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
SPECIFICATION
- 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
- Shipping Box 9 x 6 x 2 inches, 2 lbs
Documentation:
Owner's Manual (PDF)
Test Tracks:
US PATENT 9,313,596 B2
Along with D'Amore Engineering, we invented the handheld amplifier gain setting tool and the technology behind it. It was awarded a United States Patent in 2016. The technology is currently used in our Distortion Detector tools : DD-1, and DD-1+ as well as the AD-1 Amplifier Dyno.
