RTA screenshot using JL Audio Tools for EQ tuning Here is a screen shot of a real time analyzation of pink noise played through my iPhone. The more bands, the finer the division of frequency groups, meaning the greater control you have over correcting and tweaking imperfections. Bass may represent frequencies of 60 – 200 hertz, Mid may represent 400-2,500 hertz and treble may represent 8,000 – 15,000 hertz. For example, a 3 band EQ may be referred to as representing Bass, Mid and Treble. The equalizer on a car stereo represents a division of bands of these frequencies. Pink noise is equal output of a large range of frequencies, typically from around 20 hertz (slightly below human hearing) to 20,000 hertz (slightly above human hearing) and everything in between.

I find the Audio Tools app to be more convenient because it comes with a built in pink noise generator. Besides the app, you will need some pink noise. Either app can be downloaded from iTunes. The more advanced Audio Tools app provides additional features such as signal generators, audio scope, delay finder and many more acoustical analysis tools. JL Audio Tools is a free app which includes an RTA (Real Time Analyzer), SPL meter and speaker polarity testing (phase). JL Audio Tools is a free app which includes an RTA

I like to use one of two apps on my iPhone. These days we can accomplish the same thing using an app on our iPhone. Thanks to awesome technology, these tools are now easily accessible to anyone. Years ago, an RTA was this big, bulky analyzer that we had to set up in a car with a mic stand positioned in the drivers seat. One of which is a real time analyzer, also known as an RTA. And to measure and analyze sound, we use a few different tools. How can you correct or improve the sound it if you don’t know where the imperfections lie? Although my husband John and I both have an excellent ear for music and can generally tune by ear much of the time (interestingly, we’re also both able to pick up and play instruments by ear as well), for perfection, you really have to measure what you’re attempting to correct. Before you can begin tuning the audio system in your car, you will need a tool to measure the sound in your vehicle. Now that I got that out of the way, let’s talk about how you can properly use an EQ to improve and correct the sound in your car audio system. So make sure you start with a head unit that sounds pretty darn good without tweaking anything. Basically the closer you can start to perfection, the easier it will be to get there. When properly adjusted, it can appear to sound as though it added more life and vibrancy, but in reality, you’ve simply corrected and accounted for imperfections created by the overall acoustic environment. An equalizer is not able to improve or enhance a receiver’s ability to reproduce audio in a more detailed or lively manner. I’ll say that again because I’m sure I may have surprised or confused many readers out there. An equalizer is not there to improve the inherent sound quality, detail or ability of a stereo’s DAC to reproduce lively, natural sound (For those that don’t know, DAC stands for digital to analog convertor or what I like to refer to as “what takes the data on your CD or iPod and converts it to the audio that you hear”). I got a lot of flack from readers for comparing the Pioneer DEH-80PRS to Kenwood’s KDC-X996 while listening at flat. If it sounds unpleasant without any EQ adjustments, consider checking things like phase on your speakers, crossover adjustments on any aftermarket components speakers (tweeter level), crossover settings on any aftermarket amplifiers or maybe even just the quality of the audio components you’re using. If you can start out with a good quality head unit that sounds good while listening with the EQ flat, then it can only sound better after correcting for imperfections in your listening environment. High quality sound reproduction still requires a high quality digital to analog convertor. I want to equalize the misbehaving sine (wave).Ī lot of people assume if a stereo has an EQ than it must sound really good. The 13 bands of equalization in the Kenwood DNX9990HD can turn your listening experience into a dream if you know how to use it or a nightmare if you haven’t a clue about what it can do. Plastered in bold lettering on the outside of the box you will see phrases like, “3 band parametric EQ” or “7 band pro audio equalizer” “advanced 13 band EQ”.Īre you wondering what difference an EQ can make? Want to read later?Ĭar stereo manufacturers often brag about their equalizer.

Car audio equalizers are great, if you know what they’re for and how to use them to your advantage.Įstimated read time: 7 minutes 39 seconds.

Eq for car audio