How to TUNE Car Amplifier & Set Gains

[@AudioControlCar]

Nice video! You did a great job explaining our LC7i, and your detail on setting the gains was well done, too. Thanks for helping other car audio enthusiasts with your videos!

[@FarAboveDaCloudz]

People look at me crazy when I break out my 'Special RCA Cable' for testing line out voltage. Great video!

[@unklemal]

So if I have this LOC... I don't need a DSP?

[@PeterFeltersnatch852]

​@@unklemalyes you do

[@unklemal]

@@PeterFeltersnatch852 I have 2 different kicker loc's... and I want to use my Kicker Front Row DSP... and 3 amps... 1 bass... 1 mid... 1 tweeters... all kicker... even wires... battery mounts... you name it ... kicker... except cooling... that is 4 fans running off SMD control temperature gage..

[@HighVybeTribe]

​@unklemalnot true . Dsp is a sound processor that czn give your speakers delay and time alignment, djusting the individual levels of each speaker . It may also give you different sound presets

[@brandonthiergart660]

I'm an electronics engineer with a small background in analog amplifiers and a life long passion for music and mobile audio. I've been installing audio equipment and setting gains by ear for 25 years. While that has worked pretty well I was blown away by your simple explanation and I'm humbled. Thank you!

[@james66872]

I totally agree with you.

[@julesbruchez-theartofgrapp9646]

That’s what I thought also. I checked multiple sources and it’s the same process. Problem I ran across was that the volume to the sub was WAY off!!! I set the highs and Mids with my ear and it’s perfect. Doesn’t matter what I do the sun is just low. I simply went back to the old school ear method and the sun came alive

[@maniacalmonster2293]

If you set anything by ear it's off.

[@mattburgess2]

Setting the gains like in this video is fine as long as you leave the eq flat and tone levels at minimum. If you set your gains with everything flat and as soon as you start making eq adjustments or bass adjustments now you'll be clipping. Ask me how I know.

[@maniacalmonster2293]

@@mattburgess2 you just contradicted yourself. the second half of your statement is correct, as to why you want to set EQ before gain. Everything is set before gain.

[@ramohemalas7495]

You are an excellent instructor. If you don't teach in a classroom, you should.. It doesn't matter the subject. Much talent.. much respect 🙌

[@jackal6902]

I really liked this explanation. It’s probably the best I’ve ever seen. No useless info No stuttering No second guessing the info you already gave No nerdy squeaky voice Good pace Good authenticity in your knowledge. I think, if everybody made videos like this, instead of trying to appear smart and putting on a ridiculous “high energy” persona, the world would be a better educated place. I’m going to sub and hopefully you will make some additional car stereo videos. Suggested video: Setting with oscilloscope. ;)

[@JohnKut]

most helpful video I have ever seen about LOCs and bass amplifiers combined.

[@JohnKut]

one question just to make sure: Amplified voltage at a bass frequency, is the square root calculation made by using RMS or max voltage of the sub? you said in the video "max rms".

[@HugeGamma]

I agree

[@surviver5738]

@@JohnKut yes he meant max rms of the sub sir.

[@twinters2256]

The hero we all needed

[@tomtricks6838]

i have aftermarket head unit i don’t understand what to do the LOC is confusing tf out of me i don’t think i need one pls someone help

[@jb4241]

If I can't find someone...I just have to watch this over and over again. Thanks man so far the best video I've seen

[@akqjtn]

Glad it was useful to you. Let me know if you run into issues.

[@felipef6516]

This is by far the best video i have seen on how to set gain. Not only do you cover everything, but you've made it so easy to understand... So happy i came accross this video before I tuned my amp.... If i had gone with the knowledge of other videos i would have been missing a few tricks and certainly not maximised the potential of my setup.. Thank you very much, you've earnt a subscriber !

[@Cromezn]

I don't know if you still read comments from 3 year old videos but I felt like I had to say something... This is one of the best "How-To" videos on this platform. Your explanations are simple to understand and straight to the point. Thank you for explaining why input voltage from both the Radio AND the LOC matters. I have a LC2i->DSP->4-ch amp and since all of them have a gain setting I was a little confused to say the least. 100% earned another subscriber!

