dcBear
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2012
- Messages
- 28
- Reaction score
- 1
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- 0
- Location
- Australia
- Website
- flavors.me
- Members Ride
- 2010 VE Calais
RRP: US$388 plus postage from the US @ Amazon. No local distributor.
Features:
- 8 speaker level inputs
- 8 line level inputs
- Auxiliary input
- In built 18wrms output
- Fully configurable electronic crossover
- 31-band EQ
- USB port for software updates
Things I like:
- Super easy configuration
- Easy installation
- Unbelievable price in comparison to similar products
Things I dislike:
- Would have liked a USB input, automatic EQ settings, manual over ride (you get what it gives you and that is it) and remote signal sensor.
- Nothing I don't like about it as such. Just those things I wish it also had.
Star rating out of five: 4.5
I bought this unit to expand the stereo in my VE Calais. I was wanting to add amplifiers, replace speakers and add subs, while retaining the Holden iQ head unit. I researched the Line Out Converter's and was not happy at the idea of possibly introducing noise to the audio and that dedicated processors generally do a far superior job, while adding other features like EQ controls and time alignment adjustments. My google-fu came across this comparison of a few of these devices. Upon reading this, and their general opinion, I realised with the MS-8 I could make very good use of it's internal amplifier. I already had a 4 channel amp, but this processor opened up the possibility of running an active front stage (tweeter and woofers crossed over and powered individually). I have never experienced an active front stage before, but the logic is there and what I read was it is worth it if you have the ability to do it.
So I bought the outstanding items needed for my install along with placing my order with Amazon. Once received (about 2 weeks) along with all wires etc I got about to installing everything. This is as simple as giving some form of input, either high level from speakers or RCA's. The 8 inputs is a bit redundant as it only needs two and the instructions say to only give it two.... Plus the usual positive, earth and remote wires. Outputs can be a mix of RCA's and speakers output from it's internal amp. It must sense what is connected as there is no configuration outlining whether it is a RCA or speaker output. In my case I have outputs 1-4 to 4 channel amp via RCA's, 5 & 6 output to rear speakers via speaker output and 7 to sub amp via RCA. 8 is currently spare.
Firing this thing up for the first time was a bit daunting. But the instructions are easily followed and in the end not hard at all. It walks you through an initial set up. Configuring what type of speakers you are using (3/2/1 way & Sub). It automatically sensed the input and no configuration was required there. Let it know which of it's 8 channels are doing what, so in my case I have FL tweet, FR tweet, FL woofer, FR woofer, Side L, Side R and Sub 1. I have a spare channel available should I desire to utilise the centre speaker location at a later date. I have two subs but no point in using multiple outputs when they both get the same signal and going to the same amp.
Because it now knows I am running a 2 way front stage it has now asked me to set a sub sonic filter, cross over frequency and slope. A number of options were available and it gives suggestions for these if you do not know the specifics of your splits. I have Hertz HSK165's and had to change both frequency and slope to get optimal use of these speakers. This process is duplicated all round and appropriate options given depending on the speaker type initialised.
Next it asks you to connect the head-phone looking device which is actually a stereo microphone. Following the on screen instructions you look in various directions as each speaker is pulsed and acoustically measured. You can repeat this from the four seating positions and it will give options for optimum sound in the front left, front right, front general or rear (no left option option here). You can just do it for the seats you need or care about. I have had time alignment in previous Alpine head units and it makes a world of difference to me. This here is where I thought it could have done more. It has the ability to listen and I would have thought it could play some pink noise and provide a suggested EQ setting. But EQ settings are a manual process. This is the part that really required specialised equipment as no person can really set a 31 band EQ by ear, not to optimal levels anyway. I ran a spectral analyser app on my phone in an attempt to flatten out the peaks and troughs. By no means is it completely accurate, but I did notice an improvement and for a home job it will do for now. Also has basic Hi/Mid/Low and sub level adjustments.
Overall I am very happy with the result. Very easy to install, set up and run. I largely do not touch it now. I initially ran test with an old sub in to make sure everything works. Currently running without subs until I build my box. Even still I am very happy with the sound I have achieved with the components used.
