We recently put out a call in our community, asking folks if they'd be willing to share their expertise with other Rusto Garage members. @Pete sat down with @Tipad5050, who is an experienced audio tech, to talk about all things car audio related.
Pete: What are your main responsibilities as an audio tech?
Tipad5050: I insure that the install is solid and true to ensure no issues arise as the customer is jamming out.
Pete: What is the typical job/project like for you?
Tipad5050: It depends - most are either a head unit swap or adding a subwoofer to a factory system.
Pete: What do you like most about your work?
Tipad5050: Being creative applies more towards my own personal system.
Pete: What do you like least about your work?
Tipad5050: Cleaning up someone else's mess - either they try to install themselves or a "friend" knows someone who can do it then it doesn't work. Then I go in and try to figure out why.
Pete: What kind of problems do you deal with?
Tipad5050: Most common is probably improper ground/power connection and my speakers sound bad and the bass boost is full tilt.
Pete: Is this your side hustle or daily profession?
Tipad5050: Kinda both - at times typical is a weekend deal, up to weeks at a time.
Pete: What current trends are happening in car audio as we speak?
Tipad5050: Equipment is getting smaller with the output of equipment with a much larger footprint.
Pete: What kind of accomplishments tend to be valued and regarded in this field?
Tipad5050: Most popular is how many DBs you've got, but a super clean or spectacular install is a close second.
Pete: What kind of education, training, or background does your job require?
Tipad5050: There are schools and certification nowadays, but the early days of car audio would require knowledge of woodworking, electrical, wiring, and basic math.
Pete: How did you become interested in this field?
Tipad5050: Growing up my sister who is 2 years older than me had a friend who had a nice system. In the mid '90s hearing Metallica's
"One" with the double bass line - I was hooked.
Pete: What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job field?
Tipad5050: Patience for sure ... knowledge of woodworking, mechanically inclined, knowing the the basics, taking things apart and putting them back together. Math, math, and more math - calculating air space, tuning frequency, sub displacement etc.
Pete: If you could do it over again would you choose the same path or would you do things differently?
Tipad5050: Don't think I'd change much of anything now in my 40s. Still love the car audio scene.
Pete: What advice would you give someone who is considering this type of job or field?
Tipad5050: Start off small with friend's cars and family because you will make mistakes and will be learning from day 1. Be creative and take pride the your installs.
Pete: How long does it typically take to do an audio install?
Tipad5050: Typically most starter systems are usually adding a subwoofer to a factory system depending on the car and the access to factory speaker wiring (signal from loc) and power /ground wire plumbing. It can be a few hours to several hours.
Pete: What is the cost of an average system?
Tipad5050: That's a loaded question. $150 should do it with low end components that start as low a $20 for a sub, amp, and wiring kit - everything needed for install (again depending on quality of wire). From there the enclosure: buy a pre fab or build something simple. $1000 could get some nice mid level equipment.
Pete: What are some key things to think about when planning an audio system?
Tipad5050: First, how much room do I have [space makes bass]. Quality over quantity. And can the vehicle support the equipment electrically without upgrading.
Pete: What are some common issues that you run into and how they can be avoided?
Tipad5050: Takes power to make power - adding larger rms amps without upgrading electrical (alternator batteries big 3 upgrade). Avoid this by upgrading electrical before adding more power.
Pete: What's the coolest project you've ever worked on?
Tipad5050: Nothing outrageous. Last spring break, nationals a few years back (stereo expo used to be held ever year In Daytona Beach), being competitive in a few Iasca and meca class at the show.
Pete: What's your dream install?
Tipad5050: That's a hard question to answer. I'd like a system that absolutely slams 150db daily as well an have amazing Sq kind of Ike - best of both worlds.
Thanks @Tipad5050 for sharing your car audio expertise with everyone in the Rusto Garage community!
