New Cheap $89 Watt Meter VS $449 SMD AMM1

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[@JasonWW2000]

For anyone curious, there will be a third wattmeter on the market soon from Loud Fiat. It will be a high precision unit that is priced in between these two. His company name is LF Audio.

[@derekgardin1512]

That's who made that other thing that Parker showed in beginning of video. I think that's a voltage monitor that can show up to 4 different sources

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@derekgardin1512Yes, that's his high-precision voltmeter. He's also got some wireless bass knobs. They look like premium equipment.

[@dre_day_]

Jerry Ain't Loud got the wireless bass knob from LF Audio

[@Smokeey409]

​@@JasonWW2000He sent everyone a refund a week ago I had ordered mine since February. That probably won't be out until January the regular WVC not the pro is still over 2 months out for shipping. Don't hold your breath for LF audio one, the basshead garage one is literally eating up the market for 85$ by the time LF puts his out no one will wanna pay 200$+ for something that's probably similar in accuracy.

[@jacoblittle3209]

Hhmmmm, maybe the 200amp clamp meter limit has something to do with it not reading the higher wattage. 200amps would equal around 2400watts on a 12v system but it seems the closer you get to that max the more inaccurate it gets. Thanks for doing the test, you just saved me $90

[@MIDWAYSGREATEST]

Clamp and multimeter to see how far its off from the smd and bhg-wm

[@MrJunkman1982]

I wanted to say the same.

[@MIDWAYSGREATEST]

​@MrJunkman1982 I already have a smd and have a bhg-wm on the way. I'm just going to test them for myself

[@michaelfessenden8601]

Hell ya, old-school

[@TurboSound1983]

FLUKE for the WIN !

[@jamelljordan5206]

Please make a video when you do​@@MIDWAYSGREATEST

[@OGJD1984]

You could use a true RMS higher end fluke multimeter on the tone test so the numbers are pretty flat to see which one is more accurate. You'd also need an amp clamp for it. Take a voltage reading on the output of the amp during the test tone and a current reading with the clamp. Multiply those two numbers together to get the wattage. That's exactly what both meters are doing. They're sampling the voltage at the amp output then using a current transformer which is what an amp clamp is to sense the current. Those two numbers are multiplied together for the watt display. Watts = Volts x Amps. It's sometimes called VA instead of watts. Voltamps.

[@JasonWW2000]

And you want to make sure that you're measuring RMS voltage.

[@OGJD1984]

@@JasonWW2000 We got issued fluke 87's with amp clamps when I went to HVAC tech school. Couldn't have anyone in the lab trying to do work with a cheap meter reading wrong. The fluke 88 was the older automotive version. Either or a similar alternative should give you super accurate voltage and current readings as good as anything pro level. Good enough to compare with those lesser known meters.

[@JasonWW2000]

@@Xlongix That level of accuracy isn't necessary. Based on a lot of testing from different KZbinrs it appears that both meters do read the same when you put the BHG meter in Apparent Power mode.

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@XlongixI'm not sure how to answer your question, but Parker never put it in Apparent Power mode. He only used the default Power/Impedance mode.

[@618kustomz]

I hope to have my meter finished soon, it looks likenthe smd one, but also features an oscilloscope function built in to help set gain and visually see clipping. My meter features ohms, volts , current, wattage and o-scope. Same form factor as the smd. My goal selling price will be $100 or $40 for the material list, firmware, instructions to diy it.

[@oboe174]

You not building shit worth anything by the looks of all that cheap junk on your channel. 😂😂😂

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@oboe174What kind of comment is this? Is it a drunk post?

[@JasonWW2000]

Sounds cool.

[@JasonWW2000]

Another comparison that could be done is to set each one to the voltage and current detection. See if they show the same RMS voltage and amperage.

[@PatricksDIY]

I ordered one of these in May, Should be arriving any time now, shows shipped! I ordered this the last time I seen it in one of your videos, you mentioned it, but did not go into detail, So I looked them up and got one! Thanks Parker!

[@brianhardemon561]

Great video my guy. Love all the info you put out on your channel. BASS ON

[@ParkerTheBasshead]

Thank you!

[@michaelfessenden8601]

Sample rate and buffering will have an effect. Buffering is when they take more than 3 readings, say 5 or 10, and do the average, and that's what you see on the SMD. The other is a raw signal or 3 samples that look faster but are showing ant anomalies and noise,both can be useful .

[@fusion82]

We need a part 2, 3, 4 and more. To be continued... thanks Parker for the comparisons.

[@JasonWW2000]

I hope we get that. As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@cargatube4473]

Great video brotha I miss my system so much I’ll get another one some day

[@piptyson5512]

Hey Parker you may wanna try some rechargeable batteries to keep from having to buy new ones all the time. I switched a few years back for all the household batteries and it was so worth it.

[@BassheaDAD775]

Thanks for testing this parker! I've been following you for years now and i love how detailed you explain shit.

[@Trinidadcaraudio]

Good comparison video Parker yes we need a cheaper option than the smd so keep the comparison videos coming

[@jlee8262]

Great video, Parker! Im glad someone is at least trying to give us another option that's affordable. I feel like Steve can charge what he wants for his meter because there is no competitor pushing the price down. Im sure He will chime in and explain why his product is better.😅 i just purchased an AMM1 but if i didnt own one i would have definitely just got that little fella and been content.

