Yaris Sedan Deadening and Sound system upgrade

[derickveliz2]

I'm trying to cover the a-pillars with the same material as my Dash-Mat...

not easy

D.

[sqcomp]

Pics man...pics!

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Pics man...pics!

I'll get some photos... but

Looks bad... the foam was folded and you can tell where the material has marks of each fold, I guess they will go away with time or with some heat.

My point is not to look stock or fancy (Pretty) this material has 3 layers, the middle one is Foam, and I'm just trying to minimize all reflective surfaces, too bad I can't put it over the windshield and windows.

It's that first square sample on the Left:



D.

[sqcomp]

Do you want to drive with the covering?

How about creating window covers out of foam? Something you can put in place when doing demos...

...I suggest this because, well, I've done it before. I know how it changes the sound. And yes, it literally changes the sound because it absorbs certain frequencies and reflections. It ended up making the car into a mini anechoic chamber.

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Pics man...pics!

D.

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Do you want to drive with the covering?

How about creating window covers out of foam? Something you can put in place when doing demos...

...I suggest this because, well, I've done it before. I know how it changes the sound. And yes, it literally changes the sound because it absorbs certain frequencies and reflections. It ended up making the car into a mini anechoic chamber.

Not really, I think I would like to keep it driveable, as awkward as it sounds I still tune for the road, I know I would like to enter in a competition some day to see where my system stands out compare to professionals and high end systems. I guess I'm going to have to tweak my tuning for that, but I feel comfortable doing that for the competition.

For demos... the foam covers on the windows, I would love to do that but with transparent foam that I guess doesn't exist.

D.

[derickveliz2]

Update...



D.

[_S7V7N_]

Derick your amps under your seats ?

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by _S7V7N_

Derick your amps under your seats ?

No, they are too big to slide under the seats, 2 are under a false floor behind the seats, the 3rd amp is in the trunk.

D.

[derickveliz2]

Work in progress...

Showing the Pioneer Tweeters as far apart from each other to acquire the widest stage possible:



D.

[sqcomp]

The interesting thin about those tweeter locations is that is goes against the PLD theory/practice. That being said, depending on the crossover point, you may be fine.

What are your thoughts so far?

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

The interesting thin about those tweeter locations is that is goes against the PLD theory/practice. That being said, depending on the crossover point, you may be fine.

What are your thoughts so far?

Since my Mids (point source) runs from 250 Hz to 8 kHz the tweeter only picks up at 10 kHz and up. PLDs theory doesn't apply to tweeters playing that range I kind of use a little bit of T/A then L+R EQ with some L+R Levels to match the center image with the Mids, Honestly depending on the track the tweeters completely disappear in stage, I just can't localize them.

And compare the tweeters in the a-pillars the reflections from the windshield made tuning the tweeters a lot harder than next to the sailpanels, where I get a straight path to my ears with less reflections.

The Mids are taking all the T/A with L+R EQ I can get (it's not a lot though), taking advantage of only 9" of PLDs it's very easy to center the image and as far forward I physically can.



One more thing that I wanted to ask you: Talking about Subwoofer and Lows...

-What about tuning the Subwoofer and Lows? I've done it by ear moving around the x-over points and slopes, to the point the BASS is Natural and feels really good no matter what kind of music I play, but ...

there should be a good technic using low frequencies and what I've seen called swipes or some thing like that, playing low notes back a forth, but ...

How do I do this in a theoretical way?

D.

[sqcomp]

I know what you're talking about with the crossover point on the tweeters. Take a look at the frequency graph that illustrates where the range of each instrument lays. That'll give you a reinforcement of the reference for your tuning techniques.

Phasing becomes an interesting beast when getting into the lower mid bass. At 60-75 Hz, location becomes much more challenging.

[derickveliz2]

What do I need to not embarrass my self in a show like this?






D.

