Car Audio: Amplifier Settings

[clamum]

For those who know car audio, more specifically, amplifier settings (LPF and gain level):

What do you recommend I set the LPF at? I've read that 80Hz is a good starting point.

As where to put the gain level (it goes from min to max), I've read that you should put it at it's lowest position (min in this case) and turn up the volume on your HU to a bit higher than you would ever listen to it (for me that's pretty damn loud). Then slowly increase the gain level and when it starts distorting, crank it down a notch and you should be set. Playing any song during this process will work? I mean, should I get a bass heavy song to tune it to?

Thanks for any advice. 🙂

 

[rudeguy]

the advice you have is very good advice...just remember your gain is not a volume knob, all it does is increase distortion

starting off with you HU cranked like that is called drunk proofing it...that way you cant blow your speakers

 

[Viper0329]

Sounds like you have a good ground to start on.

Start LPF like you said at 80hz. Generally a good setting.

For gain, GAIN IS NOT VOLUME KNOB!!! Do like you said, turn it up to 3/4 volume, (or a little past where you would listen to it max), and turn the gain all the way down. Turn up slowly until you hear distortion, then back it down a little until it is clean sounding.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Viper0329
Sounds like you have a good ground to start on.

Start LPF like you said at 80hz. Generally a good setting.

For gain, GAIN IS NOT VOLUME KNOB!!! Do like you said, turn it up to 3/4 volume, (or a little past where you would listen to it max), and turn the gain all the way down. Turn up slowly until you hear distortion, then back it down a little until it is clean sounding.

Yep. Well said...that's the second best way to do it. First best way is w/an oscilliscope, which not everyone has. 😉

 

[jurzdevil]

i set mine up that way but over a months time i tweaked everything till i got it perfect.

good place to start at though

 

[sohcrates]

what size sub do you have?

i originally had my LPF at 80 but bumped it up closer to 120 since there was gap between where my mids cut out and my sub began

 

[LS20]

80hz and down for the sub... if you have a good fast sub in a sealed box or something you can have it play 100hz and down

so that leaves 100hz and up for the speakers. mines around 120-150 though because my speakers are poop and theyll clip out quick at desired level with the bass ...

HU volume should be around 3/4th of its max, then slowly turn the gain up until you hear distortion, then back it down a bit

 

[clamum]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

BTW it's a 12" Memphis sub, don't have the exact model number here, but it's an older model. Bought it and an amp from a friend for $100.

 

[spidey07]

Also remember that your head unit will distort and clip the pre-amp outputs as well. So be careful when cranking your head unit and adjusting amp gain to that position, you could very well be amplifying an already distorted signal.

Basically use your ear. 50-60% of the head units range is generally as high as I would go, but then again it all depends on your model.

80 hz on the crossover is a good start. You can go lower if your interior speakers are up to the task.

 

[Viper0329]

Pioneer claims that their Headunits will not clip the preout...but who knows.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Viper0329
Pioneer claims that their Headunits will not clip the preout...but who knows.

That's interesting. That's pretty cool.

The best pre-amp of course would be "straight wire with gain" or a passive attentuator. Alas, most pre-amps can indeed clip a hot signal or hot recording.

 

[glen]

depends upon the db/octave slope of the crossover