Setting Up Your System; Before You Start; The File Menu - zapco DSP-Z8 IV II Owner's Manual

Before you start

Make sure you have time to finish the process. You should set aside a good couple of
1.
hours to go through the process, save it all, and do some listening and re-adjusting.
Make sure the installation is mechanically and electronically sound. It makes no sense to
2.
add processing to a system if you haven't provided the groundwork to let the components
operate to their full potential. This means sufficient 12-volt current and good solid ground
for the amplifiers and other components, so they get full power with no noise.
Make sure all speakers are wired correctly, positive to positive, and negative to negative.
3.
We will discuss this (phase/polarity) more, later in the set-up.
4. Do the research on your speakers. Make a note of the recommended crossover points and
the slopes.
5. What is the input source? If you are using an OEM stock head unit then you will need to
be sure you have all the inputs needed to achieve a full range input for the DSP. Once the
needed speaker input leads are connected to the high-level input cable, the MIX button on
the GUI will sum the signals together so all processing channels will have a full range signal.
6. Download an RTA. Accurate Real Time Analyzers are expensive equipment. A professional
unit will run well over $1,000.00. You can put together a decent system for a laptop for about
150.00 to 200.00. However: You can download an app for a smart phone or tablet that will
get you started for free. More advanced smart phone apps are available from $20.00 to
$40.00. While these free and low-cost apps are not as highly accurate as those for professional
use, they are fairly close, and are far better that working with no tools at all.

The file menu

Saving your work is critical. Whenever you have the PC (or a mobile device) connected to your
DSP all the work you are currently doing is at risk of being lost if something should happen
to cause a loss of power to the system or to close the GUI prematurely. So, like anything else
in a computer, save and save often. Saving and Loading of files and presets is through the
FILE menu in the upper left corner of the GUI.

Setting Up Your System