[@kngperbs2991]

Countless of videos on how to set car, audio gains, and none have been able to help me. Until I came across this video by this man and let me tell you fantastic job, because I was finally able to tune my car audio equipment, which consist of wavtech bassRESTOR LOC, Audio Control D-6.1200 DSP Amplifier, Memphis six five series VIV750.1V2 mono block amplifier, with OEM head unit. My set up has a lot of crossovers, which makes it more complex to set up gains and tune it this video by this man finally help me great job.Thank you

[@johnstevenson7796]

This video ABSOLUTELY answered my question to you on your other video where you apply the LC2i (i.e., asked about the sequence of setting Gains). Main takeaway for me was to assemble the proper equipment and information in order to follow the sequence and perform this procedure correctly. Know/have: 1) a Multimeter 2) Know both your Low Level (i.e., RCA) and High (i.e., speaker high-level) input ranges for your devices in play ... here the LC2i, Alpine amp and other Amp (don't recall the name) so you can apply the multimeter with the test tones 3) Know the RMS for your amps and ohm load so you can apply Ohms Law to calculate Gains 3) Speaker frequency ranges so you can set HPF (if relevant) Thanks and Great Channel

[@spaceecks1793]

Ive seen several videos explaining the gain setting process, but this is by far the most comprehensive. Great video

[@KeithAlumbaugh]

That's perfect. I've never had it explained so easily. I've been setting my gains wrong for so long. Thanks!

[@NYAJoeJr]

same.

[@williamtucker3331]

@@NYAJoeJr b 6&bugging

[@Chad-co1lb]

As a new DSP user, and the dozens of videos Ive watched, you explains setup the best

[@2011-Fish]

This is the best explanation of setting the gains and the RATIONALE on why you would set the gains at a certain level referencing what your stock unit is capable of with peak volts AND source of music. Nice job.

[@sleepzzz800]

This is probably the best video explaining how to set gains. I wish you would’ve mentioned setting the max clean volume on the head unit as well

[@tumtum5123]

this is the video.... well spoken, good angles, information is easily digested and absorbed... thank you sir!

[@aaronr3833]

Best video out there. I’ve done installs over the years for family and friends and your content is spot on. Very helpful and straight to the point. Thank you for saving me time and money.

[@Zunigamotorsports2012]

Bro, W O W! Not very many channels I consider “top notch”! Your knowledge, TOP NOTCH!

[@courijones1317]

This video is the BEST teaching of how to set gains, that I have found on KZbin. I've spent days/weeks looking at examples of how to set gains correctly with my LC7i and this video is by far the best! Thank you so much for the clear direction and explanation. One question - what did you use to keep the leads from the RCA cable to your multimeter? I'm going to install my LC7i this weekend and will use your method.

[@tmont913]

How did u attach leads to multi meter

[@daddybo7714]

Where has this video been all my life?! Thanks for the explanation on how to measure output on the LOC!

[@meo80]

You explained everything perfectly and easily understandable.. I haven't come across another tutorial that strictly sticks to the task of what most people came here for. 👍

[@erikbjorgen3495]

Saving this video to watch later tonight! Only watched a few minutes & this is by far the best explanation I've heard yet

[@Duhvidd]

This helped me tune my system in and definitely made me feel more confident that I’m not going to blow any of my speakers or amps! This is my first time having a set up like this! Thank you 🙏 I used Kicker U for wiring and tone generation!

[@blackbeltrw]

The individuals that gave this video a thumbs down must have had a bad day. This was the easiest and simplest explanation yet, here on KZbin. GREAT VIDEO!!👊🏼

[@akqjtn]

I appreciate that!

[@TheMessiah91]

The cleanest tutorial for setting gains!!!

[@Mackus863]

You Sir, knocked it out the park with this. Excellent video! Simple and easily understood while still fully explaining and demonstrating the steps.

[@akqjtn]

Thank you! Glad you liked it 👍

[@scottb.8523]

I’ve watched a LOT of videos on this. Yours was the most clearly explained - with good tips and tricks, especially the raw-wire RCA to voltmeter method. Thank you for posting. Subscribed here, and will be sharing your video to whoever might want it. Have a great day!

[@PostaLcm]

Agreed. I have been trying to understand how this all works and I feel more KZbin creators are more concerned with keeping their secrets a secret or showing off their shop tools that do not make sense for me to buy as a hobbyist. This video was the absolute best quality and most understandable presentation I have seen yet.

