PREVENT CLIPPING! Set AMP GAINS like a Pro! New SMD "Distortion Detector" - Coming SOON!

Ever wonder how to set your amp gains properly? Do you just turn them up till its loud enough for you and call it done? Do you turn them up all the way...... or do you tell your boys "my amp is ONLY up 1/4 of the way"? If you want to set them properly then the only true way to do it previously, is to us an Oscilloscope or "O-Scope" to detect a clipped signal. Well now you have a cheaper yet very accurate alternative, the SMD Distortion Listener (no official name yet). This was developed for and with SMD by Tony of D'amore Engineering and our other partner and electronic guru Juan. It was developed for those who dont have access to an O-Scope or even if they did, they might not understand how to use one. This is a pretty fool proof way to do it, without the scope. Put it this way, this device might not just force you to turn your gain down, in some cases you might have left some of your power "on the table" and werent taking advantage of it.
Use tracks ranging from 0db to -10 db (included on the disc) to set your gain overlaps according to the way you play your system. Detailed instructions will be included of course and i promise you this is EASY.
Stay tuned to my channel, there will be updates on availability soon as well as another cool little device i plan on showing.
Check out my website www.SteveMeadeD... and join today!!
also, hit up my facebook page @ / 59127968198

[@meade916]

@joblo1978 a gain knob is NOT a volume knob. That is the FIRST thing you learn when installing amps properly.

[@BIGRALPH2011]

meade916 how do you set the gains, if you have an equalizer also, hooked in to tour sound system?

[@joshua199628]

BIGRALPH2011 take off eq and set gains and then set up eq again

[@lightbulb754]

Do I have to leave the frequency up all the way or the have to get set back. Next thing, do I have to change the EQ to be flat or leave it how I set it already ?

[@lightbulb754]

Do I flat line the EQ in the deck in order to set the gain correctly ?

[@bw7619]

Jus bought one from sonic electronics, I’m fuckin excited to get it man..got a b2 rampage 8, in a gately box, with a kenwood excelon xr 1000-1, 4 neo 6.5 orion hcca door speakers, and two orion hcca tn-1 neo super tweeters, running on a tar amps 2000.4 with b2 audio crossovers for the tweeters. it’s gonna sound amazing when tuned with this bad boy I know..

[@karlswart]

Wow. I’m not even into car audio and you sold me. Ordered one sheerly based on the passion you have behind this thing. The excitement you had - the moment the light came on and oscilloscope changed - loved it. I used it on my brothers system. My favorite part was when the light came on, telling him “and you’re clipped.” Felt great. Thank you!

[@creativeminds9973]

@meade916, after 9 years I finally own a DD-1! It’s an amazing tool! Super easy to set the gains! Love it bro! Thanks

[@JTLeyva]

How much thy run?? $$

[@darkstar286]

@rkmx5 with an AC signal (what the amp puts out) the signal is supposed to be a perfect sine wave, where one point of the wave is different from the next, which is what causes fluctuations in the coil, which makes the speaker move. If you "clip" the signal, you flatten out the tops and or bottoms of those signals, so for a few brief seconds you have a DC signal, which will keep the speaker to one end of its travel, which is very bad for it. That's an inelegant description,bit it's mostly right.

[@kyutea4405]

I watched this video back in 2011 Its 2016 and I'm watching it again, SMD is the king no doubt 👊🏼

[@AKEYFACTOR]

Here I am Jan 6 2021 waiting for my gear to be delivered so I can set my gains. Steve Meade is a great dude. Will be the only place I pick up my stuff from now on.

[@meade916]

@showynnakdazz a couple notches of bass or treble will not put distortion into the system. You should use the flat settings if possible but you dont have to. You can set the deck the way you like it and then test from there. If you have extreme eq settings on your deck, and you insist on keeping it that way, it might be better to set it up like that. I would for sure turn off any boost (like loudness) on the deck though.

[@DanielDaniel1]

It drives me crazy when people advocate setting gains by ear. And im surprised that companies like RF actually have the gain setting instructions suggest that that is a good method. At the very least use some old fashioned math and a 20 buck DMM from Walmart.

[@meade916]

***** Your statement is about as bogus as they come. Either your gains are all the way down because you "didn't touch them" or you adjusted them with your ear and think they are good. Either way, your shit might sound good to you but that don't make it right. And sorry but Alpine isn't magic... just because it used to be a good name brand.... you STILL have to set it up properly. Everyone who comes by my shop thinks their shit sounds good so i don't doubt you "think" its correct.