[sqcomp]

First, do NOT enter any of the install classes just yet. Not that you can't, however it is more about finding what the judges are looking for according to the rules is what your goal should be in that type of class. When you can during the competition, shadow the judges for install and see how they judge. Also, it makes sense to have a copy of the rules so you aren't blind sided by anything. Also know that both sactioning bodies (Moe Sabourin for IASCA and Steve Stern for MECA) will "reward" you with points for being a member before your competition run. This is only a way of raking in the money for the organizations, understandably. I know you want to win straight out and never ever lose. That's the wrong mind set. You want to learn and gain objective opinions. Know that this is very difficult to do as we ALL have our biases. The same WILL happen the higher you get into competition, whether people will admit it or not. I've seen bias and politics rear it's ugly head all too often. I would take whatever "points buffer" that they offer and add it to your score if you decide not to join the leagues. Let's say you are off of 1st place by 3 points. If you allow for the IASCA "bonus" of 5 points for membership, you'll know you would have won out over the IASCA member in 1st place (for example).

Now, what I would do is to go to the show, and enter the IASCA Amateur class SQc. I don't think you're technically allowed to enter the Rookie class due to the modifcations of the pillars.

Now, the stinky part for you Derick is that in MECA SQL you'll be stuck in the Modified class because of the location of the subwoofer and the dash pad.

Still, enter those two sound classes and listen for the judges feedback. DO NOT change anything until you get back home and thuroughly review the feedback. Then and ONLY ten make changes if you deem it needed at that time. Why? I've seen MANY competitors change something the night before or the day of and even the day after the competition and completely wreck themselves over someone's subjective opinion.

Don't fall into that trap. Make changes only after careful review and scrutiny.

I still need to e-mail you SB's build log on the "expert" class G35. It's really a fluffed up pro class car honestly. Still, the insight will provide you with how much goes into a true IQc run. I have another build log from another IASCA "world champion" rookie vehicle I can send you. I can also get you a copy of last year's IASCA rulebook. I've been distracted with real life and have neglected to send those to you, I apologize.

Also note that joining either of those leagues will cost over and above the entry fees for the show.

[sqcomp]

One addendum regarding attitude...

The following is my not so humble opinion:

The reason why I blow off the membership to these leagues is because of the blatant politics that I've personally seen and even had to take part in as a judge for IASCA and event promoter. If some "big hitter" doesn't get their way or if you're beating them in the scorecards and they somehow get a peek...I've seen world champions throw literal temper tantrums at the mere thought of placing second.

Look, it's only a trophy...and a cheap one at that.

What really matters is that you have great sound. Don't get too wrapped around the axle about harvesting trophies. If you really truly want a trophy, I'll order one for you that says you're flippin' Superman for all I care.

Be and do the right thing. Be gracious to those around you and don't fall into the trap of uber-competitiveness. It just turns you into an elitist jackass and turns the kids who look at this as a future hobby away because of the bad example set. There are industry "giants" out there that will shake your hand and then turn and do whatever they need to to kill your chances at success. I've seen it happen all too often.

Don't be THAT guy.

[_S7V7N_]

Derick just go in there humble and have some fun. Talk to as many people as possible. Be nice and courteous. Expect a bit of bias for the guys throwing the show. Don't be surprised if they take 1st 2nd and 3rd. It's not right, but i've seen it happen.

Also you may hear a bit of crap about what equipment you use, or the car you drive. Some guys can be a bit snobby. To them it's all about buying and paying for high end audio, which I'm sure the shop sells some top of the line stuff, so anything else is " garbage".

So go in have fun, and prepare to hear alot of trash talk...Loll..

[derickveliz2]

I've been dreaming or should I say I've been having nightmares about going to a competition.

I don't care if I'm first place, last or second, I enjoy what I've done to my car, to me sounds great! there isn't much that I would like to do to improve it even more; I'm happy and...
my little Yaris may not last long, so I would like to give it a chance and let him swim with other fish.

What I really would like is... to go over the experience of exposing what I created with the judges and having their opinion, talking to other enthusiast/professionals about their systems and to listen what have they accomplished and how they got there and why.

In the Auto-Audio industry there are so many variables, just thinking about it... every body has different ears. What I hear may not be the same for others. I know SQ it's not for everybody. Some people could care less about it, some others would go crazy, more people would go WOW! for a thumping system that you can feel hundreds of feet away... I go WOW too, but once I get inside in the drivers position, it's another story, I believe this is a selfish section of the hobby, because everything is set up for your driving position, your ears and your taste.

I read about MECA and modified class, for me it's great...! because I've accomplished with a simple, inexpensive solution get most of a system without going nuts! disadvantage?... not really I'm not trying to win. I just want to have some fun.

D.