How to TUNE car audio - Why you need an RTA - AudioControl SA-4100i - CarAudioFabrication

Tuning a car audio system requires the use of an RTA and an RTA microphone. An RTA ( Real time analyzer ) allows us to use an equalizer and adjust each octave so that our sound system's output is more acoustically correct. We can also use an RTA to match the output of our left and right side speakers which helps to create a true center image from stereo sound. In this video I introduce you to the new AudioControl SA-4100i RTA microphone and show you how to use it to tune my car audio system's DSP unit.
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Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@macgeek2112]

Recieved my SA-4100i a few days ago. I haven't had the opportunity to tune my car with it yet but I'm impressed with the quality of the mic. I was surprised that the CAF discount was still valid when I ordered it several weeks ago.

[@WilliamHinojosa]

Excellent video. I concur, please more videos like this, I am (and I am sure lots of people too) interested in knowing how to correctly tune the low/high-pass filters, which slope to use, Butterworth or LR, etc. also a bit of info on how to select the right polarity of speakers and how to find the right RTA curve for your needs. Thanks again Mark, your info is always first class.

[@JamesW-jd4yg]

Just ordered a mic using your code, great discount. Thanks Mark.

[@WireGuyGlobal]

Once again, another fantastic video Mark ! I just snagged one of these before heading to New Zealand. I got lucky because they were sold out. Keep up the snap chats! Thanks again bro!

[@HifiVega]

Definitely worth the price of admission!

[@canquoctuan9616]

Great. I went through many sites but I could not find the using of RTA in car audio tunning as clear as your sharing. Thanks a lot!

[@Troy_Audi0]

Looks much better than my 150 Scope.. Nice job brother. keep it up.

[@adamf4273]

Great video Mark! Wish I hadn't just ordered my rabbet bit tray :( guess I'll have to wait on this one!

[@tvalchev]

This is great. In my opinion, every car audio place where audio systems are being installed must have one of these. The question then would be if there is the right person who has the "ear" to tune the system. I hate to see/hear folks spending $$$ to upgrade their car audio and the end results are worst than the original with imbalanced freqs.

[@77SonofGod77]

Awesome Video Mark!~

[@Llegando_Tarde]

Good video , i wish there was more videos of tuning like at the end of this video✌

[@andrewbatson9924]

I installed my system 3 years ago, and have never tuned it. It's a class act installation with complete dedication and thoroughness. I don't trust local car audio installers for any advice or tune. This is where I'm at. Can I tune my 2 and 4 channel amps with the pioneer HU on my own? I don't compete. I just want to pull the best from the system, and justify any future upgrades.

[@jeffharris2766]

Thanks again for making all of this great content! Can you make more videos of rta tuning? Say like you just got done installing all your gear. Just ordered the Audio Control SA-4100i and was wondering if you have used AudioTools also by Studio Six Digital?

[@MrVinter123]

I just bought one and used the CAF fan sale, awesome!!

[@Sobrac]

Ditto. I hope you get a kick-back for our orders. I would never have known if I didn't hear about it from you!

[@MrVinter123]

+Ben Jensen 👍

[@psementalist]

Awesome Video Mark thank you for making and sharing this video

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+PSE Mentalist Thanks for dropping by bro

[@vinceluardo8851]

Very helful info, bro.

[@MrWolfman727]

I had a quick question, when using your SA-4100 what weighting do you use

[@WAKEFIELDRides]

Liked and Shared!

[@emartinspereira]

Fiz a equalização da minha sala pelo Moto G, gostei. Tenho video. Sera q preciso gastar num microfone melhor?

[@slickass23]

nice vid. How different are the results if you measured while sitting in the car? Seems like the frequencies, especially the highs, would be affected if you measured while in the car?

[@macymorse80]

I’m getting the exact same mic later after I get my audio control DSP’s.

