Pioneer DEQ-9200 3-Band Car Equalizer

Product Rating
3.82 of 5
11 reviews

Price Range
$0 - $0

Product Description

Summary

I would recommend it to the average tweaker. However, I suggest that for even better results you use it in conjunction with a true "system EQ" - as the EQ factilities provided by the 9200 really aren't enough to entirely clean up your system's frequency response. I plan to use the Alpine 3402 to clean up the problems in my system that the 9200 simply can't handle.

Strength

In "Standard" mode, the 9200 provides Front, Rear and Subwoofer outputs. The Front and Rear channels can be high-passed at 50, 80, 125 or 200 Hz, at
6 or 12 dB/octave, or they can be run full-range. The Subwoofer channel has a LP filter that can be set at 50, 63, 80, 100, 125 or 200 Hz, with 6, 12 or 18 dB/octave slopes on tap.

In "Pro" mode, the 9200 treats your system as a three-way system, with the
front channel providing the feed for "HIGH", and the rear channel providing
the feed for "MID". The HIGH channel can be high-passed, at 1/3 octave
frequencies starting from 2.5 kHz to 10 kHz, with slopes 6, 12 or 18dB/oct
on tap. It cannot be run full-range (good news - no blown tweeters). The
MID channel can be band-passed, with the HP filter point selectable at 1/3
octave frequencies starting from 2.5 kHz and ending at 10 kHz, with the same choice of slopes as the HIGH channel. The HP filter for the MID channel can also be turned off. The LP filter for the MID channel can be set at 1/3 octave frequencies between 40 Hz to 160 Hz, again with 6, 12, or 18 dB/oct slopes. The LP filter for the MID channel can also be bypassed. Finally, the subwoofer channel has a LP filter that can be set at 1/3 octave frequencies between 40 Hz to 160 Hz, with 12, 18 or 24 dB/oct slopes. Neat stuff.

In both modes, you can use the "Auto-Eq" option. Basically, you fix the
supplied mic in the driver's head position, press the Auto-EQ button, and the system does the rest, using a 4-band "quasi-parametric" EQ (variable, 1/3 octave spacing, but fixed Q's of 1.2 or 2.6) and adjustment to the output levels of each channel group, to achieve what it thinks is the closest response to the target curve (you can choose one from three - flat,
or "natural", "mild" (a downward-sloping response), or "dynamic" (for those who love the "club" sound). The "Mild" setting seems best. YMMV. To my ears the Auto-EQ does work well, 'cept for the bass region, which I usually have to manually adjust after an Auto-EQ session. The manual suggests that the Auto-EQ only works from 80 Hz to 8 kHz (20 kHz for Pro mode), so that probably explains it. In the Pro Mode, you can adjust the 4-band EQ settings after Auto-EQ has done its job. You can't do this in Standard mode.

Weakness

In all settings, the output level is a measly 500mV from any of the
channels. You probably wouldn't want to use the 9200 in a real "Pro" system because of the noise factor.

the 9200 is a tweaker's delight, but unfortunately it quickly leaves you wanting more options that you know DSP is capable of, for example dynamic compression, soft clipping on the subwoofer output channel, steeper slopes, more fine control over the filter cutoff frequencies, adjustable noise gating, and 7-band graphic EQ instead of the 3-band quasi-parametric
EQ. It can be a frustrating device at times!

Summary

I'd recommend this to ONLY the high end car stereo enthusiast. It's perfect in every way for this. I used it in a 2300watt, 5 amp, 20 speaker system and it performed flawless.


I DO NOT recommend it for the 5 speaker, 400 watt guy who just wants to see some cool EQ on his dash. It won't perform as it made or intended for. It will simply add some echo to your tunes.

Strength

EQ functions, Crossover network, ability to be crossed as Tweeter, Mid, Bass OR Front, Rear, Sub. Excellent versatility. Excellent Spectrum analyzer. Easy install. Very thin and hide away unit can be mounted under front seats. Simple to use if you read and understand the manual. Volume control can be used as master volume. Auto EQ works well for beginners. 4 listening positions and 4 presets for the picky EQ user. SEPERATE sub control. Seperate front and rear level controls (if used as F/R/SUB). Or seperate tweet, mid and sub controls (if used as TWEET/MID/SUB).


Excellent piece if used correctly!

Weakness

NONE


Most weaknesses in this review have been from USER ERROR. The EQ is used for high end stereo installs. I see most people complain about price or ease of use. Well... If you buy this unit, then your buying it to use as a HIGH END piece. Not just a light show on your dash. Most everyday users will not like it, but once they use it to it's fullest extent it's one of the most powerfull EQ/Crossovers for a dash mount found. JUST take the time to read the manual or find out if it's really for you. If your into the light show and that's why you bought it... then return it and go by yourself a simple, easy to use sony... or Alpine. Something that takes no brains to operate.

Summary

I got this unit used for $150. Can't beat that price. At first I didn't have the manual, and I thought this thing was never going to work. But right after I found it, everything made sense. I think you need to be using all of the RCA outputs for this thing to work properly, which might be a pain for some people. As the other review stated, the presets don't let my subs play loud enough, so I just use the auto eq and set my own frequencies. It really isn't hard after you get it figured out. It is a nice unit which I would recommend to someone with a little extra cash who wants a flashy yet useful piece of equipment.

Strength

Looks good, more features that I will ever know what to do with, detachable face

Weakness

Kind of hard to figure out how to work. Needs all the RCA's used to function properly. No idependent sub control, like the 7600.

Summary

it is a very expensive gadget that requires professional installation and programing. beginner stay away.

Strength

I like all the digital displays and the auto eq setup is awesome.

Weakness

I have this unit for two years now and i still don't know how to use it. i always set it to auto. this unit is for the professional and makes the radio sound like you're in a concert hall or very high in treble. It might sound decent if you add a sub, but otherwise it's very confusing and frustrating to figure out, other than the fact that it is very expensive.

Summary

When I first saw this eq, I had to have it. It was flashy, digital, had the microphone for the auto eq function, and had a built in x-over network. I liked the way you could save 4 presets settings with one button recall. When I installed it in my second car (94 Toyota Celica) it took me about 5 hours to figure out how to install. The trim ring that pioneer gives is a little too big to fit into japanese cars. Anyway, I wish they had put some type of a contrast function for the screen, because you cannot see the display in sunlight at ALL! You have to wait until it gets dark to enjoy the light show. Speaking of the display, it's ok, but the cheaper Deq9000 looks better. Anyway, it does an ok job. I probably would not buy it again.

Strength

Very Flexible Parametric Eq. DSP sound modes. Awesome built in crossover network.

Weakness

Display totally washes out in daylight. Very difficult to install in some cars. Display not as cool looking as the DEQ 9000. Hyper expensive.