TOPIC:

Can I connect SHD studio to 2x4HD using USB?
SHD studio suppose to have USB bidirectional digital out, and if I plug it to 2X4HD would that work?

I want to pass the mono subwoofer channel to 2*4HD that has MSO and 4 subs connected.

Thanks 

I have a "regular" SHD and feed a digital signal (SPDIF outputs 3/4) to a 2x4HD's optical input.  This requires a simple converter -- the one I use can be found here... www.crutchfield.com/p_309XTDIG11/Xantech-XT-DIG-11.html

My setup has 4 subs.  Two are "midbass" units configured in stereo.  Two handle lower frequencies and both receive a mono signal.  The combination of the SHD and 2x4HD provide great flexibility.

One thing I learned is to use two computers when configuring both units.  The respective "plugins" don't play well with each other when both are simultaneously active on a single computer.  Of course, one could use a single computer and connect to one plugin while disconnecting the other plugin.  And if you are doing nothing more than setting up the routing matrices this might be acceptable.  Still, this would soon become very tiring when making measurement sweeps (e.g., REW) to establish phase/delay settings, sub locations, crossover settings, PEQ, etc.

Thank you.

have you also tried to feed the USB directly to 2*4hd? 

It would be best without additional converter .


 

I don't believe it is possible to output signals via USB.  The SHD digital outputs are limited to SPDIF (RCA).  The "regular" version also has analogue outputs via RCA and via XLR.  I see the Studio version also has digital outputs via AES-EBU Balanced XLR.

Concerning use of a converter, it is what it is.  The SHD Studio digital output is via SPDIF (RCA) or AES-EBU-XLR and the 2x4HD digital input is via SPDIF (optical) so a conversion is required.  Initially, I connected via analogue but switched to digital because it is a cleaner look (fewer cables) and eliminates a DAC/ADC process.  Regardless, I hear absolutely no difference in bass performance (analogue vs digital).  Also, the REW measurements are identical.

Finally, this does not involve the main speakers (i.e., outputs 1/2).  Only outputs 3/4 which carry a full frequency range signal from the SHD that is then low-passed via the 2x4HD.  In my case, the low-pass for the mid-bass "subs" is a 4th order Linkwitz-Riley @ 165Hz.  There are no detrimental low-frequency consequences (audible or measurable) from this setup.  It sounds as though you have something similar in mind for your system.

Thanks 
I have just pull the trigger on the SHD regular with analog .
Seems it is more flexible option for my needs.

Cheers

Expect you'll enjoy the SHD.  I purchased mine last November (piggy-backed to the 2x4HD).  I would be lost without these types of products.  My stereo system has never sounded better.

Prior, I tried to be an analogue purist (including a very expensive active analogue crossover).  But I've left that camp for good.

Yeah. SHD has all the elements I need, mainly the crossover and Dirac 


​​​​​​It has streamer built in ( which I am already using Pi4 with Volumio, so the same)

It has Dirac, which I want to use to correct the impluse response.

It has active crossover, which I need to use it to high pass the speakers, and LP to subwoofer.

It has digital output, which I can send the speaker signal to my external DAC( I have a very good one, Topping D90SE)

it also has analog output, which I can send the subwoofer signal to 2*4HD for my 4 subwoofers! (I would try the digital converter too but I don't expect to have any audible difference)

I can also control volume via SHD or control it from my Roon/Spotify. So I have lots of options here.

At the same time, my 2*4HD have another input which can serve my HT LFE input. And I have benchmark LA4 as my preamp so I can switch the speaker to serve HT too.

All sounds perfectly linked now. Glad to have this product I am looking forward to have it!

Thanks


​​​​

Randy0223 wrote:

I don't believe it is possible to output signals via USB.  The SHD digital outputs are limited to SPDIF (RCA).  The "regular" version also has analogue outputs via RCA and via XLR.  I see the Studio version also has digital outputs via AES-EBU Balanced XLR.

Concerning use of a converter, it is what it is.  The SHD Studio digital output is via SPDIF (RCA) or AES-EBU-XLR and the 2x4HD digital input is via SPDIF (optical) so a conversion is required.  Initially, I connected via analogue but switched to digital because it is a cleaner look (fewer cables) and eliminates a DAC/ADC process.  Regardless, I hear absolutely no difference in bass performance (analogue vs digital).  Also, the REW measurements are identical.

Finally, this does not involve the main speakers (i.e., outputs 1/2).  Only outputs 3/4 which carry a full frequency range signal from the SHD that is then low-passed via the 2x4HD.  In my case, the low-pass for the mid-bass "subs" is a 4th order Linkwitz-Riley @ 165Hz.  There are no detrimental low-frequency consequences (audible or measurable) from this setup.  It sounds as though you have something similar in mind for your system.


