As vehicle manufacturers work to reduce the number of wires that need to be run in a vehicle, more and more have switched to using the vehicle data bus to control amplifiers. Using data commands in concert with digital or fixed-level audio signals also helps to ensure that these audio systems deliver noise-free performance. Finally, […]
Car Audio
OEM Audio 101: Does It Matter if My Factory Radio Has All-Pass Filters?
If you’re planning on having someone upgrade the stereo system in a late-model car or truck, you need to know about all-pass filters. Sometimes called phase EQ or phase rotator filters, this type of signal processing is used in multichannel audio systems to help deliver improved frequency response at the listening position. The concept can […]
DSP 101: Input Connections and Signal Mixing
When it comes to feeding a signal into a digital signal processor, most high-quality units provide your installer with a few options. While even the most basic include RCA inputs, some add the ability to accept speaker-level signals or digital signals in a variety of formats. Once an audio signal is inside the processor, the […]
Not All Car Audio Sound Deadening Is the Same
When it comes to choosing sound deadening, not every option on the market is the same quality. Different materials, varying thicknesses of butyl and aluminum, and options for foam or lead mean that some research is required before you settle on a solution. In this article, we’ll explain what to look for and what to […]
DSP 101: Part 1 — What Is a Digital Signal Processor?
Having a digital signal processor in your car audio system is a necessity if you expect your music to sound accurate. We’ve told you many times that speakers are essential to getting great sound. While 100% true, so is the need to calibrate the output of those speakers to work with the acoustics of the […]
Does It Matter if My Factory Stereo Has Crossovers?
As we’ve mentioned before, upgrading the audio systems in new cars and trucks is becoming more and more complicated. Features like crossovers, all-pass filters, volume-dependent loudness control and equalization can make the stock system sound respectable with stock speakers, but they present a significant challenge to drivers when it’s time to upgrade. Let’s look at […]
Car Audio Installation is a Combination of Science and Art
Over the years, we’ve highlighted car audio installations that look amazing and we’ve explained some of the science that goes into making those systems sound great. A professional car audio installation technician needs to possess a unique set of skills that includes a certain amount of creativity, as well as a detailed understanding of how […]
Speaker Q and How it Affects Sound Quality
When it comes to correlating how the parameters of a speaker translate into music reproduction, well, the details are often somewhat sparse. One speaker characteristic that’s often overlooked when searching for new subwoofers or woofers is Q. This unitless number is a key component in describing how the suspension and motor work to control and […]
Sound Deadening Adds Luxury to Your Car, Truck or SUV
One trait that has come to be universally expected among luxury vehicles is the quietness of their interior. Once exclusive to such premium vehicles as Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Rolls-Royce, companies like Hyundai and Kia are delivering startlingly quiet interiors. In addition to minimizing road and wind noise, the drone of an exhaust system and […]
Will New Speakers Make My Car Stereo Louder?
Over the years, many car audio enthusiasts have complained that while new speakers made their car stereo systems sound better, the new speakers didn’t make the systems any louder. In fact, the more you work to upgrade your speakers, the more you often find that you have traded efficiency for smooth frequency, accuracy and clarity. […]