My goal for this video was to provide information, a lot of people are trying to decide if they need SMD tools. There are ton of ways to set gain, it is OK to use the method that works best for you.
@keepitcleanaudio2 жыл бұрын
Yes most definitely. So many ways to have the same end result..
@mester842 жыл бұрын
If u going to recommend just one to set the gains witch one you recommend??
@antonioprado80682 жыл бұрын
When you adjust the gain for distortion either for the smd or multimeter, did you move the crossover frequency for the lpf all the way up. My polk audio has a freq of 50hz-500hz on the knob and on hpf it's 20hz-400hz. Need to adjust my gain this weekend and while I know how to get the target voltage I don't know what to do to the frequency before I start moving the gain knob to PROPERLY reach the targeted voltage
@donovanhornak82432 жыл бұрын
You the man bro,thanks
@derekgardin15122 жыл бұрын
Personally I don't want to spend $1000 on a couple items that are going to sit in my toolbox most of the time. I switch cars every 3 to 5 years so...
@meade9162 жыл бұрын
nice video! out of all that, the MOST important thing you talked about was how everything in the chain starting from the beginning matters. I see a lot of lame video's on YT where someone is trying to "teach" people how to set gains with an O-scope and they are doing it completely wrong. "Just turn up the gain till you see (or hear) clipping" is not how you set gains. Head unit (or L.O.C if tapping in), DSP, crossovers etc, everything BEFORE the amps needs to be known first or it is all out the window. Also there is gain overlaps. Something completely ignored by these so called youtube "teachers". I have always told people, USE AN OSCOPE first. Learn it. Love it. USE IT RIGHT. Then get a DD-1 (for more accurate and simple results) once you feel like you are ready. It's the same process. (The DD-1+ Plus is a little different). But the standard DD-1 uses the same exact technique you would use if you had a scope. So no matter which one you choose, just do it correctly. Or turn all knobs to the right and jam on till you smell that smell. There is a right way and LOTS of wrong ways to do it. Thanks for the video it was a good watch :) Appreciate ya for that!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tools!
@meade9162 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy no prob! enjoy :)
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
@@meade916 I was pleasantly surprised to see the DD1 detect distortion when there was no clipping. I knew that system did not sound right.
@michaelzernie70922 жыл бұрын
You make awesome stuff bro! My DD1 and CC1 are well worth the money. So then I got the hard case for them. And now I've got the TMM1 for the fans. Turns heads man. Badass stuff!!
@mikehonda79342 жыл бұрын
I’m an owner of the DD-1+ and the original DD-1 HV, CC-1, IM-SG (first gen), AMM-1, and the VM-1 OM-1 and the TM-1. I also have a TPi meter/scope in my kit, a polarity tester and multiple connection options for any and every install need or tuning. I use the Liumy for work. For me, it’s the perfect travel set for on the road installs, audio monitoring, or just tinkering. From NY to CA, high heat, to cold weather, no cooked equipment, and everything is clean. Thanks DIY Audio Guy, and Thanks meade916 for the videos and tools. The audio world needs all your support to DIYR! (Do it yourself right.)
@Polywog772 жыл бұрын
dd1 has been on my wish list for a while, thankfully im getting divorced so i can get back to focusing on me projects!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
👍
@rz97082 жыл бұрын
Def recommend the dd1+ it's just a little more but worth every penny
@tridelv7022 жыл бұрын
I shouldn't laugh but this comment was funny 🤣
@StupidEarthlings2 ай бұрын
@@tridelv702 more 'happy' than funny.. good 4 him. 😊 🎉
@bluntsandhoes24812 жыл бұрын
Sam's probably one of the coolest knowledgeable people on KZfaq. Not just about amplifier repair either. Enjoyed the video again!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I wish I had half of his knowledge and skill.
@StopTargetingOurKids Жыл бұрын
No lie, the distortion detector is more than double what I am willing to pay for it.. I’ve been installing car audio since 85 and have used multi meters and oscillation scopes and pretty much could tune by ear back then, now I doubt my old ears can be that accurate so I’m banking on a oscillation scope 😂
@steventhomas58652 жыл бұрын
I use an oscilloscope with fft as that allows me to see the actual wave form and the harmonics being produced. Where I live a two channel oscilloscope with this function is a third of the price of one SMD device and can be used to read many other signals for other projects. You can add a current probe and do math to get real time power and impedance numbers.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
It all boils down to price versus performance no matter who you are and no matter where you are.
@nickn79392 жыл бұрын
steve meade makes money on people that think math is scary, and now they got a little blinky light for 300bux, and steve using scare tactics to preach how everyone's system is clipping, and if they keep letting it clip their subs will explode.
@TRONMAGNUM20992 жыл бұрын
Plus if the Amp ever dies you can use the scope to trouble shoot and repair it if you choose.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
@@nickn7939 Sounds like a good reason to pay attention in math class.
@tonysolis8252 жыл бұрын
I think it's unfair too ues ones product and mass produced these units to sell at a very expensive price for what is a simple light the smd dd1 is good for what i does but Steve should be ashamed for over pricing a piece of equipment that only has a light no screen and advised everyone that they need he's product so he can continue too live out his expensive life style. I bought one because i too fell into the track . I repair and install and modified car audio and im a electrician as my job i been installing car audio since i was 12 and since then i love car audio i remember the real and fun reason the days of car audio and electronics and it's why i made my hobbie too learn it i will simply say dont believe the hype i uesd the tool that cost me up too 200 plus shipping with a cd and a blinking light knowed as the smd dd1 and i returned it the next day reset my gains in my system and too my ears i was more pleased with my sound again i noticed that my gains were a little lower than with tool . The car audio and sales is all about making money now . And selling cheap products made and deigned with cheap parts what does matter if it says made in usa with cheap parts from China. People stop making these con artists rich they over price there gear and boasting there worth all over the internet. Car audio was never about money it was about music and joy and products that were way better than todays junk for half the cost i should know i been repairing amps and electronics since i was 17 in fact my amps are modified and are old school Components cause i know how well they outperform todays way over priced junk back in the day you did get what you payed for.
