How to tune system using an O-Scope/DVM???

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Old 09-20-2010, 09:15 PM
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How to tune system using an O-Scope/DVM???

does someone have any good links or pointers on how to tune a system with an o-scope or digital volt meter? I tried looking (ie. google/AZ) but really didn't come up with anything too assuring... I think have the basics from reading all i read from AZ and google but would like more clarification and help before I do anything. Basically keep a round sine wave without clipping... from what i have read, something like 75% volume of what i listen to, LOCS and amp gains down then raise amp then LOCs then amps then locs until you start to distort the wave. what about frequencies/crossovers/boost??

My system now is loud and clear but i know i could use a tuning.

Processor is coming during the winter so i would like to know what im doing before then.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks..

Oh, i have a Fluke O-Scope which i can connect to my laptop and look at spectrum's and all that other good stuff..

Thank you.
Old 09-20-2010, 09:22 PM
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http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/...howtopic=35875

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...wer-usage.html

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...-properly.html
Old 09-20-2010, 10:11 PM
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Do you have any test tones on CD already? you will need them
Old 09-22-2010, 11:18 PM
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Thanks for the links. Eggy do you know how to?
Old 09-24-2010, 09:33 PM
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Test tones are available on diy. You could also get the Autosound 2000 CD set.
Old 09-24-2010, 10:37 PM
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make sure any test tones you download are lossless.

I like the Autosound 2000 discs a lot because in addition to 0dB tones, they also have -5, -10, and -15dB as well so if you want to add some gain overlap you can.

Just start at the source, then adjust each piece in the signal path to the maximum unclipped output. If you do want any gain overlap, just do that at the amp.

FWIW, I usually use 40Hz for subs and 1kHz on mids.

This is by far and away the best way to set up gains.


Make sure you set any x-overs so the speaker they are connected to will play the test tone you are using (i.e. if you are using 100Hz for the sub, don't set your sub x-over at 80Hz)

You want all loudness/eq/processing/etc. set to flat or off.

edit:

here is a video we did to show the process

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrOoOxO6A1s

Last edited by DiamondJoeQuimby; 09-24-2010 at 10:47 PM.
Old 09-24-2010, 11:41 PM
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Actually, the best way to set your gains is by ear with music.
Old 09-26-2010, 10:58 AM
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Thanks for the info guys. Enjoyed the video.
Old 09-26-2010, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by eggyhustles
Actually, the best way to set your gains is by ear with music.

I would agree with this only after you have set your limits w/ a scope.

Then you know the maximum, and can adjust DOWN as needed to make it blend well.
Old 09-26-2010, 09:56 PM
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Well I fiddled with it today. Just did LOC's. Really didn't Like what I started to see so I put it back to where it was before. I dl'ed the 1khz test tone. Set my locs down all the way. I have my scope reading at the rear at the rca's. Started playing the tone while looking at my Vac and sine wave. verified 1khz was the frequency. Started increasing volume. I noticed hz stayed at 1khz and voltage went up. Raised radio to 36. Started raising my locs. Once it started to square off I lowered til it was perfectly round. This was done on my front output loc. Redid the same thing on the other side [ left andright]. Started to do my rear loc and first thing I noticed was voltage. My fronts were set at 2.7 and my rears at max was only .8. My fronts weren't even at 75% on the loc... the sine wave was not clipping at all but I stopped it either way and but it back to where it was before... both locs are the same brand... is this okay? I think I remember reading that the rears are set lower from factory. Is this correct or something I should look into. Should I just get my processor now? I was thinking of a 360.2....
Old 09-27-2010, 10:46 AM
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Should've got the processor first
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