I just noticed SNR and Thd is better in the flex 8 than the flex:
128 db A weighted vs 120
-111 db vs 110 Thd + N
No rca input either. Interesting
128 db A weighted vs 120
-111 db vs 110 Thd + N
No rca input either. Interesting
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Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)
- Thread starter amirm
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mdsimon2
Major Contributor
MiniDSP Flex 8 just announced. 8 channel version of the Flex. I predict it will be very popular.
miniDSP Flex Eight
miniDSP Flex Eight, 400MHz Sharc DSP audio processor, toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker tuning, Optional Dirac Live license for room correction, Bluetooth LDAC/APTX/AAC streaming.www.minidsp.com
Wow, wow, wow! This thing looks awesome, basically an amped up OpenDRC-DA8 with much better DAC performance, more inputs, a display and an option for Dirac.
A bit of bummer that it only runs at 96 kHz as 48 kHz would be better for FIR but it has FIR banks on the inputs which is unique and will help make those FIR taps go further.
Michael
Yeah, this looks pretty good. I've been struggling with wanting a Motu Ultralite Mk5 for speaker experiments, and then started thinking of the DM7, but really this is what I want for the most part. Such a great platform for active multi-way speaker development/design.
At least now we have something to point all the folks cluttering up the Topping DM7 thread towards, since this Flex 8 is pretty much what a bunch of them are asking for. (well, except for the DSD crowd)
Another homerun product!MiniDSP Flex 8 just announced. 8 channel version of the Flex. I predict it will be very popular.
miniDSP Flex Eight
miniDSP Flex Eight, 400MHz Sharc DSP audio processor, toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker tuning, Optional Dirac Live license for room correction, Bluetooth LDAC/APTX/AAC streaming.
Thanks for being awesome MiniDSP.
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Would easily pick this over the DM7.
Would have bought it instead of my okto8 if it had been available 2 yrs ago.
Would have bought it instead of my okto8 if it had been available 2 yrs ago.
They are using the identical cabinet in Flex 8 as the Flex 4-channels version. So it seems because of lack of space, they have removed the inputs. Meaning you can't measure with an external sound card or connect something analogue.
They really should have used a bigger enclosure and even added more analogue inputs. A bigger enclosure, and preferably with XLR, would also have reduced the heat problems the Flex 4-channels has. It's not a unit I would leave a lot on but should probably set to standby whenever it's not used.
They really should have used a bigger enclosure and even added more analogue inputs. A bigger enclosure, and preferably with XLR, would also have reduced the heat problems the Flex 4-channels has. It's not a unit I would leave a lot on but should probably set to standby whenever it's not used.
antcollinet
Grand Contributor
How are you connecting from the audio interface to the flex. If analogue, the flex almost certainly has a better DAC.
I'd take the M4 out of the chain, but still use it for mic input.
I'd take the M4 out of the chain, but still use it for mic input.
This is better:
PC -> miniDSP Flex -> power amps -> speakers/subwoofer.
Sorry another question , should I be going
Option 1:
PC -> miniDSP flex -> power amps -> speakers
PC -> miniDPS flex -> sub
or
Option 2:
PC -> miniDSP Flex -> power amps (with LFE out) -> speakers/subwoofer.
If you subwoofer has internal amplification (which most have), you go straight from Flex to the subwoofer. And use power amps for the speakers.
thenamelessone7
Member
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So I received my Flex yesterday and started my sub integration attempts with REW and Umik-2.
It was an arduous journey. I crossed my KEF R3 and SVS 3000 Micro at 60Hz. Thank god for PEQ on the SVS sub. My room modals were like crazy. I actually had to remove the sub from a corner of the room and place it roughly 2 feet from the long room wall.
The toughest part was trying to EQ peaks and troughs between 60 and 300 Hz. Above 500 Hz the KEFs are extremely flat which is a good thing because Flex only has a 10 band PEQ.
It was a solid first attempt which took me like 3+ hours. And now I am getting used to a new and much flatter FR curve
It was an arduous journey. I crossed my KEF R3 and SVS 3000 Micro at 60Hz. Thank god for PEQ on the SVS sub. My room modals were like crazy. I actually had to remove the sub from a corner of the room and place it roughly 2 feet from the long room wall.
