Tuning your car stereo - Head Unit Equalizer - No DSP! PROCESS EXPLAINED

[@yamman93]

This is one channel that truly just keeps on giving and giving. You have earned every subscriber

[@NKPMPRODUCTIONS]

As someone working on my first car audio installation you have been amazing. Thank you for the videos!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to help! And thanks for taking time to comment.

[@gilloyola7271]

Definitely want to see some in depth dsp tuning

[@TimothyArmstrongamblixVR]

Would be so awesome if he does. For now, I'm just using this same process on each individual speaker. I'd imagine that's what it would be. However would love to see the process using a parametric eq instead of graphic eq. Also tuning a limiter attack and delay!

[@MrDopey32]

I've always wondered and wanted to get a DSP, but never knew enough about them. A good long in depth video would help out a lot Mark. Thank you for all the smaller details that are usually harder to figure out. My top 3 awesome people I follow for car audio are; car audio fab, SMD, and good ole EXO. YOU GUYS ROCK!!

[@rts100x5]

My MiniDSP is an amazing piece of gear ... just know that the learning curve is 2 steps up from your straight head unit EQing.

[@darrengalpin4562]

Yes me too

[@keystoneclassic]

Would love to see a run down on DSP's and how to tune with one of those.

[@thebkg]

I haven't looked at Audio Control but I'm sure they have some level of training, but JL Audio's KZbin channel has a collection of training videos. Their in depth videos on using their tuning software is amongst the best that I've seen. And I'm a professional audio visual systems designer and installation contractor for large systems such as 1,000 seat auditoriums (Houses of Worship, event venues, etc).

[@thebkg]

Whoops... I am in no way saying that Mark shouldn't do his own DSP video. When learning anything listening/watching/reading from multiple sources is always a good idea. And Mark is an excellent teacher!

[@denisbassom172]

+1

[@xxdemonshitxx]

I'm pretty sure Mark has already done a video on tuning dsp's, or at least the tuning of the D-6.1200 which uses the same software as the dsp's in AC 's line.

[@SamSung-mc1jg]

He said and linked that very video in this video that you watched...

[@tyronegeorge1527]

I wasn't trained to properly listen Was born with the gift

[@mildaudiophile3879]

I actually used this eq setting and it worked for my system now my system sound great at high volumes before I had lots distortion

[@keithstone818]

i was just messing with mine yesterday. i love this channel thank you for all that you do

[@jeffpickett4782]

Yes please do an in-depth video on the DM-810 (basically a setup and tuning video for dummies) I recently purchased one in preparation for my upcoming install, all of your videos are great keep it up, and thank you for all you do

[@jcodol3334]

Really appreciate these videos. I was never able to correctly tune my car stereo before watching your videos. Thank you.

[@kurttevan]

This has been helpful in adjusting my eq to improve and remove harshness from my car speakers and to make my system sound great. .

[@MegaSloth]

You know how long I’ve been waiting for this video from you Mark! Nice !!!!

[@psychobill4562]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen. Definitely coming back for more.

[@Jaden-up3bg]

I was literally attempting this 30 mins ago!! Yeeeeess

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to help.

[@markphilpot4981]

Audio Control. That’s the EQ back in the day. Still have the best offerings. You got issues and they have.solutions. It’s just not a problem is all! Great video, I needed to see that! We had Eclipse, Sony and Soundstream for heads, used Audio Control EQ and crossovers. And there were Soundstream Class A on the tweets, Soundstream Class ABs on mids and Soundstream running grunt. That is sweetness to your ears. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

[@jasendavis3274]

Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos. They are very helpful and I also enjoy Audiocontrol.

[@Duramaxjon]

I would love to see a dsp tuning tutorial

[@Mikes67Chevy]

Mark, your videos are the best!

[@budjiman1]

Can you do a video for those of us that don't have these resources? An example would be we have a new headuit (maybe not a 1200 dollar one but like 300 or 400) and we have our ears. Lol. A video like that would be cool for us "poors"😂

[@ClarkyXPH]

But you can’t do it with ears. It needs the mic. 🤔

[@user-rd5nc1nb9f]

you can google a brand called eonon they make good stuff for the price and it looks stock on some models

[@Petethebuilder]

$3-$400 head unit is expensive mine was $160

[@RandoManFPV]

@@ClarkyXPH that's nonsense. Are you not tuning for the best listening experience? Do you listen to music with your ears or a mic? Sure you can't get perfect equal output by ear but you can get it far far better than if you just do nothing cuz you can't afford fancy gadgets to be used 1 time.

