I understand that BBE enhances the listening experience by making the music sound live and richer with more bass etc...
Originally the BBE is set to off in default when i first turned on the HU.
Should i have set the gain with the BBE off or on ?
The BBE really makes a huge differance because when i turn it on the music really does come to life.
When its off it sounds really dull and lacks bass when setting the gain to 31.6 to my 12w6v2 subwoofer.
It sounds much better with it on at the 0 setting. You get a option from -4 to +4 and its at 0 now and ON and it sounds better this way.
Any thoughts on this ?
Replies (13)
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/3/2007 17:41:57
I had BBE functions in a JVC Kameleon H/U I had, and you are right on the huge diffwerence it makes. Personally, I always dail in gain with the BBE and other signal processing features on, because I always use them. I lost my BBE functions when I changed out H/U's though, the Alpine I replaced it with does have a nice selection of signal processing features, the MX media expander does about the same thing, My music is completely lifeless without it.
As for whether this will send your amp into clipping or how this would effect the output voltage of your H/U isn't quite my field of knowledge, but in my opinion, you should set your amp with all the signal processing that you ALWAYS use on. If you turn it off frequently, dail in with it off.
Anybody else want to chime in here? I'm Kinda curious as to what other people have to say.
cplkittle on 01/3/2007 18:07:49
With the BBE, MX, or LOUD features it is easy to distort the music if the other features are not adjusted to suit it. Amp gain, eq settings, or other settings that enhance the sound can all add up to dostortion if not set properly.
It does enhance the spectrum of sound, and is very commonly used. As far as adjusting the gain, Set up the radio how you like to listen to it, then set the gain on the sub to match. It will make a difference in the input voltage of the RCS.
swez on 01/3/2007 21:48:05
Agreed!
When using Compression/Expander circuits like BBE or MX, the original audio is fed to a compression circuit. (These take out dynamic peaks when used) The Expander circuit restores original dynamic range or can even extend it.
When using these features and perhaps the loudness contour features along with any major EQ boost, the amp gains should be set with them enabled. That allows the amp to see the extra gain and we can adjust for it too. This prevents excessive clipping at the amplifier outputs and keeps your amped signal clean and distortion free.
Swez
MO on 01/3/2007 22:33:58
Thanks guys. It definetly sounds like a night and day differance when the BBE is enabled. Just sounds so much liver like a life performance.
Have any of you guys used this feature and whould you use this if you were to have it available or just turn it off ?
I have my EQ set very flat and close to a natural curve so everything is balanced nicely.
Without the BBE it just doesnt do the music justice or is it because i have my gains all the way down on my ppi a600.2 amp ?
cplkittle on 01/3/2007 22:53:45
I have an alpine HU, The MX stays on.
I have 6 presets for the built in EQ, and all are adjusted to different types of music, but all are adjusted with the MX. I don't think there is a difference between MX and BBE. I have had or setup HUs with both. LOUD is a little more basic.
The music will sound dull in comparison with it off, but the important thing is how it sounds to you.
I have set my system up with a spectrum analyzer twice. I can fine tune it to almost perfect, but I don't like the way it sounds. I am losing hearing in my right ear, and I can't hear the highs as well anymore, so I have to compensate for that.
It's all about what you like.
MO on 01/4/2007 01:05:56
I usually am not a fan of Bass Boosts etc.... and i may go out tommmorow and play with it a bit more and see if i like it off or on.
Anyone else have suggestions ?
swez on 01/4/2007 10:33:00
Bass Boost is often used to excess by those who don't understand how LPF's woofers and enclosures are designed to work in a given vehicle. A +3dB boost is akin to doubling the frequency output at wherever the bass boost is centered. (Typ 45 Hz.)
Depending on the "Q" factor, (Slope shape) of the filtered boost, it will boost adjacent frequencies a few db as well. This is where some guys get into big trouble, clip thier amps badly and this often leads to damaged or blown woofers.
In short, Bass boost is best used sparingly if at all. Small vehicles cabins, (Single cab trucks and Compacts) may need some help, but a solid sub and a well matched enclosure, are often enough to compensate.
Swez
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/4/2007 23:17:32
I hate bass boost. In the past I used it religiously, but that has a lot to do with getting older and more mature, and knowledge these CK super-pimps aptly provide me with.
Mx is like Alpines gift to music played on their gear. Without it, my music is so lifeless I can barely stand it. Like riding around with the defeat feature on.
