Amplifier Tuning Settings How To - Gain, Crossovers, Bass Boost

[@nasilemak868]

The Chrisfix of car audio

[@robinthrill3r7]

Right.

[@0200Oscar]

I thought no one realized that

[@louischianca7549]

Wish

[@S8LAD]

fact! lol

[@CauseItsMrMG]

Love this lmao

[@FrankO-ek1ec]

I feel like I owe this guy money for the education he has given me.

[@wal]

Great demo! Sometimes we forget to explain the basics and this video does a great job. Thanks Mark.

[@geofftubeyou]

BigDWiz Hey Big D. We need more amp dyno test.

[@j.d.o.453]

It's about time I can't tell you how many videos I've watched that of either been too technical or not enough. You inform me of things I've never been told before and did it in a way I understand. thank you, Derik from Arizona

[@eddieornelas9631]

Lost me when he said very simple math and started with letters😣

[@damonvanheerden3605]

It’s very simple, but in saying that if you never did any electronics in school then it might be confusing

[@eddieornelas9631]

@@damonvanheerden3605 i never did bud so everything is confusing 😒

[@brendanreddmann3613]

I know this is a very late comment and you may not care past this point, but in the most simple way think of math as if it never had letters R=resistance multiply that by your wattage the speaker can handle (this information will be displayed on the speaker itself or the box it comes in) then take the square root of it all, this allows you to find your total gain control, assuming you set the radio at the right controls before tuning the amp

[@eddieornelas9631]

@@brendanreddmann3613 its never to late for information buddy. Stay you and thank you!!!

[@timothygonzalez6679]

😂

[@_BAD_MERC_]

I was an installer for 19 years and did a LOT of brands. I am loyal to a handful and I have seen some favorites take a nosedive in quality. Two of my cars have the ENTIRE system replaced from the head unit through the entire audio path. My 'zip code car' had a Mach Audio system but only three channels of amplification were added. Even into my 50's I don't think I am capable of leaving ANY stock sound system alone.

[@michaelmarquez6133]

Hi not sure if you will see this but I was wondering if you, I bought a JL rd 900/5 and for mids it’s has 70 watts rms @ 4 ohms but I purchased a component speakers for the front Alpine R2 S65c it basically says 100 rms . What I am wondering is should I buy another amp for the rear (they are going to be similar alpines but 2 ways) or do you think I will be good? I know sometimes with like my home audio I could get an amp that only puts out on paper a small rms but they push speakers so good idk if it’s the same or not I mean if both speakers are 100 rms but my amp says 70 ? I know if I just push the fronts it will change to like 200 I believe so I’m just not sure really. I am also putting a dsp alpine as well 6 channel

[@TonyTube407]

You do realize you're doing some very, very good work, Mark. I'm building a system now and your channel is teaching me a lot, and I've been DIY-ing for 30 years. I'll be donating to your Patreon soon! Thanks!

[@Brandosway]

For those of you who don’t really know who this guy is..let me tell you. Mark is the Lebron James of car audio fabrication. He’s a very detailed professional who takes his work extremely serious. He has every dam tool you could think of at his disposal to make the job look as good or better than factory. Whatever your audio needs are, Mark delivers. I’ve seen many other car audio fabricators. And all have unique talents. However Mark, (IMO), is the undisputed KING of the tube.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Haha there are a lot of guys way more talented than me, but I'm doing my best to make progress and get better with every build. Thanks for the love and thanks for watching!

[@melvinhover7598]

I use his videos as much as I can. I wish I could afford the tools to do that kind of craftsmanship. But I take my builds just as serious.

[@mariobaca1385]

@@CarAudioFabrication only if you had your own school

[@molonlabe7750]

So hes not even Kobe or Jordan...? got it!

[@jporpmer]

@@molonlabe7750 savage

[@joswald2001]

1:53 Gain is not a Volume Knob. so hard for people to understand.

[@edwardmontalvo6224]

especially teenagers. Because their buddy told them to crank it up!!!