[@user-eo8nm9mn4x]

I came across a previous video and ended up ordering their machete mf fight 2+2 12” that is discontinued but hits so hard..had to get something that could take the power of a 1200 w ocean audio amp I got from another KZbin channel “Wilson audio labs” the 2 together disturbs the peace amazingly thank you for turning me on to deaf bonce couldn’t be happier with the little money I spent on the sub and the sounds it produces

[@zbeasty]

Would be interesting to see how they both compare to a Term Lab given that's what's generally used for competition. I'd want to know that what I'm using to set my system up with before a comp is going to give me the same/very close to the reading I'll be held to at a comp.

[@shaunmckenzie4046]

Hopefully this new meter will also force SMD to either lower their price some or come out with a revised model that addresses the shortcomings of the current 13 year old model. Battery life, auto shut off and the software. I've always been annoyed with how you have to scroll through the entire menu to get to the dyno mode every time it auto shuts off.

[@JasonWW2000]

The SMD unit was designed for a completely different application. It's meant to be bought by a shop and then temporarily hooked up to customers vehicles. I hope they do come out with a updated version or maybe even a whole new product.👍

[@lazypilot99]

Try and change speaker wire size and or length on small meter and run test again

[@devencherry8976]

Ive already been waiting on one of these basshead garage wattmeters.. wish they were more readily available.. seems like a great product

[@RomaVilla]

I’ve been waiting too, never in stock apparently

[@JasonWW2000]

Big Jeff has said that he will start carrying these within the next week or so.

[@1ohmwrecker]

I bought it like a month ago on pre-order. I forgot lol, it should be coming any day now. Thanks for reminding me!

[@DarrinLintz710]

They come from Croatia. Shipping takes forever

[@1ohmwrecker]

@@DarrinLintz710 I got a notification this morning that it's out for delivery 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@DarrinLintz710]

@@1ohmwrecker That's bad ass bro. Report back later and tell of you got it or not.

[@1ohmwrecker]

@@DarrinLintz710 will do! 👍 I'll probably post a video bout it.

[@DarrinLintz710]

@1ohmwrecker what amp are you going to be putting it on? I had one on a salt 6 wired to .5 and I could barley crack 3500.

[@markwentz8332]

i would try swapping the positions of the two sensors, put the amm-1 in front of the other meter and retest just to see if the higher amm-1 reading stay that way

[@JasonWW2000]

Maybe also move the clamp meters further apart just in case they are interfering with each other.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@kitcat2559]

The AMM-1 has a slower refresh rate display than the other meter does that's why its slower to update

[@Cwrigh25]

Hey Parker, if you were going to run a single X-SERIES 12" in a car with a 90amp alternator what would you do for the power setup? Daily driving no competitions.

[@BassAddict91]

Man these things sold out instantly 😂😂. I’m waiting for the next batch

[@Brandencarroll1]

Looks like a pretty big difference to me. SMD really needs to work on an updated meter though with a better display and improved battery consumption, or make it rechargeable?

[@rland1972]

I have both meters and been dying to do a comparison. One thing I don’t like is the and meter has a timer and shuts off to save battery. So while I’m playing it goes off and now I got to turn it back on go through the settings to get dyno and start testing again. Watt meter stays on the whole time.

[@JasonWW2000]

The SMD meter was designed for a shop to use while the bhg meter is designed to be permanently mounted in a vehicle. So very different use case scenarios. If you do a comparison try putting the bhg meter in apparent power mode. I think the power factor is influencing things at higher wattages.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. I hope you try this comparison.

[@jdipo16]

Can you try this test on a resistive load? Wondering if the power factor was taken account for on either either meter for the Real power. Putting them on resistive load should bring the power factor to 1 and essentially take any reactive power out of the Real watts equation

[@brendangardner7639]

I have always suspected that the smd have read high I think the new one more accurately reads

[@BlueTegu360]

I bought an AMM1 this year and it was so inaccurate I thought it was faulty and sent it back, they replaced it with one that was "freshly calibrated" and it still read nearly 10% higher than my fluke clamp and the local shops termlab setup. I think most SMD tools are way overrated and only popular because they're dummy proof.

[@BDauto86]

Absolutely

[@derekgardin1512]

​@BlueTegu360 they read high on purpose to keep people on the safer side of things. Blowing gear while using their expensive (wildly overpriced imo) meters would t look good. Those things cost under 75 bucks to make. Same case on all the different meters, very simple circuits inside. Markup is huge.

[@guypatts494]

How accurate is it

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@derekgardin1512You have to look at the total cost, not just the price of the components. I'm talking engineering time, testing time, prototyping, labor costs, overhead, etc... plus I'm sure Tony and Steve get a cut of the profits. So yeah, they may actually need to charge $450 for it to be worth while for them to even make it.

[@Izakp]

Hey Parker I need your opinion. Do you think the audiopipe bdc5 is better than the bdc4? I realized the excursion looks unlinear on the bdc5 once it starts to move a lot. After breaking it in was it better?

[@joescott5558]

Would have liked to see more testing with the bigger amp, it seemed the more power u sent to the sub the further off the 2 read

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, the mood that Parker had it in seems to be doing wrong calculations. If the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@RyanBassForLife]

I like that there is a cheaper alternative to the SMD meter. Hay anyone that wants affordable loudspeakers than ✔️out the $35 6.5" Resilient Sounds 250rms watt loudspeakers with a high 98db sensitivity rating. IT MIGHT BE THE BEST LOUDEST 6.5" SPEAKER EVER.

[@Chip-Monk]

for $450 it's got some _.13¢ 1970's - 1980's_ battery compartment 9volt. It should be lithium rechargeable.

[@jtbuilds9176]

Many reasons why I wont buy the SMD, for starters you nailed it. Why spentld that much money to not have modern tech in the smd. One could build a lithium pack for it and wire it into the smd but jeez.

