How to set Amplifier Gains the right way - the New SMD DD-1 + (Distortion Detector PLUS)

visit: www.wccaraudio.... SHIPPING APPROX MARCH 15th 2014.
Download and study the owners manual here: wccaraudio.com/...
Also see www.damoreengin... for more product info.
***NOTE: THE ORIGINAL DD-1 IS NOT DISCONTINUED AT THIS TIME! WE WILL STILL CARRY BOTH! THIS ONE HAS MORE FEATURES THAT'S ALL! THANKS! :) Click here for details on how to trade in your original for an upgrade! www.stevemeaded...
The purpose of this tool is to enable the user to set the gain of an audio amplifier to match the source unit's output level, quickly and accurately. Proper gain overlap setting of a system ensures that no matter how high the volume of the headunit is, the user cannot excessively overdrive the system and cause damage to the amplifier or speakers.
Proper gain overlap setting also ensures the end user is getting everything possible out of his/her system while minimizing unwanted noise. The DD-1+ can also be useful for detecting distortion in the audio signal caused by poorly designed or malfunctioning audio equipment.
If you are familiar with our original DD-1 tool, the new / additional features of the DD-1+ are:
Fully variable gain overlap setting from 0.0dB to 15.0dB
Ability to check the gain overlap setting of an amplifier without making adjustments to it. (Great for checking a customer's system if it returns for warranty reasons or a tune up) Also a great way to sell a tune up.
Input voltage capacity raised to 200Vrms (40,000 W into 1 ohm)
RMS AC voltmeter built in for reference
Specifications
Everyone hides these in the back of the book. We are proud of our specs, they aren't lies, so we are putting them up front.
The distortion detection circuitry is 100% analog, digital microprocessing system used for display and calculation of overlap
Distortion Detection trigger level 1.0% Harmonic Distortion
3 stage autoranging for wide range of input signal from 1Vrms -- 200Vrms. (40,000 Watts at 1 ohm)
Auto-shut off timer 8 - 10 minutes after ON button is pressed
Battery self-test and display of condition when DD-1+ is initialized

[@MrJagot]

I think you should do a video on overlap with visual demo of what it is. Seems to have a lot of people confused!

[@bobby7732]

The manufacturer has a whole series. Search setting gain overlap

[@meade916]

i have 13 ready to go right now and the rest ship mid march...first come first serve! those who get in now will get tracking MONDAY morning! just sayin...actually only about 8 left now :D

[@arkansasguy97]

+meade916 how do I set my deck so it wont distort without a amp on it with this?

[@frankiedelagarza8264]

meade916 Is there an owners manual I can buy for the DD-1 +?

[@Jay_Boogie214]

meade916 I'm having difficulties with new dd1. I've read the manual and watch this video many times and my meter doesn't look any where near like this video so if you can help me out I'd appreciate it

[@lproachg23]

Awesome how after all these years this tool is still number 1

[@Jason_Voorhees.]

Pretty weird since a 40 dollar oscope is just as good

[@JoseRamirez-wv3pl]

@@Jason_Voorhees.ur just a cheap Qear

[@mexicatech]

I guess the only thing I'm confused about is how does one determine what overlap to go with? I already own a dd-1, and wanted to see if you can do a side by side video comparison, just for those of us who are more visual learners :)

[@lucidthoughts4519]

Wondering the same.

[@graydawg79]

Man its easy when you use the SMD tools. I seen a video on Sonic Electronix last week using your equipment. Both great videos

[@PANTYEATR1]

ok cool, I get it now. I need the DD1 or DD1+ and the CC1 for my audio tuning needs. there are a few loose end questions I have, but i'll see if you answer them in later videos. thanks Steve

[@AldenPez]

Our local shops need to step it up and have these tools on hand!! They could rent them to people who know what they are doing or just offer real tuning as a service. Not that tuning by ear crap!

[@Mkvy]

Really informative video, even for those not using this device... My head unit kenwood shows no distortion right up to 35/35 on the volume,(amp gain to minimum)... Just over 2.1 volts rms on the rca.. Now when I set the gains with a 40htz tone my gain is just about half way instead of over 75%... My built in amp on the Kenny does clip at 27/35 on the volume... So I just fade the front stage below clipping! Sorted!