@Clobercow12 жыл бұрын
You can use a scope to find clipping, and you can use a $80 calibrated mic to find distortion with free software. For the DIYer that's probably the way to go.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yep, lot of ways to do it.
@msh68652 жыл бұрын
Hopefully more and more manufacturers will start including clip indicators on their products. Obviously we still need to check head unit outputs for distortion along with any other gear we put in the signal chain. But, simple clip lights on all amps would be enormously helpful. Very interesting and informative video Justin!👍
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
That would be nice.
@rejvv62 жыл бұрын
I sprung for a DD-1 about six months ago and I'm happy I did. I began my journey into car audio with a MTX1501D bought off a local Facebook group and have slowly continued to climb up to where I'm now running 6000 watts on strapped amps and backing it with lithium and a high output alternator. As you get into the more powerful and higher quality gear it becomes too expensive to risk doing it incorrectly. I've noticed my gain walks a little every few months from the vibration and a DD-1 is fast and simple enough that I can re-tune in a parking lot when something doesn't sound right. I definitely agree that for someone just starting out the SMD tools may be a little too out of reach and a cheaper alternative may be needed...just as long as it is done right. For those bitten by the bug and constantly wanting more though, you can't go wrong with the SMD line. Thanks for all the knowledge you've shared and for continuing to put videos like this out!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Awesome!
@LosmiPZS2 жыл бұрын
Just remember how you set your gains last time and do it again. Or make a mark, you don't need a dd1
@jasonwills19902 жыл бұрын
Yo love that dude.. bought his product earlier 2012 and then he signed his product.. love it..
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
He is a good dude.
@ixionn5632 жыл бұрын
This was a good watch. The distortion issue is one that I never had considered or taken much thought into before, so it was really interesting to see that demonstrated. Just due to being the type who likes to tinker, see how things work in depth, and get the absolute best value, I'll probably always have a love for scopes. But this video was great in how it presented and educated about the SMD tools, I have quite a bit more respect for the engineering behind those tools now. That compressor behavior is something I think I've only seen on pro audio gear before (with my very limited experience with pro stuff), so it was really interesting to see that on that little premade car enclosure. It makes me wonder how common that circuitry is on lower end gear, or if maybe it was just a once in a blue moon thing that some engineer thought was a good idea on that particular system. Anyways I really appreciate your content man, it's the thing I like seeing in the audio, and really any, community. We shouldn't get so caught up in what's "better" and "worse". Instead we should be educating each other on how to make the best of the gear we do have. That and of course, trying to stick to the facts of the situation is always the way to go. There's always more to learn. Thanks.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
You are exactly right.
@Mr.NpK1432 жыл бұрын
You said I was gonna want to watch the whole video, but you didn't say time after time after time again! You know you have the only channel I've even considered becoming a patron. Not going to lie I've very close to pushing the patron button 💯
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I would appreciate that, but no pressure.
@junkyardhemi7 ай бұрын
I’m a DIY guy myself. I have 2 vehicles with aftermarket stereos and some higher end equipment. I’m frequently tinkering and trying different things. I have a DD-1 for gains. It always works great and is super simple to operate. I have complete confidence in SMD products and will continue to use them.
@palledrengens2 жыл бұрын
i have been building speakers for fun, since 87 when I was a schoolboy, I've made some good stuff in time but also made the worst sh....ever🤣🤣 but listening when setting gains by ear have never failed me, never burned any unit or amp... Steve Meade is one of my new idols in car audio, he's a genius and does things my way👌👌👌
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
If you train your ear it is a great tool. But a lot of people that set by ear have not done that. If you are ever listing to live music, and it sounds like crap, it is because the guy running the mixer in the back of the room has not trained their ear. (or the venue just sucks for audio)
@palledrengens2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy i don't like live music, i think it lacks quality, i like the bassdrum through the subs but not Moore than that... I've trained my ears since 87 and i put a finger in each ear and listen close to the bass... when I tune in the headunit I've always done as you also do and then i turn the gain on the amp for the woofer and set a mark aso for mid and treble.. and this is done with a original CD i use scorpions-passion rules the game for mid and treble and 80s pop/disco for the bass...sometimes hard rock.. some streaming are okay but most of it is too compressed and has no quality... (one day i will try to connect my vinyl record player and listen to that, just for fun 😊)
@25hztolife142 жыл бұрын
I use a mini oscilloscope and a multimeter to find the maximum my amp can go (5 chs) then I rely on my ears. I know up to what point I can raise it, it's just a matter of preference thereafter. I have noticed my amp mono section needs to be tuned in that way but the 4 ch output has a Max of 30v just like you've gone through.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Cool
@mikehonda79342 жыл бұрын
25hz, One test you can also do when settings gains and tuning in conjunction with your ears, what I do is use my Oscilloscope as a visual guide of what my amps are doing with my sub/bass/mid bass/midrange/mid high/brightness frequencies and what ones clip for adjustments. Whatever clips, or is wasted energy and can be filtered out, or EQ’ed.
