Customer Ratings & Reviews

it was good

it came quickly and it was convinient to understand. i tried it on my head unit and thought it didnt work and come to find out thAt the head unit was the one thAt does not reproduce clean sound. i would recommened this product to those who find car audio a pation. i am a a loyal costumer to this site and will continue to be.

works as advertised

well built though over priced but hey I ordered it and it performed as it should. Setup sounds good

Amazing Tool

This tool is by far the most impressive single purpose tool I have ever purchased. It's sole purpose is to detect distortion, Which it does at an amazing accuracy and with minimal user effort. I set the gains of both my DC3.5k mono and DC175.4 4Channel, in the underground parking of the local mall on my lunch break. This tool also can be perfect for finding your decks max undistorted volume, which is a bonus for any SQ oriented builder. All and all this unit is solid and well worth every single one of the 15,000 pennies you spend on it. A word of warning, although this is often confused as a gain setter. IT DETECTS DISTORTION. You can and will over power your speakers and blow coils if you just crank your amp to max undistorted levels without concern for your speakers power handling rating. a 150 watt channel will decimate a 35w coil with an undistorted signal! Just keep in mind this detects distortion and not your max output and you'll set gains like a pro. ** READ THE MANUAL, not only insanely easy to read and full of useful info. Meade actually managed to pack some humor into his manual..quality you just cant match from the mass producers.

Useful tool and quick

I've always set gains using a tpi440. I bought the DD-1 as I'd seen some verification videos of it being right on with the TPI, but looked much faster to use. Well used it quite a bit now and have to say it is quick and effective. Super simple to use and makes setting the gains correctly on your system easy and fast. One note. I watched videos on how to use this tool and then read the instructions when I received it. There is a change to the new tools when it comes to setting amp gains in that you hook the red probe to the + speaker terminal and the black probe to the - speaker terminal. All the videos I'd watched showed the black probe to amp ground. This has changed and I verified with Tony at the manufacturer before using. So, word to the wise, double check your instructions before using to make sure you have it hooked up right. Either way, an excellent tool and worth having.

Smd dd-1, great pice of kit

I would recommend this bit of kit as it's easy to use, and great for setting up my amplifiers, and would defiantly buy more stuff from sonicelectronix, I can't get hold of the audio equipment I want in the United Kingdom, and sonicelectronix have got the gear I want, great delivery service.

There's nothing like it!

If you want an undistorted system where you know how loud you can turn it and blow anything up then you need a DD! It comforting to know that when I spin that skinny knob I know everything id tuned right and I have nothing to worry about.

Read the directions and watch the SMD videos on Youtube if your unsure how to use it.

Smd dd-1 Smd cc-1

Easy to use, works just like advertised, best tool on market for the price.

DD-1 is a scam

This thing isn't what people think. It can detect distortion at certain frequencies. I wouldn't put my thousands of dollars of equipment on the line trusting this thing. I wanted a true gain setter like this thing showed on videos. It works with the frequencies your using at that time. People a whole lot smarter than me even said "I wouldn't trust this thing with your life,but it's a guide". If it makes you sleep better at night buy it. I used it once and I just threw it in the tool box.

DD-1 YOU NEED THIS!!!!!!

if you do any car audio you need this .. super easy to use well worth the money

Excellent Tool

This is a fantastic piece of kit, so underpriced for what it is yet simple and accurate to use, does exactly what it says on the tin and it's built to last. If you intall car audio you NEED this tool!

Great tool with an issue

I purchased the CC-1 to dial in the crossover of my Kicker "Front Row" processor/crossover. When the tool arrived I connected it to the FR's outputs but was unable to get the CC-1's "Signal" LED to light up. I even tried it with my home stereo pre-amp (an ADCOM GTP-500 II) as well as my CD player. I figured I got a bum CC-1 and sent it back to Sonic and ordered another. When it arrived it had the same issue. I then went to the SMD forum for help. I was told to try it on the outputs of my amplifiers. The CC-1's manual states that it can be used with RCA level AND speaker level signals. Evidently that is NOT the case. I connected it to the Front Row's outputs because it is much easier for me to access it than it is to access my amplifiers. I ended up having to remove the rear seat of my truck in order to connect the CC-1 to my amps. This finally allowed me to dial in the X-over. I never did get an answer on the forum as to why I wasn't able to use RCA level signals. Once I did all this I was finally able to accurately dial in my X-over points and along with the use of the SMD DD-1 my stereo has never sounded better. This line level vs. speaker level issue prevented me from giving the CC-1 a 5 star Overall and Ease of Use rating. Value got 3 stars because IMO the price is a bit steep. Durability only gets 3 stars because I've only had the CC-1 for a short time and have no idea how it will hold up over time.

