miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live)¶
Product Overview¶
The miniDSP Flex (DL) is a stereo input, four-channel output compact high-resolution audio processor. It features stereo analog inputs, two digital inputs (SPDIF and optical), USB audio, Bluetooth streaming with LDAC™ and aptX™ HD codecs and automatic Bluetooth input selection, and an OLED front panel with physical volume control.
Stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live provides world-class room correction, while a full suite of miniDSP’s powerful audio processing tools and flexible I/O routing support applications such as subwoofer integration and active speakers.
Info
The miniDSP Flex (DL) implements stereo Dirac Live correction. That is, there are two channels of Dirac Live correction. After stereo Dirac Live correction, the audio signal is routed to the four output channels for processing such as parametric EQ and crossovers.
The Flex family¶
There are several versions of the 2-in 4-out miniDSP Flex with different I/O configurations. Refer to the Flex product page for the complete list.
Dirac Live room correction¶
The miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live) executes stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live® digital room correction, from Dirac Research. Dirac Live's mixed-phase filtering technology will improve the imaging of your system, minimize the effects of room modes and resonances, and improve dynamics and clarity.
To accomplish this, the Dirac Live software steps you through the procedure for taking measurements around your listening area. It employs a sophisticated analysis algorithm to make the optimal correction across the whole listening area, not just at a single point. You have full control over the target frequency response. Measurements are taken with the miniDSP UMIK-1 or UMIK-2 calibrated acoustic measurement microphone.
In addition to correcting magnitude response, Dirac Live® corrects the system's impulse response, which reflects how the system responds to a sharp transient such as a drumbeat. Reflections, diffraction, resonances, misaligned drivers, and so on, all combine to smear out the transient. Impulse response correction is a critical factor for accurate sound-staging, clarity and bass reproduction.
Typical applications¶
The miniDSP Flex (DL) has a wide range of applications in home and professional audio. This section illustrates a few of them.
Figure 1 shows the miniDSP Flex (DL) used as a digital preamp with subwoofer integration and stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction. The Flex provides accurate and flexible integration between the subwoofers and the main speakers as well as comprehensive EQ and tuning options. This is a very cost-effective way to build a complete audio system that includes all the benefits of modern DSP technology.
Figure 2 illustrates a similar use of the miniDSP Flex (DL) as a digital preamp, but the output channels have instead been configured to act as crossover for a pair of active 2-way speakers. Amplification can be via a multichannel power amplifier as shown, or a pair of stereo amplifiers.
