The best way to set amp gain?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

My goal for this video was to provide information, a lot of people are trying to decide if they need SMD tools. There are ton of ways to set gain, it is OK to use the method that works best for you.

[@keepitcleanaudio]

Yes most definitely. So many ways to have the same end result..

[@mester84]

If u going to recommend just one to set the gains witch one you recommend??

[@antonioprado8068]

When you adjust the gain for distortion either for the smd or multimeter, did you move the crossover frequency for the lpf all the way up. My polk audio has a freq of 50hz-500hz on the knob and on hpf it's 20hz-400hz. Need to adjust my gain this weekend and while I know how to get the target voltage I don't know what to do to the frequency before I start moving the gain knob to PROPERLY reach the targeted voltage

[@donovanhornak8243]

You the man bro,thanks

[@derekgardin1512]

Personally I don't want to spend $1000 on a couple items that are going to sit in my toolbox most of the time. I switch cars every 3 to 5 years so...

[@meade916]

nice video! out of all that, the MOST important thing you talked about was how everything in the chain starting from the beginning matters. I see a lot of lame video's on YT where someone is trying to "teach" people how to set gains with an O-scope and they are doing it completely wrong. "Just turn up the gain till you see (or hear) clipping" is not how you set gains. Head unit (or L.O.C if tapping in), DSP, crossovers etc, everything BEFORE the amps needs to be known first or it is all out the window. Also there is gain overlaps. Something completely ignored by these so called youtube "teachers". I have always told people, USE AN OSCOPE first. Learn it. Love it. USE IT RIGHT. Then get a DD-1 (for more accurate and simple results) once you feel like you are ready. It's the same process. (The DD-1+ Plus is a little different). But the standard DD-1 uses the same exact technique you would use if you had a scope. So no matter which one you choose, just do it correctly. Or turn all knobs to the right and jam on till you smell that smell. There is a right way and LOTS of wrong ways to do it. Thanks for the video it was a good watch :) Appreciate ya for that!

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Thanks for the tools!

[@meade916]

@@DIYAudioGuy no prob! enjoy :)

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@meade916 I was pleasantly surprised to see the DD1 detect distortion when there was no clipping. I knew that system did not sound right.

[@michaelzernie7092]

You make awesome stuff bro! My DD1 and CC1 are well worth the money. So then I got the hard case for them. And now I've got the TMM1 for the fans. Turns heads man. Badass stuff!!

[@mikehonda7934]

I’m an owner of the DD-1+ and the original DD-1 HV, CC-1, IM-SG (first gen), AMM-1, and the VM-1 OM-1 and the TM-1. I also have a TPi meter/scope in my kit, a polarity tester and multiple connection options for any and every install need or tuning. I use the Liumy for work. For me, it’s the perfect travel set for on the road installs, audio monitoring, or just tinkering. From NY to CA, high heat, to cold weather, no cooked equipment, and everything is clean. Thanks DIY Audio Guy, and Thanks meade916 for the videos and tools. The audio world needs all your support to DIYR! (Do it yourself right.)

[@Polywog77]

dd1 has been on my wish list for a while, thankfully im getting divorced so i can get back to focusing on me projects!

[@DIYAudioGuy]

👍

[@rz9708]

Def recommend the dd1+ it's just a little more but worth every penny

[@tridelv702]

I shouldn't laugh but this comment was funny 🤣

[@StupidEarthlings]

​@@tridelv702 more 'happy' than funny.. good 4 him. 😊 🎉

[@danielgresham5082]

😂 congrats bud 🎉

[@Clobercow1]

You can use a scope to find clipping, and you can use a $80 calibrated mic to find distortion with free software. For the DIYer that's probably the way to go.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yep, lot of ways to do it.

[@Thomamps]

I use an oscilloscope with fft as that allows me to see the actual wave form and the harmonics being produced. Where I live a two channel oscilloscope with this function is a third of the price of one SMD device and can be used to read many other signals for other projects. You can add a current probe and do math to get real time power and impedance numbers.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

It all boils down to price versus performance no matter who you are and no matter where you are.

[@nickn7939]

steve meade makes money on people that think math is scary, and now they got a little blinky light for 300bux, and steve using scare tactics to preach how everyone's system is clipping, and if they keep letting it clip their subs will explode.

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

Plus if the Amp ever dies you can use the scope to trouble shoot and repair it if you choose.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@nickn7939 Sounds like a good reason to pay attention in math class.

