Speed of Sound Technologies

Mobile Enhancement Experts in Milford CT

55 Woodmont Rd., Milford, CT 203-954-0066
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What Is Signal-To-Noise Ratio, And Why Does It Matter?

Signal-To-Noise RatioMost people understand the importance of amplifier power specifications. In most cases, more power is a good thing, that is, until you reach the thermal or suspension limits of the speakers you are using. One specification that is also very important in a mobile electronics amplifier, processor or source unit is Signal-to-Noise Ratio. In this article, we are going to explain what S/N Ratio numbers are and why they are important.

All the Noise, all the Time!

Signal-To-Noise RatioIt just so happens that when you pass a signal through any device – like a piece of wire, resistor, capacitor, inductor, transistor or anything else you can think of – a tiny little bit of noise is added to the signal. There are many different kinds of noise. The random motion of electrons bouncing around as they pass through a device causes thermal noise. Higher temperatures result in more noise. Another common noise is Shot Noise. The difference in arrival times of electrons as they cross a barrier or gap between two materials causes Shot Noise. Devices like transistors and diodes, which have different layers of materials inside, are common sources of Shot Noise. There are many more types of noise.

As you can imagine, the amount of noise generated by any one of these devices is minuscule. When you add up a little bit of noise from a bunch of components, then you amplify the resulting signal, the amount of noise in the output of a circuit grows dramatically.

Noise happens in source units, signal processors and amplifiers. Once you add noise to the signal chain, it’s essentially impossible to remove it.

The Sound of Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioAn easy way to hear what noise sounds like is to connect a set of headphones to your laptop computer and turn the volume up fairly high. You’ll hear a hiss through the headphones. That’s noise. (Note: Please be careful, we want you as an audio enthusiast for life. Take those headphones off before your computer plays a sound and you risk damaging your hearing.)

How We Measure Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioThere are a few ways to quantify the noise an electronic component creates. One method is to simply state the noise on the output of the device in absolute terms. The measurement could be in volts or watts, and quantifies the amplitude of the noise signal. You won’t see this used to describe audio components, however.

The most common method of quantifying the noise that a product adds to the signal is to compare the noise level to that of the audio signal coming out of the device. Because the difference in these levels can be quite large, we state the ratio of the signal level to the noise level using the decibel (dB) scale. The decibel scale is logarithmic. As such, a difference of 6 dB represents a doubling of the amplitude ratio, 20 dB is ten times the amplitude, 40 dB is 100 times, 60 dB is 1000 times and 80 dB is 10,000 times and so on.

Let us look at a moderate quality amplifier – nothing awesome, nothing disastrous. We see that this fictional amplifier has a S/N Ratio of -82.3 dB when referenced to 1 watt of power output into a 4-ohm load. What does that mean? Well, first, we know that to produce 1 watt of power into a 4-ohm speaker, we need 2 volts RMS of signal coming out of the amp. Our noise level is 82.3 dB quieter than 2 volts. Using an online calculator, that means that the noise produced by this amp is 0.00006918309709189363 times smaller than 2 volts, so it’s about 0.000138 volts. A little more math and that works out to 4.785 nanowatts.

Nope. That isn’t very much noise. And in most cases, you probably can’t hear it.

What if we work hard and find a below-average amplifier? Something with a S/N spec down around 70 dB? If we apply that math to our 2 volts of rated output, we get a noise level of 99.99 nanowatts. Yep, that’s a LOT more watts as compared to the previous example.

Clarifying the Mysterious Signal-To-Noise Ratio

If you look at an amp spec from more than about 10 years ago, or you see a number that is abnormally high, they may be rating the noise level using the maximum output capability of the amplifier as the comparing factor. If we measure an amplifier’s noise output level at 1 watt to be 85 dB, then you increase the amplifier’s output to 10 watts, assuming it doesn’t make any additional noise, the S/N ratio will be -95 dB. If the amp can produce 100 watts with no more noise, the ratio is now -105 dB. There are hundreds of amps that can produce 1000 watts – so that noise ratio measurement would now be -115 dB. When it comes to printing numbers on a gift box, in a brochure or publishing them on a website, being able to say that the S/N Ratio is -115 dB sure looks more appealing than -85 dB.

