7
Standard installation in undefined door volumes
This form of installation is unsatisfactory and should only be used as a provisional arrangement, since it does not
allow optimum Qts-factor. Moreover, holes in the door or leakage in the cladding may cause parasitic reflexions
and impair the reproduction at low frequencies.
Woofers require a large area for optimum sound reproduction. Car doors with a large air cushion between the door
lining and external metal or the rear windshield deck of an auto with a large trunk are ideal locations. In some
vehicles designated speaker locations in the instrument panel, doors, rear sides, and rear windshield deck offer the
necessary minimum area.
The installation location of the tweeter must, as with the woofer, fit freely into the available designated area or in a
newly chosen area, in order that an unencumbured radiation of sound is possible. Before installation, the
mechanical installation possibilities, with consideration given to acoustical expectations, should be reviewed. In
order to find the best placement for the tweeter to achieve optimal sound reproduction, installation should proceed
after installation of the woofer/midrange as follows:
•
Attach tweeter, over the accompanying crossovers to the amplifier using long cables in order to permit a free
radius of action at the selected location.
•
Set the system into operation and insert appropriate CD. Select the volume in such a way that the tweeter is not
overpowered by the mid- and low-tone range.
•
Vary position of the tweeter until a vivid and spacious sound is achieved. At the same time, exchange the
polarity of the tweeter, (switch plus/negative connections at the connecting terminals) paying attention to
frontstaging and sound variations. Frontstaging adjusts itself only if the tweeter is not too far from the
midrange and/or woofer. The decision as to the optimal installation location requires patience and must be
accomplished by testing several varieties of music.
•
Mark the determined installation placement and prepare for assembly.
Important:
Rear and front windshields strongly reflect the tweeter signal and can make the sound seem shrill
and overpowering. Windshields can, for the purpose of support, be used if desired, however,
normally installation in the windshield proximity should be avoided. Upholstery absorbs high
frequency sounds, making sound reproduction seem flat and dull. Sufficient distance from head
rests, upholstered backrests, and seats is essential.
A fundamental consideration in selecting the installation location is that
the individual system loudspeakers
should, for acoustical purposes, be kept as close as possible to one another
. When the individual loudspeakers
are placed too far apart, an acoustical void that impairs the intended sound can result.
Important:
Review mechanical suitability before beginning installation into the selected location!
Built-in auto parts should
not
be removed. Take care with window mechanics and door handles
during door removal. Likewise, during rear area installations, use care around the gas tank. This
area should
in no case
be worked on in any way. In general, pay close attention to hidden cables
and lines, which should
not
be cut or removed. Self installation of the loudspeakers is possible,
however take note in advance of necessary specialized technical information about connections and
interior auto safety mechanics.
The most acoustically favorable installation location is not always mechanically suitable. In this case an
appropriate compromise between optimal sound reproduction and mechanical attachment should be determined.