[@tonysolis825]

I think it's unfair too ues ones product and mass produced these units to sell at a very expensive price for what is a simple light the smd dd1 is good for what i does but Steve should be ashamed for over pricing a piece of equipment that only has a light no screen and advised everyone that they need he's product so he can continue too live out his expensive life style. I bought one because i too fell into the track . I repair and install and modified car audio and im a electrician as my job i been installing car audio since i was 12 and since then i love car audio i remember the real and fun reason the days of car audio and electronics and it's why i made my hobbie too learn it i will simply say dont believe the hype i uesd the tool that cost me up too 200 plus shipping with a cd and a blinking light knowed as the smd dd1 and i returned it the next day reset my gains in my system and too my ears i was more pleased with my sound again i noticed that my gains were a little lower than with tool . The car audio and sales is all about making money now . And selling cheap products made and deigned with cheap parts what does matter if it says made in usa with cheap parts from China. People stop making these con artists rich they over price there gear and boasting there worth all over the internet. Car audio was never about money it was about music and joy and products that were way better than todays junk for half the cost i should know i been repairing amps and electronics since i was 17 in fact my amps are modified and are old school Components cause i know how well they outperform todays way over priced junk back in the day you did get what you payed for.

[@bluntsandhoes2481]

Sam's probably one of the coolest knowledgeable people on KZbin. Not just about amplifier repair either. Enjoyed the video again!

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I wish I had half of his knowledge and skill.

[@HighVybeTribe]

Have you seen the old barevids video of his 4" subwoofers in that huge box ?? Pretty cool stuff

[@StopTargetingOurKids]

No lie, the distortion detector is more than double what I am willing to pay for it.. I’ve been installing car audio since 85 and have used multi meters and oscillation scopes and pretty much could tune by ear back then, now I doubt my old ears can be that accurate so I’m banking on a oscillation scope 😂

[@SHUTDOORproduction]

A better scope would have more options that would be far more useful. SMD is selling convenience and simplicity. Don't mistake their equipment for being more accurate or giving more information. Hell if I could afford them I'd have some SMD stuff too, because regardless of Steve being a little baby the engineers that actually made this stuff did accomplish what they were going for. Shame that it lines Steve's pockets but wdyd.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Steve is certainly polarizing.

[@msh6865]

Hopefully more and more manufacturers will start including clip indicators on their products. Obviously we still need to check head unit outputs for distortion along with any other gear we put in the signal chain. But, simple clip lights on all amps would be enormously helpful. Very interesting and informative video Justin!👍

[@DIYAudioGuy]

That would be nice.

[@25hztolife14]

I use a mini oscilloscope and a multimeter to find the maximum my amp can go (5 chs) then I rely on my ears. I know up to what point I can raise it, it's just a matter of preference thereafter. I have noticed my amp mono section needs to be tuned in that way but the 4 ch output has a Max of 30v just like you've gone through.

[@TheSara200424]

When I was younger I did it by ear 👂 but now that I have some education with electrical and using O-Scopes it's a basic understanding of how AC works and what many people forget is different frequencies have different wave forms and time periods with a good O-scope you can measure multiple things at once I believe you can't do that with The DD1? I really don't believe it's a bad tool at all but the cost per usage is what I look at when buying a tool to do a job, If I bought a dd1 it's only for testing and tuning amplifiers with an oscope it has many usagages not just car amplifiers so would I buy one nope 🙅 I will stick to what I was trained on

[@DIYAudioGuy]

That's why the scopes are so popular, they do a lot more. I was pleasantly surprised by the DD1. It does one thing, but does it very well.

[@TheSara200424]

@@DIYAudioGuy and thank you for making a great video on these tools

[@chrisnas1483]

Thanks dyi guy.. I think I wanna buy Steve Meade product.

[@yeahokism]

To set GAIN in AUTOSOUND... Ya set your MIDS and HIGHS/FULL RANGE system to its maximum range with no audible distortion. Typically ya can get 3/4 the volume on most DECKS then distortion sets in. NOTE the VOLUME NUMBER on the DECK, important. Once ya have your MIDS/HIGHS/FULL RANGE system tuned to its max clean output... THEN dial in yer SUB WOOFER AMP to sonically MATCH the mids and highs. Set your remote sub VOLUME KNOB to about HALF and adjust accordingly as SOME MUSIC is BASS HEAVY.... some music not so much so, Bass knob set at half way will afford the user a RANGE of adjustment needed depending on the music being played. Typically your MIDS/HIGHS/FULL RANGE system will distort LONG before your sub amp. OR... In "competition mode"... bust out the TOOLS mentioned in this video. I been installing AUTOSOUND better than 50 years now... I dont own TOOLS. Trained ear I suppose here. Good video!!! BDBD/2023

[@yeahokism]

OH YEAH... AUTOSOUND???.... %99.999999999 "SQ"..... 0.000000001 "Competition"... Know your customers... Very few Competition types out there... as SQ goes... Nicer the car the better the SQ.. regardless of GEAR. BDBD/2023

[@rickjames8943]

The reason your scope was so late on showing is because you scope is a cheaper scope with slow refresh rate and sampling you need to get a better scope or just uses the dd1 I have used both and my 14,000 scope shows and is more sensitive then the dd1 so the dd1 is better then all those cheap eBay scope and what you have for a scope it’s not if you can’t afford a fluke stick to the dd1

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Or just use the cheap scope since it is half the price and only a fraction of a second behind.

