It's More Than Just Speakers And Wiring // Mercedes SL350 Audio Upgrade

Going into full detail in this one! I’ll be walking you through the entire audio upgrade in the Mercedes SL350, taking a look at a custom 3D printed speaker adapters, CNC machined amplifier mount, custom mould making for a DRC controller, and the full audio system itself.
Thank you for watching.
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Website: rtacaraudio.co.uk
Thank you

[@grahamtricker4103]

Just wanted to say the sound in this car now is so good. It is considerably better than before, in fact it is not even close, plus its so nice to know the work has been done with so much care and attention. Thanks so much Reece 👍

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Graham and no worries! Hope you're well and enjoying the system! 😀

[@abowden556]

Your attention to detail and pride in doing things as 'properly' as you feasibly can is something to behold! It deeply appeals to me.

[@paulthompson5416]

You’re a dying breed young man! There’s not many audio installers that will go to the level off attention to detail that I have just witnessed!! Congratulations on the level of perfection executed on your installs.

[@raynorjoseph9643]

Who is this guy? His work and methods are amazing

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks for watching Raynor! My name's Reece and I'm the owner of RTA. Glad you like my work and thanks again for watching!

[@dandersonone921]

@@RTAFabrication This is an awesome setup! Reece your attention to detail is a rare trait anymore. Would you be interested in shipping this setup to the US? I have a 2008 SL55 AMG and I’ve really been trying to decide how to upgrade my audio. If it’s something that you’re willing to do please let me know and we can speak offline about it.

[@R34Sumo]

Dude the Level of care you take with all of the work is exceptional. The car Audio world needs a lot more younger blokes like you who take pride in their work.

[@whatever_12]

That's some next-level stuff right there, even the filming and editing is amazing from the enclosure design to the camera focus for a channel under 1k you will be on top soon with this quality

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks I appreciate the compliment! Thanks for taking the time to watch too!

[@theAristocrap]

Watching your short movies, one after another. Love your attention to detail and the care of doing your job to the best of your abilities. Hopefully you are paid fairly for the amount of extra work you take. Don't know if I would take that much care if it was my own car :D

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks I appreciate you watching through my videos! I’m unbelievably particular which is no secret haha, I just get obsessed over the process and achieving a certain aesthetic, combined with a logical approach. I’ve found myself fortunate enough to have clients that share the same values that I have in my approach, so they’re understanding about the time and materials involved to achieve the desired results. Although if my game plan changes during an install and/ or there’s an opportunity to do something different, better or even additional I have no issues putting in the extra and effort without additional payment. The enjoyment and fulfilment for me is in the work itself and the finances have always been secondary. Thanks again for watching!

[@Danjul89]

Lovely work and craftmanship, 10/10!

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Major props for the excruciatingly high level of craftsmanship and detail.

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you Lawrence, appreciate your comment and you taking the time to watch!

[@jasonsutterfield6968]

That is one of the best car audio installations I've ever seen. Very impressive.

[@baja1980s]

Absolutely astonishing work and a pleasure to watch a master at work and pick up ways and just see the development of your work, designs. Your attention to detail is amazing. Video didn’t even feel like a 20 min video. Keep them coming and long, very long or short vids!! Thank you and many blessings… cheers 🍻

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to watch it through, and thanks for the feedback! It’s certainly been a while since my last upload but I do have a couple of new videos in the works. Thanks again!

[@abhishekrohera]

You're a perfectionist keep up the great work 💯

[@ru15151]

Very impressed on all accounts.

[@stephanemaciejewski7861]

Vidéo vraiment très intéressante 💯👍, excellent travail de qualité. Hello from France

[@TheNorthernmunky]

Awesome work mate, workmanship and level of attention to detail is superb!

[@takeiteasy1237]

Amazing work, damn you're precise.

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks man! It's a sickness really haha

[@svitroful]

@@RTAFabrication You should put up a poster of a big yellow smiley face!!!

