From Passive Crossover to Pro DSP/LSM – What’s the Best Route?

[haloo2]

Hi everyone, I’m new here, and this is my first post. I’m currently facing the decision of whether to replace my passive crossover with a digital LSM/DSP system. The options on the market are quite overwhelming, so I’m hoping for some guidance.


I want to actively drive a 3-way horn system using DSP, including time alignment and crossover management. At the moment, I’m using a WIIM streamer with optical/coaxial outputs, but most DSP units seem to have AES/EBU inputs. For example, if I were to use the Octo 8 DAC Pro, could I still connect my WIIM directly, or would I need a converter?


I might also want to use an analog source at some point. Would that require a professional PA/LSM system with analog inputs, or could this be achieved later with the Octo 8 by adding an extra device?


Considering all of this, would it be more sensible to skip the Octo 8 altogether and invest in an all-in-one solution, like the Linea Research ASC 48? I’ve also been looking at other models, for example the Wharfedale LSM series, but I’ve read that it has a fan, somewhat limited software, and some usability issues. So I’m trying to figure out what would be the most practical and future-proof all-in-one solution for a high-quality active 3-way setup.


Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!

 

[haloo2]

…Basically, I’m looking for the best possible solution that combines high‑quality hi‑fi performance, solid build quality, excellent sound, and both digital and analogue inputs, preferably without an annoying fan, and not overly expensive if possible

 

[staticV3]

Hi @haloo2! Welcome to ASR.

At the moment, I’m using a WIIM streamer with optical/coaxial outputs, but most DSP units seem to have AES/EBU inputs. For example, if I were to use the Octo 8 DAC Pro, could I still connect my WIIM directly, or would I need a converter?

Many AES/EBU inputs will work just fine with a SPDIF signal.

If a simple Coax to XLR cable does not work, then a Neutrik Impedance transformer usually does the trick.

If your WiiM streamer has a USB port, then you could also connect via that.

That being said, an okto dac8 Pro is IMO a not very cost effective way to build an active crossover.

More sensible IMO is a Hypex Fusion plate Amp, which you can see for example used here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/ascilab-c8c-active-speaker-review.69938/

 

[somebodyelse]

The Fusion Amps are a great option if you don't already have amps. If you don't like the plate form factor Nord put the same DSP modules with the more recent NCOREx amp modules in a more traditional case, but the price is a fair bit higher. If you already have amps then something like the MiniDSP Flex Eight might be a better fit. Their PocketADC is good for getting analog signals into digital inputs too, whether on the Flex Eight, Wiim Ultra or whatever. There's also the software route with something like CamillaDSP on a small computer (Raspberry Pi, thin client PC or whatever) with a multi-channel DAC like the Okto, MOTU Ultralikte Mk5 or similar.

Whichever route you take, remember to include some protection for the mid and hf drivers in case you make a mistake setting up the crossover - you don't want to blow the drivers by accidentally sending them the bass signal. A series capacitor should be sufficient.

 

[DWPress]

The Okto will accept a SPDIF signal and you can add an ADC for analog signals. As mentioned, there are cheaper alternatives to the Okto but not quite as pleasing to the eye + remote.

 

[haloo2]

Thanks everyone for the great tips so far! I had already been considering the miniDSP devices as well — especially the HTX8. I’ve read that their audio quality isn’t exactly considered “endgame,” but that seems like typical internet exaggeration to me.

Can these units also be used without a Dirac license at first — for things like crossovers, delay/gain adjustments, phase alignment, etc.?

 

[dualazmak]

....
There's also the software route with something like CamillaDSP on a small computer (Raspberry Pi, thin client PC or whatever) with a multi-channel DAC like the Okto, MOTU Ultralikte Mk5 or similar.

Whichever route you take, remember to include some protection for the mid and hf drivers in case you make a mistake setting up the crossover - you don't want to blow the drivers by accidentally sending them the bass signal. A series capacitor should be sufficient.

I essentially agree with your point of "software route", i.e. to go into very much flexible PC(or Mac)-softwareDSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio setup.

If OP @haloo2 is familiar with Windows-PC, I would like to suggest firstly testing very nice DSP software "EKIO" together with system-wide ASIO/VASIO/VAIO routing tool VB-AUDIO MATRIX, and of course multichannel DAC like OKTO DA8PRO.

As for your selection of amplifiers, you can take "right-person(=amplifier)-in-right-place" policy/approach; as you may know well, for tweeters and super-tweeters we do not need powerful amplifier but we do need small-mid-power excellent S/N excellent SINAD amplifiers.

If you would be interested in a typical example case of such multichannel multi-amplifier audio setup, please visit my post #931 and #1,009 on my project thread where you can find all the details including various safety features such as protection capacitors, "Startup/Ignition Sequences" as well as "Shutdown Sequences".

Edit:
If you have/can-use simple excellent and affordable ADC unit like TASCAM US-1x2HR, you can easily input any analog source including vinyl TT (turntable)+phono-amplifier into digital music player such as JRiver MC and Roon, then it can route into the system-wide DSP software processing. This feature is also included in my post #931.

 

[ZolaIII]

UMIK-2 (in your case for highs) and MiniDSP to your needs as Flex and SHD Studio lineups with REW software. You get first two banks 10 PEQ's per chenel to do: room fundamental, XO's, ELC self filters and bass EQ and up to shoulder range and output bank to do 1024 tap FIR EQ per chenel or another 10 PEQ's. Analog output part is import to the choice of balanced or unbalanced one's as all path needs to follow it with the same analog inputs (on power amps). Very little equipment on DSP line output side can mix them (tho even such exit and again from MiniDSP). Out of the box on open software solutions (PC) with audio interfaces and sound cards the sky is the limit other than number of physical chenels you have at your disposal. There are and PA power amplifier embedded solutions that come with comprehensive DSP but you have to learn to use not so great interfaces to learn to use them and are not great regarding ADC's used (limiting overall performance).