I ran the four rca's back to the trunk where the amp is,connected the four channel amp and got lots of clipping and popping.I tested power, ground,speakers with multimeter and all of those were good. Can I test the rca's with a multmeter and if ok what should they read?
Replies (3)
swez on 08/21/2004 19:18:55
Kinda hard to do that if you don't know the load impedance of the amp input section. You'd have to make a patch cord with a female RCA connector and a load resistor (same general value as amp input section) across both leads. Then measure voltage across the resistor. Once you know the output voltage, setting the amp gains appropriately is the final step.
You can also do a good job in setup by ear. This process is outline in the following FAQ. The information applies to subs as well as mids/highs.
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?t3
Swez
uochronos on 08/21/2004 22:54:40
hmm i didnt realize you could do that with a multimeter swez... how would i get the impedence value i would need for my amp? ect.s can i get more info on doing this thanks
swez on 08/22/2004 08:50:17
Most amps come with input impedance specs on the data sheet or install manual. If you match that load, you can accurately determine the output voltage at the RCA line as noted. (10K-00K ohms) are common in car applications, but 600 ohms is the norm in HIFI and Pro gear.
Also note the voltage will change with the music. Heavy bass line will produce voltage spikes. Soft parts in music will read very low AC signal voltages. To get an accurate reading, a test tone CD or signal generator will help a lot as will an OSCILLOSCOPE. But we can do a pretty good job with a good AC meter, proper load resistor and test tone CD.
Swez
Replies (3)
swez on 08/21/2004 19:18:55
Kinda hard to do that if you don't know the load impedance of the amp input section. You'd have to make a patch cord with a female RCA connector and a load resistor (same general value as amp input section) across both leads. Then measure voltage across the resistor. Once you know the output voltage, setting the amp gains appropriately is the final step.
You can also do a good job in setup by ear. This process is outline in the following FAQ. The information applies to subs as well as mids/highs.
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?t3
Swez
uochronos on 08/21/2004 22:54:40
hmm i didnt realize you could do that with a multimeter swez... how would i get the impedence value i would need for my amp? ect.s can i get more info on doing this thanks
swez on 08/22/2004 08:50:17
Most amps come with input impedance specs on the data sheet or install manual. If you match that load, you can accurately determine the output voltage at the RCA line as noted. (10K-00K ohms) are common in car applications, but 600 ohms is the norm in HIFI and Pro gear.
Also note the voltage will change with the music. Heavy bass line will produce voltage spikes. Soft parts in music will read very low AC signal voltages. To get an accurate reading, a test tone CD or signal generator will help a lot as will an OSCILLOSCOPE. But we can do a pretty good job with a good AC meter, proper load resistor and test tone CD.
Swez
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