(Note to Sonic: Please do away with the Durability rating. There is no way of knowing how rugged an item might be until I've owned it for some time. If I wait a year or so to give a Durability rating the item under review may not even be in production anymore.)

A car audio must have...

The cc-1 is super easy to use. It makes tuning an amp to the correct and/or desired Hz settings a breeze. This is a must buy for any car stereo installer or simply anyone who enjoys it. It is a very accurate and affordable tool compared to others.

Great value

It does give you the settings you need for the price does the job

set gains like a pro

If you need to set your crossover and match the gains to similar amps this is it

Excellent Tool

Another amazing bit of kit from SMD, I bought this tool to set up my home hi-fi and it worked wonders. After years of guessing x-over points, being able to accurately set them made a night/day difference to my home system. Definitely a must have for anyone using active x-overs.

Won't work on line level signal

The CC-1 is an excellent product. Too bad it doesn't work as advertised. I'm using a Kicker "Front Row" processor/crossover in my setup with the amplifier x-overs turned OFF. Accessing the x-over is much easier in my installation than it is to access the amps so I connected the CC-1 to the line level outputs on the FR and no matter what I did I could not get the CC-1 to detect a signal. I even tried connecting it to the outputs of my home stereo pre-amp (ADCOM GTP-500 II) with my CD player as the signal source. Same result. The CC-1 would not detect a signal. I sent the CC-1 back and got a replacement. I hooked it up and got the same results. Next I went to the SMD forum to post my problem. I was told to connect the CC-1 to the amplifier outputs to set the FR's x-over. Doing so allowed me to dial in my x-over points. No one ever explained to me why the CC-1 wouldn't work with a line level signal. The manual even states that it can be used with the outputs of a x-over but evidently that's not the case.

I only gave "Durability" 3 stars since the CC-1 is brand new and I have no way of knowing how rugged it may or may not be. The price seems a bit high for what it is so I only gave it a 3 star Value rating. I do a lot of installs for friends and family so this is a great tool to have. Probably not very economical for the average person that only does their own personal car stereo setup. The Overall and Ease of Use ratings were each deducted one star for the line level issue. I gave Features 5 stars since the CC-1 not only allows you to accurately set your x-over it also lets you balance the gains when matching the levels of identical amplifiers. Sure, it's just a 2 trick pony but those tricks are very useful ones.

All that being said I would recommend this product if you prefer doing your own installations and you want to do them accurately.

Big thank you to Sonic Electronix and to Steve for your survice!!!

the cc-1 is a great device i use it a lot for helping out my friends set their amplifier 's and a lot of them say that the device it self is B.A.M.F!!! I LOVE IT!!! i tried all the settings for bass and im working on my highs and mids /mid bass this week!!!! THE SMD STICKER IS ON MY CAR!!!

Another Great Tuning Device

This is another must have tuning device by SMD. Set the crossovers on both my Mono block and 4ch within 5 minutes. It's nice to know my crossovers are exactly where I want them to be.

excellent

Love it its handy no distortion in my sound system

great tool but .....

I owned both the DD-1 and the SMD for a while and i really love them. simple, precise and easy to use. My problem is with the price. I think they are too expensive for a one dimensional tool that i don't use often. That's why i sold them and bought a scope for $400. It takes some learning to use, but it does the job of both the DD1 and SMD and much much more. I use my scope every week on my car and on my house.

What a difference!

Honestly after having set my gains properly with this tool I have increased the clarity and output of my amplifiers by roughly 30%! I love this product.

Great product but too expensive

I owned both the DD-1 and the SMD for a while and i really love them. simple, precise and easy to use. My problem is with the price. I think they are too expensive for a one dimensional tool that i don't use often. That's why i sold them and bought a scope for $400. It takes some learning to use, but it does the job of both the DD1 and SMD and much much more. I use my scope every week on my car and on my house.

Awesome products and service!!

I bought the SMD vm-1 and om-1 and they are the best meters I have ever seen and used they are a great product and it's great making everyone jealous of them, I'm being honest. Love the producst and super quick shipping and delivery as well. I look forward to buying from you in the future.

very nice

very nice product everyone should own one easy to use

Must have

This tool is easy to use and very useful for every car audio installation shop

SMD cc-1 Crossover Calibrator

I'm in the car audio business when I heard there was a crossover calibrator I had to see for myself how good it is. the first time I used it I was amazed how accurate the CC-1 is its a must have for any installer in the car audio business. I truly recommended.

