BMW X5
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-02-2021, 03:41 PM   #1
Woolly
Woolly
Australia
24
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: BMW X5
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Brisbane, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Coding Equalizer / Sound Processing Functions

Hi everyone, I have recently changed out the standard BMW Hi-Fi speakers with the Bavsound stage 1 upgrade and also changed the subs to the Bavsound Ghost units. Overall I have to say the improvement in sound quality (clarity and depth) is fantastic. Pre-upgrade I had Bass and Treble both at around +8 now have treble -4 and bass +2.
However, it does highlight that some form of equalizer to enable a more detailed control of frequency bands would really make this upgrade the best it could be (and I dare say better than the HK option).

With the issues around the HK option on current new builds I figure this post could be very timely.

I have explored a heap of coding posts and have found some various posts that suggest there may be ways to achieve some improvements (see below). I wanted to reach out to see if anyone had any experience with any of these options please and/or any other ideas on how to improve/expand the control of the sound?

Option 1 - (Using bimmercode) HU MGU HEADUNIT expert mode look for AUDIO-SYSTEM then change the parameters from alev2-Ram to alev4-Ram code to achieve a working Bowers and Wilkins settings and working equalizer (Note: I have read other posts that suggest only the two outside frequency bands on the equalizer actually adjust the sound so if this is correct it would mean you still only have bass and treble control)

Option 2 - (Using Bimmercode) HU_MGU > Expert Mode > 3000 HMI > HIGH_END_AUDIO_MENUE. Change the value from whatever it is to volle_insz and code.Cycle the vehicle on/off after the coding is complete and you'll notice that Bang & Olufsen now sits at the top of the Tone menu. If you select this option, you'll have your choice of two DSPs: Studio and Expanded. Expanded does improve the sound even of the base Hi-Fi.

Option 3 - (Using Bimmercode) - I dont think this one is relevant but not sure.
To add HK equalizer to head unit

HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AMPLIFIER_VARIANT = most
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AUDIO_SYSTEM = hk_surroundsound
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR = variant1 [Default]
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > EQ_VARIANT = variant5
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > MULTICHANNEL = nicht_aktiv [Default]
HU_NBT_EVO > HMI 3000 > LOGIC7_SYMBOL = aktiv
HU_NBT_EVO > SYSTEM_EINSTELLUNGEN 3004 > EXTERNER_MOST = aktiv
Appreciate 5
X54TH891.50
eagle_bmw182.50
sd306378.50
      03-03-2021, 03:40 AM   #2
NitenD
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 FY15
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Woolly View Post
Hi everyone, I have recently changed out the standard BMW Hi-Fi speakers with the Bavsound stage 1 upgrade and also changed the subs to the Bavsound Ghost units. Overall I have to say the improvement in sound quality (clarity and depth) is fantastic. Pre-upgrade I had Bass and Treble both at around +8 now have treble -4 and bass +2.
However, it does highlight that some form of equalizer to enable a more detailed control of frequency bands would really make this upgrade the best it could be (and I dare say better than the HK option).

With the issues around the HK option on current new builds I figure this post could be very timely.

I have explored a heap of coding posts and have found some various posts that suggest there may be ways to achieve some improvements (see below). I wanted to reach out to see if anyone had any experience with any of these options please and/or any other ideas on how to improve/expand the control of the sound?

Option 1 - (Using bimmercode) HU MGU HEADUNIT expert mode look for AUDIO-SYSTEM then change the parameters from alev2-Ram to alev4-Ram code to achieve a working Bowers and Wilkins settings and working equalizer (Note: I have read other posts that suggest only the two outside frequency bands on the equalizer actually adjust the sound so if this is correct it would mean you still only have bass and treble control)

Option 2 - (Using Bimmercode) HU_MGU > Expert Mode > 3000 HMI > HIGH_END_AUDIO_MENUE. Change the value from whatever it is to volle_insz and code.Cycle the vehicle on/off after the coding is complete and you'll notice that Bang & Olufsen now sits at the top of the Tone menu. If you select this option, you'll have your choice of two DSPs: Studio and Expanded. Expanded does improve the sound even of the base Hi-Fi.

