ll be hard. I’d sure lose my job if I had to wait for the display to refresh every 2 seconds like that one 😳
I could, but then you'd have to find something else petty to complain about.
I have one that uses not a single battery and has a needle that sweeps.... completely analog just how I like it...I would call it a AMM 😎
The meter isn't refreshing every 2 seconds, the frequency track is on repeat and keeps stopping and replaying, during that time the amp output drops.
Should I use the htz that is build in my radio or set the htz on the amp and turn the tuning off un the radio?
The amp can be more precise and has more flexibility in majority of cases. But, often times the radio is sufficient.
@EMFAudio, what is the reason and is it safe to jump the remote wire directly from 12 v? Can u do this in car? I'm gonna assume if it was to be done in car that a toggle switch would be needed to manually power on and off the amp.
It is safe to do that, and the reason I do it sometimes on the bench is just to power it up. I wouldn't recommend doing it in a car because you'd forget to turn it off, killing your power supply, and there is absolutely no reason to leave it on.
@@EMFAudio how did u know I forget shit all the time?
Science
Shouldn’t you set your lpf all the way up then adjust your gain to the desired voltage?
Yes, all settings besides gain should be done first.
great video i have a ? what was the gain set at when u did this was it all the way down or not? thanx
The gain setting isn't significant to crossover settings or any other setting.
When setting the low pass by voltage it's the number you get using pxr= ✓
So do I reset the gain , lpf and subsonic before tuning each one?
The gain is only for the relationship for RCA voltage. Once that is set, you don't need to change it. You might find this video educational. th-cam.com/video/NqRTv8q4hc4/w-d-xo.html
Thank you going to tune my amp today.
Please don't use this method. You'll run the risk of hurting your system.
Good info how about a video on free air test on a bad as sub n tell us how fs, xmax, n stuff works n do they stay the same after breaking in
I did a video on break in already, it was the first one.
Looking for it will u have the bannhamers 12s in stock by black friday i need to up grade my 10s
I sure hope so but can't say for sure. Black Friday might be the time to buy anyway.
Why was voltage 14.4v for hpf then 13.2v for life then 13.5v for subsonic. Wouldn't voltage for all 3 be the same of 14.4v🤔
So having a 20A multimeter does it hold that much or can it handle more
You aren't measuring current for any of this, and with no speaker connected there is very little current being output. So the current capability of the meter doesn't matter.
Fluke for the win. 😎
I'm just going to set my voltage, no wait its just reset and overload???
Can using a more powerful amplifier and a more powerful subwoofer provide more boomy bass
An enclosure can be boomy, a sub can be boomy, power isn't boomy so much. The amount of power doesn't make it boomy unless maybe you're severely underpowered.
Ive heard that im suppose to have my bass set to what i want it too before doing this?
That is correct.
All I want to know is how much was the gain set to on the amp while doing these tests was it on 0, half or three quarter
Gain is Irrelevant, what matters is the voltage reading at the point of when it falls off. voltage will be stable until a filter knocks the level down. and amps work best set full out.
Gain position is not an indication of power output and essentially doesn't matter. It's a setting to match signal input voltage and that's it.
@@EMFAudio thank you
is this the gain as well ??????
When it starts to fall off you have gotten to what frequency? The same note you’re playing out to the amp?
Kevin Lechner the frequency that you play. So say you want your mids to be on high pass filter. You play a 80hz test tone so when it starts to fall off you e hit the 80hz filter.
MOPAR 300 do you know if the Rockford Fosgate prime 6.5 x3 co axials come with the filter built in? I’m pretty new to car audio
Kevin Lechner coaxial only has a filter for the tweeter. The woofer part of the speaker is gonna bE playing full range. So you’ll have to set the filter on your amplifier or headunit if your headunit have that built in
bb foto I agree. I set mines using the cc1 my friend had
How do you factor in a bass knob? Unplug it? Set to zero? I understand all this other stuff, it makes sense as far as gain settings and the settings you outlined in this video but I’m lost as far as where the bass knob comes in. Nobody ever explains that
Some amps, knobs will limit settings even when all the way up. So, it should be set with if it's being used or not being used, and if it is used it should be turned all the way up.
What is set at 65 then 70 are you touching the headunit off screen..man i wired up all my systems rock lights do all my own maintenance on my car from coil packs o2 sensors gaskets etc..and this has my mind confused..i was with u at 65hz and 14.43 then lost how you went to 75 and 15volts..
Voltage changes based on where the crossover is set. If you have it set to high pass and you go to a lower frequency than it's set to, you'll lose voltage.
Q sir, speakers or no speakers? Is the values the same? For setting the gain I mean, have you tried it with speakers? after all it is a load. Dynamic
The gain will typically be correct operating within rated impedance. When you go below rated impedance is when things change and you'll clip much sooner than the "correct" setting.
Hey sean, how can i test my ground in the back of my van for resistance?
Do you mean the resistance in the wire itself? With a DMM.
