Finally received my oscope and your advice is dead on.I also read all the comments and I can't tell you how much I appreciate people like yourself who take the time to help others out who are doing there best to learn the ropes of their car audio. Thanks 😊
Better to use a DMM for that.. Or just make sure your subs and amp are power-level-matched. This method is great but only if your power ratings are perfect 👌 or pretty damn close. 2000w is wayyyyy too much power for a 500w sub. If you use this method, the gain will be set correctly but you may send your subwoofer to the moon 🎑.
Mad props! Thank you so very much for posting this. Still relevant in 2023 with lots of sellers still selling this 'scope on Amazon. And yeah getting the levels dialed in for the EQ etc before setting the gain is GREAT advice. Good call. Thanks again man. All the best
Watched the video a couple times, ordered the Oscilloscope you linked. Followed your instructions to the letter. And now my stereo sounds amazing. Thanks for taking the time, and explaining in simplicity for us non-audiophiles. Great Job!
Just bought an Oscope man I can't get my subs to play like they should. I don't trust my ear, and my installer sadly passed away. On my third headunit and its alot better than the first two. Thank you sir your a life saver was on my way to buy a DD1.
Thanks for sharing this!! I just ordered this so that I know my amp is tuned correctly. I never really looked into an O-Scope because I thought all of them were a couple hundred dollars, but I’m so glad there’s one that’s not to expensive
Lol.... a DD1 gives you a little red indicator dot. An oscope gives you full visual of a sine wave for a fraction of the cost. If people want spend 4 times as much for a red led bulb and no visual if the sine wave. Have at it
@@andrewmcallister4151 then you know nothing about car audio lol a dd1 sets gains at a way lower level then youd ever see on a oscope ... your the type of guy who wants to just be lazy and set it and forget it and not get optimal performance from your system .. lol
@@johndoe-mn4mh #RedLEDsMatter just kidding, Oscopes are even cheaper now, I found a full blown multimeter, signal generator, oscilloscope for $85 - I play with electronics and arduinos and all this other stuff, so I'm sure I'll use it every day.
Honestly one of the best explained and shown videos especially like how you used a common cheap oscilloscope and even showed how to set that up!. Great job!
bought the oscope in your info that you used in the video just to check my amp settings out and just so happens i was just slightly below clipping from my ear settings. great info thank you
Great video and easy to understand for those who may not fully grasp the concept of clipping and proper gain settings. I'd only add that the test tone tracks are typically offered at different dB overlaps to account for various recording levels of playback. To each their own as to what test tone you decide to use, but I've personally always felt better running the -5dB 40Hz track just to play it safe with the -5dB overlap. I say play it safe, because not all music sources are recorded at the same level. Unless you are playing FLAC files or anything similar one song may sound great while the next song may sound horrible/distorted because it was recorded at a different level.
@@PuresDen unless im misunderstanding your comment you may have missed the point od mine originally. The reason -5db is safer is exactly because it's not as loud. 0db is loud and due to the many different people that master or remaster music you never truly know what levels they're mastered at or how they've staged their gains and plug-ins . Due to those very reasons thats why the -5db overlap is safer. You'll lose some output sure, but unless you have a reliable source for your tracks it's safer to set lower. Setting at 0db definitely increases the chances of have a Rouge track in the mix that causes massive clipping. I pulled this directly from a mastering site for some context as I'm in no way a music recording guru. "Here is a rule of thumb, don't peak on your individual sounds say louder than -18 to -12 db, and your master don't go anywhere near past -6 db. There are no hard and fast rules for this but learn about how analog operates and is gain staged. 24 bit audio has a resolution of 144 db 16 bit audio has a resolution of 96 db. so you can STILL HAVE YOUR AUDIO ALMOST -50 db down from zero and still use the full bandwidth of 16 bit audio resolution."
@@josephstaton6438 false , all mixed and mastered tracks made by actual artists and labels dont go above 0db , if a song you are playing does it was made by johnny in his back yard - Jay
Im building a system and will definitely be using this to set the gain and test my radio for clipping. I also really appreciate the video showing this vs an proper oscilloscope to show it works and isnt inaccurate for our use. I have never built a system, all i have is a cheap powered enclosure. I purchased a box designed for my vehicle
Protip: If you want to see just the sine wave without all the freq data taking up space on the screen do this. While in run (should see green "running" on the top left) press and hold the OK button. This will remove the data values from the screen and just show the sine wave in a locked state. Now just briefly press the OK button and you should be back in the running state with a full view of the sine wave!
So is there any instructions than what he showed that needs to be done for the device to work properly. I noticed it had a ground tab on top and when I initially turned it on the screen looked crazy with hundreds of line going up and down the screen. You seem knowledgeable so I'd love your input on what to do step by step to tuning the system once I take it out of the box. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love for you to contact me @ 786-676-1563. Maybe this weekend when I go back to my amps to tune you can help me on video if possible
I can answer any questions you have man. Make sure to check out this video first tho. I explain settings in depth: ua-cam.com/video/nKQqcQ5q34I/v-deo.html
Bro all day i see on FB people asking the same questions and so many people say turn up the gain..WRONG gain is not a volume knob i may if its ok share your video you explained way better than me, thanx for the vids
I must say you are the only guy that shows these tricks online... appreciate it. I'm trying to learn at least half you know to teach others to... helping hand always gets helped
Gotta say one thing, you worth way more subscribers. You are one of the greatest in this! God bless you brother for all your information. You really helping out newbies out here that trying to become bassheads somehow lmao!
At 2:10: You discuss the reason for setting head unit volume to ~75% of maximum, otherwise you "start sending a clipped signal out of your head unit". You don't clarify that "~75% of maximum" is just a rule of thumb. If you genuinely want to set gain like a pro... FIRST use the O-scope to determine the maximum volume at which the head unit clips at the high or low-level output of the head unit (most folks use low-level connection--"RCA cables"); THEN connect the signal cables to the sub amp and set amplifier gain with the volume at the head unit set to the value determined in the first step. Sooo, pretty much the same procedure you detail in this video performed twice! Excellent video, btw!
