➖ Linking Amplifiers ➖

➡️ What it is: Linking is the process of sending the same input signal to multiple amplifiers, bypassing their individual controls. While this helps the amplifiers operate more similarly by reducing variables, it doesn't provide precise alignment of phase, gain, or crossovers. Linking gets the amplifiers closer in performance but doesn't fully sync them.

➡️ How it works: When using a ZVL, the instructions have you bypass each amp's pre-amp input sections as much as the amplifier allows, removing one layer of variability. So, the amplifiers now have as few variables as possible, and each receives the exact same signal from the ZVL.

➡️ What happens: This results in outputs that are generally much closer to each other than could be achieved by manually adjusting the amps' potentiometers. This will improve performance, efficiency, and sound quality, but they are not perfectly aligned or "synced." The inherent differences in each amplifier's components and processing chain mean that achieving a perfect alignment in level, time, and "phase" will still require individual adjustments per amp.

➖ Syncing Amplifiers ➖

➡️ What it is: Syncing is just that; it requires all amplifiers to be actively measured and independently controlled in both time and output. This means their performance must be actively measured and each independently controlled in terms of gain, crossovers, and timing to function as one system.

➡️ How it works: Syncing involves actively measuring each amplifier's output in real-time and making independent adjustments to levels, crossovers, delays, and "phase." This ensures all amplifiers are perfectly aligned in timing and performance, allowing them to function as a unified system, delivering consistent and synchronized output.

➖ Real-World Difference ➖

➡️ Linked amplifiers: A linking module like the ZVL removes most of the variables between amplifiers, allowing them to perform much more similarly than they would with manual adjustments. However, while it may be better than before, linking does not address component-level differences between amplifiers. Each amplifier still has slight variations in its internal circuitry that affect output, even when fed the same input signal.

➡️ Over Kill: For most users, this degree of alignment is sufficient, especially in systems focused on power output, where performance, efficiency, and sound quality improvements are significant. Users often see noticeable gains from linking, making it more than adequate for their needs. However, the amplifiers are still not "in sync." There will still be variations in timing and output that can only be addressed with output measurements and individual amplifier adjustments.

➖ General Summary & the ZVL ➖

➡️ The DD ZVL: is an excellent tool for linking amps to get them closer together than what could reasonably be done with manual adjustments. Offering clear instructions and solid performance, it will easily improve power and efficiency, helping you get the most out of your system.

➡️ However: Since syncing requires real-time measurements and independent control of each amplifier's output, the ZVL lacks measurement ability; only a global control over outputs, "linking," is all they can do.

➖ Why "linking"/"syncing" amplifier is only the start of system alignment ➖

➡️ Distance Differences: Speakers are often at varying distances from the listener, causing sound waves to arrive at different times, even if the amplifiers are synced.

➡️ Environmental Factors: Reflections from surfaces like windows, dashboards, and other parts of the car's interior can shift phase and timing, affecting sound clarity.

➡️ Enclosures: Different enclosure designs and speaker positions alter the sound response and how the sound reaches the microphone or listener.

Independent control and active measurements are needed to fully align the speaker output with the listening position. By adjusting each speaker's output, phase, response, and delay, you can compensate for these factors, leading to even more significant improvements in SPL, clarity, and efficiency.