[@hairkutta1]

Dude please more RTA tuning videos pleseeeeeeeee

[@MrSackcheese]

Yes... More please

[@hairkutta1]

moreeeeeeeee

[@sandiegotvinstall686]

I agree

[@massholemitch6699]

Yessss

[@showtheride9503]

Yes for sure more

[@nickg3235]

CAF- I have the same question as Jason Jackson, how easy is this RTA to use? I have an aftermarket car stereo and it's in need of some tuning.

[@cesarcervantes5840]

I'm ordering one now

[@miatgrad76]

Did you get the guitar pic and the t shirt? Cool vid, and I can't wait to get my mic! Ordered an Lc2i today for my upcoming build.

[@gradientdesign9068]

Awesome vids bud, is the SA-4100i coupon still current?

[@changchung]

great. thanks for share

[@teyjingwoon]

Luckily I'm waiting for this video before i purchase on last week. Not sure you will cover an in depth review on the Audio Control product moving forward?

[@RobVaughan1984]

Thanks bro

[@jameseberhardt3551]

I was wondering if you could do a video on how to tweak your DSP EQ curve once you have the time alignment and balanced EQ curve set? I have a great sounding system thanks to using the Audio Control DM 608 and JL Audio DM 900/5. I adjusted the curve to my listening preferences keeping with a rule of less than 3 db per octave between frequency bands (I am 1 db at most). My issue is that I have drums rolling up the left side of the dash and down to the right kick panel. Not sure why I have a stage that seems to be low on the lower right side. I had Audio Control remote into my DSP and run several tests and they could not some up with the issue. I double checked the door speakers to ensure the wires were secured. Also the volume levels were equally matched. Its a bit frustrating to have a rock solid image that seems to be tilted.like the Titantic going down. Its beautiful but... Also, how do you get the image to project out onto the hood of the vehicle? I had a car in the 90's with Image Dynamic HLCD's and 8 inch mid bass loaded into the floor. We got lucky with the staging as it was quite high and centered but it seems near impossible to get the depth with door mounted speakers. On a side note I am using Hertz 6.5 inch coaxial drivers @90 hertz x/over point. The tweaters are on-axis toward center point of the ceiling (I am going for center stage not the driver listening position) which are loaded into sealed enclosures I made using your videos for making the composite plastic speaker rings which I added fiber glassed pods to. The rest of my system is a single 12 inch JL sub and two Rockford 5x7's for rear fill. This is installed into a 2013 Ford F150 Super Crew. I am designing the amp rack but wanted to get the sound adjusted properly before fabricating the amp and DSP racks. Thanks for making these pro quality videos!

[@jameseberhardt3551]

Found the issue..the factory pin configuration chart was reversed from 2010 to the 2011 model. e front and rear left speaker polarity was switched to assist in bluetooth issues. Oddly enough most tech sheets do not have this update.

[@MrMustang1973]

My factory head unit does not have an AUX input. Will the speaker polarity feature in the Mobile tools app work with a burned CD of the speaker pop signal?

[@esmokebaby]

Can i use the same technique using a Dayton imm-6 and Androids audio tool app?

[@nathanmcdairmant9318]

So how do you set levels if you don’t have a DSP and are using the EQ on the head unit

[@frry6700]

What is the value of target response in rta that we are looking when setting the value in eq?

[@hubsi5263]

Hallo great Videotutorial!! Can you tell me how is the name of the programm in Android play store?

[@codyalbertson7137]

Would it be better to have a double din head unit or an iPad for a replacement for a stock head unit for a 2006 f150??

[@PhillipTieuChainz]

Do you have any recommendations for someone/company that does this tuning as a service in Houston, TX? I would really appreciate a recommendation!

[@chrissorensen2618]

Hey Mark! Love the videos. I have been watching them non stop for days! Because of your videos i have purchased an audison DSP for my crew cab truck. I have Android. Any suggestions on a compatible RTA the one in the video is only for IPhone I bought a JL Audio 12 tw3 for my crew cab truck I'm having a hard time finding a box. can you design a specific box and have it tuned correctly? Do you have a phone number for your shop I got about a hundred questions lol.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Remember to slam that like button!

