Good Digital active crossovers

[vinyldavid]

The MiniDSP isn't a purely hardware solution. You have to use a computer to control it, and for many HiFi nuts, they just want a single piece of gear that does what they want.

MiniDSP products are amazing, and I want to get some OpenDRC-DA8's, but my system is entirely too analog based for that to happen.
I am pondering the purchase of a mastering grade A/D converter to feed analog into it, so I can use the lovely FIR filters, and waiting for the day that MiniDSP offers an analog-in, 8 out FIR box. If it wasn't so expensive to implement, I would buy a 10X10HD and use it for my home cinema. The possibilities are endless, and I love active crossovers.

The behringer is an easy to use, cheapish (yes, a 2x4 or 2x8 is cheaper) box that delivers an all in one, computer-free user experience, coupled with a powerful set of intuitive tools. I see the advantages for many audiophiles. Also... meters are nice

 

[whoaru99]

Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone explain the differences between a mini-DSP and the pro speaker managers being discussed here?
Other than no built-in interface on the miniDSP (I would think the software interface would be more intuitive), I would figure that controlling the digital realm would be identical between them all. Is there a difference in the analog conversion between these units?

Have not done a feature-by-feature comparison because it depends a bit on the plug-in loaded in the MiniDSP.

A couple differences I know of are that the MiniDSP (at least the 2x4) is basically a one-chip solution. ADCs, DSP, and DACs are all on one chip.

ADCs/DACs in the MiniDSP chip (ADAU1701) are, I believe, 24/48 while on the DCX2496 are separate AKM 24/96 ADCs and AKM 24/96 DACs.

There is now a MiniDSP HD that I think has more processing power and better ADC/DAC in addition to some other things. But, it comes at 2x or so the regular MiniDSP.

 

[Porkloin]

The MiniDSP isn't a purely hardware solution. You have to use a computer to control it, and for many HiFi nuts, they just want a single piece of gear that does what they want.

MiniDSP products are amazing, and I want to get some OpenDRC-DA8's, but my system is entirely too analog based for that to happen.
I am pondering the purchase of a mastering grade A/D converter to feed analog into it, so I can use the lovely FIR filters, and waiting for the day that MiniDSP offers an analog-in, 8 out FIR box. If it wasn't so expensive to implement, I would buy a 10X10HD and use it for my home cinema. The possibilities are endless, and I love active crossovers.

The behringer is an easy to use, cheapish (yes, a 2x4 or 2x8 is cheaper) box that delivers an all in one, computer-free user experience, coupled with a powerful set of intuitive tools. I see the advantages for many audiophiles. Also... meters are nice

Are you saying that the hi-fi crowd is nothing but a bunch of old gummers that are scared to death of that 1080p screen with an attached keyboard and mouse?

 

[Porkloin]

Have not done a feature-by-feature comparison because it depends a bit on the plug-in loaded in the MiniDSP.

A couple differences I know of are that the MiniDSP (at least the 2x4) is basically a one-chip solution. ADCs, DSP, and DACs are all on one chip.

ADCs/DACs in the MiniDSP chip (ADAU1701) are, I believe, 24/48 while on the DCX2496 are separate AKM 24/96 ADCs and AKM 24/96 DACs.

There is now a MiniDSP HD that I think has more processing power and better ADC/DAC in addition to some other things. But, it comes at 2x or so the regular MiniDSP.

As cool as I think the computer interface would be, it doesn't sound like it would outweigh the component issue. The minute you go beyond the basic 2 X 4 miniDSP, the prices start climbing to the point to where they'd be every bit as expensive as the DBX or the Behringer.

 

[soundmig]

If you pick up a good used DCX 2496, you can get it for a very low price (sub $250 usually). I actually picked mine up a few years ago for $150. One feature of the DCX that I really like and that would be very useful for the OP's speakers is that you can hook up a microphone to input C. It is phantom powered, so most any xlr output microphone you can come up with will work. You can then set the microphone up in an appropriate position and it will time and phase align the drivers for you (automatically). You have to do this two outputs at a time so using an appropriate sequence is necessary. But in the OP's instance you could align the woofer with the midrange and then do the procedure with the midrange and tweeter. It would likely time delay the woofer to line it up with the mid and likewise time delay the tweeter to align it with the midrange. Phase is also adjusted during this procedure. You just have to check the settings post adjustment to make sure that the first adjustment didn't get messed up by the second one. If that happens there is another way to get the most out of the situation, but I'll not get into that right now. Getting the time and phase relationship between these drivers corrected could make a big difference in the imaging and soundstage that they will produce. Image palpability and soundstage depth both tend to increase a good bit once things are "lined up". It will also render a smoother and less fatiguing sound overall. At least that has been my experience with using the time/phase alignment feature of the DCX.

 

[essNeff]

I have both units, Mini 4x10 (48/96 sampling rate) and the DCX 2496. I like each for different reasons.
The Mini has taught me more than I ever could have understood about how the various slopes and filters affect the output. The GUI is very helpful right in front of you on the laptop.
The DCX is easier to make changes to with the button/dial setup.
The Mini has way more adjustment upside with REW measurements and calculating Biquad Filters.
If I could figure out how to get my dogs to stop barking when I run sweeps I could give that a try.
https://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/miniDSP 4x10 Hd and 2x8 kit User Manual.pdf

 

[bgymnastics]

If you pick up a good used DCX 2496, you can get it for a very low price (sub $250 usually). I actually picked mine up a few years ago for $150. One feature of the DCX that I really like and that would be very useful for the OP's speakers is that you can hook up a microphone to input C. It is phantom powered, so most any xlr output microphone you can come up with will work. You can then set the microphone up in an appropriate position and it will time and phase align the drivers for you (automatically). You have to do this two outputs at a time so using an appropriate sequence is necessary. But in the OP's instance you could align the woofer with the midrange and then do the procedure with the midrange and tweeter. It would likely time delay the woofer to line it up with the mid and likewise time delay the tweeter to align it with the midrange. Phase is also adjusted during this procedure. You just have to check the settings post adjustment to make sure that the first adjustment didn't get messed up by the second one. If that happens there is another way to get the most out of the situation, but I'll not get into that right now. Getting the time and phase relationship between these drivers corrected could make a big difference in the imaging and soundstage that they will produce. Image palpability and soundstage depth both tend to increase a good bit once things are "lined up". It will also render a smoother and less fatiguing sound overall. At least that has been my experience with using the time/phase alignment feature of the DCX.

That sounds good I Will definitely get The DCX 2496 new from Sam Ash. Will that information be in the manual so that I will be able to understand better.

 

[soundmig]

That sounds good I Will definitely get The DCX 2496 new from Sam Ash. Will that information be in the manual so that I will be able to understand better.

Yes, the manual has the instructions on how to set it up. It also has instruction on how to use input C with a microphone to do the time and phase alignment procedure. It's VERY easy

 

[whoaru99]

That sounds good I Will definitely get The DCX 2496 new from Sam Ash. Will that information be in the manual so that I will be able to understand better.

But, from memory, it does not come with the microphone. Think the recommended mic is ECM8000, also Behringer.

You can also set the delays manually, by time or distance I think. Same net result.

 

[bgymnastics]

Sweet looks like I found my crossover.

Thanks everyone for all your time and help.