[@mcf3778]

how does fluke do their batteries

[@derekgardin1512]

They do the battery for a reason at least on the DD1. They made it battery powered so it was self powered and didn't have to be wired into something which could sway readings. Also, you swap the battery in 20 seconds and are back going again. If it was a rechargeable Lithium battery you'd have to wait an hour if it died while using it. I got my DD1 for $75 and was brand new. Guy had bought 2 and never used the second one. I'd never have bought ar full price. And $450 for that one in video is ridiculous. No way in hell it cost more than $75 to make.

[@jtbuilds9176]

@derekgardin1512 So one could not use a rechargeable lithium that is cartridge style to the likings of a 18650 battery? I'm lost still on your reasoning.

[@jtbuilds9176]

@derekgardin1512 Also I have searched high and low and the cheapest used one I have found so far is $380.

[@TrenchWalker-er3mg]

AC Volt⚡ and Amps are measured coming out of the amp..thats how it can do up to 20000 watts .figured id chime in since there appears to be alot of people that dont seem to be able to comprehend that by viewing the speaker wire running to the little meter that could😒

[@robsolf]

Thanks, Parker! Do either of these have a "freeze at highest value" setting?

[@JasonWW2000]

They both do.

[@user-bw3ng6kx6u]

sine wave burst will show any issues such as its accuracy next to the AMM-1

[@Morteexx]

Could you not hook up a clamp meter and a voltmeter and calculate, and see if its almost match up with one of them?, Or im wrong for thinking that?

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, but Parker is not an electronics engineer. He's not familiar with the details of how it works. Both meters can be put into a mode that show the voltage and amperage. I'd start there and see if they are different.

[@JasonWW2000]

Subs and Paws recently did their own comparison video. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So they both appear to be accurate.

[@Haileys8Commet]

I think you should use the new one from now on. I knew something was up with the amount of power way over max it was reading in sub test

[@justkiddin1980]

Yeah that smd unit is years old and took years of abuse in his car…That thing needs to be calibrated that’s all

[@Chip-Monk]

Great video to make

[@carboncitizen69]

This is awesome!! Keep it up mane🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@Toddsnightmare]

Maybe the difference comes from the smd having it clamp internal and the other one has a long length of wire its running thru

[@ParkerTheBasshead]

Possibly!

[@HashDogg06]

Still needs to be accurate though. It looks like they either haven't calibrated it correctly or haven't done enough testing before putting it to market or the worst outcome SMD meter has been lying to us for the passed 10+ years, not sure how we would have missed that.

[@thedoujinguynico7315]

How do you protect your ears? Or do you just not protect your hearing

[@jo3rdchannel940]

Have U thought about getting 9v rechargeable batteries?

[@SebastianS13bastian]

U said 200 amps and 20,000 watt that math isn't mathing at all!?!?!?!?

[@Widowmaker2828]

@@SebastianS13bastian The meter measures the amplifier's AC output voltage, so yes ~20,000 watts measuring capability is correct.

[@JasonWW2000]

It's 200 amps at 100 volts AC RMS.

[@SebastianS13bastian]

@JasonWW2000 from what I've seen from the video, it doesn't read properly over 200 amps 2,000 watt, and I'm kinda new at this, but I understand basic math. 200 amps is around 2,000 watts... Idk why 100 volts are coming up with 14-16 volt cars!?!? Please teach me!

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@SebastianS13bastian Wattage is Amps x Volts You may have heard people say they use dummy math to guess at an amplifiers output. They take the 200 amp DC input measurement and multiply that times voltage (which might be 13 Volt) and then multiply the results times 0.8 for a Class D amp to account for the efficiency loss. So 200 x 13 x 0.8 = 2,080 watts. A Class A/B amp will be lower efficiency so I'd use 0.6. That's just a rough guideline. This device is measuring what comes OUT of the amplifier to the speaker. It is AC voltage, alternating current. Not DC like from a car battery. All music signals are alternating current. The job of the amplifier is to take DC power from the battery and then convert it to a higher voltage AC signal. Some common AC voltages would be what comes out of a head unit, like 8 volts RMS at 4 ohm which is about 15 watts. A 400 W amp at 4 Ohms might be outputting 40 volts ac. A 1000 W amp at 4 ohm might be putting out 63 volts ac. A 4000 watt amp at 4 ohm might be putting out 126 V AC. If it's a lower ohm load then the voltage will be less. I hope that makes sense.

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@SebastianS13bastianMost amplifiers use a transformer (some use a boost converter) to raise the cars 12v to the higher voltage. For high powered audio you need high voltage AC. A big amp might output 100v AC, but its amperage is way lower. So if an amp is outputting 2,000 watts you might measure 100v AC and 20 amps.

[@sendit2873]

meters need to be calibrated often if you have used the smd for a long time I would say it needs to get recalibrated I have to get my work meters done every year in your case the bass could be causing it to change a bit over time

[@justkiddin1980]

Don’t forget that meter had to endure years of bass hooked up in his car…That environment is never good for any measuring equipment

[@JasonWW2000]

It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So I don't think Parker's SMD meter is out of calibration.

[@lilh138]

Damm just checked the link and it’s totally sold out! Guess I’ll stick to my AMM-1 until they restock. Thanks for the info.

