• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Precision Audio & Tint

Thomasville: (229) 233 5001Bainbridge: (229) 246 2111
  • NEW! SHOP ONLINE
  • Financing/Lease to Own
    • Easy Payments, No Credit Needed
    • $0 Down, 0% APR Financing
  • Our Work
  • Reviews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Request a Quote
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us
    • Hours and Directions
    • Our Facilities
    • Virtual Tour Bainbridge Store
    • Virtual Tour Thomasville Store
    • Work for US
    • Gift Cards
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Car Audio
      • Backup Safety
      • Mobile Video
      • OEM Integration
      • Professional Installation
      • Smartphone Integration
      • Vehicle Navigation
    • Marine Audio
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Remote Starters
    • Wheels & Tires
  • Window Tint
  • Customize Your Truck
    • Bed Covers
    • Floor Liners And Accessories
    • Grille Guards And Bumpers
    • Hitches
    • Leveling and Lift Kits
    • Jeep Parts And Accessories
    • Step Bars And Running Boards
    • Toolboxes
  • Brands
    • JL Audio
    • Kenwood
    • Pioneer
    • Fuel Wheels
    • Llumar Window Tint
    • Rockford Fosgate
    • Cam-Locker
    • Ranch Hand
    • Rough Country
    • WeatherTech
You are here: Home / ARTICLES / Car Audio Amplifier Remote Level and Bass Boost Controls

Car Audio Amplifier Remote Level and Bass Boost Controls

By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

Remote Level Control

Look at any of the top car audio subwoofer amplifier models available from specialty retailers. You’ll find that most include an option for a remote level control or bass boost function. Being able to fine-tune the output of your subwoofer system is great for those times when you want to rock out to an amazing song or calm things down so you can talk to a passenger easily. This article will look at how the subwoofer level controls on source units, digital signal processors and car audio subwoofer amplifiers work.

You Can’t Get More than Full Power

Before we dive into the different adjustment options, consider that the maximum output you’ll get from your subwoofer system depends on the excursion capability of the sub and the maximum power available from your amplifier. You can’t get more bass by increasing the signal to the amplifier when it’s already optimized to make maximum power at full volume. With that said, you can get to full power sooner and increase the amount of bass relative to the midrange and high-frequency speakers in the vehicle. Remember that you may need to limit how high you turn the volume control on the radio if this is how your system is configured.

Remote Level Control
Many source units are configured so that the subwoofer (green) and front/rear (blue) preamp outputs have the same maximum voltage.
Remote Level Control
Some source units allow you to increase the subwoofer preamp signal’s output so that the output would clip if the volume is raised too high.

Think of your subwoofer system like the engine in your car. Once you’ve put your foot to the floor and the engine is making as much power as it can, there’s no way to get more power without some significant modifications to the vehicle. If you want more bass than is being produced by your car audio system, return to the retailer that installed the system and talk to them. You may need more subwoofers, larger subwoofers, a different enclosure, a more powerful amplifier or some combination of these items.

Subwoofer Level Controls in Car Audio Source Units

Almost every source unit on the market with electronic crossovers also includes a subwoofer level control function. This control adjusts the level on the subwoofer preamp output RCAs relative to the level on the front and rear RCAs. These source units are configured to work two ways.

The first example we’ll look at is configured the same as the Sony XAV-AX7000 that the BestCarAudio.com team reviewed here. In the subwoofer adjustment menu, when the level is set to 0, the subwoofer output level is the same as that of the front and rear preamp outputs. If you increase the subwoofer level to 10, the output on the sub preamp output increases. This configuration results in you reaching the maximum output capability of the subwoofer preamp outputs with the volume control set to 38 instead of 49. Turning the volume up higher will produce distortion on the sub preamp output. You can also turn the output down to -10 if you find there is too much bass. Lowering the signal has no adverse effect on the outputs.

Remote Level Control
With one press of a button, you can access the audio adjustment menu in the Sony XAV-AX7000 to adjust the bass level.