@OfficialNakatsuMegami2 жыл бұрын
Steve Mead is an amazing guy.. I am so glad he helped you with the ability to make this video. It was amazing.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
@dieseldime2 жыл бұрын
I too am like you, am in my 30s getting back into car audio, i use to "install" in my younger days, looking back im not super proud lol. Now that I'm older and better funded which leads to better tools and materials I can actually do professional level install, so far its just been doing my own stuff, I might take on side work in the future, but now that I have proper shop tools, and the knowledge and experience now to do it right, plus the technology and pricing is so much better these days, additionally guys like Justin and Steve sharing info, I love the hobby all over again. I have been wanting to get a few of the SMD products for a while, I think they are really cool, I just can't justify their cost at the moment for as much as I would use them, currently I'm using the O scope and DMM method, which is light years beyond how I use to set stuff lol. Thanks again Justin and Steve.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I certainly don't consider myself a pro. Hence the channel name DIY audio guy. But when I think about the rat's nest of wires that I had in my car back in the day, I've definitely gotten better.
@TheSara2004242 жыл бұрын
When I was younger I did it by ear 👂 but now that I have some education with electrical and using O-Scopes it's a basic understanding of how AC works and what many people forget is different frequencies have different wave forms and time periods with a good O-scope you can measure multiple things at once I believe you can't do that with The DD1? I really don't believe it's a bad tool at all but the cost per usage is what I look at when buying a tool to do a job, If I bought a dd1 it's only for testing and tuning amplifiers with an oscope it has many usagages not just car amplifiers so would I buy one nope 🙅 I will stick to what I was trained on
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
That's why the scopes are so popular, they do a lot more. I was pleasantly surprised by the DD1. It does one thing, but does it very well.
@TheSara2004242 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy and thank you for making a great video on these tools
@mjenx86 Жыл бұрын
This was one of the most informative and helpful videos I’ve ever seen on car audio. Major props to you! Subscribed ✅
@mikeunivers2 жыл бұрын
20 years using an oscilloscope and plan to stay the same, I bought one and sold it shortly after, it was just collecting dust on my shelf.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I honestly was not expecting the DD1 to be any better than the scope, but I already had that plate amp pulled off so I gave it a try. I was shocked.
@mikehonda79342 жыл бұрын
I have majority of the SMD tools and a few of the meters. Having the tools for the job, according to the sensitivity of the project, is important. The SMD Tools puts the bench size of each audio portion, into a travel size hand held tool. Justification of the cost, yeah it is a jump, but I say, their is no cost too high, when it comes to safety.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Right, no need to drag a laptop or tablet into the car.
@mikehonda79342 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy except when tuning a processor unfortunately…
@bingostarr8 ай бұрын
The installaton of my Head unit Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX and the Pioneer GM-E360X4 has been a long road to say the least. I got the Head unit for 100 dollars off of Facebook Market Place with the 1 hour ride to and from the sellers location makes it a good price and good value. This will replace my stock unit in my 2013 Chevy Tahoe. The Amp was also picked up on Facebook Market Place and was 100 dollars also. This amp is a nightmare that I have been having over and over again for the last 2 months. It is going back on the market tomorrow and upon watching your channel I am better equipped to make the right choice for my Budget. Cheap and Dirty but one mam's cast off is anothers treasure. I really need a good installaton video as this is the most time and money pit as my electrical and fabracaton skills aver at a novice level and my wife would like the seats put back in the Tahoe asap. Can you recommend a video that will better deal with the pitfalls and shortcuts that a person in my sisutation should watch. Bingo Starr Great channel best one I have come across in the past year by far. Thanks for your clear and well thought out presentation.
@dna592 жыл бұрын
Great video. I finally invested in the DD1... more so for ease of use and efficiency. I've been using the Lummy but when I'm doing multiple amps on a boat or vehicle the DD1 sure saves me time and I know it's consistent.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
@wiredperformance61302 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Steve Meades equipment IS the best available to those who know. I don’t own any myself but I do have access to most of it and rely on it for every customer.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
His stuff is very easy to use.
@speedwayaudio32 жыл бұрын
You can find used SMD equipment on Ebay at great prices. I found my DD-1 just under 100 bucks. Now I have one. No longer a professional I shut down my store back in 2004. I just recently bought gear to have a nice system in my old Dakota and I just wanted the DD-1 to set my gain. It worked great and now I can either resell the DD-1 and possibly make a profit and have set gains, or just keep it and have it for life. I'm keeping mine and will set gains for friends if needed and have fun with it. As a former "pro" I only wished they had this back in my time. Great video as always.
@SHUTDOORproduction2 жыл бұрын
A better scope would have more options that would be far more useful. SMD is selling convenience and simplicity. Don't mistake their equipment for being more accurate or giving more information. Hell if I could afford them I'd have some SMD stuff too, because regardless of Steve being a little baby the engineers that actually made this stuff did accomplish what they were going for. Shame that it lines Steve's pockets but wdyd.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Steve is certainly polarizing.
@bradleybeauchamp55822 жыл бұрын
Great video and very informative, the only thing that comes to mind in regards to needing a multimeter to set gain is in a situation lets say where you have an amp that can put out 2 or 3 times the subwoofers rated power. You would have to have a multi-meter or an oscope so you can turn the gain up to where the sub is rated at. If a DD1 is used you can only see where the amp starts clipping but at that point the power that the sub is rated at would be double or tripled. I cant see a reason to buy a DD1 and or 1 or 2 of the other SMD audio tuning devices unless you own a shop and time is a factor as the DD1 can speed up setting the amp if it can be done that way vs. using an oscope. If somebody does car audio as a hobby and setting there amp once or twice a $100 oscope is more than enough to do the job.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@samuelrodriguez38262 жыл бұрын
I personally own the SMD DD-1 and the CC-1 I recommend this product to any one that is diy i have done install for many years and I never had a complaint about how clean and clear it sounded i have gotten some folk that wanted me to use the SMD DD-1 AND CC-1 to there system and they where very pleased about there sound. so shout out to Steve Meade 💪🏼 it can be pricey but it is truly worth the buck!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
It all boils down to budget, they are great if you can afford them/justify the expense.
