🔧 INSTALLER LEVEL: Platform Comparison and Configuration
Selecting by System Architecture
Map your system before selecting a DSP:
Count inputs needed: - Stereo head unit with RCA: 1 stereo pair (2 inputs) - Factory head unit without RCA: use high-level input; count speaker pairs used (usually 2 pairs = 4 inputs) - Factory head unit with separate center/sub channel: may need 3 pairs
Count outputs needed: - Each individually driven speaker = 1 output channel - Tweeter (L, R) = 2 channels - Midrange (L, R) = 2 channels - Midbass woofer (L, R) = 2 channels - Subwoofer (mono) = 1 channel - Total 3-way + sub: 7 channels (requires 8-output DSP minimum)
Feature checklist:
| Feature | Why It Matters | Min. Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Parametric EQ per channel | Room correction, driver response correction | 6+ bands per channel |
| Crossover filter type | Butterworth, Bessel, LR options | LR12/24 minimum |
| Crossover filter order | Steeper = better driver protection | 24 dB/oct minimum |
| Time delay per channel | Critical for imaging | 0.01 ms resolution |
| High-level inputs | Factory integration | Required for factory HU |
| FIR filter support | Phase-accurate crossovers | Optional but premium |
| Software quality | Stability, usability | Mac/PC with active development |
Configuring Input Signal Level
Test procedure:
- Play a 0 dBFS (full-scale) test tone from head unit
- Set head unit to reference volume (typically 75% of maximum)
- Open DSP software, observe input meters
- Input level should reach −1 to −3 dBFS on the DSP meter
- If below −10 dBFS: source level too low → increase head unit output or reduce DSP input attenuation
- If above −1 dBFS (clipping indicator): source level too high → reduce head unit output or increase DSP input attenuation
The goal: Use as much of the DSP's dynamic range as possible without clipping.