[@thedoujinguynico7315]

What amp should I use to power 2 def bounce apocalypse Arnold's 300 watt in parallel

[@SegregatedZebra]

Parker is it possible for you to review a 12 inch orion HCCA 1splx im on the fence and dont know if i should buy

[@too_tanned919]

Nice video. I think you should switch the position of the two meters, and see if that changed the reading of such a big difference over 1k watts

[@derekgardin1512]

Shouldn't make a diff. They are just reading power through the wire not absorbing any of it. If that was the case the SMD would be reading less. I think SMD purposely reads high to keep people on safer side of things so they're not blowing gear while using these pricy meters. Wouldn't be a good look

[@too_tanned919]

@@derekgardin1512oh I’m aware. It’s still nice to show for those who don’t believe the “what if”

[@SlamryCamry19]

That's a major difference between the two readings especially when they are showing 1000w on the BG meter and 2000w on the SMD that kinda difference could blow subs if you're not careful really glad you did this test and I really hope someone digs deeper into this I ordered this so I could keep an eye on my new Tyrant 15 rated for 5K RMS I figured being inexperienced I could watch the meter and know when to back off as to not push the sub to far but now I'm concerned that I will be pushing to much and not realize it

[@derekgardin1512]

Just set your gain with a DD1 or an Oscilloscope or a multimeter with the voltage method if you don't have either of the others. Oscilloscope can be had for $100 or so for a decent one

[@SlamryCamry19]

@@derekgardin1512 that's not the issue my gain is set perfectly cross checked with a DD-1 and Multi meter I'm talking about after everything is hooked up you have your wattage meter on the dash at the show and you turn your gain up looking for a certain number Hypothetically speaking say 5000 watts pushed to a single 15 so you adjust while watching the wattage/impedance meter and whether you are using one or the other with that much of a wattage difference you would either be doing one or the other pushing to much or to little to the sub depending on which one is off on the reading that is why I said someone should look into it more because day I have the basshead garage wattage meter which is the one I ordered and I adjust the gain knob on the dash for the amp and it shows I'm pushing 4k but where the SMD would show 5k+ which is correct should I give it more or back off the difference was enough to warrant discretion until this is figured out how could I go about cross checking it with a multi meter and clamp meter to see if wattage meter is off and if so by how much

[@KickTheTiresAndLightTheFires]

@@SlamryCamry19 Number 1 rule dont clip! Your subs can take more than rated power anyway most of the time if your not clipping. Get a clamp meter and a Voltage meter and test your max output the old school way. 50hz test tone turn head unit to clipping and adjust your amps to the desired output or turn them up until clipping then back off until you find the sweet spot. Some songs could still play a certain tone or play a tone for a certain amount of time that could damage subs but thats what the clip lights for, you will know when you have gone beyond what you tuned it at becouse of the clip light.

[@JasonWW2000]

People have been running high-powered systems for decades and never had these meters. You can rely on the smell of the voicr coils to know when they're getting really hot. Creep up on the higher volumes. Make sure your sub isn't bottoming out. Put a DC clamp meter on the amplifier power cable to measure how much amperage it's drawing then subtract a certain percentage to calculate for efficiency.

[@SlamryCamry19]

@@JasonWW2000 I will try this once I get the Tyrant broke in

[@jamiesmith4041]

Can you do a test with some shallow mount 12” subs I’m trying to find the me more than 350 watts to go into my small 1992 Nissan truck behind the seat. I have a Rockford fosgate 12” r2 but it’s maxed out and it just isn’t enough. I’d like one close to 1000 watt rms if they make one

[@Mark_5150]

Kind of inconclusive. Which one is accurate?

[@MrJunkman1982]

There's defiantly a reason why the two read different, thanks for the testing, need to try this on other amps

[@derekgardin1512]

I think the SMD purposely reads higher to keep you on safer side of things maybe.

[@onesikm3]

@@derekgardin1512or they want users to think they are getting more power than they are lol

[@KickTheTiresAndLightTheFires]

@@derekgardin1512 its a voltage meter not a safety meter! If its reading wrong its tuned wrong broke or built wrong.

[@KickTheTiresAndLightTheFires]

@@onesikm3 that makes no since guy its a multimeter its supposed to be accurate

[@justkiddin1980]

Years of bass abuse in his car is absolutely bad for that meter

[@Wobochacha]

Should do same tests twice change the position of devices to a set point on the power wire as that could change.

[@JasonWW2000]

It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So the position of the sensors doesn't really affect it.

[@deasnutz9965]

Parker , This is by far your greatest video of ALL TIME !! When I see you at a show . Remind me ! I will give you something audio related for FREE !!! 😎😎👍👍👍

[@bryanmeier272xp8]

heck ya sometimes you just gotta prove it lol

[@MatthewGuynn-ki8rn]

Hell yeah. Solid man ! Much like myself I'll put my money where my mouth is🤘🤝

[@user-bt8un4sq8n]

You been telling them

[@jeanious2009]

Hmmmmm how far off is the 5k dyno meter

[@TonyInvents]

Just taking a quick tour of the comment section and wanted to add something for those of us that like to recite Ohm's law. Volts X Amps = Watts.

[@danielsilverio6014]

can you do a video on the taramps 9k chipeo

[@ayeajjj]

I ordered on May 22, emailed about my order on June 30, they replied and said all preorders are gonna be shipped within 10 days!👍🏽

[@DarrinLintz710]

They come from Croatia. Expect a 2-month delivery time. I got the first batch and it took about that

[@madflaahavoc9392]

I ordered mine on May 27th. I can’t wait to get it.

[@jonathanterry5156]

Ordered mime bout the same time. He told me they ship out July 10th. So 2 more days. Hopefully, it doesn't take a year to make it here, lol.

[@BamBamMotorsports]

Mine arrived yesterday

[@JasonWW2000]

Big Jeff has said that he expects to be selling these within the next week or two.

