Here we come to the end. The cable must be insulated using corrugation. In general, advertising and nothing more. We put a microphone and measure this same SPL level on a signal that is up to 80 hertz. I managed to buy a car after half a year, but as for me, this is a good result, and it’s not about the car, my life has changed, I naturally quit my job, and I have more free time for myself and my family. Installing Acoustics in a Car with Your Own Hands from Sergei Zaitsev In this case, you can come to the salon and ask for a Dynaudio circuit, for example. The reproduced frequency range is the frequency band in which the acoustics reproduce sound.
The advantage of such a system is ease of installation, the disadvantage is the lack of a “stereo image”, the inability to determine the location of the performer, etc.
The procedure for selecting speaker cable differs from the selection rules for electrical wiring. I started looking for different ways to make money on the Internet. This is how our senses - vision and hearing - are structured and interconnected.
Having dismantled the casing, you can start pulling the wires. Front connection, part 1
Three-way front and subwoofer
The three-band front is designed to improve the impression of the audio system and increase the intensity of the sound, and the subwoofer is to correct the error in the lower register for fuller sound. Speakers in a three-way front reproduce sound louder and more accurately, since the emitters of the corresponding sound band have a narrow directivity. Each of them reproduces a narrower range, so the system's speakers are less loaded than with a "two-way front and subwoofer" design.
In practice, there are 2 popular implementations of this system: 1. Three-band front on passive crossovers. In it, special attention must be paid to the location of the speakers. The system setup is based on connecting the top of the subwoofer and the bottom of the midbass and setting the sensitivity of the amplifier input signal. 2. Channel amplification from the radio. The equipment has three pairs of preamplifiers, while four pairs are required to set up the system. It is necessary to resort to certain tricks: you should split the RCA midbass using 2 Y-splitters. Important! It is necessary to choose the right midbass RCA, since it is located approximately at the same distance from the driver with the subwoofer. Channel system setup is much more complicated than the 1st scheme discussed. When setting cutoffs for each type of speaker, it is necessary to take into account individual audio delays, tonal balance and crossover slopes. Without the appropriate knowledge and skills, it is impossible to achieve impeccable sound. Inexperienced car enthusiasts should use a microphone or seek professional help.
Car Audio Basics
If you have already decided what you want from the sound, then setting up the audio system in your car has already begun. You, as a customizer, are required to achieve the highest possible quality combination of all system elements.
Advice to all beginners - if you are starting to set up for the first time, you should not buy expensive speakers in large quantities.
For good sound, it is better to have up to three good speakers than 5-6 - the sound “at odds” will not please anyone.
Two-way front and subwoofer
This is the most common audio system for cars, as it consists of a small number of components and is easy to install. The composition of the system can be arbitrary (subwoofer, tweeters, etc.) or strictly regulated (two-component speaker system). Ease of installation does not mean that the sound will be of poor quality. The sound depends on the correct settings of the car audio circuit in the vehicle.
The system can be configured according to 2 standard schemes: The first option involves setting up crossover filtering mechanisms and adjusting the sensitivity level of input signals on the Gain amplifier. To further adjust the system, you must: 1. turn on the HPF low-pass filter on the car radio (as well as on the amplifier) for the 1st and 2nd signals; 2. adjust the cutoff for the 3rd and 4th channels (in the 80 Hz area); 3. enable LPF; 4. set the cutoff equal to the cutoff of the 1st or 2nd channel (can be a little higher). On the amplifier, you first need to adjust the sensitivity of the input signals for the 1st and 2nd channels, and then “adjust” the sensitivity of the 3rd and 4th channels to these criteria. The second option involves channel configuration of the system. This method is used for a processor radio. All its parameters are adjusted on the GU (with the exception of signal sensitivity). Getting the ideal sound depends on the standard acoustics, or more precisely, the upper mid-bass and low-end tweeters. Their cutoff is adjusted around 80 Hz. Important! 1. The size of the midbass can be cut in the region of 67-70 Hz, provided that they accurately reproduce the sound below 80 Hz. 2. In the non-processor “Two-way front and subwoofer” system, the bass may fail in the cutoff area. This drawback can be corrected by changing the poles of the subwoofer speaker wire (or switching the phase of the device on the radio if such a function is available).
Preface
For some car enthusiasts, having a car radio in the car is just a pleasant addition to the options. Such car owners are not particularly happy about the presence of audio preparation from the factory or a good radio. They pay more attention to the presence of heated seats and steering wheel, climate control operation, seat upholstery and the presence of floor mats.
Yes, you can drive without a car radio, but not all car enthusiasts think so.
Another, larger group of car owners love to listen to music in their car. And they are not at all indifferent to high-quality reproduction.
They read a lot about car acoustics, about amplifiers, crossovers and the car radio itself (in the world it is called a “head unit”). They strive to recreate a more pleasant sound in their car, since they can spend more time in the car than at home.