[@jasonjackson329]

Hey do you think that a novice could use this ? Well what I mean is. How easy it is to use for some people that don't know tuning like a pro

[@Pabula]

+CarAudioFabrication Im trying to use the discount code for the mic, but i dont see any change, is the discount still on?

[@andrewjohn6853]

Yeah 100% I'd never tuned in my life just following these basic instructions you will notice the difference might pay to do some extra reading though to make the most of it

[@nelsonmontalvo6017]

do you know some one in dallas tx that you recommend thats good ?

[@B2sdad512]

@@nelsonmontalvo6017 I have been looking for someone in Dallas for over a year, most shops either don't know how, don't have the right equipment or tune by "EAR", LOL.

[@rishigunness6047]

Can I use this method with a zoom h5?

[@jaydawg116]

DM-RTA. Godsend. I demoed it tonight at an industry training, I’m ordering tomorrow. I have a non functioning SA3055 in my shop, but after weeks of fucking with it (resoldering bad connections and trying to find batteries for it online, still non functioning) I’m ready to shell out the $700 to get this badass little rta/oscope.

[@TexasChevrolet]

so how does this compare to room eq wizard rta mode with a mic

[@cgrenesh]

Under RTA settings, what is the best for tuning with pink noise? Flat, A or C ?

[@HektorPascal]

My is shipped to germany now :)

[@s3230777]

Is Sa4100i able to connect to iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s+ and iPad Pro system?

[@FriendM2010]

What are you using to is isolate each speaker for tuning? Can this be done without DSP?

[@dominickjames1021]

Long time listner first time caller. I'm a fan. I've been updating the sound system in my 2014 ram 1500 since i got her last year. So far i've swapped out all the speakers with a slightly upgraded version and upgraded the wiring and added 2 subs and and amp for the sub and one for the speakers. I got a DSP in my price range the DSR-1. How do i go about adding two more amplifires so each one only controls one of the high lows and mids. I'm a little curious how i would go about setting something like that up as well. Any advice is greatly apprciated.

[@MrSpanky473]

So this is just for a base line correct? once you achieve the base line of your system, then fine tune to your specific tastes?

[@michaelcontour414]

Possibly a stupid question, but in the Audio Control app, do you set the weighting to flat, A, or C?

[@chrispompano]

HELP....... what kind of user friendly instrument can I use to measure and map-out decibels at different frequencies? I want to ONLY measure car interior engine/road noise to document and to see what frequencies I'm dealing with at what "db" to see if different types of soundproofing is effective before/after. Any recommendations for equipment? Or is this Audio Control what I need? I'm not in the Car-Audio industry, so please bare with me, and I'm sure there are ton's of equipment out there, I just need your expert opinions.

[@user-ff6un1st7d]

hi,can i use this model with lightning to type c adapter connect with ipad pro 2021 ？

[@TheMrDuffie]

i cant wait to get one of these

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+TheMrDuffie :) Are you going to take advantage of the special CAF fan sale? Link in the description! :)

[@TheMrDuffie]

+CarAudioFabrication I took full advantage of the discount, it's in the mail. Thanks for all your help!!

[@BABO437]

Hey mark nice video Man U are the man .! So this mic it's just made it to work only with ipple products?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+jonathan fernando reyes ordoñez Yes only apple products at this time, a list of compatibility is on their site. Be sure to check the video description for the special discount offer link.

[@kcflyguyent]

Hey Mark, I have the AC DM810. Trying to eq my system is a bit overwhelming. I really want to do it myself but I’m getting frustrated. Do I need a RTA mic to help out. Active 3 way, 6x9 rear doors and 2x12’s under seat. AC 4.800 and ACM4.300 for mods and highs. Skar 2000.1 for subs. Please help

[@joseph519r]

Hey CAF, now that I am using a dsp do I want my Pioneer head unit in network or standard mode? I notice they sound completely different. I still have tweets mids and sub. Thanks!

