What is Clipping?

In this video we give you a simplified definition of clipping and how to avoid it.

For more Tech Tips be sure to check out The DDownlow link at the end of the video!

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So what is clipping? In a waveform the high points are peaks, or positive current, the low points are troughs, or negative current. Normally, a clean waveform is always smooth and rounded allowing these peaks and troughs to correlate with the movement of a subwoofer. Unfortunately when a signal is amplified past its output threshold its high points are flattened and the signal briefly ceases to cycle.To prevent this from happening the gain sensitivity on your amplifier needs to be set properly.

Let’s say the volume on your head unit goes from 0 to 50 but sounds the cleanest at 45, so, you set it at 45, measure the output, and discover that it delivers a perfect 4 volts at this level! Next, you set the gain sensitivity on your amplifier to 4 volts and now, when your head unit reaches 45, your amplifier is outputting max power! This means that you should never ever under any circumstance turn your head unit up past volume level 45!

When you turn your head unit up past volume level 45 its output voltage becomes greater than what you initially set the amplifiers gain sensitivity to which in turn tells the amplifier to keep creating power beyond its maximum potential. Everything the amplifier outputs beyond its maximum potential becomes clipped signal and where this is clipped signal there is also a blown sub!

[dharindc]

The best explanation of audio clipping I’ve ever heard!

[ReinisDebners]

This video is a musical experience itself!

[Ninja-iqxt]

Thanks for explaining the volume part.

[evilcowboy]

LMFAO this is the best and quickest explanation of it there is clipping there is a blown sub." lol Yep. It was just said so matter-of-fact style and I found that funny. lol

[darknightmikeyearsago]

The people driving cars around my neighborhood with their bass boosted all of the way are probably going to have clipping.

[REALTOMRAMEN]

Can a cheap head unit cause amplifier output issues

[mrchapman-id]

music in this video sounds pretty dam good on my dxb's

[tazaur]

модель магнитолы подскажите! дизайн классный))

[dollarsandcents]

All speakers can clip, but subwoofers have more mass to move, hence need more voltage, current, magnets, and coils.

[thcenturyboy]

Would be great if you could play an actual Audio example of clipping so we understand the actual concept in real life. This video Plays random techno beat in the background which is confusing.