TOPIC:

Hi, My set-up consists of:

macmini HDMI -> nanoAVR HDA -> 8 analog outs ->6 channel power amp
-> HDA HDMI out -> 3D LUT video processor -> video projector

It is important to notice in the beginning that according to the manual nanoAVR HDA is supposed to output the same audio signal simultaneously to HDMI and analog RCA. That is why I bought a HDA version instead of HD with HDMI out only.

Macmini used in both Windows 10 and latest Mac OS

Unitil now I have been using it in stereo and the setup was working fine. However the reason to buy 8 channels nanoavr HDA unit was always to build a system with multi subwoofers. In future I want to have a 4.4 setup with FR, FR, RL, RR and 4 subs. But for now I have finally included 3 subwoofers to existing stereo and problems appeared. It looks like minidsp doesnt output sound for more channels than two (out 1&2). The system can see all 8 channels, it simply doesnt send any signal. I can configure all the channels for 7.1 in OS (but I can hear test sounds for LF&RF only and no other). I can configure minidsp for bass mtg, routing etc. No problem, it looks ok on the screen but no surround sound. I can configure REW 5.15 beta 9 with asio4all and UMIK-1 mic but I can measure out1 and out2 only. It crashes when I try to output any more channels than just 1 or 2.

I switched from Windows 10 to MacOS, installed REW, and minidsp BM plugin, configured 7.1 sound and everything was the same. Stereo only. I checked the Soundflower and Aggregiated Devices as recommended. Again, no multichannel.

I have installed the newest video and audio drivers from Intel for Intel HD 4000. No change.

I have installed the newest firmware for nanoAVR. No change.

I have tried 2.1 setup with stereo and one sub only. No sound for the sub.
I have tried to use Dirac Live Full (8 channels). It outputs stereo signal only, no sub signal in 2.1 option, no signal for other channels in 7.1 option, although it can recognize all 8 channels.

It looks to me like there is a problem in communication between HTPC HDMI and minidsp nanoAVR HDA. I repeat, I do not use any AVR. I use analog outs for sound and HDMI out for video only.

What can be done to make it work, i.e. output sound from HTPC to stereo and 3 extra subwoofer channels without the neccessity to plug it in an AVR?

I bought a little device called Gefen Detecitive Plus last week. It copies EDID data from a device of your choice and maintains it even though the original signal is not present. Although I bought it for dealing with video resolution issues it seems to me that this device might trick HTPC into thinking it is connected to an AVR. That way I would be able to send signal to other channels (full 7.1 output), would not I? It is still on the way to me so I can not comment on that.

HDTVs use EDID - Extended Display Identification Data - to ensure that a connected HDMI source sends compatible audio and video signals. In certain situations this data can be lost resulting in an incorrect signal, or even a complete loss of audio and/or video. The HDMI Detective Plus solves this problem by ensuring that the HDMI source receives a correct EDID signal at all times.

I am a big believer in using the process of elimination. To me, the question is whether the problem is with the HTPC, or the NanoAVR. To determine this, I would hook up a DVD or Blu-Ray player, pop in a 5.1 disk, and see if this results in sound going to other speakers. Most players have 5.1 analog outputs. I assume you have other speakers than just the left, right and the three subs, correct?

dziemian wrote:

What can be done to make it work, i.e. output sound from HTPC to stereo and 3 extra subwoofer channels without the neccessity to plug it in an AVR?

You say you can get stereo into the nanoAVR. So if what you describe above is what you are trying to do, then the connetion between the HTPC and the nanoAVR makes no difference. If you are not getting output for the subs, perhaps you don't have the plugin configured correctly? If you post your config file and/or some screenshots that would probably be helpful.

Unfortunately I dont have any surround speakers apart from three subs at the moment. However when I perform routing in minidsp of LF and RF to either sub channel or all of them (or LTE channel with bass mtg) there is no other sound than stereo again. Minidsp BM plugin shows that all channels are playing. Yet, at the amplifier side there are only two channel engaged (LF&RF) i.e only two LEDs are blinking and no sub's movement. Check the photos from the links.

www.dropbox.com/s/9dvcphii46p87zv/minidsp_signal_out.jpg?dl=0
www.dropbox.com/s/yr18znh5f8t5q61/Cinepro_stereo_only.jpg?dl=0

This test was done with a CD played from Playstation with full surround option available.

So it looks like the problem is on MInidsp side not outputing anything more than stereo.

The output levels on channels 3 to 6 are only -52 dB. So the lights are probably not on because the level is not high enough to trigger them.

As a simple test, reset the plugin and then configure the routing so that just one input goes to the left channel output. [Edit] Disconnect all outputs from the nanoAVR except channel 1.

Then route to channel 2, AND move the connector for the amplifier channel 1 to output 2.

Repeat for channels 3 to 6.

That will demonstrate that the nanoAVR is producing signal on all output channels. (Or not, which is unlikely).

Once you are satisfied that the nanoAVR output channels actually work, you can proceed to find out the real cause of the problem.

Thank you AustinJerry and john.reekie for a basic tip to check all the chain. I should have done it in the first place. Checking device by device I realised that it was actually the amplifier not outputing any signals in remaining channels. For a moment I thought it was broken but then I reminded myself that I had disconnected channels a two years ago. I completly forgot about that. To sum up everything is working.