Be a pro with SMD DD-1 !

It works!!! Such a easier way to set amps gain. After using SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector my sound system improved. I recommend to anyone who
facing problem on gain setting. No more wasting time. Get it do it and
be a 'PRO' with it!!

Dd-1 review

I purchased the smd dd-1 to set my amp gains on my system. I was do impressed with the increase and power and clean signal that it provided I decided to start setting amp gains for others on the side so that they can also experience how much better a properly tuned system sounds. This product is easy to use, compact, and has good build quality. I also bought the cc-1 to set my crossover points and match my amp gains but that's a post for another review. All in all this is the best money I have ever spent on car audio installation gear. Thanks Steve and Sonic Electronix!

Great product

The product is very good because helps you adjust your audio system and will prevent your speakers from blowing up !!! :)

DD-Awesome

As with all Steve Meade and Tony D'Amore products this thing rocks. I get the most sound out of my system without putting my amps in danger. A must have.

useful product

I have yet to use the product. It was a combo with an amp that i bought. The build and construction of the device looks good. I did use the test tone cd though, as the instructions for my specific amp, tells me what tone to play and what a/c voltage to read from the amp's speaker terminal with a regular multi-meter, that is why i have not used the product yet, but intend to when i have to setup amps that do not come with detailed instructions for matching deck output voltage to amp input sensitivity. I also wish it came with a 9v battery for the price.

DD-1 Distortion Detector

Had no issues.. Fast processing and delivery through Sonic.. Detector comes with easy to follow instructions.. My system sounds nice, and the detector seamed to work great.. Would definitely recommend.. A little pricey though.. Per the detector, I was fairly accurate matching mid and high amp gains by ear, but I was way off on my source unit and sub amp.. Really not even close.. Made the corrections, and my system sounds great now..

Great Product

at first I was looking how to set my gains, i had it a little below half on my amp it was ok but once i set the gains with the dd1, man this thing made my sub sound great i could not believe that i was cutting myself out from that much bass. Glad i bought it, now i can set my gains for future amps since this is just the beginning

SMD DD-1

This is an awesome little device. Made my system so much louder and clearer. Thanks Steve Meade for making such an excellent device and thanks Sonic Electronix for the fast shipping and awesome customer service!!!!

Great product at an amazing value. Designed by Car Audio Leaders

This is an amazing product. I just found out about this product this year by stumbling upon it and its creators on Youtube. I watched all of the videos I could find and did a lot of research. This product is the result of a leader in car audio installation in southern Cali (Steve Meade) and an electrical engineer who has a long career in car audio (D'Amore Engineering). This is not a product that was created with all glitz/glam and no function. This was created with full function in mind by two titans in the car audio industry. It is extremely easy to use and gives you confidence in your amp settings.

Pros:
Ease of use
Style of product
Accuracy
Numerous testing options (speaker outputs or directly from RCA's)

Cons:
Only the price. But this is ONLY if you are looking to use the product only for personal use (ie. 1 or 2 vehicles). It's a good bit of money for just one or two vehicles, but peace-of-mind can also be priceless. But, rest assured, this product has had a lot of R&D and testing put into it before being produced. And, each product from D'Amore Engineering is specifically tested (by the maker) to verify the product works as stated. $150 is a lot for a single user and probably more suited for installers, but, like I said, peace-of-mind is priceless.

I HIGHLY recommend this product and recommend not just taking my word for it, but looking up the accomplishments of the creators on Youtube to learn more for yourself!

Very useful

I bought this in order to protect my equipment and at the same time maximize the fully potential of it, because in my hometown all the installers just turn up the gain in order to impress the buyer; I recommend this especially to those pplk that do installs for fun or for a living.

Legit!

Received the DD-1 yesterday and used it today for the first time. All I can say is it definitely makes the audio signals much more clear due to how it allows you to calibrate the gain on your amps before clipping/distortion. I absolutely recommend this product to anyone who wants to properly adjust the gain on their amps and get pure clean sound out of their audio equipment.

Great Product

This is extremely easy to use and a great tool. I have used it on multiple amps already and makes setting them a dream.

Great Product by SMD

This is a great product from Steve Meade Designs you can also by them from Steve Meade on www.wccaraudio.com for the same price and there are more of a selection as well as crossover calibrators, amp dynos and lots more so check it out.

Amazing product!

