What Is a DSP and What Does It Do?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 981
From: Southern Virginia
In regards to getting the sound right while moving for me I already knew what frequency ranges I had too much of and which ones I didn't have enough of at speed, or at least a good idea. I just dropped the ones I had too much of and boosted the ones I didn't have enough of. From there a little tweaking with the bass and treble got it to where it was leaps and bounds above what it was without the DSP.
I know there are better ways of adjusting things but that got it to where my ears were happy.
I know there are better ways of adjusting things but that got it to where my ears were happy.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 20
From: Illinois
So to me, the way it sounds is a DSP with the capability for having multiple program storage would be a very worthwhile investment. The key would be to get a good tune at highway cruising speeds. Then be able switch back to more of stop and go city and suberban riding. Which might be just flat settings. An example would be riding to Sturgis and then riding around Sturgis. We spent a lot of money on a system that sounds fantastic standing still only to have certain frequencies blown away by wind and pipe noise at cruising speeds.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by Hoyt 1911A1
In regards to getting the sound right while moving for me I already knew what frequency ranges I had too much of and which ones I didn't have enough of at speed, or at least a good idea. I just dropped the ones I had too much of and boosted the ones I didn't have enough of. From there a little tweaking with the bass and treble got it to where it was leaps and bounds above what it was without the DSP.
I know there are better ways of adjusting things but that got it to where my ears were happy.
I know there are better ways of adjusting things but that got it to where my ears were happy.
If ur car pulls slightly to the right at 60, do u have a mechanic out there at 60 on a harness adjusting it or does he do the adjustment while parked then take it for a spin noting any adjustments that can be made and also what adjustment can be physically be made before new parts are required.
And let's not sugar coat this. It's called riding biatch, and if 2 dudes are caught doing such a thing both participants are to sell their sleds immediately and their man cards are revoked forever. Please review Man Law #1. There are no exceptions. If u break down at night crossing the Everglades or Pikes Peak trying to beat a blizzard, to damn bad. U wait it out w your sled till help arrives.
Just sayin!!!
T
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 20
From: Illinois
That^^^^^^^^^^!!!!
If ur car pulls slightly to the right at 60, do u have a mechanic out there at 60 on a harness adjusting it or does he do the adjustment while parked then take it for a spin noting any adjustments that can be made and also what adjustment can be physically be made before new parts are required.
And let's not sugar coat this. It's called riding biatch, and if 2 dudes are caught doing such a thing both participants are to sell their sleds immediately and their man cards are revoked forever. Please review Man Law #1. There are no exceptions. If u break down at night crossing the Everglades or Pikes Peak trying to beat a blizzard, to damn bad. U wait it out w your sled till help arrives.
Just sayin!!!
T
If ur car pulls slightly to the right at 60, do u have a mechanic out there at 60 on a harness adjusting it or does he do the adjustment while parked then take it for a spin noting any adjustments that can be made and also what adjustment can be physically be made before new parts are required.
And let's not sugar coat this. It's called riding biatch, and if 2 dudes are caught doing such a thing both participants are to sell their sleds immediately and their man cards are revoked forever. Please review Man Law #1. There are no exceptions. If u break down at night crossing the Everglades or Pikes Peak trying to beat a blizzard, to damn bad. U wait it out w your sled till help arrives.
Just sayin!!!
T
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 196
Likes: 9
From: chicago
Thanks to all for the great info. While lurking on this forum, I've see the brands DD, Arc and Fockford Fosgate mentioned the most for DSP's. Taking the size variable out of the equation, is it possible to list a very basic difference between the three for someone new to the game? Is one better/more economical for a 4-6 speaker setup? Is one being used most by guys with 8-10 speakers? What if a "professional tuner" is being hired? etc...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 981
From: Southern Virginia
Thanks to all for the great info. While lurking on this forum, I've see the brands DD, Arc and Fockford Fosgate mentioned the most for DSP's. Taking the size variable out of the equation, is it possible to list a very basic difference between the three for someone new to the game? Is one better/more economical for a 4-6 speaker setup? Is one being used most by guys with 8-10 speakers? What if a "professional tuner" is being hired? etc...
Also I have heard that the ARC works well with the Rushmore Boom Box head unit. If you want specifics on that there are a lot of guys here that can fill you in.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 353
From: Tyler Tx
Thanks to all for the great info. While lurking on this forum, I've see the brands DD, Arc and Fockford Fosgate mentioned the most for DSP's. Taking the size variable out of the equation, is it possible to list a very basic difference between the three for someone new to the game? Is one better/more economical for a 4-6 speaker setup? Is one being used most by guys with 8-10 speakers? What if a "professional tuner" is being hired? etc...
I chose the Rockford because of the Bluetooth connectivity and ease of tuning that way.
I have zero complaints. I have an iPhone X using iOS 12. something beta software and once I got the RF unit updated with all the current firmware, Ive never had a connectivity issue and I love being able to just flip my app open and make adjustments as needed/wanted where ever I am.
Im also sure there are better, but Im also sure my meager tools and experience with a DSP couldnt get a better tune with a better DSP. Im sure Louie Bailey or Alex could give a much better more edjucated opinion on them but for me, the RF made a night and day difference in SQ once I figured it all out and used the proper tools to measure frequencies I was producing etc.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 981
From: Southern Virginia
I played with the RF software and it seemed pretty straight forward. I also liked the Bluetooth capability as well. I put the app on my iPad and tinkered with it for a while. The need for voltage adjustments leaned me towards the Arc PSM though.
After playing with the Arc software for a bit though to my thinking it seems to be a little better laid out and allowed me to customize itself to my liking, but keep in mind that it is running on a computer, not a phone. I understand there are limitations with having to design programs for mobile devices.
At the end of it all I'm happy with my choice. I dig into settings with the PSM that the others sometimes do not have. Each user has different needs though. I'm a computer guy by trade so that is my most comfortable environment to work in. If you really want to tweak things on the road then a device with Bluetooth may suit you better. Also if you need eight individual adjustable channels then the Arc only has six. I was fortunate in that my rear amp has EQ adjustments on it so I really just set the output voltage to what it needed and set the crossover to full pass on channels five and six.
Also for on the fly adjustment of the fairing and lower speakers I have an RCA level control for each set under the switch cover. Those four channels are on the front fader control of the head unit and channels 5 and 6 feeding the rear are on that side of the fader.
After playing with the Arc software for a bit though to my thinking it seems to be a little better laid out and allowed me to customize itself to my liking, but keep in mind that it is running on a computer, not a phone. I understand there are limitations with having to design programs for mobile devices.
At the end of it all I'm happy with my choice. I dig into settings with the PSM that the others sometimes do not have. Each user has different needs though. I'm a computer guy by trade so that is my most comfortable environment to work in. If you really want to tweak things on the road then a device with Bluetooth may suit you better. Also if you need eight individual adjustable channels then the Arc only has six. I was fortunate in that my rear amp has EQ adjustments on it so I really just set the output voltage to what it needed and set the crossover to full pass on channels five and six.
Also for on the fly adjustment of the fairing and lower speakers I have an RCA level control for each set under the switch cover. Those four channels are on the front fader control of the head unit and channels 5 and 6 feeding the rear are on that side of the fader.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Redbeard719
Audio Systems
17
Jan 21, 2019 07:56 PM