[@meade916]

setting gains with a DMM is about as good as guessing. Might as well set them by ear. You will get the same outcome.

[@DanielDaniel1]

meade916 I'm not an expert at all regarding car audio so if you could explain how setting gain with a DMM or by ear gets the exact same result I'd really appreciate it. I'm not a believer in setting gain by ear because a lot of people aren't going to know what to listen for in the first place. Basically I don't trust my ears as much as I do my $200 fluke meter.

[@meade916]

***** you must have the magic ears that can detect 1% distortion and know the difference between gain overlaps. Congrats you are the only person on the planet that can do that! you should get an award LOL

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

DanielDaniel1 every shop I have call in Houston sets gain by ear . Only reason I would want to pay to install is so they can set it properly .

[@nismotony]

@woodzyspl The quick blink of the distortion light when turning it up is due to the autoranging circuit. This unit can read distortion on anything from around 2 watts - 20,000 watts. When the circuit steps to the next range it slightly distorts the signal for a few milliseconds, and this unit sees that and flashes the light.

[@MrMustang1973]

Is this tool still being made? Everywhere I look its not available.

[@unbenknownstofficial9959]

98SunDevil they sell quick. Check sonicelectronix

[@DariusBuildz]

ebay

[@tubamoraz1670]

Get it now at down _ 4 sounds just got mine before they sell out

[@1990GTZ]

HELL YES. Its about time someone made one of these. its simple to use and will save you from damaging your system that you spent time and money to build.I cant wait to hear more about this product i will have to get one. no more borrowing the O-scope from school to setup my system every time I change out a head unit or install a new amp.

[@meade916]

WOW! i just woke up and got back to a computer........sounds like you guys are very receptive of this!! Im sorry that i cant answer each person individually. Once we bet the even NEWER version, I might do a live U-stream show and try to answer everyone that has a question, if i can answer them anyway. I saw some people asking whre to put the crossover points on the amps when your done. The answer is easy, put them whre you want them. They are only turned up all the way during gain testing.

[@turboboy0]

this product works. i can't believe the difference in my system. it sounds like i spent way more money than i did. thanks for making these steve.

[@Impala1963loeeee]

I just used one of these the other day. Very very very simple to use. Keep in mind I have never touched anything to do with a car stereo and I must say it was so super easy I am sure anyone on this planet will be able to use one with no issues at all.

[@TheBoomBapp]

As always, top shelf info Steve. Told my neighbor about your DD as he barely gets his head unit to 24 before clipping everywhere. Told him his gains were way too high causing his distortion. You could just hear it especially in the mids and highs. Mentioned he needs to get his setup scoped to stop the swap outs of his Tweets, mids, and subs. He caught on eventually and tried hard not to let on I was right. Dude was fryin'em up like greasy eggs!

[@DeVilleL13]

This is an amazing product Steve, you changed car audio with this. There is no doubt this is the most important tool in your tool box ever!! Way to step up the Game!! This is needed on the streets as of yesterday!!!

[@AndrewMcLain1993]

as someone who install car audio for a living even i want this. it would make my days way easier .

[@meade916]

@nismotony WORD - by the way, if ya'll dont know, that is Tony D - the D in D'amore Engineering. What he says is trufe!

[@NoThemeMischief]

Very nice intuitive design. I own a cheap mini dso "toy" oscilloscope that I paid $200 for. It works good, but you seriously are doing the general public a service here. Good job.

[@morganbagert]

I am studying electronic engineering at college (in England) at these how to videos are very helpful give me a better understanding of how everything works, in terms of gain and bandwidth. Also really liked the videos on your speaker towers as well, and how you made them.

[@meade916]

@scrollgirlcanada the unregulated/regulated thing has already been talked about, and you are right. All that will be noted in the instructions. The weaker electrical system would have to be real REAL weak to come into play though.

[@SumaMedia]

man steve im 15 and from trinidad and tobago, ive watched all your vids and you're work is amazin! and those 2500.1bds are sooo awesome! im gonna have one some day! i wud do so much for one of those! I

[@meade916]

thanks again everyone!! I will have more info for you soon.

[@meade916]

yes, put it where you like it. Its all in the instructions (for whoever buys one). Thanks!

[@TheShanerc34]

Just bought the DD-1 online!! Can't wait to get it and put it to use. Just got into the installation scene this last year and this is going to really be handy. Thanks !!