Dude thank you for making this video I picked one of these up after watching this video and man I’m happy i did. It picked up distortion way before the clip light kicked on and I feel so much better now knowing it’s set right. Thanks again bro and keep making the rad videos 🤘🏻
Use the Oscilloscope on the RCA outs from the head unit. Usually a good idea to test the full signal chain if you have multiple devices in the path. For example external EQ or a DSP.
Took my truck the “best” car audio in town. I did the o scope technique and was clipping at half volume. Turned gain down to a perfect signal @ head units max listening volume w/o distortion. Music is much cleaner although less bass, but I won’t have to buy new gear in a couple months. Thank you for the video very easy to understand
Awesome! Most shops turn Gain up high to make it sound like you got more bang for your Buck. Unfortunately, lots of people including shops treat gain like a volume knob. The rule is, if you want to get louder. Get more subs and amps with proper electrical upgrades.
More expensive now, but this is the one: www.amazon.com/STARTO-Handheld-Oscilloscope-BNC-Clip-Assembled/dp/B07QL3SS7S/ref=asc_df_B07QL3SS7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459704590302&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=792658384330101374&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033504&hvtargid=pla-945043665765&psc=1
I was looking at getting a cheap scope instead of the SMD tools. i'm gonna set my gains like once or twice ever in my car, I dont need a $250-300 tool lol. Was wondering if the $40 scopes on amazon were good, and now I know! Thanks for the info bro, just ordered. Used your link so hopefully you get a little kick back :)
Awesome man! much appreciated! Unfortunately I don't have any affiliate links set up yet...but sure do appreciate the support of my channel! Glad i could help! I feel the same way about the SMD devices lol
Thanks! Make sure to check out this video I made as well running it up against my expensive bench top scope. Performed 100% accurate. ua-cam.com/video/nKQqcQ5q34I/v-deo.html
Got my o scope in from Amazon and the unit does not show running at the top like yours I used the exact same setting too.. the Interface is different from yours.
@@NextLevelCarAudio hey I noticed during your video you had a 20vac scale set...are you sure it clipped and you didnt just reached the top of scale? Maybe setting the scale to next setting above 20vac will show you it wasnt actually clipping? Would appreciate a reply if you try and you do find a different result....thanks
I’ve pretty much played with every setting to toy around. With the peak of the sine wave completely off the screen and also with it at the bottom. Same result. That is the clipping point of the sine wave. Not screen cut off
Just got the same oscilloscope from Amazon today. Can't wait to use it this coming weekend. I really appreciate your vids. I have one question though, can I just connect the oscilloscope to the speaker wires at the subwoofer box? That would be so much easier than getting to my amp under the seat .
Great video, I think I’ll pick up one of these. The SMD is a nice tool and it detects distortion that isn’t necessary visible to the eye but it’s a single use tool and a scope can do hundreds of things.
Have the same scope been using it for around a year works like a charm, the display is really good it can show the slightest deform in the wave. My friend has the nano and this lil cheap scope has a better display haha. Nice vid 👍👍
He ever made it? I'm curious as well. I tried doing the same procedure with a higher sound wave but the wave on my Scope shows weird, so I'm unable to calibrate it.
I’ll make this my next video. I’ll also go over settings and contrast it to my bench top oscope. Then show how to tune a 4 channel with it. I can have it out by mid next week
Yes! Just connect the positive/negative leads to any set of your speaker output wires on the back of your head unit. For example your front left speaker output. Turn the volume down on the head unit. Then play a 1000hz sine wave. Then start adjusting your volume up until you see the signal start to clip. That’s it. Whatever volume that is, that is the max you should go!
Set it for how you plan on keeping it when you listen to your music. Then dial in your gain. If not you will clip once you adjust your head unit. Some people swear on setting it while“flat”. But that is not optimal. Gain is always the LAST thing you want to dial in and adjust when setting up your system
@@NextLevelCarAudio wow didn’t know this. I too have watched so many other set it at flat when dialing in voltage/ setting gain. Thank you for this info bro. Learn something new everyday from you!
Just watched this and remembered I have a oscilloscope from my RC drone building days laying around. Can't wait to set my new Skar amp up tomorrow properly !!!
When I was young which was multiple decades ago I was into that amplifier + speaker phase. I done it by hear and I was darn good at it to the point I could shake dishes and cups in the china cabinet that was very easy 50+ feet away from the car. Been around electronics my entire life been trained at repairing it. Course I'm no longer in to that amplifier + speaker phase anymore could care less about it now I out grew it.
Hey man, thanks for great informative video! Can i ask how would i use dd1 or oscilloscope on powered active subwoofer with build in amplifier? Do i really need to disasemble it to get to the actual amplifier? Its currently connected with line inputs but also has high level inputs for factory HU installation if it helps.
All you need to do is remove the subwoofer from the enclosure to access the speaker wires that are connected to it. Tap into the wires from there and your good to go. Same procedure as normal from there
Hello mate I got mine today could I kindly get a reply so basically I know how to do the subwoofer set up but I’m little stuck on the all door speakers nothing runs from head unit front rear speaker wires on head unit all my doors runs off amps only so how would I check and set them up is this the correct way unplug the phono leads turn gain down turn head unit to where it max out before clipping the a just amps that do door speakers ??? I’ve subscribed and love the channel mate I’d appreciate your reply The only other thing I’m stuck on is how do I set head unit to max if I have no speakers to speaker out puts on rear of unit
Did mine with a dmm was ment to be 24.5 volts , didn't think it sounded right given the rms power of my amp so i got a o scope for £50 and was shocked how far from clipping i was at 24.5 volts ! With the o scope it went to 28 volts before any sign of clipping, 3.5 volts more than ohm's law ! Well worth th 50£ 👌
It's better to run a more powerful amp than the subs rating to counter box rise. Just make sure to set the gain for 600 watts using a volt meter. To do that, take the square root of the subs watts RMS x the ohm, and that's the voltage A/C you should set the gain at
I bought one of these o-scopes a while back to read PWM timing signals for servo drivers. I would have never thought of using it this way... Thanks. I will go ahead and tinker with it this weekend to see how close my "ear tuning" is.. Probably way off considering that I smell my Skar ZVX-15V2s getting hot every once in a while. LOL
You had the voltage on the o scope at 20v so any output above 20v got clipped on the meter. My amp puts out 70v-85v so wouldn’t you want to do exactly the same thing with the meter voltage above the amp out put voltage then turn the gain up till the signal clips?
