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Member Info

  • Member Type: Regular Member
  • Networks: Shop Owners and Professional Installers
  • Profile Views: 3,588 views
  • Friends: 14 friends
  • Last Update: January 7
  • Joined: September 10, 2011

Jon Kowanetz

Just passed MECP Master Certification again this morning!  I am now re-certified for another 4 years.
  • What's New
  • Info
  • Articles(3)
  • Friends(14)
  • Forum Posts(1)
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Thank you guys!
    • January 7
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Thanks buddy, how's the new gig? Am I gonna see you at CES?
    • January 4
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Angel, the thing to be concerned about with using the cheaper scopes other than accuracy (obviously) is the resolution. You want a scope with a higher resolution so that you can see the whole picture. I would imagine you could get close with a cheap one...  moreAngel, the thing to be concerned about with using the cheaper scopes other than accuracy (obviously) is the resolution. You want a scope with a higher resolution so that you can see the whole picture. I would imagine you could get close with a cheap one, certainly much closer than if you did it by ear. How much is that SMD device? I heard that's pretty accurate.  
    • January 4
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Daniel Hoogendoorn The SMD works amazing and easy to use.
      January 4
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Pretty much my line of thinking. Yeah, the article has been fully baked since the first week of December but there was some crazy problem with the server or something like that. Doug worked real hard to get it back up and going.
    • January 4
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz posted a new article:
    Proper Level Setting Part 3
    Proper Level Setting Part 3
    Alright, let's wrap this up yeah?  Now, I have to be honest with you guys, I have been toiling back and forth about whether I should post instructions on how to actually set your gains.  Afterall, I do this professionally and I'd basically be...
    • January 4
    • 5 people like this
    • View all 14 comments
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Angel Melendez $150 for one of those SMD distortion detectors. Great article by the way.
      January 7
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz Thank you guys!
      January 7
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Finn Schoyen Seems like this scope should do it for me, then:
      <a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/hps140-handheld-pocket-oscilloscope-508678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.maplin.co.uk/hps140-handheld-pocket-oscilloscope-508678</a>

      Sensitivity down to 0.1 mV...  more      Seems like this scope should do it for me, then:
      <a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/hps140-handheld-pocket-oscilloscope-508678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.maplin.co.uk/hps140-handheld-pocket-oscilloscope-508678</a>

      Sensitivity down to 0.1 mV and range of up to 10 MHz.
      I already have a multimeter, so don't really need that feature.  
      January 14
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Chicho fernandez DD1 does great too!

      January 16
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Bobby Carson I agree that the do it "diy" is not gonna go that deep into tuning a system on there own but the distortion detectors that are around do work pretty well but on the other hand if you have access to an O scope thats the best way to tune but good article
      January 18
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: It's written, but I was having trouble posting it. So I sent it to Doug and he said he would probably get it up within a few days, technical difficulties I assume.
    • December 7, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Part 3 coming soon, I promise!
    • December 1, 2011
  • Chris Penton
    Chris Penton: I have a question about setting gains on amps when using a processor. I never boost, but I use a lot of cutting on the EQ to get rid of response peaks. In that case will I need to increase the gains in order to maintain output? Also, does the output of a ...  moreI have a question about setting gains on amps when using a processor. I never boost, but I use a lot of cutting on the EQ to get rid of response peaks. In that case will I need to increase the gains in order to maintain output? Also, does the output of a HU/processor change with how you have the crossover settings or if you use subsonic filters for sub channels? For instance, I cross my sub at 60Hz with a Linkwitz 24db filter, but it has reduced output as compared to the Butterworth filter. Is it reasonable to increase the gain by a bit to increase output? Thanks for the help.  less
    • November 8, 2011
    • Chris Penton
      Barry Schanz I'll go with the usual "I'm not the guy you asked, but..." intro and give my feedback. The change in crossover slope from 12 dB to 24 dB rolls off the high end of the sub twice as fast. This makes it play less midbass frequencies, and then the change in o...  moreI'll go with the usual "I'm not the guy you asked, but..." intro and give my feedback. The change in crossover slope from 12 dB to 24 dB rolls off the high end of the sub twice as fast. This makes it play less midbass frequencies, and then the change in output depends on what kind of music you listen to.