[@meade916]

its a distortion detector. If you have a clipped signal it will of course light up because that is also a distorted signal......but usually it will light up way before it is squared off. Thats because it does not need to be clipped to be distorted.

[@UnderLoK]

Glad to see this thing is coming to life man. I'm one of the ones with no access to a scope and can't bring myself to drop the $400 on one, I just take my best guess between my ear and output voltage on my HU. I'm in that's for sure.

[@johnathanhunter7899]

So you don't put the black on the negative speaker wire?... you just ground it out.

[@pinklemonade752]

This product is amazing!....I've been looking for something likes this for years, Thanks Steve!

[@jbrunt1990f]

If it comes out in the UK and is reasonably priced I will definitely get one. Keep up the good work Steve!

[@poptrunkonu]

now this is a tool is a must if you are into systems like me and work at a stereo shop

[@meade916]

@SKEEZIN08 after you set your gain, you put the frequency back where you want it bro. Its just during testing that it goes up.

[@SmossyYT]

Steve man I appreciate all the shit you do out here for us, alot of people just like to run theyre mouth and what not when really you dont HAVE to sit here and make any of this videos for us, Keep it up brotha. Your a role model for lots of us out here. Be true.

[@pataforce8]

If the price is right consider me sold. This is perfect. Very well done.

[@utimag]

Man this is the shit this is what the car audio world needed for a long time now, great job Steve can't wait to get one

[@cozmium]

Awesome Steve, can't wait to get my hands on one! The last time I set my gains on my old system I borrowed a 50 year old scope from my old man - i'm talking 60kg, full of valves, the size of a medium dog and needs 10 minutes to warm up to be accurate! I'm a uni student so getting a handheld scope is a bit out of budget, and this product looks like the ticket :)

[@marinedoc0311]

Setting PROPER gains have traditionally been a complicated process. O-Scopes are super expensive especially for the amount of use it gets. I would love to have this product and will order it asap!!!

[@kamakazii143]

Legit... Finally someone who thinks of inventing one of these for people on budgets. lol Picking one up for sure bro!!

[@bossman510]

meade bro you have came so fucking far over these past years! a legend in the car audio community!

[@alek385]

I have the RF T500 amp for the subwoofer and alpine mrv-300 amp for two speakers and I adjusted my system by ear. I had no equipment, and my shit bangs of the hook. None of the Amps clip, my music sounds very loud, clear, and bass couldn't be more deeper. My whole car turns into a discotheque. I use the stock head unit because I have a newer car, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The way I set my gains is that if I turn the volume over 45 out of 60 it my subwoofer amp will start clipping and that's my safe zone. But people must know that 45 out of 60 with amplified aftermarket speakers sounds much louder than 60 without any mods. So there you go guys, it took me 2 whole days to play with the frequencies, gains and input levels, filters, and I have made it. I have never been professional in car audio install, I never received any competition rewards, but sit in my car and you will have your face blown on the sound quality and the amount of bass my 600 watt sub can do.

[@meade916]

and after all that, your gains are set wrong. Good job though. If you are happy that is all that counts. Set them properly and you will be even more happy.

[@alek385]

meade916 my gains are definitely set wrong. But for the time being I am ok with the way everything sounds. I am trying to get my wife to "approve" my budget to step up my sound system a bit. I would like to put in two 16" Focals, and Audiocontrol dsp. But that means, completely giving up the trunk. Wish me good luck with that.

[@meade916]

@Jusu1410 no prob bro, enjoy!!! let me know how you like the DD-1!

[@nismotony]

For the guys with all of the crossover frequency questions: If you don't know where to set them a good place to start would be about 80Hz low pass on your subwoofer amplifier and around 100Hz high pass on your amplifier for your mids and highs

[@lazyboyd]

you, my friend are a genius and please hurry and get this product out, i want to start putting together my new system with some btls, hurry up!!

[@SniperWolf2024]

And I do it by ear all these years We love clear highs and punchy clear bass notes

[@meade916]

you love distortion LOL...crazy how far your system has been out of wack for all these years and you had no idea.

[@meade916]

@dexandana thanks for sayin so bro...i appreciate that you appreciate it!

[@aerosport91]

I knew that as soon as I buy an O'scope that there would be an update on this! I love you Steve btw.