I'm curious how a low feed signal shows on this. Looking at troubleshooting the system. Took a dyno'd review showing the amp I purchased to be true rated, but may be more to look at. Different things is the subs are from my sub compact into my truck. I hope I may get a baseline of data and grow from there.
Yes but with 1 k hertz test tone for regular speakers, you might have to change the voltage to see the sound waves different n if you gonna Bridged it for subwoofer like some people do then stay with 40 hertz
Just saw this video two days ago and I got a new box for my subs installed a few days ago, been trying to tune my amp and been going crazy. I ordered this when I watched the video and it just got here today! Going to go set my gain correctly for the first time probably lol.
@@NextLevelCarAudio so I did this today, got it set perfectly. But I actually have a stock head unit and I'm using a pretty cheap loc. It can be adjusted though also, do I need to do the same thing to my loc first then my amp? Because it doesn't seem like I'm getting the power I should be with the rest of my system.
With an inline loc it’s a little more tricky. You want to match the preamp voltage coming out of the head unit with the gain seeing on the loc first, that way you have the proper input sensitivity coming into your amp. then adjust the gain on your amp.
@@NextLevelCarAudio okay thank you! I actually ordered an Audiocontrol LC2I pro and it'll be here tomorrow. I'm hoping that'll make it a bit easier and give me a better sound (which I'm sure it will compared to my current $10-20 loc) will that be the same way to set up for my amp gains or no?
I don’t, but very easy. Tap into one of your door speakers. And follow the same procedure. Except use 1000hz vs 40hz. I’ll try to make that one of my videos coming up if it will help
@@NextLevelCarAudio thanks, and yes it would help I'm trying to get the most power out of my system, is there any other way than getting in contact with a door speaker to tune the head unit to a certain volume?
Or volts = √watts x ohm load, with a multimeter. But always best to use an oscilloscope. Cause you can't find the clipping point of the head unit with multimeter.
Thank you for the Video! Helps me a lot I have a question. I want to tune to 0 db. Does it matter where the signal comes from? Sometimes I listen Radio, UA-cam, Bluetooth, CD for example. My thought is, 0 db is the maximum a signal can get, so it does not matter where it comes from?
Can you make a video more detailed on the OScope itself? Mine just arrived but I have no clue on how to use it, this video gave me the basics to set my gains though so thanks.
@@NextLevelCarAudio yah now my gain was set properly for the voltage drop as well. Just because you get a clean signal don't mean it will play clean if your voltage ends up at 10volts clean single so my gain is a bit lower on my strapped half ohms amps.
Is there anyway to check on the scope where the voltage is at that way? Not only that you can check that you have an unclipped signal but the math is matching up at the same time? Just being picky. I understand that if the sine wave is unclipped, then it’s at max capacity with a clear signal
Excellent find!!!! Got mine ordered and arriving on Wednesday. A few questions, for my head-unit, I am using 3 sets of RCA outputs for Subs (Kicker hideaway), front and rear 4 channel Kenwood. I am trying to find the max volume setting of my Pioneer AVH-220EX before it clips. Would I connect the O-scope to RCA (I would use a RCA and strip one end to connect negative and positive) output since that is what powers everything or high-level outputs from the deck? Next, would I use a 40 Hz test to find max for sub output and then 1k Hz for my front and rear and use the lowest volume like front and rear hit max 40 volume without clipping but the sub clips at 38, use 38 as my max? Thank you for your time!!! *edited from reading all comments
You check your decks clipping point not from low level but from high level. So tap in to any one of the speaker wire outputs coming off the back of the head unit and run 1k hz tone. (40hz sub stage and 1k for mids and highs). Levels should always be set from to back to keep continuity. So check clipping point of head unit and note the volume level. That is your max volume before clip. Then dial in your front stage, then rear fill if running amplified rear stage, then tie in your subwoofer to complete your sound stage. Doing all of this with your volume at its max point before clip.
This is a great find, now if I can find a cheap and easy way to verify my crossover points. I suspect my dodgy pioneer DSP defaults back into full pass rather than hi pass to my mids and highs when the app crashes. For now I'm relying on the built in crossovers on the amps with vague values as a second layer protection.
I just received this oscope and tuned my amp today and it worked amazing my system sounds great!!! I just need to figure out how to use the oscope on the headunit, not sure how to do it but I’ll figure it out.
Another tip is to use PIEZO buzzer or an old 3”- 4” tiny speaker and add a capacitor to any one of its leads and listen for that clipped sound and just back of the gain a little bit from that point. This video was a perfect explanation of what a clipped signal looks like.
Ok Rockford Fosgate says to check the rca’s with an oscilloscope to find your volume level. They explain that the rca’s are a low level input. Doing so I found that my max volume is 34 not 26. It was 26 using your method that you explained when you checked the radio speaker outputs from the head unit.
RCA’s don’t hardly ever send a clipped signal. You need to check it the way I explained if you are running any speakers off your head unit directly. If you are running EVERYTHING amplified and not using high level inputs then yes, you can check low level. But most people are not running 100% externally amplified.
I have a question. If you see this, i know this is a older video. Question is, i use Bluetooth most of the time, and on apps like UA-cam music, many of the tracks are recorded at different levels, i guess it varies by artist and recording companies. Also youll see a similar difference between the video or selecting "song" without the video, the song is significantly louder than if you choose the music video. So if u max ur bass knob during setup, if u use yt music, some notes will fall way short, while others may hit about right. I leave some play in my bass knob, as there is no way ill "forget" where my setting is ( also head unit resets to low volume every time the key is turned off). Just wondering if u ever listen to yt music, and if u have noticed the level difference? Thanks. Appreciate you helping the community with your knowledge and experience.
How do you stop the signal from going to your door speakers while running your signal and setting your subwoofer amplifier? I’m not running an amplifier for my doors so I can’t just pull rcas. Should I pull the head unit and disconnect speakers plug from unit?
How do you determine what volume the headunit begins to clip? Also how are you supposed to set the EQ, before setting the amp gain? What if you set the amp gain first and then do the EQ?
but amplifier output is dependent on speaker impedance, so you need to retune your gain everytime you swap speakers, or wire to a diffrent resistance. so wouldnt the tuning get irrelevant as soon as you plug ur subs in which have a diffrent resistance than the measuring device?
