Dash Speaker Enclosure Design
So you’ve got yourself one of those fancy horseless carriages with the unique distinction of an audiophile’s wet dream; it’s got dash speakers. The problem is, they’re tiny. They could be 3.5, 4, or if you’re lucky….4×6 inches! Whoo hoo! Hold up Custer. Those Little Bighorns in your dash are going to cause you as much trouble as Crazy Horse if you’re not careful.
You see, the larger the cone area on your speakers, the lower the resonant frequency is. Since you’re relying on these preemie babies to cover the transition in the audible range from your lows (which are typically crossed over somewhere between 80 and 100 Hz) to your midrange (if you’re lucky you’ll get a clean response all the way down to 80) then those pitiful electroacoustical transducers in your Model T are going to have their work cut out for them. Since the back waves of the speakers are firing into the cavernous void of airbags, evaporators, and speedo cables they’re essentially running infinite baffle. Baffling I know, but at that rate when the first beat of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch rips through your quasi-air dielectric bi-wired individually paralleled insulated Litz constructed speaker cables, your wee drivers are going to hop like Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA.
What’s the solution you say? Two words: sealed enclosures. I know, I know, the door speakers in your wife’s Fiat X-19 sound great, and that’s not exactly Grant’s catacomb. What gives Buzz? Ok, ok, I’ve got two more words: antiphase radiation. No, it’s not some 1950’s propaganda concept designed to convince you that nuclear fallout is good for your teeth. It’s what’s happening in that mysterious place abaft your dinky diaphragms. Every time you jam your Esteban instructional discs, your speakers are creating sound through the front and back of the cones. If the back waves meet your ears at the same time as the front waves, then most of the sound is cancelled out. (This is why your Funky Pups sound like EVs when you play them out of the box.)
Those door speakers may be playing into a vibrational, diffractional, reflectional, partition, but at least they’re not playing down through the top of your dash and into the listening area like those cramped co-axials under your windscreen. Those back waves are wreaking havoc on your speakers’ ability to reproduce accurate sound, much less down to the critical frequencies that you need to transition out of your subs’ range.
You’re thinking, “You’re asking me to remove my dash and build a complex fiberglass enclosure behind my speakers? You’re a lunatic!” Well, you may be right. I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you’re looking…..sorry. I got distracted. NO! I’m going to show you what to do:
So you’ve got your high-fidelity factory dash speaker……
Go ahead. Check out your hair in that dust cap…..
Once you remove the speaker, you could find anything in there……
If you find any rodents, food, children, or trash, throw it away. If you find money or beer, send it to FloridaSPL.com here: http://www.floridaspl.com/forums/payments.php
You’re going to need some supplies to get working…..
Most important; beer. After that, you will need some sound deadening sheets like Damplifier, Dynamat, etc., a closed cell foam product like Overkill pro, a knife to cut them with, a surface to cut them on, and some spray adhesive.
You start by placing strips of the sound deadening sheets inside with the goal being to create a bowl or cup shape in the hole.
Keep in mind that your speakers have to fit in the dash when you’re done. So use common sense when building your enclosure. Make sure your speaker’s magnet and terminal connections will fit when you’re done.
Building this enclosure as air-tight as possible is the objective.
I built the bowl shape with lots of strips and then I sealed the top edge with these little rectangles you see here.
If you only have the self adhesive mats, you’re done. Install your speakers and enjoy the sonic benefits. But if you’re going all-out with the closed cell foam, keep reading.
Since the bowl shape is symmetrical, I cut 4 equal pieces and sprayed them with adhesive.
And then I sprayed the adhesive in the bowl.
Spray glues work best when they’re allowed to tack up (dry slightly) so go pour another beer while you wait.
Next, carefully position the pieces in the enclosure for maximum coverage.
You’re looking to create a non-reflecting environment to absorb the back waves and reduce the,……wait for it……..antiphase radiation.
