To those who have implemented tuning on the PC

RedGTiVR6 · 07-03-2007, 11:28 PM

I have a few questions for things I'd like to add to the FAQ. I've had a LOT of people PM me asking me questions. Since I haven't implemented this in my own vehicle yet, I cannot answer. Some of these questions don't really have an answer anyways, but maybe collectively we can come up with some good guidelines.

What's the minimum processor speed needed to run audio tuning software?
- For a fully active set-up with pay-for software? (I mention these options because the pay-for and the free software tuning seems to be different in terms of intensity)
- For a fully active set-up with free software?
- For a 2-way set-up
- For a 3-way set-up
- For a 5.1 set-up
What sound cards work for this project?
- For a fully-active with pay-for software?
- For a fully active set-up with free software?
- For a 2-way set-up
- For a 3-way set-up
- For a 5.1 set-up

While I completely understand that the minimum processor requirements will vary greatly depending on your set-up and how detailed you want to get with tuning, perhaps we can give people a minimum overall?

I'd also like to ask anyone who has fully implemented tuning in the car to list off their hardware specs and the software they are running. Maybe this will help others that are trying to get started in this game.

I'm also wondering if another sub-forum just for tuning on the CarPC might be a good idea since there's so much information involved with it. Your thoughts?

ironfinger · 07-03-2007, 11:58 PM

I can give you a computer speed that I have tried and does not work..
VIA C7 1.5GHz
It's a popular chipset and I am sure many have wondered about this.. so there is the answer.

The soundcard that I did get to work is the
Presonus Firebox. http://www.presonus.com/firebox.html
This was with fully active VAC, and the free versions of Console and ASIO4All.
I used a multimeter to measure the Signal voltage of the firebox. I got between 5-7 volts before clipping. If I recall correctly, Up to 10 -13 volts clipping. It has six ouputs, one headphone out, 4 inputs and can be powered through firewire. Pretty decent card for software ASIO based tuning.

RedGTiVR6 · 07-04-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ironfinger

I can give you a computer speed that I have tried and does not work..
VIA C7 1.5GHz
It's a popular chipset and I am sure many have wondered about this.. so there is the answer.

Thanks for the info! However, can you please elaborate on which method did not work and on what you were trying to achieve exactly? Is it what you have listed below?

Quote:

The soundcard that I did get to work is the
Presonus Firebox. http://www.presonus.com/firebox.html
This was with fully active VAC, and the free versions of Console and ASIO4All.
I used a multimeter to measure the Signal voltage of the firebox. I got between 5-7 volts before clipping. If I recall correctly, Up to 10 -13 volts clipping. It has six ouputs, one headphone out, 4 inputs and can be powered through firewire. Pretty decent card for software ASIO based tuning.

Also here, can you give us some insight as to what the rest of the harware was that worked with this set-up? How many channels were you running, etc.?

ironfinger · 07-04-2007, 12:41 AM

The via 1.5 chipset could not handle the winamp/VAC/ASio4All/Console approach. this method: http://www.mp3car.com/wiki/index.php..._Tuning_Method

I tried running 5.1 channels in Console.. with only EQs plugged into the fronts, center, rears, & sub; no crossovers or time alignment, just 30 band EQs. As soon as I hit play, 75% of the processor was consumed.. chug-a-lug!

The Presonus Firebox worked with the above setup.. but the computer just was not powerful enough. If I had a powerful cpu, I am positive that this sound card would be most excellent. However, it's a soundcard that is taylored towards the recording studio, so while it will work great for the above method, there are better and cheaper options for a stand-alone setup.

BenOBS · 07-04-2007, 11:13 AM

Hardware:
Mini ATX M2NPV-VM + Athlon X2 4200+
Audigy 2 ZS
Opus 250w

Software:
Foobar
KX Project
Console
AIXcoustic Electri-Q (full version)
Voxengo AudioDelay

Right now its driving a 5channels fully active setup.
Electri-Q is used for crossover and tuning. Right now, it is only loaded 3 times, 1 for tweeter, 1 for mid-woofer, 1 for sub-woofer. It will probably be loaded 8 time in the final 7 channel setup. 3 Audio delay are loaded too but dont seem to use lot of power.

