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Just got my V TWELVE DSP after over one month waiting.
Ebay shipper (Pitney Blows) lost it, then found, then crushed it. What a nightmare. Hopefully it still works.
This is my first post on this forum!
I am here for years and I follow @Mike5215 and then you quietly.
Upgrade from M5dsp to Audison 8.9, now you are planning to upgrade to Helix V12...
I think I should stop now...
Finally fixed the overpowering bass issue. For the front subwoofers, I added the rear full input in addition to front full input. The polarities on the rears were then inverted.
13.2 speakers on 10 channels. Front L/R (tweeter + mid), Center, Front L/R subs, Rear L/R (tweeter + mid), Rear L/R Surrounds, Dual 8 inch powered trunk sub (Pre Out).
Looks like you still use the optical input comes from the Fix-82, cutting off the center and surround instead of the Burmester outputs, is that the BT phone still works ? voices come from L+R not the center speaker ?
Looks like you still use the optical input comes from the Fix-82, cutting off the center and surround instead of the Burmester outputs, is that the BT phone still works ? voices come from L+R not the center speaker ?
I actually havent tested BT phone call, just music. But the DSP software lets you sum left and right inputs for center.
The Fix 82 will be replaced by a Nav TV Zen M later in this configuration:
That custom cable looks GREAT! I seen you post on several threads, can you tell me on your latest setup,
1. Are you using the NAV-TV?
2. if not, are you still using the FIX-82 in front of the V-12?
3. Do you play your music loud? Would you still have gone with the Match speakers, especially in the front doors?
4. Did you install all 20 woofers (on both sides)?
5. You did a great job. Does it sound as good as you hoped?
I have a 2021 GLE 450 on order to be built 1-28-2021. I was very unimpressed with the Bermester sound and expect to upgrade asap. I expect to follow your project except I would probably use the Helix V-Eight and a separate amp for the front subs, and wait and see if I need an external sub.
As a benchmark, I had a 2006 Lexus with a Mark Levenson stereo and with an external sub, it rocked for me. Recently I test drove a new Tesla Model S and it's stereo was 95% acceptable (vrs about 40% of how I liked the Bermester in the GLE). I can't help but think your setup sounds great and would like your thoughts.
That custom cable looks GREAT! I seen you post on several threads, can you tell me on your latest setup,
1. Are you using the NAV-TV?
2. if not, are you still using the FIX-82 in front of the V-12?
3. Do you play your music loud? Would you still have gone with the Match speakers, especially in the front doors?
4. Did you install all 20 woofers (on both sides)?
5. You did a great job. Does it sound as good as you hoped?
I have a 2021 GLE 450 on order to be built 1-28-2021. I was very unimpressed with the Bermester sound and expect to upgrade asap. I expect to follow your project except I would probably use the Helix V-Eight and a separate amp for the front subs, and wait and see if I need an external sub.
As a benchmark, I had a 2006 Lexus with a Mark Levenson stereo and with an external sub, it rocked for me. Recently I test drove a new Tesla Model S and it's stereo was 95% acceptable (vrs about 40% of how I liked the Bermester in the GLE). I can't help but think your setup sounds great and would like your thoughts.
1. Are you using the NAV-TV?
Not yet. The first Nav-TV I had ordered worked great using the TOSLINK, but the RCAs would not produce any audio. I sent it back.
2. if not, are you still using the FIX-82 in front of the V-12?
Yes, and it works great. However, you could probably skip the Fix 82 and run the high level inputs into the Helix.
Then you have to flatten the signals yourself using the DSP software input EQ. There is a video in a previous post.
3. Do you play your music loud? Would you still have gone with the Match speakers, especially in the front doors?
I usually play my music at 20 vol (+) presses on the steering wheel controls from 0 volume. Loud enough.
Does the 2021 GLE now have a volume level indicator? Mine does not.
I am very glad I replaced the OEM speakers (especially the front subs). However, in your case with a new 2021, I would first try out the OEM speakers with a Helix DSP tweak.
Why waste more money?
4. Did you install all 20 woofers (on both sides)?
No, but once I got the front woofers and dual 8 inch trunk sub-woofer to play nice with each other everything sounds great.
5. You did a great job. Does it sound as good as you hoped?
it sounds great so far, but I still have to properly EQ, set delays and tweak more. Then do the final DSP installation. I might add the WIFI module later, so I can access the DSP over Wifi,
BTW, if you get a V-Eight DSP make sure is a MK2 version with the new features.
The ATF DSP software has so many features and configurations that the possibilities are endless for sound tuning.
Thanks for the quick reply. I did see some listings for the non-MKII units. The first version said it had a 20 volt maximum high level input, and the MKII says 16 volts. The FIX-82 says 30 volts. The Helix rep (on an email product inquiry) wondered if the 16 volts would be enough for the Burmester sub output.
Your work is very neat and you explained it well. I expect to run the power and audio cables myself, making an adapter cable like you did so I know exactly what is done and it could be put back to stock if necessary. I will probably have a professional install the speakers along with sound deadening. I like the idea of the plug & play speakers and the Match seem to have good specs, although I wonder if some high end speakers in the front door might be better like Morel or Focal?
My current car is a Jaguar and I was never happy with the system I paid to have installed. It has 3-ways (Focals) in the front doors and 2-ways in the rears, but they were active crossovers from the amp. The installer first used two LC-7i's, but trying to get a clean signal was hard (tuning by ear). I left the LC-7i in the rears, but used a FIX-82 for the fronts (I wanted to retain the factory fader). The FIX is a no brainer to get a clean flat "summed" signal to feed the aftermarket amp and speakers, and has a good equalizer, but I was never happy with the sound. I did have sound deadening put around the speakers, but wonder if the wires had additional filters or if the speakers were even installed properly as I never had that warm sound or the lower end of a male singing voice which is why I want to take command of the new car installation.