[@down2earth838]

If somebody can count how many times he says guys maybe he will give you guys a free unit 😂

[@deasnutz9965]

Now watch the 400 00 unit come down to 29.00 which is probably the cost of it. 😂😂😂😂😂 Facebook market place is gonna be overwhelmed.

[@JasonWW2000]

Never going to happen, these two meters don't even compete against one another.

[@JasonWW2000]

Subs & Paws just did a comparison video. If the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@courijones1317]

This was awesome to see Parker! Thanks for sharing and keeping us informed. Too bad BHG is currently "Sold Out" of the meter...I'll be ordering one immediately! SMD should really take a look at this and respond. Their prices are ridiculously high and apparently not even accurate. Interesting.

[@JasonWW2000]

These meters are aimed at two entirely different situations. The SMD meter is meant to be used at a shop and temporarily connected to lots of vehicles. Being a sharp tool and used so often it will pay for itself quickly. The BHG is designed for the customer and is meant to be permanently mounted in the vehicle. There's a certain amount of overlap, but I don't think SMD has to respond to anything.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@michaellarcom]

How can you figure out which one is really put out the correct numbers?.

[@JasonWW2000]

You can verify both meters by using a stand-alone digital multimeter and clamp style ammeter. As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@stevey4019]

The inconsistency may be because you’re using the same power to power the amplifier that you’re using to power the meter if the voltage drops there, it may not be as accurate since there is an external power supply in the SMD it won’t have an effect on the outcome of the reading

[@JasonWW2000]

The BHG is designed to operate over a wide range of voltages so that should not be an issue.

[@nvmyutube]

@@JasonWW2000 100% i would expect they use some form of maybe buck/boost converter to regulate it, therefor input voltage fluctuations would have zero effect.

[@JasonWW2000]

I think we've figured out what the inconsistency is. Subs and Paws did their own comparison video. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@rickyjackson5160]

Do it one by one because you may be searching the power that's why it's doing it got a power surge

[@craigsetlock6164]

Ive had the BHG v1 meter for a few months and feel like it reads low. Just 1 watt seems loud, highest reading I got was 3035w and my 6 w7 12s were at peak excursion.

[@JasonWW2000]

Perhaps the apparent power mode is the more accurate one?

[@DarrinLintz710]

I feel like it reads low too. If it's accurate my 2 Xv3 12s pound on 400 watts. I also had to really push it for my meter to go above 3000. Mine is hooked up to a salt 6 wired to .5 and rising to 1.5. The best I seen was 3500.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@SlamryCamry19]

Apparently after researching it the BHG wattage meter only has a 100-200 amp sensor depending on what model you have meaning correct me if im wrong it can't read anything more than a 2k setup accurately and possibly not even a 2k if you are going to be burping or trying to hit a number you could definitely go over 200 amps and would get a bad reading so I am assuming it is accurate for up to the 200 amp mark and then well it can't read past that

[@user-xo3ue2mb3i]

Not correct. Voltage x amperage. Voltage is always the higher number. For example 200v and 10 amps would be 2k watts. Now if you were doing 200v and 200amps you would be doing 40k

[@SlamryCamry19]

@@user-xo3ue2mb3i yeah that's not correct nobody is running a 2k with 10 amps of current if that were the case nobody would need a high output alternator you can literally Google it I guess Google is wrong to either way the meter is off and doesn't have a large enough current sensor to read correctly I guess you're going to say all the videos already out on the matter literally saying exactly what I am telling you are wrong to trust me I want it to be accurate I'm literally waiting for it to be shipped to my house but it's NOT at least not accurate for a large system the current sensor is to small

[@user-xo3ue2mb3i]

@@SlamryCamry19 the numbers were an example not real. My personal system in testing a while back was 192v 55amps roughly. That's about 10.5k. I do comps so I use laptop to monitor mine. But to be clear the watt meter in the video isn't reading right. But the amperage rating on the device is correct. Most people aren't pushing 200amps. Also the amperage you read with clamps isn't alternator amperage. My amp pushing that 55amps was actually drawing about 900 amps. That's the point of lithium.

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@user-xo3ue2mb3i It seems the BHG meter when put in Apparent Power mode will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@miki476]

Can we not do the same with multimeter?if we can check dc power draw and amperage it's easy to calculate. My amp with current gain settings draw 32amps and alternator is pushing 14v when heavy bass kicks in at full volume. That's gives me 448watts - efficiency loss =358 watts rms. I have gain set to little over 26volt at 2ohms which gives exactly that amount

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, you can use those individual tools. What you're not understanding is the application for these two meters. The SMD is designed to be used by a shop to be temporarily hooked up and do a variety of functions. The BHG is designed to be permanently installed in a vehicle and show real-time power.

[@quagmire94]

Do you know if this device is WAterproof , or humidity proof ? i run into the issue with things like this where it gets humidity damage over the years.

[@quagmire94]

and with the SMD meter showing 2k watts with it clipping, ITs most likely a defective meter unable to read voltage properly

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. I can't comment on its waterproofing. As long as it's mounted inside your vehicle it should last about as long as any other electronic device.

[@streetkillkla4124]

i just wanted to say that i personally like soundigital amps and u should try them as welll

[@crandallexpo0648]

Most likely because the smd meter runs on a battery power where as that new device runs with actual car power which makes it get faster reaction times etc etc

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@abysspegasusgaming]

It appears that the SMD meter uses a VFD (vacuum florescent display) which could be why your 9V batteries are getting drained so quickly. Option for that is an external "battery" with a 9V voltage regulator circuit that can use the existing 12-13.8V from the power lead. A bit of a thing to have dangling from the unit but should provide constant power without wasting money on batteries, especially since they are getting expensive.

