AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Hollis Audio Labs => Topic started by: HAL on 6 Apr 2016, 02:32 pm
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Hello from Hollis Audio Labs, LLC.
Been on AC for many years and started building PC Music Servers for customers. The latest version is the MS-3 PC Music Server. That has branched out to include the Danville Signal Processing, Inc. dspMusik 6x8 DSP and HiRez DAC for doing speaker digital crossovers for multi-amp drive.
Will be discussing ideas for DIY speaker designs that use the dspMusik 6x8 digital crossover and uses to replace the Behringer DCX2496, MiniDSP and DEQX.
In the case of the dspMusik, it will be bundled with an MS-3 for loading and control purposes if the user wants variability of crossover and volume levels. If the customer only needs the digital crossover, it can be programmed for standalone use with the speakers with analog, USB and Coaxial inputs.
Here is the thread where the MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik digital crossover are being discussed.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=132170.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=132170.0)
Will be posting new products and the DIY speaker ideas in this thread. Hope folks find the projects interesting.
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To start with a speaker project, will repost the latest progress on the open baffle line array FPS driver baffle.
Here is the picture of the baffles before attaching the side wing and FPS drivers. The next set of FPS planars arrives today and the speaker wire arrives tomorrow to do the buildup. There are 20 modified ChipAmp channels to drive the individual planar drivers from the dspMusik beamforming DAC outputs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140604)
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Will also keep a list of speakers that already have dspMusik digital crossover designs done:
VMPS RM50 for two way operation with subs
VMPS RM40 for two way operation with subs
VMPS RM40 for three way operation with subs
Magnepan 3.6R with subs
Sanders 10C and 10D electrostatics
GR-Research N2X with subs
HAL open baffle planar with BG NEO3PDR and BG NEO10 planars with servo subs
Digital crossovers in work:
AV123 LS-9 two way crossover with bass management
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It will be interesting to hear how the FPS drivers work out for you. Aren't they both low efficiency and low power handling? Of course, in an array that may not be an issue.
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Scott,
Yes the FPS planars are 82dB/1w/0.5m sensitivity, and about 7.5watts rms power handling per driver. They were designed for desktop PC use. The array should be 10 of them to work with the beamformer idea that should increase the sensitivity and minimize ceiling to floor interactions as well.
Will see what happens once I get the drivers and install them. At least all the amps are working to drive them. Can only implement six drivers per side at this point due to the limit of 8 channels from the dspMusik 6x8 and needing two channels for the servo subs.
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Another area to explore is the latest Raspberry Pi 3 with Windows 10 IoT running for audio. Will be interesting to see what it will do with that OS.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140607)
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Posting this update from the Raspberry Pi3 web browser. Should make a great small remote control for the MS-3 Music Server.
The FPS drivers arrived, so will start installing them and wiring them up tomorrow when the Belden cable arrives.
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Most promising, indeed. For those of us without i[Pods, Pads, XXX], Raspberry also makes available through associates a 7" touch-screen monitor for about $60 which would make from-the-seat control of the MS3 cheap and easy. There may well be many others equally cheap. I noted a raft of good things from the Raspberry site. All this should render the music server concept realizable for "the rest of us".
By all means keep testing this out.
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Congratulations on your new circle. Been following along on your buildthread of the massive h frame towers. Looking fwd to read more about your projects!
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Thanks for that. Glad you enjoyed the servo sub build. Will be posting lots of ideas as they come.
Here is the Raspberry Pi3 running the stock Linux OS for trials. Second picture is the web browser in action.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140630)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140631)
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Got Rune Audio running on the Raspberry Pi3 last night and will be trying it out with DAC's and my music library on SSD to see what happens.
Will be trying my Meridian Explorer2 DAC with the MQA demo files along with other HiRez music.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140664)
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FPS planar drivers and Belden cable are here. Time to build some line arrays!
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First open baffle line array right side ready for planar drivers.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140714)
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FPS planar drivers installed and screws started. Need a new #1 Phillips screwdriver bit as the old one is done. Then build the left baffle, install the drivers and wire both arrays to the amp modules.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140767)
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Aww, Rich, you tease! To get that close and not finish it up- use some chewing gum, scotch tape, something! Slap those last drivers in there and give us the measurements!!
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Scott,
Waiting until my new Pocket CLIO arrives tomorrow for measurements. This is really cool!
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Pocket Clio??? My ears just perked up.
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Take a look at the Audiomatica website. Works with any Windows OS out there and give 48KHz bandwidth for measurements.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140791)
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As of this morning, Parts Express now offers the BG NEO3W, NEO8 and NEO10 planar drivers again. This has been in the works for months from phone calls with them.