I highly recommend this processor, especially those trying to integrate with OEM devices.
No doubt there are better processors available. But none that have this combo of features that works perfectly for my needs.
Features:
- 8 speaker level inputs
- 8 line level inputs
- Auxiliary input
- In built 18wrms output
- Fully configurable electronic crossover
- 31-band EQ
- USB port for software updates
Things I like:
- Super easy configuration
- Easy installation
- Unbelievable price in comparison to similar products
Things I dislike:
- Would have liked a USB input, automatic EQ settings, manual over ride (you get what it gives you and that is it) and remote signal sensor.
- Nothing I don't like about it as such. Just those things I wish it also had.
Star rating out of five: 4.5
I bought this unit to expand the stereo in my VE Calais. I was wanting to add amplifiers, replace speakers and add subs, while retaining the Holden iQ head unit. I researched the Line Out Converter's and was not happy at the idea of possibly introducing noise to the audio and that dedicated processors generally do a far superior job, while adding other features like EQ controls and time alignment adjustments. My google-fu came across this comparison of a few of these devices. Upon reading this, and their general opinion, I realised with the MS-8 I could make very good use of it's internal amplifier. I already had a 4 channel amp, but this processor opened up the possibility of running an active front stage (tweeter and woofers crossed over and powered individually). I have never experienced an active front stage before, but the logic is there and what I read was it is worth it if you have the ability to do it.
So I bought the outstanding items needed for my install along with placing my order with Amazon. Once received (about 2 weeks) along with all wires etc I got about to installing everything. This is as simple as giving some form of input, either high level from speakers or RCA's. The 8 inputs is a bit redundant as it only needs two and the instructions say to only give it two.... Plus the usual positive, earth and remote wires. Outputs can be a mix of RCA's and speakers output from it's internal amp. It must sense what is connected as there is no configuration outlining whether it is a RCA or speaker output. In my case I have outputs 1-4 to 4 channel amp via RCA's, 5 & 6 output to rear speakers via speaker output and 7 to sub amp via RCA. 8 is currently spare.
Firing this thing up for the first time was a bit daunting. But the instructions are easily followed and in the end not hard at all. It walks you through an initial set up. Configuring what type of speakers you are using (3/2/1 way & Sub). It automatically sensed the input and no configuration was required there. Let it know which of it's 8 channels are doing what, so in my case I have FL tweet, FR tweet, FL woofer, FR woofer, Side L, Side R and Sub 1. I have a spare channel available should I desire to utilise the centre speaker location at a later date. I have two subs but no point in using multiple outputs when they both get the same signal and going to the same amp.
Because it now knows I am running a 2 way front stage it has now asked me to set a sub sonic filter, cross over frequency and slope. A number of options were available and it gives suggestions for these if you do not know the specifics of your splits. I have Hertz HSK165's and had to change both frequency and slope to get optimal use of these speakers. This process is duplicated all round and appropriate options given depending on the speaker type initialised.
Next it asks you to connect the head-phone looking device which is actually a stereo microphone. Following the on screen instructions you look in various directions as each speaker is pulsed and acoustically measured. You can repeat this from the four seating positions and it will give options for optimum sound in the front left, front right, front general or rear (no left option option here). You can just do it for the seats you need or care about. I have had time alignment in previous Alpine head units and it makes a world of difference to me. This here is where I thought it could have done more. It has the ability to listen and I would have thought it could play some pink noise and provide a suggested EQ setting. But EQ settings are a manual process. This is the part that really required specialised equipment as no person can really set a 31 band EQ by ear, not to optimal levels anyway. I ran a spectral analyser app on my phone in an attempt to flatten out the peaks and troughs. By no means is it completely accurate, but I did notice an improvement and for a home job it will do for now. Also has basic Hi/Mid/Low and sub level adjustments.
Overall I am very happy with the result. Very easy to install, set up and run. I largely do not touch it now. I initially ran test with an old sub in to make sure everything works. Currently running without subs until I build my box. Even still I am very happy with the sound I have achieved with the components used.
I highly recommend this processor, especially those trying to integrate with OEM devices.
No doubt there are better processors available. But none that have this combo of features that works perfectly for my needs.