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Product Spotlight: Compustar EZGO-II

Compustar EZGO-II

Hands-free proximity unlocking is a feature found on many new cars and trucks fresh off the showroom floor. The Compustar EZGO-II adds this convenience to your remote car starter or security system. Let’s take a close look at this unique keyless entry solution.

What are Keyless Entry and Proximity Unlocking?

A typical keyless entry system uses a key fob to unlock the doors of your car or truck. The key fob communicates with the electronics in the vehicle using radio frequency signals. In most cases, you need to press the unlock button on the fob to disarm the security system and unlock the doors. This keyless entry technology was a major upgrade from manually inserting a key into a door lock, as was common in the ’90s.

Compustar developed a fully hands-free unlocking solution when it launched the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote controls for its starters and alarms in 2021. That same technology is now available in the EZGO-II proximity unlocking system.

Proximity unlocking refers to the automated process of unlocking the doors of your car or truck as you approach the vehicle. As we found when testing the T13 and R5 remotes, when you are about four or five feet from the door, the system will automatically detect the remote in your pocket and unlock the vehicle. In most cases, the tailgate of an SUV or truck will also unlock to provide full access to the vehicle.

Once the last door is closed, the system will search for the EZGO-II remote. When it doesn’t detect the remote, it automatically locks the doors. If you remain around the vehicle for five minutes or more after turning off the engine, the proximity locking feature is disabled until a door is opened or the vehicle is started.

With a Compustar remote starter or alarm and the EZGO-II, looking for car keys is a thing of the past.

The EZGO-II Remote

The EZGO-II system includes a small antenna and a compact, square remote with a single button. In terms of features, it’s surprisingly similar to the T5 remote we mentioned earlier. First and foremost, the remote will automatically unlock your vehicle as you approach. This is a godsend if you are carrying groceries or have one of your kids in your arms. Sure, you still have to pull the door handle to open it, but that’s always been the case.

Next, the remote’s single button allows you to lock or unlock the doors from up to 150 feet away from the vehicle. A single tap sends a lock command, and double-tapping the button sends the unlock command.

Finally, if you hold the button for 2.5 seconds, the remote will transmit a start command to your car starter. Pressing and holding the button again for 2.5 seconds will transmit a stop command. So, if you are in your home and the vehicle is in the driveway, the EZGO-II remote provides enough range to start the vehicle remotely.

The EZGO-II remote has a small LED that indicates when it is within range of the remote car starter or security system controller.

If you need additional range, then upgrading your car starter or security system with the Drone smartphone-based control system is a perfect solution. So long as you have access to the Internet, you can lock, unlock or remote start the vehicle. With a premium service plan, you can also use GPS-based tracking to monitor the vehicle’s location and how it’s being used.

Compustar EZGO-II
If you need more range to control your vehicle, add the Drone smartphone control system.

How Does Proximity Unlocking Work?

If you are like us, then knowing how something works is as interesting as the features it offers. The EZGO-II system uses a communication system called Bluetooth Low Energy, or Bluetooth LE. The key fob transmits a low-power signal that can be picked up by the EZGO-II antenna mounted to the dash. If the signal matches the security pattern, the antenna sends a digital command to the remote start or security system controller in the vehicle. That module then sends an unlock command to the vehicle’s door locks or, in some cases, the body control module (BCM).

When you close the last door, the antenna starts communicating with the EZGO-II remote again. Once the communication stops, as would happen when you walk away from the vehicle, the antenna sends a lock command to the controller.

Bluetooth LE was designed specifically for applications like what we’ve described above. These systems can consume as little as one microamp of current when in standby mode. As such, a typical CR2032 coin cell can last for more than a year. Even when communicating, the current draw is well under five milliamps. This communication is brief, however – lasting only as long as the remote is near the vehicle and the engine isn’t running. Put another way, the remote only consumes relatively high amounts of current while you are approaching or walking away from your car or truck. Honestly, that’s pretty cool!

Compustar EZGO-II
The EZGO-II remote control is incredibly small, measuring 1.5 inches square and only 0.25-inches thick.