Other companies configure their subwoofer level controls on a scale of 0 to 10 or 0 to 20. Though the labeling varies from brand to brand and potentially model to model, setting the output level to its highest setting would result in the preamp output being maximized without distortion when the volume is maximized. This configuration prevents the outputs from distorting when the volume is cranked. In an ideal world, the radio’s sub output adjustment labeling would be something more akin to -10 to 0.

Remote Level Control
The Kenwood DNX997XR includes a subwoofer level control to let you fine-tune the bass level in your car audio system.

Level Controls in Digital Signal Processors

Just as with a source unit, there’s an upper limit to how much voltage can be produced on a digital signal processor’s output. If the DSP is built into an amplifier, maximum output is determined by the voltage and current capabilities and the impedance of the subwoofer(s) connected to the amp. If your system uses a stand-alone processor, then it can likely produce 5 or 8 volts of signal on the RCA output jacks. Most signal processors include a subwoofer level option that can be adjusted with one of their optional remote controls. As a key part of the system calibration process, the technician working on your audio system will need to ensure that the signal remains clean and undistorted when the volume is maximized.

A unique option that ARC Audio includes in its PS8, PSM and PS8 PRO series signal processors is a configurable level control. When the optional LR1 remote is added, your technician can configure which channels it affects and by how much. If you want the LR1 to act as a sub control, it can be assigned to adjust over a range of -20 to 0 dB and be configured to work with the outputs that feed the sub amplifier. The software configurability means that this remote could also serve as a master volume control for the entire system, as a center channel level control or rear-fill speaker level adjustment.

Remote Level Control
The optional LR1 can be configured as a subwoofer level control in a typical car audio system.
Remote Level Control
The LR1 can also be configured to adjust the output level of a set of wakeboard tower speakers in a marine audio system.
Remote Level Control
The LR1 remote level control is compatible with all ARC Audio processors, and its function can be configured in the DSP software.

Issues with Adjusting Subwoofer Output Level

Some digital signal processors offer a bass EQ control aside from their graphic or parametric equalizer. These adjustments are more likely to be found in processors that are compatible with the Maestro AR to integrate directly with factory-installed source units. In most of these cases, the bass EQ is a shelf filter that adds a specific amount of boost below a configurable frequency.

Remote Level Control
Some signal processors can apply an adjustable low-pass shelf filter to act as a bass adjustment.

There is a problem with adjusting bass output this way. Suppose your audio system is calibrated to a target response curve, and the crossovers are set properly. In that case, the point at which the subwoofer’s output crosses over with the midbass driver’s output should be at the -6 dB point to sum flat in terms of phase and frequency. If you turn the bass up, that crossover point changes. This mismatch can result in some bass frequencies sounding as though they are coming from the front of the vehicle and some from the back.

Remote Level Control
Changing the subwoofer’s output level relative to that of the midbass drivers can affect the way the crossovers behave.

In reality, applying the shelf control shown earlier to both the subwoofer and the midbass drivers maintains this phase and amplitude relationship, so your audio system sounds its best.

Bass Boost Versus Subwoofer Level Control

Many subwoofer amplifiers include a bass boost control. These are typically a narrow-band equalizer circuit that’s centered around 45 or 50 Hz. Some entry amplifiers have a switch that adds 6 or 12 dB of boost at this frequency, while others have an adjustment potentiometer that allows for a variable amount of boost, usually up to 12 or 15 dB.

Remote Level Control
One of the most widely recognized bass boost controls is the Punch EQ found on Rockford Fosgate car audio amplifiers.

Fancier amplifiers add frequency and Q-factor adjustments to the boost level control to allow your installer to fine-tune the system further. Used gently, these adjustments can add some low-frequency emphasis to a sealed subwoofer enclosure to make it more fun.

Remote Level Control
The Kicker KXA1200.1 includes the Kick EQ + bass boost control that includes gain, frequency and bandwidth adjustments.

