TOPIC:

miniDSP recommends updating the firmware to the latest version prior to setting up the Dirac license.  I've requested the download for the Dirac license but I don't see any firmware/utility downloads for the Dirac series products.  Do I also need to request the firmware/utility download ?  If so, seems odd given there is no cost or license associated with the firmware.  This is my first miniDSP product and I just purchased the DDRC-22D used from eBay.
I am looking here and then, after clicking on the "DDRC-24 Software" link, there are no download files. 

There is no 'Dirac licence' as such. You download Dirac Live from their own website, and when you launch this from within the miniDSP plugin the device itself acts as the 'key' to allow you to use it.

You have all you need already by the looks of it, since you have access to the downloads for your device. Follow the steps in the manual and all should be good  .

What you are suggesting would seem to make sense for a new purchase direct from miniDSP, but I have purchased a used device from eBay.

I was following instructions for used devices purchased by new owners which suggest that I need to get authorization from miniDSP first and then they will provide the necessary downloads to my user folder.  There are no downloadable files in my folder and I was hoping to make sure I have the latest firmware before activating Dirac.  I have already downloaded Dirac on my PC, but I guess I can give it a try.  Where do I find the miniDSP plug-in ?

Here is what I was using for instructions:
 

stash64 wrote:

What you are suggesting would seem to make sense for a new purchase direct from miniDSP, but I have purchased a used device from eBay.

I was following instructions for used devices purchased by new owners which suggest that I need to get authorization from miniDSP first and then they will provide the necessary downloads to my user folder.  There are no downloadable files in my folder and I was hoping to make sure I have the latest firmware before activating Dirac.  I have already downloaded Dirac on my PC, but I guess I can give it a try.  Where do I find the miniDSP plug-in ?

Here is what I was using for instructions:
 

I think you may be at Step 3, in which case my answer applies. What happens if you click on the Dirac Series text in the user downloads section for you? That's how you get to the downloads that you need.

Edit: the firmware and the plugin are both in this same place. You don't need to request anything additional.

Yeah... I am at step 3 but I thought I might be able to update the firmware without having to wait for a response from miniDSP.  I think I need that plug-in download you mentioned.

There is nothing at all under any of the folders.  I checked several unrelated folders and all are empty.  I think I may understand now how it works.  These really are "user" folders and are completely empty when initially setting up an account.  If purchasing direct from miniDSP, they will add the appropriate files/downloads to the pertinent folders and these downloads will be available before the device is received.  And when purchasing used devices, it is necessary to contact miniDSP with the device and serial number in order to get the required files.  I think I am dead in the water until miniDSP does their thing, hopefully Monday.

Thanks for your help and the tip on the plug-in.

stash64 wrote:

Yeah... I am at step 3 but I thought I might be able to update the firmware without having to wait for a response from miniDSP.  I think I need that plug-in download you mentioned.

There is nothing at all under any of the folders.  I checked several unrelated folders and all are empty.  I think I may understand now how it works.  These really are "user" folders and are completely empty when initially setting up an account.  If purchasing direct from miniDSP, they will add the appropriate files/downloads to the pertinent folders and these downloads will be available before the device is received.  And when purchasing used devices, it is necessary to contact miniDSP with the device and serial number in order to get the required files.  I think I am dead in the water until miniDSP does their thing, hopefully Monday.

Thanks for your help and the tip on the plug-in.

OK, you're part way through Step 2 rather than Step 3. Once miniDSP support has granted you the access you need you'll be able to access all you need via the user downloads section. I'd actually say the way miniDSP do this is really straightforward, making it simple to buy and use second hand devices as you have.