Hi Randy,
I am going this way, two mains + four subs.
How do you integrate the mains (Shd) in one computer, and the subs (2x4) in another computer. You set the global delay (mains/sub) in the 2x4 plug in. Explain your method please.
Thanks
 

Altsouza:

I'm not 100% sure as to the nature of your question(s).  Regardless, my approach requires configuring both the SHD plugin and the 2x4HD plugin.  I run the SHD plugin from a Mac computer and the 2x4HD from a Windows 7 machine.

• The SHD routing matrix sends the left signal (i.e., "Dirac 1") to Output1 and Output 3.  The right signal goes to outputs 2 and 4.
• Outputs 1/2 are then sent to my active "main" speakers.  I apply a slight delay to outputs 1/2 to align main speaker phase with the midbass subs at and around the crossover point (see 2x4HD sub discussion below).
• Outputs 3/4 are sent to the 2x4HD -- there is no signal processing (i.e., PEQ, Xover, delay) applied to the SHD 3/4 outputs.  All such processing is handled in the 2x4HD.

These MiniDSP products allow for different approaches for integration of 4 subs.  In my case..

• The 2x4HD routing matrix sends the left signal (i.e., "Input1") to outputs 1, 3, and 4.  The right signal goes to outputs 2, 3, and 4. 
• Two "midbase" units are matched to the left and right main speakers.  These midbase units cross over with the mains at 165 Hz (LR 24dB/octave) and are configured as "stereo" (i.e., output1 = left signal and output2 = right signal).
• Two deep base units that are configured with a sum mono signals.  That is, the "left" sub (output3) receives Input1 and Input2 signals and the "right" sub (output4) receives Input1 and Input2 signals.  I apply a -6dB attenuation at the routing matrix to each of the 4 input toggles to prevent clipping of the sumed signals.  These deep base units are crossed with the midbass units at 65 Hz (LR 24dB/octave).  I also apply a delay to these subs to align the phase of the deep base subs with the midbase subs at and around the crossover point.

Beyond this, I make extensive use of REW to measure/time-align.

 

Hi @randy0223,
“Two "midbase" units are matched to the left and right main speakers.  These midbase units cross over with the mains at 165 Hz (LR 24dB/octave) and are configured as "stereo" (i.e., output1 = left signal and output2 = right signal)”
So, the hi pass is set in the SHD, and low pass is set in the 2x4, right?
Very interesting setup!
thanks
 

Alsouza:

Yes.  the 2x4HD in no way interacts with the signal going to the main speakers.  The SHD handles all associated high pass, and delay duties for the main speakers via outputs 1/2.  There is no reason to use the SHD for low pass duties (or any other sub related processing for that matter).  Simply send the full signal via outputs 3/4 to the 2x4HD.  Then do all sub related processing via the 2x4HD. 

My "midbass" units are Rythmik FM8s.  These subs can be low passed at a frequency up to 200 Hz.  Due to room modes, I arrived at a setting of 165 Hz.  The SHD outputs 1/2 are high passed to the main speakers (KEF LS50Ws) at 165 Hz.  The FM8s are low passed at 165 Hz via the 2x4HD outputs 1/2.  To be clear, the phase relationship was close with no delay, but I applied a 1ms delay to the mains (by the SHD) to fine tune things a bit.  To repeat, the FM8s are configured as stereo and placed symmetrically to the L/R LS50Ws.  I experimented a bit with speaker/sub placement to most effectively address modal and speaker-boundary-interferance issues.

My "deep-base" units are Rythmik G25HPS.  These subs are low passed at 65 Hz via the 2x4HD outputs 3/4.  The FM8s are high passed at this same frequency via the 2x4HD outputs 1/2.  The G25HPs are configured as mono and each receive a combined L/R signal.  I attenuate this combined signal at the 2x4HD routing matrix to address clipping.  Finally, a 3ms delay is applied to the G25HPs to align phase with the FM8s at and around the crossover range.  I found the best room locations for the Rythmik G25HPs to be near the side walls (behind the listening position).

Controlling bass response in a typical home room is not easy.  I've installed substantial "bass trapping", use multiple subs, and applied PEQ.  And my room (while not "perfect") is quite good.  Frequency response is basically flat (+/- 3dB) from 15 Hz to 225 Hz.  Modal ringing is (mostly) well controlled down to 30 Hz.  Below 30 Hz the waterfall chart shows decay could be better.  Still, it is much improved from when I started the process.  No doubt, a profession acoustician could improve things further, but I'm pleased with where things stand.

Lacking products like the SHD and the 2x4HD, this would not be possible (or at the very least, much more difficult).

Hi Randy,
The studio is arriving next month. When arrives I will post my experience.
Thanks for the brilliant information.
Antonio