[@NickRon06]

Why not use a actually deck to do your test? Won’t a deck produce more voltage than a phone the 4-5 voltage that’s need to set gain like everyone does and does a phone actually put out 4v ?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

The phone is temporary until I can get my new test bench built.

[@ixionn563]

This was a good watch. The distortion issue is one that I never had considered or taken much thought into before, so it was really interesting to see that demonstrated. Just due to being the type who likes to tinker, see how things work in depth, and get the absolute best value, I'll probably always have a love for scopes. But this video was great in how it presented and educated about the SMD tools, I have quite a bit more respect for the engineering behind those tools now. That compressor behavior is something I think I've only seen on pro audio gear before (with my very limited experience with pro stuff), so it was really interesting to see that on that little premade car enclosure. It makes me wonder how common that circuitry is on lower end gear, or if maybe it was just a once in a blue moon thing that some engineer thought was a good idea on that particular system. Anyways I really appreciate your content man, it's the thing I like seeing in the audio, and really any, community. We shouldn't get so caught up in what's "better" and "worse". Instead we should be educating each other on how to make the best of the gear we do have. That and of course, trying to stick to the facts of the situation is always the way to go. There's always more to learn. Thanks.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

You are exactly right.

[@scottouimet2865]

I wish he could bring the price down on them by like 30-50%. I think he would sell alot more at a lower price. I dont think cost of production is so high that its impossible to do that. I know SMD and D'amore are a higher quailty brand but for as good as these are why not make them more easily/cheaply available to tge car audio community. Never have used then but everyone irl and online always talk very highly of them.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

He has been selling these things for over a decade, if he was priced to high he would have lowered it by now. I don think the price has ever gone up, so after inflation he has cut the price.

[@scottouimet2865]

@DIYAudioGuy idk man, I understand that R&D has to get figured into the price of a tool like that. But when I can get very nice and advanced DMM and Oscopes and obd2 and Tech2 devices now for under $50 and the myriad of other technology tools that have come down in price drastically in the last decade you would think he could do something to cut the cost of manufacturing and pass that on to everyone. Especially being someone as passionate for the community as he seems. Not really trying to complain, just feel that they are over priced for as limited as each one of those devices are. Mind you if I wanted all 5-6 different tools offered it would cost close to 2 grand. The for the reply tho. Love Steve and what he does and your channel. Just my personal opinion on these tools

[@mikehonda7934]

I have majority of the SMD tools and a few of the meters. Having the tools for the job, according to the sensitivity of the project, is important. The SMD Tools puts the bench size of each audio portion, into a travel size hand held tool. Justification of the cost, yeah it is a jump, but I say, their is no cost too high, when it comes to safety.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Right, no need to drag a laptop or tablet into the car.

[@mikehonda7934]

@@DIYAudioGuy except when tuning a processor unfortunately…

[@mikeunivers]

20 years using an oscilloscope and plan to stay the same, I bought one and sold it shortly after, it was just collecting dust on my shelf.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I honestly was not expecting the DD1 to be any better than the scope, but I already had that plate amp pulled off so I gave it a try. I was shocked.

[@derekgardin1512]

I've been tuning by ear for 20 years. Never blown a speaker, sub or amp. Don't need a $500 distortion detector which is a glorified plastic box with a couple LEDS in it.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Tuning by ear works IF you know what you're doing. Sounds like you know what you're doing, so save your money.

[@derekgardin1512]

@@DIYAudioGuy this is true. I learned from good installers when I was a sales guy at an audio store. They adjusted many systems from people who did it themselves to the proper levels. Many times they would let me listen before they changed anything so I learned what it sounded like. I also got to hear the before and after almost every time so I definitely trained my ears to know what I'm hearing. I've got friends that insist they know what they are doing and have seen them blow countless speakers and subs over the years. Seemingly never learn, some people anyways.

[@VALAREZ]

For me, I find that there is a lot of nuance and the gain is never set. I listen to some trap music and some rebassed stuff and initially when I set the gain I used the craziest bass track I couldn't see myself removing from my playlist and set the gain on the edge of that track clipping at a certain volume a few ticks below max volume. At that volume though, any regular track sounds weak, other trap tracks need to go up 5 volume ticks over that before they clip, and regular tracks never come close to clipping even at max volume. With this, any music outside of the bass head niche stuff in my playlist doesn't dig into the subwoofer at all, so I bought an epicenter. With the epicenter, even the regular tracks can be taken to clipping at low volumes. So with so many variables, what I did was got a mini Oscope, and ran a speaker wire from the sub to the dash area permanently so I can check my wave forms on the fly. So whether I'm cranking the volume or the epicenter effect, I know where to stop and back off. so in a sense, where the gain is set might not even matter depending on how many variables are introduced into the system, for me, once it produces enough for me to actually reach clipping it's enough, and it's up to me to make careful disciplined decisions when jamming. My amp is about 110 watts more rms than the subwoofer it's powering so it probably wouldn't take too long for it to kill my sub with a dirty signal, but the setup has worked for me for years with no issues....................well other than a squeaking sound that recently started coming from the port when a certain frequency is played......