[@mikkolaine4883]

Network mode enables 3 way crossovering. You need to adjust them to make it work. Just changing the mode won't help you.

[@poindextertunes]

I have an Android head unit with all kinds of goodies: eq, filter, loudness, HP/LP and other stuff i cant remember. Would this still be beneficial?

[@wozzatherockdog1778]

Waited many years for standard type head units to build in adjustability. How long before we can adjust individual speakers without expensive hop ups? I’ve finally been able to drag my SA-3055 out of moth balls in recents times. No longer do I have to leave customers with mediocre sound. Great to see technology become cheaper. Though I do recall many years ago some upmarket head units had their own mic & pink noise generator.

[@hermanhheutink]

Maybe you can answer my question. I had a Kenwood DNR4190DABS + installed in my Jeep Wrangler. Now it wants to be that sometimes the amplifier does not turn on so that I have no sound at all. What went wrong?

[@bongospank8321]

I am getting new head unit which fairly deep independent front/rear eq (and new sub / amp / speakers), but this is an audio mix-check reference system, so I want a fully dialed target curve to be achieved when all head unit sliders at +/- 0dB so I know exactly how and where I am deviating from target curve if any sliders engaged. So... do I need another inline EQ to dial in that target curve according to the RTA measurements, or (on a relatively tight budget) is there some better way like more advanced amp or other item that lets me do that plus dial in crossover points or otherwise correct any imbalances? Also, for convertible, do you do two sets of RTA measurements (open and closed top)? If so, how do you handle switching system when top opens/closes?

[@wizzkidelectronics]

killer . been using true rta , a calibrated mic and usb m audio mobile pre for the last 10+ years .. im sure ill keep using that setup but as you know all that and a lap top gets so clumsy to use . but for many who don't have acsess to all that for a good price and a cell phone you can tune like the pros ... the best install best equipment cannot change a vehicles design

[@costyytsoc]

how does the FFT measure distorsion?

[@PapaLuis85]

When can you do one on a Polaris slingshot or Campagnia T-Rex bike ? I own one and it’s hard to correct sound issues on a non enclosed vehicle

[@rhkips]

I'd have bought one on the spot if they supported Android. Good to hear they might be working on one, though! Such an incredibly useful and versatile tool. :D

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+rhkips i'm an android user myself, had to borrow an iPhone to make this video. It was very helpful, its nice having it on a small easy to handle device so I can set it on top of my computer that's connected to the DSP. I'd like to have a windows tablet and this on a cell phone, cell phone physically connected to the tablet with a 3d printed support of some sort. Would make it awesome for tuning. lol

[@MeridaAudioDesing]

recomienda alguno para android !!! gracias

[@UltraCon79]

I just learned that you can use a camcorder 3-RCA to 3.5mm adapter to turn your phone into an RTA on RCA outputs. CAUTION LOWEST VOLUME SETTINGS ON SOURCE.

[@williambrown1172]

Mark, is your real RTA a SA 3055 or a SA 3052?

[@jameseberhardt3551]

Is there a way to overlay the RTA snap shot on one speaker over-top of the RTA reading for its partner? Basically, instead of writing down the readings for the various frequencies for say the tweeter on the left to level match to the tweeter on the right side of the vehicle? Also, is there an Android version of the Audio Control Mic?

[@ReginalBronson]

James Eberhardt I haven't found one. I recently purchased one from MiniDSP. It work well also.

[@jameseberhardt3551]

Much appreciated. I just spoke to Audio Control for another issue and they confirmed the release of the DM DSP Bluetooth Module for late Feb 2018 and the updated individual channel EQ capability in April of this year. The Android and Apple app for the DSP are about to be released as well.

