Amplifier Settings
Monoblock Amplifiers
The settings below are common settings found on monoblock amplifiers. While every monoblock amplifier on the market may not have all of these settings on the same amplifier, it is important to understand the function of each setting to achieving the best settings for your build.
Low Pass Filter (LPF)
In its most basic explanation, the Low Pass Filter (LPF) setting on your amplifier acts as a filter that blocks frequencies above its set level. For example, if your LPF is set for 125 Hz, only frequencies below 125 Hz will be allowed to pass through the amplifier to the speaker or subwoofer.
Subsonic Filter
The Subsonic filter on your Skar Audio amplifier acts very similarly to the Low Pass Filter, but in the opposite manner. The Subsonic Filter will block frequencies below its set level. For example, if the Subsonic Filter is set to 30 Hz, only frequencies above 30 Hz will be passed through the amplifier to the speakers or subwoofers.
Bass EQ
The Bass EQ switch on your amplifier is meant to boost low-end frequencies. In most applications, this switch should be left in the off, or 0 dB, position. We recommend only using this when your amplifier has been properly tuned to do so. Improper use of the Bass EQ switch can result in damage to your subwoofer which may disqualify for coverage under warranty.
Gain
Contrary to popular belief, the gain knob on your amplifier does not act in the same manner as a volume knob (i.e. Turning the gain halfway up does not mean the amplifier is going to produce half its intended power). The function of the gain knob is to maximize the signal to noise ratio by matching the amplifier's input sensitivity to match the output voltage to the preceding source unit.
Phase
The purpose of the Phase setting is to change the polarity/direction of the sub(s) running off the amplifier. Typically, this setting will be used in most cases for 2 reasons:
- Your set up has your subwoofers inverted and you need to change the way in which your subwoofers play (inward vs. outward)
- You are using a multi-subwoofer and multi-amplifier set up in which the subwoofer(s) playing off of one amplifier is playing outward and the subwoofer(s) playing off of another amplifier are playing inward.
Beyond the two reasons mentioned above, this setting is not going to need to be used.
Master/Slave Switch
The Master/Slave Switch is commonly found on amplifiers that have the ability to be strapped. Essentially, when harnessing the power of two like amplifiers (i.e. Harnessing the power of (2) SKv2-4500.1D to get an output of 9000W RMS at 2 Ohm), one amplifier will be set to Master and the other will be set to Slave.
For more information on how to set this up correctly, please use the instructions located in the manual provided with your amplifier.