      In my opinion you would probably be safe bumping your gain slightly. The safest way would be to use an oscilloscope to watch for clipping.  
      November 8, 2011
    • Chris Penton
      Chris Penton Thanks for the input. When I look at the curve on the Bit Ten interface, using a Bandpass, HPF at 20Hz and LPF at 60Hz, both at Linkwitz, the entire curve is shifted down. 20Hz is -6db, 25Hz is -3db, 31Hz is -2db, 40Hz is -2db, 50Hz is -3db, 60Hz is -6db....  moreThanks for the input. When I look at the curve on the Bit Ten interface, using a Bandpass, HPF at 20Hz and LPF at 60Hz, both at Linkwitz, the entire curve is shifted down. 20Hz is -6db, 25Hz is -3db, 31Hz is -2db, 40Hz is -2db, 50Hz is -3db, 60Hz is -6db. These are not values from EQ cutting, just levels generated from using this crossover setting. Compared to Butterworth there is a big drop in output because of this. The Bit Ten outputs max 4V output RMS. Is this output voltage based on running a flat signal out from 20Hz to 150Hz? Also, because this crossover curve has everything shifted down, the max output should be reduced a bit from 4V?  less
      November 8, 2011
    • Chris Penton
      Jon Kowanetz Shit man, I am really sorry that it has taken me so long to respond. Things have been crazy lately!

      Ideally, when tuning a system like what you are describing, you would setup the gains on the amps to be at maximum unclipped output at whatever volume le...  more      Shit man, I am really sorry that it has taken me so long to respond. Things have been crazy lately!

      Ideally, when tuning a system like what you are describing, you would setup the gains on the amps to be at maximum unclipped output at whatever volume level on the source unit you have determined to be max unclipped. Once all of these gains are set, then you are at your maximum possible output on all channels right? So, if you go in and cut with your eq to your liking, then you'll be all set If you cut and then find yourself wanting to go back and adjust the gains on the amp, then I'd guess you cut too much! I would not increase the gains to overcome the downfalls of an ideal eq curve, I would just fix the eq curve.