@@EMFAudio no the metal wich i use as a ground for my amplfiers, i dont get enough voltage to turn on my 4 amps, got 0 gauge ofc to the distribution block and then 4 gauge to my amps, all brand new anl fuses, even wen i jump the remote turn on from the 12v power they dont turn on
@@promo130 that's probably not a ground resistance related issue. It could be a ground quality issue which you may be able to tell by checking voltage at the amp. If it's low, it's not a good location at all, somehow isolated. Even a bad ground will show normal voltage if it's completing the circuit.
@@EMFAudio oke, then it has to be a bad ground location, even wen i put a wire in 12v power of the amp to the remote of the amp they dont turn on
Yeah I still don't understand. Where are u getting the voltages from to begin with? How do u determine what voltage is what frequency? U show it going up and down but how do u know where to start from? I'm sorry, I am just a little confused.
The actual voltage number doesn't matter, the only part that matters is change.
Sorry for seeming like an idiot man. I can't afford the other products and I have no choice but to try and learn how to do it. I will continue to watch and may watch other videos and hopefully I will be able to understand it. Thanks for ur help.
@@robland6118 You might like the how to make your own distortion detector.
Probably saved me from spending hundreds for tools to tune my new system.
What type of sound should go through the RCA into the amp while you are tuning?
Meaning does the volume on the head unit need to be up only or does it need music or another type of sound
Yeah i believe he left this info out.
I have a 4 channel amplifier and I have 4 single ohms 6×8(2) and 6×9(2) if I put 1 speaker per channel what ohm load would that put the amplifier in?...Anyone?
4 ohms per channel. If you only have 1 speaker on that channel, that's how it operates.
@@EMFAudio ...but if the amplifier has a 4,2,and 1ohm load, what ohm load would the amplifier be in if I had (4) 4ohm speakers and I have 1 speaker on each channel?
@@johnathanhunter7899 The speaker is what determines the load on the amp. If you have a 4 ohm speaker, it's 4 ohms at the amp. Each channel is separate and treated as such.
I would be willing to send my DD1+ if you'd like to do a video on it.
😂
Does the crossover frequency effect the rms power
No.
How do you know what frequency is what voltage??
Voltage doesn't matter, voltage change is what matters.
is there a reason why u cant just use crossovers from headunit. or isnt it good enough.
You absolutely can, but you should use ONLY that one if you choose to do that. Most HU crossovers are pretty good now, but some are limited. Some you can't choose the frequency or may only have 2, and it's possible neither is appropriate. So, it's really a case by case basis.
How come the remote wire is jumping into the power terminal?
Nvm I forgot this is a test bench
Because the beat was infrequent , a steady beat would be easier, it seems.
Does the head unit setting need to be at default before turning amplifier?
That depends on the settings you're referring to.
do we do this with the car running or it doesn't matter?
Ideally it would be best with car running as a result of higher voltage producing more power. Additionally, low voltage (like 10v or sometimes 11v) can induce distortion well below the amps capabilities.
@@EMFAudio ahh i see. thanks!
@@EMFAudio can you recommend a good o-scope around $50?
@@tee228 Anything I'd recommend wouldn't be from a personal experience.
Your running a test tone?
Yes
How can you set lp and hp crossover without frequency mark on amp?
That is what this video explains.
He is playing a test track cd or digital file..... But that never got mentioned or shown in the video..... But if can down a test tone generator you can do this.
EMF Audio Idk if I missed it or if you didn’t explain that you are playing a test tone to get the voltage reading. That’s kinda important to the video. I was lost on how you came up with the voltage until I read another viewers comment. I’m not being critical and maybe it’s because Im a novice but that’s kinda important for us rookies.
Would running the sub be more accurate? With the actual load the amp would be running?
It could actually be LESS accurate because of the dynamics of the sub. If you did it at a higher volume it would heat up the coil and your electrical system could be dropping in voltage so your output would as well. If it was at a low volume you could do it, which is actually how you'd do it tuning by ear which is what I do.
How did you decide what your target voltages were?
The only thing voltages might matter on is the gain. Any other setting isn't voltage dependent.
EMF Audio So when you set the crossover, what was the point in monitoring voltage? Or was it just personal preference?
@@STK10VA The point was to see where voltage changes, not aimed at a specific voltage to start or finish.
EMF Audio oh I see. So is there any right or wrongs?
Not for crossovers or subsonic filters, no.
i get it now you forgot to say you have a test cd in
You NEED a test tone, right ?
He said in the beginning of the vid that the 1st drop you see is THE TRACK changing.
@@zumik83 GOT IT NOW BUD .NEW TO THIS AS A LOT OF FOLK ,,THAY NEED THE LITTEL THING TO LIKE YOU ARE USEING A TONE CD
When you’re setting the voltage you never mentioned what you were turning up, whether it’s the crossover or the input level, it’s impossible to see in the video.
At lest someone shows you don"t need all of those fancy multimeter to tune your amp. Because people today think o no if i don"t have those fancy tools my audio will suck
That's how Steve gets you to buy his overrated equipment
But how or what r u useing to find your tone?
Any tone works.