Adjusting gains without load
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 432
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From: Miami/FL
Adjusting gains without load
OK guys, when we adjust the gains we usually disconnect the speakers, and using a 1 KHZ tone at whatever level (0db, -2.5db, -5db, etc) read the voltasge at the output of the amp with a voltmeter or use an oscilloscope.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by flcusat
OK guys, when we adjust the gains we usually disconnect the speakers, and using a 1 KHZ tone at whatever level (0db, -2.5db, -5db, etc) read the voltasge at the output of the amp with a voltmeter or use an oscilloscope.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
Use the DMM without a load and put a pencil mark on the amp as the max gain position for the speakers in play. RMS x 150-175% (never exceeding max/peak/program) Then throw all that shix away and set the gains by ear, not to exceed the pencil mark.
Luv,
Caveman
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 747
Likes: 52
From: Alabama
Are u building a lunar lander or something?
Use the DMM without a load and put a pencil mark on the amp as the max gain position for the speakers in play. RMS x 150-175% (never exceeding max/peak/program) Then throw all that shix away and set the gains by ear, not to exceed the pencil mark.
Luv,
Caveman
Use the DMM without a load and put a pencil mark on the amp as the max gain position for the speakers in play. RMS x 150-175% (never exceeding max/peak/program) Then throw all that shix away and set the gains by ear, not to exceed the pencil mark.
Luv,
Caveman
^^^Exactly what I do^^^
Luv,
Fred Flintstone
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Indianapolis IN.
OK guys, when we adjust the gains we usually disconnect the speakers, and using a 1 KHZ tone at whatever level (0db, -2.5db, -5db, etc) read the voltasge at the output of the amp with a voltmeter or use an oscilloscope.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
The question is, does the amplifier behave the same way once with connect the load (speakers)?
In anothe words, if we adjust the amp to let's say 100 watts without load, does the power remain the same once we connect the speakers, or it is less? Assuming we were measuring at the same 1 KHz and level used for the gain adjustment.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
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From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by Makdaddy
If you look at Slyes sheet on power Its scaled
So output @2 ohms is XX for Voltage will be higher then the Voltage on 4 Ohms
So it is load dependent
But the answer to your question is yes Sort of
So output @2 ohms is XX for Voltage will be higher then the Voltage on 4 Ohms
So it is load dependent
But the answer to your question is yes Sort of
Luv,
Hoss C.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Illinois
I feel it's up to the user to know what he's setting the VAC for. Either by using the supplied chart or by doing the math. As Gann stated the amp is the constant. The load will determine the output. I think using the DMM gets a lot of folks in trouble because they don't fully understand the concept. I very seldom ever use one but when I do I never leave the gains set there and just run it. Like T I mark the spot and retune by ear knowing past that mark is no mans land.
Luv,
Hoss C.
Luv,
Hoss C.
Thats why its important to know the Volume level of all you sources and your Music
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 747
Likes: 52
From: Alabama
I feel it's up to the user to know what he's setting the VAC for. Either by using the supplied chart or by doing the math. As Gann stated the amp is the constant. The load will determine the output. I think using the DMM gets a lot of folks in trouble because they don't fully understand the concept. I very seldom ever use one but when I do I never leave the gains set there and just run it. Like T I mark the spot and retune by ear knowing past that mark is no mans land.
Luv,
Hoss C.
Luv,
Hoss C.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 747
Likes: 52
From: Alabama
I feel it's up to the user to know what he's setting the VAC for. Either by using the supplied chart or by doing the math. As Gann stated the amp is the constant. The load will determine the output. I think using the DMM gets a lot of folks in trouble because they don't fully understand the concept. I very seldom ever use one but when I do I never leave the gains set there and just run it. Like T I mark the spot and retune by ear knowing past that mark is no mans land.
Luv,
Hoss C.
Luv,
Hoss C.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
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From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by BaggerBill103
T doesn't just leave it there. That is the maximum setting on the gain. Then he fine tunes by ear. Never to exceed this point marked during setup.