[@marcproulx6408]

What rta mic can you refer that works with a android phone.

[@lorenzotan5490]

How to fix my SA-4100i microphone ? It won’t connect to my RTA application. I really need your help. Thank you

[@lioryakov1981]

do u have mic for android???

[@chrisnas1483]

Heyy Do they have an rta mic for android ?

[@TimothyArmstrongamblixVR]

Do you recommend tuning a DSP via the parametric eq vs graphic eq if available?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Graphic seems to be more understandable for beginners. But parametric gives more fine control. Both work great properly tuned.

[@ecoonce23]

Hi Mark, I see this is an old post but I just came across your CAF youtube channel in my search, love it. I have a question for you though. I have a 04 Fiat Panda 169 with stock a audio system which included a subwoofer under the pas angers seat. I will be getting a new 2d 7'' head unit and want to also replace the 8 speakers. 4 tweeters and 4 subsw speakers. The stock subwoofer is quite nice and has a good thump, which I love ;-) boom boom. The doors hold 6.5 and the tweeters are 1'' so my question is which speakers would be best for the my car that delivers a good thump boom ting :-o Since there is a plethora of speakers and opinions, I was hoping you could direct me with your expertise wisdom in the right speakers. The Panda is like the Fiat 500 but nicer :-D Thank you so much for your help, Cheers.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

There is no "best" speaker. Go to a local car audio star and audition some with you ears, they would likely love to help you out!

[@LuckyyTheDog]

What is a good solution if there is no aux port in the car?

[@sureshv925]

Mark please give me the link of the rta app that you are using in this video..... please

[@wilfredofelix7449]

greetings. can somebody help me. I have a audio control .4 for 4 channels amp. I connect coaxial speakers or combos the spakers hight frequency blow damage. I change de amp. same problems. the preamp is damage? thank you.

[@lurice0]

I bought the mic you recommended from amazon but it didn't work, can you recommend an alternative mic

[@johnhornbeak5735]

lurice 0 you have to buy the APP too

[@208miuwu]

Don`t know any of those big words but WOW

[@YourSoundPath]

Hi Mark, thanks for your videos. I have a couple of points to add. If you use pink noise than you actually want to see the graph falling down at higher frequencies and not being flat. The second point is that RTA do not using a FFT prossecing. It is a variation of that measurement and you have to consider it in the tuning. The speaker polarity test is too variating regarding how you hold the microphone to the speaker. There is better way to check this using the DC voltage ( a AA Battery or couple of those if you test the woofer) to see if the membrane of the driver moving in the right directioin by applying the DC voltage.

[@hassannasir90]

Hi brother, RTA tuning is for the driver person right? If you sit in the other seat or someone sitting in the other seat will have different experience. Am I right?

[@libertuswindymaslim8982]

Could this microphone used to measured time alignment like umik-1 or itestmic 2 by S6D?

[@Rancher936]

I just got the Umik1 to do this seems okay have you had any luck tuning with one?

[@libertuswindymaslim8982]

@@Rancher936 i used SA-4100 but the audio output missing when the microphone plugged in

[@wertigus]

but what if you are just in need to get a calibration in you car after installing new headunit and speakers and you don't do this on a weekly basis so its not worth to get all the expensive equipment, is there any good tips for that? i've tried just listening to my headphones on my PC and then go back and forth in to the car and moving the equalizer to what i seem to be missing or have to much off, but always keep thinking it could be a little better.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

In that case pay a professional

[@xz86]

when doing RTA, Do you keep your car shut off and use a external power to power the amps? RTA could take hours. also the code doesn't work

[@smiter102]

How are you able to adjust the tweeters separately from the door speakers? If you have a 4 channel amp powering them wouldnt you only be able to make adjustments to FL FR RL RR ?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You run them active

[@smiter102]

@@CarAudioFabrication Hey thanks for the reply! Sorry but im still kinda confused. @5:16 you say you adjust one single speaker at a time and that you start with a tweeter. If you have an amp with only 4 channels running 4 woofers and 4 tweeters in a typical FL FR RL RR setup, this means that on each of the 4 channels you have 1 woofer and 1 tweeter receiving the same signal. How would you separate woofer and tweeter signals in the DSP? Dont you need each speaker to have its own dedicated channel (IE an 8 channel amp)? Or do you just unhook the woofers while tuning tweeters, and then vice versa? (using a passive crossover to protect tweeters of course) Thats the only way i understand how to tune 1 at a time.

