MiniDSP Flex HTx

[rhollan]

I guess I don't understand. If you do DLBC in the PC, why can't the Flex HTx act like a DAC?

 

[mdsimon2]

I guess I don't understand. If you do DLBC in the PC, why can't the Flex HTx act like a DAC?

The Flex HT/HTx can act as a "dumb" multichannel USB DAC, but what @soerenssen wants to do is use the Flex HTx as an HDMI input device AND a multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running on PC in between the input and output. Unless it functions differently from all other miniDSP products this is not possible. He could use the Flex HT/HTx as an input device and a separate multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running between the two.

Michael

 

[soerenssen]

The Flex HT/HTx can act as a "dumb" multichannel USB DAC, but what @soerenssen wants to do is use the Flex HTx as an HDMI input device AND a multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running on PC in between the input and output. Unless it functions differently from all other miniDSP products this is not possible. He could use the Flex HT/HTx as an input device and a separate multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running between the two.

Michael

So from the HT's perspective, the source is either HDMI or USB, both it cannot be both.

 

[soerenssen]

Are you sure that you can do this?
I have never heard of a MiniDSP device doing this.

No idea, but I can ask this from Minidsp support. The Motu Mk5 UL can also do this.

 

[rhollan]

The Flex HT/HTx can act as a "dumb" multichannel USB DAC, but what @soerenssen wants to do is use the Flex HTx as an HDMI input device AND a multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running on PC in between the input and output. Unless it functions differently from all other miniDSP products this is not possible. He could use the Flex HT/HTx as an input device and a separate multichannel USB DAC with DLBC running between the two.

Michael

Ah! The Octo DAC 8 can route through the USB port to a PC for processing, but one would need AES audio.

 

[RickyC34]

I decided to go with the FlexHT as a multichannel dac / preamp for DLBC via a Mac mini. 95% of my media is streamed via the Mac and the other 5% will be optical (or hdmi) into the Flex from my TV. I'll use one of the Minidsp presets for this and set xover, peq, routing, delay, and gain. I just placed my order today and looking forward to getting my hands on this unit
(like unit HT not HTx)

 

[mdsimon2]

Ah! The Octo DAC 8 can route through the USB port to a PC for processing, but one would need AES audio.

Yep, that is exactly how I use mine.

It is actually pretty easy to get DD 5.1 in to an Okto from an AppleTV (or any DD 5.1 source). Just need a Dolby DP562 decoder (I purchased one on eBay for $40), that will give you L, C, R, LS, RS, SW channels on 3 stereo AES outputs.

Michael

 

[rhollan]

Yep, that is exactly how I use mine.

It is actually pretty easy to get DD 5.1 in to an Okto from an AppleTV (or any DD 5.1 source). Just need a Dolby DP562 decoder (I purchased one on eBay for $40), that will give you L, C, R, LS, RS, SW channels on 3 stereo AES outputs.

Michael

Erm, doesn't the DP-562 require an digital DD 5.1 signal over AES3? How do you get that? SPDIF to AES3 adapter?

 

[mdsimon2]

Erm, doesn't the DP-562 require an digital DD 5.1 signal over AES3? How do you get that? SPDIF to AES3 adapter?

In most cases converting coax to AES is trivial. With the DP562 in particular, a cable like this -> https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=4777 works fine.

I usually use a RCA to BNC cable with Canare BCJ-XP-TRB transformer when converting to AES but it really isn't needed.

Michael

 

[Davide]

This product is very interesting. If only it had built-in DLBC/ART support.
Getting a Motu Mk5 with DLBC for PC/Mac is better in terms of cost effectiveness (provided one already has a PC/Mac, but that's pretty obvious)

 

[soerenssen]

Ah! The Octo DAC 8 can route through the USB port to a PC for processing, but one would need AES audio.

I've asked this question about loopback in the MiniDSP forum.

Apply DLBC processing on MiniDSP Flex HT HDMI input

Hello, I'm planning to buy a MiniDSP Flex HT and since it doesn't support Dirac DLBC, I'd like to apply DLBC processing on the HDMI input / Optical input using a PC or Mac. - The MiniDSP would receive the LPCM stream via HDMI from my LG OLED TV which would be acting as a HDMI hub for my...

www.minidsp.com

 

[soerenssen]

I've asked this question about loopback in the MiniDSP forum.

Apply DLBC processing on MiniDSP Flex HT HDMI input

Hello, I'm planning to buy a MiniDSP Flex HT and since it doesn't support Dirac DLBC, I'd like to apply DLBC processing on the HDMI input / Optical input using a PC or Mac. - The MiniDSP would receive the LPCM stream via HDMI from my LG OLED TV which would be acting as a HDMI hub for my...

www.minidsp.com

It's not possible unfortunately (bi-directional USB audio is not supported).

 

[mdsimon2]

It's not possible unfortunately (bi-directional USB audio is not supported).

Wow, that sounds worse than all other miniDSPs with USB input. I definitely missed that they removed bi-directional USB audio from the datasheet on the HT/HTx.

Very disappointing as the Flex HT looked like the simplest and cheapest way to get 7.1 LPCM from HDMI into a computer, even if you weren't using the DAC.

I still wonder if the capability is there and they just aren't advertising it? They haven't been big supporters of using the bi-directional USB on previous products, so I wonder if they just stopped advertising to avoid confusion. Would love for someone with a HT/HTx to test it.

Michael

 

[RickyC34]

Very disappointing as the Flex HT looked like the simplest and cheapest way to get 7.1 LPCM from HDMI into a computer, even if you weren't using the DAC.

MOTU is close to the same price. No HDMI or remote but it can perform the loopback function.

I still wonder if the capability is there and they just aren't advertising it? They haven't been big supporters of using the bi-directional USB on previous products, so I wonder if they just stopped advertising to avoid confusion. Would love for someone with a HT/HTx to test it.

I agree, I feel like if there's will there's a way. Perhaps with a program like loopback on Mac and some type of conversion cable and or splitter.

 

[mdsimon2]

MOTU is close to the same price. No HDMI or remote but it can perform the loopback function.

I agree, I feel like if there's will there's a way. Perhaps with a program like loopback on Mac and some type of conversion cable and or splitter.

Unfortunately sounds like a no-go -> https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ht-review-and-measurements.49765/post-1799516. The design has changed from other miniDSPs.

Michael

 

[somebodyelse]

Very disappointing as the Flex HT looked like the simplest and cheapest way to get 7.1 LPCM from HDMI into a computer, even if you weren't using the DAC.

That may be exactly why it's missing - seems like the sort of thing that may be against the HDMI licensing terms.

 

[dadsnavE]

The most recent minidsp newsletter I saw said HTx shipping in December. I ordered one back in November. Anyone received their's yet?

 

[dweeeeb2]

Nope….ordered on 14 Nov

 

[dweeeeb2]

Nope….ordered on 14 Nov

Advised shipped today…

 

[rhollan]

Well, I just pulled the trigger on one. Ordered on 12/31/23.

It will replace a DDRC-88D and a host of HDMI/SDI conversions and AES-3 embedder/deembedder hardware. The end of 4RU of hardware.