Minidsp Flex Eight!

[Ron Texas]

Yeah, I got the memo. Very interesting product.

 

[Sieniek]

Guys, is this better than Motu Ultralite MK5 or worse ? What are the differences ?

What do you want to do with it? Very different products although they can be used to achieve similar things.

Ultralite Mk5
-10 channel analog balanced output
-ADAT/TOSLINK and SPDIF input AND output
-8 channel analog input
-no IR volume control
-limited built in DSP so needs to be connected to a computer to implement software DSP

Flex Eight
-8 channel analog unbalanced outputs
-no analog input
-no digital output
-IR volume control
-built in DSP

For active speaker applications assuming you are OK with unbalanced output a Flex Eight based system is likely better as it will be cheaper and easier to use. You can get similar functionality out of an Ultralite Mk5 but that requires additional gear (RPi + display + IR receiver) at which point it will cost more and it is much more difficult to setup.

Michael

Thanks for your reply Michael.

I have a plan to make use of my three way active stereo OB speakers (6 outputs together) for stereo listening but at the same time I would like to be able to add to it left rear channel, right rear channel, center channel and a subwoofer for some 5.1 HT.

Also I can see Flex Eight is 48khz with DL yes ?
At the moment I still have my SHD which is 96khz.
Only technicals but is it really matter or can be heard ?

If only Motu Ultralite MK5 would have Dirac Live build in it would be perfect for me as I would use of DL with every audio/video equipment. I have multichannel DL windows so I could use it only from pc or laptop which is good but not perfect as playing on my PS5 would be unfortunately without DL processing. Same with TV, etc.

I was hoping for Minidsp releasing a perfect multichannel dac with DL included, DL Bass Control, 8 or best 10 outputs, 24/96 DL output and possibility of setting outputs for 5.1 HT but it looks like they are releasing "very good" product but not great as it's still missing on many areas.

 

[stren]

I too got excited thinking this would do surround

 

[Sokel]

Looks like there won't be a balanced one.

 

[Plcamp]

I note in the “From the Lab” section of this morning’s email from Minidsp the following…

“We feel the Flex Eight rounds out the Flex family nicely, and most of our engineering team is already busy on a brand new platform that is taking shape back in the Lab. We're always pushing to innovate in our niche and are very excited about this new work that we believe will be breaking through a few barriers! We hope we'll have more to say in the next newsletter.”

Says nothing while raising expectations for novelty at the same time… but a promised ‘Brand new platform’ is on the way … maybe many things on this thread’s wish list are coming soon?

 

[Rednaxela]

miniDSP - Q3 2022 Newsletter

miniDSP is a leading manufacturer of Digital Audio Signal Processors for the HomeTheater, Hifi, headphone and Automotive market. Join our large community of Audiophiles, Engineers and DIYers using our innovative products.

www.minidsp.com

 

[MAB]

I note in the “From the Lab” section of this morning’s email from Minidsp the following…

“We feel the Flex Eight rounds out the Flex family nicely, and most of our engineering team is already busy on a brand new platform that is taking shape back in the Lab. We're always pushing to innovate in our niche and are very excited about this new work that we believe will be breaking through a few barriers! We hope we'll have more to say in the next newsletter.”

Says nothing while raising expectations for novelty at the same time… but a promised ‘Brand new platform’ is on the way … maybe many things on this thread’s wish list are coming soon?

I'm doin' everything I can to assemble all of the wish list inputs. This is what I got:

I'm sure I missed a critical feature!

 

[Rednaxela]

I'm sure I missed a critical feature!

This one perhaps?

 

[Sokel]

I'm doin' everything I can to assemble all of the wish list inputs. This is what I got:
View attachment 223852
I'm sure I missed a critical feature!

Network.

 

[Reed]

If this had eARC HDMI I would buy it immediately. I could to optical but then I have the two remote issue. In any case, it’s a great product.

 

[Krillin]

This is a great product that will sell for those wanting a stereo or a 2.1 setup. The included DAC looks like it measures well enough. The Active speakers option is a real plus.

For those like myself wanting multichannel I'm hoping for another version.

Wants:
Multichannel input
Balanced outputs - Many of the newer class D amplifiers only have balanced in. And an adapter won't fix the voltage mismatch
Dirac Live with Bass Control
HDMI ARC in addition to USB and optical audio

 

[sweetchaos]

Make me a Flex balanced with Dirac Live Bass Control and ill sell my kidney to fund it.

 

[jtwrace]

I'm doin' everything I can to assemble all of the wish list inputs. This is what I got:
View attachment 223852
I'm sure I missed a critical feature!

Probably the slot for RPi4 that runs RoPieee for Roon.

 

[jhaider]

I thought sensible, useful audio products were supposed to cost more. This 8-channel controller with multiple digital inputs and powerful DSP with major UI improvements costs $600. Or you can get an 8 channel DAC with one type of input that for the same price. So, SINAD champ or super flexible controller that is more likely than not going to be transparent enough?

 

[stren]

Make me a Flex balanced with Dirac Live Bass Control and ill sell my kidney to fund it.

You'd think given that this could do 2.6 that they would do that at some point..

 

[jhaider]

I’m looking forward to trying their new universal plugin. It certainly looks sharp!

 

[dualazmak]

USB 16-Ch ASIO input (by one or two USB 2.0 cable from PC) and 16-Ch balanced analog out should be just enough for me. Therefore, my simple wish for 16-Ch Sync Pro DAC, (OKTO?) DAC16PRO(?) with two (or three?) of ES9028PRO or ES9038PRO (or new AKM DAC chips?) in it; 8-Ch AES/EBU stereo inputs would be welcome for future possible use, and for those who in pro field...

Of course, the dedicated ASIO driver in PC should recognize all of the 16-Ch of this gear; quite easy to be achieved, I believe.

I do hope Pavel of OKTO would look here.

Edit: I will continue this discussion on possible "DAC16PRO" in my post here and thereafter on the DAC8PRO thread.

 

[zhechenzhu]

I almost panicked after receiving the newsletter from miniDSP. Just placed an order for a MOTU MK5 after coming available again at my local dealer. Does look like a very nice device. However it's missing multiple inputs and mixing options. DAC is also "unproven". I think I‘ll push ahead with a MOTU + USB ADAT +RPi+CmillaDSP setup.

 

[DanielT]

I see you are talking about balanced or not in the thread. But can't you help him aasearles? I feel sorry for him (or her) that he didn't get an answer. I pasted some links with general information but that doesn't answer the question itself:

Balanced Line Output from MiniDSP 2x4HD (help!)

Having a problem with my first balanced set-up and could use some advice from the more experienced folks. I have a Loxjie P20 headphone amp, which features balanced XLR 3-pin inputs and balanced 4-pin output. I'd like to feed the balanced inputs by fabbing a custom cable and driving with a...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[Piere]

This is a long awaited tool... finally! With 2 inputs and 8 outputs its main task will be active x-over + sub processing. Hooking several different amps to it makes differential signal routing almost mandatory. To get most out of it and avoid signal ground problems.