[@WillardDavenport-s5z]

Best video I've seen no bullshit to point excellent instructions .I've been trying to get info and instal my car adio for 3 weeks.the videos that are out there leave you with more questions than answer. And talk about shit that doesn't have a Damm thing to do with producing music.there are only two kinds of music on this planet good and bad and you have given the best explanation for giving some one the best chances posible to make that distinction and choice. We'll done man well done

[@MrXerxes415]

higher quality of instruction I’ve watched many of these videos and yours is by far the best awesome work!

[@jeffjula]

You would be a great teacher and all the students would love your class. TY

[@middledorf]

Excellent video! Very detailed but concise, I’ve always flubbed around with these settings. I’m going to tear into my system this weekend and fine tune everything. Thanks for putting this together!

[@xjoshy8x]

Very good explanations and very helpful for those looking to get the most out of their audio, thanks so much.

[@sahltysahil]

Just Fantastic. Basics were explained which no one does.

[@danielhall2982]

One of the best videos to describe exactly how it works ten thumbs up

[@King_Kong_Ek9]

I’ve learned more with you than with other much fancier channels

[@akqjtn]

What am I not fancy? 🤣 JK I appreciate that. Thanks for sticking around.

[@SNWxGaming]

Best directional I've gotten to fit my scenerio thank you for taking the time and doing a amazing job and describing each process. It's all clear and easy to me now. Great work

[@gabzor4716]

Nice video, I like how you keep it safe but still loud enough Also really liked the instructions setting and matching your gains Nice and simple but lots of knowledge, gonna check out your other stuff too

[@lonestar3737]

What a super good video. So many people need to watch this. SO MANY

[@edgarza4649]

Hat off to you bro . my amps kept clipping though it was my lc2i not working. Thank you so much for the info .Gracias carnal.

[@saleplains]

i used to play it safe and set all my gains using 0dB test tones but i recently changed this practice because i felt like i was letting too much go to waste for my sub amp. I still use 1kHz 0dB for the mains but i use a 5Hz -5dB for the sub amp and now it really slams. I think it makes sense because its fairly plausible to get near 0dB on mains but the heavily filtered sub signal should very rarely hit those kinds of sound levels. I did find a few EDM and hip hop tracks where i had to turn it down a little to be safe but its generally well balanced. i also started using a little budget o-scope from amazon to help visualize everything and sanity check no distortion.

[@mikecurry6847]

Wow, this video is very well done. I like that you took the time to pull the seat for the visual aid instead of just using a screen share of your computer. And even though I watched the whole thing, I always appreciate time stamps. The links are a really nice touch!

[@robertcsims]

Very nice wire management. Excellent explanation. I have not been using the -5db test and setting up at full volume to see an end result of low RMS output, incorrect tuning. Thanks for the video. Will try this method as it is more real world tuning at listening volume of 75% and the source db levels. Appreciated.

[@rickycanupsmashedbutwhole808]

This is the best tuning video i have ever found. Thank you do much!

[@seanhatch4425]

This video is a jem for people just starting out in car audio gain setting.

[@eg6turbo]

Bro, thanks for teaching us a detailed and simple way to make this work. I’m new to installing car audio but I’m very smart and fast at learning. Thank you for this.

[@dylanfrost191]

All I can say is that is a super clean setup, a lot better than all of the hackjobs I usually see

[@brianpowell525]

Thank you very much, you are the only person explaining this that is on point and helpful

[@stevecn70]

A trick I used when tuning my competition stereo back in the day was to put my fingers in my ears or use hearing protection earmuffs. You can make out distortion a lot easier if you do this.

[@justposted3524]

Really ?

[@jhonatanguido2791]

My sub amp was clipping and I could figure out why! Thanks to this video I figured it out! Thank you !

[@AussyOutlaw]

Best explanation i have heard on setting up gains properly. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

[@hhansen599]

Thanks you so much. You've explained this the best I've ever seen.

[@lowhertzhighspl]

Awesome and professional YT channel btw!! Def one of my new fav car audio channels! (LC7i Qs brought me here)

[@Deviantsoundz]

So professionals screw amps INTO other amps??

[@Learningmane]

Holy moly this guy finally explained this so I truly understand. Thank you very much you are a great teacher

[@akqjtn]

Very glad it was useful, thanks for watching!

