You could be leaving a lot of volume on the table with 3/4 method. A $40 oscilloscope off of Amazon will tell you exactly when distortion starts from your head unit. Same with signal coming out of the amp.
I don’t think you mentioned it in the video, but this is RMS per channel* it’s not the total of the amp etc… ohms X watts = then find square root. 4 ohms X 55 = 220 square root is 14.8 AC Voltage.
Method 2 will work well for you there. Choose a song you know well and play it through your speakers. Slowly turn up the amp gain until you begin to hear the crackling of distortion, then back off just enough until it sounds perfect.
I have two kicker comp R 12s with a 1200 watt Skar amplifier. The radio is a Pioneer MVH-S622BS. I’m not sure how I should set my amp with all the settings you can change and adjust
You'll want to follow the instructions in the video for the gain, but there is some personal preference involved in the crossover settings. I usually advise customers to start at the 80hz setting and if you prefer tighter and deeper bass, you can go lower than that and dial in a setting that your ears find pleasurable. I tend to refrain from using any bass boost as it can add distortion and damage speakers. I hope this helps!
Okay I now know how to tune my gain on my amplifier for my subwoofer, but I when you say go 3/4 on the volume on the radio, what happens if I go above it? Is it just distortion? And can it also be bad for the subwoofer?
We recommend 3/4 volume level to help ensure that the radio and source are not already being clipped or pushed to distorted levels. Once the gain is set, there will still be times that you can turn the volume level above 3/4 max as some songs/sources are quieter than others. How do you set the gain on your subwoofer amp?
@@crutchfield I have a cx1800 that does rated power and shows in the instructions the voltage per watts. So my comp q is 1000 watts so v44.7 I think, when I’m setting my gain should my volume be at 75%?
As mentioned above in the comments, the 3/4 volume should be the max to avoid clipping from your source. Anytime clipping occurs you will have distortion.
I’m tuning my Memphis srx2.150 ( 150w BRIDGED-4ohms), Just how CRUTCHFIELD IS RECOMENDING!! I got a 10inch pioneer ts-sw251 (800w max- 200w rms- Shallow Subwoofer) hooked up. Any tips ? Does this rule apply to stock radios. I got mine hooked up with a “LINE OUTPUT CONVERTER”?
The radio begins to add distortion above the 3/4 volume range, and that can damage your speakers. After tuning correctly, the 3/4 volume mark should represent the highest listening volume level.
Power Ratings: Tested at 14.4V @ 1% THD 1-ohm rating: 3300 WATTS RMS 2-ohm rating: 2300 WATTS RMS 4-ohm rating: 1200 WATTS RMS u cant make more watts, the "max" for that amp would be 57.44v at 1 ohm 3300 watts, or 67.82v at 2 ohm
An 80Hz test tone could be used to help with setting a filter on an amp. In regards to your other question, are you asking if you would use a bass boost in the head unit? Also, which head unit are you referring to?
My Amp is 2 channel & runs a Subwoofer , i set gain at 45% level & also set LPF at 45hz , my apm get hotter side when i listen music at 70% of volume , is its safe for amp ? But not any clipping & distortion here !
It's common for an amp to run a bit warmer at higher volumes. As long as it's not excessive heat, the sub isn't distorting, and the amp isn't going into protection mode and shutting off, you shouldn't have any problems.
So if my mains are 100 watts rms each. and the amp only puts out 75 watts rms, I can leave those to 100% right? And then the sub will take a total of 600 rms while the amp is putting out 700 rms. I think I can just have everything at max (but maybe turn the amp's sub down a bit.) Correct thinking or distasterous thinking?