Upgrade Your Convenience System Today

If you have a Compustar, NuStart, or FTX-branded remote car starter, the EZGO-II should be a compatible upgrade. Your Firstech (the parent company of the above brands) retailer can provide up to two additional remotes—whether they’re the EZGO-II or a more conventional one-button or four-button unit.

If you want to unlock your car, truck or SUV by simply walking up to it, you can find an authorized Compustar retailer near you using the dealer locator tool on their website. Be sure to follow Compustar on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube to stay up to date with all the new products and technologies available from this award-winning company.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Compustar

Product Spotlight: Momento M8 Max

Momento M8 Max

There are now hundreds of dash cameras on the market. If you are serious about protecting yourself from fraud and false accusations or simply want to capture those incredible once-in-a-lifetime moments, then you want a high-quality camera with excellent image quality. Momento’s latest flagship dash camera is called the M8 Max, and it’s the perfect choice for your car or truck. Let’s check it out!

Momento M8 Max Features

Let’s start by looking at the specifications of the new Momento M8 Max, which is also known as the MD-8400. This is the top-of-the-line in the three-model series. The M8 Max features a 4K Sony IMX image sensor for razor-sharp image capture at 30 frames per second. A secondary camera that can be pointed out the rear window features full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) is also included in the kit. The system comes with a 64 GB memory card but can be upgraded to a 256 GB card for more storage. The M8 Max includes a GPS receiver to store vehicle location and speed.

The main power cable is also included in the box. This is a hard-wired cable, not a cigarette lighter plug. As such, your installer will need to find suitable constant 12-volt, switched accessory and ground connection points under the dash. A micro-SD to SD card adapter is also included.

Momento M8 Max
The camera on the Momento M8 Max can be adjusted to work with the slope of any windshield – from a Corvette to a transport truck.
Momento M8 Max
The M8 Max is ready for your installer to integrate into your vehicle to provide the ultimate protection against fraud and staged accidents.

Two- and Three-Camera Support Modes

Out of the box, the M8 Max is set up to handle dual-camera recording. However, if you want to add a third camera, like the IC6 interior camera, the M8 Max can be flashed with firmware to record from three sources simultaneously. The IC6 is ideal for taxis, limousines, buses, rideshare and company-owned vehicles. When flashed into three-camera mode, the system captures video from the front camera in 2K mode due to data storage bandwidth constraints.

Momento M8 Max
The M8 Max kit includes a full-HD resolution rear camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle.
Momento M8 Max
The IC6 Infrared interior camera is a perfect upgrade for taxi, Uber or Lyft operators to monitor occupant activity.

ECO Parking Mode

An essential feature of the M8 Max is its ECO parking mode. Unlike conventional cameras that use the image sensor to monitor the area in front of the vehicle, the M8 Max uses a low-power radar transceiver. If someone walks in front of your car or truck while the camera is in parking mode, the system will wake up and capture a video of the activity. Once the object has passed, it goes back into ECO Mode. The benefit of radar-based monitoring is that the camera consumes about 90% less power than video monitoring units. This means less drain on your vehicle battery and days of monitoring instead of hours.

Voice Recognition

The M8 Max includes voice recognition features. You can say “Hi, Momento,” then wait for the chime and say “Save Video.” The system will start a manual recording that is saved to a dedicated folder on the micro-SD card. Other voice commands include Enable and Disable Mic, Enable and Disable Wi-Fi, Switch Wi-Fi (between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz modes), and Enable and Disable Privacy mode.

Compact, Flexible Design with Manual Controls

The Momento M8 Maxi-fi is one of the lowest-profile dash cameras on the market. It attaches to your windshield with the included 3M VHB tape behind the rearview mirror. Once in place, the camera tilts upwards or down to ensure perfect coverage in front of the vehicle. The viewing angle is 112 degrees on the horizontal plane and 96 degrees vertically.

There are two buttons on the face of the Momento M8 Max, making it very intuitive to use. Pressing the left Wi-Fi button toggles Wi-Fi on and off. Pressing the right REC (Record) button initiates a manual recording in the event you witness something. Holding the REC button for three seconds turns off the mic. Holding the Wi-Fi button for 10 seconds will format the memory card.

