m-Dimension Glow DSP8 User manual

Page 1
Table of Contents-
Installation Considerations -
DSP8 Hardware Identification-
Input Port & Features -
Speaker level/OEM Integration
Signal Input Harness -
Speaker Output Harness & Port -
Connecting to your PC -
Getting to your User Interface -
Synchronizing your PC to the DSP8 -
Saving and retrieving setup files -
Password Protection and File Security -
Firmware Updates -
Manually Installing USB Boot loader -
Other Controls -
V.U. Meters -
Intro -
Inital Considerations -
System Tuning Functions -
1. Input/Output Level Setting -
2. Input Mixer and Polarity Setting -
3. Operating the Mixer -
Initial Settings and Tuning-
1. Input Mixer Level and Polarity -
2.Output Level Settings -
3. Initial EQ Settings -
4. Initial Crossover Settings -
5. Initial Signal Delay Settings -
Trouble Shooting -
Specifications -
Page 3
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 18
Page 20
Page 25
Page 26
Page 28
Page 29
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34
Page 35
Page 35
Page 36
Page 38
Page 41
Page 43
Page 47
Page 48
Section 1 - Installation
Section 2 - Getting started (Software, Firmware updates and more)
Section 3 - Tuning Your System (Considerations and Basics)

Page 2
Thank you for purchasing the DSP8 reference digital amplifier
system with integrated DSP technology.
The DSP8 is a state of the art 8 channel digital amplifier system
with a first of its kind full open architecture digital sound processor
available for the car audio market. Even with the compact size of
the DSP8 and careful consideration to speaker selection the DSP8
offers you the opportunity upgrade your vehicles OEM and/or
aftermarket audio system and to custom tailor the sound to your
personal likings with audiophile precision.
Practice Responsible Listening
The DSP8 in conjunction with the right components is capable of
playing at high volumes well above 85dB for extended periods of
time. Your ears are very delicate, prolonged exposure to sound
pressure levels above 85dB will cause damage to your hearing. If
you have ever been to a party or to a concert where loud music was
played, you may have experienced Temporary Threshold Shift
(TTS). This temporary loss of hearing can become permanent if
exposure is done on a regular basis. If this happens, you will never
hear fully again. We highly recommend and urge you to limit your
exposure to volumes above 85dB.
Please take note that your state has laws governing the volume
of an audio system in a vehicle and your system may exceed this
governed level. Please be aware of all local, state and federal laws
in your territory.
Installation Instructions
The DSP8 is designed for in most cases a easy installation process
into a wide variety of vehicles. Due to the changing nature and wide
combinations of audio systems and electrical systems in vehicles
worldwide certain provisions and vehicle specific considerations may
be necessary to obtain optimum quality and performance of the
DSP8.
Considerations

To Ensure proper operation of your new purchase, please follow the
instructions and suggestions located throughout this manual.
Before You Begin
Please check the suitability of the installation before you begin. Do
not cut an portion of the cars structure. Pay close attention to what is
behind the vehicles panels or carpeted area you are considering to
mount your newly purchased product. Often vehicle manufacture will
hide wires, computers or other electronic devices in the exact areas
your wish to install in.
Installation, tuning and calibrations of the DSP8 is not recommended
for novice or inexperienced installers. If you do not have experience
with automotive electrical and mechanical systems please contact a
professional installer. Paying a qualified installer is almost always
cheaper than paying a dealership to repair your car.
Picking a Location For Your Amplifier
Your DSP8 must be securely mounted to a solid surface. Please
select a location in the trunk or passenger compartment of your
vehicle that will continuously be dry and free of moisture and allow
for adequate airflow to provide cooling to your amplifier. Do not
mount the amplifier to any area that may be effected by excessive
vibration (like a subwoofer enclosure).
Supplying enough Power
Your amplifier does NOT make power. Amplifiers convert existing
power, or current from your vehicles electrical system and turn into
musical energy. Simply stating, It takes power to make power. If the
amplifier cannot receive the power it needs it will no produce its full
factory specified output.
Page 3