[@williamwallerstedt6191]

Your dedication to perfection is incredible! Great edit as well, cheers.

[@RTAFabrication]

Yeah I’m somewhat obsessed with doing things a certain way for a particular result. I’m especially obsessed with the surface finish of certain things too. I do enjoy the meticulous process of making things. Thanks again for watching!

[@peterabdullah7260]

Beautiful work mate💯

[@voyageadventurevans]

Wow. Your attention to detail in everything you do including the video is just next level...well it's probably a lot higher than that. I haven't put audio in many van builds for a while, but this has given me the itch to do so in my new demo van. Cheers Ed

[@zakwilson2200]

Just stumbled across your channel from modified caddy vans and wanted to say this is really quality content wish the best for you mate gained a subscriber

[@DamianPenney]

Amazing job and great explanation of the process.

[@johnpetermckinley]

Brilliant Reece.Superb craftsmanship.

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks John! :)

[@tanasemihai5002]

Nice project like always! Thx Mr! Hat off!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks man, I enjoyed this install. The small detailed parts were fun 😃

[@jara20001]

A true master, incredible work !

[@SuburbanBBQ]

Your fab skills are second to none. Your videos are wonderful too. I hope you keep them coming!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you man appreciate it! Yeah I'm working on some more content at the minute :)

[@tygerfan2004]

amazing detailed work. Awesome!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

[@lartymarf]

Thanks for sharing the details of the build. This is pure art at an exotic level, befitting of the most exquisite Ferrari and Lamborghini. I have a Mercedes R230 looking for audio upgrade but sadly I am 2 oceans away from you. Keep up the awesome work!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks man! I've had a lot of interest in this install and I'm considering putting together a comprehensive kit like in this video that I can ship out so people can carry out this exact installation themselves. Even down to pre-programming the amplifier/DSP to make things really easy for people, pre-wiring looms, every single screw, bolt washer, mount etc so there's minimal friction for the end user and they get a high end installation carried out by themselves/ their local shop.

[@robertthrossell4321]

Incredible skills mate 👏👏

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Robert! Thanks for watching 👊🏻

[@KraftsyDE]

Hi, the content you create is TOP, and the video editing is great! I wanted to ask if when you use resin and make molds from silicone forms, do you degas the resin in a vacuum chamber and then put it into a pressure pot to cure? What does this process look like, and should a pressure pot be used for every type of resin? Many Thanks ! Sebastian 😃

[@cmaconcept]

Amazing craftwork 🤩🤩

[@Redmist.65]

Incredible work! Amazing video as well, no BS and straight to the point! The 3D printing work interested me the most as I have one and look forward to using it in my audio build.

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you Philip! I'm not sure what your set-up is 3D printer wise, but I use a filament called Apollo-x from Formfutra which is ASA. Similar to ABS but much easier to work with and doesn't smell either. If you head over to their website and read the description you'll see the benefits, it's perfect for this type of work and is very easy to work with!

[@sultanm2849]

Very well done mate.

[@christianherrera8535]

Video was a great representation of what a high level installation should be great job look forward to more videos like this!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Christian! Once I get ideas in my head I can't let them go, I'm just super picky haha. There's definitely more to come, soon hopefully too!

[@SamDuncan09]

This is absolutely incredible mate, I hope one day I get the pleasure of one of your installs!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Sam! By all means if you ever plan on upgrading I'd be happy to go through some options with you and put a system together!

[@rheono5839]

Clean install, love your work :)

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks I appreciate that. Thanks foe watching too!

[@ed40lew]

attentional to detail is perfect, stunning work!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks man and thanks for watching :)

[@redline_78]

Excellent video, everything explained, very knowledgeable, happy to push the boundaries to make new things and it all work together. I wouldn't want you to do your videos any different. A proper installer building quality systems. Well done 🙌👏👌

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Lee, I appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed it :) Once I get ideas in my head I can't let them go, probably make things harder for myself, but the challenge is all part of the fun!