[@joswald2001]

all knobs to the right

[@nastyR12]

haha

[@GlycerinZ]

"just crank it up"

[@Sam-w9des]

all knobs to 11

[@djflowhood5060]

Thanks Mark for all your videos. I am regular do-it-yourselfer and this information helps me understand the tuning process

[@erikdickerson929]

Very educational video just put my first one two days ago and I’ve been running it with the knobs all the way up cause no one taught me how to use anything but your videos have taught me so much in the last two days

[@greygoose82t.16]

On a lot of these controller units and amplifiers, I really wish the manufacturers would spend the extra time to put a tick mark or an arrow on the dials. It would really help a lot of us make adjustments especially while in the car and confined spaces.

[@A55563]

Nice Video. I have a friend who has advanced knowledge of state of the art car audio. He has a 4000 watt 18 speakers system which sounded unlike anything automotive sound system I've ever heard...the amazing aspect is the specialized insulation system of the vehicle rendering the immense sound undetectable from out side while the doors are shut...it is truly amazing the tech mankind has achieved.

[@poopandfartjokes]

Pro tip: The issue with setting gain with multi meter is you should multiply the voltage by .707 to get the correct RMS value. This is why you had distortion and needed to turn the gain back down. I bet if you measure it again after using the DDM it will be around 17.2v👍👍 I’m not trying to criticize. Your info is spot on as usual.

[@krakenking1597]

So my equation looks like this=(2 ohm x 385w RMS)=770 Sq rt is 27.748. So multiply 27.748 by .707?

[@colinmilstead8381]

Kraken King That is how it appears to me, that’s how I will tune mine. Not everyone can afford the fancy equipment so I’m thankful for this comment.

[@ngt84]

his setting was not way off, look at how close he was to the distortion limit ( 6:09)

[@krakenking1597]

I just followed this video, and it took care of the smell and amp shut off. I waited for a bit but no confirmation.

[@denshi-oji494]

It also will make a difference on the meter you use. MANY of the DVMs (Digital Volt Meters) on the market today are TRUE RMS, meaning they already show the RMS value, instead of peak voltage of an AC (Alternating Current) signal. Any signal above 0Hz, is AC by the way, that is what the frequency is a measurement of, how often the polarity is changing, (actually 1/2 of how often is changes since it is showing a full repetitive cycle rate, so it needs to change twice to get back to the original polarity.) Greatly simplified description... Anyway, IF the meter he was using is NOT a true RMS meter, the voltage the meter was showing would have been HIGHER than the actual RMS voltage, and with a sine wave, like he is using, the RMS voltage would already have been 0.70 volts LOWER than the displayed voltage.

[@G.i.modeMonsta]

This guy is the best on KZbin extremely detailed in explaining the process as well as the technical aspects of equipment and its proper use

[@Leopardo-1111]

I’m a beginner on car audio and I’ve found your videos very helpful

[@BlueTheWolf218]

Wish I could afford the SMD-DD1

[@ianm432]

I'd be interested to see the output on the volt meter after you tuned out the distortion. Great video though!

[@jeffclontz3772]

Ian McDonald I was thinking the same thing

[@UrAvgBasshead]

Ian McDonald me too. Let’s see it

[@poopandfartjokes]

Ian McDonald I’m guessing it’s 17.2v ish’ Measuring with voltmeter you need to multiply by .707 to properly calculate for RMS. Just my understanding. I could be wrong.

[@gunsofsteele]

His POT position using the DMM is a tick higer than using the DD1. Pobably cause he readjusted the stereo volume before using the DD1. Doesn't really matter, I'm cranking my ACDC to MAX everytime!

[@arthurenright4146]

It might be worth adding that some amplifiers (DD Audio, Audio Control, Rockford) have a clipping indicator to help set the gains properly. I has been my experience that the DD Audio clip indicators on the D Series are pretty well spot on with the DD-1.

[@shauneads3110]

This guy's channel is badass!! I wish I had the kind of money it probably takes to have him hook my stuff up, from the ground up!!

[@marcz9482]

Save up kiddo you will get there some day.

[@danielllanos653]

finally someone who really knows what their talking about . thank you, it's been really helpful !

[@micaarzur]

Problem with this method is that usually car CD or USB players play a lot louder than Bluetooth, for example. So if you plan on listening to music through Bluetooth/aux cable, you should make sure you play the test tones through those when you are setting the gain. Only use a CD if you plan on mostly listening to CDs.