I just set my gains by your instructions. And I took my door panels off and checked my head unit with osiliscope. I set the head unit where I wanted it. .... thank you. My system sounds clean . I installed a mechman alternator and xs 3400 under the hood. Voltage is resting at 14.5 ... everything is good I set my amp gains at volume 29 like yours. I turned my head unit up to 35 and I didn't see any clipping but. I had it at 30 before and I didn't want to risk it. It sounds so clean and so controlled now. Clip light on bass nob barely lights up at full tilt. Just slightly. But osiliscope shows clean signal at my max 29 volume.
I just purchased one but man the instructions are only to show how to turn on and off and no enough information how to use it . I got mine to ac volts pretty much how you have yours but sign waves don't look anything like yours . Any tips?
That’s because your input sensitivity is probably different than my amp. You need to tweak the two knobs on the left with the 40hz sine wave playing at half volume until it comes into screen properly. Then you can go from there
Just need to check one output for each gain control. Most amps have gain for front stage and gain for rear stage. So for example, check front left the adjust gain, then rear left, adjust gain. Good to go
Hell yes. I like your channel. Very helpful informational vids. Love the communication and follow ups too. Very cool! Need more of you on UA-cam. Subscribed!
Finally received my oscope and your advice is dead on.I also read all the comments and I can't tell you how much I appreciate people like yourself who take the time to help others out who are doing there best to learn the ropes of their car audio. Thanks 😊
Sure thing man!
Did you tune your mids and high or this only works on the lows?
@@NextLevelCarAudio if you had a 500watt rms sub driver, and the amp puts out 2000watts, would you set the gain the same exact way?
Better to use a DMM for that.. Or just make sure your subs and amp are power-level-matched. This method is great but only if your power ratings are perfect 👌 or pretty damn close. 2000w is wayyyyy too much power for a 500w sub. If you use this method, the gain will be set correctly but you may send your subwoofer to the moon 🎑.
key point not having to buy DD-1 ! so happy to have discovered your channel.
Thanks man, much appreciated ;)
Same. I agree
Yeah specially feeding that tard of steve meade
@@probmxjona tard? Nah, that's not the right term, more like self centered arrogant fool that thinks only he has things. He's full of himself.
@@iiSup3rior yes very much full of him self he thinks he is the shit and he is not.
Mad props! Thank you so very much for posting this. Still relevant in 2023 with lots of sellers still selling this 'scope on Amazon. And yeah getting the levels dialed in for the EQ etc before setting the gain is GREAT advice. Good call. Thanks again man. All the best
Watched the video a couple times, ordered the Oscilloscope you linked. Followed your instructions to the letter.
And now my stereo sounds amazing. Thanks for taking the time, and explaining in simplicity for us non-audiophiles.
Great Job!
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback!
for me, your channel is the best for learning car audio, your install is top notch !!
Much appreciated man. Thanks for the support
Agreed!
Just bought an Oscope man I can't get my subs to play like they should. I don't trust my ear, and my installer sadly passed away. On my third headunit and its alot better than the first two. Thank you sir your a life saver was on my way to buy a DD1.
Thanks for sharing this!! I just ordered this so that I know my amp is tuned correctly. I never really looked into an
O-Scope because I thought all of them were a couple hundred dollars, but I’m so glad there’s one that’s not to expensive
Heck yeah! Glad this video Helped! You going to love it. Really cool to actually see the sine wave so there is no guesswork involved
An oscope is trash for audio... you can set gain but that's it... just get a dd1 and be done...
Lol.... a DD1 gives you a little red indicator dot. An oscope gives you full visual of a sine wave for a fraction of the cost. If people want spend 4 times as much for a red led bulb and no visual if the sine wave. Have at it
@@andrewmcallister4151 then you know nothing about car audio lol a dd1 sets gains at a way lower level then youd ever see on a oscope ... your the type of guy who wants to just be lazy and set it and forget it and not get optimal performance from your system .. lol
@@johndoe-mn4mh #RedLEDsMatter just kidding, Oscopes are even cheaper now, I found a full blown multimeter, signal generator, oscilloscope for $85 - I play with electronics and arduinos and all this other stuff, so I'm sure I'll use it every day.
Honestly one of the best explained and shown videos especially like how you used a common cheap oscilloscope and even showed how to set that up!. Great job!
Thanks man. Appreciate it :)
🗣️💨 February 8, 2024 @ 10:18pm CST......I Did Your Method and Mannnnnn.......I Can't Thank You Enough.......Even Though I'm Years Later💯💯🔥🔥🔥
bought the oscope in your info that you used in the video just to check my amp settings out and just so happens i was just slightly below clipping from my ear settings. great info thank you
Great video and easy to understand for those who may not fully grasp the concept of clipping and proper gain settings. I'd only add that the test tone tracks are typically offered at different dB overlaps to account for various recording levels of playback. To each their own as to what test tone you decide to use, but I've personally always felt better running the -5dB 40Hz track just to play it safe with the -5dB overlap. I say play it safe, because not all music sources are recorded at the same level. Unless you are playing FLAC files or anything similar one song may sound great while the next song may sound horrible/distorted because it was recorded at a different level.
I've seen this also on five-star audio I thinks the channel
Playing it safe would be using the 0db track because that actually is a louder volume than -5db 👍
@@PuresDen unless im misunderstanding your comment you may have missed the point od mine originally. The reason -5db is safer is exactly because it's not as loud. 0db is loud and due to the many different people that master or remaster music you never truly know what levels they're mastered at or how they've staged their gains and plug-ins . Due to those very reasons thats why the -5db overlap is safer. You'll lose some output sure, but unless you have a reliable source for your tracks it's safer to set lower. Setting at 0db definitely increases the chances of have a Rouge track in the mix that causes massive clipping. I pulled this directly from a mastering site for some context as I'm in no way a music recording guru.
"Here is a rule of thumb, don't peak on your individual sounds say louder than -18 to -12 db, and your master don't go anywhere near past -6 db. There are no hard and fast rules for this but learn about how analog operates and is gain staged.
