Every DSP amplifier or processor we sell needs to be set up, and the best-sounding systems are tuned to the exact cabin they're sitting in. That's what this guide walks you through: measuring your car's actual acoustics with a proper measurement microphone, then using Audiotec Fischer's free DSP PC Tool 6 software to build a tune calibrated specifically to your vehicle.
The good news: PC Tool 6's automated tools do most of the heavy lifting. You don't need a sound engineering background — you need a couple of hours, a laptop, and a quiet moment in your driveway.
This guide is in four short parts, each written to be read in the car with a laptop open — no fluff, just the steps:
- Part 1: Before You Start — what you need, and getting DSP PC Tool 6 installed and connected.
- Part 2: Taking Your Measurements — mic placement and running your first RTA sweep.
- Part 3: Auto-Tuning with TuneEQ & ATM — letting the software build your EQ curve and time alignment from your measurement.
- Part 4: Fine-Tuning by Ear & Saving Your Tune — the listening pass, and backing up your finished tune.
You'll need the AMI Tuning Kit — Audiotec Fischer's proper measurement microphone and interface, purpose-built for this — and a free copy of DSP PC Tool 6 for Windows (sadly, they don't make a version for Apple Mac users but I wish they would).
Want to go deeper on target curves and manual EQ theory once you're comfortable with the basics? ResoNix Sound Solutions' guide to DSP tuning tracks is a genuinely good, more advanced resource worth reading once you've got your first tune done. Use the reference tracks included on your AMI Tuning Kit's flash drive for the steps in this guide.
Already have a package, or shopping for a DSP amp or processor to tune? Browse our vehicle upgrade packages, or see the full Car DSP Amplifiers range and standalone DSP processors if you're building or extending a system.
Prefer to have this done for you? Find an installer in our network, or get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
Written by Pete — Certified International EMMA Head Judge and founder of Integrated Audio.