[@Gwendoline965]

Hi Mark how can I publicise my videos so I get more clicks? How do u do it any ieas? Facebook wont let me add friends unless I know them or thy know me first/??? So how to tell people???

[@AKEYFACTOR]

This might be one of my favorite unboxing videos 👍🏼

[@Bad_InfluenceTV]

Late to the party but got em` today. Thanks for the A+ service.

[@felixmedrano8208]

So what are you turning when setting the overlap? I know your turning the gain when looking for distortion but what about overlap?

[@attpureownpk]

i have always wondered this! yeah no distortion but no power match either! and now you have done it! thanks Steve!

[@stertheder]

My mind.. just blew.... Gain overlap is exactly what i was looking for! :D This explains exactly why 1.1KW of mids/highs doesnt seem very loud (as loud as it should) with regular music. just..wow... to compensate for the difference in music vs sine wave (0db) i had been giving my speakers over 2x rated power (240rms to a pair of 6.5"s rated at 100rms/pair) and wondering why they are not exploding.. Thank you so mutch for this...

[@hcgarcia]

Aaaahh great tool!!! No more guess work for gain overlap man!!! Another cool SMD meter Sir thanks!!

[@joelmichotjr1662]

I need to get my money up to come to Cali because I really wanna hear the Tahoe in person haha

[@jeremyvillegas572]

How do I know if my woofer can handle +6,+12 dB?? I have it at 0 right now and it seems to be working ok but I really want to know if I'm able to use this feature

[@robertkyle1983]

I plan on ordering one of these next week. One question do you trust the clean setup on the punch amps? I have a p400x4 and p500x1bd and I want to see how accurate the clean setup is compared to the dd1+. I just might do a video of it.

[@brutisking]

It can't get any better than this!!!! Two thumbs up steve!!!! Yee"

[@ortizshelby]

What is the best way to use the equalizer on a deck? For instance the setting that says loudness where you can put either none, low, medium and high. Also its a 7 band equalizer

[@DJReminisce_407]

Can you do a video with a COMPLETE breakdown of how to use with? With the overlap and everything

[@jayz3d]

Mistake at 4:15 on the twitter name, just thought I would mention it, great product however, I don't see what people don't understand in this video, its pretty straight forward, just an added extra feature in this from the DD1

[@sebastianannesen8680]

Great videos Steve, so sick to watch, I'm learning a ton. 1 question what if u have 2 small 3" speakers connected to your deck and they can't handle, when the deck is turned all the way up to distortion point, how do you set the gains on those? can you do that with the dd1 and how. i dont wanna blow my speakers. Big ups from Denmark

[@PoppaTInstall]

Steve, when will these be back in stock and is there a DD-1 trade in offer?

[@adamwatkins76]

Ordered! Looking forward to using it.

[@jesusserrato898]

I'm definitely getting one of these once I can.

[@DrummerBoii1411]

When he adjusted the Overlap, did he adjust the gain again for that.. Or was it a different switch.. Didn't actually say.. 👍

[@RepairLegion]

What if I have one amp for highs and one amp for lows? Do I do the exact same procedure for both amps? Which amp do I use to test for the maximum clipping volume?

[@Rchan925]

I need to come by your shop to get my amps properly tuned by u. How much is it?

[@derekrichardson7456]

One question for you Steve the model a HV up to 10,000 watts?I'm assuming it is cause the boot colors are the same.

[@clinesr22]

Hey Steve how much you charge to tune systems

[@MrKlink951]

Hey and I have the dd1. But no longer have the disk can I order just the disk. Also is it best to disconnect an rca bass knob to have best calibration for the dd1. Thanks for your time for a response

[@PANTYEATR1]

love your vids and knowledge you share Meade, I have a question tho, if I'm building a system with amps and a electronic crossover, which one of your electronics will help me tune it? you have like 4 available, do I need to buy all 4? thanks

[@1995birdofthunder]

Ever thought about getting a camera that is strapped to your head as you work so you can have both hands free. Maybe like a GoPro or whatever one works.

