4- channel DAC

[jrussell88]

I'm looking for a 4-channel DAC to use with CamillaDSP to prototype crossovers on Linux or Mac.

As its use is temporary, I'd rather not spend too much.

The crossover is for a 2-way enclosure, so HF noise shouldn't be too high.

I have a Motu M2, the main niggle is that it's difficult to match or repeat input and output levels which are set by the pots on the front rather than software. Sound quality and noise is good, so the Motu M4 looks like a possibility.

Unfortunately Topping don't seem to offer a 4 channel version of the D10s at a reasonable price or I'd probably go for it.

Are there any other good choices?

TIA

 

[Ultrasonic]

Two stereo DACs is an option...

 

[DVDdoug]

Two stereo DACs is an option...

Two DACs at the same time is "not easy"...


It looks like you can get a 5.1 channel USB "soundcard" for around $30 USD. But be careful... Sometimes they lie and plays surround sound by mixing-down to stereo.

 

[Ultrasonic]

Two DACs at the same time is "not easy"...

I'd suggest otherwise. You don't want DACs with significantly variable latency but there are loads that should be fine. I use different DACs for my main speakers and sub for example.

Edit: although digital outputs may be the issue here?

 

[LTig]

I'd suggest otherwise. You don't want DACs with significantly variable latency but there are loads that should be fine. I use different DACs for my main speakers and sub for example.

Edit: although digital outputs may be the issue here?

The problem is not the latency. When fed via USB each DAC uses its own clock, which means that the delay between both increases with time because the clocks are not synchronized and hence run at (very slightly) different speeds. Either you sync both via word clock (which means expensive pro DACs), or you feed both via SPDIF because then the clock of the incoming signal controls the DAC.

 

[somebodyelse]

I'd suggest otherwise. You don't want DACs with significantly variable latency but there are loads that should be fine. I use different DACs for my main speakers and sub for example.

Edit: although digital outputs may be the issue here?

Keeping the clocks in sync is the usual problem.

I _think_ pipewire will now use ASRC to do this for a composite output device unless you tell it the clock domain is the same.

 

[Ultrasonic]

The problem is not the latency. When fed via USB each DAC uses its own clock, which means that the delay between both increases with time because the clocks are not synchronized and hence run at (very slightly) different speeds. Either you sync both via word clock (which means expensive pro DACs), or you feed both via SPDIF because then the clock of the incoming signal controls the DAC.

You are assuming a USB connection whereas I was not. But I am guilty of not thinking broadly enough. I'm just used to using miniDSPs with multiple digital outputs where multiple stereo DACs are commonly used, in part as I'm aware 4-channel DACs aren't common.

 

[Ultrasonic]

Different thought: for prototyping, would one speaker be sufficient rather than two? You'd only need two DAC channels then.

 

[Multicore]

I'm looking for a 4-channel DAC to use with CamillaDSP to prototype crossovers on Linux or Mac.

As its use is temporary, I'd rather not spend too much.

The crossover is for a 2-way enclosure, so HF noise shouldn't be too high.

I have a Motu M2, the main niggle is that it's difficult to match or repeat input and output levels which are set by the pots on the front rather than software. Sound quality and noise is good, so the Motu M4 looks like a possibility.

Unfortunately Topping don't seem to offer a 4 channel version of the D10s at a reasonable price or I'd probably go for it.

Are there any other good choices?

What about Topping E4x4? Even if you don't use the inputs it's a pretty good value.

 

[DWPress]

I can verify a Asus Xonar MKII works with Mac and shows 8 channels in AudioMidiSetup. I even have one in the cupboard I'd be happy to sell if you're interested.

 

[jrussell88]

I may use one speaker for initial testing. After that I think it really needs to be stereo - could be wrong, but I think it will be more revealing of crossover issues.

I'd thought about using a pair of 2-channel DACs such as Topping D10s. As it'd be more troublesome to match levels between M2 and D10s (does the D10s offer software control of output?). However the clocks would need to be aligned - I didn't know that could be done.

Overall, simpler, less risky, and less expensive to buy an M4 or another 4-channel DAC.

Thanks for the suggestions

@DWPress Is this the U7 MK ii? 5 outputs, 3 are surround sound and not clear if there are 5 DACs.

@Multicore Topping E4x4 looks like a possibility - similar price to the M4, which would be a lot cheaper used, and DACs not quite as good according to the E2x2 review.

 

[Ultrasonic]

As you're buying new hardware, I would at least consider a miniDSP Flex, as a combined DSP and 4-channel DAC, or indeed the older/cheaper 2x4 HD.

 

[digitalfrost]

Behringer UMC404HD

It's 100€, but you get 4 channels.

Behringer UMC404HD

Behringer UMC404HD, 4x4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface mit MIDAS Mic Preamps, 24-Bit/192 kHz, 4x XLR/Klinke 6.3mm Combo Mic-/Line-Eingang mit Pad-Schalter und Clip-/Signal-LED, 4x Line-Ausgang Klinke 6.3mm / Cinch (2x L/R), Main-Ausgang XLR/Klinke, 4x...

www.thomann.de

 

[DWPress]

Is this the U7 MK ii? 5 outputs, 3 are surround sound and not clear if there are 5 DACs.

It's been a long time since I used this thing, doubt there's multiple DACs, all outputs were mini TRS pairs except sub channel solo. I"ve been doing active XO speakers for years, just another cheap tool in the toolbox for multiple OS use.

Using two separate DACs like you suggested above will lead to clock drift even if you make an aggregate device in Audio Midi Setup. The clocks may hold long enough for some measurements but better off just getting a multichannel DAC.

edit: with the cheap sound cards it doesn't matter if it's made for 5.1 or 7.1, you route the speaker channels the way you need them in Audio Midi.