Which subwoofer output is best? Direct from Head Unit or DSP?
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- When we include a Digital Signal Processor in a car audio system that has an aftermarket head unit there can be some confusion on where it is best to get the subwoofer signal from for your subwoofer amplifiers. Do we use the connections on the head unit? Or on the DSP? Or both? How does signal routing through the DSP work and which subwoofer level controller should we use? On the DSP or on the subwoofer amplifier? Let's discuss!
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Life seemed so much simpler back in the early 90's for a basic install/swap! The flexibility of today's equipment is amazing! And...can be confusing, at first, for old farts like me!
Just a bass and treble know was so simple
HUA.
Yeah man I’d like a head unit that has clean signal. My kenwood Exlon is weird. There’s no simple signal to start from too many other option instead
I remember when the zap board was cutting edge technology haha . Old school zapco amps and hifonic Orion and zeus
Dude Mark is such a beast.. literally anything I can think to ask he’ll answer it in any of his videos..
Yeah all my amps I run in full range, and let my dsp do , all my tunes and crossover setting!!!
Timely video ... I was just thinking about this last night while planning my system. Great info as always!
For me it's best to have the DSP do all the work. That is the best option IMO.
Would you set the stereo unit to flat? And make all the adjustments in the DSP?
@@SpinningwrencheswithJ yes, the stereo will not control anything the DSP is the overall control.
@@jiriza84641 oh man…oh man…I’m a in my 40’s and I’m also a bass head but I’ve never messed with technology like this…a little overwhelming for sure brother.!!
@@SpinningwrencheswithJ you'll still get the frequency from the rca's in and use the amp or DSP with the volume knob. Also, I hear you I like my sound as well, and bass when needed.
Got that DM810 on it'sway, can not wait to get it hooked up.
Mark, another great video. Your explanation is clear and concise - well done!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and Happy Holidays!
I agree that keeping fade ability on the stock deck is beneficial and worth running the extra set of rcas for. Great explaination of the ideal setup.
I have a Kenwood Excelon DMX-706S that I run directly into my MiniDSP DSP and then to my amps. Before I had the DSP I would control all of the eq, phasing, time alignment and crossover settings from my head unit and it was cool but the DSP is way more powerful and adjustable plus it offers me the ability to make different presets so I can have a preset for sound quality and one for SPL. I can also add a preset for when someone else is driving and make it so that person cannot cause damage to my system even if they were to crank everything to max level because they are now being controlled by the DSP.
The flexibility and features of a DSP cannot be matched!
@kychristell1779heck no! But sometimes my mechanic may need to test drive it so I have a preset that actually disables my sub output and increases the high-pass to my mids and highs so that they are less likely to be damaged by someone turning the volume up too much.
How would you incorporate an epicenter within this exact set up?
My dm-608 had a short but prior I channeled all 4 amps through the dsp. Def sounded A F-TON better. Now that it's just from the HU it stands out far more than when I first installed it a couple yrs ago
I presume you could also then choose a "cheaper" headunit with less audio out options and let the DSP do the work if you were planning to have a DSP. Given headunit prices are sky high or out of stock.
As long as the signal out of the head unit is clean and 20-20k then yes this could potentially allow you to pick something with less pre-outs as you can create what is needed via the DSP. Good observation!
I would look for something high a quality playback. You cant usually upgrade the signal out typically it only gets "worse" from the signal source
@MaXimus666789 I would still look for a head unit that is of high quality for the main purpose of having the cleanest signal possible. A DSP is a powerful tool that can do a lot but unless it comes with a line driver built in your signal is only going to be as good and as clean as what's coming from the head unit which is why I chose the Kenwood Excelon DMX-706S for my system. It has a clean and clear signal even at maximum volume with no distortion so as long as I set the gains on my amps correctly I never have to worry about blowing any speakers or even listening fatigue which can happen when listening to a "dirty" signal.
I like sky high car audio
Other than for radio, you don’t need a headunit at all, just buy a flac player or use the bluetooth directly in the dsp
This was a good video. this question is a big topic glad you made it.
thank you for explaining that. i did not know what you just taught me.
I use the Head unit to control the subwoofer volume. Still letting the DSP doing crossover and time alignments for the front rear and sub.
Thank you. For sharing your knowledge.