[@drstallings_314]

This is the most helpful video I have ever seen thanks so much. Excellent instructions

[@brianmonroe3478]

Awesome video! Had minor clipping with my subwoofer and couldnt figure out the issue. This video helped me SO MUCH. THANK YOU!! 30 minutes fixed my issues!

[@Elvskf]

Very details explanation and walk through. Can even hear the sound quality is good even with phones. Good job.

[@MidnightSportster]

Just stumbled on this one (thanks algorithm) huge improvement on my installed stereo. Absolutely loved the education and demonstration.

[@oldschool240]

What a great, simple to understand video. Thank you!

[@reel_images]

Awesome video, so much use full information, you remind me of Tom Morello, as soon as you said you listen to 90's music, and they way you talk. You're a rock star!

[@mxcollin95]

GREAT video…thanks for posting! 🤙 Everything you said was easy to understand and made a lot of sense. Being new to car audio, I’m just learning this stuff and really appreciate videos like this. Cheers man 🍻

[@steffNn]

Nice and clean video bro, i'm working on my new system this week and I'm a complete noob, so...nice vide to learn from.

[@WillieJones-Events-To-Remember]

Hey Dude, Great Job. It's obvious that you know Sound Equipment. You do a really good explaining the process so everyday people can understand. It's not easy to translate professional knowledge so people like me can get a good understanding. I wish you much success. Thanks

[@chompchomp2323]

Just about to finish my install and this was a great and thorough video. Thanks!

[@scottjones4061]

Thank you for this video. Absolutely awesome explanation and made simple to understand

[@antcar97]

thank you so much for this tutorial, you explained yourself very well , and will be a big help to . i’m running the same setup as you : lc7i with a JL 500w amp powering a 500w 2 ohm fosgate 10” sub for bass, and a 75x4 alpine inline amp for my front and rear doors , you my man are truly amazing!!!!!!!

[@kristennizzaro7305]

This was very helpful. My amplifiers are on point 😁

[@itech1129]

Best video I’ve seen for a beginner like myself thank you!!!!

[@ahayward6002]

Best information ever! -5db makes the most sense. I've been struggling to get the output I wanted at lower levels! I'll give this a try this weekend. Thanks!

[@RBTC409]

Best video I've ever seen on this process, and thanks for the link to download the test tones.

[@jamzwayne]

This is the best video explaining this. 100% fire!

[@InLoveWithBass1990]

Very good explanation of gain setting. Thank you

[@roberthelcher2884]

Thank you for the easy to follow video. I truly appreciate it.

[@rodneyrod9392]

You are right, l did tune a system with m/meter and it sounded great.(cheers from Australia 🇦🇺).

[@GreenJip]

Great teacher! Thank you for taking the time to explain. Loving and learning from these tutorials.

[@richardbarr7191]

The best I have seen on the subject, well done.

[@ESBP626]

By far the best i have heard it explained in a video.. thnx bro much appreciated

[@idscomm]

Thank you for the great video! Watching your video and other ones including one by JL Audio made me understand how to properly tune my gain! I actually did that last night, tunes my Kicker CX800.1 paired with my Rockford Fosgate 10" subs. Since my amp provides 600 watts at 2 ohms and my subs are 500 watts also at 2 ohms I had to be aware of the difference. Turned out that with a -5db 50Hz test tone, my amp at full gain showed 31.5v which ended up being almost the max power for the subs! I also turned the Bass Boost off as I originally turned it ON to get more bass... I find I lost a bit of "punch" but like you said, most people recommends NOT using the bass boost on the amp. Thanks for the great video (clean install btw).

[@deedolan399]

I do not see how this video has any"thumbs down". This was very detailed and informative. My question is this, if you have a head unit that has "subwoofer level", I was told it affects the input voltage to the amplifier from the head unit. Is this true? And how would you set the amps gain without the line convertor.

[@vanleermatt]

Great video! That’s a crazy amount of info and the best explanation I’ve heard.

[@edwardtoripr]

Just Wao. My system can back alive. I use this process to set lc2i, Rockford 500X1 and JL audio RD400. The trick to use voltmeter with are RCA work great

[@kerktam]

no blah blah blah but straight to the point info! thanks man!

