Why and when to use mini DSP?

[Sylar]

If you get the Mic and Measurement system first, and your sub response is killer then no need for a Mini-DSP.

Allright.
I can actually go ahead and get the DSP too since i can always sell it over here if i dont need it, and at a profit! There are lots of guys who would buy it. So no issues there.

Back to my initial question, Is this is what I need?

1. Mini DSP. 2x4 Mini DSP (125$)
2. A measuring mike. Any particular suggestions for a decent one? (100$)
3. Measuring software. Like REW. REW is freeware.
4. Soundcard. Not required if having HDMI option.

Anything else i would require?
5. How about the Plugin? Why this?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Allright.
I can actually go ahead and get the DSP too since i can always sell it over here if i dont need it, and at a profit! There are lots of guys who would buy it. So no issues there.

Back to my initial question, Is this is what I need?

1. Mini DSP. 2x4 Mini DSP (125$)
2. A measuring mike. Any particular suggestions for a decent one? (100$)
3. Measuring software. Like REW. REW is freeware.
4. Soundcard. Not required if having HDMI option.

Anything else i would require?
5. How about the Plugin? Why this?

1) yes,
2) this one - Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB Measurement Microphone  | 390-808
3) REW
4) check
5) must buy this one - Auto-EQ tuning with REW | MiniDSP - I think 4 way advanced (if you ever plan for 4 subs )

 

[Sylar]

If your computer has HDMI, you can install the ASIO drivers. This allows REW to send digital signal over HDMI, addressing each of 7.1 channels independently, thereby eliminating the need for a sound card.

How do i connect the HDMI from PC to the Mike? (HDMI to USB converter?)

 

[crossedover]

Your overly complicating this. Use USB to input REW data and done.

 

[Sylar]

Your overly complicating this. Use USB to input REW data and done.

got a little confused there.
Have modified my post

 

[ReUpRo]

These three links will provide you everything in a step by step guide.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/electronic-processing-equalization-devices/48013-minidsp-howto.html

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/minidsp_e.html

http://www.hifizine.com/2010/09/subwoofer-equalization-and-integration-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

 

[crossedover]

Here is fuzzs original post on mini dsp http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/general-av-discussions/82938-measurements-everyone.html

 

[lsiberian]

A Minidsp is an active speaker crossover system. I am currently wrangling with 3 of them for my latest speaker design. Minidsp sells a measurement mic that's pretty good as well.

I'm not sure the comparison to auto eq systems makes much sense considering they are used for a different purpose.

 

[andy_c]

Back to my initial question, Is this is what I need?

1. Mini DSP. 2x4 Mini DSP (125$)
2. A measuring mike. Any particular suggestions for a decent one? (100$)
Anything else i would require?
5. How about the Plugin? Why this?

Beware of the unbalanced miniDSP 2x4. Its maximum output voltage is only 0.9 Volts RMS, which is not enough to drive the majority of power amplifiers used in subwoofer applications to full output power. For instance, the popular Crown XLS series amps require 1.4 Volts RMS input for maximum power output. The balanced miniDSP 2x4 has a higher output voltage and should be able to drive virtually any power amp, consumer or pro, to full output power.

Use a USB mic and a laptop or other computer with HDMI output to avoid the need for a sound card. A tutorial for using REW with a USB mic and HDMI signal source can be found here.

The plugin is actually the firmware of the device. In most cases, for subwoofer use the 4-way advanced is the one to get.

 

[fuzz092888]

A Minidsp is an active speaker crossover system. I am currently wrangling with 3 of them for my latest speaker design. Minidsp sells a measurement mic that's pretty good as well.

I'm not sure the comparison to auto eq systems makes much sense considering they are used for a different purpose.

They can be used for an auto(ish) EQ with REW. REW provides an EQ section where you specify certain parameters and it creates custom biquad's that can be exported to the miniDSP, as well as other units.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You just cannot put the pompoms down can ya . I kid I kid....

Well, it's easy to tout manual EQ just like it's easy to dote a lot of things. But where's the proof?

And it's not like everyone has the knowledge and equipment to easily effectively/successfully manual EQ anytime he feels like it. It's not like manually adjusting the trim levels by 0.5dB because the bass is too hot or the center dialogue level is too low.

I've seen pre and post graphs of Audyssey XT32 and ARC that are really impressive. So impressive that I'm not so certain manual EQ can do any better.