24 bit audio has a resolution of 144 db
16 bit audio has a resolution of 96 db.
so you can STILL HAVE YOUR AUDIO ALMOST -50 db down from zero and still use the full bandwidth of 16 bit audio resolution."
@@josephstaton6438 false , all mixed and mastered tracks made by actual artists and labels dont go above 0db , if a song you are playing does it was made by johnny in his back yard - Jay
Im building a system and will definitely be using this to set the gain and test my radio for clipping. I also really appreciate the video showing this vs an proper oscilloscope to show it works and isnt inaccurate for our use.
I have never built a system, all i have is a cheap powered enclosure. I purchased a box designed for my vehicle
Protip: If you want to see just the sine wave without all the freq data taking up space on the screen do this. While in run (should see green "running" on the top left) press and hold the OK button. This will remove the data values from the screen and just show the sine wave in a locked state. Now just briefly press the OK button and you should be back in the running state with a full view of the sine wave!
So is there any instructions than what he showed that needs to be done for the device to work properly. I noticed it had a ground tab on top and when I initially turned it on the screen looked crazy with hundreds of line going up and down the screen.
You seem knowledgeable so I'd love your input on what to do step by step to tuning the system once I take it out of the box.
If you wouldn't mind, I'd love for you to contact me @ 786-676-1563. Maybe this weekend when I go back to my amps to tune you can help me on video if possible
I can answer any questions you have man. Make sure to check out this video first tho. I explain settings in depth:
ua-cam.com/video/nKQqcQ5q34I/v-deo.html
Bro all day i see on FB people asking the same questions and so many people say turn up the gain..WRONG gain is not a volume knob i may if its ok share your video you explained way better than me, thanx for the vids
I must say you are the only guy that shows these tricks online... appreciate it.
I'm trying to learn at least half you know to teach others to... helping hand always gets helped
Thanks for the feedback man. Much appreciated.
Gotta say one thing, you worth way more subscribers. You are one of the greatest in this! God bless you brother for all your information. You really helping out newbies out here that trying to become bassheads somehow lmao!
At 2:10: You discuss the reason for setting head unit volume to ~75% of maximum, otherwise you "start sending a clipped signal out of your head unit". You don't clarify that "~75% of maximum" is just a rule of thumb. If you genuinely want to set gain like a pro... FIRST use the O-scope to determine the maximum volume at which the head unit clips at the high or low-level output of the head unit (most folks use low-level connection--"RCA cables"); THEN connect the signal cables to the sub amp and set amplifier gain with the volume at the head unit set to the value determined in the first step. Sooo, pretty much the same procedure you detail in this video performed twice! Excellent video, btw!
I have a separate video on this.... but yes. That is what should be done.
ua-cam.com/video/1R7QE0bqztQ/v-deo.html
Rumor has it Steve Meade made 40+ accounts and disliked this video 😂
Lol, now that’s funny 😆
Lol that's funny as hell lol
Lmao
I gain mine to never go past 14. Usually never go past 13.
Dude thank you for making this video I picked one of these up after watching this video and man I’m happy i did. It picked up distortion way before the clip light kicked on and I feel so much better now knowing it’s set right. Thanks again bro and keep making the rad videos 🤘🏻
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Used this video to set up mine, found the clipping point of my stock head unit, then tuned my amp. Perfect! A+ guide
Thanks for the input!
Can you show how to test the clipping volume for the actual head unit and wat happens if your using a clarion eq? Is it the same procedure?
I’ll try to put that in my next lineup, thanks for the recommendation
Use the Oscilloscope on the RCA outs from the head unit. Usually a good idea to test the full signal chain if you have multiple devices in the path. For example external EQ or a DSP.
@@SpudicusMaximus only if he uses the rca. It's not good otherwise
Took my truck the “best” car audio in town. I did the o scope technique and was clipping at half volume. Turned gain down to a perfect signal @ head units max listening volume w/o distortion. Music is much cleaner although less bass, but I won’t have to buy new gear in a couple months. Thank you for the video very easy to understand
Awesome! Most shops turn Gain up high to make it sound like you got more bang for your Buck. Unfortunately, lots of people including shops treat gain like a volume knob. The rule is, if you want to get louder. Get more subs and amps with proper electrical upgrades.
Got the 40 dollar it’s on point now thanks for the knowledge it’s sounds nice and crisp you can see when it clips
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Anybody can tell me please brand and model? Wanna order it right away 🥂 thanks
More expensive now, but this is the one:
www.amazon.com/STARTO-Handheld-Oscilloscope-BNC-Clip-Assembled/dp/B07QL3SS7S/ref=asc_df_B07QL3SS7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459704590302&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=792658384330101374&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033504&hvtargid=pla-945043665765&psc=1
Thank you so much for this vid I ordered same oscope can't wait for it to arrive to get my amp tuned perfectly
I was looking at getting a cheap scope instead of the SMD tools. i'm gonna set my gains like once or twice ever in my car, I dont need a $250-300 tool lol. Was wondering if the $40 scopes on amazon were good, and now I know! Thanks for the info bro, just ordered. Used your link so hopefully you get a little kick back :)
Awesome man! much appreciated! Unfortunately I don't have any affiliate links set up yet...but sure do appreciate the support of my channel! Glad i could help! I feel the same way about the SMD devices lol
The best explanation I've ever seen just ordered mine today to fix my gain thank you so much. You earned a new subscriber
Thanks! Make sure to check out this video I made as well running it up against my expensive bench top scope. Performed 100% accurate.
ua-cam.com/video/nKQqcQ5q34I/v-deo.html
Got my o scope in from Amazon and the unit does not show running at the top like yours I used the exact same setting too.. the Interface is different from yours.
Does it say waiting prior to signal going in
Yes it does
Sounds like it is not getting triggered then by the input signal. If turning up the Gain does not trigger the o-scope, then it must be faulty. Sucks
Can’t believe i just used the DSO today and this video popped up in my recommendations 2 hours today
Lol, that’s crazy. I think UA-cam Keeps tabs on us all lol
@@NextLevelCarAudio hey I noticed during your video you had a 20vac scale set...are you sure it clipped and you didnt just reached the top of scale?
Maybe setting the scale to next setting above 20vac will show you it wasnt actually clipping?