[@terryburton971]

There's a $50 dollar o scope thats spot on way Better than getting stuff that does the same thing for several hundered dollars lol ( dd1)

[@DIYAudioGuy]

The DD one really is a pro tool. Fast and easy if you're trying to get cars in and out of a shop.

[@terryburton971]

@@DIYAudioGuy thats cool but... This o scope im talking about is just as fast cause u still gotta do the same steps as a dd1. With the leads off the o scope same as dd1 ... just as fast though my friend

[@robertoortiz85]

Its not his idea!!! Its damore who came up with it why is steve taking all the credit

[@fortheprofit2186]

The dd 1 one reminds me of my hp distortion analyzer. The scope isn't a distortion meter it's a wavemeter it does care about distortion. So it makes sense the dd1 will pick up distortion before its visible on the scope.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I was really shocked at how quick that plate amp distorted.

[@giosant5327]

0.4 millls difference 😂😂😂😂😂😂wow

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

With 99% of Amps coming with some kind of clip light, most on the bass nob the DD1 is just an overpriced peace of tec with a name on it. Every song will clip at a different place on the nob. The DD1 will not, it will just give you a ton of overlap=distortion!

[@purplehazeffc]

That would be exactly the same whether a DD1, O Scope, by Ear or even a clip light on an amp or bass knob is used to set the gains.. Every song has been recorded at a different level..

[@DIYAudioGuy]

You are not wrong, that is why the ear is always the final tool. If it sounds wrong it is wrong.

[@Jpilgrim30]

As someone who is in a field in which I have a lot of specialized testing equipment it’s hard to fault Steve on the price of the equipment. A DIY guy may see it as expensive but they wouldn’t likely get enough use out of it to justify it anyways. A shop that would use it multiple times a day would see that price as a bargain as it will save them tons of time over the course of a year. It’s all relative and I see these tools as just that… Tools. If you would hardly ever use it then why buy it? If you would use it a lot and it would make you more productive then the price is certainly worth it. I have multiple oscilloscopes including a 4 channel PicoScope but I would still love an AMM-1 as that little thing does all kind of cool stuff like real time power and you can’t find anywhere else really.

[@killer32620]

the funny thing is I have friends that tuned their systems by ear or by a voltmeter. I did it by ear then I invested in a dd1 and boy was not only mine clipping but my friends were clipped worse than mine. I love my dd1 and my taramps smart3 clip led is the best thing that came to amps

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Awesome!

[@palledrengens]

i have been building speakers for fun, since 87 when I was a schoolboy, I've made some good stuff in time but also made the worst sh....ever🤣🤣 but listening when setting gains by ear have never failed me, never burned any unit or amp... Steve Meade is one of my new idols in car audio, he's a genius and does things my way👌👌👌

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If you train your ear it is a great tool. But a lot of people that set by ear have not done that. If you are ever listing to live music, and it sounds like crap, it is because the guy running the mixer in the back of the room has not trained their ear. (or the venue just sucks for audio)

[@palledrengens]

@@DIYAudioGuy i don't like live music, i think it lacks quality, i like the bassdrum through the subs but not Moore than that... I've trained my ears since 87 and i put a finger in each ear and listen close to the bass... when I tune in the headunit I've always done as you also do and then i turn the gain on the amp for the woofer and set a mark aso for mid and treble.. and this is done with a original CD i use scorpions-passion rules the game for mid and treble and 80s pop/disco for the bass...sometimes hard rock.. some streaming are okay but most of it is too compressed and has no quality... (one day i will try to connect my vinyl record player and listen to that, just for fun 😊)

[@tonydize3944]

Very nice but way overpriced i just trust my 20 bucks oscilloscope I haven't have a problem in my 40 years using amps and subs

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If it works then keep using it.

[@jamesfair9751]

I unfortunately can’t afford all these amazing tools so I had to build my own clipping detector. A small 3inch speaker with a capacitor in-line you can tell when the amp clips

[@tanwirkhan78611]

So I've I stalled an jvc kwm745 head unit paired with an audison sr5.600. I have looked at the out put of the head unit using an oscilloscope there no cliping at full voltage . Although I have sent the gain to matched the pre out I was thinking is there any reason why I can match it it to the speakers, which are audison rated to 100w rms @ 2ohm. Or set the gain as close to speaker max before oscilloscope shows cliping. What are ur thoughts

[@rejvv6]

I sprung for a DD-1 about six months ago and I'm happy I did. I began my journey into car audio with a MTX1501D bought off a local Facebook group and have slowly continued to climb up to where I'm now running 6000 watts on strapped amps and backing it with lithium and a high output alternator. As you get into the more powerful and higher quality gear it becomes too expensive to risk doing it incorrectly. I've noticed my gain walks a little every few months from the vibration and a DD-1 is fast and simple enough that I can re-tune in a parking lot when something doesn't sound right. I definitely agree that for someone just starting out the SMD tools may be a little too out of reach and a cheaper alternative may be needed...just as long as it is done right. For those bitten by the bug and constantly wanting more though, you can't go wrong with the SMD line. Thanks for all the knowledge you've shared and for continuing to put videos like this out!

