I am delighted to announce the release of DSPi Console v1.0.8 for macOS and DSPi Firmware v1.0.8. This is quite a major update and introduces several important new functions.
First, let's take a look at the main application window.
The channel naming scheme has now been revised for consistency and the sidebar can now display up to eight output channels. The dashboard continues to display tables for all channels, with stereo cards for SPDIF channels and mono cards for individual ones such as PDM. The Master Bypass button has also been revised.
All selection functionality works exactly as it did before; we simply have more channels to work with. Meters currently display output activity only for the first SPDIF pair but this will soon be revised.
Next, we have the brand new Matrix Mixer, accessible via the Tools menu.
This is a powerful tool with many useful functions and I have spent quite a number of hours agonizing over the UI design. I am quite pleased with the current iteration, though some later revisions may eventually be made.
The Routing section enables one to route any input channel(s) to any output channel(s). Each route has an individual gain control, along with the ability to invert the routed signal.
In the Output section, we have quick access to the same gain, delay and mute controls as those found in the main application window, with all states properly synchronized. Crucially, we also have the ability to fully enable or disable any desired channel(s). Disabled channels are not shown in the main application window's sidebar and they do not consume any system resources. The dashboard view will also hide their cards.
By default, only Input L and Input R are enabled and routed to Out 1 and Out 2 respectively. This helps to keep the main application window free of unused channels, hopefully renders it less intimidating for new users and conserves system sources.
The final row on the right side of the Matrix Mixer is the original PDM subwoofer output. You may have noticed the amber color of the routing and enable buttons. This brings us to the most significant enhancement present within today's update: dual core optimization.
Previously, Core 0 alone was responsible for all PEQ filter computations, while Core 1 simply handled the software DAC for our analog subwoofer output. This architecture was adequate for five channels but certainly not for eight. The solution was to move the processing for all but two output channels to Core 1, leaving Core 0 free with more resources for handling time sensitive tasks.
Core 1 operates in two modes; EQ Worker and PDM:
If output channels 3-8 are disabled (leaving 1 and 2 available on Core 0), the system behaves as it did prior to this update. We have a stereo SPDIF output and the PDM channel is no longer amber (can be enabled).
If any of channels 3-8 are enabled, the system disables PDM (amber and we have 8 fully digital SPDIF output channels.
This architecture delivers the best of both worlds; stereo SPDIF and PDM with 50 PEQ filters available or 8-channel SPDIF with 100 PEQ filters available. You decide!
That's all for today. I hope you enjoy the software and please do advise me of any bugs.
Links:
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DSPi Console v1.0.8 for macOS
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DSPi Firmware v1.0.8.
PS: DSPi Console v1.0.8 for Windows is on the way.
