digital audio & Front/rear fade

SimonWard · 01-16-2007, 11:14 AM

Hi

I've spent a while reading the forums and have picked up a lot of info but one aspect has me baffled with the installation I'm planning.

I've read the pros and cons of having a separate Head Unit or taking the digital audio from the Mac Mini to an amplifier but how do I control front/rear fading?

I'm assuming if I take the digital audio to an amp. That amp drives/powers the speakers directly? With volume controlled via the Mini? If I did it this way is it still possible to set up front/rear fade?

If I choose to install a Head Unit what are my options for taking the digital audio output of the Mac Mini? The only headunits I've seen that take digital input are very expensive and don't use the same connectors as the Mac Mini anyway.

(I have a couple of other questions but I'll post them in separate threads)

Thanks in advance!

MonstrOso · 01-17-2007, 03:41 PM

Here's what I'm considering... just getting an amp and cheating it by adjusting the front and rear gain.

Not ideal, but as long as I get a friend to help me, I can set it and forget it.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bBhjwey...k&i=108BASS4SC

(if this this is truly a bad idea, hopefully i'll get a better solution along w/the flames)

MonstrOso · 01-19-2007, 04:40 PM

I'm as confused as you are, but as far as I can tell there is no way to control fading w/out an external device.
You will either need a USB sound card to control the output or a Head Unit to intercept it.

blown_mx5 · 01-20-2007, 12:04 AM

this is the way I'm approaching this. they're available from different manufacturers, but I like this one.

http://www.soundstream.com/processors-mpq5xo.htm

its not 5.1 but it will be perfect for me. I just need to fill the space with sound. Any more and I won't be watching where I'm going.

defender90 · 01-20-2007, 02:28 AM

I didn't check it, but I think the Firewave can do the thinks you want

SimonWard · 01-20-2007, 03:44 PM

Thanks for the info. I decided to go for a head unit.

I found a nice blaupunkt unit that offers two aux inputs and a proper ipod input

kennysabarese · 02-10-2007, 09:10 AM

i know it's a little late now. but if you haven't bought your head unit yet. you can get a multiple out mac audio interface and use Audio Hijack Pro to send audio to the different outputs at different levels. you can also use a hipass and lowpass filter (and bandpass actually) to create a crossover