Would appreciate a reply if you try and you do find a different result....thanks
I’ve pretty much played with every setting to toy around. With the peak of the sine wave completely off the screen and also with it at the bottom. Same result. That is the clipping point of the sine wave. Not screen cut off
@@NextLevelCarAudio alright thanks! Great vids!
Thanks!
Just got the same oscilloscope from Amazon today. Can't wait to use it this coming weekend. I really appreciate your vids. I have one question though, can I just connect the oscilloscope to the speaker wires at the subwoofer box? That would be so much easier than getting to my amp under the seat .
Should be the same, as far as I can tell. Long ass the wires are connected to the terminals, which they are
yep, same
Great video, I think I’ll pick up one of these. The SMD is a nice tool and it detects distortion that isn’t necessary visible to the eye but it’s a single use tool and a scope can do hundreds of things.
Yes sir
Just bought one and im impressed... saved me a nice chunk of cash vs buying a dd1 from smd 👏👏👏
Have the same scope been using it for around a year works like a charm, the display is really good it can show the slightest deform in the wave. My friend has the nano and this lil cheap scope has a better display haha. Nice vid 👍👍
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback
What about a "powered sub" amp and sub all in one. Also what about the head unit?
Can you make a video for mids and highs on a 4 channel amp using this oscilloscope because this tutorial did wonders for my sub
I’ll see if I can squeeze that in the lineup somewhere
Use a 1 khz track.
He ever made it? I'm curious as well. I tried doing the same procedure with a higher sound wave but the wave on my Scope shows weird, so I'm unable to calibrate it.
I'm also using a 4-Channel Amp, MRV-F300 to be specific.
I’ll make this my next video. I’ll also go over settings and contrast it to my bench top oscope. Then show how to tune a 4 channel with it. I can have it out by mid next week
dam thanks a bunch ordering one now lol, i have to watch your other vids because im not sure what to set my lpf at
Can you use it to tell where your deck distorts? I'm getting it anyway that's awesome thanks for the info
Yes! Just connect the positive/negative leads to any set of your speaker output wires on the back of your head unit. For example your front left speaker output. Turn the volume down on the head unit. Then play a 1000hz sine wave. Then start adjusting your volume up until you see the signal start to clip. That’s it. Whatever volume that is, that is the max you should go!
@@NextLevelCarAudio awesome bro, thx!
When testing HU does it matter what eq, bass boost,etc.. is set at?
Set it for how you plan on keeping it when you listen to your music. Then dial in your gain. If not you will clip once you adjust your head unit. Some people swear on setting it while“flat”. But that is not optimal. Gain is always the LAST thing you want to dial in and adjust when setting up your system
@@NextLevelCarAudio wow didn’t know this. I too have watched so many other set it at flat when dialing in voltage/ setting gain. Thank you for this info bro. Learn something new everyday from you!
Just watched this and remembered I have a oscilloscope from my RC drone building days laying around. Can't wait to set my new Skar amp up tomorrow properly !!!
Nice!
And I would really like to see you set the gains on the four Channel Symphony amp
I’ll keep that in mind! Thanks for watching
Yea 4 channel do one cant find shit on it I'm on team high voltage out of Knox tn
When I was young which was multiple decades ago I was into that amplifier + speaker phase. I done it by hear and I was darn good at it to the point I could shake dishes and cups in the china cabinet that was very easy 50+ feet away from the car. Been around electronics my entire life been trained at repairing it. Course I'm no longer in to that amplifier + speaker phase anymore could care less about it now I out grew it.
Thanks for the tip.. I just ordered one for myself after watching your video😁👍🏼👊🏼
Cool man. Sweet! They are handy to have around :)
Wow no reply I’m weeks I only wanted to know how to set the clipping when door speakers are only running from amp and not head unit back
Man this video is 3 years old💀
Thanks for this tutorial. Straight and to the point.
Bro saved my life those ostrichscopes even cheaper now👍👍
@NextLevelCarAudio i got that same scope meter two weeks ago to set my amp gains. it works well and good investment
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Just bought the other one recommended in your description. It was 48 with tax. Excited to be able to fine tune my amp. Thank you
Awesome. It will definitely add value to your setup!
Hey man, thanks for great informative video! Can i ask how would i use dd1 or oscilloscope on powered active subwoofer with build in amplifier? Do i really need to disasemble it to get to the actual amplifier? Its currently connected with line inputs but also has high level inputs for factory HU installation if it helps.
All you need to do is remove the subwoofer from the enclosure to access the speaker wires that are connected to it. Tap into the wires from there and your good to go. Same procedure as normal from there
Did you figure it out? I have kicker 8" hideaway as well and was wondering the same.
Will 50hz do the trick or would you recommend 40hz?
Steve M @ SMD is gonna be Pissed! Lmao.. U the man👍👍👍👍💯🍭
Lol.... probably, he will be fine tho. Lmfao, us guys that don’t have unlimited funds for audio gear need to do what we need to do to make it work
@@NextLevelCarAudio 100% ... car audio #basshead/your channel is my church 🤪🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thanks bro!
@@NextLevelCarAudio I myself would rather spend my hard earned cash to pay for my stereo and not over priced tuning equipment
Yes sir
Hello mate I got mine today could I kindly get a reply so basically I know how to do the subwoofer set up but I’m little stuck on the all door speakers nothing runs from head unit front rear speaker wires on head unit all my doors runs off amps only so how would I check and set them up is this the correct way unplug the phono leads turn gain down turn head unit to where it max out before clipping the a just amps that do door speakers ???
I’ve subscribed and love the channel mate I’d appreciate your reply
The only other thing I’m stuck on is how do I set head unit to max if I have no speakers to speaker out puts on rear of unit
$33 for cyber monday!
Awesome!
I appreciate you and this video unlike some who want profit off there knowledge. Will be purchasing a oscilloscope today.
Awesome man. It’s a Great tool to have! And thank you for the feedback!
I did by ear at 12 and my ear have grown since then yes I have big ears 😂 👂
Lol...
Awesome video! Set my factory head unit up so it doesn't clip. Then I set the gains on my amp so it doesn't clip. Thanks for the vid and the savings!