Kit, If you dont mind, could you give me some details of your H/U, (age, model #, some more features.) I want to get a new head unit when I get a new car, which may be happening soon. I'm in love with Alpine H/u's but I will have to find a good quality used unit because I don't like some of the specs of the new lineups.
cplkittle on 01/4/2007 23:41:35
I don't know if mine is still available, you might find it on ebay though. It is a CDA-9835
Here are the specs from crutchfield:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bvyA6b4Z9xX/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&tab=features_and_specs&i=500cda9835#Tab
Not listed features:
5 band EQ (6 custom presets just like setting radio station)
6 speaker time correction fr, fl, rr, rl, left sub, right sub (6 presets as well) 0.00-4.00ms delay.
front, rear and sub variable crossover and gain 6, 12, 18, 24 db selectable slope (6 presets also)
Sub output level 0-15; 0, 180 degree phase adjustment
MX on/off, 3 level adjustment
3 display layout options
3 display title options
That's all I can think of right off the bat.
Took me 3 hours to read the manual while going through all the features.
Oh, it says happy new year, merry Christmas, happy 4th of july, happy haloween, happy thanksgiving etc..
You can also go online and set your EQ, Time correction, and Crossover... download it onto a disc, and load it into the radio that way.
MO on 01/5/2007 00:16:30
Ok after playing with my HU today i decided to keep the BBE on.
It is absolutly a night and day differance with it ON and OFF. It just really puts the music alive in front of your dash as if musicion is in the car. I went ahead and set the gain with the BBE on as this does make a differance in voltage from the HU to the amp. I used my DMM and set the gain to 31.6 for my 12w6v2 and it sounds great and my amps gain is really kept low thus keeping it more efficiant.
I kept the gain on my 2 channel very low aswell as it def does boost the higher freq aswell.
Highely recommended and a very happy camper here.
CHeck it out some time guys.
p.s. Just a note that Pioneer should def keep the BBE enabled when you first power the unit as default. Without it, it just does'nt sound the same and lacks that full rich sound.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/5/2007 04:57:33
That sounds like some killer features. I am finally re-employed, so new gear is now considerable again. Never have owned a better H/U than my Alpine, so I definetily want to stick with Alpine. Is this one before Alpine started making everything with amp outputs rated at less than 4 volts? I need to find one made before that, I know used is my only option, but I am a patient person.
cplkittle on 01/5/2007 05:09:01
It has 4v preouts.
MO on 01/13/2007 00:02:57
BBE is a sound processing technology developed for recording studios that aligns phase relationships so the music has greater presence. This means, in your car, BBE adjusts low, mid, and high frequencies so the sounds arrive at your ears at the same time. This ensures that the lows are tight and well defined and the highs are clear and finely detailed. Listen to your favorite band and hear the true difference between guitar and bass.
Originally the BBE is set to off in default when i first turned on the HU.
Should i have set the gain with the BBE off or on ?
The BBE really makes a huge differance because when i turn it on the music really does come to life.
When its off it sounds really dull and lacks bass when setting the gain to 31.6 to my 12w6v2 subwoofer.
It sounds much better with it on at the 0 setting. You get a option from -4 to +4 and its at 0 now and ON and it sounds better this way.
Any thoughts on this ?
Replies (13)
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/3/2007 17:41:57
I had BBE functions in a JVC Kameleon H/U I had, and you are right on the huge diffwerence it makes. Personally, I always dail in gain with the BBE and other signal processing features on, because I always use them. I lost my BBE functions when I changed out H/U's though, the Alpine I replaced it with does have a nice selection of signal processing features, the MX media expander does about the same thing, My music is completely lifeless without it.
As for whether this will send your amp into clipping or how this would effect the output voltage of your H/U isn't quite my field of knowledge, but in my opinion, you should set your amp with all the signal processing that you ALWAYS use on. If you turn it off frequently, dail in with it off.
Anybody else want to chime in here? I'm Kinda curious as to what other people have to say.
cplkittle on 01/3/2007 18:07:49
With the BBE, MX, or LOUD features it is easy to distort the music if the other features are not adjusted to suit it. Amp gain, eq settings, or other settings that enhance the sound can all add up to dostortion if not set properly.
It does enhance the spectrum of sound, and is very commonly used. As far as adjusting the gain, Set up the radio how you like to listen to it, then set the gain on the sub to match. It will make a difference in the input voltage of the RCS.
swez on 01/3/2007 21:48:05
Agreed!
When using Compression/Expander circuits like BBE or MX, the original audio is fed to a compression circuit. (These take out dynamic peaks when used) The Expander circuit restores original dynamic range or can even extend it.
When using these features and perhaps the loudness contour features along with any major EQ boost, the amp gains should be set with them enabled. That allows the amp to see the extra gain and we can adjust for it too. This prevents excessive clipping at the amplifier outputs and keeps your amped signal clean and distortion free.
Swez
MO on 01/3/2007 22:33:58
Thanks guys. It definetly sounds like a night and day differance when the BBE is enabled. Just sounds so much liver like a life performance.
Have any of you guys used this feature and whould you use this if you were to have it available or just turn it off ?
I have my EQ set very flat and close to a natural curve so everything is balanced nicely.
