How to Adjust Equalizers

[TheTallMan]

Just curious, what is the best way to tune the audio in my 2004 X5?
I added a sub to my stock DSP system, it sounds pretty good, although I need to lower all the bass since the system can be overpowering. I have a lot of places where I can adjust the frequency content of the music,

- my MP3 player has an equalizer (I have an AUX input for it)
- the head unit has a DSP equalizer
- the head unit has bass/treble controls
- the amp for the sub has an adjustable crossover/low pass filter

Is there an order in which I *should* adjust these to get the best sound, or is it just "make it sound good" approach? I get a lot more bass when my input is FM radio, vs if it is tape, Sirius, or Aux input.

Also- what is the "room" setting on the DSP system for, it seems to be coupled with the "echo" setting (whose function is clear); did not see much about in the radio part of the manual.

Thanks-

[DouglasABaker]

Last question first: Room is coupled with Echo because they are designed to give you the impression of being in a larger room. Basically it is a reverb function.

As for your first question, let's take them in order in which you should adjust them:
DSP Equalizer - Use this to get a flat (or otherwise if you prefer) frequency response in the car. Generally these are set using test tones.
Amp Crossover / low pass filter - Needs to be set in combination with the DSP amplifier. This is not a volume control it is an adjustment to determine what frequencies the subwoofer reproduces. This is a "set it and forget it" adjustment that is appropriately set when the subwoofer is picking up where the next speaker leaves off.
Bass / Treble - Use this to adjust for individual tracks / sources. Should be used in combination with
MP3 Equalizer - May be helpful to set this up to provide a similar signal to your FM input.

You have an interesting issue - typically FM has the lowest amount of bass relative to CD, Aux, or Ipod...


Doug