[Mikeandbecka]

Ok I need some help getting my system set up. I want to do a 3 way set up with the gear I already have. Hopefully someone experienced with old school kicker gear can help.

Here is what I've got:

(old school kicker)
ZR 360
ZX 460
ZR 120

Modules: MMDP, KEQ, SWX, MDP

Speakers:
(Kicker resolution)
3", 6.5", tweeter
Infinity 10.d sub

In line crossovers: one two way (supplied with RS component) & MR-100 (kicker)

Ok so how can I set this up? I want to use the 360 and the 460 amps primarily (not intending to use the 120).

I'm thinking of using the tweeter and 3" in channels 1&2 on the 460 for the midrange and the 6.5" driver on channels 3&4 with the MR-100 crossover. I really don't know how to set up these amps with the modules or crossovers / frequencies and I don't want to blow anything up! Please help me get this set up right.

 

[Aaron'z 2.5RS/WRX]

Not familiar with the Kicker models and modules, I'm sure it can be done, more specs would help though..

It's really a simple matter of setting up a proper HP for the tweeter/mid, a bandpass for the mid-bass and a LP for the sub..

 

[Hardwrkr]

Wow, finally a place for my oldschool awesomeness of knowledge to come in handy

MR100 (midrange crossover)
-LP (100Hz)
-HP (3.5Hz/4.5Hz switchable)
-slope 12 (low) 6(high)
-can handle 250rms amp power

MMDP
-allows use of two modules in a single amp

KEQ
-Bass boost 0-18dB (40Hz)
-Treble 0-12dB (18kHz)

SWX
-2-way 24dB crossover point between sub/midbass
-supplied chips for 60/80/100Hz
-optional subsonic filter at 25Hz

The 2-way inline that came with you Resolution comp set is crossed at 3.5kHz and is an 18dB slope.

Oh and I'm pretty sure it's a ZR460 you have and not a 420.

You don't have enough crossover ability to actively run a 3-way front stage. You'd need a TWX to go fully active even 2-way. You could run the 6.5 off one side of the 460 using the MR100 (use 100hZ-3.5kHz) and the 1" with the supplied inline crossover (3.5kHz crossover point). Then use the MMDP, SWX, KEQ in the ZR360 and bridge it on your sub.

 

[Aaron'z 2.5RS/WRX]

Kick ass dude..!!

 

[Mikeandbecka]

SWEET! You know you're STUFF!! THANK YOU so much for your expertise!

Ok, so buy a TWX for the ZX460?! I can do that! However would it be easier just to buy a 2-way crossover before reaching the 460? They have them abundant on ebay (kicker KX2 $10). If I did that would I just use the MDP and run in full range? TWX modules are a little bit harder to find and more expensive.. but I did find one. And if I did get the TWX what settings would I want for the 3" & 1"? Would I still get some midrange from the 3"?

Also on the ZX460 it has an internal switch for Amp 2 that has a 100hz chip, do I want to use that or use the TWX for both amps?

As for the Kicker Resolution 6.5 driver it is a midrange not a midbass but according to the specs it should do the job down to 100hz. There is a Kicker MB driver for sale but i'm not buying.. should I?

I forgot to mention I am running a kenwood ps-907 (oldschool mask unit) with a balanced 8 volt output and no rear speakers (at this point).

The Infinity Sub will be bridged at 2ohm mono going to the 360. What settings do I want the KEQ? The SWX has the 80hz chip installed.

Thanks again!!!

 

[trojan fan]

Welcome to DIYMA, home of the 12 volt know-it-alls

 

[Hardwrkr]

Just adding the TWX will only let you go fully active for a 2-way set. In your case this would allow you to get rid of your passive inline unit.

If you want to use your 3" and go 3-way active (and you have the amps to do it) I'd recommend grabbing an external crossover that will allow a 3-way front stage (many will only allow frequencies for tweet, mid, sub so you'll have to watch that you pick the right crossover).

That 6.5 will work just fine down to where the sub will take over.

Use the KEQ 40Hz boost lightly (if at all) depending on needs.