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Awesome!

[@LosmiPZS]

Just remember how you set your gains last time and do it again. Or make a mark, you don't need a dd1

[@NilssonDesignandFab]

I bougt my dd-1 onley to gain in my DD M4a :) realy dident want do mess it up

[@wow1022]

40hz and 1khz high Q notch filters, bandpass filters, comparators, combine that with a small switching power supply to provide a bipolar supply to the opamps and a few LEDs with a plastic enclosure and BOOM... $200 distortion detector, i'm not saying it's a bad product, i just don't see spending that much on it, but you know...they're the only ones who make something like it, if you actually care about a valid THD number look at the Keithley 2015 THD analyzer, just don't look at the price lmao

[@ssejati]

Thanks for this nice informative video… just a little concern, please stop switch scene between the scope and your postur, too often. It gets me dizzy, would keeping up with your voice. Because I try to keep up with the scope detail view as well. 😊

[@jumpsuite]

Never use a phone for any testing cause they produce 5-10% the and voltage can be over 2 volts now that input at 2 to. 2 1/2 volts that will cause the get it at1 1/2 volts then the thd will most likely thd will be at a level so the amp won't clipp.but it's at a point the gear is not high end stuff you own in your house. 1%thd is not high end gear buy any means.so car audio don't have to be like this but it is. Tune for best sound

[@kewlbug]

My stereo OCDs caused me to get both, The DD-1 works and does exactly what you want it to. You're kinda paying more money for the product that is easier to use without having to think. If you're on a budget, The O scope is more than adequate, you just have to know what you're looking at (like your examples). I like that the O scope gives you voltage at the same time. Ears can work.. You can for sure hear exactly when the wave clips with your ear, the tone changes. You just need a way to attenuate the signal so you don't blow your ears out. Example: find where the head unit clips by turning amp gain all the way down. you'll hear it change.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Right! It's easy and you don't have to think.

[@jasonwills1990]

Yo love that dude.. bought his product earlier 2012 and then he signed his product.. love it..

[@DIYAudioGuy]

He is a good dude.

[@CL-yp1bs]

I have so much headroom on my amps they essentially never clip. So yes I always set by ear and no i never clip. Boom problem solved. I *do* use a pocket oscilloscope for my headunit though :)

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@rickjames8943]

The scope you used is a cheap or poor scope you need to get a real scope or at least a cheap fluke scope a real scope starts at about 2000 the one you have refresh rate is like 20 nanoseconds and that’s why you had a delay

[@JerseyPiney]

If it says D’Amore Engineering on it, you know it’s a great product.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

👍

[@1992kaveman]

So I got all that since I do small job on the side and work great but I got a problem setting up or adjusting the LOC from audio control the micro epicenter since it have a wide and a sweep. Should I used a scope for that

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Not sure, an RTA might help.

[@DibeezyTheGifted]

We use a DD-1, DMM, CC-1 ( crossover and gain match simplicity) and test tones... 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@xSiC84]

I have generally always overpowered my subwoofers. This makes the gain not that big of a deal to me. I just use a basic voltmeter and set the volts to match what the subs need. For instance, powering a 600 watt sub with a 1000 watt amplifier. If you were to set gain to the max before clipping on the amp, you would most likely blow the sub. No clipping worries for me. Although I have pushed amps back in the day to their max etc, where clipping would matter.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Smart.

[@davidrobertson9522]

Can't you put the probes of the oscilloscope in the positive and negative speaker terminals on the amp like you do the dd1. To find the clipping from the headunit? And also set gains on the amp

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yes.

[@Mr.NpK143]

You said I was gonna want to watch the whole video, but you didn't say time after time after time again! You know you have the only channel I've even considered becoming a patron. Not going to lie I've very close to pushing the patron button 💯

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I would appreciate that, but no pressure.

[@anthonybrown6143]

From watching this MOST INFORMABLE video, there is not much difference btween the dd-1 and the oscilliscope, I will trust the oscilliscope beause it will keep under the clipping safely. Thank you very much!

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bradleybeauchamp5582]

Great video and very informative, the only thing that comes to mind in regards to needing a multimeter to set gain is in a situation lets say where you have an amp that can put out 2 or 3 times the subwoofers rated power. You would have to have a multi-meter or an oscope so you can turn the gain up to where the sub is rated at. If a DD1 is used you can only see where the amp starts clipping but at that point the power that the sub is rated at would be double or tripled. I cant see a reason to buy a DD1 and or 1 or 2 of the other SMD audio tuning devices unless you own a shop and time is a factor as the DD1 can speed up setting the amp if it can be done that way vs. using an oscope. If somebody does car audio as a hobby and setting there amp once or twice a $100 oscope is more than enough to do the job.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I agree.

[@superchile9640]

I used my ear and then was able to afford a dmm with accurately rated amps. I now own the dd1+ and it's easier

[@DIYAudioGuy]

How close did you get with your ears?

