[Radioactive]

I decided to break down and finally buy a Radio Shack Sound Meter. I ran a CD frequency sweep through the Premium Sound System and found some surprising measurements. First the bass output is below 30Hz. Second the higher frequency roll off begins after 2000 Hz. Personally I like the surround off. I believe that there is greater clarity which leads to greater instrument separation, better sound staging and more "air". So based on my measurements I did the following changes to smooth out the curve.

Surround Off
Treble +2
Equilizer 100 Hz +2
200 Hz -2
500, 1000, 2000 Hz no change
5000 Hz +2
10000 Hz -1

The system probably needs at least 100hrs to break in. So these could change. Already the treble is starting to smooth out.

I did increase the bass +2 put that's subjective. Update=Bass at 0

[Nahoa]

Cool. Did you run that with the vehicle on? Driving or stationary? If stationary, are you game for repeating while at freeway speed and letting us know what you find?

[Radioactive]

Measurements were done in a closed garage with engine off and windows closed. I figured that was the strictest environment for measurement I could have. To do it on the open road would introduce too many variables that I do not believe even the manufactures take into consideration other than volume increase with speed. Besides I probably would crash trying to drive, observe and record.

[Berkbon]

Wow - this is great. Thanks for sharing.

[Cactus]

I adjusted mine just now. I can't wait to give it a try when I drive to work tomorrow.

Thanks!

[Berkbon]

Did you mess with the fader or balance at all?

[Want the thrill]

Radioactive, I just sent you a PM. Can you get back to me asap?

[LEDZEP]

Did you make sure there wasn't a mosquito in the car? Cause that will screw everything up and you'll have to start all over again.

Sort of agree with you on the Surround, but there are some things that sound great with it - all depends on the music and how it was recorded. I essentially wound up with the same settings just dialing it up by year (and starting with the textbook happy face). I noticed that my treble was extremely bright, and had to dial it down to almost flat. I'm sure that will change over time as the tweeters wear in.

[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by Berkbon

Did you mess with the fader or balance at all?

I did increase the R balance one or two settings. I kept the Fader balanced. Things like this are going to be subjective, so play with it to your liking.

I did back off the bass to -0-.

[Nahoa]

Ha! Crashing wouldn't be good. If that doesn't work, completely understand. Was only thinking that would factor in the input of the ambient noise. Thanks again for sharing the results. Very nice to have!

[coiken]

bookmarked!
Can't wait to receive my F25 30D with Logic 7 and try this out :-))

[BMW FINALLY!]

Originally Posted by Radioactive

I decided to break down and finally buy a Radio Shack Sound Meter. I ran a CD frequency sweep through the Premium Sound System and found some surprising measurements. First the bass output is below 30Hz. Second the higher frequency roll off begins after 2000 Hz. Personally I like the surround off. I believe that there is greater clarity which leads to greater instrument separation, better sound staging and more "air". So based on my measurements I did the following changes to smooth out the curve.

Surround Off
Treble +2
Equilizer 100 Hz +2
200 Hz -2
500, 1000, 2000 Hz no change
5000 Hz +2
10000 Hz -1

The system probably needs at least 100hrs to break in. So these could change. Already the treble is starting to smooth out.

I did increase the bass +2 put that's subjective.

This is awesome help. Thanks so much!

[Cx35i]

Originally Posted by Berkbon

Wow - this is great. Thanks for sharing.

+1

[coiken]

is it just me being to stupid to find it or are there no presets in the Logic 7 for the BMW x3 like rock, concert, etc... ? I believe in other models like the 5 series you have presets like rock, concert hall, etc...

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by coiken

is it just me being to stupid to find it or are there no presets in the Logic 7 for the BMW x3 like rock, concert, etc... ? I believe in other models like the 5 series you have presets like rock, concert hall, etc...

You are correct. On my E60 there were presets like concert hall and rock. I can't remember the third; maybe it was pop.

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by coiken

is it just me being to stupid to find it or are there no presets in the Logic 7 for the BMW x3 like rock, concert, etc... ? I believe in other models like the 5 series you have presets like rock, concert hall, etc...

Presets are unneccessary. Try listening to the music the way the artist/producer intended, without added EQ or other effects...use EQ only to get as flat of an an in-car response from your speakers as possible, to hear an accurate representation what's actually recorded. That's why one should get the upgraded sound system...to hear the music more, not less, accurately.

[walendvay]

agreed! the EQ simply compensates for anomalies in the hardware. Balance it out and it'll sound as intended! I am a purist.

[tagz]

Nice thread!

Thanks for sharing

[Nahoa]

Radioactive, any chance to update after breaking your system in?

[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by coiken

is it just me being to stupid to find it or are there no presets in the Logic 7 for the BMW x3 like rock, concert, etc... ? I believe in other models like the 5 series you have presets like rock, concert hall, etc...

Noooooooooooooooooo

Originally Posted by nonagon

Presets are unneccessary. Try listening to the music the way the artist/producer intended, without added EQ or other effects...use EQ only to get as flat of an an in-car response from your speakers as possible, to hear an accurate representation what's actually recorded. That's why one should get the upgraded sound system...to hear the music more, not less, accurately.

Originally Posted by walendvay

agreed! the EQ simply compensates for anomalies in the hardware. Balance it out and it'll sound as intended! I am a purist.

+1^E6

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Radioactive, any chance to update after breaking your system in?

I probably have little over a 100 hours on the system now. I've kept the settings as above. The one's I've played with are the treble and surround, but I've always have come back to the original settings as above. In fact the other day my daughter was in the car with me when I changed the surround setting to "on". Immediately she asked what I did, and she told me to turn it back to what it was.

Been pretty busy lately, if fact setting up a new Butler hybrid tube amp for the home, but I'll try to do a new sweep, hopefully in the next week.