I have sent questions about if the BG NEO3PDR version will be available as well. If so, then a new DIY project might be in order.
This might get interesting!!!
EDIT: If it get's built, I will call it the Megalith line array. :D
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Have the Netbook PC running Windows 10 64bit version and will be picking up Pocket CLIO soon.
Then get it setup to try some measurements with the line array and ChipAmps.
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The new Pocket CLIO system arrived. Set it up on the Netbook with Windows 10 and the system after warmup calibrated correctly.
The system comes with a MIC02 calibrated Omni, RCA to RCA cable for the mic and a RCA to clip lead cable for terminal measurements. The FFT and Log Sweep size max are 64K points and work well. Here is a picture of the setup to go to the LS-9's for crossover measurements.
Here is the setup without the I/O cables. It is really small and comes with a case for portability.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140853)
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First set of measurements from the Pocket CLIO.
These are the midrange and tweeter digital crossover frequency response overlay plots with CLIO through the dspMusik running the NEO3PDR/NEO10 crossover for the open baffle two driver planar speaker. The channel driving the Rythmik HX800's for the servo bass drivers is just a flat response channel with the amp doing the crossover. I am running balanced interconnects to all the amp channels.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140873)
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Someone mentioned chewing gum, but this might work for a temporary solution to hold the FPS planars until the square drive #4 wood screws arrive.
Will see what happens.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140926)
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Hey it works!
Not very stable so got Wedge Anchors with nuts to install for adjustable feet.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140930)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140932)
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Just went to build up the second baffle and discovered that the FPS drivers sent are a different model number than the last batch.
Sent PE an email to see what to do. The model in the website picture is different than what they list, but is what they sent this time.
Will be getting the adjustable feet on the one baffle and start measurements. Need to drill more holes in the panels for the adjusters to fit in and glue the bolts to the wood.
It's always something.
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I really love seeing your "lab" at work -- your projects are ever inspiring. :thumb:
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Glad the projects inspire you to make audio gear. :D
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Today, will finish up converting the modified ChipAmp modules to pair up channels for the FPS drivers. The Euro strips arrived to change the input wiring to parallel channels. Each FPS planar gets it's own balanced input ChipAmp module for drive.
Next drill holes for the leveling feet in the 1"x4" bases and glue the nuts in place. Three per side.
Have the speaker cables prepped and then get Fast On connectors attached to connect to the drivers. Then on to CLIO measurements.
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Kids, dogs, cats, even an overweight parakeet could topple those beauties. Though the prospect might be aesthetically unappealing, you may have to design some outriggers. If they do fall, they naturally will fall on the rest of your equipment aiming specifically at your most expensive and impossible-to-replace components. (shudder). Ask me how I know.
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I have an idea for outriggers to go from the top back to the ground to provide stability with the three adjustable feet.
Need copper pipe and a pipe bender to try it.
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Just ordered a PI Audio BlunderBUSS to power the Pulsing Quasar speakers. This is going to be MASSIVE!
24 AC outlets to power the ChipAmp modules.
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Ok, the project is on hold.
The latest batch of FPS drivers from PE are the wrong model. They checked stock and have a mixed stock problem.
They have 7 of the FPS0201M7R1 that is the model I want and I asked if I can trade them for 7 of the FPS0201M7S1's I have to keep the project going. Waiting on a response. I have 12 incorrect and 8 correct FPS planars, so that is not good.
Part of the problem is they have different fast on connectors sizes. Will be getting the correct fast on connectors for the cables tomorrow and do not want to redo speaker cables. Then at least I can make measurements on the 8 correct FPS drivers I have.
Will see what happens.
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To make progress on the measurements with the drivers I have, here are the 6 cables to connect the FPS drivers to the moded ChipAmp outputs for the one channel. Next get the Fast On connectors and crimp them on for the drivers.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141017)
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The FPS line array with 6 drivers wired and ready for amp module connection.
Only have enough of the correct FPS drivers for 1 speaker, so this will be mono until PE can get stock of the correct driver.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141037)
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Just talked to PE and they are shipping the 7 correct FPS drivers and should be shipping the last 3 in a few weeks.
Will see how the measurements go for the Leaning tower of Pizza. At least one more oak strip made it stable.
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The Blue Stick held overnight with the FPS drivers and speaker cable attached. Still no idea when the #4 screws will arrive.
Time today to connect everything for the one channel up and see what happens.
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Magically, the #4 woodscrews just arrived with no tracking data.
Second baffle completed and ready for when the FPS drivers arrive from PE, also no tracking info.
