Proper Gain Settings
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Proper Gain Settings
Ok, thought i would just start a new thread for this one
so, i downloaded an excel sheet that has a bunch of calculations for suggested power cable size, alternator power, and gain settings
it says to put in a 60hz audio track, turn up the HU volume to 75-80% of the max, set all bass and EQ to zero/flat, hook up a multimeter (set to AC) to the channel being used and change the gain settings until it reaches the prexcribed voltage
for 1500 watts at 4 Ohm (what i will soon be running) it says 77.46 volts
is this a good method?
are there any less complicated ways or just a general rule of thumb?
so, i downloaded an excel sheet that has a bunch of calculations for suggested power cable size, alternator power, and gain settings
it says to put in a 60hz audio track, turn up the HU volume to 75-80% of the max, set all bass and EQ to zero/flat, hook up a multimeter (set to AC) to the channel being used and change the gain settings until it reaches the prexcribed voltage
for 1500 watts at 4 Ohm (what i will soon be running) it says 77.46 volts
is this a good method?
are there any less complicated ways or just a general rule of thumb?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,494
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, LA
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 4
From: Nebraska
The way Low suggested is a great way to do it to get every last bit out of your amp before you start clipping.
The way you mentioned also works just fine...not quite as accurate, but it still works fine and its actually close to how I do it.
With a good amp, there is usually actually a little more to be had after you set your gains this way, but its hard to tell how much without the proper equipment, or doing it Lows way.
If you have a crappy amp that is overrated, you will most likely start clipping the amp by the time you reach your target voltage, using the DMM method.
The way you mentioned also works just fine...not quite as accurate, but it still works fine and its actually close to how I do it.
With a good amp, there is usually actually a little more to be had after you set your gains this way, but its hard to tell how much without the proper equipment, or doing it Lows way.
If you have a crappy amp that is overrated, you will most likely start clipping the amp by the time you reach your target voltage, using the DMM method.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,494
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, LA
The reason I would do it my way, is because of build quality. Even with the most stringent quality control there will be differences in the amplifiers and what they are capable of. For instance RF and KKR test every amp before it leaves the factory. I have seen 2006 Kicker 1000.1 go from 998 to 1323w @ 2 ohms before. So if you use your way, chances you will be either be starting clipping or not getting all your power.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,494
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, LA
Trying to hear clipping in Subwoofers is much harder. And normally they can take a good bit more abuse.
I recommend doing it my way and running a 1kHz track and getting the gains almost tied down from there. Then switch over to the 40Hz and working off of that. (50 and 60hz will also work). Keep in mind you will be using a small handheld 10w radioshack amplifier with a spk built in
I recommend doing it my way and running a 1kHz track and getting the gains almost tied down from there. Then switch over to the 40Hz and working off of that. (50 and 60hz will also work). Keep in mind you will be using a small handheld 10w radioshack amplifier with a spk built in