[@michael6692]

after ranting on below i have now got a smd dd1 and i love it ,, but if you cannot aford one do as below

[@vintagestereobuff7005]

Steve, I have a couple questions. How much is the distortion detector? How much is the hand held power meter? What else would I need to get to test power output? How much are the load resistors? I'm glad I found your site. Between you and bigdwiz, you have rekindled an old hobby. I've bought 10 vintage power amps in about 6 weeks.

[@ZaGnugget]

Im eagerly awaiting this product. Ive been hearing impaired for most of my life and tuning a system is extremely hard for me to do, as you can guess i have blown a few subs due to that lol! Anyway man hope to see this out soon!

[@meade916]

@sicmacbrent you can test the rca's if you want....its the same outcome.

[@meade916]

@Descendancy yes, extremely ridiculous. Your questions are silly, i dont have all day to try to figure out what you are trying to say.

[@carlitot5388]

The multimeter is not the way to go! I’m getting one of these 💯💪🏾✊🏾

[@efs8552]

Right on point nice . Ive just ordered mine cant wait , SMD products ftw

[@johnyrb2002]

I like it bro!!!!! You and your boys did an awesome job with that! When they become available I WILL be getting one.

[@xregulatorx]

@ARGElOwRiDa i'm pretty the gain is set to the point where the max volume is your speaker's max as well. Going beyond will produce clipped signals, thus damaging your speakers. correct me if i'm wrong

[@thaostrich]

I can't help but notice that you did that without the drivers hooked up, I've scoped an amp without a sub hooked up then hooked the sub up and checked it with the scope and it was clipping. You should be doing that with the subs/speakers hooked up to the amp, as different impedance loads may require different gain settings.

[@SBkr_TDD]

Thanx Steve just picked one up... Love it... Bout time a useful ez tool to use to save our expensive equipment. 💯👍🏼

[@demonic469]

man cant wait to get one of them get my little datsun 620 pick up set up right when i put my amps in

[@briggs9187]

Awesome video, I knew how to set my gains but you did it in a very consize manner and very easy to understand. Great Video.

[@Pr0jeCtPa7]

Looks awesome, but what about variables like remote bass boost's or changing bass settings on the deck, wouldn't that put you over the edge into distortion?

[@zyar46]

@themasher1 its just the same, the negative terminal of your battery is connected to the body of the car, the body should be a conducter, because it is metal, and, therefore any spot of the car body should be a ground, better grind off some of the paint works where you want to put the ground in, so that you get a full contact.

[@meade916]

@XXBassLOVERXX read the instructions bro. If you think its broke, which it 99.99999999% likely is not, send it in and we will look at it. Thanks!

[@smokin3000gt]

What's the projected price point?

[@Emerica33333]

That's a very nice tool! But to bad that we don't have anything like this in Sweden. The Oscope works, but this looks more accurate and easier.

[@bmxurma]

Steve I'm a very frequent viewer of your stuff....Ive played around in car audio for a bit. but have had to read alot to get where I'm at well over thirty minutes or reading sometime's I think you should look at on something else... you really know what your talking about so for the people that don't know anything and need help you should help them start making vid's that help people understand how to do it properly and get the best out of whatever they have.. specs and all... thanks Btw I want!

[@AB91]

Hey Steve, just a suggestion, you should do a giveaway on one of these when they come out. It should be a giveaway for youtube subscribers and not SOTM. I am not against SOTM, but not everybody has a system in their car. Btw, the video was well explained.

[@DoEverythingDerek]

I cant not WAIT STEVE, I have been asking in the forums, so excited. I cant help but ask, what is the meter lookin thing at the bottom, is that a logo? or is that for lights to see something like clipping too?

[@mobettaspice]

Well worth 10mins. You learn something everyday. Thanks

[@FrostyBud777]

I set my gain by ear and multimeter. put head unit to 75% volume (little low to be safe 32 instead of 34 out of 75) go back and set gain with multimeter. ( 1000 watts (2x500watt in vented box) x 2 ( 2 ohms) then square root = 2000 = 44.7 v . put on 50 htz test tone, put head unit to 32 volts, set amp gain to 44.7 volts AC current on mutli, and then im done. Some song are LOUDER than others due to recording volume and some may cause distortion and others have no bass. Good luck!

[@meade916]

all that work and your gains are still set wrong. Just guess them if you don't want to do it right. You simply cannot use a DMM and have a result any different than a total guess.

[@linc2356]

that is cool please update on availability i will buy one for sure. what i like about it is that its simple to use.

[@RozonRozon]

Great product hope it comes sooner rather then later!