This made my amp sound so much better and it's really easy to tune. Thanks to Steve Meade and D'amore Engineering for making this!

What? No included battery?

For $150, SMD could have included a generic 9V battery. Not everyone has a 9V sitting around the house (except in their smoke detectors). That really ticked me off... even a dollar store flashlight comes with batteries.

Other than that, it works fine. It's expensive but less expensive than an o-scope which I would never use the full potential of.

Great product

Product does everything it's meant to do! Nothing more nothing less. Very pleased with it and easy to use.

Perfect

The dd-1 is the perfect way to tune an amplifier, found where my deck clips and where my amp clips and have been bumpin clean sound, good investment

nice product

I like this SMD DD-1 easy to use. The service from Sonic Electronix was great. Would buy again from them.

No more guess work needed!

This distortion detector takes the guess work out of tuning an amp. I used to use a DMM to tune my amps and I also would tune with my car on so I would get the max voltage. What I did not realize was is that my amp would distort with while playing it moderately loud with the car off.

Now that I have this tool I can get the maximum potential out of the amp before distortion and clipping (they are not one in the same). Just remember to use this tool on your amps with the car off to avoid any damage that would be caused by distortion and clipping from low voltage.

The equipment that I tuned using the DD-1 is the Alpine KTP-445U running to Diamond Audio component 6.5" front and rear speakers as well as a Kicker IX1000.1 running a Cerwin-Vega STKR124 in a transmission line slot ported box @ 2.9cu ft. tuned to 31hz. All of this is running off of my Pioneer AVIC-X940BT.

This did make an improvement in loudness as well as sound quality. Now when I tuned my system using the DMM I also tweaked it over a number of days to get everything to sound great. But if you think about it, it took me days of fine tuning to get it right and I have been installing car audio as a hobby and professionally for roughly 15yrs. What took me days to get my car audio close to it's full potential, the DD-1 got me to my systems full potential in roughly 30min. It made setting up gains nearly goof proof (and it saved my ears... my poor ears over the years and years of tuning).

Nice Product

This really works! I thought my system sounded pretty good. After using this to set the gains on my amps, i was amazed. My highs amp was set too high, and my bass amp was set too low, and i was only able to turn the volume up to 26. Now i can turn my volume up to 34 out of 36 and everything sounds clean and clear. A BIG DIFFERENCE. Very happy with purchase. You have to get one of these and do it RIGHT!!

yeah it works to certain degree

The unit works only when its tuned to certain db level ex.....
If i tuned a -15 then that means the gain is higher then a -5db track. so when i go to play some bass boosted decaf my subs will clip.

simply amazing

The best way to set up your amps period. Good directions and it doesn't feel cheap. Overall a high quality item

love the dd-1

I had use the dd-1 to my system and I was in love with the tool after I could't ask for better bang!!!!!

SMD DD-1 = Love it!

Made my system sound so much better & cleaner! Cant express that enough. My system is not for comp, just personal daily driving & I do love to play it LOUD. I have 5000 RMS ( 1K going to mids & highs & 2K going to 3 re audio 12's (custom sealed box) & 2K gong to 1 SSA Xcon 18 in a big ported box, (not to mention 3 AGM batts, big 3 upgrade, all 1/0 guage OFC wire, H/O 270 amp alt, alpine TV h.u. ect ect blah blah) so I obviously spent a LOT of money on my system, but I think the best money I have invested into my car audio system so far is the SMD DD-1. No kidding! Thousands of dollars invested & that little extra $150 made sooo much of a difference in the sound. Also I love the comfort of knowing I can slam my system hard daily for a long time & Im getting a clean non distorted signal to all my speakers. To me, just that comfort alone is worth buying one. I was running my system for almost 2 years before I learned about the DD-1. Before I used the DD-1, I was nervous/reluctant to turn it up to certain volume levels, not knowing if I was clipping/distorting my speakers, but now I feel 100% confident to play it at much higher levels without destroying my expensive equipment. Sounds much much cleaner now. I cant imagine all the hours of time I have spent trying to tune my systems by ear. I have been through many cars & all have had amps & subs ect. I would recommend a DD-1 to anyone. Also I think no car audio shop should EVER go without having a DD-1 & tuning every customers audio system before they leave the store. That's my 2 cents

RCA input panel needs a bigger hole

I would have given it a 5 but I had to disassemble it to use it with my RCAs. I have the Professional Series Fusion and Streetwires. They were too big to fit pass the RCA input panel. Other than that it is a great tool to have.

excelente producto!