      As for the output in the crossover range, yes the output of the Bit ten will be reduced in the frequency range that the crossover affects in comparison to frequencies it does not affect. Meaning if you have a HP filter set at 100 Hz, then you will have higher output from the Bit Ten at 200 Hz then it will at 50 Hz. Increasing the sensitivity on the amplifier affects all input to the amp. So don't increase the gain to boost your output at 60 Hz, without expecting it to boost your output at 200 Hz as well.  less
      December 1, 2011
  • Jon Webb
    Jon Webb tagged Jon Kowanetz in a photo:
    • November 6, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz replied to a topic in the forum Off Topic:
    I've never really been a car guy, I'm more of a music guy. Not a purist type either, I'm more into the way music can alter your perceptions and take you to a different time in your life. I think what keeps me interested is the challenge of being able to...  moreI've never really been a car guy, I'm more of a music guy. Not a purist type either, I'm more into the way music can alter your perceptions and take you to a different time in your life. I think what keeps me interested is the challenge of being able to provide that experience for others and their varying tastes of music and types of vehicles. Plus, we get to play with really cool stuff! The day that I don't get excited when I receive a shipment of new product is the day I'll quit doing this.  
    • October 20, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Oh sweet, thanks man!
    • October 5, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Thank you Barry, I'm glad you are enjoying it. I would like to take this opportunity to say that this is, by no means, a classroom but rather a round table discussion. If anybody feels as though they have something to add, please do so! Only through co...  moreThank you Barry, I'm glad you are enjoying it. I would like to take this opportunity to say that this is, by no means, a classroom but rather a round table discussion. If anybody feels as though they have something to add, please do so! Only through cooperation will we all get better.
    Doug, how do I edit? I started writing this, saved it and then couldn't find a way to keep editing it later.  
    • October 5, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: I guess I should have proof-read a little better. Although the pots used in most audio applications are logarithmic, so that the increase from volume 1-10 and 10-20 sounds the same, I was trying to get across the point that simply because you have 1 volt...  moreI guess I should have proof-read a little better. Although the pots used in most audio applications are logarithmic, so that the increase from volume 1-10 and 10-20 sounds the same, I was trying to get across the point that simply because you have 1 volt of output at volume 10, that does not mean that you will have 2 volts of output at volume 20. It would likely be higher than 2, hence the term exponential.  
    • October 4, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz posted a new article:
    Proper Level Setting Part 2
    Proper Level Setting Part 2
    Alright then, now that my life is a bit less crazy for a moment or two, let's move on.  Now that everybody has had a brief reminder of all the times they wanted to punch something because you just couldn't solve that noise problem or get the more ...
    • October 3, 2011
    • 5 people like this
    • View all 14 comments
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Daniel Araiza Great reading bro! Keep it coming!
      October 27, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Bugg Ali some good info
      October 31, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz Part 3 coming soon, I promise!
      December 1, 2011 - 2 like this
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Finn Schoyen Thanks for keeping us posted, Jon. I'm looking forward to the third installment. :-)
      December 5, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz It's written, but I was having trouble posting it. So I sent it to Doug and he said he would probably get it up within a few days, technical difficulties I assume.
      December 7, 2011
  • Jeremy 52703
    Jeremy 52703: How's that article coming along? 
    • September 30, 2011
    • Jeremy 52703
      Jon Kowanetz Just posted it!
      October 3, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Thank you Finn. Input sensitivity, it's effect, benefits and potential downfalls is pretty much what they whole thing is gonna be about. Stay tuned!
    • September 27, 2011
  • steve coogle
    steve coogle: pretty good staying busy with the day to day stuff mixed with a lil custom .how's things with you?
    • September 26, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz is now friends with Jon Polo and 12 other peoples
    Sterling Warren, Robert Colesby, Jeremy 52703, Justin Bancs, Travis Etchart, John Schwartz, Joe Giallombardo, James Sheltra, Derek Schmiedl, chris spoon, Jon Webb, Doug Bernards
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz Just passed MECP Master Certification again this morning!  I am now re-certified for another 4 years.
    • September 25, 2011
    • 4 people like this
    • Jon Kowanetz
      sean pierce congrats man, that great
      September 25, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      steve coogle congrats jon
      September 26, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz Thanks guys. How in the hell are ya Steve? I haven't talked to you in a long time.
      September 26, 2011
  • Jon Webb
    Jon Webb: Excuse me sir, I believe you turned the amplifier volume knob up too high. ;)
    • September 22, 2011
    • Jon Webb
      Jon Kowanetz No such thing as too high!
      September 23, 2011 - 1 likes this
    • Jon Webb
      Joe Giallombardo younger installers may believe that its never to high! lol
      September 28, 2011 - 1 likes this
  • Doug Bernards
    Doug Bernards: good article Jon :) 
    • September 22, 2011
    • Doug Bernards
      Jon Kowanetz Thanks man, I should be able to get the actual informative part of it done early next week.
      September 23, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz commented on Jon Kowanetz's article: Thanks for your interest guys! I am under the gun on a few things right now, but will try to get to part 2 real quick. Jeremy, I'll definitely go over eq and xover settings, probably in part 3. Then I was thinking about maybe doing a whole different ar...  moreThanks for your interest guys! I am under the gun on a few things right now, but will try to get to part 2 real quick. Jeremy, I'll definitely go over eq and xover settings, probably in part 3. Then I was thinking about maybe doing a whole different article on Tuning, so as to keep the two ideas separate from each other.  
    • September 22, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz posted a new article:
    Proper Level Setting part 1
    Proper Level Setting part 1
    How many of you out there really know exactly what the gain control on an amplifier does? I know I spent a fair amount of time installing professionally without really knowing what I was doing when it came to level setting, relying on the old 3/4 volum...
    • September 21, 2011
    • Jody Vogel and Finn Schoyen like this.
    • View all 10 comments
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jeremy 52703 I'm just giving ideas on how to expand on the topic, Doug. I'll get off my butt and start writing too! lol
      September 22, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Forrest Taylor Haha its was built in 3 days .. and then they came back the next day for some touch up work but that dont count :) This is gona be like car audio school for me