@kewlbug2 жыл бұрын
My stereo OCDs caused me to get both, The DD-1 works and does exactly what you want it to. You're kinda paying more money for the product that is easier to use without having to think. If you're on a budget, The O scope is more than adequate, you just have to know what you're looking at (like your examples). I like that the O scope gives you voltage at the same time. Ears can work.. You can for sure hear exactly when the wave clips with your ear, the tone changes. You just need a way to attenuate the signal so you don't blow your ears out. Example: find where the head unit clips by turning amp gain all the way down. you'll hear it change.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Right! It's easy and you don't have to think.
@thebassgeneratorinc229 Жыл бұрын
This video is why I watch and subscribe to your channel. I may have different views on a few comments but we all get something different from the same pages of a book. I enjoy you topics and it contents. It is very imformative for those Novice whom just want to get louder within breaking the bank or destroying their gear due to lack of know-how.
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@markwentz83322 жыл бұрын
I bought my first DD-1 nine years ago from Steve and used it to tune a similar Alpine amp available at that time I'd love to see the content you'd create with the IM/SG in your hands, another choice piece of kit.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
That's definitely on my wish list.
@MullinPerformance2 жыл бұрын
I love content like this. I have a DD1 sitting in my Amazon cart right now. I wanna add this tool to my arsenal but was more interested in doing other aspects of car audio. Now I have people wanting me to help install, and I think im going to pull the trigger on this.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
My goal for the video was to provide information for people that are sitting on the fence.
@fortheprofit21862 жыл бұрын
The dd 1 one reminds me of my hp distortion analyzer. The scope isn't a distortion meter it's a wavemeter it does care about distortion. So it makes sense the dd1 will pick up distortion before its visible on the scope.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I was really shocked at how quick that plate amp distorted.
@giosant5327 Жыл бұрын
0.4 millls difference 😂😂😂😂😂😂wow
@seemoney0314 Жыл бұрын
My JL amp has a red light around the gain screw and if that ever blinks it’s clipping. It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever seen on an amp 😂 I love this video though because it has so much info I didn’t know
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
I think we will eventually get to the point where every amplifier has a clip light.
@chrisnas14832 жыл бұрын
Thanks dyi guy.. I think I wanna buy Steve Meade product.
@killer326202 жыл бұрын
the funny thing is I have friends that tuned their systems by ear or by a voltmeter. I did it by ear then I invested in a dd1 and boy was not only mine clipping but my friends were clipped worse than mine. I love my dd1 and my taramps smart3 clip led is the best thing that came to amps
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Awesome!
@jrwinckler6744 Жыл бұрын
Been watching your videos for awhile this one made me subscribe. Love your content!
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it.
@Silentjustin06 Жыл бұрын
I know my particular radio clips at 37 of 40. I set all my radio settings to where I like them. I set the amp for my highs first so I can hear any hiss or distortion. Then I moce on to the bass amp. Bass knob all the way up and amp gain all the way down. Radio set to volume 37. I play a 0db 40hz test tone. I hook a tweeter to the subwoofer channel. Slowly turn gain up to I hear a buzz in the tweeter. Then back it down to it stops. Basically quick explanation of how I set my system
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
👍Smart
@Silentjustin0610 ай бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy so I basically got completely ripped by Steve Meade saying I can set my gains with a tweeter just as well as his smd tool. I've seen multiple videos of people testing his smd tool against a tweeter with a capacitor to set gains on a bass amp. The red light on the smd comes on and off as the the buzz of the tweeter stops and starts. So what's your take on using a tweeter to set amp gains. Because he literally ripped into hard . Said I'm as smart as a box of nails 😂
@Silentjustin0610 ай бұрын
I dropped a link to the video of him rippin into me. It's a bit rude and not very mature the way he spoke to me. I would expect a mature response from man like him. Anyways if u have time to go over the conversation that's in the link. I'd greatly appreciate it sir. Thanks and love your videos
@Bill_CBR2 жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks for sharing. Too funny, that Alpine M500 you talked about. My wife has had that amp for years powering her sub along with another Alpine for her midranges. She's had them for years and moved them to a number of cars. Last fall I upgraded them with an Audio Control D-5-1300. I made use of the DD1 as well during the install.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
It's a great amp.
@davidschoenrock2 жыл бұрын
I'm a fan and believer in Steve meades products. He has been there and done that. And knows what is up!!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
A lot of people agree with you.
@brandonhooker4498 Жыл бұрын
I know I’m super late to this, but great video and info, as usual! I use a Liumy scope in conjunction with a Fluke DMM and the tweeter version of the DD-1 that Sam had made a video of. Works great if you have the time and space to set up and test everything or the space to haul it around like I did when my friends needed equipment installed (apparently because I’m a big DIY audio hobbyist and all about learning, I’m the audio guru friend😂). I have limited space in my car so I finally made the choice to pick up a DD-1. No more Packouts crowding my little Focus just set up an amp! It’s great to have a vast selection of tools in your arsenal, even if you don’t use them. What’s that saying about needing it and not having it?? Yeah, that applies to a lot of stuff😂 However, as a DIY and a bit of a perfectionist, I do love buying the proper tools to do an install correctly, even if they’re the cheaper ones (usually temporarily) and I have spent a LOT of money on doing just that…the next couple of tools on my list to upgrade are the PT9A+ and an RTA & mic setup👌🏻 even though this is mostly all for just slowly upgrading my personal audio installs over time😅
@kodyburrows42762 жыл бұрын
Man……GREAT JOB!!!!!! Even better whn you clarified your goals as a content creator !!! We need more videos like such. Shout out to the “godfather” of car audio SMD!!!!! Thnks for the GREAT video. Been a fan for sometime now.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Far too many people want me just to tell them what to buy.