[@texasforever3.025]

This is because cd quality is better than the other forms of audio you are playing. There is more information there.

[@mulleflemse4560]

On my headunit i can set levels for either as well as enabling media extender

[@electronicshelpcare]

Wow! the amps look amazing!!!!!. Awesome video

[@marcz9482]

What's so amazing?

[@ChiTuSai]

I finnaly finished my system that took me 2 weeks of work, now this will be super helpful to tune it right

[@anthonypirone4661]

Thank you for teaching a boces class on production and sound quality, basics of sounds put so seamless

[@homebody0089]

Thank you for making these videos. These will come in handy soon!

[@Assassin1710]

@ 6.25. " You should never turn up the volume past this point on the Raido !. What Point is that ?

[@homebody0089]

@@Assassin1710 The 3/4 point of full tilt on the head unit.

[@Laterdays2]

Wow. That was 5 years ago and the info still stands today.

[@hyoussef]

@Mark, I just cant thank you enough for this video, my installer have made horrible mistakes on tuning the new amp and audio was worth than stock system. I followed you guidance and my car audio is 300% better than stock now ... 😁 Respect mate 🍻

[@rolandkrakov980]

Ce

[@johnkohler8600]

I'm not talking about the Constructive comments on here but it's funny watching people point out Every little mistake Mark makes,every time he mis labels something or moves his finger in a way that,that person wouldn't personally move their fingers.I have a question.Where is your Video?Where is your KZbin channel?Where are your almost 500,000 Subscribers?!?!???It's easy to criticize someone when you have the advantage of watching after the video was made and being an outsider looking in.Keep up the great work Mark! You're so very helpful to Car audio newbs like myself.

[@BillyD223]

What would you use to power the out of car system in your shop? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us 🤙

[@earlwallace5420]

Would have been cool to see what the difference in voltage was between the voltmeter and the tuner setting

[@aaaa-bz3ft]

They are the same lol

[@coloradogrown562]

Question: once I set the gain with the head unit bass at 0 and the auxiliary bass knob at max, can i then later turn the head unit bass back up or do I only use the auxiliary knob? Please help

[@Giroux68]

So much more involved than It seems...one day I'll get my system sounding right

[@ickarbod]

Hey great video. I just want to make sure I got my numbers and math right, I have a clarion amp 1300 watts and the box says 650 continuous watts @ 2ohms. So my math would be 2 * 650 = 1300, the sq route is 36.055.... is this right?

[@treynoahz71]

yup

[@Johnmycole]

Holy moly. WOW. You made this very simple for my understanding.

[@224rebels]

For the equation that was used @ 4:00 did you use the amplifiers RMS power or Max power? Also, what if the speakers you're using are rated for less power than your amplifier can put out?

[@wadehensley5005]

Man i love their product. If i had my own shop that would be my premiere line of amps. Especially since the auto industry is trying their damnedest to keep aftermarket equipment out. Loving the integration

[@ninmarioscc]

When you use a dsp like the audio control 608 and you do all your adjustments on the dsp. Do you leave the amplifier crossover on off or no crossover or you further adjust on the amplifier controls?

[@billybbob18]

I like crossovers. I always attempt to make the bass sound like it's coming from the doors as much as possible without distorting the mids and highs.

[@TaylorShawn]

Hey there, i'm having issues with a phoenix gold SX system in my Audi. The amp keeps going into protect mode. The audio place I purchased the equipment from installed it, and I've been back 7 times trying to get them to fix it, and they don't know whats going on. They won't return the equipment, etc. Any ideas why the phoenix gold 1200.1 would be kicking into protect even on low bass / low volume ?

[@cdracos1]

Did you find the problem?. Poor ground ?

[@TaylorShawn]

@@cdracos1 nope. Still have em. Have had issues since day 1. Gave up trying to fix them long ago

[@gabrielr6679]

great video, but I noticed that you had low battery on the smd dd-1, I had that happen to me thinking my signal was distorted but when I changed my battery I could go a little bit more before distortion. great vid though for setting gains and crossovers.

[@JavinValdovinos]

Dude literally saved my life.