Awesome
Did mine with a dmm was ment to be 24.5 volts , didn't think it sounded right given the rms power of my amp so i got a o scope for £50 and was shocked how far from clipping i was at 24.5 volts ! With the o scope it went to 28 volts before any sign of clipping, 3.5 volts more than ohm's law ! Well worth th 50£ 👌
Wow, that’s awesome! Every volt counts!
Hey, did you disconnect your speakers when playing the test tone?
What if the amp is 1000watts and the rms on the sub is 600w?
It's better to run a more powerful amp than the subs rating to counter box rise. Just make sure to set the gain for 600 watts using a volt meter.
To do that, take the square root of the subs watts RMS x the ohm, and that's the voltage A/C you should set the gain at
Just ordered an oscillispoe today.Thanks so much for the easy procedure.Now i can set my gain on my Crescendo bass cleff 4k.
You bet. Check out this video to get more details on tuning it and comparing it to my bench top scope
ua-cam.com/video/nKQqcQ5q34I/v-deo.html
@@NextLevelCarAudio Will do.Thanks again.
I bought one of these o-scopes a while back to read PWM timing signals for servo drivers. I would have never thought of using it this way... Thanks. I will go ahead and tinker with it this weekend to see how close my "ear tuning" is.. Probably way off considering that I smell my Skar ZVX-15V2s getting hot every once in a while. LOL
Lol... probably. Let me know how it works for ya!
You had the voltage on the o scope at 20v so any output above 20v got clipped on the meter. My amp puts out 70v-85v so wouldn’t you want to do exactly the same thing with the meter voltage above the amp out put voltage then turn the gain up till the signal clips?
it’s nothing to do with that. it’s the sign wave length, if you watched the video you would’ve known
I bought the oscilloscope for like 37 euro's and it works perfectly!
I'm curious how a low feed signal shows on this. Looking at troubleshooting the system. Took a dyno'd review showing the amp I purchased to be true rated, but may be more to look at. Different things is the subs are from my sub compact into my truck. I hope I may get a baseline of data and grow from there.
Can I measure for clipping from my factory HU by checking the wires tapped from the door speakers?
Your channel is very helpful bro. About to buy one of these cheap oscilloscopes
Nice! Check out my newer video comparing it to my bench top scope! 100% accurate!
Do you have a video on how to check head unit for clipping? Where would I connect an oscilloscope to the head unit?
Use One of the speaker wires coming off the back of your head unit. Test using 1000hz, not 40hz like you would for sub
Is this the same for a 4 channel amp ?
Yes but with 1 k hertz test tone for regular speakers, you might have to change the voltage to see the sound waves different n if you gonna Bridged it for subwoofer like some people do then stay with 40 hertz
Just saw this video two days ago and I got a new box for my subs installed a few days ago, been trying to tune my amp and been going crazy. I ordered this when I watched the video and it just got here today! Going to go set my gain correctly for the first time probably lol.
Nice. Let me know if you need any help
@@NextLevelCarAudio so I did this today, got it set perfectly. But I actually have a stock head unit and I'm using a pretty cheap loc. It can be adjusted though also, do I need to do the same thing to my loc first then my amp? Because it doesn't seem like I'm getting the power I should be with the rest of my system.
With an inline loc it’s a little more tricky. You want to match the preamp voltage coming out of the head unit with the gain seeing on the loc first, that way you have the proper input sensitivity coming into your amp. then adjust the gain on your amp.
@@NextLevelCarAudio okay thank you! I actually ordered an Audiocontrol LC2I pro and it'll be here tomorrow. I'm hoping that'll make it a bit easier and give me a better sound (which I'm sure it will compared to my current $10-20 loc) will that be the same way to set up for my amp gains or no?
That’s a great unit! And yes. Same! 😎
Have you noticed if you play Bluetooth vs usb vs cd the clip signal happens at different levels with different sources
It does not for me because I am using my head units SLA (source level adjustment) feature. It levels all incoming sources
Do you have a video on how to check clipping on the head unit?
I don’t, but very easy. Tap into one of your door speakers. And follow the same procedure. Except use 1000hz vs 40hz. I’ll try to make that one of my videos coming up if it will help
@@NextLevelCarAudio thanks, and yes it would help I'm trying to get the most power out of my system, is there any other way than getting in contact with a door speaker to tune the head unit to a certain volume?
It’s either that, or pull the head unit out and tap into a speaker wire from the back of the unit.
@@NextLevelCarAudio thanks for the tips, I think if you made a video of both of those options it would really help beginners like me.
Or volts = √watts x ohm load, with a multimeter. But always best to use an oscilloscope. Cause you can't find the clipping point of the head unit with multimeter.
Damn i miss this channel but you are on to bigger and better things. ❤💪
I have always done it by ear, but I'm going up in power and I really appreciate this tip thanks 👍
Heck yeah!
Will OEM car speakers survive this setup without unplugging them?
Thank you for the Video! Helps me a lot
I have a question. I want to tune to 0 db. Does it matter where the signal comes from? Sometimes I listen Radio, UA-cam, Bluetooth, CD for example. My thought is, 0 db is the maximum a signal can get, so it does not matter where it comes from?
Can you make a video more detailed on the OScope itself?
Mine just arrived but I have no clue on how to use it, this video gave me the basics to set my gains though so thanks.
I’ll see what I can do after the holidays man.
I once tryied 10-100hz test tone sweep for 5min full tilt can't believe my setup still WORKS!!!
Lol, that’s awesome!
@@NextLevelCarAudio yah now my gain was set properly for the voltage drop as well. Just because you get a clean signal don't mean it will play clean if your voltage ends up at 10volts clean single so my gain is a bit lower on my strapped half ohms amps.
If you have a equalizer set up as well, what settings should you have those set up for prior to tunning your amp?
Should you do this while the vehicle is running so your system would be receiving the same volage as it does when driving? Or does that matter?
