SPL

[flgatorz10]

After I got everything installed, I rode around for about 20 minutes, pushing it to the brink of distortion. After I got out, my ears were ringing for about 20 minutes. I know this isn't good for you, but does anyone have any idea what kind of SPL I'm putting out? Just a general range, I'm too cheap to get metered right now.

 

[airkevin23]

Um, ok wow, there is no way that anyone can tell how many db's you are hitting just by measuring the pain in your ears. But if i were to have to guess i'm going to say 140 give or take 25 db's.

 

[MONMIX]

Look in your yellow pages under " Sound Systems "
or " Acoustic Engineirng " See if any of those guys will let you stop by their shop and you toss them a few bucks to stick a meter in your truck.

Your ears can ring for as little as 100db with 20 mineuts exposure.
BTW hearing damage IS perminate. Guess what ringing is ?

If I were to guess you were over 100 but under 125.
Just a guess though.

 

[Mbrooks420]

140 give or take 25 db's.

The difference between 115db and 165 db is huge. Almost all loud systems fit into this area.

 

[airkevin23]

The difference between 115db and 165 db is huge. Almost all loud systems fit into this area.

My point exactly.

 

[B94Sport]

Originally posted by flgatorz10
After I got everything installed, I rode around for about 20 minutes, pushing it to the brink of distortion.

Didn't your subs have a break-in period from the manufacturer? Blasting them when you first install them is generally considered to be a bad thing.

After I got out, my ears were ringing for about 20 minutes.

Again, generally considered to be a bad thing.

 

[flgatorz10]

okay guys, I'm not an idiot. I installed everything myself. I built the box myself, ported it to 28 hz, with 1.6 cu ft per sub. Ran 4 guage wire with 2 batteries. Used a turn on relay because I have 2 amps. Built a custom amp rack on ball bearing drawer sliders.

I installed all this like 3 months ago, but with a crap amp. I bought a new amp (US Acoustics), and that's when I blasted it. So, teh subs were already broken in.

Also, I know quite well hearing damage can result from listening at extreme levels. But you're telling me after you'ce spent $600 and countless hours, you wouldn't turn it up for a little while? Come on guys, that's like saying you bought the new apten chip and didn't go out and floor it.

 

[burnin_up]

Originally posted by flgatorz10
But you're telling me after you'ce spent $600 and countless hours, you wouldn't turn it up for a little while?

dont blame you at all. you only live once.

 

[BruceWayne]

2 batteries?

 

[flgatorz10]

3, actually.

The main battery, up front, it it's stock location.

2 quick discharge high current 15aH (amp hour) batteries on the amp rack, 6 inches from the amps. I run over 1200 watts with fog lights, headlights, and no dimming on a 135 amp alternator. oh, and the amps get 14.4 volts at their terminals, as measured by a multimeter.

 

[MONMIX]

Yeah, I crank it up from time to time, but not too loud. My ears have not rung in two years.

It is all about moderation my friend. I am not saying don't, I am saying be careful.

Ear plugs are nice cause they protect you but you can still feel the thump.
Don't like how things sound with ear plugs, then get some ear molds. They are expensive, but they sound so fantastic, and are totally comfortable.

It sounds like you did a fantastic job and you are very proud of your self. Nothing wrong with that, you should do work you should be proud of. Have fun with your project, just know and respect the risks involved.

 

[flgatorz10]

my ears haven't rung since that night, but thanks, guys.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

I just did a SPL measurement on my system (with earplugs, of course; I have extremely sensitive ears). I hit 114db, at which point my single 10" RF sub started to fart a little.