Is the Morel Ultimo SC I just bought Real or Fake?

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Hi Blazian...I've not set everything up yet with the Sub. Having some trouble with Gain settings currently which Jeff is helping me out with.

I'll update you if you'd like after setting gains up correctly and I think it takes a month to break this particular model in so in a few weeks time Blazian.

So you set the amp up but haven't had the sub configured the way you like it yet? You can easily break it in by playing test tones or just by listening to it more. Doesn't really take a month. What amp are you using? What enclosure did you put it in? Sealed or ported? Where did you set your LPF and SSF?

Here's a simple tutorial video on how to set your gains with a digital multimeter. I'm sure you've heard of this method already.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

So you set the amp up but haven't had the sub configured the way you like it yet? You can easily break it in by playing test tones or just by listening to it more. Doesn't really take a month. What amp are you using? What enclosure did you put it in? Sealed or ported? Where did you set your LPF and SSF?
Here's a simple tutorial video on how to set your gains with a digital multimeter. I'm sure you've heard of this method already.

I did the amplifier gain as per instructions using DMM however I think there is a lack due to box rise.

It's Sealed 1.27Cu.Ft. LPH 80Hz...I don't know what SSF means.

Jeff has been helping me out and I think we're close to solving it. Just lower than expected bass at normal listening volumes which points to incorrect gains....

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

I did the amplifier gain as per instructions using DMM however I think there is a lack due to box rise.It's Sealed 1.27Cu.Ft. LPH 80Hz...I don't know what SSF means.

Jeff has been helping me out and I think we're close to solving it. Just lower than expected bass at normal listening volumes which points to incorrect gains....

SSF is subsonic filter, since you are using a sealed box, you dont have to worry about that yet.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

I did the amplifier gain as per instructions using DMM however I think there is a lack due to box rise.It's Sealed 1.27Cu.Ft. LPH 80Hz...I don't know what SSF means.

Jeff has been helping me out and I think we're close to solving it. Just lower than expected bass at normal listening volumes which points to incorrect gains....

What type of car is this going in? The Morel has known to be just pure SQ subwoofer. Not very loud especially in a sealed box. How much power does your amp produce at 2 ohms? You need more power if you're gonna run sealed. If you have some space to give up in your car, I would suggest a ported box. It would be a lot more efficient with the power and can sound really good if properly designed. I heard a 12" Ultimo 1000w version in a tapped horn enclosure and it sounded awesome. Was not as loud as many other subs I've heard but sounded loud enough from a SQ standpoint. Never heard the SC version but I would assume it's even quieter considering that it's in a sealed box. Besides the loudness though, do you enjoy the sound coming from the sub?

SSF= Subsonic filter or aka infrasonic filter. SSF is primarily used for ported boxes to prevent it from unloading at low frequencies.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

This is the setup I'm talking about.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

What type of car is this going in? The Morel has known to be just pure SQ subwoofer. Not very loud especially in a sealed box. How much power does your amp produce at 2 ohms? You need more power if you're gonna run sealed. If you have some space to give up in your car, I would suggest a ported box. It would be a lot more efficient with the power and can sound really good if properly designed. I heard a 12" Ultimo 1000w version in a tapped horn enclosure and it sounded awesome. Was not as loud as many other subs I've heard but sounded loud enough from a SQ standpoint. Never heard the SC version but I would assume it's even quieter considering that it's in a sealed box. Besides the loudness though, do you enjoy the sound coming from the sub?

SSF= Subsonic filter or aka infrasonic filter. SSF is primarily used for ported boxes to prevent it from unloading at low frequencies.

Subsonic yes I don't have that on my JBL GTO-751EZ. 750@2Ohms.

The vehicle is a Suzuki Swift. Very limited boot space but enough to fit a ported box I think, the plan was to purchase both a sealed and ported and keep the one I liked. I made the Sealed first but the cost for it was a bit much and now I'm going to wait a while to make a ported one.

Will make a ported box along with other planned upgrades in another month or two.

Besides the loudness I enjoy this Subwoofer a lot more than I did my prior one. In terms of sound that was absolutely poo compared to this one. This is much better...

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Subsonic yes I don't have that on my JBL GTO-751EZ. 750@2Ohms.
The vehicle is a Suzuki Swift. Very limited boot space but enough to fit a ported box I think, the plan was to purchase both a sealed and ported and keep the one I liked. I made the Sealed first but the cost for it was a bit much and now I'm going to wait a while to make a ported one.

Will make a ported box along with other planned upgrades in another month or two.

Besides the loudness I enjoy this Subwoofer a lot more than I did my prior one. In terms of sound that was absolutely poo compared to this one. This is much better...

