Bass Knob Job - Questions

My plan was to mount a bass knob in the area where the cig lighter is. Every knob that I got so far has a small solid-state board that is too big for the spot.

Even if you melt or cut the back side of the blank-plate, you will also have to cut the actual dash-panel walls, and I am not going that far with breaking it even more. It was close, but no taco on this one.

I will have to either find another blank-plate to buy and fill the spot or put an extra USB port in that spot.



These were the two knobs that I tried.







Does anyone have pics of how they did their own bass knob or where they mounted it?

Any ideas for something other than an extra USB port in the spot that is now missing the blank-plate? I already have two USB chords running from the back of the HU, so I don't really need more USB ports.

I hope you guys are having a fun weekend!
Thanks!

 

I left mine wedged in between the passenger seat and the center console when I did my install. My key amps are under drivers seat on velcro/abs plastic. I intended to mount it on the left dash panel, but that filled up rather quick and double sided tape to the bottom of the dash didn't seem like it would hold. Maybe to the left side of the center console next to the shifter, but in front of the e brake? Some re-route the ECT button there. My trucks interior is a mess, but you get the idea.

 

That sounds like a good idea. I will probably use the AudioControl one and make a longer Cat-6 cable to run beside the seat. The other knob seems to only work after being turned 75% clockwise. The AudioControl knob seems to work after turned half way.

 

Mounted mine to the bottom of the dash. I don't like putting holes in trim that are visible or not hidden, incase I want to undo anything. It's easy to reach with my left hand while driving if I need to turn down the boom.

 

i got the onboard air 2 switch add-on panel for the task, i was planning on cutting up a blank to fit my alpine remote knob, along with relocating the 'ect pwr' button to in front of the e-brake. the knob is jammed between the seat and center console in my other vehicle, and the unprofessionalism is getting to me.

the alpine knob is a 6-pin rj11, so slightly smaller. i guess i need to test fit, though i'm not afraid of some dremel work!

 

That is what I was going for, the professional look.

The Amazon 3rd party knob that I tried was fairly small.


You would think mounting it just like it is sitting would work, but it is too tall to fit between the clips on the blank.

It is only a millimeter too wide when I tried putting the solid-state board to the side of the blank.

This is one of those times that having a 3D printer on stand-by would be amazing.

 

i'm not offering any guarantees, but i would try one like this-- taking it out of the case might offer you the flexibility you need.

$12 Universal Car Amplifier Bass Knob Control Via RCA RCA Audio Interconnect LC-1

https://smile.amazon.com/Universal-...d=1670795854&sprefix=bass+knob,aps,145&sr=8-6

https://smile.amazon.com/Universal-...d=1670795854&sprefix=bass+knob,aps,145&sr=8-6


that 12v max model you've got is really odd, as that potentiometer they're using has been largely abandoned for audio equipment since the 90's.

 

is there a reason you're not using the jl rbc-1 with your rd900/5 amp?

https://www.jlaudio.com/products/rbc-1-car-audio-amplifier-accessories-98015

that's going to be more compact as any aftermarket option.

 

OEMaudioplus makes has what you need. Not sure if they sell it separately or not. Here’s a link. https://oemaudioplus.com/product/level-controller-for-toyota-switch/

 

That OEM audio knob is only going to work with their amp.

You can cut away a whole bunch of plastic from a blank switch plate and it will still stay in place very well.

 

Inside the center console for me. Hidden, out of the way, yet easily accessible. And... Its much easier to pull the center console than the lower dash. Trust me, getting to that lower switch panel is the biggest and most complicated pain in the ass that this truck has to offer.

 

$12 Universal Car Amplifier Bass Knob Control Via RCA RCA Audio Interconnect LC-1

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Amplifier-Control-Audio-Interconnect/dp/B00CXAEDEO?crid=2J7026P0S5SSS&keywords=bass+knob&qid=1670795854&sprefix=bass+knob%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-6&pldnSite=1

$25 Switch Insert Panel (TPSI-007)

https://www.amazon.com/Redarc-Switch-Insert-Panel-TPSI-007/dp/B07T34NC7J

I used this knob disassembled and inserted into a redarc trailer brake switch mount. it fit nicely with very minimal trimming. I'm happy with the look.

 

No removing the lower panel necessary. All you need is the radio and the AC panel and you can just reach down on the backside of the lower panel. Felt really stupid when I learned that (after taking apart the whole lower panel previously)

 

Bass knobs are the devil lol, don't use em.

 

lol well that’s just not true

 

Ok not technically, it's often the user not the tech, as usual.

 

Now THAT is true!
A bass knob in the hands of someone who doesn’t educate themselves on proper use (and gains set wrong from the beginning) is a blown sub waiting to happen

 

Alright, I'm curious. What is the appropriate use of the bass knob? After I set amp and sub gains it feels balanced and proportional at all volumes. So I haven't really had a need to touch the remote.

I suppose if I'm ever in a mood to thump I could bump it, but thus far, my only mood has been to crank the head unit.

 

So the point of a bass knob it to adjust the volume level of the sub, which is obvious enough. I typically see people use it incorrectly though.

you have to set your amp gain with the knob factored in.

for example, I set my amp gains with the knob at 50%.
That way, I can crank the bass even when at lower volumes if I want to. However, I have to keep that 50% setting in mind when I have the main volume up loud because if I turn the knob up while the volume is also up, I will push my amp way past it’s clip and I’ll damage my sub or my amp.

so as long as I use the knob correctly, I won’t have any issues and it allows me total control of how much bass I want. I have small kids in the back seat so I often want very little or zero bass. But when they’re not with me, I want more, but not always a lot.

some music warrants more or less bass. Certain songs need a little more if I’m in the right mood.

so long story short, the use is me being picky and wanting complete control. But when used wrong, you can damage your equipment

thank you for allowing me to get on a soapbox and mansplain bass knobs today

 

Every Hip-hop track that I listen to usually has to be adjusted. I am not sure about other people, but the bass is always the important part for me.

Each type/size of subwoofer handles certain frequency ranges differently and most music uses different frequencies from one track to another.

Some tracks have a bass signal that some subwoofers can't handle at the same level as the previous track that was played at that same volume.


Also, like Destin said, a lot of head units "or amps pushing midrange speakers" will get really loud at a low volume number and the subwoofer will not have the bass signal kick in until the volume number is fairly high. So it is needed if you want more bass at lower treble volumes.