In standard mode (analog or digital), not in eco mode, console will use around 7-8% of the cpu. In Linear IIR (The one i use right now), it will be around 30% (i think everything is processed twice, so this is why it is so hungry).

Routing and master volume is done via the KX Project. Foobar use kernel streaming to output data to KX and KX record it in Asio for console. The resulting 5channels from console are connected to master volume then jack output.

Foobar play stream in 24bits and resample to 48000hz in high quality.

RedGTiVR6 · 07-04-2007, 11:52 AM

BenOBS - since you have implemented KX drivers tuning and are using Foobar, would you mind contributing?

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...rocessing.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...rocessing.html

It would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

durwood · 07-05-2007, 07:08 AM

Here is my setup, I'm kind of a cheapo person, so I didn't opt for top end computer hardware until I felt I needed more.

Hardware
-Intel mATX D865GVHZ mobo
-Pentium 4M 1.8GHZ (Socket 478 laptop processor)
-512MB PC2100 RAM
-Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 HIFI
-Seagate 7200RPM 3.5" harddrive

Software
-Directwire (Routing WDM stream to ASIO)-came with my soundcard
-Console (Full pay version)
-Frequency Allocator (Full pay version-not the lite full version)
-One of the free 31 Band EQ's listed on wiki page-one for each left and right channel before going into frequency allocator-so 2 instances
-Voxengo Stereo Delay (4 instances)
-Winamp

8 channels or a 4-way stereo setup.
-Tweeters
-Midranges
-Midbass
-Subwoofer

I was seeing approximately 50% CPU usage with my setup. I'm probably going to switch my EQ to the ElectricQ free one. I am also aware that ElectricQ can be used for EQ AND crossover, but I think I will stick with frequency Allocator since I already bought it, and it's a little easier to use for setting crossover points.

durwood · 12-10-2007, 09:57 AM

Damn good deal...

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...ewpost&t=26023

Lazyflip · 12-11-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

I'm also wondering if another sub-forum just for tuning on the CarPC might be a good idea since there's so much information involved with it. Your thoughts?

I vote yes for another sub-forum just for tuning on the CarPC. I'm slowly starting to save up some money to go active and I'm trying to acquire more knowledge on the subject.

turbocad6 · 12-11-2007, 11:14 AM

I'll second that, one forum for general car audio & another for high end & pc tuned audio would work well I think, there are some guys that just want to get sound out of there pc, & then theres the real diehards who know sound is just noise & want an audiophile solution... seperating the 2 sounds like a worthwhile thing I think

durwood · 12-11-2007, 01:48 PM

Hmmm, well as far as the idea of a separate tuning forum, that could lead to more sub-forums. How much would we divide it into subforums before it would start to look more and more like a regular car-audio forum?

I have only seen a handful of people wanting more advanced tuning topics and I think there is a ton of great info already in the wiki. It could use some more additions, but I think most of the methods are in place ATM. I think the ASIO/VST method could be expanded on because there is more than one way to skin a cat and it is the most complex.

Maybe I/we could go back in time a bit and dig up all the old treads pertaining to tuning and lump them into a new FAQ?

What types of info does everyone want?

RedGTiVR6 · 12-11-2007, 01:58 PM

Initially, I made the suggestion because it seemed like there were a lot of threads going about it...in reality, there's maybe 1 or 2 threads about it total...not enough for a sub-forum.

turbocad6 · 12-11-2007, 05:01 PM

hm, guess your right... how about a subforum for high end stuff, kinda like show off you project & then works in progress kinda setup? maybe still not enough for that to I guess...

RedGTiVR6 · 12-11-2007, 05:07 PM

then I'd see users getting confused about where to post their work logs...because let's face it...some users think their install is the hottest stuff since sliced bread...when some of us would look at it and wonder....

turbocad6 · 12-11-2007, 05:11 PM

no, I'm sorry, I just ment a forum within a forum, "like" the worklog section is set up...