Signal-To-Noise RatioThe CEA-2006 specification established a standard set of guidelines for S/N Ratio noise measurement. The specification dictates that we measure the S/N Ratio compared to 1 watt of output into a 4-ohm load. A new specification is in the works that will help quantify the adjustment of the sensitivity setting on the amplifier during the measurement process. As it sits, the lower the setting of the amp, the better the S/N ratio measurement will be. Want to confirm this? Next time you are installing an amp, turn the system on with no signal connected to the amp and listen to the speakers. Then turn the amp gain up all the way. You will hear the noise level increase. Please turn the gain back down and shut the system off before proceeding.

Why is the Lack of Noise Important?

How can we quantify the desire not to add noise to our signal? Here is a simple analogy. If you purchased a TV in recent years, you may have heard the expression ‘blacker blacks.’ ‘Blacker blacks’ refers to how dark the screen gets when there is no signal. Blacker is better. When you think about your audio system, a ‘more negative’ S/N ratio means that the noise is quieter than the audio signal. We don’t want to listen to noise. -90 dB is better than -80 dB. Go it? Clear?

There are so many criteria to balance when choosing any car audio product. Power levels, efficiencies, distortion characteristics, features and functions all play an important role. Understanding the meaning of the S/N ratio measurement is very important. We don’t want ANY distortion or noise added to our music, but the laws of physics deny us that luxury. Do your best to choose products that, through careful design and choice of internal components, minimize these negative effects. Your local mobile electronics specialist can help steer you towards some amazing equipment. Drop in and check out what’s new.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Classic Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: SoundShield Slim and WrapIt

SoundShield Slim WrapIt

The SoundShield team has recently introduced two new products to help mobile enhancement retailers deliver amazing upgrades: Slim and WrapIt. Slim is a butyl damping material designed for applications where material thickness is a concern. WrapIt closed-cell foam allows technicians to control vibrations at specific points in the vehicle. These new products, combined with the original SoundShield, help to ensure that your vehicle is quiet so you can enjoy your music more.

SoundShield Slim Butyl Damping

SoundShield Slim WrapItSoundShield Slim is a perfect noise control solution for applications where weight or material thickness is a concern. If your vehicle has a door trim panel that needs to sit flush to the inner door skin, Slim is a perfect solution. Measuring only 1.5 mm (0.059 inch) thick, Slim’s high-tack adhesive will ensure that the dense butyl rubber sheet will stick permanently where installed. The SoundShield team has tested Slim thoroughly to eliminate any concerns about the material peeling off in high temperatures or turning to a gooey mess. When added to a metal panel or bridged across openings inside your door, Slim dramatically reduces sound transfer into the vehicle. The result is improved sound system performance, clearer outgoing Bluetooth hands-free audio and more accurate voice recognition when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Slim is manufactured in 20- by 39.5-inch sheets and is sold two per package for a total of 11 square feet. That’s enough material to treat the metal skin of two doors in most vehicles. One package of SoundShield Skin weighs 7 pounds.

SoundShield WrapIt

SoundShield Slim WrapItSoundShield WrapIt was designed specifically as a solution to eliminate buzzes or rattles in the dash, door or trunk of your car or truck. WrapIt is waterproof closed-cell foam that’s bonded to a high-tack adhesive. If there’s a door release or lock rod that just loves to make noise while driving, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can add a piece of WrapIt around the rod and against the door to keep things quiet. WrapIt has great applications in the dash of vehicles to keep new RCA cables or remote starter wiring silent. Because it won’t hold water, it’s also a great solution for side-by-side and marine upgrades as well. Technicians can wrap wiring and cables with SoundShield WrapIt before securing them in place so you can enjoy your music without any distractions.