[@nicholaslink8369]

Outstanding level of attention to detail Reece.... I know your work and ethic are right on point with the help you gave me! Keep it up mate! Always recommending you!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Nicholas! I hope you're well and still enjoying your upgrade. Thanks I appreciate you recommending me! :)

[@ChrisCryptoCoffee]

Amazing work and documentary, because this is not YT normal level of quality. May I ask what kind of resin are you using?

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks for watching Chris! Yes sure, the resin is polyurethane casting resin, specifically a product called Xencast P2 from Easy Composites. It’s got a two minute pot life and with my working conditions I can de-mould in roughly 40 - 60 minutes depending on the part’s thickness, geometry etc. I also add around 15% milled carbon fibre of the total weight (part A and part B combined), which makes the properties of the P2 closer to their P6 resin, but with the cure times of P2. I’m sure I’ve pinned a comment in the comments of this video where I’ve had a discussion with another user about resins so might be worth checking that out too. Thanks again for watching!

[@hein_mcleod]

Absolutely stunning work mate!

[@grahamtricker4103]

Stunning job Reece! 👍

[@Clint_L]

So freaking cool. Loved it. Amazing skills. Well done Reece. Bravo

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Clint! Glad you liked it, more to come soon hopefully!

[@juslom2002]

Thanks for doin this man I’m doing a system in nearly an identical car I just bought

[@RTAFabrication]

No worries man, thanks for watching! What vehicle are you upgrading and what equipment?

[@juslom2002]

@@RTAFabrication 2007 slk 350 basically wanna keep as much stock As possible. Will replace whatever stock speakers that are lagging and just wanna add two Cerwin Vega 10 inch slim powered subs behind the seats . Hopefully will fit they are pretty small through a h/l converter and control them through a single bass knob. Do you think mounting them right behind the seats is a good idea ? Thanks for the response

[@juslom2002]

Any input would be appreciated here I just wanna make sure my idea will work well and is not stupid subs are Cerwin Vega vpas10’s

[@baldylee]

Real nice video Reece... great work as always

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Lee, appreciate it!

[@simonlebonjnr9561]

Great work, really impressed with the quality and attention to detail. 👏

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you Simon, I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching! 😃

[@stiannese7155]

amazing work again! love the creativity

[@RTAFabrication]

Thank you Stian! Appreciate you watching.

[@tahseenashfaq]

Brilliant video man, keep up the great work!!!!!

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks Tahseen! :)

[@Aakashh_Sharma]

This is top notch stuff Man. Great content

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks for watching man!

[@sony7032]

Yours audio setup I like it.

[@dominicwood3750]

Anyone considering doing this yourself the Audison speakers are great and can be easily fitted direct on the doors with off the shelf mdf speaker rings with the tweeters mounted in the recess on the doors. Also the phone can be mounted in the centre console fairly easily. The rear cover is removed with two screws, the old Nokia holder tray is easily un screwed from below, prise off the bottom cover by the hinge push out the phone socket and then route through the USB, socket back in and then tuck the USB along the side panel and up under the the removed main centre console panel. I’m driving the speakers direct from the HU in network mode so active x overs...

[@joehounsham424]

Excellent walk through and attention to detail. Did you consider moving the tweeters higher up than the driver's knee area - as is the case with the stock tweeter location?

[@RS08COL]

Very impressive mate, nice work

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks a lot! :)

[@ulrickteissier363]

Your work is really good man! Can you tell me what's your 3d printer? I would like to make some parts for my audio build to.

[@psklett]

Quality work bud

[@kashofficial77]

wish 3d printers were around when i was in the biz... awesome job. what 3d printer are you using?

[@gorurmehmetali]

He is using a Wanhao i3 duplicater plus.

[@RTAFabrication]

Yes Mehmet is right, it's the Wanhao i3 duplicator plus. This machine has the Microswiss all metal hot end and Iguss bearings. I do have a Creality CR-10 S4 with the BondTech direct drive system for larger prints.