Hago este review en español para los que hablan español.
Este producto es muy bueno porque te ayuda a ajustar las ganancias de tus amplificadores sin meter distorsión lo que se traduce a mejor calidad de audio y evitar quemar las bocinas por exceso de distorsión en un mal ajuste lo recomiendo altamente a todos los que quieran tener cálidad en su audio.

DD-1 review

The dd-1 is a very useful tool. It allows you to find the clipping point of your head unit. After that you can go down signal line to your amps and accurately set gains on them. The issue I had was getting an accurate setting when using one or more eq's in the signal line such as the audio control three.1 indash eq. You have to take into account that components such as this will change line voltage and frequency boost as the user manipulate s the controls. Try to start with the most flat unboosted signal as possible.

does decent job

Sometimes when I use it, I can then the gain all the way up on the amp and the distortion light doesn't come on. Other times it will work correctly. Not sure what the problem is, but when it works, its fast and easy.

Easy to use.

I'm not a pro installer, I've only done 2 installs both were my vehicles. This product really does help set the gains & find volume distortion on head unit. It's really easy to use takes about or less than 5 minutes to set gains or find the head units top volume level. Only thing I dislike is it does not come with a battery.... for the price I think it should.

A must have.

Easy to use, amps can be set before installing. Never had a sub sound so good.

To good to be true

Amazing to know I'm safely powering my set-ups. Tuned everyone of my friends systems. Noticable gains in output. Worth every penny.

Probably of the most important tools in Car Audio

This tool is absolutely amazing, I set the gains of my mono amplifier with this tool, and the results were phenomenal, my amplifier runs a lot cooler, the bass is much cleaner, and a lot louder when I play songs that reache my peak settings (I used the -5 db track so I can play all kinds of music), I noticed it's a bit louder than before when I set my gains with my ears (not recommended).

I also set a couple of my friend's amplifiers too as well, and they were impressed, also said the bass sounded a lot cleaner as well.

I also like how durable the tool feels, very sturdy, doesn't feel cheap at all, and it's made in the USA, which is a plus.

I think everyone, whether a professional or hobbyist, should invest in this tool, it's very easy to use, takes only a few minutes to set the gains, very durable, and it's 100% analog, so you don't need to worry about it being outdated.

GREAT PRODUCT

GREAT PRODUCT. I KNEW THAT SOMEBODY OUT THERE HAD INVENTED THIS PRODUCT BUT I COULDN'T FIND IT FOREVER, BUT NOW THAT I DID I'M SATISFIED WITH MY SOUNDS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT'S WHAT IT COULD HANDLE.

simply amazing

The best way to set up your amps period. Good directions it doesn't feel cheap overall a high quality item

SMD DD-1 Distortion detector

Excellent product even for a novice, it is a very good piece of electronic equipment to own.

SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector

Product works as stated, helped me check my head unit for clipping and set my full range and subwoofer amp. Directions are easy to understand and follow. With this tool you're confident you're pushing the amp to its full potential but safely. Great tool, getting the cross over tool next CC-1.

DD-1

This is the tool if you are into car audio. Do not guess on gains when you can use the DD-1 to set them for you the right way. LOVE IT! All of SMD Products are the highest quality and USA built. You got to love that!!! Thanks Sonic for carry SMD products.

Steve Meade comes to Sonic Electronics!!!

If you are ever going to tune an amp or change a head unit more than once in your life, you NEED this!!!!

Find max volume for a head unit (no clipping)
Find max volume for subwoofer gain


Save your gear. Get this.

No distortion, sounds perfect!!

bought this thinking I was going to install my own system but didn't have much time so I had a professional install it. it sounded nice but nothing special. a few months later I finally had time to sit down and set my gains with it. after using it, it made my system sound amazing. hits all lows perfectly and you cant hear any distortion. I highly recommend this product. it will greatly improve sound, quality and life of components.

Thanks Steve you know whats up

I purchased one of these about a year ago when he first made them (before sonic had them), and I was dumb founded by the simplicity of finally being able to set my gains like Mr. Meade him self. Top notch device.

A must have

This device is amazing! I was sort of skeptical when I first got it. Easily the best purchase I have ever made. Using the DD-1 is so simple. I have owned it little over a year now and tuned many of my friends systems and they are all amazed at how much cleaner and louder there bass was. It takes all the guess work out of tuning. Once everything is tuned there is no more worring about cliping or distorting the signal going to your speakers or subwoofers. When tuning the subwoofer amplifier make sure to use the -5dB or -10dB track, that will keep the signal the cleanest. A few of the devices that I used the DD-1 on is Dual XDMA6415 HU, a few Kenwood HU's. RF Prime 500.1 sub amp, RF 1000.4, and a couple of kicker amps. All SMD products are top of the line.