[@RandoManFPV]

​​@@Petethebuilderyou don't have the timing adjustment settings do you? I had a 99$ android radio and a 199$ android radio. Both are great since it's basically an android tablet for your car but neither have a very detailed EQ and certainly no crazy timing adhustments of crossovers, heck i dont even have custom presets for my EQ if i change anything theres no going back to how i had it. Infact the 99$ radio seems to have the better EQ, I think the only thing they skipped out of was computing power/RAM, idk much about computers n such but this 99$ radio runs noticeably slower than the 199$ one lol 😅

[@Brandencarroll1]

Fantastic information well presented. This is what a good YT video looks like.

[@brettdyrland7624]

Just a heads up, the head unit is using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) internally to adjust the frequency gains for the eq. It is the same thing as the RTA, except one process is automatic and one is manual. If you wanted to adjust the eq without DSP you would see a bunch of analog dials or faders like we saw in the 90's. Your stand alone processor will give you more options of crossovers and eq's, but both are using DSP.

[@jonathanginofilippi]

No 6000 dollar RCA's? No mysteries? No way man..

[@nicro2318]

Can't wait to see how to ture and calibrate an audio system with a DSP

[@gplusgplus2286]

Yes, I have been waiting for that for so long.

[@96kylar]

Good shit Mark, as always. I don't want to come off as that guy, but seriously, investing into a dsp, really is the way to go. I know people work hard for their money, and I get it, but man, what it can help you unlock, is super super helpful/beneficial. Nice work mate.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Standalone (or built into amp) DSP is definitely the way to go. As much as I made this video to help explain how to adjust just your head units EQ, I also made it to show people that the features built into the head unit are often limited in comparison to independent DSP. Anytime I use independent DSP on a build someone tells me I'm "wrong" becuase I could have just used the "DSP in the Head Unit" but yeah, they're not the same.

[@eVolucioncaraudio]

Hi Mark Im using the DM810 Thanks to you and Please do the Video how take the best EQ manualy. Thanks a lot a big Mexican Fan living in Peru

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

It would be cool if you made an in depth tuning video going over stuff like tuning separate EQs for each channel and crossovers.

[@itsdoriean8893]

keep up the quality content! i’ve learned so much and you’ve inspired me to want to learn to build my own custom boxes!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to hear it! Glad to help! Maybe I can get you to rock some stickers? *Shameless plug* 😂 www.caraudiofabrication.com/merchandise

[@sanveersookdawe]

@@CarAudioFabrication probably a good way to show off where you were trained

[@lordsagat2503]

This came right on time! Been playing with mine again for the past week! Cant wait to watch😀

[@amgil475]

So if i cut to eleminate distortion , isnt i gonna increase the volume because of that and end up at the same level with the same distortion ? Like whats the point ? Or is it actually less fetieaging for speakers to cut rather than boost even if i increased the volume to compensate ?

[@ahche79]

Yes, I am looking forward on DSP DM-810 tuning ~ your video is always easy to understand !

[@tays8306]

I just installed a new head unit and 4 channel amp with four 6.5 jbl gto in the doors of my foxbody, your really making me want to dig out my old clarion PEQ460 out of my ole audio stash. Still have a planet audio neo8 in there too.

[@toddcasteel8446]

I love what you do I prefer doing things my self I have a 2011 Chevy Avalanche I have been trying to find a mid gate box for 2 round 12s since Covid stuff has been harder to find and I don’t know why the box can’t be made with a small slot to slide the back window like underneath some place I am trying to improve my skills with the router like you probably not going to get there in time but I appreciate everything I put out there it helps a lot

[@bobobibo2357]

Every ear is unique. What sounds good to YOUR EAR is what counts. Also every recording is unique. At its best, this is a good "base". Ps. Great videos.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Not meant to be anything super involved as a dedicated DSP is the only way to fully optimize. Target curve is how you adjust for what is preferred.

[@bobobibo2357]

@@CarAudioFabrication Thanks.

