Multiway crossover DSP devices/systems (for active Speakers)

[Ikigai]

I’m using a full active horn speaker, the problem: you need a multi-way crossover with DSP as a preamp with different inputs for analogue and the different digital types.

My question is, which projects/devices can handle this job?

I only know: Trinnov, Accourate, Lyngdorf, miniDSP (not my taste),

Actually I’m using the „old“ Waf Audio DIY project.

Maybe you know some other devices?! Which multi-way DSP do you prefer?

 

[MTB Vince]

DEQX would definitely be a contender if you are going for a DSP based solution.

 

[Robh3606]

I’m using a full active horn speaker, the problem: you need a multi-way crossover with DSP as a preamp with different inputs for analogue and the different digital types.

My question is, which projects/devices can handle this job?

I only know: Trinnov, Accourate, Lyngdorf, miniDSP (not my taste),

Actually I’m using the „old“ Waf Audio DIY project.

Maybe you know some other devices?! Which multi-way DSP do you prefer?

Why don't you look into one of the pro loudspeaker management platforms. They certainly have the flexibility to get the job done. Such as BSS Audio. They use them to run the M2 as an example. Should be more than enough processing power.

Rob

Soundweb London | BSS Networked Audio Systems

Soundweb London represents a truly flexible and scalable system implementing all the major networked audio protocols. Download HiQnet Audio Architect to configure your BSS Soundweb London systems.

bssaudio.com

 

[Mogulman]

You can use Prism Sound multi channel Dacs that allow you to use software( Pure Vinyl) that have AU plug in's to equalize each channel on the Prism Sound Dac.

 

[Ikigai]

DEQX would definitely be a contender if you are going for a DSP based solution.

I didn’t know DEQX before, nice input. Thanks.

 

[Ikigai]

Why don't you look into one of the pro loudspeaker management platforms. They certainly have the flexibility to get the job done. Such as BSS Audio. They use them to run the M2 as an example. Should be more than enough processing power.

Rob

Soundweb London | BSS Networked Audio Systems

Soundweb London represents a truly flexible and scalable system implementing all the major networked audio protocols. Download HiQnet Audio Architect to configure your BSS Soundweb London systems.

bssaudio.com

Because these platforms are often not good for HiFi. For example, I need a remote control for volume, input, on/off, and so on.

 

[Robh3606]

Because these platforms are often not good for HiFi. For example, I need a remote control for volume, input, on/off, and so on.

They can be driven from your preamp/ processor like any other active crossover ao what you are saying doesn't make sense.

Rob

 

[Brucemck2]

The DEQX units are very nice, particularly if you want integrated (digital) preamp functionality. They have three primary functions: (1) speaker driver correction, (2) crossover implementation (including time aligning drivers), and (3) parametric equalization. IME they were superb at the first two and just ok at #3. In the end I did not use #1, but did find the measurement that goes into creating correction filters for #1 very helpful in establishing crossover points and slopes.

 

[Ikigai]

Interesting is, that in Nord America other solutions established than in Europe.
For example, I didn’t knew DEQX before.
best regards,

Florian

 

[bonzo75]

I’m using a full active horn speaker, the problem: you need a multi-way crossover with DSP as a preamp with different inputs for analogue and the different digital types.

My question is, which projects/devices can handle this job?

I only know: Trinnov, Accourate, Lyngdorf, miniDSP (not my taste),

Actually I’m using the „old“ Waf Audio DIY project.

Maybe you know some other devices?! Which multi-way DSP do you prefer?

Never heard one sound good. Stay passive, at least till 100 Hz with horns. For DSP best are cone speakers with subs

 

[Ikigai]

And what’s about time alignment? So my horn driver and Bass driver have a distance of perhaps 55cm.

 

[Brucemck2]

And what’s about time alignment? So my horn driver and Bass driver have a distance of perhaps 55cm.

DEQX units nail time alignment

 

[Brucemck2]

Never heard one sound good. Stay passive, at least till 100 Hz with horns. For DSP best are cone speakers with subs

IME neither active or passive is the “clear winner”. Bad passive is bad, bad active is bad, and good passive or active can be very good. When done ”right” they are more different than they are better/worse - and neither is even remotely easy to “do right”!