[@JasonWW2000]

People have built lithium-based battery packs that fit into the stock battery compartment.

[@HashDogg06]

@@JasonWW2000 You can literally buy lithium 9 volt rechargeable batteries, all Parker needs is to buy a few & have them charged ready to go. Best thing is that they are almost the same price as a good standard 9v yet can be charged 100's of times, you do the math.

[@jimmybarrett-sw8vt]

Hey Parker would love to see you test a audio dynamics ad2212d4 sub

[@bubbawubba2307]

get a fluke multimeter to measure accurately. I think the smaller one is probably off. I know when batteries get low they will throw off some weird readings. So that was normal with the SMD when the battery was about dead

[@JasonWW2000]

Subs and Paws just did their own comparison video. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@fortyfukinseven]

Holler at Big D, have him run it vs the amp dyno to see which is more accurate. I imagine the SMD products will be accurate between themselves.

[@FuckYouTubeCensorship2024]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, Steve Meade just did this test and showed both the big and little dyno testers measure the same. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@kxraidex5477]

another possible reason, using like 14 or 16 gauge speaker wire trying to pull 1k+ watts, that little wire is gna burn up. the amm-1 has 8 gauge going through it and therefore shows more power.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@OGJD1984]

Only 9v battery powered on the SMD? They really need to step up their game and add a decent rechargable you can use a USB C and a battery bank with. Most old school electrical meters use a 9v battery for power but they last years on just that battery often.

[@justkiddin1980]

Yeah so that you can throw away the unit when the battery goes bad…They can make it less power hungry and more efficient so that same 9 volt battery lasts longer

[@OGJD1984]

@@justkiddin1980 It doesn't have to be designed like an iphone. You can make a rechargeable battery replaceable.

[@justkiddin1980]

@@OGJD1984 Problem is you have to support it as a company…What better way then just make the thing more than efficient and just keep working with 9 volt batteries…99,9% of people only use this incedently

[@dead6last]

i was looking at the LF meter was wondering how it would do

[@LoudFiat]

It's coming, significantly different internal technology.

[@JasonWW2000]

It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. LF, does your meter have a frequency limit? The BHG meter is only rated up to 100 HZ. It would be nice to have a meter that could read much higher frequencies. I want to see how much power my tweeters are actually taking. Lol

[@LoudFiat]

@@JasonWW2000 the goal with the HPPM is full 5hz-20khz

[@BassNettwerk]

Definitely cool that you can dash mount and monitor ....appreciate the test...I'm sold. I want one! 😁

[@RomaVilla]

Been sold out for months now, I’ve been waiting for them to come into stock again and have yet to catch them on stock.

[@slowbrezze]

yeah and save 300$​@@RomaVilla

[@JasonWW2000]

Big Jeff has said that he's going to be selling these soon. Maybe in a week or so. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@jgarcia690]

Dang those battery terminals are way to close for my sanity

[@JasonWW2000]

Yeah, he needs a piece of ABS plastic or something to stick in between them so they don't accidentally rotate and touch.

[@trx450kid]

Can you make a new video showing the smd meter peaking and the bhg meter showing voltage and amperage at a constant tone. It will tell if the meter is accurate by the math of volts times amps. If thats right than the wattage programming is wrong. It should show the proper watt reading if the voltage and amperage are read accurately.

[@JasonWW2000]

Both meters have a display mode that shows volts and amps. He could use a Multimeter and clamp and verify the measurements.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@AceMcClaud]

The key is the Power Factor... The BHG meter is calculated this, the SMD AMM is did not (?) The math is simple, Volts X Amps X Power Factor equals real Watts, at 11:46 shows the Power Factor that i say. In the perfect system, the Power Factor is 1. But the reality is, 0,85-0,95 is good value. Example: 10 volt X 10 amps is 100 watts, when the Power Factor is 1 in the AC system, but 10 volt X 10 amps X 0,6 PF is 60 watts. That is the truth, that is the different in the two meters.

[@JasonWW2000]

The power factor is something that was not mentioned in the video and I'd like to learn more about it. Both meters can show the power factor. I notice that my bhg meter does show higher apparent power compared to the regular power level. Maybe Parker needs to set the bhg meter to apparent power and then compare it to the SMD meter?

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@BentonL]

Appears the little one is reading about 10% lower than the SMD one. Might be a way to calibrate it. I was gonna buy one anyways but they are sold out already.

[@SuperMidgetPro]

they run production batches and do it as a "presale" setup so once enough orders are taken they close it until those can be filled. Sales will open up for another round soon i'd bet.

[@JasonWW2000]

Big Jeff has said that he will start carrying this within the next week or two. Also, It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So they both appear to be accurate.

[@eighty3boxchevy]

So how we know which one tells the true reading now

[@icebreaker2k3]

I have seen a lot of weird numbers from the SMD amm-1 that doesent add up, so I don't trust it, I use my term-lab with clamp, but I am going to buy the bhg meter when it's in stock and see 🤗 but Great video man! You do a lot of cool stuff 🤗

[@oboe174]

No you haven’t 😂

[@icebreaker2k3]

@@oboe174 yes i have 😂

[@hertzsogood833]

Compare both to a termlab please!

[@BentonL]

When you consider the SMD jumped up in price to almost $500 this dont seem like a bad deal. Thanks for sharing a brand I have not discovered, and for what this does I would consider buying this over the SMD any day based on all it does. I cant justify spending $500 on a multimeter when my fluke only cost $60.

[@shaunmckenzie4046]

@@BentonL no Fluke has a dyno mode especially not any low end $60 Fluke. the AMM-1 has been $450 since i got mine several years ago. That being said I'll be buying one of these new meters as soon as they are back in stock.