@Kid617 Жыл бұрын
man i was sold on the oscilloscope in the begin but after watching this now i even more confused about this Great
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
tldr: Use this if you are broke or do not set up amplifiers often: amzn.to/3SYtrm6 Use this if you are a pro or if you do this frequently: lddy.no/14doe
@joshhaas81212 жыл бұрын
Love my Alpine v power 500w mono! Hooked up to two 12w0, perfect.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
It is a great amp.
@HashDogg062 жыл бұрын
For me it is the Alpine PDX-M12, a bit more power on tap.
@anthonybrown614310 ай бұрын
From watching this MOST INFORMABLE video, there is not much difference btween the dd-1 and the oscilliscope, I will trust the oscilliscope beause it will keep under the clipping safely. Thank you very much!
@DIYAudioGuy10 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@ssejati Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this nice informative video… just a little concern, please stop switch scene between the scope and your postur, too often. It gets me dizzy, would keeping up with your voice. Because I try to keep up with the scope detail view as well. 😊
@tomasexteriors9 ай бұрын
Sam audio guy is lovely dude we 100+ miles away So genuine and dam good person❤
@Jpilgrim3010 ай бұрын
As someone who is in a field in which I have a lot of specialized testing equipment it’s hard to fault Steve on the price of the equipment. A DIY guy may see it as expensive but they wouldn’t likely get enough use out of it to justify it anyways. A shop that would use it multiple times a day would see that price as a bargain as it will save them tons of time over the course of a year. It’s all relative and I see these tools as just that… Tools. If you would hardly ever use it then why buy it? If you would use it a lot and it would make you more productive then the price is certainly worth it. I have multiple oscilloscopes including a 4 channel PicoScope but I would still love an AMM-1 as that little thing does all kind of cool stuff like real time power and you can’t find anywhere else really.
@jamesfair97517 ай бұрын
I unfortunately can’t afford all these amazing tools so I had to build my own clipping detector. A small 3inch speaker with a capacitor in-line you can tell when the amp clips
@shawnsanderson36952 жыл бұрын
I had to go looking for smd products second hand or other way cheaper. I even tried to reach out to Steve Mead for help
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yea, SMD stuff ain't cheap. The scope works fine if you want to save some cash.
@bradysimpson2 жыл бұрын
I have a DD1, CC1, and an IMSG+. All amazing tools.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I think the best part is you don't need to drag out a laptop, connect an app to a phone or anything like that. The devices are mostly self-contained.
@JasonWW2000 Жыл бұрын
At 10:00 when the distortion light comes on, but there's no clipping. Keep in mind that there's different types of distortion than just clipping. You can see the sine wave looks a bit crooked, not a perfect wave. That is the distortion that's being detected. It's pretty hard to see 1% distortion of a sine wave. A few percent higher and it's easier to see.
@MickeyMishra2 жыл бұрын
I know I know. Everyone has their tool they like to use. But let me tell ya. I got the DD-1, and used it with the Cheap gear I was testing. My god man. It was a gift from beyond! I was able to find every bit of CRAP gear and identify almost every little bit of distortion or noise in my system or gear that just did not make the cut and I was able to get this very inexpensive gear and find out its weaknesses and even fix it. I was even able to determine the weak spots in my signal chain for my head unit same with the digital signal processor I was using. the thing is, I don't just use one tool I use as many as I can to go ahead and get a good reference just like somebody at audiosciencereview uses a very expensive machine to go ahead and get results and measurements from gear. but all that does is give you a baseline working in a lab environment which in our car audio world doesn't quite work that way. but thanks to his tools, Steve made literally made my car audio experience not only inexpensive but I was able to get the absolute maximum with the equipment I was using. the final judge is always going to be you and your ears. But for me? I use as many tools as possible to track down any sources of noise in my signal path and chain. my final piece of advice is don't worry about the best way worry about the most thorough away and you will always have your audio Nirvana
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Right, you have to test everything.
@ballaimpalass2 жыл бұрын
Most add a subwoofer folks just crank the gain, and don't know, nor care if it's distorting. If you actually care about the sound or care of your system the SMD tools are in my opinion the ONLY WAY TO GO! They are idiot proof. Great video and even better product! Absolutely worth the money!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yea, a lot of people destroy their gear with the gain knob.
@Clobercow12 жыл бұрын
Great video. A great learning experience. Thanks for all you do! May I note that the transition effects were giving me a headache.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback.
@justme-pi3lh2 жыл бұрын
Another great video DIY Guy. Most of my sub amps have clip lights and I adjust the highs by ear. I think highly of Steve and defiantly have some of his tools on my audio wish list. Once again Steve generously giving away his tools and wanting nothing in return. The man believes in what he sells.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I am a big fan of clip lights on amps. Very handy for the typical DIY'er.
@DesertRunner602 Жыл бұрын
He gives them away to these popular YT channels because he gets free advertisement out of them. Advertisements turn into sales and sales turn into profit.
@JasonWW2000 Жыл бұрын
When your using the clip lights, are you using a -5dB or -10dB sine wave?
@turboduckhead61792 жыл бұрын
“Set gains by smell” is the best comment yet 😂
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, more than one person used that method. Not sure if they're joking.
@turboduckhead61792 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy It's worrying if they did..
@asmith89042 жыл бұрын
I love the SMD tools. Especially the AMM-1. It shows you exactly what's happening in YOUR system..esp impedance rise. And seeing your actual power is awesome.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
You can do most of that with a good clamp meter, but the AMM1 is designed with audio in mind.
