The purpose of this tool is to enable the installer to set the gain of an audio amplifier to match the source unit’s output level, accurately and quickly. It can also be useful for detecting distortion in the audio signal caused by poorly designed or malfunctioning audio equipment.
About the Design
When you pick up the DD-1, know that you are holding a precision piece of equipment. If treated as such it should provide you with many years of reliable service. We have chosen a 9V battery as a power source for a few reasons:
- They are readily available
- Isolating the DD-1 from the vehicle’s electrical system for power, guarantees that it will only measure what it is supposed to measure; distortion in the audio signal, not noise in the charging system
We also chose an RCA input connector for a few reasons:
- It makes it pretty easy to measure the output of a headunit directly, if you choose to do so
- Should the harness become damaged it is easily replaceable or repairable in the field
Specifications
Everyone hides these in the back of the book. We are proud of our specs, they aren’t lies, so we are putting them up front.
- The Distortion Detector’s circuitry is 100% analog
- Distortion Detection trigger level > 1.0% Harmonic Distortion
- Guaranteed operating range of input signal is 1.2Vrms – 125Vrms. (15,000 Watts at 1 ohm) Autoranging
- Signal Present LED trigger voltage 750mVrms
- Low Battery LED trigger battery voltage < 5.6Vdc
- Auto-shut off timer 8 – 10 minutes after ON button is pressed
What is included?
- The Distortion Detector (DD-1)
- Protective silicon rubber boot
- Calibrated Test tone CD
- Harness
- This manual
- Pride of ownership
Mark v (verified owner) –
After experimentation i have found that using the -10db overlap for the subwoofer amp is the best setting… And -5db for the higher frequency range amp. In many gain setting forums you will read that you should set your headunit volume at 3/4 to allow for headroom when setting the gains… But in fact its the same as using the -10db overlap track on the supplied cd… You will be getting lots of headroom… And the whole setup sounds really powefull… I notice that my ipod usb source is slightly lower than cd… But with this overlap… There is no problem… Its the best!.. Fast delivery from bladeice as well.. Will be back for more..
ain –
This little blue box is just amazing, I’d set my gain by ear but just couldn’t get it right. Low bass, alternator noise etc. With the DD-1 I was able to find where my head unit clipped. Setting the gain on my 4 channel amp was so easy, the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
My system now sounds amazing, worth every penny.