So my point is, just because something is "manual" (instead of automatic) and has "infinite potential" doesn't mean it's actually better, especially in the real world application.

 

[fuzz092888]

Well, it's easy to tout manual EQ just like it's easy to dote a lot of things. But where's the proof?

And it's not like everyone has the knowledge and equipment to easily effectively/successfully manual EQ anytime he feels like it. It's not like manually adjusting the trim levels by 0.5dB because the bass is too hot or the center dialogue level is too low.

I've seen pre and post graphs of Audyssey XT32 and ARC that are really impressive. So impressive that I'm not so certain manual EQ can do any better.

So my point is, just because something is manual and has "potential" doesn't mean it's actually better, especially in the real world application.

Which is why I combine the two. I manual EQ then run Audyssey. When I run it flat, it really doesn't to anything above like 500hz which is perfect and it does help in the bass region.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Which is why I combine the two. I manual EQ then run Audyssey. When I run it flat, it really doesn't to anything above like 500hz which is perfect and it does help in the bass region.

Audyssey Bypass L/R would also not EQ anything except the Subwoofer in 2Ch audio.

But, there is more than one way to do everything. No wrong way as long as the result is all good.

 

[fuzz092888]

Audyssey Bypass L/R would also not EQ anything except the Subwoofer in 2Ch audio.

But, there is more than one way to do everything. No wrong way as long as the result is all good.

Yea, I know, but I'm talking for the HT setup. I need to rewire a few things so I can get a few more bands of EQ to the subs, but running Audyssey always seems to help anyways (in the bass region).

 

[Sylar]

Beware of the unbalanced miniDSP 2x4. Its maximum output voltage is only 0.9 Volts RMS, which is not enough to drive the majority of power amplifiers used in subwoofer applications to full output power.

Did i order for the wrong one? (EDIT: Just checked...the order is not yet placed. )
Even with the 2x4, they have 2 options. I have ordered for this, with the default options. Which is Max Input Jumper: RevA / 0.9Vrms Max.

Did i get the wrong one?
Should i get Max Input Jumper: RevA / 2.0Vrms Max.

 

[andy_c]

Did i order for the wrong one? (EDIT: Just checked...the order is not yet placed. )
Even with the 2x4, they have 2 options. I have ordered for this, with the default options. Which is Max Input Jumper: RevA / 0.9Vrms Max.

Did i get the wrong one?
Should i get Max Input Jumper: RevA / 2.0Vrms Max.

You ordered the unbalanced one, which has the maximum output voltage limitation of 0.9 Volts RMS. This limitation applies regardless of which rev you order. The rev only affects the maximum input voltage but not maximum output. That is, one rev will produce a maximum output voltage of 0.9 Volts RMS when the input is 0.9 Volts RMS, while the other will produce a maximum output voltage of 0.9 Volts RMS when the input is 2.0 Volts RMS (it actually attenuates the input signal in this case).

The balanced version is the right one to get in your situation with the Crown XLS amp. You'll also need a software plugin and a +12 Volt power supply.

 

[fuzz092888]

Did i order for the wrong one? (EDIT: Just checked...the order is not yet placed. )
Even with the 2x4, they have 2 options. I have ordered for this, with the default options. Which is Max Input Jumper: RevA / 0.9Vrms Max.

Did i get the wrong one?
Should i get Max Input Jumper: RevA / 2.0Vrms Max.

The difference is just a jumper internally which can be changed manually.

You can also rectify the output voltage issue with something like a cleanbox pro.

 

[Sylar]

The balanced version is the right one to get in your situation with the Crown XLS amp. You'll also need a software plugin and a +12 Volt power supply.

Makes sense to keep it flexible if my system change tomorrow.
Getting the 4 way advanced as mentioned by others earlier.

Will get the 220V appropriate dc converter from back here in India.

 

[ReUpRo]

There was also some discission on input (not output) clipping. I forget where I saw it and which specific MiniDSP board it was for. I'll look for it and post here.

 

[andy_c]

There was also some discission on input (not output) clipping. I forget where I saw it and which specific MiniDSP board it was for. I'll look for it and post here.

There's some good discussion about miniDSP gain structure and clipping in this thread on DIYAudio. The OP points out a bug in the input level meter of the 2x4 that has since been fixed.