 

[Mikeandbecka]

Just adding the TWX will only let you go fully active for a 2-way set. In your case this would allow you to get rid of your passive inline unit.

Oh.. Ok, wouldn't it just be better to run this as amp 1 full range and let the inline cross over do its job between the highs and lows on the 3" & Tweet? (or would there be too much bleed over of sound between the 3" and 6.5" doing it this way?)

If you want to use your 3" and go 3-way active (and you have the amps to do it) I'd recommend grabbing an external crossover that will allow a 3-way front stage (many will only allow frequencies for tweet, mid, sub so you'll have to watch that you pick the right crossover).

I'd like to do this yes. I need some hand holding here though (sorry). If this is what I am trying to achieve, please (if you can) step me though the set up: pre-amp crossover, active modules, passive line crossovers, Amp 1 & Amp 2.

I assume we are letting amp 2 run with the internal switch active at 100hz (that is lowpass filter)? Would the pre-amp crossover be active on setting Amp 2 also? Would we still want a TWX or just run in full range on Amp 1 (and Amp 2) on the 460?

Can you suggest a crossover that you have in mind?

 

[Mikeandbecka]

Welcome to DIYMA, home of the 12 volt know-it-alls

Thank goodness for me.. I need it!!! I love Car Audio, can do an install just fine, but when it comes to actual knowledge of getting it to sound good (Xovers/Eq's etc..) and all of that tech stuff.. I'm lost in a sea of confusion!

And this three way thing is messing with my head (but I still want to try )

 

[Mikeandbecka]

Ok, another thought.. would it just be better to run a two-way system? Is there a better clarity I would get from going TWX to amp 1 (Tweeters) and internal LP amp 2 with MR-100 (6.5s)? Is there an advantage from bypassing the inline Resolution mid/high crossover (its a kick ass looking crossover btw).

 

[Hardwrkr]

To put it simply, the more speakers you add to a stereo, the more chances you have to make it sound worse. But done properly, a 3-way has some benefits/advantages. Learning proper install techniques (and the reasons behind them) is a good way to decide which is better for your application.

I suggest lots of reading on these topics before you start putting the gear in (or buying any more).

With the proper external crossover basically you're going to feed it a signal from your HU, then the crossover is going to split up the frequencies properly into each amp. You will have no use for the crosover modules that you have. You may wish to keep you KEQ though.

BTW, IIRC, your HU was near the top of the models from that year from Kenwood. You might want to check out the crossovers that are already in it in case they are usefull to your install.

 

[Mikeandbecka]

Yes the HU was (at the time) a competition HU with no amp. However I don't think it came with any EQ features other than LOUD and the general BASS+- etc. No frequency adjustments on the line out. There is a Non-Fade / Sub out which was very unique at that time, as well as the balanced 8 volt out which is still unique to a HU. I bought all this gear new in '98 and had it installed in a Kicker Corvette showcar (since sold but kept the gear). Its going into a C5 'Vette. Can't wait to tear out the BOSE!

At this point I think going with an external EQ/Crossover for Amp 1+2 (not the sub amp) would be a good thing. Then running with just the MDP. However since I don't have that gear I think I will try the set up with the 1" & 3" in amp 1 using the MDP in the slot and just the inline XOVER. I will then try the 6.5" driver on amp 2 with the switch to bypass and use the MR-100 inline. See what I get. IF that stinks I'll dump the 3" driver and go with the TWX for AMP 1 and ditch the Resolution Xover. That should give me a powerful 2 way system (clean) anyway.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

 

[Hardwrkr]

Well it doesn't look like you want to take my advice on learning before you start putting the gear in. Good luck with that then.

BTW, the way you described in your last post what you're going to do, I bet your 3" is fried before the end of the first song you play.

 

[Mikeandbecka]

Just working things out in my head you know..

Ok so I'll ditch the 3" and go with what you suggested; but I do still want to add midbass. I have a RMB6 for the rear fill; have you ever used the CRM Module? Would this be a good application for the RMB6's? This will be used on the ZR120 that I have lying around.