@HashDogg062 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy Rather difficult to use a clamp & volt meter when you are testing on music with the ever changing impedance loads, i think that is what he was getting at.
@ToolsOutsideTheBox2 жыл бұрын
I was just thinking about doo the install and taking it to a legit car audio shop to have them tune it.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Some shops won't do that.
@xSiC842 жыл бұрын
I have generally always overpowered my subwoofers. This makes the gain not that big of a deal to me. I just use a basic voltmeter and set the volts to match what the subs need. For instance, powering a 600 watt sub with a 1000 watt amplifier. If you were to set gain to the max before clipping on the amp, you would most likely blow the sub. No clipping worries for me. Although I have pushed amps back in the day to their max etc, where clipping would matter.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Smart.
@MisterEE1002 жыл бұрын
I love technical videos and I really enjoyed this. Thank you I still think the best advice in your video is - buy a decent brand, which solves a lot of problems.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Right, you don't have to drop big cash on the high-end stuff, just avoid the bottom of the barrel. Pioneer, for example, makes solid amps that are clean and do rated. Rockford Fosgate Prime amps even have a clip light.
@MisterEE1002 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy 100% decent brand doesn't necessarily mean buy the top end. You are correct. I'd rather own a Prime RF than some dubious brand.
@RGHD912 Жыл бұрын
Most Harley’s these days have over 3k worth of equipment on them, a proper tune is really needed on a motorcycle! Definitely more challenging
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
ATV / boat / motorcycle seems to be the future of the industry. It is a real challenge to put a radio in a modern car.
@jprieto7272 жыл бұрын
I would recommend a analog oscope, the issue with new digital scopes is the latency in cheap oscopes. I use a Iwatsu 200mhz 3 Channel scope. But it's heavy and clunky. But very accurate . Rigol digital and the better brands are fine, but the processing is a little slower, just a little tech tip
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Definitely want to get my hands on one of those at some point.
@kswis2 жыл бұрын
Tried training my ear, ended up loosing hearing in my left ear😉. But seriously though, a lot can probably get it close by ear. However I don't trust it enough. The way I look at it I spend enough on amps and subs that it's not worth risking. I've tried by ear then followed with the dd1 and an amm1. Then check it with a dmm to see how far off I was. Next smd goodie I want is the signal generator. Thanks for sharing another excellent video
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
The best thing about the SMD tools is that you don't need to plug into a computer.
@kswis2 жыл бұрын
@DIY Audio Guy agreed. I still have to plug into the dm-608 dsp once in a while. I have the bt-24 bluetooth dealio but it's just easier to adjust thing on the laptop. It's really cool to stream hq files and bypass the head unit though. We live in a cool day n age with tons and tons of goodies to play with.
@JerseyPiney2 жыл бұрын
If it says D’Amore Engineering on it, you know it’s a great product.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
👍
@swayhem12 Жыл бұрын
Do you have a video on how to check for clipping on your cell phone?
@yeahokism10 ай бұрын
To set GAIN in AUTOSOUND... Ya set your MIDS and HIGHS/FULL RANGE system to its maximum range with no audible distortion. Typically ya can get 3/4 the volume on most DECKS then distortion sets in. NOTE the VOLUME NUMBER on the DECK, important. Once ya have your MIDS/HIGHS/FULL RANGE system tuned to its max clean output... THEN dial in yer SUB WOOFER AMP to sonically MATCH the mids and highs. Set your remote sub VOLUME KNOB to about HALF and adjust accordingly as SOME MUSIC is BASS HEAVY.... some music not so much so, Bass knob set at half way will afford the user a RANGE of adjustment needed depending on the music being played. Typically your MIDS/HIGHS/FULL RANGE system will distort LONG before your sub amp. OR... In "competition mode"... bust out the TOOLS mentioned in this video. I been installing AUTOSOUND better than 50 years now... I dont own TOOLS. Trained ear I suppose here. Good video!!! BDBD/2023
@yeahokism10 ай бұрын
OH YEAH... AUTOSOUND???.... %99.999999999 "SQ"..... 0.000000001 "Competition"... Know your customers... Very few Competition types out there... as SQ goes... Nicer the car the better the SQ.. regardless of GEAR. BDBD/2023
@xsivemotorsports2 жыл бұрын
I set the gain LOW, then turn the source up until I can hear the clipping, I back the source volume down a little, Then I set the amps with a Multimeter.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
👍
@carnage50x2 жыл бұрын
Holy heck I was featured. 0:31
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
👍
@rlg222 Жыл бұрын
I'm enjoying your videos! 😁😁😁
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
Glad to hear!
@tanwirkhan78611 Жыл бұрын
So I've I stalled an jvc kwm745 head unit paired with an audison sr5.600. I have looked at the out put of the head unit using an oscilloscope there no cliping at full voltage . Although I have sent the gain to matched the pre out I was thinking is there any reason why I can match it it to the speakers, which are audison rated to 100w rms @ 2ohm. Or set the gain as close to speaker max before oscilloscope shows cliping. What are ur thoughts
@davidrobertson95222 ай бұрын
Can't you put the probes of the oscilloscope in the positive and negative speaker terminals on the amp like you do the dd1. To find the clipping from the headunit? And also set gains on the amp
@DIYAudioGuy2 ай бұрын
Yes.
@RodofAllTrades2 жыл бұрын
LOVE THIS. Passing it on!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Please do!
@NathanOakley19802 жыл бұрын
Good video. Steve is a very smart man.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
He has certainly had a big impact on car audio.