I'm glad you liking it so far in terms of SQ. It is a great sub that's for sure. How much did your sealed box cost to make? What other upgrades you gonna do? big 3 and thicker wire?

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

I'm glad you liking it so far in terms of SQ. It is a great sub that's for sure. How much did your sealed box cost to make? What other upgrades you gonna do? big 3 and thicker wire?

The box cost was approximately 40$ I think. It may not sound like a lot but it was supposed to be less than half that or a third the cost plus I've spent a lot on audio compared to what I originally set out to so I'm wanting to hold back for now.

As for planned upgrades blazian, currently I'm undecided and doing a lot of research. I wish to eventually upgrade speakers, sound deaden all doors and upgrade HU as well.

Following is what I have and what I have narrowed down so far:

Current - Upgrade

Sony XAV-64BT - P80 PRS

TS-A1605C/TS-A6965R - Morel Tempo

No Sound Deadening - Sound Deaden.

If my current amplifier fails to bring those speakers to life I will consider upgrading the mainstream series Pioneer amplifier to two exotic ones instead.

As for wiring I have a nice Focal 4 Gauge powering the JBL Monoblock and will upgrade to recommended wiring should I go for the 4Ch to 2x 2Ch Amplifier change. I don't think I will be upgrading to Big 3 unless I absolutely have to as that will void my warranty and I still have another 2 years on it.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

The box cost was approximately 40$ I think. It may not sound like a lot but it was supposed to be less than half that or a third the cost plus I've spent a lot on audio compared to what I originally set out to so I'm wanting to hold back for now.
As for planned upgrades blazian, currently I'm undecided and doing a lot of research. I wish to eventually upgrade speakers, sound deaden all doors and upgrade HU as well.

Following is what I have and what I have narrowed down so far:

Current - Upgrade

Sony XAV-64BT - P80 PRS

TS-A1605C/TS-A6965R - Morel Tempo

No Sound Deadening - Sound Deaden.

If my current amplifier fails to bring those speakers to life I will consider upgrading the mainstream series Pioneer amplifier to two exotic ones instead.

As for wiring I have a nice Focal 4 Gauge powering the JBL Monoblock and will upgrade to recommended wiring should I go for the 4Ch to 2x 2Ch Amplifier change. I don't think I will be upgrading to Big 3 unless I absolutely have to as that will void my warranty and I still have another 2 years on it.

oh ok.. I'm starting to understand where you're coming from. Your Suzuki certainly has a nice hatchback shape for subwoofer imaging. When it comes to using a 4 channel or 2 ch, it could work either way but it just depends on how you wanna set it up. I say keep your 4 ch as that will open up more possibilities later down the road. Unless your 4 ch is really lacking in power, then consider an upgrade. You're heading to the right direction when it comes to equipment. Now you just gotta figure out how you're gonna implements these products together as a whole. I have to advise you though that just because you get the good stuff, doesn't automatically make it a great system. It definitely takes time and effort on your part to make it sound the way you want. Sound deadening will play a big part in keeping the sound inside and creating that ideal sound environment. 80prs is a great choice for a SQ headunit as it will give you more flexibility in sound tuning your system even deeper than you could ever do with your old equipment. It has active capabilities so I would definitely consider a fully active setup in your case. 2 way speakers running active requires a 4 ch amp for just one pair of the Morel Tempo set. You're not gonna need rear speakers as this will be your main front stage. You want to image the sound in front of you that's why. Ideally, you're gonna want to have the tweeters up high close to where your ears are to get the best imaging. I would first try running the speakers with the passive crossover using only 2 channels and see how you like it. If you want more out of them, go active. More louder, clearer, and less power required than a passive setup. There is a learning curve to this though and you will have to be patient as you're putting it together. Since you are investing a lot into this, you might as well do it right and go all the way with it. It is totally worth it. You're right, big 3 is not necessary in your case and your power wire is fine.

While the Ultimo SC is in the sealed box, try playing around with box positioning. Like put it in the corner or put it right against the hatch wall. It may give you some cabin gain to work with and helps bring the substage closer up front. A ported box will make a huge difference in output and quality as well.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