[@swayhem12]

Do you have a video on how to check for clipping on your cell phone?

[@s1wheel4]

OMG it’s like a cult following using that SMD distortion selector measurement device. I’m ear only for me. You can be very precise just using you’re ears.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

A lot of old school installers are just as accurate with their ears.

[@Alex-vh3ce]

Hey man I know this is late but I have the dd1 and I tested my head unit for distortion I played the 40hz0db and1khz0db and I get no distortion on max volume on both sound waves , am I good to ply max volume and just turn up the gain?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

You are good to apply max volume and then set the gain with the DD1.

[@jasonhedrick5396]

Man I wish he would send me those 2. I'd advertise the crap out of his equipment and help some fellow bassheads not fry their system and set some fellow bassheads systems free of charge. But to contribute to the basshead community. As us old school mofos started this game. I remember having house speakers in my car 🤣 I may be behind in technology, but I'm no dummy. Been installed for over 20 years. But I love to improve my knowledge and learn new ways a to do better. Send me those 2 please!!!! Took me pretty much all my life lol to get what I have now. 1st time I've ever been able to afford to buy a big system. And I'm excited. But I don't want to burn it up by no means. Send please!!! Definitely would be greatly appreciated!! I know wish in one hand and #$##$ in the other 🤣

[@DIYAudioGuy]

It is always fun to help a friend or neighbor set up their system.

[@marcis8819]

Hi. Great video but unfortunately I don't understand everything 100 percent. I know that you do not want to recommend any of the products directly. I just want to set the clipping on my system. i could get the DD1 for the same price get like the lm2020 oscilloscope. could you just let me know which one is more accurate? or could you write me your feedback so that I can translate it myself? I just want to set the clipping and my apologies is which of the two is more accurate. I would be extremely women if you can answer me briefly, please. Thanks very much

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If accuracy is the most important thing then get this one: lddy.no/14doe

[@seemoney0314]

My JL amp has a red light around the gain screw and if that ever blinks it’s clipping. It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever seen on an amp 😂 I love this video though because it has so much info I didn’t know

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I think we will eventually get to the point where every amplifier has a clip light.

[@robertosanchez5000]

Well if your doing your own install and you prolly won’t use the 300$ dd1+ or the 200$ dd1 again. It’s better to go with the 95$ Liumy so you can set your crossovers with it too. Why spend so much on a tool that only does one job? I think it’s a waste of money.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yep.

[@BassHead2020]

Dirty Gear to watch out for. Kicker, prva, tiampo, quantum, jbl, planet audio, hifonics, audio pipe, American bass, Sony just to name a few more is on Amazon hahahahaha

[@DIYAudioGuy]

🤣

[@DoeBoy999]

Once the brands have the amplifier designs built in China they are effectively handing everybody else the design. There are plenty of clones that don't have the markups because they can simply buy from the same exact build house in China that any of the large US manuf. use then eliminate most of the markup. Talk to anybody that works on amplifiers and this is exactly what they will say. I would say the O-scope and DMM would be the two to pick. If you want something easier and less time consuming then you go for the SMD tools.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

True

[@Petar120]

What about 1000+€ oscilloscopes, as you said if you're doing this professionally do you think SMD can still compare to high end ones?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yes, Steve has tested it against those scopes on his channel. The beauty of this device is the simplicity. When the light is you have clipping.

[@charlesabbott9605]

I have a lumy 2020 I do wish I could rent those tools and pay a rental fee based on how long I have it and the condition I return it in. Obviously I would need to prepay for the equipment and simply get a refund minus the rental fee. That would be a fantastic service for a DIYer that wants the best tune but only installs a system occasionally.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

That is a good idea!

[@deepredstate4414]

any real oscope will perform better than that SMD expensive tool. Although the real oscope will cost about the same or much more, you will get a real oscope that you can use for all your electronics.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If I were an electrical engineer I would have one of those scopes, but it's complete overkill for setting the gain on an amplifier. Of course the main reason to use the SMD tool is the simplicity. Literally anyone can set the gain on the app, if the lights on turn the gain down. It's simple.

[@SUTH_33]

alot of amp today has onboard clip indicator. how accurate is it onboard clip led? when clip light flashing, just turn down a bass knob. some song or music will clip, but some is clean. some more bass, but some is slow. some got soft clip, but some is clean 😅

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I am sure some suck and some are great.

[@RGHD912]

Most Harley’s these days have over 3k worth of equipment on them, a proper tune is really needed on a motorcycle! Definitely more challenging

[@DIYAudioGuy]

ATV / boat / motorcycle seems to be the future of the industry. It is a real challenge to put a radio in a modern car.

[@nopatience1417]

Turn down the sample rate on your scope and you will get rid of the fuzz its most likely reading the signal at a much higher speed than the smd and you wont be able to hear that

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I'm not sure if I can adjust that on this particular scope. I'll give it a look the next time I'm out in the garage.