WrapIt is sold in pairs of 2-inch-wide rolls that are 15 feet long. That’s 30 linear feet of noise-absorbing goodness! The foam is 3 mm (0.118 inch) thick, and the adhesive is the same permanent design used on other SoundShield products.

Add Silence to Your Car or Truck with SoundShield

If you’re having new speakers, an amplifier, radio or subwoofer installed in your vehicle, or are just tired of road and wind noise, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and ask about the new WrapIt and Slim products from SoundShield. Of course, the original SoundShield flagship triple-layer noise control solution is always available when you need the most noise control possible. For more information about SoundShield products, visit their website. New product information and photos of amazing installations can be seen on their Facebook or Instagram pages.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Soundshield

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO T13 Remote Kit

Compustar PRO T13

Car or truck owners looking for a remote start solution with the most features and longest range will want to check out the new PRO T13 remote kit from Compustar. Considered the new benchmark for performance, the T13 combines an amazing 3 miles of range with a color LCD screen and the new Proximity Unlock feature. If that isn’t enough, the T13 includes a built-in rechargeable battery, water-resistant case and reliability that has made Compustar the quality leader in the car starter industry.

Compustar PRO T13 Design and Features

The first thing you’ll notice is a bright color LCD screen that includes graphics that show when your vehicle is locked, unlocked or remote started. You can also see the voltage of the vehicle battery as well as the interior temperature. Of course, because it features 2-way communication, you’ll always know if the commands you’ve sent have been received and executed at the vehicle. Lastly, the screen shows the remote’s battery level and whether audible or vibration alerts are active.

Though the remote only has three buttons, the intuitive design allows you to access a variety of secondary options like trunk release, car finder and auxiliary outputs. In all, more than 50 commands and setting options are available to give you complete, personalized control over your vehicle. You can even change the language from English to Spanish or French.

Compustar PRO T13A built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the T13. A micro-USB connection on the top of the remote makes charging easy. You can recharge the remote using a powered USB port in your vehicle while you drive. The battery lasts about 45 days on a full charge with systems that don’t include security features.

Finally, the T13 remote is waterproof and is built with reinforced high-strength materials to withstand the abuse that comes with being sat on or occasionally dropped in a puddle or snowbank. Compustar backs all PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

Proximity Unlock Feature

A new and unique capability of the PRO T13 is the Proximity Unlock feature. If you’re leaving a store with your arms full of groceries or supplies, the vehicle will unlock automatically when you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield. The antenna’s centralized placement allows the system to work just as efficiently from the vehicle’s passenger side. Fumbling with keys in your hands while you carry the kids or digging at the bottom of your purse will be an afterthought.

You can disable the Proximity Unlock feature with just a few quick button-presses on the remote if you are working nearby and want to keep your vehicle locked.

Industry-Leading Range Performance

If you’ve ever tried to use a remote start system from inside a large building, then you’ll know how important it is to have as much range as possible. The PRO T13 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to provide up 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of range. This incredible transmitting power means that you’re more likely to be able to start your car from the depths of a warehouse, office tower or apartment than when using a remote that only offers 1 mile of range.

Companion Remote and Drone Telematics Included

Compustar PRO T13Known formally as the RFX-P2WT13-SF (in the United States), the kit includes the amazing color LCD PRO T13 remote, a one-button long-range PRO R5 remote, a Drone X1-LTE interface, an antenna and all the cables your installer will require to complete a new installation or upgrade an existing one.

This PRO R5 remote offers up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of range to make it easy for someone else in your home or for a co-worker to use your vehicle. The remote also features the same easy-to-charge lithium-ion battery as the T13. Even though it has the most intuitive interface available, the Proximity Unlock feature makes it easy to get into your car or truck without having to search for the keys.