[@mikkolaine4883]

@@smiter102 , he meant he has them active so every speaker has their own amp channel. If you have passive crossovers, you need to tune the EQ with mid and tweeter together.

[@eatthisvr6]

is that mic android compatible?

[@vikranthk9536]

May i know the apps name to analyse the equalizer

[@RinksRides]

wait wait wait wait wait wait wait wait wait wait wait ! An iPhone with a headphone jack?! What whichcraft is this?! Great video as always.

[@gator3-234]

now that rocks. and hopefully they do release some android software.

[@1marcelfilms]

What if instead of a DSP you applied the EQ setting to your mp3 files with some program? or eq APP on the phone? Then it would be extremely cheap!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

It doesn't really work that way because you would only be correcting a left and right channel. Not the multiple channels needed for every speaker in a build

[@Leysner77]

Nice but the mic is too expensive ,is there no cheaper option?

[@Dj_Flo_Styles]

Hey, Mark awesome video I was wondering what DSP software you were using on the laptop and DSP you have/were using in this video and also is the DSP software Bluetooth to the DSP itself? in order to change eq settings via the software inside the DSP?

[@Aijames]

this was an audison bit processor

[@gotti8467]

It was an app

[@u9Nails]

Come back with an Android review in the future when they release one. (With a code of course! I'd buy one.)

[@jameseberhardt3551]

Audio Control is planning to release the Android and Apple phone - bluetooth connected DSP software/apps in Feb and the updated Split channel left/right EQ capability for the DM DSP's in April of 2018.

[@dewaynejay1032]

Where can I get this?

[@yangdu]

Hi Mark, do you know how to tune car audio with two mics placed in the ears of a human head model? Is it even worth the effort?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+Yang Du tune with one. Any fancy mic array is just going to average to one central position anyhow.

[@yangdu]

Thank you so much for your reply! The issue is how to EQ with two mics. Should I use left mic to EQ left speakers, and right mic to EQ right speakers? The reason I'm thinking about using two mics to EQ is because I found with a single mic that the EQ changes when I sit inside the car.

[@yangdu]

Also do you know how to tune a system with center channel speaker? I think a system with center channel is better because we don't just want the driver side to sound good. The issue with aftermarket car audio nowadays is it seems like nobody knows how to tune a system with center speaker. How to EQ? How to set the volume of each speaker?

[@f.j.z3213]

I know I'm late, but when will this be available for Android user's??

[@Leysner77]

What is the name of the program

[@Darronsanderson]

"Just like that artist is performing in the center of my dash JUST FOR ME" I like that. Hey, Mark, you have to use an iPhone for this RTA? An Android cannot be used?

[@frankromero9916]

Hopefully they will release one for android.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+Frank Romero I'm told they hope to have one by the end of the year, in the mean time you could always get a used iPad mini for cheap and use that. :)

[@frankromero9916]

+CarAudioFabrication cool I'm all android any how lol

[@the_niceking7011]

+Frank Romero You can use a Dayton iMM-6 and the "Audio Tool" app on Android. The Dayton comes with a calibration file that you plug directly into the app. It won't really be as accurate as this setup though.

[@josephdussart9376]

O

[@jeremyeubanks2387]

so this won't work with an android based phone ?

[@JoMiTo83]

How do I calibrate for time delay?

[@maulanabocil1784]

reply please

[@maulanabocil1784]

if use MS.