Building an enclosure behind the speakers will increase the power handling, improve the sonic accuracy, and reduce diffraction created by those pesky little back waves.
Now you can install your Kracos and jam Zamfir through the hood with pride.
Sirius Programming Changes
Since Sirius XM has now had some time to work things out from the merger, they’ve finally released some information on combining their programming.
One option for those of wanted the best of both worlds of XM and Sirius, they’ve ironically came up with the “Best of Both” programming options. As part of “Best of Both” programming, most current XM customers will continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain select SIRIUS programming. Likewise, most current SIRIUS customers will continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service and be able to obtain select XM programming.
In addition to their existing service, SIRIUS and XM subscribers will be able to purchase the following channels:
SIRIUS on XM XM on SIRIUS Howard 100 NBA Howard 101 NHL Home Ice Martha Stewart Living Oprah & Friends SIRIUS NFL Radio Public Radio with Bob Edwards SIRIUS NASCAR Radio College Sports Playboy Radio PGA Tour
“Best of Both” programming will be available to satellite radio consumers beginning October 6, 2008 on most existing satellite radios at a monthly cost of $16.99. Also, the company’s full slate of new packages will be available to consumers on Oct. 6, including the opportunity to choose programming on an a la carte basis for the first time ever in subscription media.
With the absence of NOPI Nationals this year, JBird Productions has been working diligently to duplicate this annual super-show and has done an excellent job in taking the reins on such a short notice and the event is shaping up nicely. With the venue changed to an indoor/air conditioned event at the Georgia International Convention Center this will hopefully save the crowd from those familiar NOPI sunburns and provide a much more enjoyable environment.
As for the car audio side of things, you will not want to miss this event! So far, three organizations (IASCA, MECA, CAN) will be hosting sanctioned events with lots of cash prizes involved and records to be broken. It’s rumored that Db Drag and USACi may join the event as well.
IASCA will be hosting a triple point Territorial Key Event (TKE) event and all classes will be offered from SQ to Bass Boxing. IASCA World records can also be set at this event. Terry Floyd has recently announced that IASCA will knock off 20% of your entry fee if there are at least three people in the class you enter. Big props to IASCA for doing this! Also don’t forget IASCA Finals have been moved to SBN 2009.
Car Audio Nationals (CAN) will be hosting their finals at this event with hefty $3,000 in cash prizes to it’s sound quality competitors. If you aren’t familiar with CAN, you need to be! They are the ONLY car audio sound quality sanctioning organization that awards its winners with a cash-prize pay-out. CAN uses an elite judging staff of Richard Clark, Richard Inferrera, Micah Sheveloff, Dave MacKinnon, Bob Johann just to name a few. CAN has played a large role in this event, be sure to check them out and pre-register for the event at www.CarAudioNationals.com.
MECA will be holding their Georgia State Finals at this event where state records will be set! Cash prizes can be won in their SQ and SPL classes as well.
The current schedule for the show is as follows:
- Saturday – September 20th
8:00 AM – Move in. Registration Begins for Car Audio Nationals, IASCA & MECA
9:00 AM – MECA Sound Quality and SPL Judging.
9:00 AM – IASCA Sound Quality and IdBL Judging.
9:30 AM – Car Audio Nationals Sound Quality Judging.
5:00 PM – MECA Trophies.
7:00 PM – Car Audio Nationals Trophies.
- Sunday – September 21st
8:00 AM – Move in.
9:00 AM – IASCA Sound Quality and IdBL Judging.
5:00 PM – IASCA Trophies.
For more information on the Motorsports Nationals, visit their website at www.motorsportsnationals.com
Second Skin Audio has a YouTube channel
Second Skin Audio created their new YouTube channel yesterday. Their first two video postings are informative videos hosted by Buzz Thompson (of FloridaSPL.com, Truck U) demonstrating how to install as well as detail the benefits of Damplifier and Damplifier Pro. Second Skin Audio has also added these videos under the ‘video’ tab to their respective product pages on their website.