Page 4
If the voltage of your vehicles charging system drops too low even
the most expensive of audiophile rated amplifiers will drop below
their rated output. Make sure your charging system is in good
working order. If you are unsure if your charging system is working
properly have it tested by a qualified professional technician or take
it to a certified authorized dealership.
Connecting the Ground
WARNING: NOT FOLLOWING THIS DETAIL CAN CAUSE YOUR
DSP8 TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, INDUCE NOISE INTO
YOUR SYSTEM, CAUSE DAMAGE TO SYSTEM COMPONENTS
AND CREATE POSSIBLE COMMUNICATION ISSUES WITH
YOUR COMPUTER INTERFACE!
The ground wire should be connected directly to the chassis of your
vehicle. Find a clear location on vehicles inner body or chassis
nearest to your amplifier and remove all paint, sound deadeners
and other coverings exposing bare metal. Using a #10 or larger
screw to secure it to this location. NEVER USE A SEAT BOLT OR
VEHICLE BOLT AS A GROUNDING POINT!!
Remember the ground wire must carry the same high current as the
positive power wire. Make sure to use the same gauge of ground
wire as your power wire. Make sure that the ground wires from your
vehicles battery to the body meet or exceed the gauge of your
amplifiers power and ground wire leads.
Tune Safely
Do not try to do all of the system tuning in a single session. It is
good practice to spend only an hour or so tuning a system at any
single session, and to use several or many sessions to complete
the process. The human hearing system can become fatigued when
concentrating on critical listening for extended periods, so breaking
up the tuning process into several shorter sessions over a several
day period will be much more effective, and usually yields better
results.

Page 7
DSP8 Input Harness Port-
Because of the wide range of head units used in vehicles worldwide,
both OEM and aftermarket the DSP-8 has one of the most flexible
input configurations available. This section will cover a variety of
applications and the information needed to connect the DSP8 into
your vehicle. Please be advised that some vehicles can require
special installation wiring and or custom passive loading devices
depending on the electronic design of the output of your source unit.
Low Level (RCA) input-
The DSP8 by factory default
comes prepared for low level
RCA input capable of accepting 6
channels of balanced Low Level
RCA inputs up to 4 Volts RMS
with an selectable optional
3.5mm unbalanced input for
portable media storage devices.
Turn On Input/Output -
Input - 12 switched signal on input turns on the DSP and its
internal amplifier.
Output- The DSP8 has a processor controlled turn on circuit for
your additional subwoofer amplifier. This dedicated output
circuit is capable of driving amplifiers up to 220ma at 12
Volts and is capable of being delayed and controlled thru
your PC interface.
Profile 1-
When triggered and sustained with 12V+ the DSP will automatcally
change to the alternate profile (Preset 2) without the need to use the
PC. When the circuit is opened and seperated from 12V+ connec-
tion the DSP8 returns to the main profile (Preset 1)
Profile 2- Not Functional (Future feature) Do Not Connect

Page 8
DSP8 Signal Input (High Level/Speaker Level)
If your installation requires the continued use of your factory
radio the DSP8 has a flexiable “Manual Set” Hi Level/Low Level
input stage.
To achieve this opration you will be required to open up the
bottom of the DSP8 and configure the intrnal jumpers as directed
below. (Jumpers provided in packaging of DSP8) Next cut and
remove the RCA plugs off the end of the cables and direct solder
your OEM speaker connecitons to the dedicated inputs of the
DSP8
If your factory radio does not have a dedicated full range
(20Hz-20kHz) signal output you will need to retrieve the dedicated
frequency signal leads (Highs, Mids, Lows) and connect to all 6
channels of input on the DSP8. Next using the onboard input
signal VU meter and the input Codec sensitivity control level
match all three dedicated signals till they produce a single full
range signal input. (See Setup, Tuning and Adjustment)
Note: some factory systems require loading of the outputs to
achieve nominal operation. To simulate a load on the outputs of your
factory radio install a 30 ohm 5 watt resistor across the positive and
negative speaker leads of each factory channel and then connect to
the assigned inputs of the DSP8. This should work on most instances
where loading is required but may require different values depending
on the exact electrical needs of your factory system
Speaker Level Input
Jumpers Install Here

