How to Tune a Monoblock Amp? – A Beginner’s Guide

Monoblock amplifiers are known to have powerful outputs. These types amplify single channels or ‘mono’ that are two or even three times more powerful than stereo outputs of multi-channel amps.

Knowing how to tune a monoblock amp and connect it to a sub will surely amplify your car audio quality.

Subwoofers usually have their own powerful amplifiers that can supply higher wattages. To produce more bass, more movement should be made. Therefore, more power is required. Monoblock amps are perfect for driving these power-demanding speakers.

Among the many monoblock amps in the market, one that shines is those from Skar Audio – known for its great value and consistent performance.

If you want to learn how to tune skar 1200 amp, or any other monoblock amp, and install a monoblock amplifier in your car, this guide will make it easy for you.

Step-by-Step to Tune a Monoblock Amp

There are two methods in monoblock amp tuning: either manually or with a multimeter.

Method 1: Tuning Manually

Step 1: Set the volume knob to max volume

Turn up the volume knob until reaching the maximum volume without hearing distorted noises. This will be the max tuning level.

Step 2: Adjust the gain knob

Bonus Step: Tuning amplifier with tweeters and mid speakers

If tweeters and mid speakers are also amplified aside from the subwoofers, the process would be slightly different. Here are a few things to remember as you tune a car amp for mids and highs:

Method 2: Tuning with a Multimeter

What to prepare:

Step 1: Measure speaker impedance using multimeter

Step 2: Compare speaker’s impedance with amplifier’s wattage

These 2 values are crucial to be able to tune a subwoofer amp. Check your amplifier’s user manual for the recommended wattage output.

Then, compare the amp’s power with the speaker’s impedance. The amplifier should be able to deliver wattage equal to twice the speaker’s rating.

For example, a 4 ohms, 200 watts speaker can be matched with at least an amplifier that can produce 400 watts in a 4-ohm load.

Step 3: Calculate for AC voltage

Calculate for the output voltage needed to set the amplifier’s gain. Use the formula voltage = √( watts X ohms ). Take note of the value as this will be useful later.

If you don’t want to do the math, you can look at an amp gain setting chart and find the correct voltage value using the watts and ohms values identified earlier.

Step 4: Unplug accessories

Disconnect all speakers, subs, and other peripherals. You may also opt to unplug the positive terminals only.

Step 5: Turn equalizer and gain to zero

You may set the equalizer to 0 dB or turn it off completely. As for the gain, turn the dial counterclockwise to set it to zero. With these 2 done, only the power source remains connected.

Step 6: Adjust max volume and use CD test tone

The next step to tune amplifier is setting it to around 80% of maximum volume. Afterwhich, you can now carefully turn up the amplifier’s gain knob.

Turn this knob until the multimeter reading matches the output voltage you calculated in step 3.

You may play a 60 Hz test tone CD during this step if it can help you, but this is not necessary.

Step 7: Reconnect and test if functional

Plug all accessories and double check if all are in place before turning it on. Test for functionality.

How to Install a Monoblock Amplifier in Your Car

Step 1: Disconnect battery’s negative terminal

Unplug from the power source before anything else.

Step 2: Mount the amplifier

Finding the most ideal place to mount your amplifier is vital. One common place is under the seat of either the driver or the passenger next to him.

Not only would the amplifier be hidden, but it is a great location to accommodate all wirings and connections for speakers, subs, and other peripherals. Talk about good cable management.

Ventilation is also an important factor to consider. Again, professionals agree that an under-the-seat amplifier is the most ideal. Another option is in the trunk of the vehicle.

Step 3: Connect all cables and wires

Speaking of cable management, here are all the cables and wires you need to connect:

It is important for the ground terminal to be in contact with the car’s metal all the time. For best results, remove any material that may affect connection.

Now, the other side of the fuse holder will be connected to the amplifier’s positive terminal. Run all these wires under the carpet of your car floor.

Run the cables of the remote turn on wire and RCA from the power wire and connect to the amplifier. This will serve as the receiver’s audio source

Step 4: Connect to subwoofer and enjoy

Connect the subwoof wire to the amplifier and test for functionality.

As you tune a monoblock amp, subsonic filters may be encountered. This is a component of the subwoofer that helps in reducing note intensity and further filtering the sound output.

Once powered on, enjoy and ‘feel’ that powerful bass in your car set up.

FAQs

What is speaker impedance?

Speaker impedance can be thought of as the ‘opposition’ or ‘load’ a speaker provides to the AC current the amplifier supplies. And similar to resistance, it is measured in Ohms (Ω).

It is crucial that the speaker impedance matches the amplifier impedance, that is, an 8 ohm speaker load should be paired to an 8 ohm rated amplifier only.

If speaker impedance is too low, distortion and weak output can occur. If it’s too high, on the other hand, the amplifier will not be able to drive the speaker.

What frequency should my amp set to?

The following are frequency ranges that are commonly used in most situations:\

It is still best to adjust it to your preference. Do this by listening until you hear the best sound quality without distortions or unevenness. A good ear is what’s needed.

Should I set my subwoofer phase to 0 or 180?

Phase is left at 0 most of the time. But aside from the speaker and amplifier settings, it ultimately depends which phase gives you a better listening experience.

One way to check this is to play music with a familiar bass. From your usual listening position or seat, determine if the bass becomes louder, smoother, and overall better when switching to 180.

Set the subwoofer phase to whichever setting with improved sound quality. If no difference was noticed, no issues are present and setting it to either phase would be fine.

Conclusion

Either of the two methods can be the best way to tune an amp. It heavily depends whether you can identify distortions by ear or you have available tuning tools, especially a multimeter.

Whichever method you prefer, knowing how to tune a monoblock amp will give you the power you need to not just hear, but feel, a great sounding bass that will rock your car audio setup for the better.