Volume on passive vs. volume on built in amp. (1 Viewer)

[Sheldon C]

Ok, I've read enough here to learn that when using a seperate amp to power a sub (like the samson powering an svs cs sub) you need to turn the volume or "gain" all the way up. Does the same hold true for a sub with it's own amplifier built in? Do you crank the powered sub to "11" and just adjust the volume on the recieiver?

 

[ColinM]

NO. My buddy did that once, had the volume up all the way and the gain down on the preamp. Not cool.
The 'Gain' on a pro amp works differently that 'consumer' type volume controls.
For powered sub-type amps start at -5 on the preamp level trim (or something like 3/4 down on the scale) and the sub amp's volume doun all the way. Play a tone through the sub, and bring up the volume knob until you get the proper level of sound.
Tweak from there, serve with a lemon wedge.

 

[GabrielC]

What's the reasoning behind turning the dedicated amp gain all the way up, and keeping the receiver low first? I've heard that a lot of amps can't necessarily keep up with their maximum limit and will produce a bad signal to the speaker/sub when it's pushed too hard?

 

[ColinM]

Per instructions that came with my SVS - Keep the receiver's trim down to 25%, and adjust the source amp accordingly.

Works for me, no noise, no stress. YMMV.

- CM

 

[Ron_L]

in pro applications, like in a commerical movie theater,

all the amps are at full gain ( QSC MX Series ) the level is determined by the output of the cinema processor.