Option 3 - (Using Bimmercode) - I dont think this one is relevant but not sure.
To add HK equalizer to head unit

HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AMPLIFIER_VARIANT = most
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AUDIO_SYSTEM = hk_surroundsound
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR = variant1 [Default]
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > EQ_VARIANT = variant5
HU_NBT_EVO > AUDIO_TUNER_TRAFFIC 3002 > MULTICHANNEL = nicht_aktiv [Default]
HU_NBT_EVO > HMI 3000 > LOGIC7_SYMBOL = aktiv
HU_NBT_EVO > SYSTEM_EINSTELLUNGEN 3004 > EXTERNER_MOST = aktiv
Hi
This is great info. Do you have screenshots of your idrive to show what it looks like now?
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2021, 07:27 AM   #3
M50iX5
Private
17
Rep
59
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Great job on the analysis and details ! One question do you think coding option 2 on a HK system to use the B&W equalizer setting would make a noticeable improvement?
Appreciate 0
      03-05-2021, 07:40 PM   #4
X54TH
Member
X54TH's Avatar
Canada
892
Rep
2,029
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 40i M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GTA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by M50iX5 View Post
Great job on the analysis and details ! One question do you think coding option 2 on a HK system to use the B&W equalizer setting would make a noticeable improvement?
Curious to know as well if this improves the HK system.
__________________
2019 X5 Alpine White M-Sport
Software Version 11/2022.31
2023 M2 (HEA) Brooklyn Gray
2021 330i XDrive Alpine White M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      03-05-2021, 08:02 PM   #5
M50iX5
Private
17
Rep
59
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

I changed mine it doesn't show the b+w options on the tone setting screen. sound wise I am not sure the mid range seems a bit cleaner and the bass less booming but again without doing a true a/b test it hard to say for sure
Appreciate 0
      03-05-2021, 09:13 PM   #6
Woolly
Woolly
Australia
24
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: BMW X5
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Brisbane, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Ok so I have coded option 1 and option 2. Note that for option 2 the value was HIGH_END_AUDIO_B_AND_W - coded both as per the options above. Here are results:
Name:  8EE1949A-4282-4E14-96C5-90453AB7DA1B.jpg
Views: 7776
Size:  218.2 KB

Name:  3EE9931C-ABAC-413D-AD8F-31F24EA06451.jpg
Views: 7416
Size:  331.4 KB
Appreciate 1
sd306378.50
      03-06-2021, 04:02 AM   #7
NitenD
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 FY15
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Woolly View Post
Ok so I have coded option 1 and option 2. Note that for option 2 the value was HIGH_END_AUDIO_B_AND_W - coded both as per the options above. Here are results:
Attachment 2544519

Attachment 2544520
That's awesome

So I have the standard HIFI that it came with and struggled with just having treble and bass to play with.
Does the settings make a proper change given that we are missing speakers to actually show a true cinema surround sound?

Do you hear a difference with the bowers settings in there?
Appreciate 0
      03-06-2021, 06:02 AM   #8
NitenD
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 FY15
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Hi there.

Update: I did the coding
How do I get the option to have dsp standard or expanded.

Under which setting did you say you saw a change in the sound with the current setup you have?

I have the match up 7bmw amp which is much better then the standard hifi amp it comes with. I'm looking for a surround sound feeling and was hoping these settings would have done the trick.
Appreciate 0
      03-06-2021, 07:25 AM   #9
X54TH
Member
X54TH's Avatar
Canada
892
Rep
2,029
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 40i M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GTA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by M50iX5 View Post
I changed mine it doesn't show the b+w options on the tone setting screen. sound wise I am not sure the mid range seems a bit cleaner and the bass less booming but again without doing a true a/b test it hard to say for sure
You happy with it?
__________________
2019 X5 Alpine White M-Sport
Software Version 11/2022.31
2023 M2 (HEA) Brooklyn Gray
2021 330i XDrive Alpine White M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      03-06-2021, 07:51 AM   #10
M50iX5
Private
17
Rep
59
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Yes Now after coding both option 1 and option 2 together It's definitely an improvement detail wise and the b&w menu shows just like in the pics
Appreciate 1
X54TH891.50
      03-06-2021, 10:03 AM   #11
X54TH
Member
X54TH's Avatar
Canada
892
Rep
2,029
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 40i M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GTA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Just coded it with Option 1 and 2. Excellent. I noticed a nice improvement as well. Very good. Thanks.

