One of the most powerful tools here at Audio Designs and Custom Graphics is not kept in our toolboxes or the wood shop. In fact, this incredible tool isn’t even for us, it is for you. What are we talking about? A Digital Signal Processor (DSP), of course. When we unite the installation capabilities of our expert technicians with brands like Audison, Hertz and Audiomobile, then combine everything together with a DSP, the result is an audio system that can sound astonishingly close to a live performance.
Tune Me Up
DSPs like the bit One from Audison are powerful creations. They not only let us combine signals from multiple inputs, but they also let us manipulate them before being sent to your amplifiers. We can use a DSP to select from different source inputs like a factory radio, portable media player or digital input. We can apply crossovers to ensure that each speaker is operating within the range of frequencies it was designed for. This reduces distortion and improves power handling.
Each of the eight output channels has dedicated tuning adjustments. We can apply equalization to compensate for the challenging listening environment that cars and trucks represent. These channels also include detailed output level adjustability to ensure that all the speakers in the system balance perfectly in the listening position.
What Time Is It?
An enormous challenge in recreating a realistic music performance in a vehicle is the requirement to overcome the difference in distances between the left and right speakers. At home, you have the luxury of moving your chair or your speakers to establish a perfect listening position. That is not as easy to do in a vehicle. With the time alignment settings found in DSP units, we can delay the output of the closest speakers so you hear sound from them at the same time as from those on the opposite side of the vehicle. When combined with accurate level matching, the result is that you do not hear your music from the speakers, but from space in between them. Performers appear to be placed in their locations on a virtual stage in front of you. In the best systems, you can sense the size of the stage and the room. It is an incredible experience.
The Know-How
We own a device called a bit Tune that assists us in setting up DSP systems efficiently and accurately. It saves us time in setting time alignment and performing equalization. That said, there is no computer more powerful than our brains, so we finish each system with a careful fine-tuning session with our favorite music.
Depending on the system, we can create different system presets. Maybe you want a critical listening setting that is very accurate, then a second setting for cranking your favorite music when your friends are in the vehicle. Each and every adjustment is saved in a preset and can be accessed on the fly with a remote control. For the utmost in detail and clarity, we can connect the output of a bit One processor digitally to Audison’s Voce and Thesis amplifiers.
Experience A Digital Signal Processor Today
If you are in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, drop in and visit us at Audio Designs & Custom Graphics. We’d be happy to demonstrate the benefits of having a digital signal processor in your vehicle. You can instantly hear how much more natural everything sounds after we EQ a system. You can experience the detailed placement of each performer after we set up the time alignment and output levels. The results are amazing! For more information, contact us here.
I am interested in knowing how a DSP can integrate with my car, or if it can. I have a 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum (BOSE by default). I added a 1000W amp and two 12″ subs. I’m still unimpressed with the sound quality (presence). I’m not looking for glass rattling sound you can hear down the street. I want high quality at listening levels (OK, maybe some punch above the normal line…).
Will one of these devices help me?
Hey Michael, the best bet is to give us a call at 994-333-2322 to set up a time to bring your Maxima in. Most new vehicles run active set ups with the factory amplifier crossing over factory speakers so it necessary to find the proper signals that actually have bass signals. Once this is identified, we can identify how a processor will come into play for you. You can also email us at AudioDesigns75@gmail.com. Thanks!
DSP is a must for an ultimate car audio system. Thanks for sharing great tips and information!