Another great video Mark
Thank you mark for all your efforts.. I have a question: How can I implement and wire a center speaker 🔈 for my car which doesn’t has one , what type of speaker to use and how to wire it .. please I need details
Awesome thanks ! 🔥
Through a d series amp/dsp (audiocontrol) and the epicenter is the best way👍🏼👍🏼
Came out just in time I’m planning on using my head unit jvc kw-z1000w to my ac d6.1200 to my sub amp sfb-1000d to power 2 jl10tw3-d4 subs
Thanks for this info, question if I am using a dm 810 do I still need an epicenter for the subs and do I still have to use a preamp?
I would bridge mid and bass just to not feel like I'm leaving something out ...so basically id have all 3 bands going to the DSP instead of just the highs and mids, because I feel like im leaving something out
Mark, when bought my current car I went to install a new HU and my amp and sub set up from the old car. This is when I found out about the factory amp for the mids. I used the regular output from the head unit to the factory amp. Should I have used the pre-out for the front and rear instead? I did eventually have to go into my sound settings and turn down the gain for the front and rear channels to improve the sound quality. If you need more info just ask. Thanks for vids!
Quick question! For the “Output configuration” for a subwoofer would you select “Mono” or leave it as stereo output? I have the DM608 and have my subwoofer RCA’s going into channels 3/4 stereo of the input section and out of channels 5/6 stereo of the output section.
They also make 6 channel rcas. I would use the sub out on the headunit. Yea it’s cool to use the dsp but definitely redundancy.
That was very helpful. Thank you
I have the DM810. I use RCA line out 9 and 10 linked to the left and right on my mono sub amp. Is this OK, or should I just use just one of the mono lines from the DM810 with a "Y" adapter to the JL RD1500/1's left and right? Any pros or cons? Always wondered about that
I like the audio control DSP, however I don't like having to rely on the computer software necessary for tuning. It would be nice if it had an app with Bluetooth for phone connection to make adjustments as well.
Like with the AC-BT24 and the DM-RTA app?
@@darryndewar Ah I see said the blind man to the blind boy with the saw.
The DM-RTA app is for the DM-RTA. But yes you could add a AC-BT24 and tune via a mobile device with the DM Smart DSP app
Is there one for your phone?
@@jonclemons8463 apparently it can be adapted so
This has been on my mind a lot lately. Would you lose any signal "strength" by using only 2 rcs inputs?
I've decided to bypass my factory HU. Tomorrow I'm installing a 2.1 volt USB dac out of my phone into a LC1i line driver and then to the DSP.
I tried a SoundblasterX G6 dac/amp as a line driver and the very low sub frequencies were way stronger. Hoping this Dragonfly Red usb dac can do the same with less bulk.
Since the DSP is feeding the signal to the amp would you still set the crossover on the amp or just set it to full pass? Active system.
Really nice content! I usually dont run the back speakers from an amplifier, I have the impression it messes with the music stage of the system. Would you recomend PA them or just leave hooked to the main unit? I usually only drive with one passenger
Do you have a video showing your recommendation for a beginner set up for router router table and what bits to get first? If not could you do one please
Hi Mark, can you make a video that shows the order of operation from the head unit to the dsp with multiple amps. I'm building a system from scratch and I want to go with 2 sets of highs, 2 sets of mids and 4 subs. Do I need the 10 channel dsp from audio control? That's what I'm looking at.
So would you also want to use the output on the 4 channel amp? Or stay with the HU sub output?
I really need to get a new head unit, any budget ones that I should take a look at?
Need one that has outputs for mids and highs too, my current dinosaur Pioneer HU only has sub outputs
To be honest the last system I had I always changed my crossover settings on my subs depending on what type of music I was listening to. Buts that's just me, I listen to all kinds of music
I have the same setup but why didn’t you use channels 9+10 to output to the subwoofer amp? Instead you used the 7+8? Thanks for the explanation
Hey Mark, One thing I was wondering is when you make the front rca work as the “sub” preouts aswell what happens if you fade the signal to just the rear like in your example for the kids. Would that also cut off your subwoofer since the signal has now been turned down??
