building a cross over network

[ncc74656 2]

Has anyone on here ever used a computer as an audio processor? I want to have a rockford 3 sixty style audio processor in my truck and was thinking that i have spare computers and i have heard of people putting imacs in there cars in place of decks so that got me thinking into what expansion cards/audio programs are out there for such purposes?

 

anyone have any thoughts? 

[///M5 2,833]

Options are endless, but pc's are WAY easier, better & cheaper than a mac. I'd personally never buy a 360.3.

First step is to decide what processing you need. Can't shop until you know that.

[ncc74656 2]

well if its me building a comp with software id think i can add or subtract as i wish until i get what i want. my thoughts would be a high end sound card and i have a drawer full of cards in my apartment here. everything from stereo to 8.2 channel with optical ins and outs. so what software would you think to control the xover and EQ?

[///M5 2,833]

Perhaps re-reading would help. What processing do you need?

[ncc74656 2]

im looking for the basics, EQ and cross over. although the more i look into the amps/speakers im looking for the more i think i may not need a cross over. the amps im looking at seem to all have full range xovers built in so perhaps just EQ. so i would be looking for an independent EQ for each RCA out.  

 

my question above was does it matter what kind i need? if i build a computer for said processing then i should be able to add a 16 or 500EQ band or 10 additional cross overs as i wish all in software once the hardware is built no? so from that sense it would mostly come down to a software program that can handle processing and a sound card with a few ins and outs.  would it just use 3.5 to rca i take it?  perhaps i could even grab a deck with SPDIF to computer, would eliminate group loops *shrug*

[///M5 2,833]

Because there are about 800 different ways to do it and the one that is best is what you need.

If you don't know why you need an eq it won't make your system sound better. Sounds to me like you don't need anything atm.

[ncc74656 2]

there are a few ways to do it to be sure, I am looking to have the option to dial in all aspects of my install, from cross overs to eq bands. to that end i am looking for a full range cross over and a full range eq for each output. at present i am looking at a 3 way setup with JL mid bass and hertz mid range/tweets. the polk audio amps im looking at have full range cross overs built in so that eliminates the need to have a processor with additional cross overs. I have a simple 5 band (or maybe its 6) on my HU so that is still a requirement for me. to that end i am looking to have a 128+ channel EQ for my system to configure the bands on each individual output to my bass, mids, and highs. 

 

now that you know exactly what i am looking for do you have any thoughts on programs or recommended sound cards?

 

 

for a more detailed idea this is where i stand with my rebuild parts list, i have about 3 days of reserch into it thus far: 

JL audio mid bass - ZR800-CW  140 per   280 total

amp for mid bass and mid/tweet - PA D4000.4  280.00

 

mid range/tweet: hertz esk 165.5  90.00

 

subs: Team18 X2  1600.00

 

amp for subs: ?

 

batteries: 220.00 group 27

 

alternators: mechman E series 370A with downsized pully. X2? 700.00 plus fabrication.

Edited February 16, 2014 by ncc74656

[///M5 2,833]

You need to start out more simple. If you want crossovers buying a comp set is stupid. Running a midbass with a comp set makes no sense as well. Asking for "eq" doesn't clear anything up. I'd rethink everything else first.