Next up measuring speaker #1.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141086)
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Leveling feet installed, FPS drivers installed with the new #4 square drive wood screws and next, wire the drivers back up and connect to the amp modules for measurements.
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First speaker is complete and ready for response measurements. Will hookup Pocket CLIO tomorrow to the dspMusik and start the process.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141121)
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Measurement day has begun. Pocket CLIO is setup and all the system is running. Takes 25 minutes to bring the setup to temperature as Audiomatica suggests. Test 1KHz tone coming out of all the drivers, so check is complete.
Now time to see what is happening.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141145)
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First CLIO Pocket measurement of the FPS array without the servo subs. With some simple shelving filters should be able to flatten out the HF response of the array.
Pocket CLIO also has a frequency response up to 45KHz with the 96KHz sample rate to see what is happening above 20KHz.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141146)
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What physiological effect do freq above that of human (individual hearing) have on the perceived sum of the sounds?
Is their a gain in having drivers go to 25k, 35k etc.
?
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Since it is beamforming in the vertical plane, this directs the main lobe of the beam at the listener's ear height, while putting nulls toward the ceiling and floor. Should help with room interaction even more than just a line array.
The HF response is where the human ear supposedly gets time information, like from a snapping twig to get directionality. They are different hair cells on the inner ear than the ones responsible for frequency response. At least that is the research I have found.
Just nice to see that the HF response of the array is not falling off about 10KHz.
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Figured out the MIC-02 cable was not working correctly, so switched over to a new mic cable and my CLIO Standard 8.5 system for measurements. Now it's better!
Here is a comparison of the FPS line array with the beamformer. The red plot is the beamformer off and the green plot is with the beamformer on. About 5dB of gain at the low end with the beamformer running. I did not select FPS drivers for sensitivity matching, so that might make it a little better.
Next step is to try some absorption material on the baffle to see if the surface reflections can be tamed. Felt or foam has worked well in the past, so will try some and see what happens.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141246)
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Exciting.
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Hugh,
Thanks!
Left speaker has the FPS planar drivers installed and the speaker cables are ready for connection to the drives and amp modules.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141264)
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All the cables are connected to the FPS planars.
Started by connecting one amp to one FPS driver for a measurement. No beamforming can occur in this case. The response at the low end is just starting to drop off and the comb filtering is lower. This time I used the CLIO Standard system with the MIC-01 calibrated mic. Turns out Pocket CLIO has a calibrated MIC-02, but they do not correct for it in the software like the Standard version. At least you can set the mic sensitivity for correct SPL measurements at most frequencies.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141286)
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Last picture for a week.
The full planar line array and servo sub array picture. Just a bit of wiring left before music.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141293)
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I've gotta say that I am excited to hear all about what you hear. I know it's a process, but your babies are ready for their first steps. :)
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Just spotted that we have moved to the Designers Corner! :D
PE has new stock of the correct FPS planar coming hopefully next week. Have the last set of them on order, and will see when they arrive.
Will get them wired after 23 April and give them a try.
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First test of 8 amp channels and 8 FPS drivers with the beamforming output for the two channels worked.
Now to get the last 4 amps and FPS drivers working and see what happens.
https://youtu.be/gVYR0-6X_uE (https://youtu.be/gVYR0-6X_uE)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141887)
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All 12 channels of amps and FPS planars are running and making music.
The Pulsing Quasar's are alive.
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After figuring out the CLIO window problem I was having, removed the EQ.
Now it is like a really good full range driver with real bass response. :)
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I thought my basement was spagettified at the moment -- you have me beat! :o
I'll be very interested to hear the details about the sound you've achieved. You have really built things from the ground up; I can only admire from a distance all that you have built and learned in the process. Thanks for sharing along the way....
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jseipp,
Yes, with 150' of 14awg speaker cable on the floor and another 100' to go, it is a spaghetti farm! Need to make wire bundles.
This is definitely a fun thing for me. :D
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I hope you're twisting the pairs...
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The 1309A speaker cables come that way from Belden. The input wiring is all balanced. No noise or hum in the setup.
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Warming up the Pocket CLIO system and MIC-02 for more measurements of the Pulsing Quasar line array's.
Now that I know how to set the time gate properly, lets see what happens. The original measurements had the test signal imbeded in the response that was not being removed correctly.
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Since the Raspberry Pi3 is here, will be testing it with the latest Moode Audio OS.
One thing that might be interesting is trying the iFi iPower 5v@2.5 Amp low noise power supply to run the RPi3 and see what happens instead of the stock SMPS that is here. The iFi iUSB sounds very good running the Meridian Audio Explorer2 USB DAC.