My MiniDSP Shipped....

jinjuku

Thanks for your order of miniDSP products! Your parcel shipped on the
4/19/2011

Straight out of Hong Kong. I will hopefully be able to move the DCX to the bench for some speaker projects.

I am using this with the Advanced 2.0 plug-in. One feature it has that the DCX lacks is a true HP filter option. The documentation and how-to guides are top notch also.

All said and done it was $175 shipped.

strider

Interested to hear your opinion of it when it arrives. Certainly seems like a killer option for an active xover.

Was shipping really high? IIRC aren't they $99 plus the plugin?

jinjuku

strider wrote: »

Interested to hear your opinion of it when it arrives. Certainly seems like a killer option for an active xover.

Was shipping really high? IIRC aren't they $99 plus the plugin?

You can purchase the bare bones (kit) or get it boxed. Plus I picked up the 2X4 balanced since I'm using a 'crappy':rolleyes: Behringer EP2500 pro-amp to drive my subs.

The kits are $20 cheaper. So $145 for the 2X4 Balanced boxed, $10 for the plug-in and $20 to ship from Hong Kong.

dcmartinpc

Keep us posted on your impressions. I saw those and I am interested. I have a Crown CE4000 amp in my PA rig that I am thinking about using in my home theater with some custom subs in its down time I have a Driverack PA+ that has extensive PEQ, GEQ, and crossover settings, but this might work well too.

Now to just decide on the custom sub build...

Don

jinjuku

If something like this MiniDSP was available 4/5 years ago I would have picked it up instead of the DCX (Which is a copy of a dbx product I believe). I have been happy with it and it's done a great job.

Just wanted to try something else and I already have uses for the DBX elsewhere. Can't beat a Pro-audio digital domain x-over if you are willing to put the time into it (well maybe that's true until now)

jinjuku

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Now to just decide on the custom sub build...

Don

I'm looking at doing 1 or 2 eighteen inch eDesign's (19Ov.2) in 5/5.5 cubic foot sealed enclosures:biggrin:

For under $1k: Behringer EP2500 ($280), 19Ov.2 x 2 for $490, MiniDSP for $175 and another $40-$60 in MDF. It will clobber commercial offerings costing 3X most likely.

dcmartinpc

Too bad you are in KY! I would work with you to build 2 of them! I would technically need the MDF and the subs! I don't have all the necessary tools to do it but I enjoy projects like that. It would be such a fun project!!!

I do currently have an 18" Peavey Lo Max driver in a roughly 5 cubic foot ported enclosure that I use for my PA, I should give it a try in the home theater! Oddly enough, this is the first time this has occurred to me!

The CE4000 runs 2400 watts bridged mono into 8 ohms and 3600 watts in 4 ohms! It is one of the baddest sub amps around! It really kicks the Peavey's butt! But... The peavey is a Pro Audio Sub definitely, but I guess it would be worth a try anyways.

Keep us posted!

Don

jinjuku

Pro-audio subs usually have a high Fs (a lot the 40's from what I have seen) Not designed to dig down to 20.

dcmartinpc

jinjuku wrote: »

Pro-audio subs usually have a high Fs (a lot the 40's from what I have seen) Not designed to dig down to 20.

Agreed. The Lo Max is slightly better, but still at 38.5... Do you have a build thread started on your sub yet? Don't want to derail this thread too much!

Don

strider

That makes sense re:price.

The flexiblity with the xover in the digital domain is appealing to me as is the integration with REW. Once I get my speakers figured out I'd like to add one of their USB audio interfaces to my DAC. All in due time....

FTGV

Congrats I'm envious.
I hope to aquire one soon to try in place of an anolog active unit.Definately looks like the cats a$$ for ease of experimentation and versatility.

jinjuku

FTGV wrote: »

Congrats I'm envious.
I hope to aquire one soon to try in place of an anolog active unit.Definately looks like the cats a$$ for ease of experimentation and versatility.

I've been reading the user guides and this is a friendlier unit for the those unitiated to active crossovers.

I can only imagine the horrors the newb has gone through with the DCX. Behringer has nothing on the likes of dbx and Ashly when it comes to their interconnectivity (control wise) of units and the GUI routing software.

The latest REW release even has direct support for the MiniDSP. This plus some sealed subs = shape the bottom end however you want given your amp and speaker excursion limits. I can't wait:biggrin:

FTGV

The REW integration is slick. What I like is the 48db LR slope option and the Linkwitz Transform. I have built up an LT circuit with opamps for use with the Peerless 10" bass section's of my 3ways.Fine tuning the LT and crossover points by changing components can get tedious so I'll enjoy the convenience of just clicking a mouse.

jinjuku

FTGV wrote: »

The REW integration is slick. What I like is the 48db LR slope option and the Linkwitz Transform. I have built up an LT circuit with opamps for use with the Peerless 10" bass section's of my 3ways.Fine tuning the LT and crossover points by changing components can get tedious so I'll enjoy the convenience of just clicking a mouse.

Yep, and you will be able to save your config's to file and easily push them to the unit and then A/B your x-over design.