[@BentonL]

@@shaunmckenzie4046 The point is, it has more functions and is about as complicated as the AMM-1. Its marketing. The fan bois will always say the same sht weather it is apple or a tesla unless their beloved leader announces their political affiliation then all in the sudden they change their minds... Musk could do no wrong until he made that announcement.

[@JasonWW2000]

Both meters are aimed at different types of customers. As an update, It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@DavidMiOo]

One meter stayed pretty linear while the other started pulling numbers from thin air. What's really interesting is the delay on the SMD would indicate more samples taken during polling, which would generally indicate smoothing or averaging those numbers but based on this it's obvious it's only taking the max value during that polling period while the newcomer is somehow taking more samples in a shorter time and using a better algorithm to average them and more importantly, likely disregarding any anomolies in the sample set before calculating the average. Overall it would appear one is calculating the Mean vs. Median average.

[@JasonWW2000]

I would definitely like to see more testing. Perhaps both meters could be put in the mode that shows the voltage and amperage so we can directly compare what they are measuring.

[@imfrom210texas]

@David, you tbuas a half gher refresh rate. It's that simple, not all that other stuff you made up. "Out of thin air" 😂😂

[@neilholland4427]

I agree!

[@JasonWW2000]

Subs and Paws has just done their own comparison video. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@DavidMiOo]

@@imfrom210texas I assure you I'm not making up common algorithms used everyday in software design. Hell even Photoshop uses these algorithms when combining images in various ways. Mean, median, Max, min, they are all methods of taking a sample from multiple sources and which samples to choose. These will vary depending on the number of samples in the set as well. Mean and median can net the same result with 2 values but at 3 or more the results will differ. I mean this is stuff you would even need to figure out if running it on an Arduino. Higher level languages may have this functionality built in, but talk about a performance hit compared to something closer to the hardware level sheesh.

[@us3ful994]

The differences in readings could largely stem from the use of not only smaller gauge wire on the $89 meter, but perhaps the fact that you're also using CCA wire for it.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@murrayshekelberg9754]

I wonder if one meter is consuming enough power to effect the readout of the other, observations themselves impact behavior

[@derekgardin1512]

I doubt it. It's not consuming power from the wire passing through it just reading how much is there. He could easily run another test with them flipped around (smd first, bhg second) and I'm sure the result will be same. Certainly odd but I think maybe the SMD purposely reads high to keep people on the safer side of things. People blowing gear while using these pricy products from smd/damore wouldn't be a good look or much of a selling point lol.

[@NickMillerlouisiana]

i wonder if if the SMD AMM1 is just showing a simple VA reading as watts with out calculating power factor. that would explain it reading high. try testing again with the $89 meter set on VA and see if it reads what the AMM1 does. if it does then the AMM1 is just showing simple volts X amps = VA... true watts is calculated VA x power factor = true watts which will be a lil lower than apparent power VA. the coil of the subwoofer load reflects power back at the amp thus not absorbing 100% of the power delivered by the amplifier hence the source and cause of a power factor which will make it appear to show slightly less power than just a volts X amps reading. I don't own an AMM1 so I don't know what it does as far as readings. but i do know a good watt meter will calculate the true wattage based on a power factor. just my 2 cents

[@JasonWW2000]

If you put the BHG meter in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD.

[@NickMillerlouisiana]

@@JasonWW2000 kinda figured that was the case thanks for the info on it

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, most of these testers don't understand the modes. I don't have an amm-1, but it seems like most of it's modes do not include the power factor. This causes it to read higher than the BHG, but if put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same. I've seen them both match power wise up to 1400 watts. I assume they will continue to match each other as power increases. The AMM-1 does act goofy when it clips and might also have issues with full bridge amps. I'm also not sure why it sometimes does these huge jumps in power. More research needs to be done on that.

[@jvsyoutube3298]

i would guess the smd meter is calibrated, and the 3d-printed one is not..

[@ChristianSt.Hilaire]

can you reveiw the audiobahn immortal sub?

[@MikeAnnunziato]

That sub is 20 years old and super rare

[@evilinside5984]

@ParkerTheBasshead, and to ALL whom may be interested- The Bass Head Garage watt meter seems to have a higher refresh rate. This is usually found on a higher quality device/product, so it is surprising to me for the $. The Amm-1 has shown to have issues with being consistent. The SMD Amp Dyno that costs over 3k, seems Legit, and very consistant, but its over 3 Grand, and NOT portable. The AMM-1 has shown ( Verified 3k amps- As tested on the over $3,000.00 SMD Amp Dyno ), doing 9k= not possible. I think this Bass Head Garage Watt Meter is more accurate vs the Amm-1, imo, just purely based off of this video, showing a faster refresh rate, and more linear when the Big Boss 3k Bass amp started clipping, and parker said he barely turned the Bass knob, or volume up, and the Amm-1 was showing 2,000 watts vs the Bass Head Garages Watt Meter showing 800 watts, and for $85= Awesome!

[@HashDogg06]

Maybe faster however not accurate from what i am seeing here. Amm-1 has proven to be accurate on both the SMD Dyno & Termlab. You can't say the BHG meter is more accurate when the wattage is a thousand less watts while holding a test tone, basically what you're saying is that Taramps 3k is only good for 1000w at 2.5 ohm which is not true.

[@evilinside5984]

@@HashDogg06 -You should know that just because the meter showed 1,000 Watts @ 2.5 ohms, does not mean that the volume was maxed out. The Amm-1 throws crazy high power readouts from time to time. Usually when it malfunctions, and shows .1/ a tenth of an ohm. This has happened on different Amm-1s, on multiple youtube channels. Also the Amm-1 seemed to read too high when the Taramps amplifier started clipping. The Big $3,000 SMD Amp Dyno, doesn't have this issue.

