miniDSP - Q1 2023 Newsletter

Hello Visitor,

We hope you're doing well,

We wanted to give you an update on new products and some exciting new Device Console (DC) features. We hope you like the direction we're going for!

As usual, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Our team will be here to help! 

DevTeam

 Introducing the Flex HT

The Flex HT is miniDSP’s answer to our customers looking for a pocket-sized multichannel processor with HDMI ARC/eARC capabilities. Our team was able to cram a full eight channels of DSP power and a wide range of I/O into the unbelievably compact enclosure. Eight-channel audio input is via linear PCM over USB Audio or HDMI eARC. Additional stereo input is supported over SPDIF and TOSLINK optical.

Internally, we’ve provided a full suite of miniDSP's flexible routing and audio processing features: advanced bass management, parametric EQ, crossovers, advanced biquad programming and delay/gain adjustments. In addition, the miniDSP Flex HT is software-upgradable with full-frequency multichannel Dirac Live®, the world’s premiere room correction system. The eight-channel analog RCA outputs feature class-leading low noise and distortion figures. With HDMI eARC/ARC, control of your whole AV system from the TV remote has never been easier thanks to CEC integration.  Please note that the Flex HT does not support bitstream (e.g. Dolby/DTS) decoding – the connected HDMI device must be able to output linear PCM (LPCM) for multichannel support over HDMI.  

Last but not least, the Flex HT is miniDSP's first product to include WiSA (“Wireless Speaker and Audio Association”) capability. WiSA is designed specifically for low-latency multichannel audio – a perfect match for the Flex HT! The WiSA transmitter we build into each Flex HT can losslessly transmit all eight output channels to WiSA-compatible speakers and subwoofers. After a simple pairing procedure, you're good to go!

The miniDSP Flex HT is the perfect solution for a modern compact processor for multichannel sound. You just need to let your creativity do the rest!

While it's not yet ready for purchase, we expect it to become available in Q2 2023. In the mean time, stay tuned to the product page for more details! 

 A Flexible UMA-XL array

Introducing the UMA-XL, a new option for the UMIK-X kit that consists of a small enclosure and four small circuit boards each containing a single MEMS microphone. The enclosure has four USB-C connectors on one side which are cabled to the MEMS microphone boards, giving much greater flexibility in microphone placement than the original UMA-4 module. The other side has two A2B ports for connection to the USB-A2B interface and for daisy-chaining additional modules. Up to 4 UMA-XL modules can be daisy-chained for a total of 16 microphones. You asked for a flexible microphone array module, you got it!

The UMA-XL is now available for purchase as an option with the UMIK-X. Existing UMIK-X owners can purchase UMA-XL modules separately to add on to their current array (max 16 channels). Check out the UMA-XL datasheet and the UMIK-X User Manual for more details, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

 Dirac Live upgrade made easy

Starting with Device Console version 1.1.3, upgrading your miniDSP processor with Dirac Live requires just a few mouse clicks. miniDSP's new licensing server and Stripe payment integration will make your experience frictionless and immediate. Here is a summary of the process as described in our manuals.

After opting to convert your unit to Flex (DL), Flex Eight (DL) or DDRC-24, the following dialog box will appear: 

Clicking on the Buy Upgrade button will automatically transfer you to our Stripe Payment processing page.  

Once payment is finalised, your Flex, Flex Eight or 2x4HD will be automatically flashed with a Dirac Live license. After a device reboot, you will now be working with a Flex (DL), Flex Eight (DL), or DDRC-24!

Hoping it makes your life easier! 

 REW for Isobaric & Polar plots

Have you ever wondered how to create nice isobaric and polar plots? Here is a great app note assembled by our friend Philipp Paul Klose. This simple step-by-step note uses REW, our favorite measurement software, along with the powerful VituixCAD to get you started. Have fun and please keep supporting these amazing freeware solutions!

 Device Console Updates

Device Console keeps getting updates to improve your experience!

- Besides the new Dirac Live upgrade feature mentioned earlier, DC v1.1.3 includes some new features: a scalable GUI, Volumio version check (SHD series), packaging of new drivers and an easier migration process. Thanks for all the great feedback we've received so far! 

- We've worked on a major improvement for the Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) and IIR filters on the 2x4HD/DDRC-24/Flex/Flex Eight & SHD. This firmware will be released soon for all Device Console customers. 

- As promised, we've slowly increased access to the Device Console for existing customers. The Flex and SHD releases were successful with lots of great feedback. It's now time for 2x4HD and DDRC-24 customers to enjoy its benefits. 

FLEX Eight (Done) - > FLEX series (Done) - > SHD Series (Done) - > DDRC-24/2x4HD (Now)

In order to upgrade your miniDSP platform to use Device Console, you will need to first download and install the necessary firmware from your 2x4 HD User Downloads page or DDRC-24 User Downloads page. Also a reminder that your new web manual for the Device console for 2x4HD/DDRC-24 will be under here. You will need to perform a once-only migration procedure, so please follow the instructions for your device carefully:

• 2x4 HD: install and migrate
• DDRC-24: install and migrate

Have fun and as usual, please report any issues to our support team. 

- Web User Manual repository: Once again, a small reminder that all our manuals for units powered by Device Console are now in Web format and can be accessed from our Web User Manual repository. Be sure to check it out!