Stereo 3/4 way Crossover

This application note will study how miniDSP products can be combined to build a processed stereo three way or four way crossover configuration. If you are new to the concept of multi-way DSP processed loudspeakers, please have a read at our Digital Crossovers section first. In three or four way stereo crossover configuration, a minimum of 2 x inputs by 6 outputs (3way) or 8 outputs (4way) will be required. The following application note will therefore propose two options:

• Option A: 2 x miniDSP 2x4 platforms, with its advantage of small size, lower cost, flexibility. Current 2x4 platforms include: miniDSP kit, miniDSP 2x4 (in a box), miniDSP balanced kit or 2x4 in a box.
• Option B: 1 x miniDSP 2x8 platform with its advantage of higher sampling rate (96kHz), control from a single USB connection and better SNR.

Analog input crossover configuration

If your application only requires analog input, analog output, miniDSP platforms can easily cater your needs for a very affordable solution.

Systems Requirements

OPTION A

• 2 x miniDSP 2x4/kit/Balanced boards
• 1 x 4 way crossover plug-in (PEQ, Graphic EQ, Advanced)
• Total of 6ch (3way) or 8ch(4way) channels power amplifier
• 1 x external DC Power supply or USB charger

OPTION B

• 1 x miniDSP 2x8
• 1 x 4x10 plug-in
• Total of 6ch (3way) or 8ch(4way) channels power amplifier
• 1 x external DC Power supply or USB charger

Digital input crossover configuration

If your configuration requires the option to input a digital input (SPDIF/TOSLINK), your system will require a miniDIGI. The miniDIGI is an SPDIF/TOSLINK input/output interface with embedded Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC). The ASRC is a very important element since it allows connectivity to any digital audio source.

Systems Requirements

OPTION A

• 2 x miniDSP balanced/unbalanced kit
• 1 x miniDIGI board if all boards are to be stacked together, 2 x miniDIGI boards if you intend to separate the miniDSP + miniDIGI stacks
• 1 x 4 way crossover plug-in (PEQ, Graphic EQ, Advanced)
• Total of 6ch (3way) or 8ch(4way) channels power amplifier
• 1 x external DC Power supply or USB charger

OPTION B

• 1 x miniDSP 2x8 + miniDIGI option
• 1 x 4x10 plug-in
• Total of 6ch (3way) or 8ch(4way) channels power amplifier
• 1 x external DC Power supply or USB charger

All digital crossover configuration

For those of you looking for an all digital solution, from source to processing and finally amplification, the miniDSP + miniDIGI + miniAMP solution is your best solution. Perfect for the small bookshelf speaker or for those of you looking for a standalone solution, this kit summarizes the whole flexibility/scalability of the miniDSP concept in a simple stack!

Systems Requirements

• 2 x miniDSP platform
• 2 x miniDIGI board stacked on top of miniDSP
• 2 x miniAMP 2x20W or 4x10W
• 1 x4 way crossover plug-in (PEQ, Graphic EQ, Advanced)
• 2 x DC Power supply 12 to 24VDC supply powering the whole stack

Related FAQ's

- Can I use both Digital and Analog outputs together in a stacked miniDIGI/miniDSP configuration? Yes, see our miniDSP plug-in data-sheet for more information on how outputs are doubled up to both analog AND digital out.

- Can I connect an external DC supply AND USB together? Yes, they are both surge protected.

- How can I toggle from Analog to Digital input in a miniDSP + miniDIGi configuration? Source selection is available both in software AND hardware using a toggle switch. See our miniDIGI user manual for more information.

- Having other similar questions about this configuration? Please check miniDSP FAQ's and Download section for more info.