[@TheCompleteConfusion]

So I watched this video quite a while back just for the fun of it. But I just “finished” my cars audio set up. Quotations because I’m sure I’ll add to it in the future. But I digress.. I’ve been having a hard time setting my EQ recently. I have a Dayton audio RTA mic I’ve used for a LOOOONG time, so I’m able to set everything level, and I would adjust from there. But I just couldn’t find a target curve I was happy with. Everything just kept like it was missing something. Not enough bass, too ear piercing. I took a screenshot of YOUR target curve and decided just for a fart and a laugh I would copy it (as much as I could anyways. And man. That is a very crisp target curve. I had to make a pretty big drop around 8khz (which I think was my problem. I was just getting way too much high end. But I was nervous to drop it that much and loose that frequency. Not really realizing how much high end frequency it was producing. But I popped up 16khz for a little extra clarity.

[@marccoletta8193]

I would love to see an in-depth tuning video using the DSP. Topics: - What speakers to start with. - What frequency to cross over the speakers at - what volume level to play the pink noise at for tuning Thanks Marc Coletta from Canada

[@darrengalpin4562]

Me also

[@kawh8719]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing! This is exactly what I've been looking for!

[@waltkosch]

He hasn't even started his door pods!! 😂 What a casual. Gimme a noise fido!! 😁

[@TravisSavage]

Yes, in depth DSP tuning would be 😎!

[@tonsoguns420]

Yes, I would love to see you make a dsp tuning video. Specifically using the rockford DSR1

[@marshallgrenz9651]

Interested to see your process on DSP tuning. Maybe a general rule type video versus using only audio control dsp’s.

[@adibee88]

Excellent Tutorial. Thank you for the hard work and technical simplicity!

[@randygarcia8429]

Yes! Please do an in-depth DSP tuning video!

[@jasonsecret12]

YES been waiting for you to release this

[@fordsixhoe1184]

My head unit has the ability to tune each individual channel, not just as front and back in the EQ. It also has a rediculous 48band EQ with time adjustment and surround.

[@jayweb702]

You have a vast knowledge of audio in general and that is why I subscribed. So much more can be done though to achieve perfect sound quality. Hit me up if interested.

[@KrustyPickles]

call me weird but i love loud crisp ear splitting highs. so in my eyes the "smiley face" would be best

[@chrissewell1608]

What? Loud and clear music! .... How dare you?

[@benjischneider4617]

Your content is awesome and has helped me so much in my usually "quick n dirty" sound installs. Currently struggling to set up a little upgrade in my BMW E46 touring - JBL GTO component speakers, a Dynaudio spare wheel sub from a VW Golf and a bit of sound deadening. I can get it sounding good in my driveway, but as soon as I am driving, the deep exhaust note drowns out my admittedly small subwoofer and midbass. My aftermarket head unit has a similar built in DSP - I guess I should tune it while moving?

[@pressuregarage808]

Just recently Did my first tune with an RTA using a dm-810 I’d love to see how YOU would do it and how YOUR RTA curve looks

[@felikska59]

I love all the technical and practical advice you’re giving and it inspired me to upgrade my car audio system. One thing I’d love to see is wireless/ Bluetooth connections to amps or HU’s! Because to be honest... we install upgraded speakers, sound dampening and amplifiers but in the end we stream “low quality” mp3s via Spotify or Apple Music. How to upgrade the Bluetooth signal (muse02 op-amp) be one question or wiring the phone to an amp would be cool to get an insight on. Just to get an even balance between streaming quality and the build quality of the speakers and system amp’s~ (I’m not a audiophile but still wanna get out the best results 😜) For future awesomeness!

[@derekgardin1512]

Thats why in some cases I still prefer CDs and also I use my AUX in connection with a good quality cable mire than I stream via Bluetooth. I find the sound much better when A) the source is direct and B) the connection is direct and a physical connection. I do have alot of music in digital format, however I always convert them with top quality in mind and don't worry about how much space it takes up. I always convert from a direct source as well (CD usually) I'd rather have 350 *EXCELLENT* sounding tracks than 1000 mediocre sounding ones in the same amount of space. USB drives are cheap these days. I have a few kicking around in the car each with various types/genres of music on them and some mixes. I had gone the hard drive route in the past but found it too cumbersome and hard to find things when I wanted them especially when you're supposed to be, ya know paying attention so you don't hit anything while driving lol. Building a library of music without downloading them (used to do that, LimeWire/FrostWire anyone?!? ;) took years but was essentially free. I borrowed every single one of my friends CD collections, their brother/sister... friends parents etc. Basically anyone who had a decent collection I would ask to borrow for a weekend and just rip them all to my computer. I must have over a couple Tb by now. (2000 Gb)

