When it comes to achieving truly impressive performance from a car stereo, Audio Garage in Fargo typically integrates a DSP into the system. A digital signal processor (DSP) is a computer-based audio adjustment tool that combines functions that would require many separate modules into a single, easy-to-implement package. While the term DSP may be confusing, they are truly simple devices and their benefit in an audio system is incomparable. Let’s take a look at what they do and why you need one in your car for better sound.
What Is a DSP?
Many will tell you that a DSP is a magical black box that makes good car stereos sound great. That description, while not very technical, is in fact quite accurate. Whether designed as a stand-alone solution that we install between your radio and your amplifiers or integrated into an amplifier, a DSP is a computer that is designed specifically to make adjustments to audio signals. These adjustments are used to compensate for speaker placement and the acoustics of the vehicle, and they let us configure your speakers to operate in the frequency ranges for which they are designed.
Digital Signal Processor Crossovers
The crossover adjustments built into a DSP like the AudioControl DM-810 let us keep midrange and high-frequency information from going to your subwoofer and block bass and midrange information to your tweeters. This lets each speaker do what it does best and handle lots of power without issue.
Multi-Channel System Equalizer
Even the best speaker in the world will sound mediocre when used in a mediocre environment. The glass, leather, carpet and fabrics in your vehicle’s interior all reflect sounds in different ways to change what you hear from your speakers. A processor like the Rockford Fosgate DSR1 includes equalizers on each output channel that we can use in conjunction with our audio analyzer to compensate for peaks and dips in the frequency response of your system. The result is voices and instruments that sound more lifelike and believable.
Signal Delay Adjustments
Often called time-alignment, we use the signal delay features in a DSP to delay the signal going to the speakers closest to your seating position. The amount of delay depends on the distance between you and the speaker. Why do we do this? We want the sound from all speakers to arrive at your ears at the same time, as though you were sitting perfectly in the middle of the vehicle. When executed properly and combined with accurate level adjustment, your music will seem to come from a virtual soundstage that spans the width of your windshield. It’s like sitting in the front row at an amazing concert!
Upgrade Your Audio System Today with a DSP
Before you upgrade the speakers or change the amplifiers in your car, truck or motorcycle, drop by Audio Garage in Fargo and talk with our team about optimizing your existing sound system with a DSP. We will examine your vehicle and audio equipment, then suggest a solution that will make your music sound more lifelike and detailed. We’ll apologize in advance if you find yourself taking the long way home after work just so you can listen to music. If you can’t visit the store, give us a call or send our team an e-mail using our online contact form.
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