[@d77543020]

I'm guessing if there's a dd1 buy back will there be used dd1s available for purchase?

[@meade916]

matter of fact...click the link in the description. :)

[@ferberb9662]

Nice instrument to use but I don't know anything of stereo can you make a video or explanation on speaker overlap or how to know speakers optimal use

[@VFXandKids]

I am buying one and a cc1. Just curious if this can also set the gain to run amp at a lower wattage? I bought a 3k amp but the 2 subs I bought are only 1250 watts rms each. Skar evl 12's and taramps smart 3k

[@Duckey90]

How do you know how high to set the gain overlap?

[@joshua199628]

Daniel Moore i think. Its all about the speaker size and the power it can handle.

[@lucidthoughts4519]

What do you do if the stereo doesn’t allow you turn off frequency options or put them to flat. (Ra670 marine stereo). I called fusion Marine, they confirm frequencies can’t be turned off.

[@jackvargasarteaga2599]

ya tengo el mio 😃😃😃 Lima Peru ... bless you

[@PhillieBlunt]

I want some of those signature speakers or yours but I want to keep my PPI amps will this be enough power pc1400 and pc2350 pc4100 I still have these mint* my understanding is u had a hand in them

[@UXforlife]

Just got a SMD-1+ and when getting distortion volume for head unit thru sub amp, I can see it reading 40hz but voltage shows 0. The amp is a Mosconi 1000.1D . I followed every step in the manual as it relates to xover settings and such. Please help

[@MarklandDesignsOfAtlanta]

So you no longer back the gain down when you hit distortion with the new DD+1

[@gagan2929]

Where in sac is your shop? Iam try get all my system checked out by u! I live in yuba city!

[@Randaddy25]

Just ordered the DD-1 Plus bro. Can't wait to get everything set up! Can I put the test tracks on a flash drive? My deck doesn't have a CD player.

[@meade916]

Thank you for the purchase and support and Yes you can. We also sell preloaded USB's on our website WcCarAudio.com

[@Randaddy25]

@@meade916 Awesome! Much appreciated big dawg!

[@Daspanker77]

Now would you still need to use the CC-1 for setting up the crossovers to the frequency you want?

[@ajbrown2013]

Anyone know?

[@jeremyarnold629]

I set my gains using the smd dd1 on a t600.4 amp going to 4 6.5 component sets all Rockford fosgate and max volume was 59 of 60 with no distortion on the meter. I set gains with max clean volume at -10db on the track and I cant get past 35 maybe 36 on the radio then it sounds like the speakers are distorting very bad. I can only set the volume to 29 to 31 of 59. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG, PLEASE HELP STEVE MEADE.

[@dlc2087]

Was the amp too strong for the speakers?

[@project17209]

Hey wats up Steve. Can you help me out with my problem in having. .. okay, I installed my system in my Dodge Magnum and just recently started to run across some issues. .. first time I started having issues was around the time my fuel pump went out on me and I guess I drained the battery trying to start it. . I have a Kicker 12L7, Kicker zx1500.1, and a 2.2 farad cap. After I replaced my fuel pump, I didn't charge up my cap., nor did I discharged it when I unhooked my battery. . Well, afterwards I noticed that at certain points into some bass my amp shuts off and turns back on again. I checked out my system and noticed that my online fuse holder had gotten hot on the capacitor side and melted the plastics holding the fuse. I also noticed that the voltage on the cap. differ from the alternator, when I on/off the remote wire for the amp. It drops about 2 volts with amp on. So wat should I do to get slapping again? also, I'm running everything from my stock stereo with hi/lo converter.

[@FatMat916]

Is there any shops in sac u can recommend that use these products so I know I'm getting my install tuned right?

[@Empiretrooper86]

hey i was looking at the SMD Distortion Detector DD-1 whats the diffs from the dd-1 and the dd-1 plus would i be fine with the none plus 1 ty

[@Musicman32000]

I'm considering upgrading but I'm not a huge car audio person. Can someone explain setting overlap(what it does) and does the new addition mean it can display true rms???