[@gorurmehmetali]

@@RTAFabrication It is good to dive into details mate. Why you needed microswiss hot end? You mostly use PLA as far as I understand, right?

[@audiocreations]

Nice nice nice .. keep the content coming .

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks! More content is coming for sure! Got loads of ideas it's just getting them done!

[@Lowpro]

Great work 👍🏽😎😃

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks man! Hope you're well Vic!

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Hi Mr. Turner. How would you incorporate CarPlay into this original COMAND APS NTG 2.5?

Great work. Big Smile EQ :D

[@MrJefferson105]

May I ask what camera you use and editing software? Thanks

[@RTAFabrication]

Absolutely. I use a BMPCC6k with Meike full frame prime cinema lenses and I use Davinci Resolve to edit and colour grade 👍🏻

[@peterabdullah7260]

If you know of anyone in the Las Vegas NV area that has your expertise please advise. Id like to get my system redone to experience the sound of my music to perfection. Thanks in advance mate.

[@MertNazmiSerin]

2.18 i wonder, it is abs or pla?

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks for watching Mert! I actually exclusively use a modified ASA firmament for every part that I print, specifically Form Futura Apollo-X. PLA definitely isn’t suited for vehicle interior applications and I just don’t like using ABS. The ASA sands down like ABS and doesn’t melt with the friction of sanding like PLA does, but I find the ease of printing comparable to PLA, so you get the best of both. The properties of the material also is well suited to a vehicle interior.

[@MertNazmiSerin]

@@RTAFabrication Thank you very much for your valuable and informative answer. I am interested in diy manufacturing, i have not enought knowlage about engineering plastics. Your channel amazing for this. Umm last question, ABS dissolves in acetone, how about ASA? thank you again and sorry my bad English & grammer mistakes.

[@RTAFabrication]

No problem at all. I’m glad you’ve found some value in them! I haven’t actually used acetone to smooth out prints before, as I tend to sand and add a glazing filler. I do believe that ASA reacts the same to acetone as ABS does though.

[@yassinebendhif4538]

hello whitch type of resin dou you use for the mold and the part ? and do you ad hardner to it ? if yes and how much

[@RTAFabrication]

Hey! If you’re referring to the ashtray insert that I moulded and cast a copy of, then the resin used for that is Xencast P2, which is a polyurethane resin from a company called Easy Composites. It’s a 1:1 mix of part A and part B, so there’s no separate hardener. Thanks for watching!

[@rhalyas]

What casting resin did you use?

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks for watching Raimo. I use a polyurethane resin called Xencast P2 from a company called Easy Composites. If you head over to their website they have all the information about the resin on there, including a date sheet with all the technical elements listed.

[@rhalyas]

@@RTAFabrication Thank you!

[@deadlyfreckle]

Did you print PLA or ABS ?

[@RTAFabrication]

I always use ASA from FromFutura. Thanks for watching!

[@goober-ll1wx]

A car couldn't be a worse place to listen to high fidelity audio, not sure why people waste money on it 😂 Also wouldn't it have been way faster and cheaper to get ghe insert from a breakers, don't need to buy new from Mercedes 🙄

[@jayinmi3706]

200 pounds for an ashtray insert!? Who do they think they are? Lamborghini? lol

[@takeiteasy1237]

Don't you install anything except Audison equipment? You can make a joke once in awhile, too serious dude :)

[@RTAFabrication]

Typically I will only use Audison and Hertz (which are the same company anyways). I've always been drawn to them as a brand, I think the quality is great and I get very good results from the products. Haha I know, I'll loosen up on camera I'm sure, I'm an introvert so it's just nerves if I'm being honest! Very weird for me going from not talking all day because I work on my own, to explaining everything in full talking to camera.

[@svitroful]

@@RTAFabrication Your work was so impressive that my wife was watching the video too - and she never does that. Keep up the good work dude -- oh ya - don't smile!!!

[@KillAllWipers]

Epic as always man.

[@RTAFabrication]

Thanks mannn 🤘🏻