miniDSP

pjchappy · « **on:** 15 Dec 2010, 08:39 pm »

I found this post on DIYAudio.com by a miniDSP representative. I found it very interesting, as it will make integration much easier and faster. I have a miniDSP in a box on order and will soon be integrating a sub. Here's the quote:

Quote

Finally, maybe the coolest partnership with a 3rd party software is the integration of miniDSP PEQ into REW (Room EQ Wizard). We've told you for a quite a while now how REW is our software of choice when it comes to finding an audio measurement freeware. Well, we're finally delivering in partnership with John, Author of REW, new versions of our plug-ins and REW v5 software allowing: 1) Setup your miniDSP system 2) Measure your setup with REW and let the AutoEQ do its magic 3) Export the AutoEQ settings to the biquad section of miniDSP Advanced. Voila! A simple integration of DSP tuning and measurement with the partnership of 2 dedicated teams! Hope you're liking it, go and download REW if you haven't done so! User manual of miniDSP to be updated shortly. DevTeam

Paul

jtwrace · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Dec 2010, 08:49 pm »

That's awesome!

pjchappy · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Dec 2010, 09:04 pm »

Yep.

I have a calibrated measurement mic on order, too. Looking forward to getting my sub integrated, for sure!

Paul

pjchappy · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Dec 2010, 06:02 pm »

Have the DSP and measurement mic. Hopefully I can start getting going on this this weekend. Stay tuned. . .

Paul

pjchappy · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 12:22 am »

Here are my measurements. I listened a very low levels late last night and it sounded fantastic. Since then, I tweaked it and haven't listened yet. . .but the measurements are better.

Here are the current measurements (1/12th smoothing for mains and sub+mains; 1/48 smoothing for sub)

Left speaker, pre EQ:

Left speaker, post EQ:

Right Speaker, pre EQ:

Right speaker, post EQ:

Sub, pre EQ:

Sub, post EQ:

Left + Sub, EQd and crossed at 80HZ:

Right + Sub, EQd and crossed at 80HZ:

Paul

jtwrace · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 12:24 am »

Post that waterfall graph! Very important. Use 500ms for scaling.

pjchappy · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 12:30 am »

Waterfall, left & sub:

Waterfall, right & sub:

Higher resolution and more pics can be found here: Measurements.

JohnR's article was great help! It can be found here: Article.

Paul

pjchappy · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 01:25 am »

Wow! The difference is very dramatic! More clarity, much improved soundstage, etc. Unbelievable. Just listened to a couple songs and my jaw dropped. Very 3-dimensional. Between my rigid fiberglass panels, different seating position and now the miniDSP, I've never had a system that even remotely sounded this good!

I highly recommend this (along with room treatments) for anyone!

Paul

JohnR · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 07:10 am »

Hey Paul, glad it's working for you

You could make the plots easier to see by adjusting the graph scale - click on the Limits button over near the top right. (For future reference.) Did you use the auto-import from REW to the miniDSP? I haven't tried that yet.

pjchappy · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 06:39 pm »

Yes, I used the auto-import function. Very handy.

I'll rescale the graphs later. Until then, I do have links to bigger pics in the posts, which should help.

Paul

eclein · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 Dec 2010, 07:00 pm »

This is interesting, can you guys explain what these do? Say I got one of the ready made DSP in a box units 2x4 do I feed my CD player into it and say SB then onto my amp?? Is this like a programmable kind EQ setting thing, you take some measurements into your computer and the PC programs the DSP and poof!! Better sound?

JohnR · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 08:37 am »

Hi Ed, I would be a bit wary of the "automatic better sound" idea but then again I haven't had a chance to play with the REW import function. But I do think it's a fabulous tool for the cost and worth learning how to use.

eclein · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 09:51 am »

Hi John,
Hey where is the best website to learn about these?? Can you post a link to whichever one you think explains this the best?
Thanks
Ed

Nick77 · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 10:02 am »

Paul can you post a link to the diy thread, or more intuitive info on how to apply minidsp with rew?

I have a usb soundcard and a calibrated Dayton mic on the way, might have to pick up the mini as well.

Thanks

Keith

JohnR · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 10:02 am »

Quote from: eclein on 26 Dec 2010, 09:51 am

Hi John,
Hey where is the best website to learn about these?? Can you post a link to whichever one you think explains this the best?
Thanks
Ed

Hi Ed, the article I wrote a little while back might be helpful: http://www.hifizine.com/2010/09/subwoofer-equalization-and-integration-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

Other than that, it really just depends on what it is that you are interested in doing (?)

You can always ask questions somewhere here on AC, on the diyaudio forum for miniDSP, or on miniDSP's own forum: http://www.minidsp.com/support/forum

J

eclein · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 10:16 am »

Thanks!!!

MerlinWerks · « **Reply #16 on:** 30 Dec 2010, 01:37 am »

Quote from: JohnR on 26 Dec 2010, 10:02 am

Hi Ed, the article I wrote a little while back might be helpful: http://www.hifizine.com/2010/09/subwoofer-equalization-and-integration-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

Other than that, it really just depends on what it is that you are interested in doing (?)

You can always ask questions somewhere here on AC, on the diyaudio forum for miniDSP, or on miniDSP's own forum: http://www.minidsp.com/support/forum

J

Hi John,

Nicely written and informative article! I do have a question related to volume control. My understanding is that with a system like this (analog in) that it is better to do master volume control after the minidsp as opposed to before with the preamp. However, often theory and reality diverge and I suppose it may be possible to have high quality sound even when controlling the volume at the preamp, what has been your experience?

I do realize that there are provisions on the minidsp boards to do master volume control at the minidsp with a linear pot. If done with a motorized pot and one of the various remote control kits available around the internet then it would be possible to have remote controlled volume functionality. Just wondering if that will be completely necessary...

JohnR · « **Reply #17 on:** 30 Dec 2010, 02:27 am »

Hi, thanks

Analog volume after the miniDSP would arguably be better in the sense that you are (assuming input level is matched) always maximizing the dynamic range of the ADC and DAC. However it's an awkward configuration (and expensive) as then you need multi-channel volume control (e.g. 3 for a sub-sat, 4 for a 2-way, 8 for my 4-way system), and if you like active preamps, then multiple channels in that as well. I think it's a lot more practical to use your existing preamp in front of the miniDSP.

I haven't tried the on-board digital attenuation capability yet but will in a future project.

Hope that helps (?)

MerlinWerks · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Dec 2010, 02:52 am »

Thanks for the reply

Yes it does get complicated quickly, which is why I was curious about what kind of performance could be had doing the volume with the preamp pre-dsp. Although their provisions for controlling the volume at the minidsp board with a single pot does simplify thing a great deal it still adds another level of complexity that would be nice to avoid

I guess I'll get one and check it out the easy way first and go from there.

eclein · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 05:17 am »

I've been reading up on this, by the way John-Great article!
So the way I see it I would get:
1) Mini DSP in a box
2) Software Plugin noted in the article
3) Measurement microphone
4) USB sound card....this is the only thing I don't fully understand, couldn't we use the Mic inputs on our laptop?? Or is that way of connecting just not accurate hence the USB soundcard. Anybody have suggestions or experience with entry level mic and entry level USB soundcard that could recommend some so we have a place to start?

Chris (rodge827) and I have been talking about these and I think we'd both like to check them out, thanks in advance..