[@Covencraft]

I don't understand the overlap process, hows it work and whats it for etc, I have the blue DD1 not the +1

[@FU-Utube]

The only thing that I am lost by is why do you go into distortion before you switch tracks? Wouldn't you back it down to no distortion? Or was that the 0dB track? That's the only thing that is over my head. But for now I'll stick with my blue DD.1 :)

[@audioholic850]

that's what exactly What i was thinking

[@meade916]

the blue DD-1 is still an amazing tool too! This one is just the next step up that's all. We are NOT discontinuing your's whatsoever.

[@meade916]

the tool stops reading when it see's distortion. So the voltage you see on the screen is the number it will look for as it's reference point when setting the overlaps. This unit has a slightly different method to achieve it's goal then the original DD-1

[@maryjoanmontalvo9153]

I'd go for this one though.. gives me Voltage reading and Distortion..

[@1sthawaiian11]

@@meade916 solid explanation I was wondering too howcome you stop on distortion

[@danterakin]

Isn't it best to do the testing while the speakers are connected rather than testing at the speaker inputs? When you are testing at the inputs with no speaker connected you are not seeing any load hence no voltage drop. Gain settings for distortion will vary whether you have speakers plugged in or not.

[@meade916]

that is already accounted for. Please read the instruction manual. There is a link in the description.

[@alonzor91]

What if you don't have a cd player??

[@Dshall88]

whats the difference between the dd1 and the dd1 plus? whats the main point of the crossover reader

[@urmailingalen]

Is this better than the normal DD1?

[@HOTRODRICO]

what do i do if im using the stock deck and there isn't any volume number readings because the lcd is messed up? is there anyway I can still set the gains ? thanks

[@jjg6872]

hey steve dose it matter if you change the eq from flat to different seting on your volume limit and did you use a bass boost

[@javiermolina9883]

Bautta start working soon, imma need some sound work on my car.... yall got a business card where i could reach you?

[@victorolguin]

Which one these tools do I need to adjust all the settings on my amp????? I have an diamond audio hx1200.1d.

[@maxalaniz365634]

Sorry to bother but im having trouble with my System for some reason im getting loud Music playing Through My Two 10inch Subs and hardly any Bass idunno what to do I need some help should I buy a new amplifier?

[@u9Nails]

Was that a camera glitch or did the + just make the DD's bounce in a cute little animation at :30?! =)

[@robertkyle1983]

meade916 I have punch amplifiers and I'm wondering just how accurate the CLEAN setup is because I've blown a set of tweeters already. I have a pioneer deh-80prs headunit and at full volume (62) the amp shows no input clip. The mids/high side setup works fine but when I set up the tweeters gain it shows no clipping light at full gain. I want to get the DD-1+ when it becomes available because I'm going to a power 4 channel amp and soundstream bass amp. Your help would be greatly appreciated. I have a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. Headunit: Pioneer deh-80prs, Mids/highs amp: rockford Fosgate p400x4, Speakers: Factory locations punch 6x8's. Tweeters: 2 sets p1t-s. Bass amp was a p1000x1bd but I'm going to get a soundstream ta1.3000d to power my re audio xxx 15.

[@adilvice]

So how do you know where to set the db overlap? for a given speaker?

[@joshua199628]

S Fitz i think its all about the speaker size and the power it can handle

[@deangoddley2061]

I have lost the SMD CD ,how do I purchase just the CD disc?

[@ntgreat5]

What i wanna know is how can the dd1 tell if the amp is gonna blow the speakers if there not connected to it? I have 3 amps an 4 subs an all interiors with tweeters. I don't wanna blow everything up lol.

[@julianmoyses1]

I can not keep up but I like the stuff you do I want to see thaf truck I person

[@LCkennel]

I wouldn't trade the dd1 all get the dd1+ to I love how the dd1 works

[@nrgrandits2046]

Steve how come you don't make a phone app for calibration tool? Food for thought bud CDs are becoming a thing of the passed. Not sure if you already have one.

