[Taylor M]

Looking to add a DSP/amp combo into a L7 system (Ms8, Helix or similair). Would there be any sort of problems tapping in a LOC like the AudioControl LC6i into the speaker outs from the L7 amp and adding a DSP this way?

Apologies for the ignorance. All of my previous audio upgrades involved starting fresh with a new HU and replacing all components new rather than oem integration.

[ctuna]

L7 presents you with a difficult set of compromises and
vexing decisions. You have a 9 channel amp with a fiberoptic
Interface that is compatible with about 1 or 2 things.
For DSP to do its thing correctly it needs to be on all channels .
Ditching the amp and getting a Mobridge preamp (with dsp) , and some amps
and better speakers is probably the most direct way to change the system.

The other route people sometimes use is recoding the head unit or
Idrive to Hi Fi output and running Head Unit analog signals to the trunk and putting
in whatever they want. This also means ditching the L7 amp.

[Taylor M]

So using the speaker outs from the L7 amp with a multi channel LOC is not an option? If so that's disappointingly unfortunate. I would think it was an option seeing as that is essentially all the technic harness is doing (save wire cutting). Does it have to do with sound processing signal issues where it would not be noticeable in sub frequencies, hence the reason he only offers a harness that adds a subwoofer? Not sure, just theorizing.

[ctuna]

The only Technic Harness that uses
speaker outs is the base system and a lot of the people
program there output for Hi Fi on that one which gives pre amp signal.
The Hi Fi system harness that he makes already has a pre amp from the Head Unit
signal as a done deal.
He really only makes and add a sub Harness in for the L7 in which
he uses a Loc to feed your aftermarket sub harness on one channel(or two ).
If you want to use the L7 amp as a preamp you are then faced with
9 channels of Loc .
Using an amp to drive another amp just seems so wrong.

Logic 7 upgrades
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420

Above are the two examples I have of a L7 mod
not many people do it. You could substitute a Helix
86dsp or v8 and avoid buying anything but a sub amp . (Because they have 8 channels that are
amped at 55 or 75 watts)
The second one tells you how to hack the Technic L7 sub harness for use with the L7 speaker wires.

Both require recode to Hi Fi.

[Taylor M]

I'm confused as to how the second example had a recode to hifi. If he uses the L7 speaker wires wouldn't that mean he was still using the stock amplifier? Recode would delete the MOST connection and he would be able to just run RCAs from the recoded HU to the ms8 and bypass buying and cutting the harness right?

[ctuna]

Well there is no analog output from a headunit programmed for L7 and the ms-8 does not understand BMW fiber optic signals so it seems there is no other way to do it without reprogramming.
And they show analog inputs like FR FL RR and RL
point into the ms-8


He is only using the L7 connector as an access point to run his new amp signals to speakers through the factory wiring.
whether they be from the ms-8 or the amp he is using to boost
the power to the underseats and doors.

When you take the L7 amp out you put a Most jumper in or reroute
the existing Most Fiber connection out to complete the Most loop so
it can still run accessorys, like bluetooth, satalite. radio , PDC and Sos

The only thing that is reprogrammed is the output of the head unit or idrive
to not use the Fiberoptic connection but rather simple analog pre out signals.

Using the L7 add a sub Harness from Technic and modifing it allows you to not cut any wires.

If you recode to Hi Fi you will loose the graphic equalizer settings on your radio or idrive but you will get better ones from the DSP.
Using the the Mobridge pre amp DSP allows you to keep them and not have to do a recode. But I am not sure how many channels out is has .

http://www.mobridge.us/products/most...p-professional

BMW stereo types
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e7...%20Systems.pdf
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/
http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html
http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1169133185
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/BMW_docs/mostbus.pdf
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872

Did you read this
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

[ctuna]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...69&postcount=1
from the master.

[Taylor M]

Ahh I see now, thank you. Looks like I'm fucked though. The reason for trying to bypass any of that is because I have no clue how to go about getting recoded or finding anyone who sell mobridge products.

