Alpine CDA-9831 Head Unit - Tuning Quest?

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mrmsudawgs

Copper - Posts: 145

Joined: February 22, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: August 03, 2005 at 8:27 AM / IP Logged

I need some help in tuning my Alpine head unit. It seems to have all of the necessary tuning functions but they seem cryptic to me. I'm trying to tune it like I would a 5 band EQ but that does not seem to work.

Has anyone every used the "i-Personalize" function on Alpine's web site? I can't make any sense of it. I mean, it gives you the ability to set tuning levels via the internet and burn them to a disc then upload that into your head unit. Sounds nice but how do you tune an EQ outside of the vehicle when the interior of the vehicle dictates how the system will sound?

Yep - I'm confused. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Alpine CDA-9831 Head Unit - Tuning Quest? -- posted image.

2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.

John 3:16

geepherder

Platinum - Posts: 3,668

This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: October 27, 2003

Posted: August 03, 2005 at 9:51 AM / IP Logged

You're absolutely right about the interior dictating the system sound. Don't try to download an eq curve and load it to your deck. That's crazy. You should tune using your ears as a guide.

The "i-Personalize" feature may look intimidating at first, but it gives you just enough adjustment to give what you want. Once you get the hang of it- it's not difficult at all. Hold down the menu button for about three seconds. The display will tell you what you're in, just keep pressing menu until Users pops up. Pressing the Band button will allow you to scroll through the eq bands. Your seek buttons will allow you to change the center frequency of that band, and the volume knob will allow you to boost or cut the levels of the given band. Once you have everything where you want it, hold down the preset one button until User 1 appears. Your curve is now stored in memory, and when you exit the menu, the "i-Personalize" light (above the menu button) will be illuminated.

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

mrmsudawgs

Copper - Posts: 145

Joined: February 22, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: August 03, 2005 at 2:57 PM / IP Logged

I just can't get the "center frequency" thing. For example, when tuning the bass range I am able to use volume knob to control how much bass to add (-12 to +12), another button to control some number in the middle of the display that reads 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0, then another button to change what I think is the tuning frequency (40, 60, or 120) hz.

I understand the (-12 to +12) thing pretty well but what about the 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 number? What is that for and how do I use it?

Also, which range should I tune for - 40, 60, or 120? Is only one range active at a time? For example, all the +12 and 1.0, 2.0, stuff applies to all three ranges (40, 60, and 120) at the same time or just for the range I have selected? Which range is the unit playing?

Mike

2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.

John 3:16

geepherder

Platinum - Posts: 3,668

Joined: October 27, 2003

Posted: August 03, 2005 at 3:26 PM / IP Logged

Huh. I can't say I've dealt with that before- I own a cda-9830, and I thought the only difference between mine and yours was button illumination- or something like that. It seems your unit has better flexibility. The 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 option is more than likely the Q- so basically 1 would make the most gradual difference, and 3 would give really peaky response around the given frequency. I prefer a more natural response, so I'd probably use 1.0. For the different frequencies, you'll just have to play with it to get what you want. You'll only be able to use one. In my setup, I use 60 Hz.

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

mrmsudawgs

Copper - Posts: 145

Joined: February 22, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: August 03, 2005 at 10:40 PM / IP Logged

I guess I'm just stupid. I just can't get a picture in my head as to what I am trying to tune. I know what I want to do but I just don't know how to tell the HU.

Does anyone have a clue on how to set up the EQs for Alpine head units (mine is CDA-9831)?

2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.

John 3:16

geepherder

Platinum - Posts: 3,668

Joined: October 27, 2003

Posted: August 04, 2005 at 7:51 PM / IP Logged

It seems to me that you know how to get to all the different settings, you're just not sure what to adjust to get the sound you're looking for, right? If this is the case, my brother, just choose a random frequency/band, and adjust it all the way up and all the way down. Do this with several frequencies/bands so you become familiar with the differences in tone/feel. This way your ears will know what to listen for, and you'll have a better understanding of what you want, as well as how to achieve it. I believe just playing around with it this way is the best way to achieve whatever you're trying to accomplish. Your ears will tell you what they like and dislike- just keep tweaking until you're satisfied.

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

mrmsudawgs

Copper - Posts: 145

Joined: February 22, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: August 04, 2005 at 7:53 PM / IP Logged

Yep. That's the approach I am taking now. Don't get me wrong - it sounds good but I just thought there had to be a better way.

thanks!

2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.

John 3:16

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Alpine CDA-9831 Head Unit - Tuning Quest?

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