[@thevirushaus9491]

Hi, try Using a USB with FLAC

[@TheGrayWolf81]

I use a 128GB USB flash drive loaded with more music than I can ever listen to. If your HU supports it, you could also use an SD card. I find 320 KBPS MP3s perfectly adequate in terms of audio quality. Playing lossless files like FLAC is "ideal", but I don't believe there is much if any benefit in a car since generally speaking it is not a perfect listening environment, and lossless codec is inefficient at storing audio and results in wasted storage.

[@raeldor]

Has nobody created 'auto-tuning' software, where you select your desired curve and it does it for you? Seems it should be possible.

[@tylerhaynie9142]

@@raeldor especially with AI, I use chat gpt for things like this, and following it gets it in the ball park, as long as you input as much detail about what your exactly putting in and what car, what speakers are you using, ect…, but the more information you give the AI the more it helps you. It’s just amazing what it can do. I bought the plus version to be able to send pictures to it of what I’m doing to it can analyze the photo and have a better understanding. Try it out is all I can say. Be specific and it’s amazing.

[@SaskiaMentor]

@@tylerhaynie9142 thanks for this tip! just asked chat gpt for settings after trying to fix them for the past 30 mins. within seconds i had the whole system set up. never getting those 30 mins back.

[@joseflores8711]

Do these adjustments affect the tuning for distortion? I’ve had my system tuned for distortion with a SMD for distortion and I’m always playing around with the frequencies for my EQ but I’ve always wondered if raising the base on my eq will change the distortion level to a different number that was set by the SMD

[@leonalli6129]

Ive been told yes and on my headunit (boss audio dont know about other brands) and when i turn the bass to the max or close to max it distorts and when i turn the bass around -2 out of +7 (which is max bass) it does not distort by ear i cant tell that it does by ear so im assuming YES!

[@MS07B3-G0UF]

Yes it does. Tune your system to your liking then tune for distortion

[@michaelwilson9277]

been wanting to purchase one of the mics for a while and finally did so through your link...hope it helps your channel out and i would definitely like to see some in depth dsp tuning with the device as well as im going to be running a dsr1

[@familyonly4087]

Looking forward to see the video of detailed DSP tuning tutorial

[@kevinc9416]

Your a awesome Instructor.

[@carlitot5388]

Do u recommend the clarion equalizer? Or just get a DSP! What about the audiocontrol dqdx?

[@raymondrespress50]

Tuning is everything!!!👌❤️

[@KJ-nw8ge]

This is great if I ever upgrade my stereo. Until then, No Head?

[@Gravytrain815]

Great video, thanks for all the hard work

[@WrAith64]

Love all your installations. Thank you 👍

[@nevillehjnr360]

Would like to hear your views on an active underseat subwoofer.

[@flaviosimali9082]

Could you please do a video where you give your opinion on using "Bass boost" sound effect, "Loudness" sound effect and/or Sony's Xplode sound effect, aside from the equalizer

[@viniciusteixeira9733]

Hi Mark! How accurate is this process when using the Phone' Microphone and a RTA app? And what about speaker level setting?

[@voidjuice]

I was wondering about this w/ using a Blue Yeti, as it's a mic I have lying around.

[@seanjbrogan]

I would REALLY like a dedicated DSP tuning video. I have a D5.1300 and have been having a hell of a time.

[@familyonly4087]

there are 2 kinds of Pink Noise files on the internet, i.e. MONO (correlated) and STEREO (uncorellated), which one is better for tuning the EQ? I notice that you use the "mono pink noise". Thanks!

[@guahanbassoutlaw5081]

@2:52 glad you pointed this out for us...almost forgot where the left is😅

[@scottbaker3079]

When setting the gain on my amplifier for my sub, should I be leaving my Eq flat or adjusting the Eq before setting my gain?

[@doncline-k2t]

if you have a DSP what do you set the head unit's eq levels?