@michaelrobison85722 жыл бұрын
I've already purchased the smd dd1 and the cc1 love them both.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Cool! I have a way to set crossovers with math and a DMM. I would like to compare my method with the CC1.
@oemhifi11 ай бұрын
phenomenal vid. THANK YOU
@DIYAudioGuy11 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@fabianmolina8662 жыл бұрын
Can use a tweeter whit a 2.2 uf capacitor too. You must to increase the gain. When the distortion appears,the tweeter will begin to sound. That's another way to calibrate it
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
That also works.
@GamingShiiep2 жыл бұрын
Hey there, I just found your channel and your videos and you are awesome! I really love your videos and how much you know about all that. So here's a tricky one for you: Try to get the maximum spl/lowest frequencies out of a custom build spare tire subwoofer!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Passive radiator.
@GamingShiiep2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy I didn't have the time to watch all of your videos (or at least the most important ones). How does the shape of a box affect the sound? And how do you match the box to a fitting sub (&passive)? I'm asking because these weirdly shaped cabinets for the sides inside the trunk exist. Thanks!!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
@@GamingShiiep The shape of the box is not affect the sound.
@JasonWW2000 Жыл бұрын
I'd do an infinite baffle 15" or 18" on 500-1,000 watts. It should fit most tire wells. Its fairly common in serious vehicles. Can play loud below 20Hz if needed. It does require cutting metal out of your car.
@derekgardin15122 жыл бұрын
I've been tuning by ear for 20 years. Never blown a speaker, sub or amp. Don't need a $500 distortion detector which is a glorified plastic box with a couple LEDS in it.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Tuning by ear works IF you know what you're doing. Sounds like you know what you're doing, so save your money.
@derekgardin15122 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy this is true. I learned from good installers when I was a sales guy at an audio store. They adjusted many systems from people who did it themselves to the proper levels. Many times they would let me listen before they changed anything so I learned what it sounded like. I also got to hear the before and after almost every time so I definitely trained my ears to know what I'm hearing. I've got friends that insist they know what they are doing and have seen them blow countless speakers and subs over the years. Seemingly never learn, some people anyways.
@BassFace17762 жыл бұрын
I completely agree. I set everything by ear it's never failed me but I don't think it's the actual correct way. Someone like me who changes subs like underwear could definitely use a dd1. But like you said for someone just getting a normal lower power system for the next 5 years it doesn't make sense.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yea, that is what I was hopping to show.
@JWarrenPhilly2 ай бұрын
Sorry for the necro post in advance. I never thought my O-scope wasn't effective. Interesting watch. I do find the Amp dyno to be useless since and Amp pushing 500 watts will not make a huge difference over an Amp pushing 600 watts. I know some folks will say it matters. It makes no sense unless you are dragging and laying in 1k plus power. Average Joe diy installs are just too small to be that petty.
@DIYAudioGuy2 ай бұрын
You have to double the power to gain 3 DB. So you're not wrong there. Plus there are so many other factors in the real world that will impact the actual amount of power and amplifier will give you. But that's not the big issue. The big issue, even after decades, there are brands that just slap random numbers on the side of the amp. So there are a ton of people out there buying garbage amps and they have no idea.
@JWarrenPhilly2 ай бұрын
@DIYAudioGuy Agreed. My point though is to get more output, wattage is too difficult compared to speaker count or efficiency in general. To double output how you essentially need 10x wattage whereas you can add 3x the cone area. Not always possible but you get the picture. That's why I shop the speakers, then match the amp. It would be insane to just try and dump 1k to a set of components rather than buying twice as many components.
@scottouimet28657 ай бұрын
I wish he could bring the price down on them by like 30-50%. I think he would sell alot more at a lower price. I dont think cost of production is so high that its impossible to do that. I know SMD and D'amore are a higher quailty brand but for as good as these are why not make them more easily/cheaply available to tge car audio community. Never have used then but everyone irl and online always talk very highly of them.
@DIYAudioGuy7 ай бұрын
He has been selling these things for over a decade, if he was priced to high he would have lowered it by now. I don think the price has ever gone up, so after inflation he has cut the price.
@scottouimet28657 ай бұрын
@DIYAudioGuy idk man, I understand that R&D has to get figured into the price of a tool like that. But when I can get very nice and advanced DMM and Oscopes and obd2 and Tech2 devices now for under $50 and the myriad of other technology tools that have come down in price drastically in the last decade you would think he could do something to cut the cost of manufacturing and pass that on to everyone. Especially being someone as passionate for the community as he seems. Not really trying to complain, just feel that they are over priced for as limited as each one of those devices are. Mind you if I wanted all 5-6 different tools offered it would cost close to 2 grand. The for the reply tho. Love Steve and what he does and your channel. Just my personal opinion on these tools
@stevengarner85242 жыл бұрын
I came from a dj background and back in the day ears were all we had , I still trust um to this day . 😊🎶
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
The pros that run live sound and mix music do it all by ear. The good ones have spent years training their years.
@stevengarner85242 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy spot on mate . 😊
@CL-yp1bs2 жыл бұрын
I have so much headroom on my amps they essentially never clip. So yes I always set by ear and no i never clip. Boom problem solved. I *do* use a pocket oscilloscope for my headunit though :)
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Nothing wrong with that!
@jmo09282 жыл бұрын
Thank You so much for this video .
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome.
@mattsnook1723 Жыл бұрын
I have indeed trained my ears from years of using a scope. I will use a scope on the head unit though.
@DIYAudioGuy Жыл бұрын
I have known a few installers that could set dead accurate by ear alone.