[@joehaaayyez765]

I have a after market head unit with stick speakers and 4 12’ kicker red lines (I’m 17 with minimal wage leave me alone😂) and I just turned the bass down all the way on my head unit so my speakers can play as loud as possible with no distortion and let the subs do the lows :)

[@MorrisDM91]

Xxx tentacion that’s what i do lol

[@michael6692]

i understand bud but why do thay not bring the price dond on the smd

[@michael6692]

down that was

[@NolaSaintsLVIII]

So by setting the gain properly, it allow me to turn it up more without distortion???

[@joehaaayyez765]

Big Ounce yes it will be a bit quieter at lower volume but it’s supposed to be a lot of people set their amps to the max settings thinking it will be the loudest but it over does it and actually isn’t as loud just distorted but if you tune it you can get that max crisp volume without a bit of distortion:)

[@lowdnlowd3035]

I'd be curious to check your voltage after using the SMD meter to see if you how close you were.

[@YourSoundPath]

Hi, thanks for your videos! The bass rolloff as you turn on the volume is rather a result of loudness function in the unit, that compensate humans hearing system non linearity. As your volume is low loudness function tilt up bass and highs. As you increase the volume the tilt up becomes smaller until zero tilt up from some volume level (defined by manufacturer). This looks like bass rolloff what is actually not really.

[@UrUnforgettable]

At 10:20 you said have the high pass set for speaker at 80hz . Now let say my speakers frequency response claims to be 35-21k Hz . Do I still do 80 or do I set it to something like 50hz (it the lowest my amp can set my high pass to) .My 4 channel lowest claims to be 20-21k Hz. It’s a Rockford fosgate T400x4ad

[@markstevenson3262]

Thank you for another great video. You supply information that isn't readily available, all explained in an easy to understand manner.

[@marcbelec6403]

Much respect for this video ... Most people just dont understand

[@savingstumps]

These kinds of videos would have been great 25 years ago. I mean they are great now, but would have also been great then too. I had no idea what I was doing, lol. Thanks!

[@veritasvincit4178]

Mark you are the best and have been for a while

[@kyleo8909]

My subwoofer guy put paint on top of the gain controls and all that and said he put them exactly where they need to be, so don't touch them and he'll be able to tell if I messed with it because the paint would be cracked on the dials. Loved that guy

[@spec1923]

Did you go back and check the voltage after the DD1 settings were used? Just wondering if it was even close to 22.3 volts.

[@roboompa2465]

Thank you for the time and effort. I've watched a handful of your vids, mostly revolving around the Audio Control amps. I'm very, very interested in them. That said, in other vidz, you've shown the feature LED that AC uses to help set the gain. I'd love to see an addition to this vid, or perhaps a separate one, where you use the Scope or DDM to test out how accurate their LED is. :) Once again, thank you.

[@BEAZY_5150]

So if you have a head unit that goes up to 35 Max volume without distortion, do you still use the 80% of the max volume when setting gain, or max it?

[@logandoyle8365]

Is there any way i can like rent one of those tools or something? It is just too expensive for me

[@cipher6179]

If you are tuning a sub amp, are you doing it using a different frequency for your test tone?

[@sublovelows]

When your adjusting the gain. Where are setting the subsonic to, off of some other number?

[@Yatly-u6b]

What is the list i would like to buy all these items all at once

[@SirreaOne]

Ok I'm a old school DIY audio installer. Now that the Technology has change I wanted learn how to match speakers and amps. Tune them properly. Also fabricate speaker boxes. All for motorcycles. I've already subscribed, can you suggest video that can help?

[@saaksharskill432]

Watching this at midnight 2.00 am in one remote village of India where these tuning is considered to be as alien technology, i will be able to tune my Focal Amp, JVC Stereo, Infinity component speakers along with Rockford sub in tomorrow morning, thanks to this video 😊

[@Snow101Bunny]

Much appreciated, love the video very descriptive on making the knowledge easy to understand. The only thing I would comment on that would make it better is your transition timing from one sentence to another specially when you go from an edited video speak about one thing and transfer to the edited part that follows. You talk a little fast so for some it may be hard to follow on a listening paste. Little longer pauses between sentences. Liked and subscribed. Thanks again much appreciated

[@erwinlopez3049]

Could you do a video on how to tune a audio control epicenter

[@J0okki]

I have Sony amp 1200w, 2 speakers 120w rms (each) and 1 sup 380w rms.. How to tune the right voltage with multimeter please

[@MatthewxxMassacrex]

thats great to know cause the shop i work at we set all low pass filters to 80hz :)

[@sethh8892]

Like, bass rolls off at 80hz, or everything below 80 is cut out.

[@finnbasschannel6267]

@@sethh8892 Low pass lets bass through, so bass starts to roll off at 80hz!

[@sethh8892]

@@finnbasschannel6267 I wonder at what DB slope...

[@patricklawrence9784]

Thanks Mark! Now truly understand that even though I've match the amp voltage - Sub RMS doesn't mean it's not clipping.. I guess time to get one of those DD1..

[@chvyetr92]

Hey Mark, I have a LC1.800. I'm looking for info on how to set the accubass and can't find any help. Do you have a video available on how to set these up?

[@codymurray7171]

This help.. the volt meter and math helped me

[@robbyarms7rong]

So let’s say I was gonna set the gains in a vehicle with all the factory stereo equipment just adding the amp and subs. Would I still play the tone as loud as I could with the head unit connected to the door speakers? Seems like every video I see there’s no speakers hooked up. Only the amp.

[@jayj205]

Question..The amp comes with a bass knob and the LC2i comes with a bass knob. Which one do I use? Also do I need to adjust the gain on the LC2i first or the amp? Do I only adjust gain on LOC or both? Thank you!

[@MrCbell57]

I just hooked up a boss 1000 amplifier to 4 Pioneer car speakers 2 6x9 and 2 5.5 for front...and it doesnt sound like its even working that well. It does increase the volumn with less distortion. I guess that is all the amp does. It has one of those amp increase knobs which does nothing. A new Rockville 800 watt amp and 2 8" Subs in a factory made box.. coming in a few days. Perhaps the sound quality will improve with some lower tones. All this info you talk about is over my head, plus I don't have testing equipment or money to buy the good stuff anyway. But sure like dreaming about it.You make sense. Years ago I had a $1000 dollar pioneer system put in a camaro. I'm wondering if the same system would cost the same today and sound as good. And it was awesome. Super clear sound with a Pioneer super tuner 2. Or a 3 not sure since it was 30 years ago. Not sure what the same system would cost today. But it had no subwoofer. Just very clear sounding quality stereo music. with 40 watt pioneer amps on front and a 40 on the rear 6x9's. I just spent that much on a new system and it hardly sounds any where as good as the other one. And I made sure all the wires are Plus and MINUS hook ups. RCA cables exactly where they need to be. Since my car is a 70 classic I had to make myself by a radio looking tuner which is probably the big problem with quality sound. Its a Radio, USA-230, Custom Size, AM/FM, 200 Watt, Chrome Face, Black Buttons, Chrome Knobs, Ford. Probably the crap that is causing the poor sound quality through the pioneer speakers.

[@maymaygama6697]

U just earned a new subscriber.....thank u

[@jspilly82]

ive been wondering how to work out voltage output watts and ohms relationship for years. so simple 3:49

[@tonikukke6963]

Is it the RMS power of amplifier or peak power?

[@sammartinez9871]

How do you prevent hearing the alternator whine through the speakers. Whenever you accelerate or decelerate?

[@SubCultProductions]

Can you do a vid on ways to add spl to a system without new amps/subs ect.? Like braceing, 45s in corners in boxes, port direction ect.

[@addictedtobasssss3976]

Hi Plz show us how to wire up a 3 way crossover with 2 amps and 2 subs

[@handon11]

This may be a dumb question and forgive me if so, but my understanding is that setting the gain with pretty much everything flat puts your amp right below clipping or distortion? So you're really not supposed to use "bass boost" nor tune the bass frequencies up when you go to equalize, or turn your subwoofer level on the HU up any afterwards? What you set your gain to is effectively as high as you can go with output? Not sure if I understand

[@kanushbhalla83]

Actually u r very good to explain all the things. Like I completely understand by watching full video . Without repetiting. Thank u car audio 🤘

[@killabee623]

This dude is cool and full of life.

