Product Concept

miniDSP 101 for DSP plaforms

The miniDSP concept is to provide easy to use Digital Signal Processors(DSP) for audio filtering applications. From system tuning to multi-way crossover, our software programmable platforms can fulfil your dream audio project in few clicks of a mouse. There are few key points to remember while reading this website:

• The Hardware platform handles the signal processing. It is the brain of your system and as you'll see from this website, we do have many "variants" to fit your needs.
• The plug-in is the software user interface(UI) used for control/configuration of the DSP from a PC/Mac environment. At least one plug-in must be purchased to operate your system.
• Once configured, the hardware platform does not require a computer anymore as all settings are stored in memory. They are automatically reloaded at each boot-up.
• Finally, miniDSP kits are DIY/OEM friendly with upgrade abilities to build your custom system.

Now that you understand the basic operation of our software controllable DSP, let's decide which type of hardware platform you will need step by step: 

STEP1: You first need to figure out how many inputs (.e.g Left, Right) and how many outputs your system will require. Each system is unique so do your basic hand written diagram to confirm you understand it right.

STEP2: You now need to figure out which "Hardware DSP platform" will fit your needs. You can see that some boards are sold as Kits (i.e. no box) and others in a box. We also have 2 types of platforms using 2 different types of filters (FIR/IIR). Please see below for more information.

STEP3: You now need to figure out which plug-in will work for your application. The summary Audio plug-in table is where you should be looking.

FIR vs IIR platforms

In the world of signal processing, two major types of filters are typically used:

• Infinite Impulse Response filters are the most common audio filters for Parametric EQ, Crossover. On the plus side, they are simple to implement, take little processing resources and do not add much latency to the signal. On the minus side, IIR filter can become unstable and have phase distortion issues. All miniDSP products support IIR filters.
• Finite Impulse Response filters are often used for complex applications such as full spectrum room corrections or linear phase high end crossover. On the plus side, they are often employed to provide linear phase and are always stable. On the minus side, they have high computation requirements and could introduce a fair amount of audio latency. A potential issue in the case of Audio + Video systems. Only the OpenDRC series support FIR filters.

Where to go next?

With a clear picture of the key point of our platforms, check out the following sections for more information:

- the miniDSP kit section if you would like to build your custom project with some low cost fixed point processor

- the miniDSP in a Box section if you are looking for a plug&play solution.

- the OpenDRC for the latest FIR filter DSP engines

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