Field Procedure

10-Step DSP Tuning Procedure

A repeatable one-seat tuning order. Work top to bottom — from physical verification through time alignment, per-channel EQ and final noise-floor checks — so every measurement is made from the same primary listening position.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Verify Polarity

    Verify physical wiring on every driver. Never set polarity by ear.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Mic Placement

    Place the RTA microphone precisely at ear level in the primary driver position.

  3. 03

    Step 3: Measure Distances

    Measure straight-line distances from the mic to the center of each driver. Input distance or time-delay into your DSP based on its specific software requirements.

  4. 04

    Step 4: Set Crossovers

    Apply 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley slopes. Offset the Subwoofer Low-Pass Filter 1/2 octave below the Midbass High-Pass Filter to prevent acoustic peaks.

  5. 05

    Step 5: EQ Left Channel

    Play mono pink noise through the Left side (with Sub) and match the RTA output to your target House Curve.

  6. 06

    Step 6: EQ Right Channel

    Mute the Left side and repeat the process for the Right side, matching the identical target curve.

  7. 07

    Step 7: Check Summation

    Play mono pink noise on both channels together. A 9dB+ drop indicates timing discrepancies or a corrupted input signal.

  8. 08

    Step 8: Verify Acoustic Center

    Use band-limited noise to confirm the acoustic energy centers naturally between the drivers.

  9. 09

    Step 9: Fine-Tune Level Balance

    Play staging tracks across the dash. If the center image pulls to one side, adjust overall channel gain — do not alter delays.

  10. 10

    Step 10: Optimize Noise Floor

    Listen to a silent track. If tweeter hiss is present, reduce all amplifier gains uniformly until clean.

Need the numbers for Step 4? Calculate LR24 high-pass and low-pass targets for each driver before you start measuring.

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