how to use oscilloscope to set gains

[jrobie79]

my dad has a bunch of these at his work, and says he can get his hands on one for a couple days, I've heard this is the best way to set gains for headunits and amps however I have no idea how to use it. I'm willing to learn so I'm not looking for the typical, dont bother response.

Any tutorials on the web that will help a noob out?

[jquirit]

First search on Google hit this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtMB-Oyp5Xc

Mute the music in the vid, but it's pretty much reasonable (or at least, what I'd do if I had to tune a car stereo using an oscope).

Though, the one thing that does irk me about the video (and this mostly has to do with not knowing what the software he's using to display) is that the second part where he's got the oscope hooked to the output of the amp... that clipping may be from the software since he's got it running at the max display range.

Anyway... point is, it does clearly show people what clipping looks like on an oscope (and what to avoid).

[Jean]

It's pointless to do that since the next cd/mp3 you grab won't have same levels.... so, get a TEST CD and SCOPE to set the amp just under clipping level...

[jrobie79]

been reading, is it suggested to keep the speakers hooked up while setting the amp gains? if not, do I have to rig somethign up to load it to the correct ohms to get a more accurate result?

[Jean]

Best would be with speakers hooked up, just go slow until you see clipping. It really is in a way a waste of time for car audio lol.

[StereoInstaller1]

Best would be with speakers hooked up, just go slow until you see clipping. It really is in a way a waste of time for car audio lol.

I would disagree with you on that, Jean.

I have done LOTS of tuning "HECA" style, with and without an oscilloscope.

The scope is basically training wheels. Learn what clipping sounds like, learn how to control crossover points and HUGE improvements can be made no matter how shitty the gear.

[u3b3rg33k]

It's hard to hear what clipping sounds like these days with the audio so hot mastered that it clips in the recording or the broadcast.

I like to throw in a movie soundtrack; (something that actually has dynamic range) batman begins is a good one, and crank it up. Then it's obvious. The difference in my car with the crossover off, vs the crossover on at 80Hz is absolutely staggering.

[Jean]

I would disagree with you on that, Jean.

I have done LOTS of tuning "HECA" style, with and without an oscilloscope.

The scope is basically training wheels. Learn what clipping sounds like, learn how to control crossover points and HUGE improvements can be made no matter how shitty the gear.

Not sure what you are disagreeing on lol... of course it's best to train the ears (don't you just love it when a car drives by with tweeters/mids cracking?! it's great isn't it).

Turn the hu up, then turn it down. Adjust gains on the amps...done.

I was just saying that going this far is a mute point in a car environment vs. home audio... and the fact that so many of new records are shit anyways... it's like when you discover that you gear is so "clinical" that you start hating the records you used to like and start looking for "perfectly" recorded stuff you would never otherwise listen.

something like that... ok one more jack/coke .

[u3b3rg33k]

You mean a "moot" point?

I am that guy right now. I've taken to ripping SNL musical guests so I can get a copy of the songs that don't sound like crap. It's gotten so bad it annoys me even in the car. I don't use the radio at all any more - that's the worst. Hot mastered music re-eq'd for shitty OE car stereos. that shit actually sounds better on crap sound systems than good sound systems.

[StereoInstaller1]

Not sure what you are disagreeing on lol... of course it's best to train the ears (don't you just love it when a car drives by with tweeters/mids cracking?! it's great isn't it).

Turn the hu up, then turn it down. Adjust gains on the amps...done.

I was just saying that going this far is a mute point in a car environment vs. home audio... and the fact that so many of new records are shit anyways... it's like when you discover that you gear is so "clinical" that you start hating the records you used to like and start looking for "perfectly" recorded stuff you would never otherwise listen.

something like that... ok one more jack/coke .

Yeah, I know...we never really disagree on this crap, do we?

An oscope is a wonderful tool, but hardly necessary.

Fortunately for me, I still listen to all of the crap you guys can't cope with, the hot mastering of todays shit really has no bearing on me.