How Digital Signal Processors Work in Sound Systems

DSP is called a digital signal processor in car audio. We know that the decoder in home audio is responsible for decoding audio. In addition to decoding, DSP also processes and reprocesses the decoded signal. How to process it?

Firstly, adjust the frequency of the audio signal. The frequency of sound ranges from 20-20K Hz, and the DSP can selectively adjust the performance of any intermediate frequency. And distribute the high pitched speakers and the low pitched speakers to the low pitched speakers. Secondly, time correction. Due to the limitations of car space and structural design, the time taken for the sound from each horn of a car to reach the listening ear is different, which greatly affects the sound field. By adjusting the DSP, the speaker can be positioned further away, ensuring that the sound reaches the listener's ear consistently.

Thirdly, adjust EQ. The sound has a frequency response curve, which is the response curve of the speaker to the conversion of sound at various frequencies. The flatter the curve, the more consistent the speaker's response to a certain frequency range. But this curve is often uneven, that is, sometimes in a certain frequency band, the high notes may be too bright, or the low notes may be too stiff. And EQ adjustment can repair this curve, keeping the high and low frequencies as close as possible to the original style.

This is how DSP works in cars. But in fact, adding DSP does not necessarily mean that the sound quality of a car will be very good. The car host needs to transmit audio signals to the DSP through an RCA cable, which then sends them to the car amplifier, which then transmits them to the car speaker. So, the quality of a car's main engine largely determines the sound quality of the car's audio system.