gain setting inquiry

capitolj80 · Post by **capitolj80** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:25 pm

so i was reading in the how to section about setting your gains properly. I used the calculator in one of the links. my amp is gonna pushin around 1000rms @ 2ohms. the calculator gave 44.7 as my target output voltage...does that sound about right or did i manage to do something wrong?

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:58 pm

That would be correct.

Like the HOWTO states, make sure you take that measurement with a 60Hz signal and that your HU is turned up as high as it will go without clipping and that your down stream processors (if any) are also setup to not clip.

If you have processors, I suggest using a DMM to set their gains properly before you start measuring your amp output.

Tcguy85 · Post by **Tcguy85** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:19 pm

i suggest not using a DMM at all and just using you ears.

GlasSman · Post by **GlasSman** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:20 pm

Multimeter method is flawed.

We listen to music which is dynamic....nit constant test tones.

Unless you ENJOY listening to test tones.

capitolj80 · Post by **capitolj80** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:46 pm

i wont have any processors...just head unit to amp to subs. i've already downloaded a 60Hz test tone to use, so it looks like im gonna be all good. i have a good ear for distortion, so i'll be using that as a tool also...thnx for the help dudes!

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:03 pm

GlasSman wrote:Multimeter method is flawed.

We listen to music which is dynamic....nit constant test tones.

Unless you ENJOY listening to test tones.

I don't think it's flawed so much as it is a useful tool. You can accurately find the top end of your systems power output and then tune slightly based on listening tests. I don't think a DMM is a necessary tool, just a useful one.

dedlyjedly · Post by **dedlyjedly** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:55 am

GlasSman wrote:Multimeter method is flawed.

We listen to music which is dynamic....nit constant test tones.

Unless you ENJOY listening to test tones.

it's not a perfect solution, but most people don't want to purchase an oscilloscope solely for this process. you're right though, music is dynamic. that's exactly why you want to use a dmm in the described method to prevent the dynamic peaks from causing your equipment to clip. your ears simply cannot do that effectively.