disable automatic volume control

[rptjr]

I posted this in another forum (the tech forum) as well but thought maybe this might be a better location since I have a Mazda3.

This is what I'm noticing.
The only time the system sounds like it has any balls is when the automatic volume control is set the the maximum (3). In better terms let me describe it this way. It appears to me that the increase in AVC is not directly proportionate to the increase in volume. As I have read in another post somoeone said as you pick up speed the volume, if set on 14, eventually sounds like its on 17. But I dont agree with that exclusively, yes its louder but the quality of the sounds is poor if the AVC is not set to the max. Its like the AVC is turning up the amp to give deeper bass and better highs. Heres what I would like to do but dont know if its possible. I want to disable the AVC and still have the volume and sound quality react as if it were on the max AVC setting of 3.

Any advice?

 

[tsunami]

ah.... no way that i can think of.... just get some better speakers and subs and an amp....

 

[rptjr]

Well, thats not really an option at this time, I'm in the midst of an extended Civic project at the moment.

Anyone else versed in the workings of the OEM's HU?

 

[tsunami]

if that isn't an option.... sorry man first thing came to mind... sound deadening... just one layer of the butyl stuff with stock equipment will make a deffinate improvement, i did it before i put my system in and couldn't believe the difference night and day, you can get a door kit for less then 100$ raammat, brown bread, dynamat, tsunami, whatever brand you like i would just stick with butyl based not asphalt...

 

[cbc]

rptjr-
Your description of what AVC does seems a little "imaginative". It is simply a gain control linked to some sort of sound pressure measuring device inside your car. It is not lke a "loudness control" on , say your home receiver which boosts bass & treble at low volume settings to make is sound more full. I do not believe that the AVC has any effect of altering tone settingson your HU. tsunami's suggestions above are good ones - isolation/deadening of door panels will keep out road noise , allowing you to hear more of what is playing inside your car.

 

[cbc]

Actually, I may be wrong about this, although I have not heard any difference in sound *quality* with AVC enabled, only volume levels changing with external noise difference.. But the Manual (page 6-25) states that "The avc is a feature that automatically adjusts audio volume & sound quality according to vehicle speed".hmm...although this info is listed under the Bose-equipped model head unit (which I don't have).

 

[mobomelter]

are you asking how to turn automatic volume control off? just go into the menu where you control bass and whatnot and click it until avc comes up and turn it all the way down to off.

 

[rptjr]

Actually, I may be wrong about this, although I have not heard any difference in sound *quality* with AVC enabled, only volume levels changing with external noise difference.. But the Manual (page 6-25) states that "The avc is a feature that automatically adjusts audio volume & sound quality according to vehicle speed".hmm...although this info is listed under the Bose-equipped model head unit (which I don't have).

I agree that it could use a complete component overhaul, like Tsunami mentioned but again, that is currently not an option. I am just looking for a short term solution here.
I promise you that sound quality is degrated if the AVC is not set to the max level.
You are correct - it isnt how loud it is inside or outside the vehicle - its based on speed of the vehicle.
I do not have the bose upgrade either. To be a little more clear, although it probably doesnt make much difference. The HU is a single CD OEM stereo in an '05 3s.

 

[ZoomVT]

just a question. why do you wnat the VAC turned off? the first thing i did was turn it on all the way and havent touched it since.

 

[cbc]

Some ppl don't want the volume to go down when they come to a stop?

rptjr - Am trying an experiment after reading this thread, have AVC set to #2 to see if there is any difference in quality. I am jealous of you, at least you have a midrange tone control <g>
Was playing some lounge/chill tracks on the way to work with this setting GAWD, hit a few bass notes & thought my doors were coming unglued LOL

 

[ZoomVT]

well... it doesnt go down when you stop, it goes up when you speed to counter the noise.
soo you set the volume when you get in the car, you dont have to worry about it.
Also that is a pretty lame excuse as it takes no effor to up/down the volume from the steering controls... just my 2 cents.

 

[cbc]

So you are saying that someone NOT using the AVC control bothers you? & yes, it does go down in volume from when they are driving faster. With AVC disabled there is no change in gain levels, no matter what speed you are or are not travelling.

 

[rptjr]

well... it doesnt go down when you stop, it goes up when you speed to counter the noise.
soo you set the volume when you get in the car, you dont have to worry about it.
Also that is a pretty lame excuse as it takes no effor to up/down the volume from the steering controls... just my 2 cents.

if I was worried about effort I wouldnt be going thru all this and listening to people say I'm lame and others post like "just go to whatnots and turn it off, uh duh"

To help furhter clarify, in case you havent read the entire post, If I have the base and treble where I want it at say, 35mph, when I get up to say, 70mph, I'm always required to go directly to the HU and adjust the tone control to turn the bass down. Its not lame, it sucks.

 

[rptjr]

Some ppl don't want the volume to go down when they come to a stop?

rptjr - Am trying an experiment after reading this thread, have AVC set to #2 to see if there is any difference in quality. I am jealous of you, at least you have a midrange tone control <g>
Was playing some lounge/chill tracks on the way to work with this setting GAWD, hit a few bass notes & thought my doors were coming unglued LOL

I know the feeling.
I really do appreciate your help, youve been most sympathetic to my suituation, but I think I'm just going to open up the dash and see what I can find out or move onto another board where maybe someone knows whats up. I'll check back cbc, thanks again.

 

[cbc]

cool, let us know what you find, if anything. I'd love to find a way to flatten out the low end in this system. As is, it has way too agressive a bass curve for me liking.
Cheers!

 

[ZoomVT]

dude i wasnt try to be a dick about it.

1. cbc: i am not saying it or he bothers me. All i was saying is that AVC is not made to "reduce" the volume when you stop but to INCREASE it when you speed. you dont have to use it, you set the volume you want when you start driving and its stays the way it all the time. He is having issues with the poor sound of the stock HU and it only sounds good when the AVC is maxed out but he doesnt like the spike/reduction in the sound when the AVC is on at max. (I do get it the question FYI)

2.rptjr: I understand your question, i wasnt trying to be an asshole. I guess i never noticed the difference in quality cause i never had AVC off and i prob never will.
For a solution i think you may be right, the amp is prob receiving more power when the AVC is at max; if thats the case i think its controlled by the HU.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
Thanks for the neg rep...