What is Clipping?? Understanding Amplifier Clipping & Clipped Signals

Understand more about clipping in car audio applications in this educational video where we discuss clipped signals and amplifier clipping. To prevent/avoid clipping, we recommend doing the following:

1. Choose the right amp
2. Set the gain properly
3. Avoid the bass boost

One of the most frequent causes of damaged subwoofers is clipping. Avoid damaging your subwoofers and voiding warranties by properly installing your car audio equipment.

Also see our videos on setting gain...

[SonicElectronix]

When you are setting the gain on your amplifier, be sure the bass knob is turned all the way up. Once it is set, you can max out the bass knob for full bass or you can turn it down to decrease the bass level.

[Lzryde]

Like just for the joke at the end alone

[trixstermillion]

Last time I blew my subwoofer it bought me dinner.

[SonicElectronix]

You have to use an O-Scope, SMD DD-1 or a Digital Multi-Meter to find out where best to set your gain. We have a video explaining how to set your gain using a multi-meter.

[michelled]

I am studying to be a Hearing Aid Specialist and found this video to be so helpful. Thanks!

[artyomca]

Very clear explanation about what clipping does to the voice coil in the speakers. Thanks alot.

[usmcilya]

HAH! I see what you did there with the "avoid clipping" part... good one! Thanks for the info.

[SonicElectronix]

There is a link in the description that says "- by ear:" click on the link next to that and we explain how to know when your sub is clipping without a scope.

[micksreviews]

I also have the 105bii. When I first got it I thought the only thing an AC sine wave on the scope would show me was clipping. It wasn't until I tested an Alpine 149bt that I discovered what distortion looked like. Shortly thereafter I found out what heavy noise looks like coming out of a JL XD1000/5v2. I wasn't aware, until now, how much valuable information a proper scope provides. Aside from clipping, distortion, and noise, I hope I don't discover a fourth anomaly but it would be cool if you re-did this video to show everything a sine wave can show you aside from just clipping. It might help a lot of people.

[ripchanbwc]

oh hey this video has such quiet audio it's almost ironic. I had to turn my speakers to 100% to hear this. seriously....

[mazda]

great video guys !! simple and easy to understand for everyone !

[yeahokaycoolcool]

This is a really helpful video. Thank you!

[andymazur]

Great video. Easy to understand and well presented.

[MauriceBoulard]

animations in this vid are very nice and knowledgeable. Congrats.

[lilmudbuddy]

Thanks for the tips, I'm running 2 skar evl 10s and a rockville db12 at wired at 2 ohms, and I made some videos recording them. Someone commented that I am clipping. I'm really underpowering the subs. I'm pretty sure that's why.

[pop]

hi sonic i have a sundown x12 v.2 1500w will my digital design m1c which is 12v 1200w/ 14v 1700w be able to play it or do i have to get a amp with higher watts at 12v

[DanielJaegerFilms]

Wow if only I had watched this video a day earlier I wouldn't have learned the hard way with a brand new Kicker CompR 12. Now I know. Excellent video!

[giovannihernandez]

I was putting 2 12s in a honda accord 2015 and when i was done I played music with no problem but then once I close all the doors it started hitting even is the volume was off. Any help will be appreciated!

[israelvega]

Great expectation pretty much clean cut, thanks.

[cameroncameron]

I have a basic system 6x9 with amp and phoenix gold with built-in amp, so do I set the 6x9 gain for clipping and let's say volume on sterio is at 30 when set, do I then have sterio at that volume when setting the subwoofer, any help much appreciated 🔊🎶