How did you set up your Kicker Key?

[angrycatmeow]

I bought a Kicker Key 500.1, JL 10TW1-2 and Basser box. I got it all installed and I'm not impressed with its output at low volumes. All polarities are correct and I'm using Bruce's pigtail cable for high-level input.

I first used the -10db gain match tone from the Kicker website and set the gain until the light no longer came on with the remote gain knob set to max. I tried it and wasn't impressed. Then I used the -10db key sweep tone to to set up the key function. Still not impressed.

All tone settings are at 0 in the MMI and all 3D and surround settings are off. It sounds decent starting around 50% volume, but below that it's almost as if there's no sub installed. At low volumes I can turn the gain down using the remote and there's almost no difference. Just wondering if I missed something because I know a lot of people are very happy with this exact setup.

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[eightamrock]

I had the same issue. The way I tuned mine was to turn the volume to listening level (less than the 75% they tell you to use in the book, I did about 60%) and tuned it from there. I got a lot better response at low volumes that way. Also, open the low and hi pass filters all the way up. The stock amp is already filtering for you, no reason to try to catch anything above or below what the stock signal is sending you.

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Also you are using my 3D printed mounting design. I hope you like it and printed it with ABS :)

[angrycatmeow]

I had the same issue. The way I tuned mine was to turn the volume to listening level (less than the 75% they tell you to use in the book, I did about 60%) and tuned it from there. I got a lot better response at low volumes that way. Also, open the low and hi pass filters all the way up. The stock amp is already filtering for you, no reason to try to catch anything above or below what the stock signal is sending you.

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Also you are using my 3D printed mounting design. I hope you like it and printed it with ABS :)

Good to know I'm not alone. I was pretty methodical finding 75% by counting clicks lol. I'm just gonna re-tune everything at the level I normally listen to music.

Edit: the pigtail cable came pre wired to the Kicker plug (bought it used). Looks like the polarities were reversed. That made an improvement. Still expected more bass at lower volumes, but I guess we just gotta tune around that.

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[eightamrock]

Good to know I'm not alone. I was pretty methodical finding 75% by counting clicks lol. I'm just gonna re-tune everything at the level I normally listen to music.

Edit: the pigtail cable came pre wired to the Kicker plug (bought it used). Looks like the polarities were reversed. That made an improvement. Still expected more bass at lower volumes, but I guess we just gotta tune around that.

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Just curious if this worked out better for you.

[angrycatmeow]

Yeah I matched up the colors per what Bruce said they should be and it made an improvement. It's still not what I want, but I can just crank the gain up a few degrees to get some more bass at low volumes, then use the remote to turn the gain down if I feel like cranking it.

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[eightamrock]

Yeah I matched up the colors per what Bruce said they should be and it made an improvement. It's still not what I want, but I can just crank the gain up a few degrees to get some more bass at low volumes, then use the remote to turn the gain down if I feel like cranking it.

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My gain light is flickering, but Ive done some long drives with it booming and the amp isnt overheating, nor am I experiencing any clipping. I think it has more overhead than what the manual leads you to believe. Boost it and check heat once in a while.. .you'll be good to go.

[iReminisce]

As mentioned, the polarities are wired wrong in the sportback. I used a guide on here (maybe Bruce's) and got mine right.
The test tone setup also set mine up underpowered. I did the audible test for distortion on my own and got it where I wanted the old school way. Now its perfect. I'll try to get a picture this evening of the settings when I get home. For reference, I am not using a basser box, mine is inside of the spare tire well with a box I built so what works for me may be a little different for you since yours is pushing out into open air.

[angrycatmeow]

As mentioned, the polarities are wired wrong in the sportback. I used a guide on here (maybe Bruce's) and got mine right.
The test tone setup also set mine up underpowered. I did the audible test for distortion on my own and got it where I wanted the old school way. Now its perfect. I'll try to get a picture this evening of the settings when I get home. For reference, I am not using a basser box, mine is inside of the spare tire well with a box I built so what works for me may be a little different for you since yours is pushing out into open air.

I also feel like the test tone setup is leaving a lot on the table. It sounds clean but volume leaves something to be desired. I'm not looking to rattle my mirrors at low volume, I just want to hear all the notes. Working around jet engines for the past 14 years hasn't done wonders for my hearing, but jeez.

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[iReminisce]

As mentioned, the polarities are wired wrong in the sportback. I used a guide on here (maybe Bruce's) and got mine right.
The test tone setup also set mine up underpowered. I did the audible test for distortion on my own and got it where I wanted the old school way. Now its perfect. I'll try to get a picture this evening of the settings when I get home. For reference, I am not using a basser box, mine is inside of the spare tire well with a box I built so what works for me may be a little different for you since yours is pushing out into open air.

Here's a dark pic of mine. It's already dark out but you can see the settings. High pass is down. Bass boost is down. Low pass is up because I have my sub doing most of the heavy lifting. I replaced the lower door speakers with some that only handle mids for cleaner separation. Gain is just over 9 o clock.
On the head unit the bass is flat right in the middle and subwoofer is right in the middle. So when I need a little more thump, I move the subwoofer dial in the head unit. This is perfect for me listening between 25-80 percent volume. 20220723_191508.jpg

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[angrycatmeow]

Sweet thanks. Gonna play with the tuning tomorrow. New mids for the dash and doors is next on the list.

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[Chemist83]

My gain is set exactly like that on my Q5. I just redid my gain setting but it seems weaker that how I previously set it and I used the same sweep and test tone. Maybe I accidentally had it over powered last time. But it's weird because I adjusted the gain because my Kicker L7R at 1ohm was over powering. When I first set the gain. It wasn't over powering. I also have a 10" JL powerwedge where I switch with a quick disconnect and now that sound weaker after the readjustment. I set the bass, treble and sub to the middle, surround all the way down and 3D to off. Could it be possible that the gain shifts over time? It looked more turned up than I remembered when I adusyit the first time

[Zombie5150]

I ran through the test tones at about 3/4 volume several times and then tweaked the gain just a bit. But, I’m also using the Kicker remote. It doesn’t add any extra bass but has the ability to turn it down when needed. I generally use it around the 3/4 position so I have some adjustment either way depending on the song. The treble, bass and sub adjustments on the MMI are also at the flat (mid) level. Works very well for what it is. I’ll occasionally get the weird sub roll off but it’s slight and not really bothersome for the type of music I mostly listen to (Classic Rock).