TOPIC:

Dear All

Short note to mention that all Flex owners can access the newest 2x4HD/DDRC-24 plugin that is compatible for their Flex unit under the following User Downloads section. 
www.minidsp.com/userdownloads/flex-series

Note that these plugins are compatible with previous configurations you might have made with your 2x4HD/DDRC-24. An easy migration path for all! 

Have fun and as usual, if you have any questions, issues. Please contact us . We're here to help. 

DevTeam

Hello,
today I received the Flex-eight.
It looks great and seems to work at the first sight.
But I do not find any software to change the presets for configuring the EQs and crossovers.
The corresponding support sites for flex-(eight-)series downloads look empty.
www.minidsp.com/userdownloads/flex-eight-series
Do I find the Device Console anywhere else?
Thank you!
Cheers,
tiki

edit:
www.minidsp.com/support/device-console-changelog
Nearly hidden on this site - is the DC (Device Console) the only way to configure the flex (eight) devices?
BT- and USB-Audio are functioning after some dis- and reconnectings. Unfortunately without any EQ or Xover settings.
The IR commands are the same as for the nanoAVR HDA.That's a bit confusing, while allowing a simpler setup, if the devices should not work in parallel.
Thank you!

@tiki I'd suggest you contact Support directly to get this resolved quickest. I'm sure you're right that you need a copy of DC. 

It's good to know that the first Flex Eights have now been shipped  .

Hello,

the DC could be downloaded and installed.
The Software is a bit easier to handle.
I "ported" the filters from the nanoAVR HDA to the Flex Eight and it works so far.
Much less noise than the nanaoAVR.
Thank you for your great work!

But "There's no free lunch..."
If the level is low, there is some pop noise in the speakers.
And it is not a Windows problem, as it is the same, either if the volume is put down to levels between approximately -80dB to -100dB or during the gaps between music titles.
It sounds like muting, if the signal is low enough. The pops are louder than the signal itself.
It happens in every output channel independently. So it seems to arise during EQing or after, but inside the DSP.

That's really too bad.
Maybe this behaviour disappears with the next firmware update?
The example MP3 is taken using a phone directly in front of the speakers.

Cheers, Tiki
 

@Tiki

Please use support portal for any questions you might have (support.minidsp.com). This forum isn't the place where our team will answer queries I'm afraid..  
As for your issue, we could be wrong but you're most likely close to the automute of the chipset with a -100dB volume control. We'll have a look at it for you. 

In the mean time, do make sure that you have a correct gain structure. i.e. don't use faders to make -100dB level adjustments. You're most likely triggering at -120dBFS... just a wild guess. 

Devteam

Hi Tiki,
You are correct.  Happens when the unit MUTEs or when the input signal is NIL.  This happens regardless of inputs used and is not good behavior from the unit.  The clicks are quite loud on my speakers as they are pretty high efficiency.  Hope this gets resolved in the next update or I'll have to send my unit back.
Cheers,
Mike

@Mike

Engineers indeed just noticed the issue with the AutoMUTE setting. That was the one creating the clicks at low volume(SNR)/poor gain structure. Once turned off, it solves the issue. 
Our team will package a new firmware shortly to solve that issue. 

DevTeam. 

Hello,

good to read, that this minor issue is already known and will be fixed in the future.
The unit itself looks good, sounds good, is relatively easy to handle and is functioning out of the box, except the configuration, of course.
Significantly better than the nanoAVR HDA. It's filter section itself was nice indeed...
So I'm happy with the Flex Eight.

Thank you very much!
Cheers, Tiki

devteam wrote:

@Mike

Engineers indeed just noticed the issue with the AutoMUTE setting. That was the one creating the clicks at low volume(SNR)/poor gain structure. Once turned off, it solves the issue. 
Our team will package a new firmware shortly to solve that issue. 

DevTeam. 

That is good news, thanks!!!  It not only happens at low volume but everytime a new song plays in a list or everytime the source goes to NIL.  Looking forward to trying out this fix.  Will try it out and report back.
Cheers,

Auto-mute is one of those features that should be un-invented. 
miniDSP is not the first company to run into issues with this.

Dave.

Hi,
and, please accept my apologies, it does _not_ depend on a poor gain structure.
Except somebody would recommend a volume control between the Flex Eight (which would run full scale everytime) and the main amp.
I changed the Hypex NC252MP gain to a 2Vrms sensitivity, just for this application.
Cheers, Tiki

Thanks for your patience and understanding. We do have the firmware now that we'll send your way shortly. 
miniDSP DC will get repackaged and upgraded Over The Air to let you upgrade. 

That little threshold value on the DRE is indeed a bit tricky to set... There are tons of settings on that chipset.. We just messed up on of the them right before shipment.. It unfortunately happens..  

DevTeam

Hello,

devteam wrote:

We do have the firmware now that we'll send your way shortly. 
miniDSP DC will get repackaged and upgraded Over The Air to let you upgrade.


 

Thank you very much for your outstanding service!
It may take two days, I will report it, when done.

There are tons of settings on that chipset..

That is one reason I am happy to develop precision analog and low phase noise equipment for fundamental research. All the tiny things between sensor and controller. And to have colleagues, who are excellent in µCs.

It is good to hear also, that miniDSP uses ESS DACs.
I'd like to see the 9038pro or 9039pro plus OP1612 for the TIA in the symmetrical/balanced outputs of course. That would convert the Flex-Eight to serious High-End.
Maybe, somewhere along the way...

Thank you and cheers,
Tiki

edit:
 

Hi All,
The new firmware seemed to work for me.  The MUTE clicking and NIL input clicking are now gone.  Much much better.  Thanks DevTeam for the quick response!
Cheers,
Mike

Hello,

the DevTeam provided a XMOS Firmware update to me too.
1st try
    search for the actual installation directory:
    C:\Users\<user-name>\AppData\Local\Programs\minidsp-device-console\resources\device_support_package\HW\30\
    -> on my PC the <user> is named "image" (don't know, why)
    -> copy "info.xml" and XMOS firmware there
    Start Device Console
    -> Discover Devices
    -> click onto "FlexEight"
    -> Device Console closes without any message (crash?)
2nd try
    Start Device Console
    -> Discover Devices
    -> click onto "FlexEight"
    -> message "Critical Error, no such file"
        "miniDSP_Flex2x8_XMOS_1.51_up"
    the delivered file was named "miniDSP_Flex8_XMOS_1.51_up"
3rd try
    -> rename the file to "miniDSP_Flex2x8_XMOS_1.51_up"
    -> continue without any issues

Like Mikealanlee wrote, AutoMute pops/clicks dissappeared. The signal remains to very low levels (noticable down to below -100dBfs).
So it works fine for me now.

The Flex Eight is perfect for my setup:
PC for Home Theatre
8-channel classD with NC252MP
2x 2-way front CBT-arrays (each with 8 mids and 32 tweeters)
2 front subs (each 2 Aura NS10)
2 back subs (each 16 Peerless 830946 in the corners)
except the unbalanced outputs, which are not an issue so far.

Thank you very much for your quick response and the help!
And thank you for developing and producing this nice device!

Cheers, Timo