New car : should I run the front speakers active ?

[Notorious97200 339]

Hello guys,

I am still waiting for my amp kit and my dash kit for the head unit. But I'm thinking about my future install.

 

I' will run a Pioneer x5600bt and 2 IA amps : a 3.4 on my focal KP 165 and a 20.1 on my 15" zcon sub.

 

I'd like to try an active setup this time. Do you think it is worth trying with my current mids and tweeters ?
I know I would need a processor to do so.

 

As I don't want to break the bank, I'll look into the mini dsp you all talk about.

My installer will build solid baffles for the speakers, and the tweeters will sit next to the mids. There is no stock place for the tweeters.

I am planning to buy some products from sounddeadenershowdown.com later.

 

Thanks for your advices.

 

[jcarter1885 995]

The mini dsp's dont seem to be so bad, as im looking into one myself. If you would like to be able to learn and have fun tuning your system then take the chance. If it becomes to much of a hassle or you just want to go back to passives, keep your current crossovers and sell the mini.

[///M5 2,833]

<- has 4 miniDSP's and would ALWAYS recommend active IF the user is capable of tuning. miniDSP has the disadvantage of needing a pc which is a bummer though.

[Notorious97200 339]

Ooh ! I need a pc to use it ? Do you mean a computer  or a pc with Windows ?

I have an Apple laptop, I hope I could use it with the mini dsp. I'll check that with our friend Google !

 

Honnestly I'd rather use something I can adjust on the fly ! Without any more equipment. But I guess that leaves me with more expensive choices like the ms-8 ou the Audison bit-smthing.

[Notorious97200 339]

It works with Mac hopefully !

[Notorious97200 339]

I will install and use the passive filters in the back, near the amplifier.

When I chose a way to run my system active, I'll ditch the passive filters.

 

I need to read seriously about the mini dsp before I order anything.

 

Can someone give me some good choices on other processors, please ? 

[///M5 2,833]

Don't do passive -- miniDSP works on an Apple IIRC

[Notorious97200 339]

I talked to my installer : he will run 2 wires from the amp to each door.

That will allow me to use the set passive until I buy a mini dsp. Best and cheapest solution for me.

I took a look at their site, I don't even understand what I need to order !

[Notorious97200 339]

Mini dsp works on Apple. Hopefully.

[swift 501]

Have your installer do multiple runs of speaker wire while he's in there that way going active will be easy.

[///M5 2,833]

Does your headunit take care of the sub?  If not, you'll need 2 miniDSP's.  Each with an appropriate plug in.  Don't forget the DC Isolator for $11.  I am also keen on their volume knob as the bang for the buck says you should order it now even if you don't use it.

[///M5 2,833]

Do yourself a favor and measure the passive crossovers you have before installing them.  A starting point is a good thing for a first time active setup.

[Julian 641]

Do yourself a favor and measure the passive crossovers you have before installing them.  A starting point is a good thing for a first time active setup.

Is there any specific information on how to measure them to get the specific crossover points?

[///M5 2,833]

In the pass band region of the crossover when playing a sine wave you will get the output value you started with.

At the crossover frequency it will be 3dB down

Measuring an octave towards the cross over region will then net you the slope.  (Double the f for HP and halve it for LP to find the octave)

[Notorious97200 339]

Have your installer do multiple runs of speaker wire while he's in there that way going active will be easy.

that is exactly what will be done : 2 wires in each front door. One for the tweeter and one for the mid.

[Notorious97200 339]

My head unit has a LPF for the sub : I may not need anything else.

I don't know how to measure the passive crossovers, and what tool I need for that.

 

I will start with the passive filters, and then (when I take them out, later), I'll add a mini dsp, with the DC isolator, the volume knob, but I need to find out what plug in to get.

[Fi 4 life 0]

2 wires or 2 sets of wires?

[Notorious97200 339]

2 sets of wire ;-)

[///M5 2,833]

I don't know how to measure the passive crossovers, and what tool I need for that.

 

Voltmeter and a smart phone/tablet/computer running a function generator.  Audacity is free and will do what you need.  Instructions a few posts back, if you have questions ask.

 

 

I will start with the passive filters, and then (when I take them out, later), I'll add a mini dsp, with the DC isolator, the volume knob, but I need to find out what plug in to get.

If you use the headunit for the sub, then you need a 2 way crossover.  I'd personally get the 4 way advanced instead of the 4 way as it allows custom biquads.  Same price as well.  The 2 way is for a driver + sub.  The 4 way splits one input into two outputs that you can configure anyway you want.  It will NOT do summing for a sub though.  For a front stage only 4 way is what you want.

They email you those once you buy them.  No need to worry about it up front.

[Notorious97200 339]

 

I don't know how to measure the passive crossovers, and what tool I need for that.

 

Voltmeter and a smart phone/tablet/computer running a function generator.  Audacity is free and will do what you need.  Instructions a few posts back, if you have questions ask.

 

 

I will start with the passive filters, and then (when I take them out, later), I'll add a mini dsp, with the DC isolator, the volume knob, but I need to find out what plug in to get.

If you use the headunit for the sub, then you need a 2 way crossover.  I'd personally get the 4 way advanced instead of the 4 way as it allows custom biquads.  Same price as well.  The 2 way is for a driver + sub.  The 4 way splits one input into two outputs that you can configure anyway you want.  It will NOT do summing for a sub though.  For a front stage only 4 way is what you want.

They email you those once you buy them.  No need to worry about it up front.

 

Voltmeter :ok

computer/smartphone : ok

Audacity : I will get it.

This may be a fun experience. I know it will take some times to achieve a good sound, but I will try.

First thing first : install everything and have some serious music in the car.

Then, mini dsp install, after some studies...

 

Thanks.

[///M5 2,833]

Smartphone you would use something like FuncGen.  Do yourself a favor if you use that source.  Measure the source first as some have a built in roll off that can confuse the measurement.

[Notorious97200 339]

I'm using the passive filters. They're in the back, near the amplifier.

It will be easy to re wire to the amp.

I know how to take out the head unit when I need to instal the mini dsp. I already have a single set of rca short enough to go to the glovebox.