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Android Auto & Helix - any way to get finer volume adjustment?

username205

Ready to race!
Location
GA
So I installed my Helix system and everything sounds great, especially via the Android Auto connection. The maximum volume is very loud, which would normally be a positive, but with the limited comfortable listening range (25% max) the volume is often either too soft or too loud. It's like the volume is changing in 5% increments when 1-2% steps would be more practical.

Has anyone figured out how to reduce the maximum volume of the MIB2 system? I found the volume option for AUX, but I don't see options for any other sources. I know there are tons of coding options for OBDeleven, but I haven't seen much about MIB2 coding. I realize I could just use Bluetooth and reduce my phone's volume, but Android Auto's audio quality is much higher than Bluetooth. Any ideas?
 

StealthGTI

Autocross Champion
Location
Newport News, VA
Car(s)
2017 GTI Sport
Using a programmer to load file #97 will load a "reduced volume" file. That's for the Golf7. File #98 is for the Sportwagen.

An alternative is to adjust the fader to a rear bias. The fader doesn't increase the volume in back; instead, it decreases the volume up front, giving the effect of reduced power in your face. The fader method is a quicker test.
 

username205

Ready to race!
Location
GA
Using a programmer to load file #97 will load a "reduced volume" file. That's for the Golf7. File #98 is for the Sportwagen.

An alternative is to adjust the fader to a rear bias. The fader doesn't increase the volume in back; instead, it decreases the volume up front, giving the effect of reduced power in your face. The fader method is a quicker test.

Buster_Bluth emailed Audiotec Fischer a while back about code #97 and they replied:
“Thank you for your Mail.
The Setup No. 57 is the right one for your car.
Setup No 97 is only used for older models with the MIB 1 Version.”


The fader method might be worth a shot as long as I fade forward instead of to the rear - fading to the front would reduce the overall volume without destroying the soundstage. My only worry is that Helix might be using the rear speakers to enhance the midrange response up front. I've been putting off buying a measurement microphone, so this might be the time to buy one.

I found tons of gain settings under 5F adaptations, so I going to try tweaking a few of those and see if one reduces Android Auto's input volume. I'm thinking Media_MFP or Media_UPNP might do the trick.

IDE10221-MAS00839-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-TV Tuner,-128 ,40
IDE10221-MAS00846-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Satellite radio,5 ,40
IDE10221-MAS01984-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Radio (FM),-128 ,40
IDE10221-MAS01985-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Radio (AM),-128 ,40
IDE10221-MAS01986-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Digital radio (DAB),-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125854-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Exbox_DMB,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG117430-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-HFP,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125846-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_Airplay,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125837-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_AUX_Adapter,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125836-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_AUXIN,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125843-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_Bluray,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125841-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_BTDevice,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125838-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_CDA,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125848-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_Cloud,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125839-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_DVD,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125844-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_HDMI,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125840-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_MFP,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125847-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Media_UPNP,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125855-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Mirrorlink,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125859-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Phone_Ringer_MFP,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125860-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Phone_Ringer_OB,-3 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125858-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Phone_Voice,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125842-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-TA_Tuner_FM,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125850-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tone_Beep,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125853-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tone_Messaging,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125852-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tone_Touchscreen,6 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125851-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tone_Warning,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125856-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-TTS_Nav,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125857-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-TTS_SDS,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125845-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tuner_Online,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125849-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tuner_Personal,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125835-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-Tuner_TI,-128 ,40
IDE10221-ENG125861-Audio Management Input Gain Generation 2-TV_AV_IN,-128 ,40
 

lijetta18t

Passed Driver's Ed
Hey There!

Any update on this? I have an early MIB1 version of the Helix (pre-B revision) which I just finally installed in my new GSW with the S non MIB2 radio. I found the same thing happens even with it coded to 98 (low output GSW). I have the coder for maybe another day so I wanted to see what anyone else thinks.
 

StorableComa

Autocross Champion
Location
SoCal, USA
Car(s)
17 GSW S FWD
Hey There!

Any update on this? I have an early MIB1 version of the Helix (pre-B revision) which I just finally installed in my new GSW with the S non MIB2 radio. I found the same thing happens even with it coded to 98 (low output GSW). I have the coder for maybe another day so I wanted to see what anyone else thinks.
Pre facelift GSWs want to program to 60 for the 8 speaker sound profile.

EDIT: My understanding is 98 is for newer model GSWs that do not have the dual speaker rear door.
 
Last edited:

lijetta18t

Passed Driver's Ed
Thanks for the reply. I have a FL 2019 GSW with the 6 speaker (which I only just found out about). After coding both with 60 and 98, I found no difference and I can barely turn it up past 30% without it being far too loud. Back when it was mixed with MIB1 2015 Golf, I can put it to half way and still have room before it became too much. As the thread maker stated, each click of the volume wheel is a large jump up in volume with no fine control.
 

StorableComa

Autocross Champion
Location
SoCal, USA
Car(s)
17 GSW S FWD
There is a gain knob on the DSP for the helix. I've read it is VERY fragile, and you should mark where it is originally with paint or something as it can also be very sensitive to being messed with. There is also a volume selection in the MIB screens for input volume.. though I believe it's for AUX, not sure if it affects via USB/Carplay/android auto. You can change it from low/medium/high I believe. Maybe check on that?

Edit: Looks like the DSP knob is only for the subs:
"There is a gain adjustment on the side of the Helix unit for subwoofer level. It’s not quite a full turn from left to right, but this can adjust the subwoofer output ONLY. This does not change the speaker output."
https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/helix-soundbox-upgrade-information-post.346458/
 

username205

Ready to race!
Location
GA
My solution was to install less efficient speakers and fade forward a couple of clicks. Sounds much better better than it did with the Helix alone, plus the subs now sound fuller since the front speakers are less sensitive. I went with Dayton Audio drivers from Parts Express - I can post my schematic with install tips if anyone is interested.
 

lijetta18t

Passed Driver's Ed
As StealthGTI mentioned before (Hi Scott!), I did load file 98 with the rented programer and I believe went 2-3 notches to the back using the fader. Then, messed with the equalizer to get me better sound. It is less harsh but still volume control is a bit too large of a jump between clicks. I think I can live with this for now but I do have some Rockford Fosgate speakers I can install in the front doors so I can try these as well.
 
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