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radio gets lower when the car slows

2.9K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  wader  
#1 ·
So the Wife and I just noticed that the radio seems to be much louder when you cruising at say 40+ MPH but then when you slow down the volume seems to get lower. Im wondering if anyone knows anything about this ... I have a 2015 Limited with the 7" navigation reciever.
 
#3 ·
Typical RTFM situation, but my better half also didn't know what "volume adjusting to speed" was in the car we had this weekend.. But that's a bit different situation
 
#4 ·
ok so RTFM ... does it say anything about the way this function works? .... I am only curious because I plan on amplifying the stereo more.... seeing as thought the stock stereo situation is an embarrassment ... I am wondering if this volume diminishing function is a reflection of less amplification from the amplifier or is it just the HU sending a lower volume ....... oh and any passive aggressive RTFM comments are not appreciated ... thanks
 
#5 · (Edited)
Likely volume.

The base model 5spd has this function in the headunit... and it doesn't have an external amplifier.

So... you want to amplify... an amplified signal? That might not work well. Check your specs. Anytime I've done hookups in the past, with Pioneers, they have pre-amplifier output to run to an amplifier. The voltage specs will likely be out of whack if you run an amplified signal into another amplifier.
 
#8 ·
My Audi had a speed-sensitive volume function in its stock Alpine unit (which was touted by the salesperson at the time) and the head unit actually adjusted its own volume - you could see the HU numbers change.

- wader
 
#6 ·
I would put money on the stock head unit compressing the audio to boost the volume. I have noticed that the audio starts showing artifacts of compression when you go faster and the head unit boosts the signal. The volume you hear when you are at a dead stop is the volume the input is actually being played at. Anything louder is the head unit doing something to make it louder without turning the volume up.

Honestly, the head unit isn't too bad once you turn off the speed-sensitive volume and use that one WRX video to set the line input to passthrough EQ settings.

I've worked at recording studios, and used to do sound for live concerts multiple times a week/have a degree in Radio/TV/Film; I work with this stuff all the time ;)