For such connoisseurs of high-quality music reproduction, the problem often arises is how to make the sound more acceptable and enjoyable.
A simple car audio system is affordable for most, since solving such a problem will require the smallest budget.
A car music system can be very expensive. Often, car owners and music lovers strive to get high-quality sound at minimal cost, and this already borders on fantasy. But let's try to figure it out - is it possible to get acceptable sound for minimal investment?
We will not consider the system - what it should look like ideally, what should be included and how much it might cost. Let’s just try to understand whether it is possible to obtain acceptable sound characteristics in the factory (simple) car audio configuration and what needs to be done.
Subtleties of connecting car subwoofers
Connecting a single-coil subwoofer to a monoblock is not at all difficult. It is much more difficult if there are two voice coils or you need to connect several subwoofers.
There are 4 options for connecting a two-coil subwoofer (or several subwoofers): • serial connection; • parallel connection; • combined connection; • connecting each element separately. Each coil switching option is universal. Parallel and series connections achieve opposite effects. In the first case, the total resistance of the coils is reduced by 2 times. For example: when connecting coils with a resistance of 8 ohms each, the total resistance will be 4 ohms. With a series connection type, the resistances of the coils are summed up (increases 2 times). For example: with a series resistance of coils of 3 ohms, each total resistance will be 6 ohms. To obtain more visual information, let’s consider each coil switching option in more detail. 1. Connecting each element separately This connection method is used in cases where there is no monoblock. Using it, you can connect a two-coil subwoofer to a less powerful amplifier. The only correction: the Gain controls should be approximately at the same level, and the resistance of the coils should correspond to the real (operating) power. 2. Parallel connection Due to the reduction in resistance by 2 times, the amplifier can increase the operating load. However, in this case there can be no talk of impeccable sound - as the power increases, the amplifier's control over the subwoofer decreases, which leads to “smeared bass”. 3. Serial connection With it you can achieve more accurate sound. This subwoofer connection scheme is only possible with a powerful amplifier. 4. Combined connection This option involves the simultaneous use of serial and parallel connections. It is used to achieve better sound. The choice of connecting two-coil subwoofers depends on the power of the amplifier and the resistance of the voice coils.
Features of connecting a capacitor
Connecting a capacitor is not difficult, it is only important to remember some features of connecting the power cable: • from the positive terminal of the battery it is connected to the positive contact of the capacitor, and from the positive terminal of the amplifier; • from the negative terminal ABK the cable is connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor, and from the capacitor - to the negative terminal of the amplifier.
The capacitor and amplifier must be parallel to each other. Good to know! The capacitor must be connected at a minimum distance from the amplifier (no more than 50 cm). The shorter this distance, the greater the effect of the capacitor. The capacitor must be charged before connecting. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur when connecting a discharged device. This rule must be followed impeccably for high-power capacitors. To charge the capacitor, you can use the resistor included with the device. If you don’t have one, then a 12 Volt light bulb will do just fine. The positive cable of the battery is connected directly to the battery, and the negative cable is connected using a resistor to the negative battery. After charging is complete, the negative wire is connected to the battery. The charging time for the device is indicated in the instructions or up to 12-13 Volts on the capacitor voltmeter. If the device is charged using a light bulb, then the extinguishing of the light bulb's spiral can be used as a guide to the end of charging.
Installation procedure
First of all, you need to lay the power cables from the battery into the interior. Once you have selected and purchased your conductors, run the negative and positive wires. For this purpose, many cars have a special hole in the shield that separates the engine from the passenger compartment.
When laying wires through a metal hole, you need to protect them from chafing with a piece of rubber or plastic tube. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur.
The positive conductor must be connected through a fuse, the current strength of which must be the same as that on the amplifier's fuse. This fuse link should be located close to the battery (about 30 cm).
Installing tweeters
High-frequency tweeter speakers are installed on the windshield pillars
Before installing “tweeters” in the car (as they are popularly called), remove the lining of the windshield pillars. High-frequency speakers are the basis of sound. They need to be positioned at eye level of the passenger and driver, facing the middle of the windshield. In this position, they will emit sound onto the glass, from which it will be reflected into the cabin.
The left beeper will reflect the sound to the right passenger, and the right one will reflect the sound to the driver.
Laying and connecting wires
The next step is to carefully lay out the rest of the wiring, which includes the wires between the blocks, power wires and acoustic wires. It is not recommended to lay different types of wiring next to each other, or together with the car’s wires.
The intersection of wires of different groups is allowed only at 90 degrees.
Before connecting the speakers in the car, strip the ends of the wires from insulation. Next, connect the wires to the subwoofer and power amplifier. If the sub is purchased in a body, then for a sedan body it is recommended to turn it towards the back of the rear seats. For station wagons and hatchbacks - towards the trunk door. You can make the subwoofer housing yourself, but this will be discussed in a separate article.
