E90Post
 


Coby Wheel
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > UK IB install - Fi Audio IB3 12" + DLS A6 + Helix P-DSP + Vibe Litebox



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-17-2012, 12:45 PM   #1
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Talking UK IB install - Fi Audio IB3 12" + DLS A6 + Helix P-DSP + Vibe Litebox

Finally I have got my car to the stage I was thinking of, it's been a long journey! Here are some pics and some general feedback. I got the car back on Friday but it was a horrible weekend with getting a puncture 70 miles from home.

Firstly I want to thank MrSingh for doing a really good install. Left the car with him Wednesday night and got it back Friday night. It was cold and rainy but got most of it done! A few bits and pieces still to do as I needed the car back on Friday.

My first impression was that the sub plays amazingly low and clean. The bass just sounds like its filling the whole car, like you're bathing in bass. My previous subs (very long time ago) were totally different experiences. My initial worries of it not having enough SPL are now gone.

The Fi is currently crossed over at 60ish Hz 12db Butterworth and 20Hz 6db Butterworth. There is more than enough output for me as at the moment I have the sub output level turned down to -7db on the P-DSP, and on some tracks it sounds perfect, some way too much. This might be because the DLS gains are set to optimum (870w @ 2 ohm). This may be an excuse to go fully active up front in the future to get more headroom. I also really need to get the sub control sorted out, which is just a case of getting the components as I have the schematics from Helix. At the moment I either have to use the OEM base level or get my laptop out.

My plan is to spend the next week or so listening to how different tracks sound. The EQ is completely flat and currently no TA, i'll try and do TA some time. I'm going to keep the crossovers that were set up by Am but these may change. My ears have been listening to stock rears only, on HU power, for the past 2 months so I want to get used to the sound before changing anything. Then i'll try experimenting!

I think the mid to high frequencies definately need to be EQd. It doesn't sound bad but its using the factory EQ. So at the moment it doesn't sound as good as what the MS-8 was able to do. This will be a big challenge for me but hopefully I will get there one day having fun along the way!

Things I need to do now are deaden the rear as I can hear slight rattle on some tracks. Its very quiet but annoying. I also need to get a bigger fuse at the battery as it blew once (currently 60A) and give some ventilation to the DLS, which would only involve cutting a hole underneath the rack for its internal fan. At the moment its screwed down on a piece of wood with no air around it. After 1.5-2 hours of continuous play it gets way too hot to touch and it went into protection mode once. This may also be because of the small fuse at the battery. I am also thinking of upgrading the power wiring to 0AWG to the distribution block and 2AWG to the DLS if possible.

So there are a few bits and pieces that still need to be done but all in all an excellent result. Here are some pics. Before any of you say, yes my boot is dirty due to numerous trips to the waste dump!

The baffle made by MrSingh:



Baffle and sub installed:



Helix and Litebox. Mr Singh unfortunately ran out of his tie cables so the duck tape is just temporary!



A few more pics of the baffle:





The amp rack, which needs a bit of carpeting to finish it off:



Amp rack covered:



Underneath the amp rack:



From inside. This was taken just after the sub was installed so still a bit dusty, still need to put the logo on!



Appreciate 0
      12-17-2012, 02:33 PM   #2
afsar
Lieutenant
United Kingdom
38
Rep
405
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 xDrive40d
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: London

iTrader: (2)

Bloody amazing Looks too good.

Is that 12"? Do you need to keep the rear center folded down all the time?
__________________
650i F12 - HUD, 6WA, SLI, Logic 7, Dynamic and Adaptive Drive, Comfort Access, Soft-close, top-view,
Previous X5 40d M Sports and 535d LCI

Last edited by afsar; 12-17-2012 at 02:39 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2012, 02:41 PM   #3
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by afsar View Post
Bloody amazing. Looks too good.