If you are not using the "by ear" method outlined in the video, you will want to use test tones and a multimeter to dial in the exact output for your speakers. Since the gain (input sensitivity) is matching the input to the output stage of the amplifier rarely does having that set at 100% provide the best results. Setting the levels by ear can be done with no specialized tools or test tones, just one of your favorite tracks and your source unit at around 3/4 volume.
i have a question bro i have a 4 channel amp that on certain songs it goes too protect mode i got it tuned at a shop with a meter i have a d4smm1004 with speakers at 2ohms any tips i have good ground and power but cant find a solution
If your amplifier is going into protect mode it could mean you are driving the amplifier too hard, it is creating excessive heat and activating the protection circuits, or is possibly not getting enough current. Your amp requires a 4-gauge power wire and when using 2-ohm speakers you are generating the maximum wattage possible from your amplifier. Using a multimeter to test the exact voltage at the amplifier during those times it is going into protect mode is a great way to test and see if you are getting proper current. I hope this helps!
The amplifier is producing voltage when the test tone is played, with no speakers connected. If you want to use the second method outlined in the video, you will leave your speakers connected.
Hi I have 2 locs to a factory stereo, the problem I have is when I turn up the gains it alters the turn on sound on the stereo so I cannot listen to the stereo on the lowest volume unless I reduce the gain on the amp. What am I doing wrong?
@@crutchfield a transporter t6 van, but I think Iv resolved it, as the locs were at max output Iv reduced them to minimum but increased the amp gains to 3/4 power
You'll need to know the voice coil combination and impedance and wiring to calculate using the formula in the video. If you are confused using our method of setting amp gain by ear in the video is an excellent choice!
During this test, all amp settings including crossover settings, should be set as low as they can and it sounds like 50Hz is the lowest on your amp which makes it the setting to use.
We have an article that goes into great detail about the process. Essentially, the gain is adjusted, crossovers set, and then gain adjusted again. Here is that article with all the steps: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/learn/how-to-tune-car-amplifier.html
The best way is using the oscilloscope.. the voltmeter is second best however u have to take note that some manufacturers may lie about their specs and you end up unknowingly clipping your equipment. By ear is just never a wise move. Just no.
Your bass level, or the levels of the full-range speakers? If when setting up according to the meter on either full-range channels or your subwoofer you are not pleased with the sound, you can use the by ear technique to provide a more personally pleasing result.
When using the voltmeter method, it does change the results! Have you been able to complete the process a second time but without any speakers connected?
@ I haven’t yet. I’m in the process of cleaning up my old install. Better big wiring, fuse etc..also I think my front amp is going out. My rear doors have an issue. I get more bass on one side with no treble and opposite on the other side. I’m pretty sure it’s not out of phase. Besides when I touched the LP/H/P switch it cuts out a little. So now I’m on your web page looking at something like the JL RD400-4. But need money 😂.
Going 4 gauge for the front amp, have 0 going to sub. Just cleaning up my install from 11 years ago. Hook me up with a deal on a 4 channel please! 🙏🏼 it’s all good been doing installs since 1990! Things have changed so much over the years. You guys hooked me up on our RAV4 just a couple years ago.
![How to Tune an Amplifier by Ear [Car Audio Speakers]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n2b-27Usfkk/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
quick and fast video , thanks
You're welcome. What type of amp are you tweaking?
You could be leaving a lot of volume on the table with 3/4 method. A $40 oscilloscope off of Amazon will tell you exactly when distortion starts from your head unit. Same with signal coming out of the amp.
I don’t think you mentioned it in the video, but this is RMS per channel* it’s not the total of the amp etc… ohms X watts = then find square root. 4 ohms X 55 = 220 square root is 14.8 AC Voltage.
Yes, RMS power rating.
I am using a car amp for stereo speakers which is a 3 way 3 unit speaker so what Freq test tone should I go for?
Method 2 will work well for you there. Choose a song you know well and play it through your speakers. Slowly turn up the amp gain until you begin to hear the crackling of distortion, then back off just enough until it sounds perfect.
What about if the sub is 4ohm and I wire it at 2ohm if I want to calculate the volts i do the math as 4 ohm or 2ohm i am a little bit confused
Also my sub is 400w rms and the amp gaves at 2 ohm 500w rms so I should really know how to set the gain or my coils are cocked
What is the brand and model of your subwoofer?