[@pixel_entity5352]

I would have liked to see this with a real Oscilloscope like the Siglent SDS1104X-E instead of a hobbyist toy meter.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

The kind of person that has one of those is not in the market for a DD1.

[@EricDSalisbury]

Would this same application be suitable for calibrating a pro audio or consumer in-home stereo system with separate components and passive speakers?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yes.

[@xsivemotorsports]

I set the gain LOW, then turn the source up until I can hear the clipping, I back the source volume down a little, Then I set the amps with a Multimeter.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

👍

[@c0uchsl0uch]

Rockford Fosgate C.l.e.a.n. system

[@viko_drapak]

Is there a way how to test a phone/tablet for distortion? Especially when streaming bluetooth, can I max the volume out?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If the amp is not clipping then you can turn the BT up until you see clipping. Either the scope or DD1 can be used for this.

[@davidmusicstuff4979]

tweeters always throw me of cause I always associate distortion with more highs

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yep, sounds harsh.

[@JWarrenPhilly]

Sorry for the necro post in advance. I never thought my O-scope wasn't effective. Interesting watch. I do find the Amp dyno to be useless since and Amp pushing 500 watts will not make a huge difference over an Amp pushing 600 watts. I know some folks will say it matters. It makes no sense unless you are dragging and laying in 1k plus power. Average Joe diy installs are just too small to be that petty.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

You have to double the power to gain 3 DB. So you're not wrong there. Plus there are so many other factors in the real world that will impact the actual amount of power and amplifier will give you. But that's not the big issue. The big issue, even after decades, there are brands that just slap random numbers on the side of the amp. So there are a ton of people out there buying garbage amps and they have no idea.

[@JWarrenPhilly]

@DIYAudioGuy Agreed. My point though is to get more output, wattage is too difficult compared to speaker count or efficiency in general. To double output how you essentially need 10x wattage whereas you can add 3x the cone area. Not always possible but you get the picture. That's why I shop the speakers, then match the amp. It would be insane to just try and dump 1k to a set of components rather than buying twice as many components.

[@mattsnook1723]

I have indeed trained my ears from years of using a scope. I will use a scope on the head unit though.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I have known a few installers that could set dead accurate by ear alone.

[@Kid617]

man i was sold on the oscilloscope in the begin but after watching this now i even more confused about this Great

[@DIYAudioGuy]

tldr: Use this if you are broke or do not set up amplifiers often: amzn.to/3SYtrm6 Use this if you are a pro or if you do this frequently: lddy.no/14doe

[@shawnsanderson3695]

I had to go looking for smd products second hand or other way cheaper. I even tried to reach out to Steve Mead for help

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yea, SMD stuff ain't cheap. The scope works fine if you want to save some cash.

[@nickn7939]

i would buy an smd but the way people worship steve meade, makes me think he is a tool, omg steve meade!!! wooo i luv u

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I don't think I'll ever understand why he's so divisive. You've got rabid fans on one end and intense haters on the other. He's just a dude like the rest of us, puts his pants on one day at a time, working to build something out of his life.

[@bingostarr]

The installaton of my Head unit Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX and the Pioneer GM-E360X4 has been a long road to say the least. I got the Head unit for 100 dollars off of Facebook Market Place with the 1 hour ride to and from the sellers location makes it a good price and good value. This will replace my stock unit in my 2013 Chevy Tahoe. The Amp was also picked up on Facebook Market Place and was 100 dollars also. This amp is a nightmare that I have been having over and over again for the last 2 months. It is going back on the market tomorrow and upon watching your channel I am better equipped to make the right choice for my Budget. Cheap and Dirty but one mam's cast off is anothers treasure. I really need a good installaton video as this is the most time and money pit as my electrical and fabracaton skills aver at a novice level and my wife would like the seats put back in the Tahoe asap. Can you recommend a video that will better deal with the pitfalls and shortcuts that a person in my sisutation should watch. Bingo Starr Great channel best one I have come across in the past year by far. Thanks for your clear and well thought out presentation.

[@ericcny]

SMD products are great nothing compares 🙏👍💪💪💪💪

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Mine have been working great.

[@crazybob97able]

That Liumy is $120 now. So much for saving money....

[@DIYAudioGuy]

OUCH!

[@bythehandsofmypeoplechosen2553]

Dd1 cost way to much it’s ridiculous

[@DIYAudioGuy]

More people opt for the oscilloscope.

[@meade916]

@@DIYAudioGuy and those same people who claim the "opt" for the scope either don't know how to use it properly for setting gains.... or they are lying. 99.9999999% of these youtube haters never owned or had a reason to own or use a scope till the DD-1 came out. Now they are waving the pom poms for the scope LOL!! SMH

[@meade916]

way to much for YOU....you can't speak for other peoples financial situation besides your own self.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@meade916 the dd1 is much easier to use and it is a lot faster than any other tool. If your time is valuable then the DD 1 is the cheaper tool.

[@Jab_2023]

Price of decent O-scope are cheap enough for the avarage person that you should have no reason not to have one.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I agree.