[@shanerains85]

Where did you get your 4V info from? How do you find out how many volts your amp maxes out at? I can’t find that out anywhere on my Kicker 44KXA800.1.

[@wdiddy1]

best video I've seen on setting gains.

[@nathanyoung5213]

Thanks for this video. I will be setting up a lc7i and 2 amps like you have while retaining the factory head unit. Very helpful to see along with reading audiocontrols' manual.

[@deedolan399]

Very detailed. Very informative. Greatly appreciate your content

[@chrispello5487]

By far the best ive seen this explained. 👍 👍

[@akqjtn]

Thank you I appreciate that.

[@jvsyoutube3298]

very good video, good explaining! you earned a sub my man

[@ezeNdog]

Nice. Very well put together.... Oh and James Bond called, and he wants his remote bass knob location back.

[@akqjtn]

🤣

[@JoshM7]

Very good video and great explanation on the tones and glad you also explained the risks along with the -5dB tone and the downside if using 0dB. It gets a little more complicated than this when you incorporate DSP and start adjusting EQ and output levels of each speaker. But this is a great getting your foot in the door guide.

[@james66872]

This is the best explanation out of there.

[@toddfondakowski6119]

Wow you are incredible you so much easier to listen to and to understand then some of these professional car videos and they talk so fast. I just put in a ( lc7i ) to a pioneer 1200 watt to control my 6/9 @ in the front and my 6 in the rear . And then I use channel 3 and paired it with channel 2. Then I jumped out of it and found a kicker to channel amp which I bridged to my subwoofer now with this video I’m going to be able to do it exactly the way I want to do it. Because you make it easier to tune in all the bullshit long ass videos. I put the kicker speakers in the doors. And I got a 8 inch sub in the back. All my games are completely turned off on both amps basically zero. This is done in the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and you have to have a Lotta patience when it comes to this type of work. He did is very technical if you want it done correctly running 2 Amp that are separately derived system‘s took me a while to install to do it correctly when you bring it to a car dealership you do it real fast and it’ll take your time and patience to do it right in my opinion I love my music and I like the clarity and without an LC7l you will never make your stock radio sound clear and crisp I can barely get mine up to volume for anything incredible now I have to find doing it the next time I feel like ripping my seats out because everything‘s hidden in the truck😂❤

[@SNWxGaming]

Question. What if I'm using a Epicenter in between the Lc7i and Monoblock? Do I send the recommended voltage for only the Epicenter? And would that lower my signal output overall to sub amp instead of sending recommended output voltage to directly to the Monoblock.

[@hot99pas]

Excellent video, great job.

[@randalldowell5477]

Thank you. Best video for the loc answered all the questions i had that are very vague in the instructions

[@akqjtn]

Thanks for watching

[@paulshelley3770]

Yeah for real seriously good explanations brother very very well explained and much appreciated

[@danb1335]

This is SUCH a great video. Thank you so much.

[@tnet6969]

Followed this step by step and my system sounds great! Awesome video!!

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

One of the best step by step system tune videos on youtube thank you so much! I will subscribe. P.S. I'm 99% sure on RF amps the bass nob dose not control the gain maybe on the Prime but on the Punch and T. The bass nob it is a set 45hz DB volume adj. it IS the punch EQ! also on RF as soon as you plug in the remote bass nob it bypasses the punch EQ on the amp because you are now controlling it remotely. If it has changed that's news to me.. I have two T1500 and a bunch of punch amps new and old.

[@akqjtn]

Yeah on this amp it's a remote gain. I hate the punch bass. Thanks for the comment!

[@MachsGaming]

Great Video, so much information. I have a question though, why do quite a few people put there volume at 75%?

[@akqjtn]

75% gives you overlap and for modern head units it should be well before you start introducing distortion.

[@AlbertBernal-r6k]

Just take note if you set your EQ flat and set your target voltage it will change if you turn the bass EQ up any at same volume and will have to adjust again.

[@TheSeabeeMan]

I totally agree! I don't understand why 99% of literature and videos tell a person to zero/flatten their treble and bass settings on their head-unit only to have their set target voltage on their amps go too high because they later turned their treble and bass settings back up on their head-unit afterward??? ...then a person has to go back and lower the gain/voltage on their amps because it went way too high at that same 3/4+ volume.