Can a computer with Equalizer APO be a substitution for MiniDSP in a 2.2 setup?

[johnp98]

I am semi new to all of this, but I am definitely far down the rabbit hole and enjoying the process and learning!

Anyways, I am looking to integrating and using multiple sub-woofers and had a few questions. Specifically about REW, equalizer APO vs minidsp and multi sub optimizer. My setup is 100% for listening to music and I am using my computer as the only source of music.

The setup is Computer -> hdmi output -> receiver -> 2.2 or 2.3 setup.

I have a single sub output from my receiver so I was wondering do I need a mini dsp to equalize numerous subs or can I do other ingenious work arounds just using Equalizer APO. I was wondering can I use the unused central and rear outputs of the 5.1 outputs to each go directly control each sub?

Can Equalizer APO do that (send the sub signal to various other channels)?

If so, any good guides online (as I have searched everywhere and not seen someone comment how to use equalizer apo to re direct the sub output to various other channels and then equalize them independently)?

Any thoughts about the current setup and ways to optimize it?
If this is not a possibility, are there any good ways to optimize and integrate multi subs without buying a minidsp?

Basically I am asking.... Do I need a mini dsp (or equivalent) for multiple subs or can I just use equalizer APO?

Thanks so much for any info! As I was going to get the umik-1 this week and making sure I don't need to order a minidsp also.

Thanks!

 

[shadyJ]

Yes, using an APO should work. Obviously you need to make sure everything is outed through the APO. What is your sound interface?

 

[johnp98]

I am not too sure what you mean by sound interface (that's how much of a noob I am). As stated I am using: Computer -> hdmi output -> receiver -> 2.2 or 2.3 setup.
The receiver is an old 5.1 surround sound receiver.
I will be having the computer mostly play spotify.
Is that what you were asking?

 

[shadyJ]

Somehow I glossed over the fact that you were using HDMI. If the APO works with the HDMI output, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be able to properly EQ the low frequencies. I'm not sure that standard HDMI output has the flexibility to do what you want. So the question is how well will it play with HDMI? You will have to experiment to see.

 

[johnp98]

Sounds good. Thanks for the info, yeah I went ahead and got a umik-1 and will play around with that and see how far I can get with the computer and see if I don't need a minidsp. Thanks!

 

[paulgyro]

Sounds good. Thanks for the info, yeah I went ahead and got a umik-1 and will play around with that and see how far I can get with the computer and see if I don't need a minidsp. Thanks!

I found your post because I am starting down this same road. I would love to hear where you are at at this point.