miniDSP 2x8 USER MANUAL Manual revision Description Date V1.0 Initial revision 07-04-2011 V1.1 ADC volume control revision 26-04-2011 V1.2 Jumpers & Dip switch controls on new 30-09-2011 V1.3 IR remote & Firmware upgrade instructions 07-10-2011 www.minidsp.com miniDSP Ltd – Hong Kong / Email : info@minidsp.
Contents 1 2 Product Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 System Connectivity .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.1 Board connectivity .................................................
1 Product Introduction miniDSP 2x8 is a Digital Audio Signal Processor (DSP) capable of performing a wide range of applications, from filtering, equalization to time alignment. Typically located between an audio source (CD player/Receiver/Preamp/PC .. etc) and the amplifier, a miniDSP will provide unparalleled tuning flexibility to improve your audio system’s performance.
DISCLAIMER / WARNING An incorrect miniDSP configuration could easily damage your audio system. MiniDSP can not be responsible for any damage that may result from the improper use of this product. As with any other product, we do recommend that you carefully read the manual and other technical notes to insure you fully understand how to operate the board.
2 System Connectivity 2.1 Board connectivity TOP VIEW ADC volume +12V DC in, REM In, REM OUT 5 pin USB port for front panel miniUSB port I2S IN&OUT Expansion port for miniDIGi/miniAMP 200mm Reset button RCA inputs (Unbalanced) Phoenix Inputs (Balanced) RCA Outputs (Unbalanced) Phoenix Outputs (Balanced) 250mm FRONT VIEW RCA inputs (Unbalanced) Phoenix Inputs (Balanced) RCA Outputs (Unbalanced) Phoenix Outputs (Balanced) miniDSP Ltd – Hong Kong / Email : info@minidsp.
2.2 Typical setup INPUTS Analog/Digital Audio source (e.g. PC/CD player/Preamp…) OUTPUTS The following diagram is a typical connectivity diagram for a basic setup with analog inputs, analog outputs. To prevent any damage, make sure the board is turned OFF before doing any connection modifications. miniDSP 2x8 USB Platform To Amplifiers of multiway speakers or External processors MiniUSB cable PC/MAC for initial configuration only – Not required afterward 2.2.
2.2.2 Audio connectivity miniDSP can accept both balanced and un-balanced audio inputs/outputs. See the below instructions for audio connectivity on your miniDSP Balanced kit. Signal Max input/Max output Maximum Input signal @ 0dBFS RCA connector: 2Vrms (+8 dBu) or 0.9Vrms depending on input jumper position Phoenix Terminal block: 4Vrms (+14 dBu) with an unbalanced signal, 8Vrms with a balanced signal (20dBu) Maximum Output signal @ 0dBFS RCA connector: 2Vrms or 0.
Output gain control: A blue DIP switch control on the output section allows user to control the output gain of both the unbalanced and balanced outputs on a “per channel” basis. UP position (Default) 8Vrms (balanced) 2Vrms (Unbalanced) DOWN position 4Vrms (balanced) 0.9Vrms (Unbalanced) Channel number 2.2.3 Potentiometer for master volume control A single external 10k or 100k logarithmic potentiometer (to be provided by user) can control all output channels (analog + digital).
Pin 1 is here. Pin out should be: Pin1: Vcc (+5V) Pin2: DPin3: D+ Pin4: Gnd Pin5: Gnd In most cases, the pin4/5 can be identified by a black wire, but once again, DO check with the spec of the connector to prevent any short-circuits. 3 Software Setup miniDSP platforms are controlled and configured over a USB connection. Our software, so called plug-in, must be purchased from our online webstore separately. The following section will highlight the steps required to configure the miniDSP plug-in.
You should also know that plug-ins can only synchronize from PC to board and are not able to “retrieve” a configuration from the kit. In other words, make sure your favorite configuration is saved on your PC if you ever decide to change the configuration. 6. Once the configuration checked, the next step is to “Connect & Synchronize” by clicking on the Green button on the top right. Note that this button is ONLY active in an unconnected mode.
4 Plug-in Architecture 4.1.1 Main Page Connect & Synchronize Master Mute Main Menu Preset Memory selection Main Tab selection Main control window Main input page for the miniDSP 2x8 plug-in The main control page can be summarized in few core sections.
Custom Label Per channel monitoring Per channel Level control Per channel PEQ button Per channel mute button 4.2 Matrix Tab The matrix DSP object is the DSP object linking inputs to outputs. While very typical on commercial DSP products, it may be new for some of you. The following section will summarize the basics of configuration.
4.3 Output Tab Custom label Monitor Output volume Crossover control PEQ control Mute control Polarity control Output delay Master volume control 4.3.1 Custom Label The custom label feature allows you to input a user defined label for each output channels: A handy feature to remember the output configuration of your system. 4.3.2 Monitor Allows you to monitor the input meter of that specific channel on a RMS meter. Note that the information is shown in dBFS 4.3.
Linking Features Low Pass Filter settings • • • • High Pass Filter settings Cut off frequency: Select the -3dB frequency by either entering the value or using the up & down arrows of the numeric box. Filter types: o Linkwitz Riley (LR): Available in 12, 24, 48dB/oct o Butterworth (BW): Available in 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48dB/oct o Bessel: Available in 12dB/oct Each filter has different phase and amplitude characteristics.
EQ band selection Select the filter type Per Band bypass EQ 4.3.6 Master volume control The master volume allows control of all 10 outputs channels (Analog + digital) of the miniDSP unit. It is enabled when a 10k linear potentiometer is connected to the ADC input port. See the connectivity section for more information. WARNING: Make sure to “DISABLE” the master volume control if you do not have any potentiometer connected to your unit. Doing otherwise will make the platform unstable (volume very low).
Once the new plug-in installed, please browse to \\Program Files\MiniDSP\MiniDSP-2x8\firmware_tools\Windows. Three files can be found there: - Upgrade steps - Upgrade Tool excecutable - Firmware file The firmware upgrade summarizes to few simple steps: 1. Unplug the DC power 2. Press and hold the reset button while pluging the power to the board 3. Release the reset button 4. Connect the USB to the 5. Open Upgrade Tool 6. Click Open Hex File 7. Choose the lastest hex file 8. Click Program/Verify 9.
5 Troubleshooting The following symptoms were found to be the most likely cause of issues. Item# 1 Symptoms No audio on outputs 2 No audio on RMS input meters 3 Audio on input RMS meters but no audio on outputs Cannot reload configuration Cannot connect to the board Cannot install software 4 5 6 10 Problem unsolved by above suggestions Troubleshooting recommendation - Make sure that audio signal is shown on the RMS input meters.