I have two kicker comp R 12s with a 1200 watt Skar amplifier. The radio is a Pioneer MVH-S622BS. I’m not sure how I should set my amp with all the settings you can change and adjust
You'll want to follow the instructions in the video for the gain, but there is some personal preference involved in the crossover settings. I usually advise customers to start at the 80hz setting and if you prefer tighter and deeper bass, you can go lower than that and dial in a setting that your ears find pleasurable. I tend to refrain from using any bass boost as it can add distortion and damage speakers. I hope this helps!
Okay I now know how to tune my gain on my amplifier for my subwoofer, but I when you say go 3/4 on the volume on the radio, what happens if I go above it? Is it just distortion? And can it also be bad for the subwoofer?
We recommend 3/4 volume level to help ensure that the radio and source are not already being clipped or pushed to distorted levels. Once the gain is set, there will still be times that you can turn the volume level above 3/4 max as some songs/sources are quieter than others.
How do you set the gain on your subwoofer amp?
@@crutchfield I have a cx1800 that does rated power and shows in the instructions the voltage per watts. So my comp q is 1000 watts so v44.7 I think, when I’m setting my gain should my volume be at 75%?
As mentioned above in the comments, the 3/4 volume should be the max to avoid clipping from your source. Anytime clipping occurs you will have distortion.
I’m tuning my Memphis srx2.150 ( 150w BRIDGED-4ohms), Just how CRUTCHFIELD IS RECOMENDING!! I got a 10inch pioneer ts-sw251 (800w max- 200w rms- Shallow Subwoofer) hooked up. Any tips ? Does this rule apply to stock radios. I got mine hooked up with a “LINE OUTPUT CONVERTER”?
so when we set it to 3/4 volume, are we maxing out at 3/4 volume from now on? or can we turn it up all the way with our gains now set?
The radio begins to add distortion above the 3/4 volume range, and that can damage your speakers. After tuning correctly, the 3/4 volume mark should represent the highest listening volume level.
@@crutchfieldokay thank you for the reply and help!
We are here to help anytime! 🥰
Jp 33 that can put out 4300 watts times 4 17200 and the squared root of that is 131.14 does that seem correct
Are you attempting to set your amp up to deliver 4,300-watts RMS into a 4-ohm subwoofer configuration?
Power Ratings: Tested at 14.4V @ 1% THD
1-ohm rating: 3300 WATTS RMS
2-ohm rating: 2300 WATTS RMS
4-ohm rating: 1200 WATTS RMS
u cant make more watts, the "max" for that amp would be 57.44v at 1 ohm 3300 watts, or 67.82v at 2 ohm
what about the low pass filter how do know where 80hz is and do you leave head unit flat
An 80Hz test tone could be used to help with setting a filter on an amp. In regards to your other question, are you asking if you would use a bass boost in the head unit? Also, which head unit are you referring to?
I got two of the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-12 and A s2-a60m amp how would I connect the two sub to the mono amp
Here's a wiring diagram that covers that scenario: images.crutchfieldonline.com/ca/learningcenter/car/subwoofer_wiring/2DVC_2-ohm_mono.jpg
when i tune with the multimeter, do i need to turn every thing down in the headunit. Like subwoofer level, subwoofer filter, etc.
Crossover can be set to your preferences, with the subwoofer level adjustment set to flat (0db) when setting your gains with the multimeter.
My Amp is 2 channel & runs a Subwoofer , i set gain at 45% level & also set LPF at 45hz , my apm get hotter side when i listen music at 70% of volume , is its safe for amp ? But not any clipping & distortion here !
It's common for an amp to run a bit warmer at higher volumes. As long as it's not excessive heat, the sub isn't distorting, and the amp isn't going into protection mode and shutting off, you shouldn't have any problems.
So if my mains are 100 watts rms each. and the amp only puts out 75 watts rms, I can leave those to 100% right? And then the sub will take a total of 600 rms while the amp is putting out 700 rms. I think I can just have everything at max (but maybe turn the amp's sub down a bit.) Correct thinking or distasterous thinking?
If you are not using the "by ear" method outlined in the video, you will want to use test tones and a multimeter to dial in the exact output for your speakers. Since the gain (input sensitivity) is matching the input to the output stage of the amplifier rarely does having that set at 100% provide the best results. Setting the levels by ear can be done with no specialized tools or test tones, just one of your favorite tracks and your source unit at around 3/4 volume.