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

I was just thinking about doo the install and taking it to a legit car audio shop to have them tune it.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Some shops won't do that.

[@markwentz8332]

I bought my first DD-1 nine years ago from Steve and used it to tune a similar Alpine amp available at that time I'd love to see the content you'd create with the IM/SG in your hands, another choice piece of kit.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

That's definitely on my wish list.

[@tomasexteriors]

Buddy did you done any testing on audio control epicenter? Would love to see that

[@kevindevlin6836]

Where did you find that amm1....it's been out of stock for over a year?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I just checked all of my usual spots. They are all out of stock.

[@OfficialNakatsuMegami]

Steve Mead is an amazing guy.. I am so glad he helped you with the ability to make this video. It was amazing.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@victoor10]

Hey I need some help with an amp that I want to install without a head unit I want to use my phone to play music directly using rca phone adapter like you did on this video. but every time I power the amp it makes a loud pop on the speakers. How can I stop that from happening ?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Since I can't see how you have it wired I can't give advice on how to fix it.

[@victoor10]

Where can I send you a picture of the setup?

[@junkyardhemi]

I’m a DIY guy myself. I have 2 vehicles with aftermarket stereos and some higher end equipment. I’m frequently tinkering and trying different things. I have a DD-1 for gains. It always works great and is super simple to operate. I have complete confidence in SMD products and will continue to use them.

[@leosvids1297]

Oscilloscope is the way to go if you want it set so the amp is not clipping at all

[@DIYAudioGuy]

I have had good luck with my scope.

[@leosvids1297]

@@DIYAudioGuy yeah you can see the wave form in real time

[@anthonybrown6143]

I have a question for you. If I DIY a pair of probes into a single RCA, can I use that on an oscilliscope to find the distortion of my headunit volume?

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Yes, I did something like that. I picked up some cheap RCA to speaker wire pig tails and just crimped on a female spade terminal. You should be able to attach banana plugs to plug right into the scope.

[@anthonybrown6143]

@@DIYAudioGuy Thank you Cheif! I appreciate you!

[@Bbiyhu]

What if u try the home made distortion detectors made on u tube for accuracy

[@DIYAudioGuy]

The tweeter trick works just fine.

[@jamescorfield534]

This video was the Lick

[@panchobarron1969]

How can I check my iPad for clipping point? I use it with an aux cord.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

If the aux cord has two male ends you can just probe one end, or get a 3.5 to RCA cable.

[@joshhaas8121]

Love my Alpine v power 500w mono! Hooked up to two 12w0, perfect.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

It is a great amp.

[@HashDogg06]

For me it is the Alpine PDX-M12, a bit more power on tap.

[@kendrellholley1975]

using my Llumy Oscilloscope to set my gain allowed me to actually get more power out of my amplifier than when I used the DD-1, why is that? I followed the instructions that were included

[@DIYAudioGuy]

The DD1 is supposed to detect 1%THD, most amps clip after they hit 1%THD. So you will get more power when you are clipping.

[@kendrellholley1975]

@@DIYAudioGuy But I wasn’t clipping

[@kosheronlynobacon1542]

I have never used either . Having huge ears and not being tone Def helps .

[@DIYAudioGuy]

👍

[@skippy710]

Still no video on instructions on how to set the amp gains on a skar 2k

[@DIYAudioGuy]

It's no different than any other amp.

[@JasonWW2000]

At 10:00 when the distortion light comes on, but there's no clipping. Keep in mind that there's different types of distortion than just clipping. You can see the sine wave looks a bit crooked, not a perfect wave. That is the distortion that's being detected. It's pretty hard to see 1% distortion of a sine wave. A few percent higher and it's easier to see.

[@watup110875]

If many would just listen for the pop sound a speaker cone makes when over or under driving should tell alone how to adjust

[@One-Crazy-Cat]

You use the cheapest scope chinazon prime provided and compare to these overpriced snake oil tools. Try a real scope and set it correctly and that magic box can’t touch it.

[@One-Crazy-Cat]

Actually that “scope” is even an afterthought on a Chinese multimeter. Lol. Would take a lot to convince me otherwise that these snake oil devices come even close.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Go back and watch the last 3 minutes of the video.

[@KrustyPickles]

i find it weird. i have a full ct sounds system. on my subs i have the at1400.1 on my mids i have the at125.4 and the tweeters i have the at60.4. signal for the mids and highs are run active thru a dayton audio dsp408 i used an smd dd1 to set my gains. the at1400 went just over half gain before clipping. but both the at125 and at60 never clipped. the gains are full on both amps and that scares me a bit. makes me think either the dd1 isnt picking something up or the dsp is some how faking a clean signal

[@DIYAudioGuy]

That DSP only has 2.5v pre outs, so that may be the issue.

[@KrustyPickles]

@@DIYAudioGuy I also have the DSP hooked up in through the high output from the head unit versus the RCA's because I wanted to keep the wiring somewhat simple and clean