[kaigoss69]

With all these posts about Logic 7 amps going kaput, I have been nervous about mine going the same route, and me having to shell out big bucks for a replacement. I have also been wondering what a cleaner signal would do as an input for the MS-8, and whether it would alleviate my problem with constant turn-on and off popping.

Enter the Mobridge M1000-M-DA2. This little box basically converts the optical MOST output signal of the OEM HU into 8 analog low-level RCA outputs, ready to use by your processor of direct connection to your aftermarket amp(s).



For those not using a processor, the unit works with the OEM 7-band EQ, as well as all fade/left/right/bass/treble etc. controls, giving a good basic amount of adjustability. In my case, I did not care about any adjustments from the HU, since the MS-8 takes care of all of that.

Removal of L7 amp was a snap, took less than 5 minutes. The mobridge unit is very small (roughly 2 cigarette packs side by side) and extremely light weight. To install, all you need to do is disassemble the OEM optical connegctor which was hooked up to the L7 amp, to retrieve the small plastic plug that holds the two optical cables together, and then insert that plug into the connector that was provided with the unit. Power and ground were connected to the MS-8 terminals, and the turn-on wire went to the MS-8 remote-in terminal.

Once powered-up, the unit's FW needs to be updated. Basically, you only need to tell it what brand car it's going into, since it can work for several different car makes. What you need is a PC laptop (not MAC!) and a USB to mini USB cable. Download the SW from Mobridge.us, start the update wizard, turn on the car and HU, connect the cable, and then follow the on-screen instructions. That's all. Turn the car off, lock it, let everything "reset/reboot" (about 5 to 10 minutes), then turn the ignition on and everything should work perfectly (as it did for me).

I have not had much time to listen critically, but let's just say that it sounds crystal clear, with no audible noise/hiss, and the popping I had before is a thing of the past!

I will update with pics once I get my camera back.

[mob17]

That looks like a really nice bit of kit

[kmarei]

how much?

[taibanl]

congrats!

[kartracer]

I've been talking with Ken (VP Electricity) over the last several days about upgrading the base stereo in my 2010 E92. This DA2 was strongly recommended and it makes sense. I also like the idea it can support the 7-band EQ in the head unit if I can get it recoded to Top HiFi.

Therein lies the rub. I've read that several people have had their HUs successfully recoded from base to HiFi, but how about base to Top HiFi? I suppose it wouldn't be much different - just different values?

Ken mentioned using AutoLogic to do the recoding, but I'm having trouble finding a coder in the Mid-Atlantic area to do it. You guys who have posted so far have great contributions to audio topics. Do you know if base to Top HiFi can be done by other coding software. I'll ask in the Coding section as well.

TIA,

Mike

[ctuna]

Does that already exist in a non L7 car?
Also if you were starting with and non L7 car how would you
allocate the channels assuming you didn't want to add more or
what would be the minimum you would add.

[igorbmwx6]

Hi kaigoss69. I have purchased mObridge M1000-M-DA2 for my 09 X5 E70 with, currently, logic 7 (factory) amp, which I am planning to replace with aftermarket McIntosh amps. In any case, could you please send me connection diagram and all recommended voltages. I understand that red (+12V), black (-), what about the blue wire? What voltage (+?). I was trying to update the firmware on it and set it up for my BMW X5; however, I was not able to connect to the unit. Error message appears that most likely there is no power to the unit. What I did, I connected +12V to the red and (-) to the black (from my computer's DC power supply output). Do you think that the problem is with blue wire not connected to anything ??? Thank you in advance.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by igorbmwx5

Hi kaigoss69. I have purchased mObridge M1000-M-DA2 for my 09 X5 E70 with, currently, logic 7 (factory) amp, which I am planning to replace with aftermarket McIntosh amps. In any case, could you please send me connection diagram and all recommended voltages. I understand that red (+12V), black (-), what about the blue wire? What voltage (+?). I was trying to update the firmware on it and set it up for my BMW X5; however, I was not able to connect to the unit. Error message appears that most likely there is no power to the unit. What I did, I connected +12V to the red and (-) to the black (from my computer's DC power supply output). Do you think that the problem is with blue wire not connected to anything ??? Thank you in advance.

Blue wire is usually remote wire.
You should be connecting it to your car electrical system and not your laptop power cable. Some / most laptops work on 9 volts which will be less for DA2.

[kaigoss69]

Yes, connect to car's power before programming. Blue wire is remote for the amps.

[joec500]

I also have one of these units and it's great way to cleanly integrate into a Logic 7 System. the Re-programming is super easy. Highly recommended!

[igorbmwx6]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Blue wire is usually remote wire.
You should be connecting it to your car electrical system and not your laptop power cable. Some / most laptops work on 9 volts which will be less for DA2.

O.K. I got it (my mObridge DA2 programmed/configured and updated to the latest firmware). I tried to connect it to my McIntosh power amp and see if there is any sound. Apparently there is no sound. Is it possible that I also have to do some coding to my CIC unit in order for it to properly interface DA2? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to use the 8-analog channels from DA2 converter. Should I try to use the optical output from the DA2 and run it into optical input of my Audison BitOne and then input of my McIntosh power amp?

[kaigoss69]

Did you allow the car to reset? Are you getting an SOS warning on the dash display or iDrive? If you get the SOS your optical connection is not correct. If it is connected properly, do you have a 12v out from the blue remote wire?

[igorbmwx6]

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Did you allow the car to reset? Are you getting an SOS warning on the dash display or iDrive? If you get the SOS your optical connection is not correct. If it is connected properly, do you have a 12v out from the blue remote wire?

I think that I did not let the car reset itself. I tried it immediately, without letting it reset. I will try resetting it and will see if that resolves the issue. I do not get the SOS error (optical loop must be closed). Also, I do have 12V out from the blue remote wire, I use it for my McIntosh power amp. turn on connector.

[sswang01]

Does anyone else have experience with this unit? My logic 7 just blew and I refuse to pay the dealer 1k+ for a replacement...

[ctuna]

Its the only preamp that interfaces with the BMW fiberoptic output from the head unit . You still have to add amps after it.

[ankurg09]

Hey Kai ,
Sorry for resurrecting a dead thread.

I installed my Mobridge with ms8 and amps ( Installation Thread coming soon) Thanks to all the great info you've posted.

Had a qq for you . Did you use all the 8 ch from Mobridge to connect to 8 ch of MS8 input??? Thats how I have it connected but I read in the manual that It should only be using channel FL & FR from mobridge to channel 1 and 2 input for MS8

Thanks for all your help!!!

[kaigoss69]

Hey man, I just connected the fronts. If you have PDC you may have to use the rears as well, but no need to hook up all 8 channels I believe! Looking forward to reading about your install.

[ankurg09]

Hey Kai, Thanks a ton for the info, I will try that out.

I have started posting some build pics on Bimmerfest and will start a build thread on DIY forum as well. Not sure if it would be appropriate to start a thread here since I have a 5 series(e90post forum) .

Will PM you the link to the build.

Thanks!
Ankur

[1&done]

Kaigoss69

I was thinking on adding the mObridge DA2 and pulling the L7 amp. My other option is to have the headunit coded to hifi and keep the amp. Any disadvantages to coding? ie popping, delay turn on of amps...

Running JL amps and audison bit.one1

thnx

[BRW335]

How much does the Mobridge cost & from where?

[kaigoss69]

Originally Posted by BRW335

How much does the Mobridge cost & from where?

Send a PM to 6spdcoupe.

[BRW335]

I was just curious, I'm sure it's not cheaper than an LC6i which is what I plan on using.