This pertains to the install of a aftermarket subwoofer and amplifier
and maintaing the stock headunit and mids and highs.
I was wondering if those of whom installed a LINE OUTPUT CONVERTER,
Calibrated the gains correctly and if so how did you go about to do so.
I understand the optimal way is by O-scope, many do it merely by ear, however I am attempting to use a DMM, digital multi meter.
For the amp I plan on using a test tone around 50hz and adjusting the amp
to the correct Voltage needed, determined by finding the SQrt of my RMS
wattage multiplied by the ohms its produced at. However for the LOC how do I determine what the Voltage output should be, from my knowledge it should be adjusted by the factors of the factory headunit, factory amp, and not be underpowering nor overpowering the Subwoofer amp, I am sorry if I have confused anyone, I myself am somewhat confused anyone who could eloborate on the process or has any advice I would greatly appreciate it
Thanks Kindly I look forward to your input.

 

Wow im always astounded by the amount of views on various threads, with no responses. Surely someone must have some informative input or at least second the need for this information. If anyone has questions in regards to anything along the lines of setting up a system, I am more than happy to assist. I pretty much built a TL from scratch......LOL,
Non Navi to Navi, interior mods, suspension, stereo, seats, airbags carpets
all trim headlights tails skirt packages, and pretty much the list goes on.
So feel free to contact me with any questions problems or anything TL 3G related , I am more than happy to share the little knowledge that I have.

 

perhaps many of the people here dont have a Digital Multi Meter.

I have hilo line output converter installed but calibrating was done by ear. im thinking of replacing my LOCs with a digital sound processor really soon. hopefully tomorrow.

 

Nice good luck with that, what do you have set up as a system right now if you dont mind me asking. Built in or a box what drivers amp? (low end)
I should do that aswell (digital sound pro)
but as of right now I only through a couple of old subs in the trunk.
Too cold here to do anything else maybe when summer comes around
Hope all goes well with your install
Cheers

 

Using a DMM is good but what it does not account for is that music will NEVER reach the levels that running a steady tone will which is what you calculated for.

I would set it by ear unless you plan on competing anytime soon. Set your H/U to about 85% volume, turn the gain dial until you start to hear distortion, back off a little, turn it a notch down and you should be ready to go for the most part.

There are MANY more technical ways of doing this but for the casual user, that method should more than suffice.

 

Yes you are correct in a sense, however setting with a DMM will give you a safe range
knowing that you are not overdriving by a higher percent, as opposed to by ear. I cant remember the exact Link however there has been numerous tests stating that when given different groups of Pro installers a setup to do by ear something like only 2 out 10 had set to levels close enough to be correct and safe. Dmm not being as efficient as a O scope, however safer than by ear, as a matter of fact I had a excellent installer with over 20 years Experience set the gains on my amp by ear quickly as he was leaving his shop and yesterday I set my gains on the amp by DMM and he was quite off, as a matter of fact I am surprised the subs were taking it. In my circumstance my amp is much more powerful than my subs I am running a US Amps De1000 with 2 dual 2 12" Image Dynamics ID12's. so just to be safe I prefer meter to ear, nice if I had a scope...
Anyways you are more than correct and I appreciate your input, do you currently have a setup? If you dont mind me asking what are you running and how did you set it.

Also Is it not beneficial to just increase the adjustments on the LOC to Maximum to minimize
stress on the Amplifier ?

 

Those subs are a nice match to that amp, a bit overpowered but still a nice match.

The reason you'll find that the DMM method yields a lower gain is that its accouting/calculating for a steady wave. If you burn a CD with a 40hz tone and use the DMM method, you will notice see what I'm referring to.

However, the issue with this is that regular everyday music will NEVER be a steady tone and never reach the levels of a 40hz tone for example. The gain is not a volume knob, its purpose is to match the voltage of the input signal to the amp. If your using a LOC, chances are you have a lower signal which would result in a higher gain.

IMO unless your competing, setting your gains by ear will be more than efficent. In your case, I would set the gains by ear and turn them down a bit even after due to your sub/amp config. Those amps are a beast!