Check out their channel by clicking the link below. Be sure to subscribe to their channel, many more videos are in the works.
IASCA ‘World Finals’ Moved to SBN
August 8, 2008 – Daytona Beach, Florida.
In the wake of the cancellation of the NOPI Nationals and the Atlanta Motor Speedway’s decision to forego any type of auto sound competition at the drag event they will be producing on NOPI’s dates, IASCA announces its plans for its competition season finale formally and formerly known as the “World Finals”.
With suggestions and input from its membership base, industry proponents and various international affiliates, the newly designated IASCA North American Championships will be held annually at the Spring Break Nationals, starting with the 2008 Championships being held at SBN in March 2009. “We have given this careful consideration” says Paul Papadeas, President of IASCA and SBN EXPO Group. “On many levels this makes perfect sense. SBN is a well attended car audio focused event that serves consumers and trade participants and soundoff competitors from both factions.
The newly expanded Ocean Center has enough space to host a regular TKE IASCA competition that anyone can enter, the Invitational IASCA North American Championships, the Tuner Jam car show and exhibits from both car audio manufacturers and automotive aftermarket suppliers all under one roof.
Also planned for 23rd annual SBN is an IASCA Worldwide Summit bringing industry and our international affiliations together for trainings, and to discuss the marketing phenomenon called soundoff and its effectiveness around the world. With all activities at SBN focused into one venue, instead of being scattered about on the beachside and parking lots, we’re able to deliver a more concentrated marketing message to the end users than ever before.
Renaming the IASCA Finals to the “IASCA North American Championships” may take getting used to for some. The action will give due respect to the rest of the IASCA world and their autosound challenge efforts. Our ultimate goal one day soon will be to realize a true world class competition event.
Another prospect for the invitational will be something that has eluded soundoff competition for years; prize money for the winners. We plan to return at least 50% of all invitational entry fees back to the winners and, if sponsorship and attendance of the event is strong, this number could increase dramatically. “It’s time to focus on what pulled us out of the slump almost 20 years ago; Soundoffs were a great marketing tool then and the same holds true today. The only difference is our approach, focus and control of its growth” cites Papadeas.
Expect more information from IASCA and SBN within the next few weeks. Stay tuned to iasca.com.
Source:
http://www.iasca.com/blogs/iasca/archive/2008/07/16/08-iasca-finals-news.aspx
We’ll be providing installation videos for Second Skin Audio. These videos will give those interested in Second Skin Audio products the opportunity to visually see how each product should be properly applied and an explanation will be given to each products benefits.
Second Skin Audio has issued a press release here
http://www.secondskinaudio.com/news-events.php?id_news=29
By JOHN DUNBAR
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s $3.3 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. will mean millions of subscribers will be able to receive programming from both services, while executives say it will create huge cost savings for the industry.
Federal regulators formally approved the merger of the nation’s only two satellite radio operators Friday.
“I think it’s going to be, in the end, a good thing for consumers and be in the public interest,” Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin told The Associated Press. “Consumers will enjoy a variety of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming choices.”
Subscribers will not have to buy new radios to receive a mix of programming from both services, according to the companies. But if they want to pursue a special pay-per-channel a la carte option, they will need new sets.
The FCC voted 3-2 to approve the buyout, with the tiebreaker coming Friday night from Republican commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate.
Tate had insisted that the companies settle charges that they violated FCC rules before she would approve the deal. The companies agreed this week to pay $19.7 million to the U.S. Treasury for violations related to radio receivers and ground-based signal repeaters.
The long-running regulatory review was watched closely by exasperated investors anxious for a resolution as well as 18 million-plus satellite radio customers with questions about what impact the merger would have on their service.
The approval was a major blow for the land-based radio industry, which lobbied hard against the buyout. It was also opposed by consumer groups, various members of Congress and state attorneys general, all of whom argued a satellite radio merger would hurt consumers and was not in the public interest.