If you’re shopping in the United States, then your PRO T13 remote system will include one of the Drone X1-LTE telematics interfaces. When combined with an app on your smartphone, Drone lets you control and monitor your vehicle from anywhere you have cellular data access. You could be on the other side of the city or vacationing in another state – you’ll still be able to monitor the vehicle. Your local authorized Drone retailer can help you choose the right Drone service plan for your needs.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Compustar Convenience Today

Whether you’re shopping for a new remote car starter or already have a Compustar, Arctic Start, RTX or iDatastart system in your vehicle, your local authorized Compustar PRO retailer can get you set up with the new PRO T13 remote system today! You can find a shop near you by visiting the Find a Dealer page on the Compustar website. Be sure to visit Compustar’s Facebook and Instagram pages and their YouTube Channel to learn more about their amazing products.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: CompuStar

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO R5 Remote Start

Compustar R5Compustar, the world-leader in high-performance remote start and security systems, recently introduced the new PRO R5 remote. This one-button remote boasts up to 2 miles of range and includes a proximity unlocking feature that makes it easier than ever to use. If convenience and reliability are at the top of your vehicle convenience upgrade shopping list, then you’re looking at the perfect solution.

Long-Range RF Performance Improves Connectivity

The PRO R5 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to deliver up to 2 miles of range. If you live in an apartment or work in a large store, this impressive transmitting power helps ensure that you can remote start your vehicle a few minutes before it’s time to leave.

The R5 includes four LED-illuminated pictographic icons that let you know when the lock, unlock and remote start commands have been received and executed. Tapping the button once will send the lock command. Tapping the button twice sends the unlock command. Pressing and holding the button for about three seconds initiates the remote start sequence. If the vehicle has already been remote-started, you can shut it down by pressing and holding the button for three seconds.

Another cool feature of the PRO R5 is its ability to alert the owner if the security system is triggered. This type of notification is a new feature for a one-button remote.

Compustar R5Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

The new PRO R5, just like its big brother, the PRO T13, includes a feature called proximity unlocking. When you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield of your vehicle, the system will automatically unlock the doors. If you’re carrying groceries, tools or perhaps a child, not having to dig through your pockets or purse to unlock the vehicle is incredibly handy. Once unlocked, pull the door handle to open the door, and you can load everything or everyone into the vehicle.

Compustar has included a customization option in the R5 programming to let you turn off the proximity feature remotely. You can also toggle silent arming/disarming through the same configuration process. Finally, you can turn the remote off completely to save the battery if you are going on vacation or will be away from the vehicle for an extended period of time.

Compustar R5Industry Reference Reliability

Compustar remote start and security systems are widely recognized as the benchmark for performance and reliability in the mobile enhancement industry. The R5 features the same robust construction and water-resistant design that have earned the company its much-lauded reputation. If you’re prone to dropping your keys when exiting your vehicle, this remote should be able to handle the abuse. Compustar backs their PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

The PRO R5 remote is powered by a lithium-ion battery, so you don’t have to worry about buying coin cells. A micro-USB port makes it as easy to recharge the remote as it is to charge a smartphone. You can even use a powered USB port in your vehicle to top up the battery on the way to or home from work.

Drone Telematics Ensures Unlimited Connectivity

When you purchase the RF-P2WR5-SF kit, you will get a pair of the PRO R5 remote controls and one of the Drone X1-LTE interfaces. When connected to your remote starter or security system, Drone allows you to control your vehicle from an app on your smartphone. All you have to do is tap an icon on your phone and you can lock, unlock or remote start your vehicle from anywhere you have access to an internet connection. You can choose from several Drone service plans that include GPS-based alerts to further enhance your ability to monitor your vehicle.

Compustar Is the Leader in Remote Start Technology

If you want to upgrade an existing Compustar, RTX, Arctic Start or iDatastart system, or are shopping for a new solution for your vehicle, drop by your local Compustar dealer and ask about the new PRO R5 remotes. You can find a dealer using the Compustar website. For updates on the latest product and feature introductions from Compustar, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages and their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: CompuStar

Product Spotlight: ARC Audio X2-Series Car Audio Subwoofers

ARC X2 Subwoofer

Known best for their world-class amplifier solutions, ARC Audio’s new X2-Series subwoofers deliver amazing output and low-frequency extension at surprisingly accessible price points. Available in 10- and 12-inch sizes with your choice of dual 2- or 4-ohm voice coil configurations, these impressive woofers can handle up to 400 watts of power to ensure that your music sounds fantastic, even with the volume cranked.

