adjusting controls on amplifier?

I just installed amp & sub woofers...and it just doesn't sound right!  I have read the intructions on how to adjust the levels, but I just get more confused *** they're not written beginner friendly at all. :errr:

So if someone can explain to me what these controls do, what I should have them set at, and how to adjust them properly I'd very much appreciate it!!!!

1. What is HPF and LPF? I know it stands for "High Pass Filter" and "Low Pass Filter", but what that means exactly I don't know!

2. On my amp I have a switch labeled "X-OVER" that has three different settings "HPF", "LPF", or "FULL". I don't know which setting to use.  I know it works with question 1, but again I don't know how to set them correctly.

3. On my amp I also have a switch labeled "MODE" that can be set on "Stereo" or "Mono".  I have it set at Stereo for the fact that it is a 2 channel amp and it is connected to my 2 10" speaker box. I may be wrong but that's how it looks like the manual is telling me to connect.

4. My "BASS BOOST" is switched to "On" for the fact that's what I'm using it for (Bass Only).

5. On my amp there is a control labeled "LEVEL" and in the manual it states it's the "Sensitivity Control". What does that mean and how do I set it to get the most Bass?

Well, that about covers it.....I hope someone is willing to take on the challange!!  If you do decide to answer, please keep it as simple as possible......I confuse easily :o) !!!! 

Thanks

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may_OR_may_NOT

Cross over and filters work the same, low pass mean low freq (bass) is passed on and higher freqs are stopped. High pass means high freq is passed on and lower freqs are stopped. Full means nothing is stopped, all freqs pass.

You want to use LPF.

I imagine the stereo/mono switch is for the output and is how to select if you want it bridged. This would depend on how you wired the subs. There isn't much need to run the subs in stereo mode, I would put both pos on one terminal and both negs on the opposite channels neg and run the amp in mono. This should bridge both channels together. (providing your amp is stable at that impedance)

I wouldn't mess with the bass boost, leave it off until you feel more comfortable in playing with the settings.

Gain/Levels is the one you need to play with. I don't know less fancy way to do this, but the I've been taught is to set it to all pass, hook up my 1 watt speaker, play a 1kHz tone, set the volume to my highest listening volume, and adjust the gain to the highest setting without distortion. Once you have that set, you can switch back to LPF and hook the subs back up. It might take a little more tuning for the subs, but it will get you very close.

There is a way to do it with a DMM, but I just don't trust most models of amps to perform at spec.

In carrying out what reax222 has suggested, you should:

• determine the impedance of your subs when combined
• look at the amplifier manual specs page to see what impedance is listed for spec under the "mono" configuration.  That will be the lowest acceptable impedance you can load the amp with.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

there is a thread in this forum called "How to set your gains" you should read it, as it sees to cover exactly what your asking here.

Hey, Thanks for the replys.  After the first two replys, I'm still alittle confused  !!!!!!!  I'm off to see if I can find the thread mentioned above.......I'll be back to let you know if it helped at all. 

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may_OR_may_NOT

Well, I found & read the thread "How to set your gains"  and I'm still confused!    I'm sure it might be helpful if I knew what to set the controls at before I tried to set the gains!!!!

As mentioned in original post I am confused about which settings I should set my amp.....

1. Should the switch labeled X-Over be on HPF, LPF or FULL?

2. Should the switch labeled Mode be on STEREO or MONO?

I have my amp hooked up to power my speaker box only (just for Bass)!!!! It's a 2ch amp, my box has 2 10" speakers (2 wires from back of box, so each speaker has it's own L/R wire.)

If someone could advise me on these two questions I may be able to move on and try to adjust the gains.

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may_OR_may_NOT

You need to set it to Low Pass.  There should be a knob near the switch with different numbers on it.  This is the crossover frequency adjustment.  I do not like anything near 100 hertz coming from my subs.  You should try it set to about 80 on that knob.   The mono stereo switch on some amplifiers determines if one or both input jacks work.  No idea on your amp, so to be safe set it to stereo.