The Bermester setup will not require summing like the Jag, well maybe summing the front and sub, but it should be much easier. I know on the FIX it just requires a test tone and push a button. I have not seen any documentation or youtube videos on the Helix Input Signal Analyzer, so I am not sure how hard that is to setup.
Anyway, I been waiting 2 months and I have another month to go (plus) for the new car to come in, but having time to do this research might work in my favor. I already learned a lot from you and a few others. I know it is hard to describe how a system sounds except to compare it to the original setup, and volume and quality are two different things. I figure I should be able to at least get 50% more volume and MUCH better quality with the components you used. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the quick reply. I did see some listings for the non-MKII units. The first version said it had a 20 volt maximum high level input, and the MKII says 16 volts. The FIX-82 says 30 volts. The Helix rep (on an email product inquiry) wondered if the 16 volts would be enough for the Burmester sub output.
Your work is very neat and you explained it well. I expect to run the power and audio cables myself, making an adapter cable like you did so I know exactly what is done and it could be put back to stock if necessary. I will probably have a professional install the speakers along with sound deadening. I like the idea of the plug & play speakers and the Match seem to have good specs, although I wonder if some high end speakers in the front door might be better like Morel or Focal?
My current car is a Jaguar and I was never happy with the system I paid to have installed. It has 3-ways (Focals) in the front doors and 2-ways in the rears, but they were active crossovers from the amp. The installer first used two LC-7i's, but trying to get a clean signal was hard (tuning by ear). I left the LC-7i in the rears, but used a FIX-82 for the fronts (I wanted to retain the factory fader). The FIX is a no brainer to get a clean flat "summed" signal to feed the aftermarket amp and speakers, and has a good equalizer, but I was never happy with the sound. I did have sound deadening put around the speakers, but wonder if the wires had additional filters or if the speakers were even installed properly as I never had that warm sound or the lower end of a male singing voice which is why I want to take command of the new car installation.
The Bermester setup will not require summing like the Jag, well maybe summing the front and sub, but it should be much easier. I know on the FIX it just requires a test tone and push a button. I have not seen any documentation or youtube videos on the Helix Input Signal Analyzer, so I am not sure how hard that is to setup.
Anyway, I been waiting 2 months and I have another month to go (plus) for the new car to come in, but having time to do this research might work in my favor. I already learned a lot from you and a few others. I know it is hard to describe how a system sounds except to compare it to the original setup, and volume and quality are two different things. I figure I should be able to at least get 50% more volume and MUCH better quality with the components you used. Thanks for sharing!
I would wait until you have the vehicle before making any upgrade plans.
You may find that tweeaking the oem treble, mid and bass and even fade settings are all you need. Drive around for a few weeks.
If not just add a trunk subwoofer, then maybe a dsp if needed.
At the 100% volume level, I got around 16.45v from front woofers. I set it to 75% volume before calibrating the Fix 82.
The V twelve and V eight MK2 dsp high level inputs max are 16v or 32v depending on where the internal jumper is set.
The match speakers set doesn't list 2021 GLE as compatible. You won't know until you have the car and open the door panels.
I never used the Fix 82 equalizer but would guess the helix dsp would provide better results and options.
Here is a video on Input EQ (to flatten the signal yourself)
I would wait until you have the vehicle before making any upgrade plans.
You may find that tweeaking the oem treble, mid and bass and even fade settings are all you need. Drive around for a few weeks.
Of course, but I am used to a good "loud"er stereo and I want to have a game plan.
If not just add a trunk subwoofer, then maybe a dsp if needed.
I am tired of big boxes in my trunk, so for sure I will have to wait and see what options are available for a stealth solution.
At the 100% volume level, I got around 16.45v from front woofers. I set it to 75% volume before calibrating the Fix 82.
The V twelve and V eight MK2 dsp high level inputs max are 16v or 32v depending on where the internal jumper is set.
On one ad, I did see both voltages listed, but I didn't know there was a setting for the ranges.
The match speakers set doesn't list 2021 GLE as compatible. You won't know until you have the car and open the door panels.
The rep replied in an email that they should fit, but I would probably have to swap the 8" sub frames with the current ones, in his words, "doable".
I never used the Fix 82 equalizer but would guess the helix dsp would provide better results and options.
Yes, and both are costly, so if the Helix works well without the FIX that would eliminate a large expense. Also, if a Nav-TV was available, that would be a moot point. I called them in Florida and he told me Mercedes did some changes in the new models. He indicated if they still (factory amp) had a optical input it would probably work, but some were using coax. He said I would have to visually check out what I had.
Here is a video on Input EQ (to flatten the signal yourself) THANK YOU! for all of your help and advice.
First post on this forum but wanted to tap into the collective wisdom. So I have a 2020 C63S Wagon (UK car) with the Burmester option and have set about an upgrade plan, which entails:
Nav TV Zen-M
Fronts fed optically
Rears on analogue to retain parking beepers
Helix V Eight Mk2
Chan 1 & 2 - Fronts with passive xover
Chan 3 & 4 - Front bass drivers
Chan 5 & 6 - Rear door speakers
Chan 7 - Centre
Chan 8 - potentially running the rear surrounds in mono using the 'rear fill' option
Speakers
Front Speakers running the Focal MBZ 100 drop in kit
Centre Speaker the matching Focal MBZ
Frontbass stock, unless they're horrid
Rears stock
Sub - the JL active dual 8 is compelling
I'm pretty clear on my plan, but wanted to cross check the pinout:
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
