I suggest starting all your head unit levels at zero dead center. neither negative nor positive.
thisIf you plan to use the sub level output on the head unit, you want to set the gains on your amps with the suv level all the way up. This way you can turn your amps down, and back up, but never over driving the amps. If you set the gains with the level at 0, turning the level up increases the signal going back to your amps which in turn is going to increase your amp's output voltage. This will change the level of volume at which you reach full tilt and can cause you to over drive the amps. This will lead to clipping and excessive current pull, which is why you're getting voltage drop. I would reset your gain with the sub level maxed out, then you'll have nothing to worry about when adjusting the subwoofer level.
thats a idea then....What dooley said....kinda. I would not set the amps up with the sub level all the way up. I would do it at say 10/12. that way if you are playing an acoustically degraded track you can bump the sub level up slightly to account for it.
so set all my gains at like 27 not 37 then ??I know voltage does differ but with that hu on 0 sub and 0 for the volume level it clips right around 27 on volume.I have that same one but gonna sell it.
Don't you have access to an O-scope?
I'm pretty sure Pat has one. Chaos_Theory does too.nope unless one of you chicago boys have one?