Check out the On Stage setting. Listened to a favourite song on Sirius and my wife said never heard the birds before in the background!
__________________
2019 X5 Alpine White M-Sport
Software Version 11/2022.31
2023 M2 (HEA) Brooklyn Gray
2021 330i XDrive Alpine White M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      03-06-2021, 01:46 PM   #12
M50iX5
Private
17
Rep
59
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Big high five 🖐 to woolly for this great coding tweak! The more I listen the more detail I hear!
Appreciate 1
X54TH891.50
      03-06-2021, 03:09 PM   #13
NitenD
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 FY15
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

I have coded both option 1 and 2 but when I flick through the options, I don't hear any difference between cinema, stage etc.
I put the intensity all the way up as well.

Am I missing something?
Appreciate 1
Woolly23.50
      03-21-2021, 03:40 PM   #14
nZtiZia
Major General
nZtiZia's Avatar
United_States
4591
Rep
8,558
Posts

Drives: eVeRyOnE mAD!
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: neither here nor there...

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
i successfully coded using Options 1 & 2. the sound stage is much improved over stock HK. thank you!
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2021, 11:18 AM   #15
SpeedyBeamer
Enlisted Member
12
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW X5 45e
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Grand Rapids

iTrader: (0)

I did option 1 and i think there is a difference in sound. Do i need option 2 as well? What's the difference? What are the DSP's?
Appreciate 0
      05-05-2021, 06:05 AM   #16
phillydilles
Private First Class
phillydilles's Avatar
United_States
74
Rep
108
Posts

Drives: '19 G05
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: King of Prussia, PA

iTrader: (0)

I flipped both of the below, btw (in addition to AUDIO_SYSTEM) - appears to be one additional item vs. your notes; wondering if TC was the volume knob UI control? Also, looks like this adds in the lighting menu for the speakers, albeit disabled without the hardware.
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2021, 06:39 PM   #17
Brett Nosse
Private First Class
28
Rep
117
Posts

Drives: X5 M50i Pure 2002 JCW Cooper
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: QLD

iTrader: (0)

Hi guys. I am very new to this. Ie pick up my X5 next Monday. I've ordered the dongle, I presume it's simply a case of tick the boxes of things you want active. Is that correct?
And I am keen to put the equaliser into it as I have upgraded my HI Fi speakers also
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2021, 01:34 PM   #18
Mieleo
Private First Class
27
Rep
113
Posts

Drives: 2019 x5
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (0)

Nice! I would try it today
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2021, 03:29 PM   #19
alabesky
Second Lieutenant
alabesky's Avatar
United_States
87
Rep
218
Posts

Drives: '21 G05 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Does this improve standard hifi at all? Or only hk audio?
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2021, 10:19 PM   #20
NitenD
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 FY15
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by alabesky View Post
Does this improve standard hifi at all? Or only hk audio?
It improves the standard HIFI which is what I have in my car.
You can hear the small difference but it's worthwhile
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2021, 11:18 PM   #21
alabesky
Second Lieutenant
alabesky's Avatar
United_States
87
Rep
218
Posts

Drives: '21 G05 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NitenD View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by alabesky View Post
Does this improve standard hifi at all? Or only hk audio?
It improves the standard HIFI which is what I have in my car.
You can hear the small difference but it's worthwhile
Cool! Did you do both option 1 &2?
Appreciate 1
Neles185.00
      05-31-2021, 05:34 AM   #22
Brett Nosse
Private First Class
28
Rep
117
Posts

Drives: X5 M50i Pure 2002 JCW Cooper
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: QLD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Woolly View Post
Ok so I have coded option 1 and option 2. Note that for option 2 the value was HIGH_END_AUDIO_B_AND_W - coded both as per the options above. Here are results:
Attachment 2544519

Attachment 2544520
Hi woolly I've just coded it and I don't have the expanded option just studio lounge stage etc but they don't seem to make an ounce of difference. Any ideas? Thanks Brett
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:26 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST