alpine imprint vs seperate eq

[BigAl 10+ year member]

already got the ida x305. which will be better the imprint module or a separate eq such as the kicker kq5

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[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

i'd go seperate...like the kq5...i have one ...and really like its ability to comtrol kicker amps and having the up front clipping indicators

 

[BigAl 10+ year member]

anyone else have input that have dealt with imprint

 

[kubie 10+ year member]

Don't waste your time on Imprints Auto eq. How much processing are you going to use out of it? Par EQ, Time Alignment, 3 way crossover. If you are just running passive, Louisiana_CRX's recomendation of the eq is a cheaper better solution.

 

[eharri3 10+ year member]

I think most of Alpine's newer head units are set up with no real built in tuning specifically so you have to buy a separate add-on module, and they hope you'll be convinced IMPRINT is the end all, be all and give them the extra money rather than spending it elsewhere.

I hear IMPRINT cuts bass frequencies rather aggressively, getting you a very flat frequency response but a real-life sound that won't initially be right if you don't work around this. Also you have to experiment alot with mic positions and play with it a bit to make the computer do a tune you like. Seems like it ends up being more work than taking a bit of time to play with a separate EQ.

And once you set IMPRINT up I don't think you can go in and make tweaks and adjustments to the computer tune, you live with it as is or you start over. Probably a good alternative to using some of the instruments necessary to tune textbook style using a separate processor, or to doing the measurements for time alignment. Just ***** that you can't use it to get a baseline and then tweak it from there. I had no interest in it. I went to a Pioneer HU with built-in time alignment, built in sub, front, and rear crossovers, and a 16 band graphic rather than keeping my Alpine and paying for IMPRINT. I can adjust it on the fly as I want or pick any of the pre-programmed EQ curves and then adjust from there.

My pio also has a less elaborate auto-tuning system built in that sets the EQ curve and time alignment, all I have to do is plug the mic in, set it on the faceplate, get out and close the doors. May or may not play with it at some point.

 

[oldschoolboomer 10+ year member]

get a 31 band eq. play some pink noise full tilt. adjust each band to just below clipping and everything you play will sound perfect.

 

[hazardous0388 10+ year member]

i have the 9886 and bought a seperate clarion EQ instead of the imprint. fock the imprint. its too expensive for the amount of work you have to put into it for the right sound.

 

[PaulD 10+ year member]

Al, you know we can help you tune whatever you get at the next GTG.

 

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

This is a good thread.