[ctuna]

You are going to have to do some digging if you want a good result.
You may be able to find a coder near a major city or Bimmertech offer
coding as a remote service so do Bimmergeeks. There is a coding subforum
here . Be sure you have a complete plan if you go down this road and
all the pieces together before you start . Adjusting a DSP is a lot of work
to so make sure that its something you understand and can do , or have people that can help you if you get stuck.

Most of the stuff that goes in these cars and works well is not what your going to find in your common local stereo shop.

[Taylor M]

Understood, and thank you for the remote coding refrences. Do you however know anyone who has the mobridge products available? I would prefer to go that route if possible.

Really my only intentions are to add an MS8 to the stock L7 drivers rather than a full out build. From my understanding the L7 drivers are actually decent quality but with terrible post proccesing, refrenced from kaigoss and his build as well as others. This would also push me along some ways in the stated difficult path of adjustment.

[ctuna]

Two things that suck about the ms-8 which is no longer sold .
The output power per channel is only in the Head Unit power area
and you have to be satisfied with the auto tune it gives you.

Really you should be able to search the Internet and find someone
who sell anything you want or maybe even find a bargain on it.
I know MusicarNW used to use the Mobridge and possibly Unexpected Creations
it does add another expensive piece to the whole equation.

You might talk to the above places for a complete package and or different routes to go. It won't be cheap but you will get a quality solution.

[Taylor M]

Right, and I'm sure it's far surpassed by the new stuff helix and others are putting out. I'm really not sure if I could surpass the auto tuning on my own ear though. I've never tuned a dsp. I do have thousands of hours of mixing and mastering tracks behind monitors in the DAW i use though. I imagine the environment inside a vehicle adds all sorts of complexities however.

I wish it was as simple as a search for the mobridge products. I was never able to find anyone though. The dealer link on their main page goes to a bunk site even.

I'll have to get in touch with musicar or the other you listed. Thank you.

[kaigoss69]

Originally Posted by Taylor M

Right, and I'm sure it's far surpassed by the new stuff helix and others are putting out. I'm really not sure if I could surpass the auto tuning on my own ear though. I've never tuned a dsp. I do have thousands of hours of mixing and mastering tracks behind monitors in the DAW i use though. I imagine the environment inside a vehicle adds all sorts of complexities however.

I wish it was as simple as a search for the mobridge products. I was never able to find anyone though. The dealer link on their main page goes to a bunk site even.

I'll have to get in touch with musicar or the other you listed. Thank you.

You can send a PM to 6spdcoupe for the Mobridge, if he still sells them.

Keep in mind though, that the Mobridge will merely convert the digital signal into a flat analog preamp signal, and you will still need at minimum a multi channel amplifier to drive the speakers. However, to get to a decent result, you will also need some sort of DSP before the amp, and now you're getting close to spending $2k and you still only have the mediocre L7 speakers, and will probably require professional help to tune the DSP.

I think the better option is to have your head unit remotely coded to HIFI, and then to go with a DSP/amp combo unit, with a preloaded tune, such as bimmertech, or I'm sure Don (6spdcoupe) will have a similar option for you.

Be warned though, once you go down this path, you will likely end up replacing the speakers, as well as adding a trunk sub. $$$$$

[ctuna]

The following is part 1 of a 14 part series on tuning
a DSP and he uses a Helix. This will give you and idea
or guide on what it takes to tune one. And its kind of
a technical process until you get to the end.
It might be fun or a chore depending on how much you are
into sound.
The process he uses is pretty much what Helix describes on
there website.

[BMW3DK]

Hi,

It is actually not that bad - follow the instruction posted by Ctuna and then finalize by listening and do finetuning.

It should be done in 1h first and a follow-up after a few days - with the expirience you mention you should reach good sonocal results.

:-)
Chris

Originally Posted by Taylor M

Right, and I'm sure it's far surpassed by the new stuff helix and others are putting out. I'm really not sure if I could surpass the auto tuning on my own ear though. I've never tuned a dsp. I do have thousands of hours of mixing and mastering tracks behind monitors in the DAW i use though. I imagine the environment inside a vehicle adds all sorts of complexities however.

I wish it was as simple as a search for the mobridge products. I was never able to find anyone though. The dealer link on their main page goes to a bunk site even.

I'll have to get in touch with musicar or the other you listed. Thank you.