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

[@_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

[@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

[@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.

[@djflowhood5060]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@FrankO-ek1ec]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Leopardo-1111]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@anthonypirone4661]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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:)

[@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?

[@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.

[@BlueTheWolf218]

Wish I could afford the SMD-DD1

[@markstevenson3262]

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

[@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.

[@danielllanos653]

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

[@Dav.vid1]

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

[@ChiTuSai]

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

[@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

[@Laterdays2]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@BillyD223]

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

[@Johnmycole]

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

[@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

[@aantonio06]

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

[@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?

[@logandoyle8365]

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

[@Giroux68]

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

[@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?

[@Volatile42]

Do you have to measure the voltage open circuit? Or can the speakers be connected while you measure?

[@makaifang1341]

Hey, what should I have my Amp gain be at if I plan to adjust my lc2i with the accubass? Or how do I adjust the set if I have two gain knobs to use from?

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@jimahscs]

What was your voltage with this LC4-800 amp?

[@joshuabottoms6266]

You have the factory amp signal going into the high level input of the after market amp?

[@PROJECTDRIVEN1]

Excellent content! Always a great watch

[@smileyi1]

Very good video, clear, concise and easy to understand

[@JavinValdovinos]

Dude literally saved my life.

[@isidromacias3670]

With a quality amp like this would you suggest running a pre amp crossover? Would you get higher quality sound; or are the built in crossovers good enough?

[@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

[@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

[@lowdnlowd3035]

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

[@jamesbradley8751]

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

[@Carnage488]

Excellent video as always. But how would you know what frequency to use to set the gain on a mono block ?

[@Cher007]

Did it on mine with 20, 30 and 40 hertz. Worked fine for me :)

[@remvtec]

Mark! Thanks so much, I am watching all your videos and I’m meaning a lot. Just a quick sequence question as I’m trying to tie it all together. Haven’t found a video integrating the setting up of the amp gain, while also incorporating an LC2i Pro, and I’m a little confused as to the sequence. Can you explain that in detail or perhaps make a video on that? It seems that would be a sweet spot for lots of folks learning how to set an amp gain while also adding a subwoofer to a factory system…… Thank you so much!!

[@rceja1542]

when checking voltage? what should I have my LPF set at? mono amp single sub setup

[@Helikopterpop]

So the hi pass crossover is used if you want to dedicate the amplifier for a certain task, like for door speakers or tweeters and such where you don't want to send bass signals? Is there any opposite function too? Like if you dont want to send high frequenzies to speakers that should be bass only. Like a reverse hi pass crossover. Or do you just buy a dedicated amp for that?

[@marcbelec6403]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@samlaganini2366]

Don't turn it back up. If you must do any eq on headunit, do it before setting gain on amplifier

[@addictedtobasssss3976]

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

[@cipher6179]

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

[@billwoodall562]

What do you use for a test tone for the distortion testing

[@hejter4628]

Hi, great video, i was wondering is it posible to tune in amp on active speaker?

[@EarlPlahang]

If my amp has a subsonic filter, would I turn that down before setting my gains or should I turn it up like I do with the crossovers. Thank you and keep making these amazing videos. They are so helpful.

[@yusufjorgenz5951]

Yes

[@EarlPlahang]

Yes turn it down or yes turn it up?

[@yusufjorgenz5951]

Cut it down. Personally I have better bass with the subsonic filter off BUT it can cause damage long term if you don't use it at all. You'll see the more it goes UP the less bass you get. You'll either have a on off switch or a knob to adjust manually. If you have a knob after you set gains turn the sub filter maybe 10 percent but it's up to you. It essentially filters out bass notes inaudible to a person's hearing capabilities. Such frequencies could over time damage the woofer

[@diegopulido9385]

For subwoofer amp what frequency tone would you use? 40hz or 80hz?

[@lonestar3737]

So after u set distortions do u set ur bass and treble setting on the radio and if u have an aftermarket radio do u set the loudness on ? Thanks sir

[@drillothejetsfan4010]

When you use the smd to check the head unit for distortion, how is it hooked up? To the line out at a speaker? Sorry, just a little confused.

[@rotweilerdc]

If you’re Turning up gain on the knob should I also turn up volume on my Equalizer?

[@nadersedaghat5694]

Sir how do you adjust the subwoofer amp if you have lci2 connected ?

[@raceclips]

Hello mark If you have a quality head unit, like an alpine ect, and proper amps, buth both have cross-over settings, which ones do you advice to use, turn off Amp settings and do everything in the head unit, with time alignment on top, or turn of the crossovers on the HU and use those on the amps?

[@nitrodreng]

I found setting it on the amp sounded better.

[@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

[@wolfmazter]

Does the multimeter method differ at all if tuning a bridged channel?

[@shadybeatsCarbon]

When you do the watts x ohms calculation, are you using rms watts?

[@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.

[@victorlorenzoc]

Can i tune the gain properly using the distortion detector on 2000w amplifier and 1000w subwoofer?

[@beezy6043]

Do you have a video on how to integrate the aftermarket amp with the factory amp in a vehicle. I cannot find any solid information on the internet about it.

[@LJ_AF]

Is the process the same for a mono amp? Would you have to disconnect all of the wires at the speakers themselves since you cant disconnect at 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!

[@evangonsalves4347]

Great info. It would’ve been cool to see you set the gain for a subwoofer too and explain what frequencies to use, aside from the 1 kHz for mids n highs. Why is 50hz the recommended frequency to set sub, and 1khz for mids n highs? I get that it’s a low and high frequency, for both respectively, but why that exact frequency? One last question, my JL RD 5 channel 900 watt has a clipping light, is the tool in the video more accurate or could I trust the led clipping indicator?

[@SecretAZNman45]

Will the voltage example work with an all in one single subwoofer?

[@dustinsmithson8139]

When you’re setting the subwoofer gain, not the mids and highs, are you still playing the 1k htz test tone with the speaker wires disconnected?

[@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.

[@bigh3053]

Do you know anyone you can recommend in South Florida that you can recommend for tuning?

[@MadeByVia20]

Where can i purchase a cd of the audio tones to help me set all my dials in correctly with multimeter?

[@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?

[@steves313]

How much was the voltage after setting the gain with the SMD???

[@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

[@teamsix7185]

After doing all this make sure the receiver is set to NO crossover controls set? Could the receiver settings conflict with the amp settings? Assuming preamps are used do the receiver settings matter?

[@maymaygama6697]

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

[@codymurray7171]

This help.. the volt meter and math helped me

[@cc2877]

What test tune do I play to set up the MILC on an AC LC-5.1300?

[@ryangessert2309]

How would you go about setting gains on a system that has an aftermarket head unit with rca going to a digital sound processor then into a 5 amplifer to doors and a sub? How set gains on both the dsp and amp without the oscillator or smd tool?

[@MrPrinceofallsaiyan]

If i got a preamp, should o set all frequencies to max for adjustment?