Amp settings

[WP7456]

I just got the 08ZX750.1 and I have read that the remote bass boost is exactly like setting the gain, and I have also read that it is not. Can anyone clear this up? I know bass boosts are bad and that I shouldn't be using them, just wanted to make sure.

Also do I want the input level at high or low?

I want to get the lowest frequencies possible out of my subs. (2 12" cvr's) I was thinking since the cutoff freq. is 50 hz, I could turn up the bass boost (centered at 40 hz) up to the max of 18 db. I am thinking when I set my gain the first time, I will have this set to 18 db. I don't want it to cause distortion though.

My subsonic filter is 24 db at 25 hz. Is that good/bad and if possible should I change it?

Does the bass setting on my headunit affect my door speakers or does it also affect my subs? Should I keep the "subwoofer" setting at the lowest possible on my HU?

One last thing, does the gauge of the wire running from the amp to the subs matter?

Thanks, just wanted to clarify these things before I went in and damaged something.

 

[aznboi3644]

What enclosure do you the subs in.

The lowpass filter has nothing to do with how low the enclosure will play.

Bass boost is bad...keep it off/all the way down. Seems like you have no idea what bass boost really is.

Subsonic filter setting is dependent on enclosure.

To me you seem inexperienced...I would advise taking your setup to a professional shop or to someone who knows how to properly set the amp up.

 

[Donner]

Please explain... What is bass boost, and why keep it down? Thanks!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

If "bass boost" is what I'm thinking it means, all it means is that the subs will hit louder and heavier then normal. Think of it as your home subwoofer for a 5.1 system, the dial on the front/back, it's really thick when it's turned up and really thin when turned down. When I had my system, I always kept the settings to where the subs completed the sound, as in a good filler. But I used the bass boost when I wanted to show off or enjoy some deep bass.

As for setting the gain, I found a good explanation on Yahoo Answers:
"Setting the "gain" or input sensitivity control is an important adjustment common to all amplifier installations. Proper gain setting helps reduce noise and distortion and allows for the widest possible dynamic range. Here's how to do it:

Turn your amplifier's input level controls all the way down.
Put in a tape or CD or tune in a radio station. Turn up your receiver's volume control. You'll begin to hear music at faint levels. (Audiophiles and sound competitors may want to use a dedicated test disc.
When you start hearing distortion, lower your receiver's volume control until the distortion disappears. At this point, you have as much signal as possible passing from your receiver into your amp. (This gives you maximum signal-to-noise ratio, so you'll enjoy clean sound and your system will be less prone to engine noise problems).
Now begin adjusting your amp's input gain. Turn the input level controls up until the system is as loud as you can stand it or until you begin hearing distortion — whichever comes first. If you hear distortion, decrease the gain settings slightly.
By following this procedure, you'll optimize your amp's performance at the receiver's maximum volume level, so you can crank your system almost all the way up without amplifying any distortion, or damaging your speakers. Keep in mind that this adjustment does not affect the power output of the amp — you're simply setting the amount of input signal needed for optimum sound quality from your system.

Many amplifiers have a bass boost function. In most cases, it is a variable control — you simply dial in the amount of boost you'd like to hear. Bass boost levels can range from +6dB to +18dB, depending on the amplifier. As you experiment with this adjustment, you'll notice that the boost is centered at a given frequency, so you'll still experience some bass boosting at frequencies above and below that point. Make sure that your system is turned off or operating at low volumes when you engage or turn up your bass boost control — boosting bass at high volumes can damage your speakers.
Setting your low-pass filter above 100 Hz gives you the type of boom many rap fans are looking for, while pushing it down to 80 Hz tightens up your bass and improves front soundstaging."

 

[WP7456]

Why take it to a shop when I can do it myself and learn? I know how to set the gain and I'm using a 60hz test tone, using the multimeter and the whole deal. I guess I just wanted to make sure the remote bass boost isn't a gain control. I have had people say it is okay to have bass boost all the way up, only if I set the gain with it up. Does that sound right? Oh yeah it's in a sealed enclosure.

 

[Donner]

WP7456, this isn't something you want to learn by experimenting. Let the pros do the install, take pics of how they set it up, and ask questions - you can cause problems for your system if you don't have the settings correct. You can make changes to some of the settings, but check in to (seriously) if you want to do it yourself.

Blacksheep josh, thank you I have Bass Boost, I keep it at about 75%... sometimes, 100%. It's great! It looks like a tiny flask...

 

[WP7456]

Honestly shouldn't there be a definitive answer to this? It does not seem too tough to figure out. Is it safe to use bass boost at all or not? So far 1 person says keep it at 0%... and the other 75% to 100%. All I want is to get the lowest frequencies out of my subs that I can without damaging them.

 

[Donner]

In layman's terms, use it at your own discretion. It's that simple - it's a feature some amps have. 100% is too high for most songs, and probably not good for the amps. But it's provided to you just as are all the other controls in your system. If you don't want to use it, don't; if you want to use it, do. As it was explained, it helps you control the sound of your music.

 

[slickemhoundd]

a little opinion... as far as the gauge of your wire, never run lower than 4 gauge. lower as in 6-8-10 for your power and ground. And as far as you wires to the subs not that it may mak a difference id never use lower than 12. With that ud also want the wiring in the box the same. like i said thats just me. But always remember your ground makes the sound. No matter what always sand or wire wheel/grind the hell out of where your mounting your ground cable (to vehicle not amp) and make sure its as tight as can be with the most contact possible.

 

[symon_say]

Set your crossover about 80hz, 50hz is to low and comp or speakers wont go that low so you'll be missing some range.