[@HashDogg06]

@@evilinside5984 That could be the case but he did say he was going to clipping, he then tried it on a different amp which i took as that the Taramps had no more in it. Those amps have been tested on the SMD dyno so you know what it does on what ohm. This is the reason i believe that new meter is the inaccurate one. Also Parker should have set the Amm-1 to dyno mode as it should only display max power before clipping & read no higher. Either way there needs to be a lot more thorough testing before i consider one.

[@evilinside5984]

@@HashDogg06 - Yes i agree, more testing. The best test i thought of= put an Amp Clamp meter around the Amplifiers 0 Ga. Power Inputs, while the 2 meters are showing the power readouts. As actual power made= Actual Amperage Pulled through the tested Amplifiers Power Inputs! Example: If 200 amps were pulled @ max, and voltage sagged down to 13 volts, and amp eff. was 70%, then what ever Wattage readout was closest to 200 A x 13 V x 70% amp. Eff., would be the more accurate Meter.

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@HashDogg06 Subs and Paws just did their own comparison video. It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So they both seem accurate.

[@SlamryCamry19]

I'm waiting for this to come in I ordered it over 2 months ago and emailed several times with no response seems like I can't get anyone in the car audio field to complete an order on time

[@llbigdn757]

@SlamryCamery I'm not a spokesman for BHG or anything, but I ordered mine around the same time with the pre-orders. On their Facebook page, it said they ship out next week. Don't quote me on this one, but I thought I saw something that said they ship out by the 10th of July.

[@vinbeyers]

Same boat orderd mine in May when they said in stock, but ended up pre-order after purchase. Haven't heard anything from them since

[@Smokeey409]

I ordered my second one at same time. The one that's coming I'm going to make a handheld unit like the amm-1 and will sell on bassheads on a budget group when done

[@SlamryCamry19]

@@Smokeey409 how long does it take to receive it it's almost double the estimated shipping time already

[@KickTheTiresAndLightTheFires]

Why would you want one when the SMD reads double when its clipping? Be sure to tell us if your system blew because you trusted a cheap knockoff of a known good product.

[@BaddDukk]

Thank you for the effort but without a control meter, it is impossible to determine which meter is closer to accurate. All you showed is that they are different.

[@JasonWW2000]

As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@Kris-vz1ly]

That’s nice but SMD is the king glad to see someone finally come out with something affordable for everyone

[@matthewingram2894]

Can you send me the link to that for can get the small one not the SMD

[@ParkerTheBasshead]

Link is in the description! I think it is currently sold out but he should have more on the way soon

[@matthewingram2894]

Thank you I am working on a big build. Need to know where my and rise is.

[@matthewingram2894]

Working on a big bill, trying to see where my impedance rise is

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@matthewingram2894Same here. I'm wired to 1 ohm and I assumed my impedance rise would be around 1.8 to 2 ohm at least. I had a couple of amps that would give me 3K at 2 ohm. Things to this meter I see my impedance rise only goes up to 1.3 so I had to change my amplifier plans.

[@JasonWW2000]

Sign up for the notification and put their email on the safe senders list so it doesn't go to the spam folder. That's what happened to me so I had to wait for the next batch.

[@basscaddy1449]

When will they be selling them again it was sold out last week when i looked

[@ParkerTheBasshead]

They posted on FB that they had more coming in soon I believe

[@JasonWW2000]

Sign up to get the email notification and try to put their email address into your safe senders list so it doesn't get sent to the spam folder.

[@RomaVilla]

@@JasonWW2000i signed up 2 months ago and haven’t received 1 email from them

[@JasonWW2000]

Big Jeff has said that he will start carrying these within the next week or two.

[@bulltattoo8962]

Very nice meter, very cool. But if its not accurate its worthless. What good is a watch that tells you the wrong time.

[@JasonWW2000]

Which one do you think is not accurate, and why?

[@JasonWW2000]

Just as an update, It turns out that if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter. So they both appear to be accurate.

[@PoXFreak]

Compelling video, but accuracy is key here. An accurate voltage and amperage meter with a clean sine wave on the input can be used to compare the two. Nothing against Steve, but if this thing is inaccurate, it brings into question the accuracy of the actual amp dyno.

[@JasonWW2000]

I think the SMD is accurate. As an update, if the BHG meter is put in Apparent Power mode it will read the same as the SMD meter.

[@KRAZYSHAWNJ]

What can I use to check the radio head unit clip volume? Also same to use to set the gains to not clip on amplifiers? I don’t have Steve Meade type $$

[@miki476]

For head unit play something like 50hz test tone on your mids and at clipping point tweeters will start to sound weird, you will hear that. Like a metallic distortion. To setup gains properly you can use online calculators and multimeter.

[@JasonWW2000]

A $65 oscope.

[@KRAZYSHAWNJ]

@@JasonWW2000 any particular model or link to one you recommend 🤷‍♂️ thanks

[@JasonWW2000]

​@KRAZYSHAWNJ For car audio you don't need anything fancy. I just picked up a Fnirsi DSO-TC3, but there are other, similar models. This one has a one touch auto setting so it finds and adjusts the screen to your signal. It's battery powered with rechargeable cell. For car audio you wany an x10 probe. This allows a 40v rated scope to measure up to 400v. This will handle almost all amplifiers. You also want to make sure it can calculate and display the volts rms on the screen. This is handy. Otherwise you'd need to attach a digital multimeter at the same time and look at both devices. That's a pain.