oh ok.. I'm starting to understand where you're coming from. Your Suzuki certainly has a nice hatchback shape for subwoofer imaging. When it comes to using a 4 channel or 2 ch, it could work either way but it just depends on how you wanna set it up. I say keep your 4 ch as that will open up more possibilities later down the road. Unless your 4 ch is really lacking in power, then consider an upgrade. You're heading to the right direction when it comes to equipment. Now you just gotta figure out how you're gonna implements these products together as a whole. I have to advise you though that just because you get the good stuff, doesn't automatically make it a great system. It definitely takes time and effort on your part to make it sound the way you want. Sound deadening will play a big part in keeping the sound inside and creating that ideal sound environment. 80prs is a great choice for a SQ headunit as it will give you more flexibility in sound tuning your system even deeper than you could ever do with your old equipment. It has active capabilities so I would definitely consider a fully active setup in your case. 2 way speakers running active requires a 4 ch amp for just one pair of the Morel Tempo set. You're not gonna need rear speakers as this will be your main front stage. You want to image the sound in front of you that's why. Ideally, you're gonna want to have the tweeters up high close to where your ears are to get the best imaging. I would first try running the speakers with the passive crossover using only 2 channels and see how you like it. If you want more out of them, go active. More louder, clearer, and less power required than a passive setup. There is a learning curve to this though and you will have to be patient as you're putting it together. Since you are investing a lot into this, you might as well do it right and go all the way with it. It is totally worth it. You're right, big 3 is not necessary in your case and your power wire is fine.
While the Ultimo SC is in the sealed box, try playing around with box positioning. Like put it in the corner or put it right against the hatch wall. It may give you some cabin gain to work with and helps bring the substage closer up front. A ported box will make a huge difference in output and quality as well.

Thanks Blazian.

I can't move the box left or right much as it's quite wide and Subwoofer is placed in the center instead of either of the sides. I have Indeed tried positioning it in various directions though.

Firing Front, Rear and Top. Front and rear firing I did not find much difference. Top was noticeably 'lesser'. I currently have it Firing forward with the box placed all the way behind. I feel the hair on my hands move on certain bass notes which I did not firing rearwards, otherwise it's more or less similar front and rear.

SSF is subsonic filter, since you are using a sealed box, you dont have to worry about that yet.

I went ahead and turned the gain to 1/2 and the bass response compared to the treble is much more in balance now.

I still have to turn the volume up a little more than I'd like but its significantly better than where it was earlier at 1/4th. I will have a check on the 4Ch gains as I think it might be higher than what it should be at. Also, I ran my palm over the Subwoofer cone surface after half an hour of listening to heavy hitting music and the Subwoofer wasn't warm at all.

Perhaps I've finally found a good point for my Ultimo SC to be fed at : ).....

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Thanks Blazian. I can't move the box left or right much as it's quite wide and Subwoofer is placed in the center instead of either of the sides. I have Indeed tried positioning it in various directions though.

Firing Front, Rear and Top. Front and rear firing I did not find much difference. Top was noticeably 'lesser'. I currently have it Firing forward with the box placed all the way behind. I feel the hair on my hands move on certain bass notes which I did not firing rearwards, otherwise it's more or less similar front and rear.

I went ahead and turned the gain to 1/2 and the bass response compared to the treble is much more in balance now.

I still have to turn the volume up a little more than I'd like but its significantly better than where it was earlier at 1/4th. I will have a check on the 4Ch gains as I think it might be higher than what it should be at. Also, I ran my palm over the Subwoofer cone surface after half an hour of listening to heavy hitting music and the Subwoofer wasn't warm at all.

Perhaps I've finally found a good point for my Ultimo SC to be fed at : ).....

Did you set your gain to 1/2 according to the DMM method or by ear? You basically want to squeeze as much power undistorted as you can into your sub since it has more power handling sealed. With a ported box, you'll be able to put your gains down and make the bass level match with your treble with ease. You'll have more headroom for everything. It's generally not good to max out your amp's limits as it'll start to build up heat and be close to distorting the sound.

I have found that putting a sealed setup as close to the back wall as possible gave me best results. In a hatch, it would make sense to face it rear and it actually makes the bass come up front to your face instead of behind you. Once you sound deaden the car completely, it'll make a significant difference in output and clarity for all your speakers.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

Did you set your gain to 1/2 according to the DMM method or by ear? You basically want to squeeze as much power undistorted as you can into your sub since it has more power handling sealed. With a ported box, you'll be able to put your gains down and make the bass level match with your treble with ease. You'll have more headroom for everything. It's generally not good to max out your amp's limits as it'll start to build up heat and be close to distorting the sound.
I have found that putting a sealed setup as close to the back wall as possible gave me best results. In a hatch, it would make sense to face it rear and it actually makes the bass come up front to your face instead of behind you. Once you sound deaden the car completely, it'll make a significant difference in output and clarity for all your speakers.

Not DMM. DMM is what set it to 1/4th which felt very weak. I just doubled it. Music played at these levels is not distorting. The bass however feels to get boomy if I keep the SUB level(+6) on the HU settings high or 64Hz EQ setting too high(+4). I've lowered those down(+4 & +2) and it seems just fine now. Hits harder and doesn't sound like poo on any songs.