The Momento Smartphone App

All three Momento M8 dashcams are compatible with the free Momento App for Android and iOS devices. Once you have connected your smart device to the M8 Max using 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi, the app lets you view the live video feed from the camera. This is how your installer will initially set up the camera.

The app lets you view and download stored files from any of the five galleries: Driving, Driving Events, Parking, Parking Events and Manual. You can preview the video at 600p resolution or download the full-resolution version and save it with your files or images for sharing.

The app provides access to many configuration options. These options include sensitivity adjustments for the integrated accelerometer to determine when event videos will be recorded. You can also set the automatic low-battery cut-off voltage or allocate different storage space for driving and parking videos. You can also change vehicle speed units between MPH and KM/H, depending on whether or not the camera uses radar parking mode, camera exposure, and the optional Travelapse mode. In Travelapse, the camera records at one frame per second to compress a long trip into a short video. If the accelerometer detects an impact, the system will store a 30-frame-per-second video starting seven seconds before the event trigger. The app also allows you to initiate a firmware update if and when it is introduced.

Momento M8 Max
The Momento App provides access to stored videos and system configuration settings.

The Ultimate Driving Protection Solution

If you want a premium dash camera with excellent image quality and class-leading features, visit a local authorized retailer and ask for a demonstration of the Momento M8 Max. They can complete the installation to ensure your camera will work reliably to capture everything that happens while you’re driving.

For more information on Momento safety products, visit their website. You should also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Finally, their YouTube channel has videos about all of their products.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Momento

Product Spotlight: Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

Thinkware U1000 Plus

If you are shopping for a premium dash camera with a high-resolution image sensor, the Thinkware U1000 Plus should be on your shortlist. This solution can record video in 4K resolution and is available with a secondary camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle. Let’s take a close look.

Design of the Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

The U1000 Plus is a low-profile camera that mounts at the top of your windshield. Rather than a square or round body, the bulk of the camera sits flat against the glass. This design leaves a lot of clearance for the sun visor and rearview mirror.

The main camera can be tilted up or down to ensure the system works with windshields with varying rakes. The camera body is 4.33 inches tall, 2.55 inches wide and 1.18 inches thick. On the left side of the chassis are power connections, a port for an external radar sensor and the optional rear camera. The rear camera uses a USB connection, so you shouldn’t have issues with RF interference. Thinkware includes a hardwire installation kit with the camera. You can upgrade to the OBD-II power cable if you don’t want any of the wiring in your vehicle modified. This is a wise investment for leased vehicles.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The right side of the chassis has the Micro SD memory card slot, the reset button and the microphone.

Once installed, the camera body has the manual recording button in the center and the Power, Wi-Fi and voice recording buttons in the upper left corner. LEDs across the top indicate when the unit is on, when Wi-Fi is enabled, and when the GPS receiver has locked on enough satellites to pinpoint your location.

Thinkware U1000 Plus

Thinkware Dash Camera Specifications

This camera features a Sony IMX515 STARVIS-Series image sensor that can record at up to 3840 x 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. It can also be configured to record in 2K mode at 2560 x 1440 pixels at 60 frames per second. The viewing angle is rated at 135.6 degrees, offering a good balance of detail and field of vision.

The rear camera features a Full HD-quality image sensor that records 1920×1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. Both the front and rear cameras have a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode that compresses the light and dark parts of the image to make objects in shadows, or that might be washed out by a bright light source more visible. Low-light performance is further enhanced with Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 3.0. This processing reduces noise when light levels are low to keep videos clear and sharp.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The Wide Dynamic Range mode compresses bright areas and brightens dark parts of the image to make everything more visible.

Video files are stored using the HEVC format H.265 to maximize file storage. With the 64GB card included, the system can store up to 151 minutes of video in a dual-camera solution. You can increase the size of the memory card to 512 GB for an incredible 1229 minutes of storage.

You can upgrade the U1000 Plus to a five-camera system using Thinkware’s optional multiplexer and three additional cameras. This is an ideal solution for taxi, limousine and rideshare applications.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The U1000 Plus can be upgraded with the optional multiplexer module and additional cameras for better coverage.

Parking Mode Protection

The Thinkware U1000 Plus includes several parking mode options. In energy-saving mode, the camera only stores video when the onboard accelerometer detects impacts. Motion and Impact mode allows the camera to watch for vehicles or people entering the field of vision along with impact sensing. The camera stores a 20-second video that starts 10 seconds before the event trigger. Time Lapse mode records constantly at two frames per second.

The U1000 Plus can be upgraded with Thinkware’s optional radar module. Rather than monitoring the area in front of the vehicle using the image sensor, the radar sensor detects someone or something approaching. This dramatically reduces current consumption, so there is less draw on the vehicle battery.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The optional radar sensors can dramatically reduce current draw when using parking mode.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

You can use the Thinkware Dashcam Link app on your Android smartphone, iPhone, or tablet to view video files stored on the system. Once connected, your installer can adjust the system settings and fine-tune the viewing angle to ensure maximum coverage.

The Thinkware Connected app gives the U1000 Plus Cloud-based connectivity. If you have a mobile hotspot, or the dashcam can connect to Wi-Fi at your home, you can view what the camera sees on your phone. You’ll also get impact notifications when parked. The vehicle operator can send an emergency message to the registered contact by pressing the REC button on the chassis for three seconds. Parents or business owners can review the vehicle’s operational history to review use and driving behavior.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Modern video processing technology allows the U1000 Plus to warn the operating. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Front Vehicle Departure Warnings (FVDW), Forward Collision Warnings (FCWS) and Lane Departure Warnings (LDWS). Notifications about approaching a vehicle too quickly or crossing the lines on the side of the road can help prevent serious accidents.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
ADAS features like Forward Collision Warning integrated with the Thinkware U1000 Plus can help prevent serious accidents.

If you are shopping for a premium dash camera with a high-resolution image sensor, the Thinkware U1000 Plus should be on your shortlist. This solution can record video in 4K resolution and is available with a secondary camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle. Let’s take a close look.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with a Thinkware Dash Camera

We all know that having a dash camera is the best way to protect yourself from fraud and false accusations. It’s also an ideal solution for capturing those “I can’t believe that just happened” moments. When upgrading your vehicle, drop by a local authorized Thinkware retailer and ask about the U1000 Plus system. They can provide you with a quote that includes expert installation.

You can learn more about Thinkware products like the U1000 Plus by visiting their website. Their dealer locator makes it easy to find a retailer near you to help design and install a premium dash camera system.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Thinkware

Product Spotlight: Thinkware Q200 Dash Camera

Thinkware Q200

Consumers typically have two schools of thought when it comes to dash cameras. Some want the most advanced technology and highest-resolution image sensors available. Others believe that any dash camera system is exponentially better than none. Sadly, the latter concept often leads to people buying low-quality, unreliable solutions. Sitting between these philosophies is the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system. With 2K QHD image quality on the front, 1080P FHD image quality on the rear, intelligent parking modes, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this affordable system is anything but run-of-the-mill. It even includes a 32 GB microSD card! Let’s check it out!

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

The Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is based around the compact (3.9 x 0.9 x 1.3 inches) forward-facing camera with its Quad-HD (2506 x 1440-pixel) image sensor. The camera has a 125-degree field of view, offering a good balance of forward focus and side-approach monitoring. Videos are recorded in HEVC format using the H.264 codec to keep the file sizes manageable. As mentioned, the system includes a UHS-1 32 GB memory card but can accept cards up to 256 GB in capacity for over 800 minutes of storage.

Thinkware Q200
The included GPS receiver captures both location and speed information.

The camera includes several video processing technologies to help improve image quality. First, Super Night Vision 2.0 helps ensure clear, low-noise images in low-light situations, capturing details like license plates or street signs when it’s dark. Advanced Video Clear Technology includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture technology that compresses washed-out highlights while boosting information usually lost in the shadows. Smart focusing and intelligent auto exposure enhance the system’s ability to store clear, sharp videos. Finally, de-warping technology reduces barrel distortion so objects at the extreme edges of the video don’t look misshapen.