Is that 12"? Do you need to keep the rear center folded down all the time?
Thanks mate. I'm really chuffed with the install and how it sounds. Just need to spend some time on the P-DSP EQing the front stage, trying crossovers and time alignment. Going to be spending lots of time in my driveway and car parks!

Yeah it's a 12" and I haven't actually tried listening to it with the armrest up now you say it! Will have to see what its like but i'd guess it wouldn't sound as good.
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 08:27 AM   #4
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Awesome! After having had all the different bass setups in my car, starting with the SWS-8s, then a single 12 in a standard sealed enclosure, then a JL 12W7 in a pro wedge, then a 10w6v2 in a fiberglass corner enclosure, and finally a single 12 in IB through the ski-pass, I can say without doubt that IB is by far the most superior of everything I have tried, it is the loudest, cleanest, easiest and cheapest way of achieving awesome bass in our cars. And I'm saying this just after having heard an experimental setup with an old sub I had. Next week, I'm putting in the real deal subwoofer, I can't wait!
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 09:30 AM   #5
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
Awesome! After having had all the different bass setups in my car, starting with the SWS-8s, then a single 12 in a standard sealed enclosure, then a JL 12W7 in a pro wedge, then a 10w6v2 in a fiberglass corner enclosure, and finally a single 12 in IB through the ski-pass, I can say without doubt that IB is by far the most superior of everything I have tried, it is the loudest, cleanest, easiest and cheapest way of achieving awesome bass in our cars. And I'm saying this just after having heard an experimental setup with an old sub I had. Next week, I'm putting in the real deal subwoofer, I can't wait!
Thanks The only subs i have heard previously in BMWs were all sealed boxes. Ive had 2x10", 3x12" and 1x15", but all in my previous E36 years ago. Compared to that this is much better. I just need to deaden the rear parcel shelf, which should get done by the end of this week, and get a sub control.

Looking forward to your install, the wait is the hardest part lol. That AE sub looked really good when you modelled it.
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 03:17 PM   #6
Sparky68
Brigadier General
Sparky68's Avatar
676
Rep
4,260
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cambs UK

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.50]
2017 BMW F30 330D  [0.00]
2014 M135  [0.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Looks awesome. Am is doing mine towards the end of January, cant wait!
__________________
OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 03:23 PM   #7
Sparky68
Brigadier General
Sparky68's Avatar
676
Rep
4,260
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cambs UK

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.50]
2017 BMW F30 330D  [0.00]
2014 M135  [0.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
12" MB Quart 304 IB sub and 800watt Old School PG Amp, just need to sort the front end out after that.
__________________
OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 04:46 PM   #8
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky68 View Post
12" MB Quart 304 IB sub and 800watt Old School PG Amp, just need to sort the front end out after that.
Thanks

Sounds good, you won't be disappointed with his work.

What have you got to do for the front?
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2012, 06:45 PM   #9
Sparky68
Brigadier General
Sparky68's Avatar
676
Rep
4,260
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cambs UK

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.50]
2017 BMW F30 330D  [0.00]
2014 M135  [0.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Want to stick some Focal comps in the front.
__________________
OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
Appreciate 0
      12-23-2012, 12:23 PM   #10
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky68 View Post
Want to stick some Focal comps in the front.
You going to replace the underseats?
Appreciate 0
      12-23-2012, 01:07 PM   #11
Sparky68
Brigadier General
Sparky68's Avatar
676
Rep
4,260
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cambs UK

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.50]
2017 BMW F30 330D  [0.00]
2014 M135  [0.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
-Will see how it sounds once the comps and sub are in.
__________________
OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
Appreciate 0
      12-24-2012, 04:46 PM   #12
mistryn
Colonel
mistryn's Avatar
145
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: BMW 335D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Mids

iTrader: (8)