Great video only wish best way of implementing a epic center in there BEST Way
i like to run 3 RCA's front, rear n sub to the processor, keep the setting on the deck flat and tune the DSP, that way when i want to adjust a song like it needs a little more of something or less i can use the setting on the deck cause at the end of the day we all listen to different genres of music and not all music is recorded correctly. so the deck/head unit is to make minor adjustments, that way when the DSP is set you always have the flexibility to still tweak from the head unit individually. Its the same like using a Preamp, example a head unit that have front rear and sub , you got 2 amps one for mids and highs and one for sub , then using 2 preamps makes more sense, front output from head unit to one preamp and sub output from head unit to next preamp, now you have setting for mids and higs alone and with the sub you can adjust for bass alone and as it runs through from the front and read signal the settings for front on the deck is added adjustments to make as with the sub setting on the head unit , maximizing everything, and this can be done in many ways as long as you know what front-rear or sub will be powering, With the processor its easier as long as you got everything dial in and less equipment, with more than one preamp you can always adjust on the fly.
Can you sum the front and rear channel input to increase voltage output or doing that would muddy the sound.
Would you rather use an external LOC to covert high speaker inputs or get an amp with built in function which accepts high level speaker inputs?
I just use dual controllers, the DRC-205 and my subs amp controller gives me granular control
Hello !!
Do you know how manufacturers connected the center speaker in to the 4 channel amplifier ??
My car has a center speaker but original headunit has only 4 channels ??
Hi Mark. Is an excelent video. Thanks.
But, how to connect a Epicenter using a DSP too?
I have a question; what if I use the sub out of my 9887 direct to amplifier, effectively freeing up 2 channels on my dsp408 processor. Would I need to increase the TA/delay on the sub outputs coming directly from the HU to accommodate whatever latency in the DSP? Just a cheap way to get 10 active channels for me without going Helix or MiniDSP
Awesome video.. thnkyou
When would you change the voltage output on the dsp from 5v to 10v ?
Will I still need the audiocontrol matrix to boost the input signal if I'm using the audiocontrol dm-810 and if so will the matrix go in front of the dsp or behind it to the amplifiers?
So noob question if you run all 3 sets trying to keep the fade option. Can you still run all your speakers to one amp from the dsp? And then your subs to another amp?
could yo do a setup on dodge and ram steering wheel controls , 2 wire, jack, restance and rams what? i have not gotten this to work yet in my 2019 ram promaster city i am useing a dmh-1500nex which does not show in settings, the steering wheel control settings. any help is awsome thank you! happy new years.
Hey bro can you show a video of how to tune the bass and mids trough an prv DSP please
I've noticed now some of the Chinese aftermarket head units that are direct replacement have DSP software built into them have you had any experience with this new technology? Love your videos btw. Have had alpine F1 set up previous and alpines processor which required a laptop and RTA for the shop to set up
Sooo I have a question if you have a head unit with 2.5v pre outs and you hook it up to a sound processor will you get a better voltage signal going to the amps?
I don't why but I had all 3 outputs, left and right from behind the headunit going to the every imput channels on my DM608. Then on my output I had all three input sources enabled and highlighted in blue on every output channel.
So im confused on the whole thing with component speakers and the wiring for those with the dsp do the tweeters and mids near separate rca lines and if so where would they go ?
I love this video man but I have a question can I still use my epicenter? And how can it be conect
If my head unit is only 2 volts on the rca outputs for the front and rear speakers. Can a dsp increase that voltage. And what is a good voltage output for a sub rca?
Question. I have a Honda 2021 that I cannot change the head unit on (yet) it has a factory 8 channel amp front mid high and centre, rear full range and sub with factory subwoofer in the boot can I use the high lvl wires to that sub to run into an aftermarket amp to get a better sub in the boot
We need a video on the best RCA cables money can buy
Hello sir
I have a helix v8 dsp amplifier
And head unit is oem
Should i use hi lo converter to give input to dsp amp or just use hi level speaker signal input to dsp amplifier? Plz help me
So if i get it right, if we are to use fade front/rear, and sub is connected to front. You would turn sub down along with front if you fade onto rear channel? So basically always connect sub to sub to sub when using a dsp and your hu got a sub output?
In my current situation W/ my Factory Bose system. I have 8 Speakers. I have 2 Front Tweeters, 2 front doors, 2 Back Door and 2 Rear Back. It looks like the 4 front are connected together and the Same with the Rears. So I only have 4 pairs coming out of the factory Amp. When connecting a DSP W/ Amplifiers like the AC D-5.1300 would you recommend leaving the Speakers connected the way they are, or would it be better to have them all separated?? Thanks
Factory head unit sub out to mono amp? Or amplifier line outs into mono amplifier? ... don't have a DSP but have 2 options and I don't know what is best.
