Sub volume /USB/Aux jacks - integration

[pegase747]

Hi all,

I will go back home this summer and finish my CD43 audio install on my B3. My questions are not about which components or SUB I will use, as those questions have been sorted already.

I would like to have your take on where do you guys would install the following components on the dash/console of your beloved E30 :

1/ Sub volume potentiometer. I would like to use a blank above the HU as Luke did. i have a spare blank after I install the GG Voltmeter.

Any other locations ? i was thinking inside the ashtray as well, has it been done ?

2/ USB/AUX connections. I could squeeze those with the Sub remote potentiometer on the blank, but that will be too tight me think. Any locations that could be easily accessed, not too visible ?

Inside Ashtray, Glove box ( not really practical ), or somewhere on the center console ??

What are you guys doing for your AUX/USB connections ?

photos ??

Cheers Pierre

[Mikhail Bakunin]

Just get a head unit with the USB connector.

[deansbimmer]

Just get a head unit with the USB connector.

Herp Derp... He says he already has a CD43. Not some alien spacecraft looking toy that looks retarded in the e30.

Edit. What I did for sub control... Put it above the head unit's volume control knob in a blank spot.

[pegase747]

Hi Deansbimmer,

Exactly I don't have any spacecraft HU with blue lighting and all that blink ! The CD43 in my B3 will be just fine...It will be installed with the GROM USB/AUX adapter.

I have already the CD43 ( rebuilt as new ), the RE-Q5 Processor to adapt the CD43 speaker signals to my amp input, a 4ch Alpine Amp, front DLS R5A components, rear sony coax for a bit a rear fill, and I will get to the SUB soon, but probably a powered sub, as I dont care for SPL, but just need a little bit of bass in addition to the standard speakers...

Please note that the Tweeters from DLS fit perfectly in the OEM mirror tweeter pods

Deansbimmer, You did the same as Luke did, and I think it is great. However I remember now that I have a blinking LED there for some kind of alarm that was fitted when new. It may stay, so the only available blank will be for the GG voltmeter...

What I may end up to do, as I am non smoker, and nobody is allowed to smoke in my Alpina, is to fabricate a small bracket that I would install in the Ashtray compartment. I already have the metal piece inside removed, and there is enough space, me think.

The bracket will hold the Sub level potentiometer, and next to it there will be provision for the USB and AUX jacks.

There are now small enough USB thumb drives to be able to close the ashtray lid properly, and i think it is great because, you keep the OEM look of the interior, while having a very easy and quick access to the control of the SUB, and the USB.

If there is still a little space available, then I will fabricate a small coin holder next to that...

Cheers Pierre

[deansbimmer]

Yep I made the sub control a couple years ago, I couldn't live without it now. As far as the USB, I think that would look OK, as long as it can remain hidden inside the ashtray. For my alarm LED, I retrofitted a late model homelink/auto-dimming mirror which has the red alarm LED already built in. I just send power to it from the alarm module so that I don't need a separate LED for it somewhere on the dash.

[pegase747]

Deansbimmer,

What is the Homelink mirror ? I know the auto domming. Is it coming from a BMW ??

The Red LED on my Dash dos not look too good anyway, so i may just get rid of the whole alarm, and keep my spare blank unused...

Would you have a photo of your sub control in your dash ? also a photo of the super mirror ??

Pierre

[StereoInstaller1]

Pierre, what amp are you planning for subwoofer?

You really should think about using an LC8i for your AUX and sub levels, it solves 2 issues

[pegase747]

Hi Luke,

At the moment I don't have a sub as such and an Amp to go with it.
I was planning to use a small powered sub to start with, and maybe upgrade to a normal Amp + Sub setup later.

The thing is that I want a SUB lvl available, as I dont want to fiddle with any settings once done, just the Sub lvl which may differ in needs, depending on what kind of music I listen.

The LC8i is a nice option. Can it be connected straight to the CD43 ?

I am planning to use the REQ5 at the moment ( already purchased ) to deal with the unbalanced signal from the CD43...

I have always been attracted by Audiocontrol stuff. Seems pretty good for the price !

The only issue I have with Audio control product is to find a shop that could send one in France...

Cheers Pierre

[StereoInstaller1]

The LC8i has 2 sets of inputs: 1 is from the stock deck, the other is a variable AUX in.

They both output to the amplifiers.

You use the same knob to do 3 things: 1) adjust subwoofer level, 2) adjust AUX volume and 3) switch between AUX and the stock deck. You tap the knob to get to the different modes, the LED changes color.

Audiocontrol is not sold in Europe?

Luke

[pegase747]

Thanks for the info Luke,

Note that I will use the Grom Audio USB/Aux adapter, there is also one on the ReQ5 that I don't plan to use.

I like the idea of using the one from the Grom adapter, as it will be processed through the ReQ5 before going to the Amp.

I could find some audiocontrol stuff in UK, but not sure they can ship to france, and it is also much more expensinve.

Cheers Pierre