I just installed my new setup in my vehicle (09 Pontiac G8 GT) and it just doesn't sound like I would expect based on all the reviews I read...well let me caveat that, it sounds GREAT when I'm sitting in the car in the driveway. Hits hard, loud, good sound quality. Here's the setup:
Alpine SWR-1242D (TYPE R) wired at 2 Ohms
Alpine MRP-M500 - 500W RMS at 2 Ohms
Single 12" Sealed 3/4 MDF Enclosure
Internal Volume: 1.21 cubic feet
Dimensions: 14"W x 14"H x 14"D
Enclosure:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_951_Single+12-+Sealed+MDF+Enclosure+-12SQTC-.html
Problem is when I'm on the road with the windows down I have a very hard time getting it to sound anywhere near as good when stationary. The mirror still blurs a bit, but I seem to lose the loudness quite a bit. I know sound preference is highly subjective, but I'm wondering if anyone has a similar setup and can tell me what they have their settings at or perhaps can offer some advice on getting the best sound out of this setup. I have the gain set just shy of 3/4 with the frequency filter almost all the way to the left (I like the lower end bass) and the bass boost all the way to the left (0) as well. I listen to mostly Metal, like Metallica, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, etc. but also mix in some Beastie Boys, 2 Live Crew, etc. I'm used to a sealed enclosure, I've had a single 10" MTX sub/amp for 10+ years that I move from vehicle to vehicle normally, but it's staying in the other car this time.
The Blaupunkt factory HU has a DDL (dynamic distortion limiter) setting, speed volume setting and a loudness on/off setting. On all the G8 forums everyone says to turn off the first two, which I did...Loudness is still on. Also, I set it up Monday evening, so is it possible I just need to let it break in fully also? Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions.
Replies (8)
swez on 03/20/2009 03:37:52
Try setting the sub crossover between 80-100 Hz., and see if that gives more bump.
Yes, the Loudness Contour feature can be used at low volume. Try defeating it at higher listen levels to see if distortion issues improve.
When driving w/ windows open, we get a lot more road noise to contend with. Bass will often cut through that to a degree, but Mid/Highs tend to lack definition and good imaging as the acoutics in the cabin have changed dramatically with the windows down. The quieter the interior cabin, the better the audio quality will be.
If you car has flip down rear seat backs, try dropping one backrest and note the bass improvement within the cabin.
Swez
PS It takes about 8-12 hours of normal use before a new sub fully breaks in. The deep lows will get smoother and stronger after break in time.
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 08:42:17
Excellent, I will turn off the loudness feature and work on adjusting like you had mentioned. Thanks
newB on 03/20/2009 12:37:27
new box!!
2 cubic feet with 30square inches of port tuned at 40hz
sub back port back GRIN
-Drew
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 15:32:27
What about this particular box?
http://cgi.ebay.com/12%22-ALPINE-Type-R-SUB-ENCLOSURE-SWR-1222D-SWR-1242D-BOX_W0QQitemZ150289488259QQcmdZViewItem
Someone on another board mentioned they had just purchased that for the same subwoofer...might keep my eye on that in the future. I turned off the loudness and set the Hz at 80 and the bass is alot more consistent at the various volumes and it did sound better on a quick ride to grab some lunch. Will now just have to play with the bass/treble settings on the HU.
swez on 03/20/2009 17:21:03
Yes, this box will work with minimal internal modifications. The SWR 12 is optimal in a 1.7 cf ported box. The sub displacement is 0.15 cf.
2.0 - 0.15 = 1.85 cf. Adding a few short filler boards, (2" x 6" x L? of dimensional pine) to bring the internals down to 1.7 cf is all you would need to do to use this box. (0.15 cf filler boards will do the job)
If you have some spare stock or MDF, that would work too, but adds some extra weight to the box too. The formula used to calculate cf is:
H" x W" x L" = in^3/1728 = ft^3 target of 0.15.
MDF Dimensions: H = 1.5" x W = 6.0" x L =12" = 108 in^3/1728 = 0.0625 ft^3 x 3 = 0.15 ft^3
Got all that?
Swez
newB on 03/20/2009 22:12:33
Good Call swez- never enough bracing! although i have had best results with Type R 12s closer to 2cuft with good port. As much as i hate the sound of a Type R, in a big box with good power they do get loud.
-Drew
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 22:24:48
Yep, I got it, thanks!
swez on 03/21/2009 00:02:43
Well newB, not all of our readers have the skills, budget and ability to go for more exotic sub(s) designs that are now on the market. I try to look for easy to find products and priced in a range that most can afford.
You may cater to the "Neuvo" and that's great too. No problem there at all and keep doing so. But when a readers says... "I have this on hand now and wish to use it", we try to fill that void as best we can.