While these boost circuits can make listening to your music a lot of fun, when used excessively they typically don’t result in smooth and natural sound. If you want your car audio system to reproduce a recording of a set of drums in a way that makes them sound real, lots of bass boost isn’t a great solution. If you want to rock out with your friends to some rap, dance or techno, it can be awesome!

Remote Level Control
The Rockford Fosgate PEQ Remote Punch EQ is compatible with the current Power Series subwoofer and system amplifiers to let users easily fine-tune boost levels.
Remote Level Control
The DRC-205 from JL Audio is a remote level control for the DSP-equipped FiX, TwK and VXi products.
Remote Level Control
The bit DRC from Audison allows the user to adjust levels and presets right from the driver’s seat.
Remote Level Control
The Helix Conductor is a simple and intuitive remote level and volume control for Brax, Helix and Match digital signal processors.

For technicians setting up an amplifier that includes a remote bass boost or remote level control, he or she will need to ensure that the system can play without unwanted distortion with the volume on the radio maximized and the control turned all the way up. The crossover adjustments will need to be optimized for the system’s typical listening preferences to sound its best.

If you’re considering adding a subwoofer system to your vehicle, an upgrade we highly recommend, then drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today. They can design and install a solution that sounds great and delivers the performance you want. If you listen to many different kinds of music, be sure to ask them about including a remote subwoofer level control in the system design.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

About BestCarAudio.com

BestCarAudio.com is a showcase for the very best mobile electronics retailers in the world and a place to educate and inform interested consumers about existing and emerging technologies.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search our Articles and Installs

Recent Customer Review

Request a Quote
Car Audio

Car Audio

Precision Audio & Tint in Bainbridge and Thomasville are truck and car audio upgrade specialists. Whether you are interested in adding Apple … Read More »

Tags

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Amplifiers Android Auto Apple CarPlay Bed Covers Camlocker Chevrolet F-150 Ford Fuel Fuel Wheels GMC Grille Guards Hunter Road Force Jeep JL Audio Kenwood Leveling Kits Llumar Nitto Pioneer Radios RAM Ranch Hand ReadyLift Rockford Fosgate Rough Country Speakers Step Bars Subwoofers Toolboxes Toyota TrailFX Undercover WeatherTech Westin Window Tint Wrangler

Expert Tips for Upgrading Your Boat’s Stereo System

 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day out on the water, and having the right soundtrack only enhances the … [Read More...]

The-3-Most-Important-Speaker-Parameters-and-Why-You-Should-Care-Lead-in

The 3 Most Important Speaker Parameters and Why You Should Care

 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

When you’re upgrading your car audio system, selecting the right speakers involves more than just brand loyalty or power … [Read More...]

The 3 Most Important Speaker Parameters and Why You Should Care

 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

Saving money feels good. Until it doesn't. Whether it’s a bargain-priced amplifier or a budget installation from someone … [Read More...]

A man sitting in his car driving down the highway glancing out the window

The Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed: Aftermarket Blind Spot and Collision Warning Systems

 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

If you’ve looked at a new vehicle lately, chances are it included some type of advanced safety feature like blind spot … [Read More...]

A man typing on his computer while sitting inside a vehicle

How Time Alignment Transforms Your Car Audio Experience

 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

When most people think about improving their car’s sound system, their first thought is usually upgrading speakers or … [Read More...]

Bainbridge Location


Get Directions to Precision Audio's Bainbridge Location
Address:
909 Dothan Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817
Phone: 229-246-2111
Secondary phone: 229-246-3888
Email: salesstaff@precisionga.com

Opening Hours:
Monday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed

Thomasville Location


Get Directions to Precision Audio's Thomasville Location
Address:
12588 US Highway 319 N., Thomasville, GA 31757
Phone: 229-233-5001
Email: thomasville@precisionga.com

Opening Hours:
Monday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed

MESA retailer

Copyright © 2025 Precision Audio & Tint · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media, inc. · Log in