Phoenix Gold Titanium Tideq Digital EQ

Features24 bit AD/DA convertersDual 24 bit Motorola DSP56002 signal processors30 bands of equalizationFive selectable Qs for each filterThree additional bands of parametric EQ with five selectable QsFour Presets: RTA, SPL, SQ, and UserFour external relay outputsSix sensor inputs for external 12 volt componentsHigh or Low Pass 12 or 24 dB/Octave crossoversDigital time delay, 0 - 100mSPink noise generatorRS-232 port for controlling software

CosmeticsThe Phoenix Gold TiDEQ equalizer simply looks fantastic. With its three blue LEDs, four translucent Plexi covers, and brushed aluminum chassis, this has to be one of the best looking equalizers out today. The internal layout is nice too - housing power supplies, AD/DA converters, and two Motorola 24-bit digital signal processors (DSPs). Audio inputs and outputs are standard-issue gold-plated RCA connectors.

Mechanical ControlsTotal Setting control for the TiDEQ can only be performed with the use of a PC, using the Windows-based software provided. There are no level or gain adjustments on the unit itself. Four presets can be made (SPL, RTA, SQ, and User) and controlled through a remote panel with blue LEDs that can be mounted within reach of the driver.

The other option for changing the settings is the TiDEQ Comp Remote Control Unit (MSRP $299.00). This unit is available and plugs directly into the TiDEQ and can be mounted anywhere in the vehicle. This gives the same setting control as the use of the PC and the windows based software with the exception that the "Q" cannot be adjusted per the band of equaliztion.

DSP BackgroundProcessing a signal digitally can happen in two ways: One is to take the signal, sually 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, directly from the digital source, process it, convert it to analog and present it to the output connectors. The problem with this approach is that the volume must now be controlled after the digital processing to preserve fidelity. This would preclude any controls in the audio chain ahead of the DSP, preventing even simple volume and fader adjustments.

The second approach, used in the TiDEQ, is to accept an analog signal, convert it to digital, process it and convert it back to analog. In this scenario the audio signal is converted three times, once to make the CD, and twice within the TiDEQ. The problem with this approach is that the input signal is not usually at the correct level to take advantage of the full digital resolution available in the DSP. However, the TiDEQ uses excellent Crystal 24 AD/DA converters. This allows the audio signal to be resolved to one part in 16 million, which reduces scaling problems found in older DSP technology.

PerformanceSoftware installation-A Windows program is used to configure the TiDEQ. Installation went smoothly without any hickups. However, the serial port parameters must be set every time the software is installed. This quirk becomes tiresome if the program is running from an on-board computer. The user has to set the serial port every time the program starts up. On the flip side, this allows the program to be used with multiple TiDEQ's without effecting the current settings - a sort of safety feature.

The unit worked flawlessly, satisfying virtually every conceivable requirement for equalization, crossovers, and digital delay. Signal-to-noise was a respectable 102 dB, "A" weighted. Harmonic distortion was typically under .01 % THD+N, rising to .03% at 6 kHz. We also did a distortion sweep at 500 mV. This causes the 24-bit converters to operate using just 21 bits. THD+N at this setting was still a very respectable .02% across the entire frequency spectrum.

Because each of the 30 filters has an individually selectable Q, virtually any type of equalization can be accomplished. Add three fully parametric filters, digital delay, and variable 12/24 dB/Octave crossovers to satisfy your other needs!