Switching between car radio and amplifier
Toggle switching of sources allows you to turn off the amplifier without compromising the sound. This method avoids having to constantly start the engine to recharge the battery. Thanks to it, the battery remains intact and music is played. The improved car audio connection diagram involves the use of 3 toggle switches (one 2-pin and two 6-pin). When you move the toggle switches to the lower position, sound comes from the amplifier; if you move the control to the upper position, the sound will come from the subwoofer.
* Bi-channel amplification To connect the power, you must select connecting cables with a large cross-section. The rating of the complete fuse for the battery must be equal to or greater than the sum of the ratings of all fuses of the amplifier and radio. For example: if the fuse of the radio is 15 A, and the amplifier is 20 A, then the battery fuse rating should be at least 40-45 A. The connection cable is usually blue. To turn on the device remotely, a standard cross-section wire is suitable. To make the task easier, you can purchase a ready-made set of cables. It differs for 2- and 4-channel amplifiers. When purchasing a set of connecting connection wires, additionally purchase 5 m of ground wire. In the standard kit, its length does not exceed 1 m. The radio and its amplifier are connected using RCA, shaped like a tulip bud. The amplifier has an “Input” connector for this plug (for the radio - “Real”, “Front”, etc.). So, the blue cable is connected to the “REM” pin, the black wire to the “GND”. The subwoofer can be connected to the amplifier using a bridge circuit. When choosing this option, the power of the channels is summed. Please note that most bridged amplifiers will not drive loads below 4 ohms. You cannot connect speakers and a subwoofer to the amplifier at the same time, as the equipment may burn out. A detailed diagram for connecting music to a car with an amplifier is indicated on the device itself or in the instructions. * Connecting a four-channel amplifier To prevent interference in the speaker, run the power and signal wires on opposite sides of the vehicle body. Don't forget about the common fuse. When connecting, it is necessary to take into account all three fuses: two amplifiers and one radio. * Connecting a radio The main mistake that car enthusiasts make when connecting a car radio is connecting its positive wire from the cigarette lighter. This leads to the fact that the power of the audio equipment is reduced (a flashing light appears on the radio and the sound quality is distorted). We strongly recommend connecting the radio using a high-quality battery cable using an additional fuse. Moreover, the closer the fuse is to the battery, the higher the protection of the power cable (not the battery, as many people mistakenly think). The most common wire is 8 Ga. The maximum permissible fuse for it is 50 A. The following rule applies: you can install a fuse of a lower rating, but you cannot install a larger one. It is necessary to firmly attach the wire to the body so that during vibration it, along with the fuse, does not move into the moving parts of the engine. The area where the fuse is located must be dry. Any ingress of moisture will cause the fuse to lose its performance. The radio is equipped with 2 positive wires. Power (yellow) is responsible for the device’s memory, and red is for controlling the radio. The negative (black) wire of the radio can be connected to the car body. However, it is better to attach it to the negative terminal of the battery to avoid interference or interference. The REM cable (blue) is essentially the control cable. It is responsible for automatically turning on the amplifier when the car radio is turned on. Particular difficulties arise with connecting speaker wires, since each color scheme corresponds to a specific speaker: • white ones are connected to the left front speaker; • gray—to the right front speaker; • green wires - to the left rear speaker; • purple wires - to the right rear speaker. Any pair of speaker wires contains a cable with a black stripe - this is the negative wire (the other is made in a monotonous color design). If the speaker wires are connected incorrectly, problems with sound distortion and interference will arise. If the color scheme is not followed, the balance adjustment will be incorrect. If the polarity is reversed, the rear speakers will work out of phase, which means a complete lack of bass. 2 car radio connection schemes are widely used. Their main difference is the different way they connect the positive wires. * Simplified car radio connection diagram It involves connecting the positive wires in series to each other and connecting them to the battery positive. These simple car audio connection diagrams are appropriate for low power consumption of the radio. With high power consumption, the battery can be completely discharged, so it is better to use the diagram below. * Diagram for connecting a car radio via a button. The main advantage of the diagram is manual control of the radio, thanks to which the device settings are not lost. The main thing is to decide on the location for the button. Sometimes car enthusiasts connect the car radio through the ignition switch, which is not entirely convenient, since the music is played only when the key is in the ignition. Helpful advice! When installing the radio, do not cut the wires. It’s better to use connectors and adapters, which will allow you to quickly replace the device with a new one in the future. * Practical implementation A simple diagram for connecting car audio: connecting the yellow wire to the 12 Volt power supply, and the red wire to the side lights. The relay coil must be connected to the ashtray light bulb connector. In this scheme, the radio automatically turns on when the side lights are turned on. Music is played without turning on the ignition, which saves the budget. Lower energy consumption of marker light bulbs can be achieved by replacing them with LED ones. A well-reproduced car audio connection diagram is the basis for ideal sound.