Page 9
1
8
16
1
2
3
4
5
6
DSP8 Input Harness
Pin 1 - (Brown Wire) Profile 2 lead wire (NOT USED)
Pin 2 - (Red Wire) Profile 1 Lead
Pin 3 - Channel 6 RCA +
Pin 4 - Channel 5 RCA +
Pin 5- Channel 4 RCA +
Pin 6- Channel 3 RCA +
Pin 7- Channel 2 RCA +
Pin 8- Channel 1 RCA +
Pin 9- (Blue Wire) Turn on input lead
Pin 10- (Violet Wire) Turn on output lead
Pin 11- Channel 6 RCA +
Pin 12- Channel 5 RCA +
Pin 13- Channel 4 RCA +
Pin 14- Channel 3 RCA +
Pin 15- Channel 2 RCA +
Pin 16- Channel 1 RCA +

Page 10
1
9
18
Pin 1- (Grey) Channel 8 +
Pin 2- (Violet) Channel 7 +
Pin 3- (Blue) Channel 6 +
Pin 4- (Green) Channel 5 +
Pin 5- (Yellow) Channel 4 +
Pin 6- (Orange) Channel 3 +
Pin 7- (Red) Channel 2 +
Pin 8- (Brown) Channel 1 +
Pin 9- Balanced RCA Output RCA+
Pin 10- (Grey w/Black Stripe) Channel 8 -
Pin 11- (Violet w/Black Stripe) Channel 7 -
Pin 12- (Blue w/Black Stripe) Channel 6 -
Pin 13- (Green w/Black Stripe) Channel 5 -
Pin 14- (Yellow w/Black Stripe) Channel 4 -
Pin 15- (Orange w/Black Stripe) Channel 3 -
Pin 16- (Red w/Black Stripe) Channel 2 -
Pin 17- (Brown w/Black Stripe) Channel 1 -
Pin 18- Balanced RCAOutput RCA Shield
DSP8 Output Speaker Harness Port
Balanced RCA Out- For use on most OEM subwoofer amplifiers
Unbalanced RCA Out - For use on aftermarket subwoofer amplifiers
(Channel 8 output group is limited to one function. Using balanced
and unbalanced outputs and/or with/without Channel 8 speaker
output can cause damage to your DSP8 and will not be covered
under warranty)
Balanced RCA Output

Page 11
Connecting to your PC
Now that you have installed your DSP8 into your vehicle it is time
to start setting up your system. After you load the DSP8 software to
your computer you will connect your PC to the DSP8. The DSP8
software is compatible with 32Bit and 64 Bit computers running the
Windows XP, Wndows Vista and Windows 7 operating platforms.
Please note that not all computers are the same and may require
full updates to your computers USB interface. It is recommended that
if you have trouble connecting to the DSP that you disconnect all USB
devices and then plug the DSP8 into your PC and then turn on the
software.
Connecting to the DSP8 -
Using a USB to USB Mini cable, plug your
laptop into the DSP8. (It is recom-
mended that cables be no longer than
6ft in length as longer lengths can cause
issues resulting in not being able to
connect to your DSP8 or potential faulty
communication during your tuning
session not allowing the features to
function correctly).
For more information on updating your computers USB drivers or
operating system please contact your computers manufacture or
Microsoft update for additional information
Other Requirements-
If this is your rst time using the DSP8 Software you may be prompted
to load and install Microsoft .Net Framework. This is required for
operation and function of the DSP8 and its software package.

