Digital signal processors do the same job as equalizers, but many of them also perform crossover-like functions. That means they can frequency issues, but they can also adjust what frequencies are sent to which speakers.




There are a number of uses for a digital sound processor, but one of the most remarkable is to fix problems that you may have noticed with your OEM head unit. Most factory stereos are designed to compensate for low-quality speakers, which is accomplished by artificially manipulating the frequency profile. When you replace your inferior original equipment speakers with high-quality aftermarket units, this manipulation is often very easy to pick up on. If you also install an amp, the problem will only get worse.




That’s where a digital signal processor can come to the rescue. The processor sits between the head unit and the amp, and it can literally undo the factory unit’s monkey business. Some digital signal processors even have custom profiles that can be downloaded from the Internet, which will automatically fix the preprocessing issue and improve the overall listening experience by fine-tuning the unit for the interior of the specific vehicle.