What would be your advice if an audiocontrol epicenter was added into the mix? I currently have a pioneer avh-3500nex and run front and rear rca straight to audiocontrol dm-608 and sub rca to epicenter then to dm-608. The crossover settings for subwoofer on head unit are set as high as can go to feed epicenter as much signal range possible. So I end up with 3 control knobs one for sub amp, one for epicenter, and the dm-608 knob I have set to control my midrange from 400Hz-2800Hz. I run 3 amps a sub amp, a 4 channel for mid bass and midrange and another 4 channel for 2 sets of tweeters. The sub amp is NVX VAD2700.1, mid bass mid range amp CT Sounds CT150.4D, and tweeters powered by CT Sounds CT80.4D. In your opinion do I have the setup done right? If not any advice or suggestions are welcomed as this is my first build that is 100% done by me and I learned by sifting through youtube videos(a lot of CAF ones so thank you for that) and online forums so I realize that there is so much that I don't know but want to learn. Keep the outstanding videos coming and thank you
Love the video!
I had a question, is it fine to configure time alignment and speaker levels on my headunit, and perhaps a little bit of eq too. While doing the bulk of the eq adjustment on the dsp. (My dsp does not support a remote to change presets)
I drive with passengers in my vehicle half the time, and I love being able to quickly adjust the listening position (which sets the time alignment and speaker level based on the number of passengers) on my headunit without an app or a computer.
I want to have the best possible listening experience in the drivers seat, but quickly change to a very good experience if passengers are in the vehicle. So I’m happy if the dsp is optimized for the drivers seat, and the headunit can be used for quick tuning.
That makes sense to me 💪😎👍
Hey Mark, where should I put the Epicenter after or before the DSP?????
have watched this over and over if u used all three f/r/s or just front and sub, would u not put the sub from radio to the mono input on dsp instead of stereo where u have them
Do headunits save the crossover settings when disconnecting the battery?
So does a say audio control EQ do kind of the same thing but not digitally??
Can I use a rca bass knob with the rca signal from dsp to amp
Hey man so I got a pioneer as well is their any specific way way the channels in the back of the head unit are supposed to go cause it starts at FL FR RR RL would FL be 1st channel or FR ?
First of all, I'm very sorry that certain people make fun of you, in my opinion they are jealous. Lol, I really appreciate your explanation of everything you do, I can tell you really care about your work. I really like audio as well and at first I thought I just wanted it as loud as possible but I soon realized it is a proper balance of high, mid and low frequency.
Happy to have you here! Here on this channel we are all about building people up and helping them on their path. No one is perfect, I'm certainly not and I still have tons more to learn. Learning every day!
Sorry this is supposed to be included in first post, due to unannounced guests lol. Anyway, I'm happy that you really want to be the best at anything you do. In my opinion I believe you would make a wonderful teacher. Thanks for being yourself. Thanks Curtis Stratton
@@CarAudioFabrication I didn't see this till now and I agree no one is perfect but we can strive to be better and you my friend definitely have that positive energy about yourself. I've noticed that " a lot of professional people are quick to call others people out of name". I definitely appreciate you as a professional. Sincerely Curtis Stratton.
Awesome info and channel! So, using connection from the DSP to AMP, we make the frequency settings on DSP side, then do we do anything on Low Pass on the amp side? (I.e. leave it wide open or mirror the setting on DSP or doesn't matter?) Still need to set the gain?
Technically it doesn’t matter… BUT, to be safe yes I personally would match the DSP, if you ever altered something on the DSP by mistake then it would be a backup so that the wrong signal wasn’t sent to the subwoofer.
This is more of an issue with mids and highs, but the same principle would still stand
Is buying a audiocontrol matrix worth the money if you have a head unit with 4v pre outs. And what do the audiocontrol matrix do for that price point. Please help.
My problem is from time to time when I have my hu up to the highest clean volume no clipping my dsp will either stop play sound until I turn off and back on or sometimes it will just make a loud screech sound until I turn it off
I literally was thinking about this today. THANK YOU!! I appreciate you elaborating this topic especially for me. I’m always “experimenting” & end up having to either go back and fix something or replace something. So again, thanks a lot Mark 🙏🏾
I can use the factory stereo and another stereo separately for rca
Love your videos Mark very educational and great content . Here's another question. I run a DD Audio system, and have a DSI-2, DSP. I run my sub out of 7-8 just as you showed here. The DSP gives me all these controls you just mentioned therefore, I wonder if runing a bass restoration such as The Epicenter gives anything additional that I would miss out on with the DSP?