Mob - does the carpet sit flush like it used to without the vibe amp or is it slightly raised?
Appreciate 0
      12-24-2012, 07:55 PM   #13
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mistryn View Post
Mob - does the carpet sit flush like it used to without the vibe amp or is it slightly raised?
Not quite its slightly raised.
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2012, 04:14 AM   #14
mistryn
Colonel
mistryn's Avatar
145
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: BMW 335D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Mids

iTrader: (8)

I am in the same boat, I maaged to get a vibe stereo blackbox 4 amp at a good price and would thought it would fit but the carpet is raised by 0.5 cm. I may try to file away the boot floor pan ridge to get it to sit flush

If you dont mind me asking are you going to leave it as is or make some kind of modification?
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2012, 05:56 AM   #15
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mistryn View Post
I am in the same boat, I maaged to get a vibe stereo blackbox 4 amp at a good price and would thought it would fit but the carpet is raised by 0.5 cm. I may try to file away the boot floor pan ridge to get it to sit flush

If you dont mind me asking are you going to leave it as is or make some kind of modification?
I haven't really thought about it as it didn't really bother me that much. But i like your idea of filing the floor and may try to do something like that. Let me know if you do try something
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2012, 07:18 AM   #16
mistryn
Colonel
mistryn's Avatar
145
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: BMW 335D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Mids

iTrader: (8)

I went outside earlier to have a look suitable position of the amp. I really want to keep it stealth look so will not mount it on the back seat or under boot lid unless I have to.

From what I can see on mine there is one fin edge that will need dremmeling to allow the amp to sit further down (I will try to take a pic when it stops raining) and hopefully that will allow the carpet to sit flush.

what I have noticed when looking at pictures is that not all boot pans are the same decision. I think on the E90 it is more shallow and on mine less shallow. But will keep you updated. I was hoping to take out the boot pan, file/dremmel it away and then dynamat but it looks like a pain to remove and not as easy as I thought.

its just frustrating that I have a couple of days off and the weather is crap
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2012, 10:40 AM   #17
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Yeah i have tried to take the boot pan out as well but i think its bonded down.

Will be nice to see some pics when you get a chance.
Appreciate 0
      12-26-2012, 07:17 AM   #18
mistryn
Colonel
mistryn's Avatar
145
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: BMW 335D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Mids

iTrader: (8)

I had another look this morning and cut away one of the ridges on the floor pan. I did not have a dremmel so did it the manual way with a 360 degree rotating mini hacksaw blade.

I drilled a small hole carefully first to see what was under neath and was just metal shielding above the exhaust. I lined up the amp and drew a line slightly bigger around it and cut away. Originally I was going to glue on a persepex sheet over the open hole but again I would be back to square one due to the amp being raised too much. I ended up using roof flashing tape, heating it up with a hair dryer to ensure it bonded to the plastic.


next weekend I will wire it up as i dont have any power cable spare.







Appreciate 0
      12-26-2012, 11:15 AM   #19
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Your boot pan does look different to mine. But i think if yours worked i could follow the same prinicpal. Does your cover sit flush now?
Appreciate 0
      12-26-2012, 12:45 PM   #20
mistryn
Colonel
mistryn's Avatar
145
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: BMW 335D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Mids

iTrader: (8)

It almost sits flush (alot better than before) if i was being picky it is still raised by 2mm because the black handle of the boot carpet is raised underneath slightly.
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 11:19 AM   #21
mob17
Major General
mob17's Avatar
United Kingdom
399
Rep
5,623
Posts

Drives: E92 335D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: East Midlands, UK

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mistryn View Post
It almost sits flush (alot better than before) if i was being picky it is still raised by 2mm because the black handle of the boot carpet is raised underneath slightly.
Think im going to try what you did on mine
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2013, 06:09 PM   #22
rude1978
Enlisted Member
4
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 320d m sport
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: uk

iTrader: (0)

Hi, where in the uk did you get this done? I have a 12" in the corner of the boot in my E90 but as you probably know, the car is too well sound proofed for the bass to be at a nice level in the cabin. Definitely need to get this done.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:20 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST