Installation Help
Install it clean, safe, and right the first time, we will help.
Whether you're a first-time DIYer or a seasoned installer, we're here to make sure your system goes in clean and performs the way it should.
Free pre-purchase install advice. Tell us your vehicle and goals before you buy, we'll confirm fitment and build a complete parts list (wiring kits, harnesses, dash kits, sound deadening) so nothing stalls your install day.
DIY fundamentals
1Match RMS power Between amp and speakers/subs, mismatches cause distortion and blown gear.
2Size the power wire right Undersized wire starves the amp and can be a fire hazard. 4-gauge covers most systems; 1/0 for big power.
3Always fuse the power wire Within 18 inches of the battery. No exceptions.
4Set gains with a test tone Gain is not a volume knob, clipping is the #1 killer of speakers and subs.
5Disconnect the battery Before touching any vehicle wiring.
6Deaden the doors Sound deadening is the cheapest upgrade your speakers will ever get.
Studio & stage setup
Home studio or live rig, the same rules apply: placement and gain staging make or break the sound. Browse the full pro audio range, then set it up like this.
1Monitors at ear level Tweeters at ear height, forming an equilateral triangle, same distance between the speakers as from each speaker to your head, toed in toward you.
2Pull monitors off the wall Corners and rear walls exaggerate bass. Give your studio monitors breathing room, and use their rear-panel EQ if they must sit close.
3Go balanced when you can Balanced XLR/TRS cables cancel interference, essential on longer runs or near power cables. Unbalanced RCA/TS is fine for short desktop hops. See pro audio cables.
4Powered PA: the mixer drives the show The volume knob on a powered PA speaker is a gain control, not a master, set it once (unity is a good start), then run levels from the mixer's main fader.
5Pole-mount PA speakers Get them at head height or above so sound clears the crowd, and keep them in front of the microphones to kill feedback before it starts.
6Gain-stage the mixer 1) Channel fader to unity. 2) Perform at real volume. 3) Raise channel gain until peaks just touch the yellow. 4) Set room volume with the main fader, clean at every stage, or noisy at all of them.
Product manuals & guides
Most product pages include downloadable manuals and spec sheets under the Documents tab. Need one that isn't listed? Email us and we'll send it. For deeper how-tos, visit the Learn hub.
When to go professional
For complex installs, DSP tuning, custom enclosures, factory-system integration, we recommend a professional installer. Contact us and we'll advise on exactly what to ask your local shop for.
Email support@audiowattstore.com or call (408) 620-5173, our audio experts are available 7 days a week.