[@bulletproofpinata2328]

Thanks so much for yhe help with my sub and amp

[@MarkJosephMunar-xn8wn]

Hey question, so I was looking to get an SMD DD-1 but some one was mentioning how it doesn’t tell you about harmonic distortion and that the tool only tells you about clipping. So you can still potentially ruin your speakers even while using that distortion tool

[@deweylund5784]

Also with the hd 750/1 would I want to run 2ohm speaker in stereo, or series or parrell to get the maximum watts?

[@eduardosanchez7827]

This content is priceless!!! We already know you love premium quality equipment from AudioControl, do you have any comments about the Kicker Key amps with integrated DSP and auto-tuning capabilities. My guess it’s like comparing a full DSLR camera vs a point and a point and shoot one.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Kicker is a reliable manufacture and the Key is nice but using a camera analogy I would equate it with shooting on Auto mode vs Manual. The Key corrects things, but it does it automatically. At the end of the day a pro using "manual" mode and knowing what they are doing will be able to create a better finished result.

[@SinisterBlackShadow]

Due to reflection caused by the impedance mismatch when there are no speakers, that equation I don't think, will apply to the speaker outputs. I think putting a 4 Ohm resistor in place of the speakers and then measuring the voltage, would probably help eliminate distortion.

[@jonathanharris185]

Is this just a guess or would putting a 4ohm resistor in place (replacing) the speaker/woofer driver change the end result ?

[@SinisterBlackShadow]

​@@jonathanharris185Well, I believe placing a resistor will change the result but only slightly. The reflections at the speaker outputs will be maximized since there's nothing plugged in, and the amp is probably designed to have impedance matching at 2-4 ohms. It's almost like shaking a slinky while holding one end attached to a concrete block. What this could change....is the RMS value the multimeter reads since the waveform could be different, and setting the gain may therefore be off.

[@gillmccuddy]

How do you set the gain properly if you want volume all the way up

[@jamesbradley8751]

So are you setting all the crossover points on the amplifier instead of the headunit?

[@Petethebuilder]

How did you get the clipping from the stereo?

[@Dav.vid1]

Thanks for the information. Should the car be on while setting the gains?

[@aantonio06]

Question. I know this video is old but its awesome. How is the connection made to check clipping from the radio itself?

[@tee228]

sonic electronix did a video showing how to match high wattage amp to low wattage sub by setting the gain to a position to achieve the desired wattage but in this video you say that its still using 100% of the amplifier power so that means changing the gain won't increase or decrease power? im confused. please somebody anybody reply. i need to know if i can safely use my 2.5K amp on a 1200 watt sub.

[@Djmambo77]

@6:14 you did not show where on the headunit do you probe with the DD-1 to get the headunit's distortion readout.

[@KMT15]

But when you set your gains with DMM, shouldn’t it be to the speaker specs and not the amp specs? Meaning, if the amp produces 125W but we’re putting a 100W speaker, we should be setting the gain for the speaker?

[@AccessGranted95]

Hey man, is this only for a 4 channel amp (for door speakers), or for a 2 channel amp for 2 subs?

[@epann2921]

Thank you. This video with the help of Kicker's tech hotline to confirm specs enabled me to tune my first amp/sub combo. The only thing I found confusing was that the power formula used to determine gain voltage was based on the amp specs, and kicker told me to use the speakers specs for the calculation (Amp was 750 RMS versus Speaker which was 400 RMS). I assume that if I used the amp rating (750) and set the gain it would have been too much for the sub. Thank you for this video.

[@tfacey6]

After the amp is set using a multimeter, can you go back and adjust the bass and treble settings back to your original preference?

[@bratboyoung]

Hey mark, i want to ask, if i install a dsp upstream of the amp, if everything is set perfectly on the dsp, what should i do on the amp Thanks

[@edwardbraverock7649]

I have a kicker zx500 amp hooked up to two 10” image dynamic subwoofers. My deck is an avh - 1500 pioneer dvd/divx video. That was one of the settings I did not understand on my amp, which is the crossover dial. It has two others, gain, and bass boost. Where should I start with this setup? Thanks in advance.

[@anggarrahudhi8403]

Hi guys, I want you to make a playlist, new tutorials for professional tuning, step by step and simple tools, so that DIYers can follow your example.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

We have many videos on the channel that fall into these categories. Come check them out!