That is one feature that I think will be quicker on something like the DCX. That ability to drill down the menu structure and load another preset. I have two sub settings on my DCX: Movies and Music. Takes five seconds to switch.

Oh my how pro-audio gear just sucks:rolleyes::biggrin:

jinjuku

It just hit. Man that was fast.

zingo

Here are a few interesting articles on the MiniDSP:

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

http://www.hifizine.com/2010/12/prototyping-4-way-open-baffle-speaker-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

http://www.hifizine.com/2011/03/refining-a-4-way-open-baffle-speaker-minidsp-2x4/

jinjuku

zingo wrote: »

Here are a few interesting articles on the MiniDSP:

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

http://www.hifizine.com/2010/12/prototyping-4-way-open-baffle-speaker-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

http://www.hifizine.com/2011/03/refining-a-4-way-open-baffle-speaker-minidsp-2x4/

Yep, those tutorials are killer. Perfect for the newb.

jinjuku

I have it hooked up. UI is really straight forward. The ability to import REW plots is going to be nice. Will have time the weekend after this one to get into it further.

Can't believe that you can have a full blown management system that can control 4 subs for under $200. Amazing.

dcmartinpc

megasat16 wrote: »

Do you really need someone to tell you PA gears sucks?

Please don't start this. There is VERY high end PA gear that can perform very well. ESPECIALLY in regards to subwoofers. I myself am most likely going to switch over to a TC Sounds Pro 5100 driver (A Pro Audio Driver) with 2 TC Sounds VMP passives that will smoke just about every commercial home sub solution. Think 120+ db in room response near flat from 15 - 100 Hz... I will be driving it with a Crown CE4000 amplifier which is a precursor to the Crown iTech amplifiers! Anyone who says that is crap is off their rocker. There is definitely crap PA gear, just like there is crap home audio gear. My Crown CE4000 is dead silent and sounds phenomenal. Running subs it is really hard to beat. It has technology in it that no home audio gear employs. It is very efficient and can dig very deep. It laughs at low hz signals that many other amps can't even think of playing without clipping. Much of this DIY stuff can get you %95 of the way there costing much less than some of the high end home audio stuff. Are there compromises? Yes... But you decide if they are worth the extra $$$ in your pocket.

That being said, I run a lot of nice home audio gear that is very well respected and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Parasound amps, Polk LSi and SDA speakers... They have their place, and I love them. I play in both courts, and it is a good place to be! Would I replace my Polk LSi or SDA with a couple of Pro Speaker Cabinets, heck no! There are places where stuff crosses over, and for those with a little ingenuity and time, we can come up with some killer solutions that perform respectably.

On a side note and back to the OP discussion, I am most likely going to EQ my sub with more pro audio gear I will be using a Driverack PA+. I might even pick up one of these MiniDSP's just to play with. When it is done, I welcome anyone to come into my house and tell me it sucks

See how I did that and didn't bash anyone!!!!!

Don

jinjuku

I can provide some preliminary feedback in regards to comparison of my DCX. It's an issue of trade offs.

The DCX ultimately is going to be a more flexible unit. For starters you can't sum input1 across all outputs on the MiniDSP. The actual flow and routing functions are the same in approach but ultimately MiniDSP not as route-able.

The DCX has the capability to store and easily recall presets. HT, Music, House Curve-HT, House Curve-Music. The MiniDSP you have to have a computer connected.

In short the MiniDSP is PERFECT for HT Use. You can import REW configs. That is PRICELESS. The DCX is going to my bench for an upcoming 3 way active design that I want to do from scratch. Each one will be able to play to their relative strengths.

I am just waiting for the MiniDSP to start showing up in some ID speaker companies sub woofer offerings. You should be able to tweak a multiple sub configuration in 30 minutes with REW and the MiniDSP. My local AV firm has never even heard of either.

jinjuku

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Much of this DIY stuff can get you %95 of the way there costing much less than some of the high end home audio stuff. Are there compromises? Yes... But you decide if they are worth the extra $$$ in your pocket.
Don

I think the compromise is strictly your time. They certainly aren't in SQ.

You're about 4 1/2 hours away. You could always come down for a weekend and we can knock out some cabinets.

dcmartinpc

jinjuku wrote: »

I think the compromise is strictly your time. They certainly aren't in SQ.

You're about 4 1/2 hours away. You could always come down for a weekend and we can knock out some cabinets.

That would be awesome!! It would solve one of my problems!!!

I agree. Quality gear is quality gear. Just because someone doesn't understand it or have experience with it doesn't mean it sucks. . I have ran LSis off a crown xti 4000 and they sounded great. Almost as good on a crown XLS 802d too.

My point is different strokes for different folks. No reason for crap slinging.

Don

jinjuku

dcmartinpc wrote: »

That would be awesome!! It would solve one of my problems!!!

I agree. Quality gear is quality gear. Just because someone doesn't understand it or have experience with it doesn't mean it sucks. . I have ran LSis off a crown xti 4000 and they sounded great. Almost as good on a crown XLS 802d too.

