Gain/preout? anyone please help!?

 

New member
Username: Lostnconfused

Far Far Away, I Forgot USA

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-04
My amp has a switch to set the pre-out voltage (which is currently set accordingly). However my amp
also has digital controls to boost gain from 0 - 9db... I thought gain was to match deck output voltage but then what is the purpose of the pre-out voltage switch? I dont want to mess up my subs so I figured id ask for help here first; thanks all!
 

Gold Member
Username: Glasswolf

NorthWest, Michigan USA

Post Number: 5973
Registered: Dec-03
is this a JL amp?
the voltage switch is to switch voltage *ranges* high or low range for high or low voltage pre-outs. they can range anywhere from 50mV to 16 volts depending on the head unit.
the gain or input sensitivity knob is what you use to fine tune the input stage of teh amp to match the line voltage of your source.
 

New member
Username: Lostnconfused

Far Far Away, I Forgot USA

Post Number: 2
Registered: Nov-04
so gain has nothing to do with bass boost?
 

Gold Member
Username: Glasswolf

NorthWest, Michigan USA

Post Number: 5989
Registered: Dec-03
nope.
bass boost is an EQ setting.
gain is used to match line voltage to input stage for the amp since not all head units put out the same line voltage.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Solacedagony

New Jersey US

Post Number: 89
Registered: Oct-04
It doesn't matter if you set your gain too low as long as it isn't set too high, correct?
 

Gold Member
Username: Glasswolf

NorthWest, Michigan USA

Post Number: 5997
Registered: Dec-03
well.. you won't typically damage anything having the gain set too low, no.
What you will do though is decrease your SNR, and have a higher noise floor in the system. you'll be under-driving teh input stage of the amplifier, so it won't be getting a strong, clean signal to amplify.
Think of it like taking a small GIF image, and blowing it up to 20X it's original size.
It looks all blocky and like total crap.
That's a vague analogy to what will happen if you set the amp gain too low.
You amplify a weak signal, and it won't be as clean.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Solacedagony

New Jersey US

Post Number: 90
Registered: Oct-04
Ah ok, I understand what you mean. Thanks!
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