Without the BBE it just doesnt do the music justice or is it because i have my gains all the way down on my ppi a600.2 amp ?
cplkittle on 01/3/2007 22:53:45
I have an alpine HU, The MX stays on.
I have 6 presets for the built in EQ, and all are adjusted to different types of music, but all are adjusted with the MX. I don't think there is a difference between MX and BBE. I have had or setup HUs with both. LOUD is a little more basic.
The music will sound dull in comparison with it off, but the important thing is how it sounds to you.
I have set my system up with a spectrum analyzer twice. I can fine tune it to almost perfect, but I don't like the way it sounds. I am losing hearing in my right ear, and I can't hear the highs as well anymore, so I have to compensate for that.
It's all about what you like.
MO on 01/4/2007 01:05:56
I usually am not a fan of Bass Boosts etc.... and i may go out tommmorow and play with it a bit more and see if i like it off or on.
Anyone else have suggestions ?
swez on 01/4/2007 10:33:00
Bass Boost is often used to excess by those who don't understand how LPF's woofers and enclosures are designed to work in a given vehicle. A +3dB boost is akin to doubling the frequency output at wherever the bass boost is centered. (Typ 45 Hz.)
Depending on the "Q" factor, (Slope shape) of the filtered boost, it will boost adjacent frequencies a few db as well. This is where some guys get into big trouble, clip thier amps badly and this often leads to damaged or blown woofers.
In short, Bass boost is best used sparingly if at all. Small vehicles cabins, (Single cab trucks and Compacts) may need some help, but a solid sub and a well matched enclosure, are often enough to compensate.
Swez
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/4/2007 23:17:32
I hate bass boost. In the past I used it religiously, but that has a lot to do with getting older and more mature, and knowledge these CK super-pimps aptly provide me with.
Mx is like Alpines gift to music played on their gear. Without it, my music is so lifeless I can barely stand it. Like riding around with the defeat feature on.
Kit, If you dont mind, could you give me some details of your H/U, (age, model #, some more features.) I want to get a new head unit when I get a new car, which may be happening soon. I'm in love with Alpine H/u's but I will have to find a good quality used unit because I don't like some of the specs of the new lineups.
cplkittle on 01/4/2007 23:41:35
I don't know if mine is still available, you might find it on ebay though. It is a CDA-9835
Here are the specs from crutchfield:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bvyA6b4Z9xX/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&tab=features_and_specs&i=500cda9835#Tab
Not listed features:
5 band EQ (6 custom presets just like setting radio station)
6 speaker time correction fr, fl, rr, rl, left sub, right sub (6 presets as well) 0.00-4.00ms delay.
front, rear and sub variable crossover and gain 6, 12, 18, 24 db selectable slope (6 presets also)
Sub output level 0-15; 0, 180 degree phase adjustment
MX on/off, 3 level adjustment
3 display layout options
3 display title options
That's all I can think of right off the bat.
Took me 3 hours to read the manual while going through all the features.
Oh, it says happy new year, merry Christmas, happy 4th of july, happy haloween, happy thanksgiving etc..
You can also go online and set your EQ, Time correction, and Crossover... download it onto a disc, and load it into the radio that way.
MO on 01/5/2007 00:16:30
Ok after playing with my HU today i decided to keep the BBE on.
It is absolutly a night and day differance with it ON and OFF. It just really puts the music alive in front of your dash as if musicion is in the car. I went ahead and set the gain with the BBE on as this does make a differance in voltage from the HU to the amp. I used my DMM and set the gain to 31.6 for my 12w6v2 and it sounds great and my amps gain is really kept low thus keeping it more efficiant.
I kept the gain on my 2 channel very low aswell as it def does boost the higher freq aswell.
Highely recommended and a very happy camper here.
CHeck it out some time guys.
p.s. Just a note that Pioneer should def keep the BBE enabled when you first power the unit as default. Without it, it just does'nt sound the same and lacks that full rich sound.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 01/5/2007 04:57:33
That sounds like some killer features. I am finally re-employed, so new gear is now considerable again. Never have owned a better H/U than my Alpine, so I definetily want to stick with Alpine. Is this one before Alpine started making everything with amp outputs rated at less than 4 volts? I need to find one made before that, I know used is my only option, but I am a patient person.
cplkittle on 01/5/2007 05:09:01
It has 4v preouts.
MO on 01/13/2007 00:02:57
BBE is a sound processing technology developed for recording studios that aligns phase relationships so the music has greater presence. This means, in your car, BBE adjusts low, mid, and high frequencies so the sounds arrive at your ears at the same time. This ensures that the lows are tight and well defined and the highs are clear and finely detailed. Listen to your favorite band and hear the true difference between guitar and bass.
Copyright ClubKnowledge 2009 * All Rights Reserved
