Question about clipping

Just installed a Skar sub and box(500rms) that fits in the rear cubby with a stinger 700 rms amp. Sub sounded great and the bass was good. Then I just received my oscilloscope and tuned my amp with a 40hz 0db sound until no clipping.

The bass is not as loud as I would like it after tuning it with the oscilloscope. Now is there a way to bringing more bass?? Maybe messing with the eq on stock head unit?

 

Which specific sub?

that amp rating is for 1ohm, so it’s possible you have a 2ohm sub and are only getting 500w from the amp, or even a 4ohm sub and only getting 300w from the amp

Our radios also have a very steep volume curve on the high end, so if you tune the sub with the volume at 55 but never listen above 40, you’re wasting all that top end. Tune the sub with the volume set to your usual “loud” number

the bass knob also plays a role. I usually set it to 50% when I’m setting gains.

same for the crossover on the amp. I like to put on Soul to Squeeze by RHCP and play with the crossover until I hear bass guitar from the sub but not vocals.

then, set your bass boost to about halfway as well. This adds an extra kick without getting too muddled

 

You could possibly EQ out the lower frequencies as a trade for higher output - either through the EQ or some sort of high-pass filter. Most bass in music isn't super low anyway.

 

The one I have is meant for the 3rd gen Tacoma, it’s 1 ohm stable. I also tuned it to volume 45 and on the stock head unit.

 

If it’s 1ohm stable, then just check the other stuff I mentioned.

Looking at that amp, it actually gives you some good controls which can be helpful. It has a subsonic filter and an adjustable bass boost freq.

What type of music do you listen to that you're trying to get the most out of? The kick drum in a Motley Crue song will be a bit different than typical rap, which will be different than typical EDM and stuff like that.

 

I usually listen to rap, hiphop and reggae. I was told to leave subsonic as low or off since it’s an enclosed box. I also don’t use bass boost.

 

when you are clipping it will sound louder than when you are not clipping. The question is, is it worth potentially damaging or reducing the lifespan of your equipment for a slightly louder output? When I would try to push my system to the limit I would clip the hell out of my subs, but nothing bad ever happend to them. 2 sundown 15s in an 8cuft box

 

I'd personally use the subsonic filter set in the 35-40hz range. an open E on the bass in some reggae is 41hz so you wont hear much below that. Nearly all (or at least a vast majority of) studio-produced music (including rap and hip hop) will rarely go below 40hz. I believe the bass hit in 'A Milli' by Lil Wayne is 51hz, and thats one of the lower frequencies in modern rap.

I would also utilize the bass boost. If you want it more towards rap, set the boost in the middle and the freq in the 50-80hz range. If you want it more towards reggae, set the boost to the middle and the freq in the 80-120hz range.

And just keep in mind, you can always change any of this. These are just some starting off points to try and get things dialed in. It's often not a one-time adjustment, and will require a few trips to the amp.

 

You want the subsonic filter on. That enclosure isn't going to play the deep stuff anyway. If you keep it from trying, you'll get better output with lower distortion. You also don't need a scope (probably). 40Hz is a lot to ask for a small sealed enclosure. Just bring it up to a comfortable level and call it macaroni.