My point is different strokes for different folks. No reason for crap slinging.

Don

PM sent about possible dates...

FTGV

What are you using for the DC supply?I would think a good regulated linear unit optimum and will be using such with mine (when I finally get it.)

jinjuku

FTGV wrote: »

What are you using for the DC supply?I would think a good regulated linear unit optimum and will be using such with mine (when I finally get it.)

For right now I have a standard wall wart 1.5 amp supply. I could put together a 12V battery, trickle charger and toggle switch to take the charger off the circuit and put the MiniDSP in circuit.

Or just drop $40 on a 12v regulated DC supply:biggrin: The thing is dead quiet as it stands.

megasat16

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Please don't start this. There is VERY high end PA gear that can perform very well. ESPECIALLY in regards to subwoofers. I myself am most likely going to switch over to a TC Sounds Pro 5100 driver (A Pro Audio Driver) with 2 TC Sounds VMP passives that will smoke just about every commercial home sub solution. Think 120+ db in room response near flat from 15 - 100 Hz... I will be driving it with a Crown CE4000 amplifier which is a precursor to the Crown iTech amplifiers! Anyone who says that is crap is off their rocker. There is definitely crap PA gear, just like there is crap home audio gear. My Crown CE4000 is dead silent and sounds phenomenal. Running subs it is really hard to beat. It has technology in it that no home audio gear employs. It is very efficient and can dig very deep. It laughs at low hz signals that many other amps can't even think of playing without clipping. Much of this DIY stuff can get you %95 of the way there costing much less than some of the high end home audio stuff. Are there compromises? Yes... But you decide if they are worth the extra $$$ in your pocket.

That being said, I run a lot of nice home audio gear that is very well respected and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Parasound amps, Polk LSi and SDA speakers... They have their place, and I love them. I play in both courts, and it is a good place to be! Would I replace my Polk LSi or SDA with a couple of Pro Speaker Cabinets, heck no! There are places where stuff crosses over, and for those with a little ingenuity and time, we can come up with some killer solutions that perform respectably.

On a side note and back to the OP discussion, I am most likely going to EQ my sub with more pro audio gear I will be using a Driverack PA+. I might even pick up one of these MiniDSP's just to play with. When it is done, I welcome anyone to come into my house and tell me it sucks

See how I did that and didn't bash anyone!!!!!

Don

Nah, I am not bashing anyone. Just simply stating the fact coz he stated the obvious.

All I can say is not all Pro Audio Gears Sucks!

But then, some sucks and sucks bad!

I have Crown XTi4000 for sub duty but it's not as good as the older Crown CE4000, I hear.

Anyway, without bashing anyone, the theme of the day is

"Some Pro Audio Gears Sucks!"

jinjuku

megasat16 wrote: »

I have Crown XTi4000 for sub duty but it's not as good as the older Crown CE4000, I hear.

Anyway, without bashing anyone, the theme of the day is

"Some Pro Audio Gears Sucks!"

Some consumer gear also. Are you using the XTi's built in DSP for any integration?

If I had my choice of Crown gear for sub duty it would be a K1 or Macro/Micro Tech 2400 (that was an awesome amp).

megasat16

jinjuku wrote: »

Some consumer gear also. Are you using the XTi's built in DSP for any integration?

I suppose you could say that.

Nah, I didn't use any DSP integration. DSP is off.

I tried XTi4000 to power my Carver Amazing full range, they sucks bad.

So, I switched it to the woofers only and still sucks bad.

But I bought it to power a pair of ED 190V2. subs only. I bought it a couple years ago for a pair of ED 190Ov.2 so it better doesn't suck.

jinjuku

megasat16 wrote: »

I suppose you could say that.

Nah, I didn't use any DSP integration. DSP is off.

I tried XTi4000 to power my Carver Amazing full range, they sucks bad.

So, I switched it to the woofers only and still sucks bad.

But I bought it to power a pair of ED 190V2. subs only. I bought it a couple years ago for a pair of ED 190Ov.2 so it better doesn't suck.

Not surprised the XTi 4K is a known noisy amp (not talking cooling fans here). Just like any brand you have to know what you are getting into among their product line up and purchase appropriately for the application.

Are you applying any correction to the subs? It's a waste not to use the built in DSP:frown:

megasat16

What you said might be true. I got a BNIB XTi4000 for a littler over EP2500. I couldn't refuse coz I know I can flip for more coins to the PA guys. I got friends running XTi4000 for the DJ work and birthday parties and stuff. They are quite happy with it. But they use the PA speakers, of course.

Yes, DSP is off but might come handy later after I build the 190v.2 (something like ED A7-900). Using DSP to eq. the sub was the plan for the sub.

Back to the regularly scheduled miniDSP program.

dcmartinpc

I am trying to figure out why there are 3 different versions of the 2x4 software. It seems the advanced pretty much does everything except sum the stereo ins for sub outs. I guess the 2.1 does that, but It just seems to me, add that one feature to the advanced and they only need 1 plugin...

Don