Jump to content

ib2loud

Members
  • Posts

    21
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by ib2loud

  1. Gain overlap is a compensation mechanism to account for the fact that we don’t listen to test tones in mobile audio

    systems, rather we listen to music. Test tones are great for setting up the input levels on each component of the signal

    chain, but test tones are constant levels all of the time. Music has levels that simply are not constant all of the time.

    There are loud passages and soft passages in music, and these are constantly changing. Due to this fact, the maximum

    unclipped output levels determined by test tones will seem as if the system doesn’t play very loud. Certainly it’s free of

    clipping and audible distortion, but it’s not as loud as it seems like it could be overall. This process allows a measured

    amount of increase to be implemented without “guessing” by just turning up the gain controls on a random piece of

    equipment. Adding extra gain to the signal chain whether it’s at an upstream signal processor or at the amplifier at this

    point is a trade-off of benefits and drawbacks. Most people find that there is a good compromise of these trade-offs

    When you raise the gain above the levels achieved with a test tone, you will lower the signal to noise ratio of the

    system. In this scenario, the trade-off is higher output at maximum levels trading off for more hiss and system noise

    with the volume at lower levels. There is always an acceptable compromise.

    Additionally, when you raise the gain above the levels achieved with a test tone, you will increase audible

    distortion of the system. In this scenario, the trade-off is higher output at maximum levels trading off for more

    frequent moments of “clipping” with both the volume and the music at their maximum levels. Check out the amount

    of time that there is added distortion in the signal based on the amount of gain overlap added. Once again, there is

    always an acceptable compromise.

    Add in 5dB of gain overlap to achieve a higher volume with music (rather than test tones). It’s a safe compromise

    between slightly increased distortion (Less than 0.1%) and louder output (nearly 5dB). Less critical listeners could

    tolerate 10dB of gain overlap, but look what happens to the distortion increase. Some people will easily hear that with

    a great set of mid and high frequency speakers (certainly more evident on compressed audio tracks as well). Reserve

    15dB of gain overlap for subs, if at all. If you are using this setting, chances are you can go to a bigger amp for better

    sounding results at the same volume levels with less distortion and more headroom.

    Use the gain overlap tracks on the RTTI/3Sixty set up disc to achieve the gain overlap safely without causing damage to

    the speakers. Simply play the same frequency (HP/BP/LP) as before and increase the voltage levels to the same place

    the recorded measurements were at 0dB levels for 5dB of overlap. If you use the 0dB tracks to increase the output

    voltages to do this, you will almost certainly damage the speakers if not using load resistors.

    Don’t forget to disconnect the speakers when setting up gain overlap!!!!

  2. Hello everyone my name is Vincent, and I am from Dublin, Ohio the home of Wendy’s Restaurant, LOL. I am a certified bass head for years I just can’t get enough of it. I have built many different systems over the years. Currently I don’t have a system in my ride at this time but I am looking for a new project to start and been working on opening my own business in Car Audio I am looking for a building right now. I actually found this site by doing a car audio search for tremendous bass on you tube a few months ago and came a crossed Steve’s you tube page and got the link from there and I have been addicted ever since. Steve I love what you did with your hoe it’s one of a kind. Keep up the good work!

×
×
  • Create New...