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miniDSP Flex Eight (with Dirac Live)

 miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) with remote control

Product Overview

The miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) is a stereo-input, eight-channel output compact high-resolution audio processor. It features two digital inputs, 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 Eight (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 eight output channels for processing such as parametric EQ and crossovers.

Dirac Live room correction

The miniDSP Flex Eight (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.

Illustration of Dirac Live magnitude response correction

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.

Illustration of Dirac Live impulse response correction

Typical application

The miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) is ideal for compact active loudspeaker solutions. Any outputs that are not used for the speaker can be used for independent subwoofers.

Figure 1 shows the miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) used as an active crossover with two subwoofers integrated and stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction. With multiple digital inputs including Bluetooth audio streaming, this is very cost-effective way to build a modern active speaker system.

miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) active speaker system with dual subwoofer integration  and stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction

Figure 1. miniDSP Flex Eight (DL) active speaker system with dual subwoofer integration and stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction

Of course, a full four-way active speaker could be built instead, or a two-way speaker with up to four independent subwoofers.