Thinkware Q200
Features like Super Night Vision 2.0 dramatically improve performance in low light levels.

The camera body has three connection ports: one connection is on top of the chassis for the power source, while one on the side is for the rear camera and one for the GPS receiver. The buttons on the rear panel activate the manual recording mode, and another provides control options for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use Wi-Fi with the free Thinkware Dash Cam Link application to download videos directly from the camera. Alternatively, you can remove the microSD card from the bottom of the chassis and use the PC viewer software to view video files.

Thinkware Q200
The compact Q200 dash camera fits neatly beside your rear-view mirror and captures everything that happens in front of the vehicle while you drive.

Rear and Optional Cameras

The rear camera included with the Q200 Front and Rear kit is even more compact (2.40 x 1.20 x 0.98 inches) and captures video in full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). It shares the same 125-degree field of vision as the front camera and records at 30 frames per second. A 19.7-foot cable lets your installer connect the rear camera to the front camera.

Thinkware Q200
Your installer can mount the included rear camera in the back window to monitor drivers approaching from behind.

Another option is the infrared interior camera from Thinkware. This compact camera (part number TWA-NIFR) is ideal for taxi, limousine, and rideshare applications where recording what happens and what’s said inside the vehicle is important. The camera includes two compact infrared transmitters so it can effectively see in the dark.

Thinkware Q200
The optional infrared interior camera is ideal for taxis, limousines, Uber and Lyft drivers.

The Q200 is compatible with the optional multiplexer box. With this option, your installer can add three additional cameras to the system, bringing the total to five. The four cameras connected to the multiplexer combine their images into a single video feed that records on the rear channel of the Q200. Side-view and infrared interior cameras are just some options available for additional cameras.

Thinkware Q200
Thinkware offers several multiplexer bundles to add three cameras to the Q200.

Parking Mode

For those not up-to-date with dash camera lingo, the parking mode feature allows the camera to continue capturing what’s happening around your car when it’s parked. Depending on where you park, you can work with your installer to choose between two frame-per-second Time Lapse, Energy Saving, and Motion/Impact Detection options. In Motion and Impact mode, the camera monitors the image sensor for changes that indicate something or someone has entered the field of vision. When this happens, it stores a video file with 10 seconds of footage before and after the trigger. The built-in three-axis accelerometer also monitors the vehicle for motion from an impact, which triggers a similar recording.

Energy-saving mode foregoes image sensing, dramatically reducing the electrical energy required to maintain camera operation. This mode is ideal for longer-term parking recording.

Thinkware Q200
Parking mode will monitor what happens around your vehicle in the driveway or a garage.

Built-In ADAS Features

The Q200 is no slouch when it comes to bonus features. The camera includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the form of Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCWS), and Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW). These systems use artificial intelligence and advanced image processing to detect potential hazards and provide a warning to the driver. The GPS antenna must be installed for these features to function.

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

As is evident, the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is exponentially more capable than most solutions you’ll find outside a professional mobile enhancement retailer. If you want premium image quality in the videos, advanced ADAS warnings, and easy Wi-Fi downloading, drop by your local Thinkware retailer and ask about the Q200 system. They can provide a package price for the dual camera system with expert installation to ensure reliable operation.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Backup Safety, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Thinkware

Revisiting Sealed Subwoofer Enclosure Stuffing with SPL Measurements

Sealed Enclosure

A while back, we looked at how adding stuffing to a sealed enclosure affects its performance. It was clear from our measurements that the addition of Dacron lowered the system’s Qtc (Total Q). The original theory was that adding stuffing made the enclosure seem larger and let the driver play louder at low frequencies. Let’s revisit this test and add several acoustic measurements to quantify any changes in efficiency and output.

