Clipping Signals


What is Clipping?

The term “clipping signal” refers to the flat shape of a signal waveform when the amplitude (height) of the wave passes the peak voltage. The power output is much greater than the RMS power rating. The waves are also steeper, with less time between peaks. The result is power consistently close to peak voltage.

“Gain” is not a volume control

A common cause of a clipping signal is using the gain control to increase amp output, and thus reach higher volume. In fact, the gain knob only controls input sensitivity. Amplifiers perform a fairly simple function. Voltage comes in, and the amp increases that voltage by a certain factor. If the gain (input sensitivity) is too high, the amp will still try to increase the higher input voltage according to its design. The resulting output exceeds the amount of voltage the circuits can handle. A clipping signal is now coming from the amplifier. Heat begins to build in the amp circuits and the speaker’s voice coil.

An oscilloscope (o-scope) lets you visualize waveforms. Some users rely on an o-scope to set gain levels precisely based on the image of the output waveform. This method is so precise that it is only correct for the exact settings and audio signal when the gain was set. Any change in head-unit volume, voltage, or audio source recording level can put your system at risk.

How to fix a clipping signal


  1. Adjust your low pass filter (LPF) to 100-125.
  2. Set subsonic to 30-35.
  3. Flip master/slave switch to “master”.
  4. Reduce amp gain to 0 (all the way to the left).
  5. Install the remote gain knob and turn it 1/2 way up (12 o’clock position).
  6. Set all head unit EQ settings and bass controls to 0.
  7. While playing audio from the source you use most commonly, turn the head unit volume to 3/4. You will not have output yet.