“They kept each other on their toes,” Democratic commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said of the two companies. “I hope they keep their edge and don’t become a fat and happy monopoly.”
Adelstein voted against the buyout as did fellow Democrat Michael Copps. Joining Martin and Tate in approving the deal was Republican commissioner Robert McDowell.
The companies said the combination would create hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings and lead to greater choice in programming for subscribers and flexible pricing options.
Tate released a statement Friday night praising the commission’s decision to punish the companies for rules violations before acting on the merger and supporting pro-consumer conditions imposed on the deal.
Under the terms of the consent decree, XM will pay $17.5 million and Sirius will pay $2.2 million to resolve interference complaints and violations related to land-based signal repeaters the companies operate to deliver programming.
The final merger agreement did not require the combined company to include a chip in its radios that will allow customers to receive digital signals from land-based radio stations, which would have helped the land-based radio industry.
Tate, who was lobbied intensely by the industry in the final weeks, said she “could not in good conscience support a government-mandated requirement on the backs of American consumers at this time.”
Martin said the agreement is nearly identical to what he circulated among other commissioners when he first recommended approval for the deal more than a month ago.
The companies first applied for permission to combine in March 2007. The Justice Department approved the deal in March of this year without conditions, saying the companies don’t really compete because customers must buy equipment that is exclusive to either XM or Sirius, and subscribers rarely switch providers.
DOJ also agreed with the companies’ argument that they compete with other forms of audio entertainment, including digital radio, Internet-based radio stations and even devices like Apple Inc.’s iPod.
FCC approval faced a steeper climb because the companies were prohibited from combining under terms of their licenses. The agency struggled to come up with a way to show that allowing a satellite radio monopoly was in the public interest.
The companies voluntarily agreed to a set of conditions, including a three-year price cap and an 8 percent set-aside of “full-time audio channels” for public interest and minority programming. They will also adopt an “open radio” standard that may lead to a greater variety of features in radios and greater competition among manufacturers.
Sirius and XM also have promised to include a limited “a la carte” offering that would be available within three months of the close of the deal and allow listeners to pay only for the channels they want to receive.
© 2008 The Associated Press.
You heard it here first. The world’s largest car show has been canceled.
We’ve confirmed with NOPI’s public relations that NOPI Nationals and the summer/fall 2008 events have been canceled.
IASCA is diligently working on a new location for the IASCA World Finals. (click here)
Here is the release from NOPI announcing their latest news for 2008.
“It is with great regret that NOPI Motorsports, LLC has suspended operations for the summer and fall 2008. This will include NOPI Drag Racing Series, NOPI Drift Series and the NOPI NATIONALS Motorsports Supershow. The company is undergoing an organizational restructuring in light of severe adverse affects of a disappointing spring season. The economy and unfavorable weather resulted in underperformance of all spring events. Michael Meyers, president of NOPI Motorsports, reports that NOPI Motorsports is working with its clients and sponsors to minimize the uncertainty going forward. This is a reflection of the economic times in which we currently live. The countrywide economic and industry downturn has caused a slowdown and tightening of belts. This affects everyone and companies, at all levels, and NOPI Motorsports is no different.
(Nopi Press Release)
FloridaSPL.com has posted a video on YouTube showcasing how to make your car quieter by using products from Second Skin Audio. The host, Buzz Thompson, guides you through the installation process and explains the benefits of having auto insulation in your vehicle.
A recently proposed law in Sarasota, FL could result in your car getting towed and you could face up to a $650 fine for playing your car stereo to loud.
FloridaSPL.com has been cited as the ‘Florida car audio enthusiasts website’ and excerpts have been used in the Herald Tribune and on SNN News 6 TV.
For more information on this proposed law, check out the following:
Turn up the tunes
Tuesd
Article Here
Is seizi
Wedne
Article Here
SNN News 6 TV
April
Video Here