miniDSP ADept¶
Product overview¶
The miniDSP ADept is a compact high-resolution A/D convertor (analog-to-digital) convertor that accepts single-ended (RCA) or balanced (on XLR) audio signals. The digital output is available on SPDIF coaxial and TOSLINK optical connectors, and can also be recorded to a computer via the USB-C connector.
The ADept can be operated as either a line-level convertor or as a phono preamp. With a turntable connected to the RCA input, it provides accurate phono equalization for moving magnet or moving coil cartridges. In addition to the standard RIAA phono equalization curve, we've used the power of DSP to provide additional curves that will be of interest to the keen collector of older vinyl. A range of input gain, resistance and capacitance values are provided to optimize for any cartridge.
Typical applications¶
The miniDSP ADept has many applications in home and studio.
Standalone line-level A/D convertor¶
Figure 1 illustrates an application using the ADept to add a high-quality analog input to the miniDSP Flex Eight processor, which we assume for this example is configured as an active speaker crossover with an integrated subwoofer or subwoofers.
The analog source could be almost anything: a CD or SACD player; a turntable with your existing phono preamp; an A/V receiver; a mixing desk; a phone or tablet.
The internal sample rate of the ADept – and thus the sample rate of the digital output – is set to the last USB Audio sample rate. This is stored in internal flash memory so it is not lost when the computer is disconnected and the ADept is power-cycled.
Analog recording¶
Because its digital output is also available over USB, the ADept can be used to record an analog source directly to computer. Figure 2 illustrates an example where the output from a microphone preamp is recorded directly to computer by using the ADept. You will need suitable recording software running on the computer.
The input to the ADept could of course be any other analog source, and be connected via either RCA or XLR connectors.
Standalone phono preamp¶
Figure 3 illustrates use of the ADept as a phono preamp. This is the same as in Figure 1, but a turntable is connected directly to the ADept's RCA inputs.
The internal sample rate of the ADept – and thus the sample rate of the digital output – is set to the last USB Audio sample rate. This is stored in internal flash memory so it is not lost when the computer is disconnected and the ADept is power-cycled.
Digitizing vinyl¶
Many audiophiles digitize their vinyl records so that they can play back their collection more conveniently and to reduce wear and tear on their irreplaceable records. The ADept is a perfect solution for this, as shown in Figure 4. You will need suitable software to make and process the recording.
Note
Please respect the copyright laws in your country when digitizing vinyl records.
Alternatively, if you have a phono preamp already that you love, you can simply use the ADept as a line-level A/D convertor as shown in Figure 5. In this case again, you can connect to either the RCA or XLR inputs.
Specifications¶
The specifications for input gain, resistance and capacitance are provided in Table 1. For the full specifications, refer to the miniDSP ADept datasheet.