      September 22, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Finn Schoyen Off to a great start here, Jon. Could be worth adding input sensitivity adjustment to one of the coming parts, if you haven't got that planned already. Looking forward to the rest. :-)
      September 27, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz Thank you Finn. Input sensitivity, it's effect, benefits and potential downfalls is pretty much what they whole thing is gonna be about. Stay tuned!
      September 27, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Scooter Carver I'm really looking forward to this. Thanks for writing it!
      September 27, 2011 - 1 likes this
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz → chris spoon: What's up man?  Thanks for the request.
    • September 10, 2011
  • Jon Kowanetz
    Jon Kowanetz Thanks Doug, the site looks promising.  And Jon, don't make me tell all these nice people about the things you did in Texas!
    • September 10, 2011
    • View all 7 comments
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz All I know is this. "Jon may have killed her when he shoved all those dollar bills down her throat, he may have killed her when he hit her with the stool ... I don't know, I'm not a doctor. But I'll tell you what didn't kill her ... smoking! "
      September 10, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Daisy Guyton DAMN
      September 10, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Doug Bernards hahahaha
      September 10, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Webb HAHAHAHAHA! Chris Ott has been talking too much! You should have been there Jon!
      September 10, 2011
    • Jon Kowanetz
      Jon Kowanetz Trying to get me divorced Jon?! Man, I thought we was homies!
      September 10, 2011
  • View More
     
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Personal Information

  • First Name Jon
  • Last Name Kowanetz
  • Gender Male
  • Birthday July 30, 1981

Contact Information

  • Company Handcrafted Car Audio
  • Shop Address 526 E Juan­ita Ave Su­ite 3
    Mesa, Az 8­5204
  • Website http://www.handcraftedcaraudio.com
  • Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/handcraftedcaraudio
  • Facebook HandcraftedCarAudio
  • Twitter handcraftedCA

Personal Details

  • About Me I have bee­n into car­ audio sin­ce I was 1­5, when I ­pulled a s­ystem and ­an alarm f­rom my fir­st vehicle­ to reinst­all it int­o my secon­d vehicle.­ Ever sin­ce, I have­ been hook­ed on the ­infinite p­ossibiliti­es for the­ creative ­mind in ca­r audio an­d also by ­the fact t­hat there ­is always ­something ­to learn. ­
    I now own ­a business­ in Mesa, ­Az called ­Handcrafte­d Car Audi­o making a­ living do­ing what I­ love. I ­am MECP Ma­ster Certi­fied, have­ attended ­numerous t­raining se­minars and­ recently ­won Instal­ler of the­ Year for ­2010.

  • Proper Level Setting Part 3

    • January 4
    • 14 comments
    • 5 likes
    • 2,596 views
    Alright, let's wrap this up yeah?  Now, I have to be honest with you guys, I have been toiling back and forth about whether I should post instructions on how to actually set your gains.  Afterall, I do this professionally and I'd basically be...

  • Proper Level Setting Part 2

    • October 3, 2011
    • 14 comments
    • 5 likes
    • 4,026 views
    Alright then, now that my life is a bit less crazy for a moment or two, let's move on.  Now that everybody has had a brief reminder of all the times they wanted to punch something because you just couldn't solve that noise problem or get the more ...

  • Proper Level Setting part 1

    • September 21, 2011
    • 10 comments
    • 2 likes
    • 4,999 views
    How many of you out there really know exactly what the gain control on an amplifier does? I know I spent a fair amount of time installing professionally without really knowing what I was doing when it came to level setting, relying on the old 3/4 volum...
View Jon Kowanetz's Articles
  • Doug Bernards DC Power alternator for The Mule. cant wait!
  • Travis Etchart No rest for the clinically insane
  • chris spoon oh we are filming...starting our remodel today
  • Jon Webb More cool build pics coming soon
  • Sterling Warren Winter is coming time to break out the cold weather gear
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  • October 20, 2011 5:14:59 PM PDT
    in the topic To Installers: Why Do You Do It (Install)? in the forum Off Topic
    I've never really been a car guy, I'm more of a music guy. Not a purist type either, I'm more into the way music can alter your perceptions and take you to a different time in your life. I think what keeps me interested is the challenge of being able to provide that experience for others and their varying tastes of music and types of vehicles. Plus, we get to play with really cool stuff! The day that I don't get excited when I receive a shipment of new product is the day I'll quit doing this.
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