ARC Audio X2 Subwoofer Features

The X2-Series subwoofers are based on stamped-steel four-spoke baskets that feature double compound curves. This curved shape adds rigidity and strength to ensure adequate support for the double-stacked magnets. The basket includes cooling vents under the spider mounting plateau that work with the vented pole piece to allow hot air to escape from both sides of the voice coil. Speaking of the voice coil, these subwoofers feature high-temperature Kapton formers with a 2-inch diameter. Low-mass copper-clad aluminum windings are wrapped around the formers, then anodized with a black coating to increase heat dissipation and reduce the potential for power compression. The combination of these lightweight materials helps the subwoofers offer excellent upper bass response so their output blends seamlessly with the midbass drivers in your vehicle.

ARC X2 Subwoofer
The complex curves of the basket spokes add rigidity to the X2 subwoofers while cooling vents beneath the spider-mounting plateau allow heat to escape from the voice coil.

In terms of visible moving parts, the woofer cones are formed from fiber reinforced pulp paper for an excellent balance of mass, rigidity and damping. ARC Audio adds a moisture-resistant laminated coating so the cones won’t absorb water vapor in high-humidity environments. The top plate to voice coil gap is protected from debris by a large-diameter polypropylene dust cap that has the ARC Audio logo embossed into it.

Large-roll rubber surrounds enable the drivers to deliver more than an inch of excursion while providing longevity that foam surrounds simply can’t deliver. The base of the cone is centered by a large-roll treated Conex spider. Electrical connections to the voice coils are handled by heavy-duty spring terminals with oversized tinsel leads. The leads are sewn to the spider to ensure they remain reliable and operate silently at high excursion levels. As you can see, many of the features in these drivers are borrowed from the audiophile-grade Black Series subwoofers.

ARC X2 Subwoofer
The large roll rubber surrounds not only ensure years of reliable operation, they allow the subwoofer to deliver more than an inch of excursion capability.

Subwoofer Application Flexibility

ARC Audio knows that different vehicles require different enclosures. For those who want the most efficiency and extension from their bass upgrade, a moderately sized bass-reflex (vented) enclosure is a great choice. When combined with proper tuning using a digital signal processor like the PS8 Pro, this enclosure style delivers an impressive balance of extension and low-distortion operation. The X2 12 woofers will work optimally in designs as small as 1.15 cubic foot (net), and for more low-frequency output, a 1.6 cubic foot enclosure will play below 25 Hz in your vehicle effortlessly. The X2 10 woofers need a minimum of 0.9 cubic feet and will sound amazing in 1.2 cubic feet.

If space is a premium, then your technician can construct a small sealed enclosure. You will sacrifice some low-frequency efficiency, but the design requires a lot less space. The X2 12’s need only 0.75 cubic feet, and the X2 10’s work fine in 0.5 to 0.7 cubic feet. Of course, your retailer can combine multiple subwoofers in a single enclosure to increase the output capabilities of the system.

ARC X2 Subwoofer
Heavy-duty spring-loaded terminals make it easy for your installer to secure large-gauge speaker wire to the X2-Series subwoofers.

Transform Your Car Audio System with ARC Audio Subwoofers

If you are an avid reader of BestCarAudio.com, then you already know that adding a subwoofer is one of the best upgrades you can make to your car stereo. Not only does it improve the system’s ability to reproduce low-frequency information, but it can also improve the clarity and detail of the system while allowing it to play louder. When the relatively small speakers in your car or truck don’t need to play bass frequencies, they won’t have to work as hard and will sound much more precise.

If you want a great subwoofer that won’t break the bank, drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer and ask about the X2-Series subwoofers today. You can keep up with the latest offerings from ARC Audio by visiting their website, their Facebook page, their Instagram feed or their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: ARC Audio

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