2
5.4 ADJUSTING INPUT SENSITIVITY
To reach a maximum noise-free dynamic headroom from each
individual head unit/amplifier/speaker combination, it is impor-
tant to set the respective input gain controls correctly. The input
level settings determine the actual signal-to-noise ratio, and they
are also responsible for obtaining the maximum distortion-free
SPL (sound pressure level) from your specific setup.
Turn-on your head-unit and set the volume control to approxima-
tely 3/4 of full volume, while playing a dynamic track from a CD.
Slowly increase the LEVEL adjustment control of the channel
pair, to which your subwoofer
system is connected to. Turn up the (sub channel) level control
knob until you can just about hear distorted bass sounds. Now
you reduce the volume level of your head unit to a "normal"
listening level and "add" all the remaining channel pairs, by
turning up the corresponding level controls - aiming for a ba-
lanced sound with a slight emphasis in the bass range. All
remaining channels, no matter if this concerns rear mounted
coaxials, component- or kickbass systems installed in the front
doors - must be balanced against the main level setting of your
subwoofer.
5.5 ADJUSTMENT OF PHASE SHIFT
CONTROL
The phase shift function of your RODEK amplifier can be ac-
tivated with the corresponding slide switch. The phase-shift
control enables you to match the acoustical phase relations of
subwoofer and the speaker system playing in the front doors,
either a component or a kickbass system. The target is that both
speaker systems, normally separated by aprox. 3m of distan-
ce are intended to play acoustically "in-phase" at the drivers
seat location. A good match of the acoustical phase between
subwoofer and the system in the front doors will give you the
impression of bass sounds coming from a place in front of you.
Or the other way round, the subwoofer playing in the trunk of
your car can not be localized that easily.
The second advantage is, that the upper bass region - i.e. where
the sound waves radiated by the subwoofer and the kickbass or
front door mounted component system are crossing over - will
sound considerably more precise and tight. This phase adjust-
ment can only be determined by ear, there is no rule of thumb
to find a good match, and you will definitely need somebody
to help you. To judge the effect of the phase-shift adjustment,
you must sit in the drivers seat, and somebody must adjust
the phase shift control knob until the sound reproduction in
the bass region is best. Furthermore, it might be necessary to
invert the (connection) polarity of your subwoofer - and re-adjust
the phase, if you can not find a proper match with the correct
in-phase polarity subwoofer connection.
. CROSSOVER SETTINGS
Ro 1-2-4-CH ME def.indd 29
01.03.2006 10:55:38 Uhr