Page 12
Getting to know your User Interface
Active
Information
Area
Channel Mute Panel Prole Selection Software/Firmware
Version Indicator
USB
COM
Amplier Internal
Temp. Indicator
Master Gain
Control
USB Connection Status
USB/DSP Process Indicator
Feature Tabs
Windows Panel
Tuning Features-
- Arrow key adjustment on most adjustable tuning features
- Real time interaction between DSP and PC
- Onboard real time digital signal meters for precise signal alignment
for most any application (includes input signal, dsp output, amp-
lier output signal and more
- PC save setting le allows user to save thousands of custom tune
and setting les to your PC with the ability to recall and load them
into multiple vehicles in seconds
- Fail safe USB connection protocol gives users the safety no processor
lockups or freezing no matter what happens during the tuning
process.

Page 13
Software Firmware-
Version Indicator Displays the active version of the user interface as
well as the operation version of DSP8 firmware
Active internal circuit temperature display for the
DSP, built in amplifier and other circuits.
Flash pulse indicator confirming active 2-way
communication between the DSP and PC
Master output level control of the DSP8’s internal
amplifier.
Active confirmation of hardwire connection via USB
device for user interface.
Verification window for active processes between pc
and DSP8 whn making setting changes.
Amplifier Temp-
USB Com Status-
Master Gain-
USB Connection-
Status
USB/DSP Process-
Indicator
Windows Panel -
Firmware Update Panel, PC Database access for
saving tunes or loading user made custom tunes
Selection tabs to access each of the DSP8’s high
resolution tuning features
Displays all adjustable controls and settings of the
current project in use.
Alows user to mute ante combination of channels
indicator and selection buttons to toggle between
preset profiles currently active on the DSP
Feature Tabs-
Active Info Panel-
Chan. Mute Panel-
Profile Selection-

Page 14
Synchronizing your PC to the DSP
In order to make accurate changes in the custom tune menu’s of
the DSP8 you must first make sure that the PC and DSP is reflective
of the actual settings between the components.
Every time you start to connect your computer to the DSP8 you will
be prompted to select a Sync direction ensuring that from the very
first adjustment your adjustment are properly reflected on your user
utility. Your selections at startup will be as follows-
Send Settings to DSP8 - Allows you to select a previously saved
settings file form you computers hard
drive and load it onto the DSP8
Retrieve Settings- Retrieve’s all setting files from the
from DSP8 DSP8 and matches your computer to
their position allowing you to continue
customizing the tune from the point
previously left off on that particular unit.
Work Offline- Allows user to make adjustments or build
predetermined setup files without
changing the state of the setting on the
DSP.
Startup Option Menu
System can be Sync’d anytime
in the EQ panel by selecting
on the appropriate buttons
above at any time.

Page 15
Saving + Retrieving Setup Files with your PC
The advantage to using a PC based sound processor is that
you are not limited to the presets available on the user utility. The
DSP8 incorporates a multi tiered file management system that
enables the user to save thousands of complete setup files on his/her
hard drive.
The process is very simple. After you have finished making
all of the necessary adjustments to your DSP8 locate and open the
“File” tab in the upper left hand corner of the user utility. Then Click
the “Save Settings As” listing and you will be directed to a system file
window where you can custom name the settings as well as if
desired select a custom location on your hard drive for where to save
it (Not Recommended).
To retrieve saved files on your PC click on the “File” tab in
the upper left had corner of the user utility. Then click the “Open
Settings” listing, then highlight the desired file listing and click “Open”
and your user interface will reflect your saved settings file in its
entirety. Once the file is uploaded be sure to go to the EQ panel and
click on the Sync>DSP8 button so that the DSP and sound will reflect
these newly imported settings.

To achieve a world class sounding audio system you need a
world class tune. These tunes can take many hours if not days or
even weeks occupying many hours of time invested to create that
personalized musical experience.
To protect this timely investment the DSP8 is equipped with a
fully encrypted programmable password protection system. This
system allows the use to custom set a unique cap sensitive access
code that assures them that nobody can make unauthorized or
undesired possibly system damaging changes to their DSP8.
Setting a Password-
In the top header of the user utility find and click on the tab
listed as “Password”. Once accessed you will be prompted into the
Password panel allowing you the options to set and verify a unique
password of your choice.
Once you set a password you will not be able to use the SYNC<DSP8
feature not allowing you access to the stored file on the DSP8 or the ability
to modify the current operating file from its current settings. MAKE SURE
YOU SAVE YOUR SETTING FILES TO YOUR PC JUST IN CASE YOU
NEED TO RELOAD THE FILES. Passwords must be matched for PC and
DSP to gain access to existing files.
***IMPORTANT***
Page 16
Password Protection and File Security