 

[bonzo75]

IME neither active or passive is the “clear winner”. Bad passive is bad, bad active is bad, and good passive or active can be very good. When done ”right” they are more different than they are better/worse - and neither is even remotely easy to “do right”!

never heard a good active horn (only bass section below 100 seems to work). Not arguing there aren't badly done passive horns but there are good ones too

 

[Robh3606]

never heard a good active horn (only bass section below 100 seems to work). Not arguing there aren't badly done passive horns but there are good ones too

How were they configured?? I have done analog active with passive CD compensation and it sounded fine. Have never tried a full-up digital DSP compensation but I don't understand why it couldn't sound good?

Rob

 

[Chris-Austria]

I’m using a full active horn speaker, the problem: you need a multi-way crossover with DSP as a preamp with different inputs for analogue and the different digital types.

My question is, which projects/devices can handle this job?

I only know: Trinnov, Accourate, Lyngdorf, miniDSP (not my taste),

Actually I’m using the „old“ Waf Audio DIY project.

Maybe you know some other devices?! Which multi-way DSP do you

Hello HornJunkie,

i use around 20 years DSP crossovers with magnetotatic speaker systems and will give you some information. Hope can help you little bit.

1. STANDALONE dsp-crossover with Master Volumecontrol 2x4 way

I think this new dspNexus from DANVILLE SIGNAL now the best Standalone product on the market.
Price around USD 3.000,-

https://danvillesignal.com/dspnexus-dsp-audio-processor






This crossover using WEAVER AUDO software for programming all the crossover function like delay, high,low,bandpass- filters, etc, etc.
It is a very flexibel modul system, ..with realtime listening control if you change parameters.

Video how WEAVER AUDIO software work and programming

A other option for a good DSP Standalone crossover is maybe this from the Australia company ANALOG pRECISION. I personal not like this company because they are very unriendly to me if i ask some technical questions like, ....What are the real DSP process resolution? ...How many DAC Chips you use for the 8 output channels? ...i also asking critical questions about there technical specification they give on the homepage, etc. They don`t like my questions. But i will show you this product, maybe you like it, because have many analog Input option inkl. phono. I`m not sure how good the product from ANALOG PRECISION really is.

UP2 – Analog-Precision

analog-precision.com

2. DSP CROSOVER using a PC for DSP processing + Windows crossover software + Multichannel Soundcard with master-volume-control

a) You need a fast Audio PC - optimized for Audio for Highend.

b) You install a player software like JRIVER etc. and a good multichannel crossover software on the PC like:

- DEPHONICA (great value for money) https://dephonica.comekio
or
- EKIO http://www.lupisoft.com/ekio/



c) You need a very good 8-cannel USB-DAC with master volume-control like one of this:

- OKTORESEARCH DAC 8 PRO (great value for the money) https://www.oktoresearch.com/dac8pro.htm

Review and measurements OKTO DAC 8 PRO: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...d-measurements-of-okto-dac8-8ch-dac-amp.7064/



or

- EXASOUND E68
https://www.exasound.com/Products/e688-channelDAC.aspx



or

- ACKOLAPS ---- High quality 8-cannel DAC with I2S and USB Input.

DAC

New- AK4499EX or ES9039PRO-based DAC in stereo, mono or multi-channel mode

www.ackolabs.com

......there give much more like from Merging, RME, etc, etc, i show only some with good sounding and with master-volume-control.



3. Windows PC for DSP processing, with 8-channel I2S PCIe digital output card + 4 Stereo R2R DAC boards with I2S Input + master-volume-controls

This option is very nice and very good quality, if you have a little bit electronic DIY know how, ...or you have a friend who help you.

