Tuning Order

[crosjr 10+ year member]

So I got a new 2016 Focus ST and am planning out the install. I've done quite a few installs over time so I am not a complete newbie. They have always been fairly straight forward with passive crossovers and measured time alignment. However, for my next install, I would like to try going active and get into a little more in-depth tuning. I have read a lot about time alignment and EQing and will continue to read before the install but I wanted to double check the tuning order.

Likely equipment:

Pioneer DEH-80PRS

Morel Tempo Ultra 602s

US Acoustics Barbara Ann

IDMAX 12 (I think the box is 2.4cu ft ported @ 32hz)

Audioque 1200D

Below is kind of what I have come up with in generic steps. Obviously some of these steps will actually be many steps and repeated. Does this order seem OK?

Set amp gains for mids/sub

Temporarily set HPF crossover on tweeters only (2.4kHz, 18dB)

Set tweeter amp gain to match mids by ear or RTA

Time align with pink/white noise

Center more with tones matching 80PRS EQ points (turn down L/R depending on off center)

Measure frequency/SPL with RTA per speaker with pink/white noise

Set all 'final' crossover points

Tune EQ to desired curve

Click to read more...

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

you have to finish setting crossover points BEFORE time aligning because different points will require different time alignments.

First off, gain match, then set the crossovers, time align with tracks that have vocals dead center. Use your ear mainly for EQ and listen to almost all of your track and save two custom EQs that you can switch back and forth to. Whats the use of using an RTA when the end product doesnt sound exciting or good to you? Straight up flat doesn't sound good IMO basically lifeless. You need to build your own user preference curve.

 

[crosjr 10+ year member]

Ooooh ok, thanks for the heads up! I haven't had the best experience tuning by ear so I thought I would give the RTA a try. By that I mean I have noticed peaks and valleys in my frequency response but was never very good at identifying the actual frequencies by ear so I need something visual. Should I get one of those IASCA discs or something? I am not sure of specific songs to use to center my stage.