Page 17
Restoring the system to factory default-
If you have lost or forgotten your password and wish to erase
and clear the set encrypted security feature from your DSP the only
way to achieve this is to reset the DSP to factory default settings.
Please be reminded that doing this will clear the entire DSP and you
will loose all custom settings stored on the DSP.
If you need to “Restore to Default” please follow these steps...
Step 1- Access the System Password panel thru the header on the
top of the user panel.
Step 2- Once prompted with the Password panel, find, locate and
click on “Clear Password”
Step 3- You will then be prompted with a warning screen notifying you
that you will loose all settings and restore the system to factory default
After restoring to default you may proceed with either importing a
settings file or starting a new custom settings file from scratch.

Page 18
From time to time you as we improve the hidden technology with
the DSP you may be required to update the systems with the latest and
greatest rmware update.
Your user interface is designed with a trouble free simple operation
updater that will allow you to update the rmware without ever having
to download, transfer, save, or log into any dicult to access website to
update your DSP.
With your DSP8 installed and software loaded we recommend that you
before you start tuning that you update your DSP8’s rmware. Follow-
ing the steps below will make this easy and painless. (Please note that the
very rst time you attempt to update your DSP8’s rmware you will be required to manually
load the appropriate USB boot loader included in your software package. See USB boot
loader update)
Step 1 - locate and click on the “Check for rmware updates”button
located within the “File” tab in your windows interface panel
to activate the Firmware updates panel
Step 2-If you have already manually updated your USB boot loader
with the DSP8 driver click on the button“Check for new
rmware”. If not, please proceed to page 18 of this manual for
instructions on how to update your USB boot loader
Firmware Update
Pa
g
e 1
8
S
tep
2
-
If you have already manually updated your USB boot loader
wi
th
t
he
D
SP
8
dr
iv
er
c
li
ck
o
n
th
e
bu
tt
on
“
Ch
ec
k
fo
r
ne
w

rmware”. I
f
not, please proceed to pa
ge
18 o
f
this manual
f
or
instructions on how to update
y
our USB boot loader

Page 19
Step 3 - Next a new window will pop up advising you that upon
completion of the firmware update you will have to power
cycle (Power off and then back on) to fully update the
system. Click “OK”
Step 4 - Once you have accepted the requirement to power cycle the
DSP8 you will be prompted with a pop-up window indicating
the beginning of the firmware update process.
**** IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!!!! ****
During the firmware update process do not unplug your PC from
the DSP8, turn off or alter the power level to the DSP8, attempt to
disrupt the firmware update process or turn off your computer.
Doing so will cause the update to fail and will lock up your DSP8
requiring it be sent back to the factory to be reprogrammed and
unlocked
Step 5 - Your firmware update is now complete. Please power cycle
your DSP8 (Turn of then back on) and you will hear music
once again and you will be able to enjoy your new updates.
c
e
y
ou have acce
pt
ed the r
eq
uirement to
po
wer
cy
cle the
P
8
y
ou will be prompted with a pop-up window indicatin
g
be
g
innin
g
o
f
the
f
irmware update proces
s.
i
r
m
pp pgy
n
off or alter the power level to the DSP8, attempt to
r
mware u
pd
ate
pr
ocess or turn off
yo
ur com
pu
ter.
c
ause the update to fail and will lock up your DSP
8
e
sent back to the factory to be reprogrammed and
un
lo
ck
ed
firmware update is now complete. Please power cycle
****
I
MP
OR
TA
NT
N
OT
IC
E!
!!
!!
!
***
*
m
ware u
p
date
p
rocess do not un
p
lu
g
y
our PC fro
m