About bass boost it depends on the amp/brand some are just a boost on certain frecuency range and some have control over the gain control, but generally speaking keep it low and set your amp with the gains to have your subs on the save side.

Subsonic filter: if you have a sealed box put it all the way down, is you have ported, put it near the frecuency of the box, cause lower than that will cause the sub to exceed its xmax.

You can play with your HU bass control, but remember to set your gains with everything flat on your HU, and yes it affect your speakers but just a little, cause HU bass control have a range of about 20-150hz that are boost, but is better to use this from time to time.

Yes gauge of wire from amp to sub affect to, for subs use 12 gauge if you're running hi wattage sub you might wanna get bigger wires.

Finally: forget about remote bass boost, dont even connect it, set your gains propertly that way you wont damage your subs, and make your modifications with your HU.

 

[Donner]

Remote bass boost hasn't damaged any of my components. I'm a consumer, not an installer. I bought the amps and bass boost was a feature - it works fine, I have no problems with it. Enjoy!

 

[symon_say]

Remote bass boost hasn't damaged any of my components. I'm a consumer, not an installer. I bought the amps and bass boost was a feature - it works fine, I have no problems with it. Enjoy!

Agree bass boost is really nice, when you know how to use it, most people will just crank it up when they want more bass, and there is where problem might come, occasional use of bass boost wont do any damage.

But for our man in this threat that looks that he doesnt have much experience is not the best thing, i have 3 remote controls around here, and like you i have use it without any problem and now i dont use cause is unnecesary.

If somebody want more bass should try a new box, then new subs, then new amp, or all together , last option is my favorite.

 

[aznboi3644]

Bass boost is bad...reasoning behind is most people don't know how to use it.

Bass boost is usually centered around 45Hz

+3db of boost = double the power
+6db of boost = 4 times the power
+12db of boost = 8 times the power.

It goes on. So basically saying is that even with +6 db of boost at 45Hz the amplifier is trying to put out 4 times the output it already can if the gain is already set properly. This leads to major clipping of the signal and can lead to equipment failure.

A properly designed enclosure will never need any bass boost. IMHO bass boost is just for hype...people think it makes the amp put out more power...but after setting the gain correct bass boost can lead to horrible clipping of the signal.

Use it if you want...but enjoy your square waves

 

[ford freak]

I have to agree with the last poster. Improper set bass boost can easily result in a blown sub. To me bass boost makes the music sound un-natural. Unless you're listening to Lil John and want to impress people how loud the bass is.....Don't use it.I suppose you could use it a bit though without hurting anything. You could technically use the bass boost maxed out if you set all the gains after you have the bass boost cranked. The result would most likely sound like crap.

 

[symon_say]

I have to agree with the last poster. Improper set bass boost can easily result in a blown sub. To me bass boost makes the music sound un-natural. Unless you're listening to Lil John and want to impress people how loud the bass is.....Don't use it.I suppose you could use it a bit though without hurting anything. You could technically use the bass boost maxed out if you set all the gains after you have the bass boost cranked. The result would most likely sound like crap.

It will and will damage subs, cause the subs will be getting a clipped signal. So bass boost is the devil stay away from it, specially if you're a noob in car audio.

 

[ErickSaint]

The info here all seems fine, but I gotta add that if the answer to everything was "take it to a pro" then how is anybody supposed to learn? I see that posted a lot lately. Now, I understand why there are some folks that should leave things to the pros, my father for example, but that's not viable advice for everybody.

Had I not started tinkering with car audio at about the age of 14ish I would know nothing and be forced to have everything installed for me. Don't get me wrong I'm not an ace installer nor do I do audio for a living, but I think I'm able to do a decent install with decent results. I'm also a research hound and read about anything and everything that may interest me. As a result I haven't blown up any of my equipment from poor adjustments.

Now all that being said I'm also a bit of a perfectionist and will mess with things until I'm happy with them. I haven't gone as crazy as using an O-scope and the Autosound 2000 #101 disk with this ride, but have both tools in the arsenal. When I get something a bit newer and set it up for SQ, they will be getting used just to see the results.

 

[Donner]

Not take it to a pro every time, but you wanna see what they do how it's done. Then feel free if you choose to add or make changes...

Bass boost - use it and have fun, no need for 100% - that's just me. Bass boost doesn't "add" bass, it adds to the depth of the bass.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I also see a bunch of people saying "no bass boost", and they talk like a pro. Why don't they explain it if they know?

 

[ErickSaint]

Rather than copying/pasting the whole thing here I will simply post a link. It's to a post over at the12volt.com. It gives IMO a good definition of the workings of the bass boost. Also touches on the same points aznboi was making about power being directed toward a certain frequency range. May even be the source material for all I know. Very good resource there and most times it's the first place I search for answers to my questions, most of the time find an answer without ever posting.

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?TID=60443&KW

 

[symon_say]

I also see a bunch of people saying "no bass boost", and they talk like a pro. Why don't they explain it if they know?

This is a nice explanation of bass boost. If you want more info about try to google it, you'll find more pro info than in here, most of us are just regular guys how love car audio and try to learn something everyday and try to help with the knowledge we have.

Bass boost is bad...reasoning behind is most people don't know how to use it.

Bass boost is usually centered around 45Hz

+3db of boost = double the power
+6db of boost = 4 times the power
+12db of boost = 8 times the power.

It goes on. So basically saying is that even with +6 db of boost at 45Hz the amplifier is trying to put out 4 times the output it already can if the gain is already set properly. This leads to major clipping of the signal and can lead to equipment failure.

A properly designed enclosure will never need any bass boost. IMHO bass boost is just for hype...people think it makes the amp put out more power...but after setting the gain correct bass boost can lead to horrible clipping of the signal.

Use it if you want...but enjoy your square waves