Tuning Car Audio: Essential Test Tones

Tuning a car audio system is easy with the right tools and the right test tones. Below are the tones, which one to use, and how to use them. Questions? Email me at [email protected].

Download all the test tones

All files are Google Drive audio links.

Download All Test Tones & Pink Noise

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Every test tone and pink noise track in one folder, plus the amp gain voltage spreadsheet, a simple DSP setup guide and step-by-step instructions. All free, sent straight to your inbox.

Subwoofer gain setting: 50 Hz test tones

  • 0 dB 50 Hz sine wave: Most conservative setting. Max dynamic range and the best sound quality, but your sub may not play very loud on some songs.
  • -5 dB 50 Hz sine wave: For people who want solid bass without chasing max SPL all the time.
  • -10 dB 50 Hz sine wave: For bass heads who want the most out of their system.

Midrange gain setting: 1,000 Hz test tones

  • 0 dB 1000 Hz sine wave: Most conservative setting. Max dynamic range and the best sound quality, but your speakers might not play very loud on some songs.
  • -5 dB 1000 Hz sine wave: For most people doing general amp tuning who don’t play it loud all the time.
  • -10 dB 1000 Hz sine wave: For SPL listeners who want the most out of their speakers. You do risk blowing speakers with this one. Most aggressive setting.

Pink noise for DSP tuning

Which test tones to use

Test tones

  • 0 dBFS: Distortion-free output with the most dynamic range. May not be loud enough at times if you listen to a wide range of artists with different recording styles.
  • -5 dBFS: For a wide listening variety. Higher output but less dynamic range. You may get occasional amp clipping on certain songs.
  • -10 dBFS: Mainly for setting subwoofer gains because of the higher possible output. Less dynamic range and possible clipping depending on your music.

Pink noise

  • There’s some debate on stereo vs. mono pink noise. Some people use uncorrelated stereo pink noise to set frequency response, and correlated mono pink noise to set time alignment by ear.
  • Read the whole conversation on DIYMA.
  • Try both and see what works best for you.

For more on tuning an amp, see How to Install and Tune an Amp, With Wiring Diagram.