Swez
PS Are there better choices out there in sub technology for our readers? Sure are, but that process takes time to build a following. Promote what we know and see where it leads. You're comments are always welcome!
Alpine SWR-1242D (TYPE R) wired at 2 Ohms
Alpine MRP-M500 - 500W RMS at 2 Ohms
Single 12" Sealed 3/4 MDF Enclosure
Internal Volume: 1.21 cubic feet
Dimensions: 14"W x 14"H x 14"D
Enclosure:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_951_Single+12-+Sealed+MDF+Enclosure+-12SQTC-.html
Problem is when I'm on the road with the windows down I have a very hard time getting it to sound anywhere near as good when stationary. The mirror still blurs a bit, but I seem to lose the loudness quite a bit. I know sound preference is highly subjective, but I'm wondering if anyone has a similar setup and can tell me what they have their settings at or perhaps can offer some advice on getting the best sound out of this setup. I have the gain set just shy of 3/4 with the frequency filter almost all the way to the left (I like the lower end bass) and the bass boost all the way to the left (0) as well. I listen to mostly Metal, like Metallica, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, etc. but also mix in some Beastie Boys, 2 Live Crew, etc. I'm used to a sealed enclosure, I've had a single 10" MTX sub/amp for 10+ years that I move from vehicle to vehicle normally, but it's staying in the other car this time.
The Blaupunkt factory HU has a DDL (dynamic distortion limiter) setting, speed volume setting and a loudness on/off setting. On all the G8 forums everyone says to turn off the first two, which I did...Loudness is still on. Also, I set it up Monday evening, so is it possible I just need to let it break in fully also? Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions.
Replies (8)
swez on 03/20/2009 03:37:52
Try setting the sub crossover between 80-100 Hz., and see if that gives more bump.
Yes, the Loudness Contour feature can be used at low volume. Try defeating it at higher listen levels to see if distortion issues improve.
When driving w/ windows open, we get a lot more road noise to contend with. Bass will often cut through that to a degree, but Mid/Highs tend to lack definition and good imaging as the acoutics in the cabin have changed dramatically with the windows down. The quieter the interior cabin, the better the audio quality will be.
If you car has flip down rear seat backs, try dropping one backrest and note the bass improvement within the cabin.
Swez
PS It takes about 8-12 hours of normal use before a new sub fully breaks in. The deep lows will get smoother and stronger after break in time.
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 08:42:17
Excellent, I will turn off the loudness feature and work on adjusting like you had mentioned. Thanks
newB on 03/20/2009 12:37:27
new box!!
2 cubic feet with 30square inches of port tuned at 40hz
sub back port back GRIN
-Drew
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 15:32:27
What about this particular box?
http://cgi.ebay.com/12%22-ALPINE-Type-R-SUB-ENCLOSURE-SWR-1222D-SWR-1242D-BOX_W0QQitemZ150289488259QQcmdZViewItem
Someone on another board mentioned they had just purchased that for the same subwoofer...might keep my eye on that in the future. I turned off the loudness and set the Hz at 80 and the bass is alot more consistent at the various volumes and it did sound better on a quick ride to grab some lunch. Will now just have to play with the bass/treble settings on the HU.
swez on 03/20/2009 17:21:03
Yes, this box will work with minimal internal modifications. The SWR 12 is optimal in a 1.7 cf ported box. The sub displacement is 0.15 cf.
2.0 - 0.15 = 1.85 cf. Adding a few short filler boards, (2" x 6" x L? of dimensional pine) to bring the internals down to 1.7 cf is all you would need to do to use this box. (0.15 cf filler boards will do the job)
If you have some spare stock or MDF, that would work too, but adds some extra weight to the box too. The formula used to calculate cf is:
H" x W" x L" = in^3/1728 = ft^3 target of 0.15.
MDF Dimensions: H = 1.5" x W = 6.0" x L =12" = 108 in^3/1728 = 0.0625 ft^3 x 3 = 0.15 ft^3
Got all that?
Swez
newB on 03/20/2009 22:12:33
Good Call swez- never enough bracing! although i have had best results with Type R 12s closer to 2cuft with good port. As much as i hate the sound of a Type R, in a big box with good power they do get loud.
-Drew
dudeman135 on 03/20/2009 22:24:48
Yep, I got it, thanks!
swez on 03/21/2009 00:02:43
Well newB, not all of our readers have the skills, budget and ability to go for more exotic sub(s) designs that are now on the market. I try to look for easy to find products and priced in a range that most can afford.
You may cater to the "Neuvo" and that's great too. No problem there at all and keep doing so. But when a readers says... "I have this on hand now and wish to use it", we try to fill that void as best we can.
Swez
PS Are there better choices out there in sub technology for our readers? Sure are, but that process takes time to build a following. Promote what we know and see where it leads. You're comments are always welcome!
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