[@DoEverythingDerek]

ill do the trade in once I get mine back from a friend :D

[@lugo2510]

What if my head unit doesn’t have a cd player? How do I test without the cd? Another thing, do you know anyone who can recone a 18” kicker solo baric?

[@ryansignorelli]

Could you use this to gain match amps .being it says you voltage out

[@robertkyle1983]

c8kwalk. I just want to see how accurate the punch system is compared to the dd-1. I plan on getting all fosgate power amps. They don't have the clean setup.

[@doza146]

Any sort of trade in program for the old DD-1 lol? Or is there really no need to upgrade? I like how you can set the overlap though.

[@meade916]

yup sure is...check out the link. (in the description)

[@cuzimaluzer777]

would you please test that amp on the Honey Badger? please

[@danielfox6614]

what wires do you like steve

[@cobyharris9223]

Steve. Any left to purchase of the original 13.

[@titus41]

Buy this or the "original" DD-1 ??? Hmmm!

[@amorton94]

Is it worth it to get the DD-1+ over the DD-1?

[@LCkennel]

Steve we're did u get the case were u keep the smd tools

[@melchor138]

how would you adjust a xtant amplifier, it has jumpers instead of nobs.

[@mrmikewayne64]

do you have any vids of a free air baffle board install I have two 12s that are free air wanted some ideas

[@meade916]

nope, sorry bro.

[@scotthintz8875]

I'm reading everything your laying down, but I'm just not getting the -10db and +10db. If I'm tuning my sub with a 50hz 0db test track, and I set my Sony Mex100 head unit to -10db while tuning, do I leave it at the -10db all the time while listening to music, or can I move it towards 0db to adjust it?

[@Puchok777]

Most electronic music what i listen are recorded at -10dB, don't set 0dB.

[@BanginCB7]

Any ETA on when this will be available again?

[@WatchandCheck]

Hey Steve, what are your thoughts about the new Lexus RC-F? Hope to see a video on your channel of this car in the near future. Cheers from the Netherlands

[@meade916]

not into it at all. I love Lexus but that car is fugly. I like my car much better.

[@WatchandCheck]

Haha, I agree. Have a great weekend Steve

[@kamikazikaizer]

Did you set at 10+ db or you mean -10db

[@fazjewls14]

Overlap is that only on 4channel amps??

[@youwild00]

What happens when you the button "read" on the distortion detector??

[@possum2023]

Hey meade916 can this be used for a pro audio setup?

[@bittukathar1674]

very nice Dd1+

[@itsriggi]

@meade916 any of the DD1+ available currently. Id like to purchase one. I saw on most of the sites its still sold out.

[@omarh8795]

What does the level dial do on an amplifier? I set my gains and crossovers w the dd1+ and cc1 and sounds amazing but what does the level do? I left it half way before tuning. Now when i raise the volume up high the bass goes out, when i turn it down it comes back in, anyone know what the issue is?

[@djassassin760]

Hey Steve need your help! Question how many speakers can I run on a fosgate p600x4 safely without damaging any speakers??? Can I run 4sets of components?

[@meade916]

djassassin760 you can run as many as you want if you know what you are doing. If you don't know what you are doing go to your local shop and have them install it. :)

[@bad4life2013]

djassassin760 Or do some research and learn how Ohms, watts, volts, all that good stuff works

[@H9550-i7l]

I have a deaf bonce amp 7900 d1 i have no clue what to set the lpf and hpf to during this

[@juss-passin-thru]

I'm talking about the RF C.L.E.A.N. Setup

[@007dansmesbote]

Hell yeah is it possible to ship it to Québec Canada ?

[@meade916]

we are world wide many many times over.....Canada is easy.

[@nadredaolpu]

That looks awesome! Have to get my hands, on that...one day! Guessing we can get it here, in the UK? I currently have the original one (Had it almost 2 years) and still use it to date...love it! + I couldn't imagine gain setting in, any other way! :)

[@BurningDownUrHouse]

Can I buy that set somewhere?

[@TheRyder2003]

I want that briefcase!!!!

[@jec2606]

Steve where can I get a AA SMD 18? I've been looking online !