Great product

What a great product. makes quick and easy tuning of any amplifier love it and would recommend it to anyone. have used on about 30 cars so far and everyone says. sounds clearer and louder..

Awesome Tool

This thing is great, I've used it set many amplifiers already and will continue to do so.. It's great to not worry about if your gains are set correctly or not with the DD-1. it's definitely worth the money if you're going to use it multiple times. I also have the CC-1 and it has some nice features as well. Just do yourself a favor, put your DMM away and buy the DD-1..

First time tuning a amp

If you are doing a install on your on car buy it.

Awesome Product

I've been a car audio enthusiast since I was 14 years old. I never had fancy equipment to properly set amp gains. I bought the DD-1 and am very impressed with it! I tested it side by side with my Fluke Oscilloscope and it is dead on. I highly recommend this to any car audio installer from amateur to Pro.

Worth every penny!!!

I have been frustrated for a long time bc I cant find a single car audio shop in my city who can fine tune a system to get it sounding right. So recently I did some research & learned about this SMD DD-1, bought it, used it & in 20 min I had my $5000 system sounding TWICE as good!!! I would say its the best money I have ever spent on car audio equipment & in my 20 years of driving, I have probably had 20 cars with systems in all of them. Now I have the sound I want and the PIECE OF MIND knowing my system is pumping CLEAN power through all of the speakers with NO DISTORTION which is a amp & subwoofer KILLER. Do some research & you will see that everyone is having great results using the SMD DD-1 !!!! Whether yu have a $500 system or a $50,000 system this thing is a MUST! 5 out of 5 stars on every level!

Cant do without it!!!

I've been watching it om youtube for some years now. Finally purchased and was really amazed. Every thing sounds together. Before atv times the b mids over powered the tweeters or the v other way around. I even had a little ground noise from havein gains to high but since I used it its all gone now!!! Really great. Gonna try to get the newer one to to add to my collection x

Directions need to be re-evaluated

The DD-1 does what it says it does. It made my system sound incredibly clean. I have been setting my gains by ear for a couple of decades now and always had it sounding very good. I have had people ask me, "How can you turn the volume up all the way without it distorting?" Now, after using the DD-1, my system sounds 10 times better. No exaggeration. The only complaint I have is in the directions (setting gains on sub amp) where it says to use track 3 for cleanest sound, track 7 for loudest, and track 5 for a mix of both. This is non-sense. They should have said somewhere in the directions to compare the tracks on the CD with the media you use every day and use the closest track to set your gains. My 40Hz test tone on my flash drive is closest to the #1 track (0dB). By using the -5, -10, or -15dB tracks, my amp will clip. So just be forewarned, if you use tracks 3, 5, or 7 to set your gains, your sub amp will probably still clip!!! Clipping is BAD!!!

Great product

Works great. Simple just flow the directions and bam you have your gains set properly. Definitely worth the money.

By Luke on October 1, 2015 Verified purchase

Finally.. got my speakers tuned right!

Worth every penny.. makes a drastic SQ change in your system because you are able to see at what point the head unit / amps clip with distortion. I was over the limit of distortion by about 10 volume turns on my head unit. Now I can save my equipment from dying / frying. My system definitely sounds better with no worries or guess-work. Worth it!

Worth the price

The DD-1 takes the guess work out of tuning my system.

By kongo1997 on September 22, 2015 Verified purchase

Awesome

Very easy to use would recommend it for other people

SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector/Analyzer by Steve Meade Designs

I seriously wouldn't be able to set my own gains without this. An oscilloscope is like a mad scientist tool to me. And I surely don't trust myself to do it by ear. It has a bonus of being able to set the speaker level and max that out before it clips. Highly recommended!

A must have

I had an Oscope Nano and compared it to the SMD DD1. The DD1 is spot on with OScope. And takes half the time to set your amp.

By Anthony on March 3, 2016 Verified purchase

DD-1 for the win..

There's several ways of measuring or detecting distortion but it has never been this easy before, adjusting the gains is so easy a caveman could do it.. Insert 9v transistor battery into the DD-1 then follow the 20 page instruction manual.. The test tone CD was designed for passive component systems with a subwoofer and not for full-active systems, you will need another CD with a 10kHz test tone for adjusting tweeters, aside from that it's absolutely brilliant and well thought out, this is a great investment and worth every dollar..