Results from Our Original Testing

Our original article determined that adding different amounts of stuffing to our 1.358-cubic-foot enclosure lowered the system Qtc. Without stuffing, the Qtc with our audiophile-grade 12-inch subwoofer was 0.9532. That’s a bit high for our liking but offers good efficiency. With 0.25 pound of Dacron added to the enclosure, the Qtc dropped to 0.9148. That’s still on the high side but getting better.

Moving up to a half-pound of stuffing had minimal effect on the driver, and the system stayed roughly the same at 0.919. Cramming another quarter-pound of stuffing into the enclosure made a truly beneficial change. The Qtc was now down at 0.8397. The lower Qtc measurement is better as it results in less resonance and a tighter, more controlled bass perception. In this capacity, stuffing with Dacron does have the same effect as installing the subwoofer in a larger enclosure.

The driver’s resonant frequency in the enclosure barely changed throughout the test. Empty, the system had an F3 of 43.35 hertz. With all the stuffing in place (0.75 pound), the resonant frequency dropped to 41.68 hertz. The difference would be negligible and doesn’t support the claims of stuffed enclosures playing lower.

Sealed Enclosure
The results from our original article on adding stuffing to a sealed subwoofer enclosure.

Round Two of Subwoofer Enclosure Testing

In this test, we’ll use the same enclosure and subwoofer and take several acoustic measurements under strictly controlled conditions. We’ve set the enclosure up in the middle of our lab and placed the Clio Pocket calibrated mic on the floor 50 centimeters in front of the enclosure. This configuration is similar to a typical ground-plane measurement, except the closer proximity to the enclosure will help to reduce the effect the room has on the measurements. A “normal” ground-plane measurement would have the microphone 2 meters from the enclosure. We will continue buying lottery tickets in hopes of financing our own anechoic chamber, but that might take a while!

All measurements are at the same output level. We’ll use 4 volts representing 2 watts of power into the subwoofer’s nominal 4-ohm load. With a drive level any lower than this, the background noise from the HVAC system starts to mess with the very low frequency measurements. Again – anechoic chamber, please!

Sealed Enclosure Stuffing Findings

If you look at the graph below, you’ll see the SPL measurements from the four test conditions. The red trace is the enclosure without any stuffing. The violet trace represents 0.25 pound of stuffing. The black trace represents a half-pound of filling. Finally, the amber trace is 0.75 pound.

As expected, the more stuffing there is, the smaller the bump at the top of the response curve. Why does this happen? Because polyester fiberfill reduces the resonance of the system. With less resonance, the driver returns to rest faster after the signal stops, and less distortion is added to the output.

Sealed Enclosure
Measurements of a sealed subwoofer enclosure with four different amounts of Dacron stuffing.

You’ll notice the difference between no stuffing and the tightly packed enclosure is relatively tiny. Indeed, the maximum difference is a total of 1.4 dB SPL, with the unstuffed enclosure being louder.

I generated a second graph referencing the first three measurements to the fully stuffed measurement. This analysis shows you how much louder the subwoofer is as there is less and less stuffing. While it might be noticeable, the difference is minute.

Sealed Enclosure
Some quick math to show you the difference between enclosure stuffing levels.

Sealed Enclosure Stuffing Summary

Unlike what many “old timers” will tell you, adding a large amount of Dacron (or similar) stuffing doesn’t significantly affect output, especially at lower frequencies. It certainly doesn’t cause the same improvement of the low-frequency production that you’d get from a larger enclosure. One consideration, though: If the crossover point for our subwoofer systems is, or should be, around 80 Hz, then a system with a flatter response will seem to be a bit louder at lower frequencies. With that said, we are talking about less than 1.5 dB SPL, so the whole thing regarding output amplitude is effectively irrelevant.

So, is it worth asking the shop building your sealed subwoofer enclosure to add stuffing? Don’t add anything if you’re a bass head and want the system to play as loudly as possible. If you’re into sound quality and want to reduce distortion around the resonant frequency of the subwoofer system a bit, then go for it. It’s not like the cost of some stuffing is significant.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Driver Safety, New Category Name, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY, UTV Audio, Vehicle Security, Vinyl Graphics, Vinyl Wraps, Wheels and Tires, Window Tint

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