Craigs MS-8 install

Here are a few previous threads regarding my system for back-ground.

Really wishing now I would have started a build thread and rolled everything into 1...lol..


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/au...ck-seat-mod-system-install-complete-pics.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/98693-hybrid-audio-l8s-installed-doors-pics.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/111518-2nd-battery-power-gate-rectifier-installed.html


A few months ago I finally decided to do a system upgrade. While adding a MS-8 processor may sound simple enough...it involved a complete re-wiring of my 100% 12-channel active system to fit the 7-channel MS-8.

After reworking my amp rack and SQUEEZING the Ms-8 in...I added Hybrid Audio x-overs between my Dyna tweets and L-4's in the kick panels. The tweeters and mids still each have their independant amp channels (which allows for separate gain adjustment etc), which was possible by setting up the MS-8 to recognize the front stage tweeters and mids as a coaxial speaker, then splitting the signal using quality RCA Y-adapters to the amps.

The rear door Morel XO 6's remained in place, but I had to install their passive crossovers to free-up channels.

I removed the entire interior down to deadener/ensolite, and added an 1/8" layer of MLV. I also rerouted ALL power leads from the battery, running them UNDER the truck inside liquid-tite conduit.










I completed this a few months ago, and couldnt be happier with the MS-8..after ALOT of time spent learning and tweaking it.

I started fabrication on my center channel dash pod, but got delayed when my son was born 2 weeks ago. Eventually, when time allows, I will get back to work and update with better/more pics.

 

Impressive. Equipment, wiring, layout.

Glad you got that in before your son was born...kids have this way of sucking money out of your wallet almost before it gets in.

 

Wait, 12 channels? So you have a fully active 3 way front stage, an active 2way rear stage, a coaxial center, and a sub? Did I get that right?

And you like the MS8?

 

Initially I had 11 (without a center) a 3-way active front stage (6ch), 2-way active rear stage(4), and sub (1ch).

Moving to a "quasiactive" tweeter/mid up front using the passives scared me at first as I liked having the control over the tweeters...but still having independant gains on the Tru amps, and after hours of reading and studying the MS-8 threads at DIYMA it worked out fine. The tweeters and 4"mids are so close in the kicks it wasnt an issue.

I also bridged the Tru amp under my passenger seat, and used the Morel passives in the rear. This freed up another 2ch for the MS-8, but also left me with 2ch of a Tru amp available for the center (which will have to run a passive). I've tried a few center drivers for fit and function..temporarily securing on the dash (pointing up at the windshield). More than likely I will end up with another Morel XO 6 and passive.

In the beginning the MS-8 stole the midbass from my L-8's in the doors, as well as some sub. While there are people who truly enjoy a FLAT response I like a little more midbass and sub...

After recalibrating the MS-8 maybe 50 times using different x-over points, adjustments, EQ, etc (and keeping a note pad of every calibration for future reference) I found the setup that worked for my equipment/tastes. I learned to back the gains off on the Mbass and sub during calibration, which solved alot of my issues with the MS8. Having a sub level control in the dash helps as well. I tried level matching gains using meters and formulas etc...but got my best results with a DB meter at every driver during the driver verification process (static at every driver). After experimenting, I found setting the MS-8 volume at 42 (i think..have it written down) and setting gains to get 72 db at each driver was my sweet spot. Another advantage I had going in was I had already had installed 3 additional OE fog light switches and relays to power amp remotes. 1 for front stage, rear stage, and sub. This was a HUGE help in experimenting with the MS8.

No joke, without the center channel, my imaging, stage height (remember my front stage is in kicks and doors) is incredible. Well recorded tracks, specifically acoustic guitar or unplugged convince you the guy is in the car with you strumming and singing away.

I keep the MS-8 volume around 10..but jump it up to 6 when Im looking for sound ordinance violations.

Sure, the MS8 has flaws, but after spending some time with it, and learning the work-arounds its been the single biggest improvement to my system...and if you look at my equipment list and consider the time spent in planning and installation that should mean something. And with the center channel, its even better...cant wait to get the center pod done and installed!

 

Thanks!!!..and yes, you couldnt be more right...A few weeks old and he has more clothes and furniture than I do...lol.

 

Very very impressive installation. Your views on the MS-8 mirror mine exactly. Nothing has done more for the sound of my system, but it is not perfect. I still haven't been able to get my midbass back to where I want it, but this weekend I will have a chance to sit down and play with it using my "finalized" install.

Again, great install.

 

I think you guys know my view on the MS8. I'm glad it's working for some people. And truth be told, it wasn't TERRIBLE for me but rather it did somethings VERY VERY well while neglecting other things. Problem was it did the things it did well SO well that it tricked you into not hearing the things that were wrong. It took me about a month and a half to really get a handle on it. I have a reference disc that I put together that really helped me ferret out the craziness.

I'm curious what you had before the MS8 for tuning. It seems like you really know what you're doing in terms of tuning so I'm surprised you didn't go with something to give you full control like a Bit.1

 

Beautiful..... I bet your having fun tuning. I'm running just my front stage 3-way active and its really pissed me off quite a few times.

Have you tried running the front stage tweeterless? I mean Dyns are already so laid back you could just try running the L4s.

 

The L4's have a very nice top end. If they weren't so expensive I would have tried them myself a few years back. I tested a pair from Scott in a tweeter shootout I hosted.

 

I remember that..

I litented to them on a couple different occasions and loved them. I would of ran them is my shop still sold HAT.

 

I actually installed the bit one for awhile, as I am by all means a control freak. While the bit-one provided almost endless options, it also demands a very long time strictly devoted to tuning...

Before the bit-one I had a PPI FRX 456, which is a great anolog crossover, but left me with no real processing.

Honestly, after all the time spent installing, tuning, installing, tuning...the MS8 was just so much simpler..and after a month I was dialed in and moving on to another project...like the center channel.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both...but in the end, my SQ is such that its highly unlikely another 6 months of tuning the bit-1 would have got me where I am...and to me thats 6 months I honestly just dont have right now.

 

I prefer a tweeter to cover the upper end...just a more full sound imo.

When I installed the MS8 and had to install passives between the dyn 102's and L4's, my x-over point (obviously preset) changed drastically. i believe its 5,600 now, but was 6500kh. While I know (in my head) theres a difference, the ms8 did such a good job with my TA and phase adjustment the change in x-over points didnt really have an impact.

 

Figured I'd add these..I flushed them out and installed a vinyl color...the mount is free-standing, meaning I still have use of the console space below...my ipod is installed with velcro to the vertical side of the console which turned out pretty convenient and stealth.

 

Nice set up. How does the JL13TW5 sound in such a small box?

 

The enclosure was built by Marv, and is something like .65 cubic feet...very very close to the min size recommended by JL for the driver.

With 75% polyfil, and a PPI A600.2 driving it...it has no problems keeping up...lol. As for SQ, its the best shallow mount I've personally heard.

 

I have one and I do like it. However even in .8 cubic feet it lacks low end extension. I asked because you have a 20 percent smaller box. I would like to run two of them.

 

so sick