TOPIC: DRC-88 All Digital I/O

What are options to make the DDRC88 all digital AES I/O?

Is this based on standard MiniDSP modules and can the user modify it with MiniDigi or DIY cards to make it digital I/O?

I would buy the standard DDRC88 and do the mods myself.

Hello Adelle,

I'm afraid that we don't have much solutions here. The DDRC-88 is only in an analog version as is and it's indeed based on the standard miniSHARC hardware but it's running a custom firmware obviously..

Knowing the stringent contracts of Dirac live products (i.e. royalty/branding requirements/tested product to be shipped & approved by Dirac), I'm afraid that we can't provide SHARC only boards for Dirac based solutions..

DevTeam

Just hear me out. I'm not looking for just Dirac software to load into raw Minisharc boards.

I will buy a full DRC88. I will also buy four MiniDigi boards. The output should be easy, that is simply attach the I2S outputs to the MiniDigi boards. That gives me 4stereo SPDIF outputs.

Now if I attach the MiniDigi SPDIF outputs to the I2S inputs on the 8x8 can the 8x8 be switched over to taking input from the I2S port instead of the on board ADC chip?

If not, can I remove the ADC chip and tack in the MiniDigi I2S output there?

I am fully qualified to do this work and of course, the warranty is void. I have a full SMD rework station at home. I build my own SMD boards, in fact I built my own 4xAES output module for my MiniSharcs.

Can this be done in your opinion?

Hello Adelle,

Yes, we do understand your setup and are just replying as per our signed contractual agreements and our knowledge on Dirac licensing. i.e. any product with Dirac must be tested by Dirac team back at headquarter.. In your post, you're asking us to say things, we're not entitled to say and know for a fact we can't publicize.
As much as we love your setup, I'm afraid that there isn't much we can say here but if you are a DIYer as you mention, there are always options..

DevTeam

Well I understand the legality of licensee agreements.

I just think it's silly they would forbid you to discuss adding SPDIF I/O to the product. I still have to buy a licensed product. It's not that the SPDIF mod would enable anybody to extract license free copies of the Dirca app

Adelle,

That's life.. Any product running Dirac needs to go to Dirac HQ to receive the stamp of approval that they operate as per their standards. That's kind of the reason why the DIY route and you asking us to document how you can turn a DDRC-88 into a DIY product isnt' something we can do. It's not unique though, if you were to call Onkyo and ask them how you can solder I2S lines directly to the DSP chip to build your own Dolby processor, you'd get a similar stance with regards to Dolby agreements (similar, need to get through dolby cert) .

DevTeam

DevTeam