SMD CC-1 Crossover Calibrator by Steve Meade Designs

Without spending $1000’s on expencive meter. This unit does just what you need to calibrate you audio.

SMD CC-1 Crossover Calibrator by Steve Meade Designs

Phenomenal Product smd and there guys definitely hit the nail on the head with this one

Great tool!

This thing is awesome. I used to set my gains with a multi-meter, at 3/4 volume, and thought my stereo was great. Let me tell you, it was far from it's potential. Using this tool allowed me to find my head units clipping volume (2 clicks away from full volume), and then match my amplifiers gain output. I will never waste my time with a multi-meter again. I strongly recommend this tool to anybody who wants the most out of their stereo. It is easily worth the cost as most stereo shops will charge close to $100 to do the same thing this does.

By Gabe on August 4, 2017 Verified purchase

Love this thing!!!

All my friend have me set the gain on their amps now.. its pricey but soooo well worth the money.. beats having to buy new subs due to burnt coil..

By Kelvin on February 24, 2017 Verified purchase

dd-1 meter

dd-1 meter is a nice tool to get you where you need to be if your not sure about your gains, It will help you or a friend or customer have the best experience with there audio system, dont hesitate to have this dd-1 meter because if you want distortion free setup then this is for you. Thanks sonic for your honest and great prices

Outstanding Product!!!

Anything with Steve Meade's name on it is legit, easy to use and does exactly what says it will do, correctly.

By andrew on October 5, 2016 Verified purchase

SMD DD-1

Works like a charm. Does what it says it does. No distorted sound from the head unit to the 4 channel fosgate or my Crescendo bc200d to my 18 Fi bl sub.

Should have bought it much earlier..

This is a must have!

My system does sound better because it is not "all over the place" with my head unit and amplifier gains. The capability of this DD-1 should be a standard function on every amp.. but I guess that is how companies get you to buy more of their products -once you kill your gear because of distortion / wrong settings.. you have to go out and get more. Buy this and save your gear.
Most of all.. be rest assured that your gear will be dialed in right and will not blow.

car audio must have

Recommend!
The installer must have to set your x-overs perfectly every time.

By Chad on June 14, 2020 Verified purchase

Best Investment for the Money

I have been into Car Audio for 30+ Years and coming from the days of not knowing anything about sound quality and just wanting a LOUD system to now wanting still to have the LOUD system but also wanting it to SOUND great ... This is the Tool that you need!!! A lot of amp manufacturers are building something like this in but until its a standard THIS IS the Standard!! Definitely recommend!!

By Charles on January 31, 2020 Verified purchase

SMD DD-1

This thing is great my subs sound a lot louder I was spot on with my ears with my gain though but with my bass db on my head unit set to - 10 i was able to turn up the gain now it sounds very good don t hesitate to buy this

SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector/Analyzer by Steve Meade Designs

I purchased the SMD DD-1 to set the gain on my JL HD1200/1. I previously set the gain using a multimeter, but I felt that I wasn’t getting the full potential of my amp. I received my order very fast as usual. Thank you Sonic Electronix! The instructions were well written and easy to follow. Within a short while I had my gains set. My gain was set about 1/3 when using the multimeter, but now it is set a bit more than 1/2. My subs slam much harder, and I can rest assured that I am not clipping the signal. I highly recommend the DD-1 for anyone who is serious about their audio.

Eh

Works great but a oscope is better and not much more $$$

Dd1

I couldn't get the rca's to work when i plugged my radio's rca's up they got different reading than the speaker outputs. This isn't the only time I've heard that the rca input didn't work. Just use the speaker outputs and that would be fine

Amazing Tool!!

Fantastic tool. A must have for any car audio enthusiast or professional. It does exactly what it was made to do. A+

By Johnny on January 10, 2020 Verified purchase

NEVER INSTALL AMPLIFIERS WITHOUT THIS TOOL!!!!!!

NO REVIEW NEEDED! SMD and D'Amour are great and build a great product!

By Anonymous on November 15, 2019 Verified purchase

Worth every penny

Reccommend for anyone who truly wants to get the most out of your system. There simply is no way to really hear the distortion. Honestly. This made so many people surprised that my system could go to full volume and still hear everything. It is alot louder then I would have guessed.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Helps you set your gains properly, what else can i say! Works as stated and is very easy to use. If you dont have one, buy it.

By Anonymous on June 22, 2019 Verified purchase

Just what the doctor ordered!

The SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector exceeded my expectations. We tuned my buddy's Mustang and it sounded 10x better! The only con is you need to read the instructions twice before you use it. We had to tune it a second time because we forgot to turn stuff off.

By Mo Bass on September 1, 2018 Verified purchase

Should have bought this sooner

I definitely recommend this product by Steve Mede designs . I seen this on YouTube after I blew my subwoofer and realized I wasn't going to blow any more sub woofers., so when I seen them compare this to the oscilloscope I had to have it. Very easy to use right on the money The guys are friggin genius. Perfect for the guy who is a professional or the guy who just tinkers around

By John on January 1, 2017 Verified purchase

Why I Reccomend Getting THe SMD=DD=1

Excellent product for setting up IQ's on a radio and amplifiers. It took just a few minutes to get my BMW Alpine radio to sound fantastic.

Does what it says

Just freaking alot more expensive than what it should be.... i think all smd products are overpriced...it really isnt worth more than 100 imo

Not what I was expecting/expensive

This product did detect distortion as stated. But what this doesn’t help me with, is when my amp is more powerful than my speakers. I almost cooked a pair thinking the gains were matched with the speakers. I ended up buying an o-scope for 100 dollars. Much better investment.

By Kevin on November 2, 2022 Verified purchase

Perfect!!

Great tool to tune your stereo!! A must need if in competition!!

By Chris on August 16, 2020 Verified purchase

Awesome

SMD equipment will never disappoint. When you have hundreds or even thousands of dollars in speakers it doesn't take much to justify this tool.

By vincent on June 25, 2020 Verified purchase

works as it should

It does exactly what it says it will do. Smd DD-1 is a industry standard and works great, although I wish it came with the battery.

By Wayne on April 25, 2020 Verified purchase

Must Have Item

Eliminates any guesswork when setting levels on your amplifier. Easy to use with immediate results. A must for every car audio enthusiast.

By Anonymous on December 15, 2019 Verified purchase

Excellent product!!!

This thing does it's job like it's supposed to and I'm not blowing anymore subwoofers and other speakers like before by adjusting the gains to high and killing them with distortion. A professional tool that anyone in the car audio world should have. I highly recommend this product to anyone!!!

By Anonymous on April 30, 2019 Verified purchase

OMG .. THIS has been a GODSEND!!!!!

What a great product! that is all I can say... I can now protect all my audio equipment with this simple device. EVERY INSTALLER / CAR AUDIO OWNER MUST OWN THIS!! Such an easy way to find distortion.. and just dial it back.. POOF!! - You're Golden!! No damaging of speakers and amps anymore!! Save your gear and buy this now! Such an awesome product!

By Anonymous on February 12, 2019 Verified purchase

Excellent product!!!

After buying the DD-1 I also realized that it's a little difficult to adjust crossover points as well. Going back an fourth to the trunk to adjust my crossovers was becoming a pain in the a$$ to get the sound just right. With the CC-1 it took guessing out as you set it at the correct frequency you want. Also I gained matched the mids/highs amps for both front and rear making them throw identical wattage for my highs sweet... I recommend this to anyone that likes to tune there equipment to perfection!

By Anonymous on April 30, 2019 Verified purchase

Best tool you can use

Simple to use tool to set your gains properly. Instructions is very clear on what to do along with suggestions as well. Using this dd1 I have no worries now in sending clipped signals to my speakers and know I'm running at safe gains. Back then I used to just thow the gains all the way up or try to go by ear but honestly this is the best way.

By Justin on February 2, 2017 Verified purchase

Must have

I dont own this product *YET , but this is a must have if you're a d.i.y car audio enthusiast . Setting amp gain properly is key and with this tool will guide you to properly set your amp . I will be owning this tool in the near future .

Awesome

It set my crossover right where I wanted it was no guessing it was just there I tuned my 6.5 to 116htz running them at 200 watts and I get 0 distortions.

By Dana on March 23, 2020 Verified purchase

Great product

Easy to use durable i use mine all the time no problems or anything perfect for a first time installer.

By james on March 19, 2017 Verified purchase

Pays for itself

By saving time or setting other systems up the money is well spent.

Excellence

Exactly what you need to set high pass, low pass and subsonic filters…you can’t go wrong with Steve Meade designs. I also have the SMD-DD1 for gains…I would definitely buy again if needed.

By Tyrone on April 23, 2026 Verified purchase

Great product

I really like this product. It works great and gave me assurance that my system was not distorting.

By Jeremy on February 12, 2026 Verified purchase

Easy-to-use

Very good and necessary

By andres on April 6, 2025 Verified purchase