[@jerelgriffin4218]

Thanks, I had a RTA in the 90’s. Lol will look into ordering the Audio Control Mic

[@BS-Reviewz]

Absolutely want an in depth DSP tutorial. I have a DM-810 waiting for me to build a box and put all the other goodies in my truck.

[@gregmosk]

Please show a DSP instructional. 👍👍👍

[@jeffpessemier9802]

Which graph plot are you using?

[@gplusgplus2286]

I have an old Marantz calibration mic somewhere from an old Marantz hifi separate equalizer. Time to dig that up as I have tried to calibrate with ipad's mic

[@chetboy]

Mark, You add great value to your industry. I think the Stinger Heigh10 and DM-810 would make a helluva system in my 2021 JL. Any chance you could do a video on total install with 2 AMPS, the Heigh10 and DM-810? Tuning included. I am really wondering about the toss link or optic from the head unit to the DSP.

[@steve_shec]

Id love a dsp tuning tutorial

[@erikmacias8893]

Can I hook up a kicker 4 channel amplifier to my Sony 9500 es headunit without taking away the hi res audio from the head unit?

[@samrobinson9953]

How do you manage the cars battery while tuning? Can you connect it to a battery charger while you do it

[@Mr2SMOOTH24]

Gr8 tutorial Mark

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you! Good to see you, thanks for dropping a line!

[@Mr2SMOOTH24]

@@CarAudioFabrication i always enjoy watching your content... It's been a gr8 help to me

[@christianland76]

Yes please to DSP! Please and thank you

[@frank4ter183]

Well adjusting these settings affect me gaining any distortion at the amp if i only decrease the frequency s an keep some flat .because i set my gain haveing them all set to flat

[@dsingh11]

How do you tune the sub from the headunit instead of at the amp

[@TheVanderfulLife]

I recently upgraded the headunit and finding it lacking in comparison to the stock stereo, it sounds technically clearer but the bass isnt punchy like it was and highs are tinny.....I wonder if because I have stock tweeters the stock unit accounted for this but aftermarket hasnt

[@Inneedofhelp001]

I would also like to see and understand the difference a sap can make and learn how to tune my system it if I get one. Thanks in advance. Your channel rocks 👍 Thank you

[@Inneedofhelp001]

Dam autocorrect “DSP” not sap!

[@Speed43417]

Any videos of carplay multimedia headunit?

[@drummonkeystuffuk1875]

wait, are these calibration mics only compaitble with apple devices?

[@ryanmalinovsky6504]

In depth process on DSP would be awesome!

[@ColbyNye]

This was fantastic info! Thanks!

[@jesuszuniga1257]

Hi where in the Amp can I adjust my gain for my midrange speaker the Amp is a sfb 500.4

[@MrSearles21]

Were you able to keep your climate control and steering wheel controls with the stinger head unit? I just installed a alpine head unit and sound system and lost my climate control and steering wheel audio controls…in my JL

[@tnbspotter5360]

Are there any head units that can control EQ for left and right channels independently?

[@sjgoff]

Still using the Stinger head unit? Looking to upgrade my Tundra.

[@kevinc9416]

Is there a sound app to help?

[@roofermarc1]

Can't we use a microphone at each seating position and it adjust a proper frequency curve? I'd hate to have to learn to tune each frequency myself! I'd need a degree

[@daltontrainer333]

Great job mark !

[@throwinsomeds]

Ive been having trouble with this exact situation thank you so much!

[@chriscuthbertson]

I've ran mid speakers and tweeters from the front and rear channels before so I could time align them separately on a head unit.

[@honahwikeepa2115]

I want to add a DSP unit in my shit box Kia Rio. I had DSP built into my last car and the sound was amazing with a 10 speaker Bose system.

[@jesuszuniga1257]

Hi is there a way to hear my midrange speaker more than my tweeters using the eq. What setting would you recommend i put the Tweeters so they not are overpowering my midrange. Tweeters are connected to speakers. Going to get a separate Amp for tweeters

[@mrworldwide6770]

Whats the difference between a built in equalizer and the old school seprate ones

[@gerrrooy]

could you use built in mic in the phone?

[@jprock73]

Please do an in-depth video of you tuning an AudioControl DSP. Preferably the D-5.1300 when you get one! 😎

[@JC-th9gd]

Yes on the DSP tuning.