Hello,

I have a small sedan (Dodge Neon), and I just put in an Infinity 12" sub (Reference, 1230W) in a sealed box built to spec. I built the box myself, and this was my first time doing anything car audio related (other than putting in my head unit), so I'm relieved that it actually works.

It's being powered by an MTX Blue Thunder 1502 amp, and since the amp sees 14.2V, I assume it's putting out around 380W RMS. The sub is rated at 300, so I think it should be OK.

My problem now is tuning... I don't know how to make it sound consistently good. On some songs there is not enough bass, on others there is too much. On some songs, the bass is mushy, on others it is deadly accurate. Now, the source is not the best since it is MP3s, but I know that it can sound much better, since on my computer speakers and my home theatre, they sound more consistent actross the board (although my car sub is much more powerful, obviously).

So the answer is to keep running back and forth to the house listening to the same song and get it as close as possible, I know. And then repeat with another song. However, I'm quite strapped for time these days, so I was wondering if someone could offer me some tips/shortcuts that come with experience. Basically there are a few things in play:

1) Subwoofer line out level, controlled from HU
2) 7-band EQ on the HU, 1st band is centered at 53Hz I believe
3) Gain control on amp
4) bass boost on amp, centered at 45Hz 0 to +18 dB

Head unit is a Sony FX7705. or something, has 3 4V preouts.

So anything you guys can think of? Should I max out the amp adjustments first (gain, bass boost) before messing with the HU, or the other way around? It's about half and half now, I believe.

Thanks for any input,
molo

 

#1 do not use mp3's

 

try this link Tuning Up Your Car's Audio System