[@gardyfaustin8707]

Im gonna buy a bunch of these , and start a renting company. I notice people dont need these for everyday life settings ....they only wanna use and return

[@krazietint32]

Bro I've been waiting for this ever since u announced it this is awesome good work bro this would be helpful and if it's cheaper u would make alot of money

[@tonykeiffer]

Been waiting for a product like this for years Thanks Steve

[@onebadmonte32]

cool beans! cant wait to try one out. will this work on a warhorse since it requires one voice coil to each output?

[@LTSRIDE24]

Almost $300! 🤦‍♂️

[@the4x4yamaha]

definitely going become a HUGE product in the market. Every self installer can use this. Its on my list if it is under 100$

[@Jackson_Harris]

Big boi remember to post a video when the distortion detector is available. Thanks!

[@1richunderdog]

I Cant Wait Til This Comes Out Steve,I Love Your Vids They Really Help Me Out,One Day I Hope AA Comes Out With A Set Of Smd's In 12's I Would Buy Four Of Them,And I Also Gotta Say Thanks To Intorducing Me To The New Rockford Cp Amp I Would Have Never Known About It Since I Plan On Updating My System From 2 Alpine Type R 12's And A Rockford 300/1 To 4 Alpine's And A 2000 Rockford Amp

[@15FiSSD]

Damn bro i want one of those, hope its not to expensive, ill buy one if its cheap enough for me. Start making more Steve.

[@e30Birdy]

Dude that is dope... i need to get me this thing to set up peoples systems here in Germany SMD style

[@bassboylowg]

Hopefully this thing doesn't cost much, this is a MUST HAVE for any installer.

[@jayrell5]

This is one more thing that's going to make life a lot more easier!

[@jylp4u]

Think you may post the plans to build one for people that know how to do it? I'm sure alot more people are lazy so you'll still be getting sales and it's way more handy than girl scout cookies lol. Nicely done, I can't wait to see the finished product!

[@bigboigarage6877]

I'm new to audio and I'm going to purchase this because I have 3 cars to install speakers and subs too. After setting this up do you leave the frequency all the way up and it's good or must o set that up a different way. Love your videos!!!

[@98offroadFORDexpo]

sweet! now i can do it 100% by my self. no need to have a shop set my gains up. but one thing. after you set your gains you can change the hrtz back down to what ever you want it at and it wont clip till that level? im going to buy one just to have it.

[@blazindragon2005]

dude steve thxs so much for the help i watched this and my system sounds so much better with the one i have crisp clean vocals and everything

[@TripleRPerformance]

Looks great man!! Should help alot of people to properly set there gains now.

[@raja052]

steve great product but i want to ask you some questions 1) what do u do wiv the stereo settings (EQ, bass boost, HPF n etc)? 2) do leave the frequency's on the amp all the way up after you finish setting up the gains ? 3) will you be shipping to the UK via Blade Ice ? i hope it catches on seems lyk a great product

[@TriangleSquare52]

nice steve, it's about time I'm impressed with something of yours :)

[@fyerbyrd22]

any estimate on pricing??

[@clvnblnkee]

@Da3igTripp They're just sine sweeps. You can download them or create them on Audacity and just put it in your iPhone.

[@CLNFREAK1]

i have a scope and would still buy one its stupid simple I like it !!!

[@biggdawgceb]

STEVE! MAN U GOTTA START PUTTIN MORE VIDS UP LIKE BEFORE! IM SURE UR A BUSY MAN BUT UR VIDEOS INSPIRE ME!

[@misterjimmy81]

Very interested in this Steve can't wait till you announce a release date for this

[@Rctrue420]

PRICE RANGE?!?! This is defiantly on the list of tools to add to my set.

[@GIGAMSX1974]

THX Steve every time i want to give up on my system you give me a reason to keep going god bless you man love the video and how easy it is to do it if you get to see this MSG im having problems setting my freq on my mono amp i only have one 15" solo L7 box is custom B-line sounds great but whenever

[@McgregorKLB]

Brains and technology go hand in hand.. Thank you Steve!

[@windycitygtp]

every bass head needs a SMD Distortion Listener

[@rickybobby315]

@VAR1UM I get what your saying but some people do this for competition and well using your ear to tune can be accurate (experience) when it comes down to it on competition day your going to want to squeeze as much clean power as you can with out killing an amp or blowing something....

[@TheKRK1994]

Looks awesome. You encourage me to improve my system everyday.

[@djnevous3us]

What about the frequency? Do you leave it up or turn it down?