Yes, Epicenter does things DSP does not. But perhaps we can explore more in a future video. 👍😎
@@CarAudioFabrication do u recommend an epicenter along with this same audio control dsp ? Will it help sound quality at all in the subwoofer end ? Just woukd like to know your thoughts on having an epicenter along with dsp or would i be just fine running an audio control dsp alone no epicenter ?
@@CarAudioFabrication just looking to get the best sound quality out of my truck setup as i can my next step is buying this audio control dsp in this video
@@CarAudioFabrication That would be great. I know it restores bass signals that the music doesn't have. However, I also made a setting on my DSP with raised db on the sub stage and that helped with those type of songs also. But I don't know how that affects the sound quality or how it differs.
Just out of curiosity what if you had like 4 sets of speakers front, 4 speakers back including 8" midrange, 6'5" component set in the doors then lets say like a small coaxial in like kickpanel or dash front and same type of a speaker behind the rear passenger area each side, plus a subwoofer in the trunk as in a lot of wires 2 amps front and rear how would you go about connecting those.
Dang! It's been 20 yrs since I hooked up some sounds to my car! Now I gotta be a software engineer? 😆 bad enough I can't old school connect anything cause I got a Lexus RX350. I just want some extra bass and the front factory screen to play my phones videos!!
i find that depending on what music im listening to that sub settings are constantly having to be changed. volume and crossover point. is it just me?
would removing that option from the deck cause this to be a problem for many?
My son has an s10 with a pioneer head unit, an amplified 8" sub and a small amp with a dsp built in for the front and rear speakers.
The head unit only has one set of outputs.
We're wondering if it would be best to use the dsp app, the built in crossover settings on the sub or the head unit to tune the system?
The rca's go from the head unit to the mids and highs amp then from the amp to the amplified sub.
I just ordered a epicenter micro. It asked for full range signal. Are aftermarket sub out puts full range until I turn on the sub crossover on the head unit? Or would I have to put a Y spliter on one of my rcas to get signal to my epicenter?
I can't believe this is even a question.....
Do most stereo company's/installers know how to do all this, including using the mic to tune a DSP system?
I have a pioneer 7600nex, should I get a DSP for my subs?
Trying decide on my next build what amps to use. JL XD or Audio Control?
Both are super solid and work great!
I would hook my amp to aux pre out on my head unit correct?
Would this bypass the H/U set up also work with an Audison AP8.9 & AP1D system? I'm about to order my system and Audison is the route I'm going. I haven't installed a system like this since my teenage years... about 30 years now :( If I bypass the head unit sub-out go directly into the AP8.9 bit (which is where I plan on connecting the DRC), would the software that Audison provides to control the DSP allow me to split the input frequencies to share with the sub out from the DSP amp to the mono block?
Epicenter... 💎 One way
Can I just use a single Digital Coaxial cable for full range signal to the DSP? Is the Coaxial cable better than toslink?
I use my clarion for my subs...an my dsp for my mids an highs
Hey man I love your vids but I really need help I don’t have audio control I have after market head unit and a prv dsp for a 5 channel to my doors and a nvx eq to sub amp and I’m getting high frequencies from my subs than I want. Adjusting my eq make everything get louder not jus my bass and I only have my sub woofer hooked to it! Any insights would greatly appreciated
where would you hook up an epicenter in this chain?
Very informative video. I have a Pioneer DEX-P99rs as the head unit in my system. Do I still need a DSP. What can a DSP do for me?
Depends on how good you want it to sound. A DSP will allow you to tune each speaker individually meaning you can set crossover points, do time alignment, and equalizer settings on each speaker separately. Not to mention you can choose what type of filter to use and the slope of that filter for each speaker. As far as I know there isn't a head unit out that will allow for individual control of each speaker. With that being said you don't have to use a DSP if you like the sound you already have using the settings on your head unit
Might be a dumb question but if I use a DSP I wouldn’t need a bass restorer? Can that just be done with a DSP or would I need both?
can you suggest a cheap and best DSP for my FIAT Punto EVO sports diesel, India? Pl if you can.
Can I use a audiocontrol epicenter with this application if yes where is the best place to install