Signal routing¶
Overview¶
Each input channel can be sent, or routed, to any number of output channels. This is accomplished with the routing buttons at the top of the output channel strips:
In addition to routing, the miniDSP Flex Eight supports mixing, where input channels can be mixed at different levels to a single output channel. The complete set of routing controls along the top of the output channel strips is therefore also called the "matrix mixer."
Basic routing¶
To route an input channel to an output channel, click on the input channel's name. When routed, the button is green:
Note: if the input channel has been renamed, its name will appear instead of e.g. "Input 1".
Mixing¶
To mix both input channels to an output, select both of them:
By default, each input channel is mixed at "full strength" – that is, without any attenuation, as indicated by the "0 dB" label. To mix at different levels, click on the level button and either use the slider or enter the desired value directly. The gain of the signal being mixed can be set to a value between -72 and +12 dB.
In this example, both channels are mixed at half level (-6 dB):
Inverting mixer inputs¶
Each input can be inverted when being mixed, by clicking on the Invert button. This can be used to synthesize ambient channels, for example. This example generates the difference between the left and right channels (left - right):
Routing examples¶
This section illustrates a few examples of signal routing. The input and output channels have been renamed by typing in the labels at the top of the channel strips. We recommend you do the same to help avoid errors.
Subwoofer integration¶
The diagram below shows the connections for a stereo pair of speakers plus a single subwoofer. This is the simplest type of active system, so is a good introduction to the advanced features of the miniDSP Flex Eight. It is also known as a "2.1" system.
The stereo amplifier is connected to outputs 1 and 2, and the subwoofer is connected to output 3. In the diagram, it's a powered subwoofer. (Never connect an output of the Flex Eight directly to a subwoofer driver or speaker.)
The routing for this system is:
The left and right inputs are sent to outputs 1 and 2. Both inputs are summed and sent to output 3. Outputs 1 and 2 will usually have a high pass crossover filter to remove the sub frequencies, and output 3 will have a low pass crossover filter.
Two-way active speaker¶
The diagram below shows the connections for a two-way active speaker. Amplification can be either a multichannel amplifier, or a pair of stereo amplifiers.
The routing for this system is:
The left input is routed to outputs 1 and 3, and the right input is routed to outputs 2 and 4. Each output channel will need a low pass filter for the woofers or a high pass filter for the tweeter.
Three-way active speaker and dual subs¶
The diagram below shows the connections for a three-way active speaker with dual subwoofers. Amplification for the speaker drivers can be either a multichannel amplifier, or a set of stereo amplifiers.
The routing for this system is:
The left input is routed to outputs 1, 3, and 5 for the woofer, mid and tweeter. The right input channel is similarly routed to outputs 2, 4 and 6. Each output channel will need appropriate crossover filters.
In addition, both channels are summed to outputs 7 and 8 for the subwoofer. Each of those will require a low pass filter.