@@crutchfield Thank you :) What do you think about the oscilloscope method? I settled on that, just ordered one.
That can also work very well! 🙂
I have the kicker 449.95
Kicker 51PTRTP12 powered woofer
Does this apply to this also
Yes, the process for setting the gain would be the same for a powered subwoofer like the Kicker 51PTRTP12.
i have a question bro i have a 4 channel amp that on certain songs it goes too protect mode i got it tuned at a shop with a meter i have a d4smm1004 with speakers at 2ohms any tips i have good ground and power but cant find a solution
If your amplifier is going into protect mode it could mean you are driving the amplifier too hard, it is creating excessive heat and activating the protection circuits, or is possibly not getting enough current. Your amp requires a 4-gauge power wire and when using 2-ohm speakers you are generating the maximum wattage possible from your amplifier. Using a multimeter to test the exact voltage at the amplifier during those times it is going into protect mode is a great way to test and see if you are getting proper current. I hope this helps!
how do you have load on the output side by just using the multimeter? or the amp just produces power without load?
The amplifier is producing voltage when the test tone is played, with no speakers connected. If you want to use the second method outlined in the video, you will leave your speakers connected.
Hi I have 2 locs to a factory stereo, the problem I have is when I turn up the gains it alters the turn on sound on the stereo so I cannot listen to the stereo on the lowest volume unless I reduce the gain on the amp. What am I doing wrong?
What vehicle is this in?
@@crutchfield a transporter t6 van, but I think Iv resolved it, as the locs were at max output Iv reduced them to minimum but increased the amp gains to 3/4 power
Perfect! If you need anything further, please let us know.
I have a kicker (750zx.1) and 2 kicker 12 inch L5s, im kind of confused on how to calculate the gain
You'll need to know the voice coil combination and impedance and wiring to calculate using the formula in the video. If you are confused using our method of setting amp gain by ear in the video is an excellent choice!
How do i set the freq 50-200
During this test, all amp settings including crossover settings, should be set as low as they can and it sounds like 50Hz is the lowest on your amp which makes it the setting to use.
What is rear stage?
We are referring to the rear speakers powered by the amplifier, or any speakers powered off of channels 3/4 on your 4-channel amp.
When tuning by ear, is it best to set any relevant crossovers beforehand?
Great video by the way.
We have an article that goes into great detail about the process. Essentially, the gain is adjusted, crossovers set, and then gain adjusted again. Here is that article with all the steps:
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/learn/how-to-tune-car-amplifier.html
The best way is using the oscilloscope.. the voltmeter is second best however u have to take note that some manufacturers may lie about their specs and you end up unknowingly clipping your equipment.
By ear is just never a wise move. Just no.
DD-1 SMD or oscilloscope is the best way
Yes, that can certainly work well too.
I tried this and my system is way too high!
Your bass level, or the levels of the full-range speakers? If when setting up according to the meter on either full-range channels or your subwoofer you are not pleased with the sound, you can use the by ear technique to provide a more personally pleasing result.
@ I made the mistake of doing it with the speakers connected. I’m sure that makes a big difference.
When using the voltmeter method, it does change the results! Have you been able to complete the process a second time but without any speakers connected?
@ I haven’t yet. I’m in the process of cleaning up my old install. Better big wiring, fuse etc..also I think my front amp is going out. My rear doors have an issue. I get more bass on one side with no treble and opposite on the other side. I’m pretty sure it’s not out of phase. Besides when I touched the LP/H/P switch it cuts out a little. So now I’m on your web page looking at something like the JL RD400-4. But need money 😂.
Going 4 gauge for the front amp, have 0 going to sub. Just cleaning up my install from 11 years ago. Hook me up with a deal on a 4 channel please! 🙏🏼 it’s all good been doing installs since 1990! Things have changed so much over the years. You guys hooked me up on our RAV4 just a couple years ago.
i have my gain on max when i want to play out my friends then i make it lower when i drive alone