The toughest part was trying to EQ peaks and troughs between 60 and 300 Hz. Above 500 Hz the KEFs are extremely flat which is a good thing because Flex only has a 10 band PEQ.
It was a solid first attempt which took me like 3+ hours. And now I am getting used to a new and much flatter FR curve
If I'm guessing right you set the PEQs manually? Which is fine. But maybe if you have another few hours then maybe try out the auto EQ function in REW.
REW AutoEQ
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.
It takes a bit of getting used to but it can achieve results very similar to Dirac in terms of flatness. And generally not even using all the bands! It is a remarkable tool.
I also have the Dirac option and can switch between the two. The only difference in sound which is obvious is the impulse response correction of Dirac. Impulse response sharpens dialogue, separates vocals in a choir etc. For some things I use it, some things better without.
The optimum crossover (from looking at the frequency response from Erin’s site) Is to seal the ports of the R3 with a sock or a towel and apply a Butterworth 12dB/oct highpass @100Hz on the speaker and a Linkwitz-Riley 24db/oct @100Hz on the subwoofer.
Make sure that the SVS internal crossover is either disabled, or if it’s just as flexible as the miniDSP, use it instead.
I'll suggest to use the port plugs in the R3 ... to left all the low bass work to the sub ... but crossed at 100hz? It seems very high.
I use the port plugs with the crossover at 65 - 80 Hz in the sub ... but I'm not using Flex or Dirac, so I don't have the high pass filter, maybe that's the difference.
SVS recommends to use the "natural decay" in the speakers and not the high pass, but you really don't know if it's only a trick to sell subs without high pass.
I use the port plugs with the crossover at 65 - 80 Hz in the sub ... but I'm not using Flex or Dirac, so I don't have the high pass filter, maybe that's the difference.
SVS recommends to use the "natural decay" in the speakers and not the high pass, but you really don't know if it's only a trick to sell subs without high pass.
thenamelessone7
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I used the auto EQ feature in REW to create a filter to match the house curve. But I was not satisfied with the results. So while I used it as basis I still had to manually adjust it to further to my satisfaction.If I'm guessing right you set the PEQs manually? Which is fine. But maybe if you have another few hours then maybe try out the auto EQ function in REW.
REW AutoEQ
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.
It takes a bit of getting used to but it can achieve results very similar to Dirac in terms of flatness. And generally not even using all the bands! It is a remarkable tool.
I also have the Dirac option and can switch between the two. The only difference in sound which is obvious is the impulse response correction of Dirac. Impulse response sharpens dialogue, separates vocals in a choir etc. For some things I use it, some things better without.
Received the Flex and have it connected via USB to my PC for source. I noticed that even after everything is shut down the unit is still warm the next day... Do you guys turn off the power to the unit usually or just leave it warm/powered ?
antcollinet
Grand Contributor
Mine stays in standby (if I remember to turn it off at all)
I am thinking of using the miniDSP Flex almost entirely for the PEQ features.
Is it possible to have it output on each of its outputs simultaneously, with different PEQ profiles? This way I don't have to switch between my different headphones and my speakers.
Also, can it auto switch between inputs, or does it have the ability to switch to a specific input via IR?
Is it possible to have it output on each of its outputs simultaneously, with different PEQ profiles? This way I don't have to switch between my different headphones and my speakers.
Also, can it auto switch between inputs, or does it have the ability to switch to a specific input via IR?
antcollinet
Grand Contributor
Each output can have it's own EQ, but there are only 4 channels out, so 2 stereo devices.
However there are 4 profiles, and each profile has it's own EQ - There are direct buttons on the remote to select each profile.
Annoyingly it will auto switch to bluetooth when a connected bluetooth device sends it audio - this is a pain in the ass as a connected phone will switch of audio from any other source for a notification sound or similar. So I disconnect any bluetooth device unless I am using it. Otherwise, inputs are selected from the remote but you have to cycle through them - single button.