@tatsumaru123452 жыл бұрын
DD1 for people who make a living in audio. Quicker and reliable. Liumy + cheap voltmeter for the rest of us. On any reputable amplifier, I never use max undistorted gain anyways. It's usually the least power efficient, and more power than the speaker calls for. Now your first test, that is definitely oscope winning. That fuzz, not a big deal on subwoofers. But full range, it's noticeable. I used a 2 channel Jensen from Walmart recently. Class d. It just never sounded, right. If you're listening to rap or something simple, you'll likely not notice. But something more complex, notes would break apart. Turning the gain down to a nice curve on the scope, fixed the problem. I lister louder than most people, so it stands out.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yes, it's hard to justify for DIY.
@NilssonDesignandFabКүн бұрын
I bougt my dd-1 onley to gain in my DD M4a :) realy dident want do mess it up
@JoshM72 жыл бұрын
5:49 I think the noise if it's the output of the amp, is not going to be filtered by the crossover at all. That is noise that the subwoofer will be seeing and playing. But that's still probably so quiet and high in frequency you won't ever notice it over the noise of the "wub wub" it's making. If it's above 10kHz then I doubt you'd ever hear it on a subwoofer ever. Thanks to this video I might hold off on getting a cheap o-scope as if it isn't telling me the whole story and could leave distortion on the table then It's not what I need. This also helps me feel like I'm actually accurate assuming my amp (NU3000DSP) is limited to 24/25v per channel before distortion jumps to very audible. Might not be clipping, but sounds very bad past that.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Slowing the footage down really helped. I think it was interesting that neither the scope nor the AMM1 showed clipping on that cheap amplifier.
@JoshM72 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy Yeah. Curious what it takes on the scope to show the distortion. Like would you need a better scope or more practice with it to see it. Or what other device would it take to make it easy to detect the 1% distortion. Maybe some sort of RTA you can clamp onto the output of the amp that shows the frequencies and the harmonics. I think harmonics 40dB below the fundamental tone is 1% and 20dB below is 10% distortion. There's probably a device that could do that, but is it cheaper than the SMD tool? I need to look into this more now.
@Ronco1602 жыл бұрын
$30 for my dd1 and it works great 👍 very quick and easy tuning
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Can't bet it at that price.
@jervornjoseph44832 жыл бұрын
Where?
@Ronco1602 жыл бұрын
@@jervornjoseph4483 A store called Mardens
@jervornjoseph44832 жыл бұрын
Anymore?
@Ronco1602 жыл бұрын
@@jervornjoseph4483 That’s the only one I found sadly. But they could have more now. It’s like a misc inside yard sale never know what they’ll have. Gotta search thru it.
@keepitcleanaudio2 жыл бұрын
I use the dd1,cc1 and the amm1 they work great. It makes everything so much easier to set gains and crossovers. And the amm1 is alot easier to see what my amp is putting out with out have to bring out a termlab.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
It's good to have tools!
@keepitcleanaudio2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy yes definitely this was a good video.
@kosheronlynobacon15422 жыл бұрын
I have never used either . Having huge ears and not being tone Def helps .
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
👍
@heyimclancy2 жыл бұрын
Cool video man! Subbed to the channel, fellow audio/electrical enthusiast!
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
@heyimclancy2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy I'll have to jump on your blog and share some projects, keen to learn some things, can I ask did you study anything or are you fully self taught?
@tomasexteriors9 ай бұрын
Buddy did you done any testing on audio control epicenter? Would love to see that
@TRONMAGNUM20992 жыл бұрын
Great video. If I was into systems like I was in my 20's I would have definitely spent the money on the Steve Meade gear. Nowadays, I might install an amp once every couple of years so the Liumy is good enough, plus it's a pretty decent multimeter. That part about the high frequency noise was a good tip. I have seen that before and thought it was distortion.
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comments, I try to read them all and I try to listen to my viewers.
@kb198219k2 жыл бұрын
I use an 4 channel Autel o scope that can plug into a pc or my Autel scan tool. Since it is designed for automotive diagnostics, the leads are long enough to keep from "laying in the trunk."
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I would love to have one of those!
@pixel_entity53522 жыл бұрын
I have the same thing but it is the Hantek one.
@bobbybyrkett77512 жыл бұрын
Great video Justin maybe do a video on setting gains like 80hz on DD 1 vs oscope
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
Great suggestion!
@nickn79392 жыл бұрын
i would buy an smd but the way people worship steve meade, makes me think he is a tool, omg steve meade!!! wooo i luv u
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
I don't think I'll ever understand why he's so divisive. You've got rabid fans on one end and intense haters on the other. He's just a dude like the rest of us, puts his pants on one day at a time, working to build something out of his life.
@1-Six-dee2 жыл бұрын
I set gains with a regular dmm it works and it is as accurate as my clip light on my amplifiers
@angelvip24742 жыл бұрын
That works as long as you have some sort of way to see distortion.setiing voltage ac via Dmm is not all equal. 20 vac on gain is not equal to 20 vac clipped on gain.but you have a clip light so non issue🤙🏽
@paulgood22182 жыл бұрын
@@angelvip2474 if I have a 1000 watt RMS reputable amp I set with multimeter to 900rms what ever the voltage may be for the ohm load. I just leave a 10% room for error . You gain 3 db out put every time you double power , you will never hear the difference between 900 and 1000 rms on the same set up.
@1-Six-dee2 жыл бұрын
@@angelvip2474 I think with good amplifiers that post there proper power in there manuals I think the dmm method works well, but I have clip lights on these amps so it seems to be pretty close the only draw back u may leave power on the table that was my experience with it, I may have been 20% under what I would have set to without clip, but with 5k watts and six of them that is a lot of power left on then table
@DIYAudioGuy2 жыл бұрын
That's how I did my gains when I first started, one of my most popular videos shows how to do it. It works, but you have to know what you're doing to make it work.