Is there anyway to check on the scope where the voltage is at that way? Not only that you can check that you have an unclipped signal but the math is matching up at the same time? Just being picky. I understand that if the sine wave is unclipped, then it’s at max capacity with a clear signal
Excellent find!!!! Got mine ordered and arriving on Wednesday. A few questions, for my head-unit, I am using 3 sets of RCA outputs for Subs (Kicker hideaway), front and rear 4 channel Kenwood. I am trying to find the max volume setting of my Pioneer AVH-220EX before it clips. Would I connect the O-scope to RCA (I would use a RCA and strip one end to connect negative and positive) output since that is what powers everything or high-level outputs from the deck? Next, would I use a 40 Hz test to find max for sub output and then 1k Hz for my front and rear and use the lowest volume like front and rear hit max 40 volume without clipping but the sub clips at 38, use 38 as my max? Thank you for your time!!! *edited from reading all comments
You check your decks clipping point not from low level but from high level. So tap in to any one of the speaker wire outputs coming off the back of the head unit and run 1k hz tone. (40hz sub stage and 1k for mids and highs). Levels should always be set from to back to keep continuity. So check clipping point of head unit and note the volume level. That is your max volume before clip. Then dial in your front stage, then rear fill if running amplified rear stage, then tie in your subwoofer to complete your sound stage. Doing all of this with your volume at its max point before clip.
This is a great find, now if I can find a cheap and easy way to verify my crossover points. I suspect my dodgy pioneer DSP defaults back into full pass rather than hi pass to my mids and highs when the app crashes. For now I'm relying on the built in crossovers on the amps with vague values as a second layer protection.
Smd makes a device, but pricey.
I just received this oscope and tuned my amp today and it worked amazing my system sounds great!!! I just need to figure out how to use the oscope on the headunit, not sure how to do it but I’ll figure it out.
IIRC you connect the oscope leads to the RCA cables to check the headunit, and play the test tone while turning up the volume knob
@@zykonot I did that and the oscope will not work right anymore. I just bought another one and it did the exact same thing
Another tip is to use PIEZO buzzer or an old 3”- 4” tiny speaker and add a capacitor to any one of its leads and listen for that clipped sound and just back of the gain a little bit from that point.
This video was a perfect explanation of what a clipped signal looks like.
Great tip! Thank you! And glad you liked the video
@@NextLevelCarAudio could you please make this as another short video. We the “poor bass heads” would love to see it in action.
Ill see what I can do lol
Ok Rockford Fosgate says to check the rca’s with an oscilloscope to find your volume level. They explain that the rca’s are a low level input.
Doing so I found that my max volume is 34 not 26. It was 26 using your method that you explained when you checked the radio speaker outputs from the head unit.
RCA’s don’t hardly ever send a clipped signal. You need to check it the way I explained if you are running any speakers off your head unit directly. If you are running EVERYTHING amplified and not using high level inputs then yes, you can check low level. But most people are not running 100% externally amplified.
Great video question how I do the gain for the front and rears can I do it with the same device and is it the same settings? Thanks
I have a question. If you see this, i know this is a older video. Question is, i use Bluetooth most of the time, and on apps like UA-cam music, many of the tracks are recorded at different levels, i guess it varies by artist and recording companies. Also youll see a similar difference between the video or selecting "song" without the video, the song is significantly louder than if you choose the music video. So if u max ur bass knob during setup, if u use yt music, some notes will fall way short, while others may hit about right. I leave some play in my bass knob, as there is no way ill "forget" where my setting is ( also head unit resets to low volume every time the key is turned off). Just wondering if u ever listen to yt music, and if u have noticed the level difference? Thanks. Appreciate you helping the community with your knowledge and experience.
Do you have a similar video setting gains and frequencies for the mids and highs?
So since your plugged that into your speaker wire terminal you know that your sub wont clip correct?
How do you stop the signal from going to your door speakers while running your signal and setting your subwoofer amplifier? I’m not running an amplifier for my doors so I can’t just pull rcas. Should I pull the head unit and disconnect speakers plug from unit?
It’s either that, or disconnect them from the doors. Or just play it with them going 😆
Thank you for your video. It's the best how to I've seen. I just liked and subscribed.
How do you determine what volume the headunit begins to clip? Also how are you supposed to set the EQ, before setting the amp gain? What if you set the amp gain first and then do the EQ?
How many watts is your Amplifier? What brand/ model?
but amplifier output is dependent on speaker impedance, so you need to retune your gain everytime you swap speakers, or wire to a diffrent resistance. so wouldnt the tuning get irrelevant as soon as you plug ur subs in which have a diffrent resistance than the measuring device?
I just set my gains by your instructions. And I took my door panels off and checked my head unit with osiliscope. I set the head unit where I wanted it. .... thank you. My system sounds clean . I installed a mechman alternator and xs 3400 under the hood. Voltage is resting at 14.5 ... everything is good I set my amp gains at volume 29 like yours. I turned my head unit up to 35 and I didn't see any clipping but. I had it at 30 before and I didn't want to risk it. It sounds so clean and so controlled now. Clip light on bass nob barely lights up at full tilt. Just slightly. But osiliscope shows clean signal at my max 29 volume.
Hell yeah man! That’s how it’s done! Great example!
@@NextLevelCarAudio... thanks to you buddy. Your videos were perfectly awesome. Thank you so much
I just purchased one but man the instructions are only to show how to turn on and off and no enough information how to use it . I got mine to ac volts pretty much how you have yours but sign waves don't look anything like yours . Any tips?
That’s because your input sensitivity is probably different than my amp. You need to tweak the two knobs on the left with the 40hz sine wave playing at half volume until it comes into screen properly. Then you can go from there
Thanks ill try that. I had to use dmm to set them gains and I was so excited about new scope and I don't even know how to use it 🙃 thanks again
My question is can i do the same on 4 channel amp??? Thanks
Question, how do I use the oscilloscope to tune my radio at different hz
Couldn't you check the head unit by connecting to the amp outputs with the gain real low and turn up the head unit until the wave distorts
You're a legend, hope my truck can bang like yours one day
😝 thanks
What about like a 4 channel running component fronts and secondary rears?
Just need to check one output for each gain control. Most amps have gain for front stage and gain for rear stage. So for example, check front left the adjust gain, then rear left, adjust gain. Good to go
Thanks for the info. I was able to pick one of these up and got my gain setup correctly.
Awesome man. Good to hear
Hell yes. I like your channel. Very helpful informational vids. Love the communication and follow ups too. Very cool! Need more of you on UA-cam. Subscribed!
Thanks for the support