Thread: .

The Imprint processor uses a researched algorithm to produce what the President of Alpine believes to be the most prominent choice, amongst every day people, for sound. He put together some specific sound curves and did a/b comparisons with groups of people.

This is the curve that the Imprint systems are using as a standard for tuning response. It will reveal a few choices after going through the install steps but they're all very close in approximations. In the end, many installers have found ways to massage their own specific sound curve by creating their own instructive placement of the Audyssey microphone. In the end it's all trial and error with the Imprint system.

If you know absolutely nothing about sound or tuning it will get you closer to good SQ than you'd ever manage by trial and error. It probably does a better job than most local sound shops too. However, if you want to enlighten yourself with books and some research, you have a chance at tuning your ear and possibly getting that much closer to the realization of sound goals.

Find a car utilizing Imprint and demo it?

Btw...there's a few units based on install needs.

KTX-100eq
PXA-H650
PXA-H100

possibly one more?

...

That's what most people don't understand; EQ is used to help promote a flat response in relationship to ALL frequencies. That means you should be making CUTS...not adding. Adding brings you that much closer to clipping once you've set gains properly. Turn the volume up and you have a much better chance at clipping the signal because of EQ boost. CUT RESPONSE USING THE EQ!!! Yes you can use it to boost but it should be kept to absolute zero if at all possible.

Matt is a big fan of GOOD INSTALLATION!!! However, there's inherent problems with a good installation in a vehicle. Unless you're sitting dead center of the vehicle you end up having to process something at some point. If you're vehicle isn't symmetrical...again, you have to change it's physical characteristics by either adding or subtracting real pieces to the interior...or you can process some more.

It all comes down to personal goals. Since I don't have the tools and equipment to be changing the interior of my vehicle I decided I would process.

THE BIGGEST DOWNSIDE to processing, especially when using an EQ, is that it's only good for one seat. Nobody enjoys but the occupied seat it was tuned for. Even then, if the person doesn't maintain the same physical characteristics of the tuner, it can be a different sound to everybody else.