Currently I'm having trouble placing the box all the way back as it keeps moving forward as the vehicle gets mobile .....perhaps I'll put some grippy rubber underneath. I will try rear facing again if you strongly advise it sure.

What is your recommendation on sound deadening boot? I only planned on doors as I'm getting mixed opinions on boot damping and the benefits of it.

The other day I was in traffic listening to some rap music and I guess the boot lid was rattling as it normally does, so a lot of rattling to those outside next to my car. As the lights went green an older lady in a taxi went by me giving me a nasty stare : |...maybe I'll dampen the boot just to avoid pissing people off.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Not DMM. DMM is what set it to 1/4th which felt very weak. I just doubled it. Music played at these levels is not distorting. The bass however feels to get boomy if I keep the SUB level(+6) on the HU settings high or 64Hz EQ setting too high(+4). I've lowered those down(+4 & +2) and it seems just fine now. Hits harder and doesn't sound like poo on any songs. Currently I'm having trouble placing the box all the way back as it keeps moving forward as the vehicle gets mobile .....perhaps I'll put some grippy rubber underneath. I will try rear facing again if you strongly advise it sure.

What is your recommendation on sound deadening boot? I only planned on doors as I'm getting mixed opinions on boot damping and the benefits of it.

The other day I was in traffic listening to some rap music and I guess the boot lid was rattling as it normally does, so a lot of rattling to those outside next to my car. As the lights went green an older lady in a taxi went by me giving me a nasty stare : |...maybe I'll dampen the boot just to avoid pissing people off.

Yea so a few problems I see here.. If the DMM is leading you to 1/4 then that's that max output your amp can produce cleanly. Distortion may be hard to hear at lower volumes but it's present when you crank it up. That's why I said it might not be enough for a sealed box. You're craving for more bass so you compensate by putting up your gains, most likely causing clipping. This will lead to some damage to the sub eventually so I would suggest you put it back to where you had it.

You wanna keep your headunit settings and EQ as flat as possible. Does your sub control go to -6 also or is 0 the lowest you can go? That may also be boosting the bass signal causing it to sound like poo. You want a clean signal to start with so you don't keep boosting everything into distortion.

If your box is moving around alot, I would suggest using Velcro and stick it right under the box. It will never move and is easy to take off. Is your trunk carpet or plastic material? If it's carpet just use only one side of the velcro so it sticks to your carpet easily. If it's anything else, use both sides.

Like I said, sound deadening your hatch will reflect more bass inside your car making it sound louder. It will remove the rattles for good or atleast reduce them and you can actually hear the sub the way it was supposed to. I have a feeling a lot of the bass is escaping and resonating outside your boot lid. Seal it up good and add weight to it. You will increase in SPL and make everything a much more cleaner sound.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

Yea so a few problems I see here.. If the DMM is leading you to 1/4 then that's that max output your amp can produce cleanly. Distortion may be hard to hear at lower volumes but it's present when you crank it up. That's why I said it might not be enough for a sealed box. You're craving for more bass so you compensate by putting up your gains, most likely causing clipping. This will lead to some damage to the sub eventually so I would suggest you put it back to where you had it.
You wanna keep your headunit settings and EQ as flat as possible. Does your sub control go to -6 also or is 0 the lowest you can go? That may also be boosting the bass signal causing it to sound like poo. You want a clean signal to start with so you don't keep boosting everything into distortion.

If your box is moving around alot, I would suggest using Velcro and stick it right under the box. It will never move and is easy to take off. Is your trunk carpet or plastic material? If it's carpet just use only one side of the velcro so it sticks to your carpet easily. If it's anything else, use both sides.

Like I said, sound deadening your hatch will reflect more bass inside your car making it sound louder. It will remove the rattles for good or atleast reduce them and you can actually hear the sub the way it was supposed to. I have a feeling a lot of the bass is escaping and resonating outside your boot lid. Seal it up good and add weight to it. You will increase in SPL and make everything a much more cleaner sound.

It goes from -6 to 0 to +6 in single steps. I'll play around with it more sure.

I'll find something to grip the subwoofer enclosures base as well and then try rear firing.

Will add boot to sound deadening list if you are certain it well help with bass.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

It goes from -6 to 0 to +6 in single steps. I'll play around with it more sure.I'll find something to grip the subwoofer enclosures base as well and then try rear firing.

Will add boot to sound deadening list if you are certain it well help with bass.

If that's the case, put your sub control to 0. I know it may produce less bass but you gotta clean out the signal first. Don't worry man, in due time. I know this project is costing more than expected but that's just the way it is. This is an expensive hobby but is worthwhile after you put it all together and hear the difference.