Amp gain and DSP Volume

[Jdunk54nl]

The best analogy I heard for this is to think of the volume knob as a accelerator pedal. You would not want the car engine at full rev when the pedal is only depressed 10% and vice-versa.

I think that would depend on what your goal is. Ultimately that will determine how you want your gains (or pedal). Certain racers/competition vehicles (drag racing) may very well want this. There are literally devices that change this too and some are being built into vehicles now with drive modes and drive by wire systems, think sport mode, eco mode, tow mode, etc. (I own a pedal commander that does this exact thing).

I have my pedal commander set to sport mode.

[Stycker]

Good point. I like a good spirited drive most days. I like my volume control to start off soft and have almost full volume by 3/4. Always leave a little headroom for those very dynamic songs. I have a few songs in my rotation that were recorded -10-15db. It sucks if you can't get enough volume for those specific tracks.

[Justin Zazzi]

This concept is called volume mapping sometimes, and it is as contentious as arguing about anything else in audio lol.

[Jdunk54nl]

This concept is called volume mapping sometimes, and it is as contentious as arguing about anything else in audio lol.

I’m sure the logarithmic nature of audio is also not helpful in volume mapping along with hearing thresholds. How much should 1 click be? Enough to be noticeable, not enough to max out too soon. Then how many clicks is the right amount to have? All questions that I’m sure very few can answer.

I’m glad I don’t have that job!

[ckirocz28]

I’m sure the logarithmic nature of audio is also not helpful in volume mapping along with hearing thresholds. How much should 1 click be? Enough to be noticeable, not enough to max out too soon. Then how many clicks is the right amount to have? All questions that I’m sure very few can answer.

I’m glad I don’t have that job!

The Pioneer DEH-80PRS volume increases 1 db per click from @40 clicks to 60 clicks, then changes 2 db per click for the last 2. I'm sure somewhere below 40 clicks the db change is 2 db or more per click, but I haven't checked that yet. Thought someone might find that info useful.

[Julian]

I think I got it sorted. My listening volume is around 33%-50% now. Max vol for my liking is a bit higher and I have some headroom for low volume songs.

Appreciate all the ideas and incite! Gave me a lot to consider.

[dumdum]

I think I got it sorted. My listening volume is around 33%-50% now. Max vol for my liking is a bit higher and I have some headroom for low volume songs.

Appreciate all the ideas and incite! Gave me a lot to consider.

If it’s clean to 80% I’d make it 50-70% volume and get more signal for the amps, save 10% for the quiet tracks

[test13371997]

The DSP408 can only handle 3.2V of rca input MAX.

[test13371997]

What headunit model#? What amps model#?The DSP can only handle 3.2v max. A multimeter doesnt tell you if you are clipping.

[Julian]

Im using high level inputs from factory Sync radio. I dont have issues with it clipping.