You need this parts:

a) fast good Audio optimized PC ( same like in point 2 )

b) this high quality PINK FAUN PCIe card, with 8 channel I2S digital outputs on 4 HDMI connectors.

pink faun I2S bridge st 8 channel - Triple M Audio Shop Rydzyna

triplemaudio.pl

c) Windows crossover software DEPHONICA or EKIO
(same like in point 2)

- DEPHONICA (great value for money) https://dephonica.comekio
or
- EKIO http://www.lupisoft.com/ekio/


d) 4 pieces of SOEKRIS DAM1021 Stereo R2R DAC boards with I2S Input

Soekris Audio ApS, Products dam1021

Home page for Soekris Audio apS

www.soekris.dk

Info: You can make master-volume-controls for all 4 DAC boards very easy, with using a 4-way 10k potentiometer, ...connect 1-way from the potentiometer with every board. The Audiosignal run NOT over the pot, Potentiometer is only the reference resistor for the digital output volume control on the board.



Use a 4-way Potentiometer 10k without or with motor for remote control.. https://www.aaranis.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=395045




In the next 2 infolinks you can see and find more information about, how to make a volume control with this Soekris R2R DAC board, ....what power supply this board need, etc., etc. ......

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/32911158189.html

Soekris dam1021 Sign Magnitude R-2R DAC | Dimdim's Blog

Soundsample with using this SOEKRIS R2R DAC board only as a bridge for 2x4way active system. Good sounding system from a friend in Bangkok. He use for the high an mid tube amps and digital amps for the low and woofer. Open baffle speaker system for low price, but sound good with active crossover.

Best regards
Chris

PS: I`m not a friend from DEQX. Why? In my opinion the value for money is not the best and you lose to much dynamic with DEQX.
I listening one time system with DEQX. Sorry, i not like.

Add. Picture from my old system with "Fischer Antheus" speakers with 4 inside 12inch Iophon PLS320 subwoofer and FOSTEX Magnetostatic speakers. With 2x4 way active DSP crossover system from TACT AUDIO and a CD-Drive from AUDIOMECA. This system is from 2004.
Now i`m planning to make a new system.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

i wonder what dsp unit is used for the Magico Ultimate? likely they had to solve the same question.

OTOH somehow it never got going so that might tell you something.

 

[Chris-Austria]

Hello hornJunky,

i use around 20 years DSP crossovers with magnetotatic speaker systems and will give you one information, ....hope can help you little bit.

1. STANDALONE dsp-crossover with Master Volumecontrol 2x4 way

I think this new dspNexus from DANVILLE SIGNAL now the best Standalone product on the market.
Price around USD 3.000,-

https://danvillesignal.com/dspnexus-dsp-audio-processor

This crossover using WEAVER AUDO software for programming all the crossover function like delay, high,low,bandpass- filters, etc, etc.
It is a very flexibel model system, ..with realtime listening control if you change parameters.

Here a video hoe Weaver Audio software work:

A other option for a good DSP Standalone crossover + preamp is maybe this one from the Australia company ANALOG pRECISION. I personal not like this company because they talk very unfriendly with me if i ask some technical questions, so i don`t like this company. But i will show you this product as maybe alternative product to DANVILLE SIGNAL.

UP2 – Analog-Precision

analog-precision.com

2. DSP CROSOvER with USING PC + pc software + Mulicannel Soundcard

a) You need a fast Audio PC - optimized for Audio for Highend.

b) You install a player software like JRIVER etc. and a good multichannel crossover software on the PC like:

- DEPHONICA (great value for money) https://dephonica.comekio
or
- EKIO http://www.lupisoft.com/ekio/


c) You need a very good 8-cannel USB-DAC with master volume-control like one of this:

- OKTORESARCH DAC 8 PRO (great value for the money) https://www.oktoresearch.com/dac8pro.htm

Review from this OKTO DAC 8 PRO: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...d-measurements-of-okto-dac8-8ch-dac-amp.7064/

or

- EXASOUND E68
https://www.exasound.com/Products/e688-channelDAC.aspx

or

- ACKOLAPS ---- High quality 8-cannel DAC with I2S and USB Input.

DAC

New- AK4499EX or ES9039PRO-based DAC in stereo, mono or multi-channel mode

www.ackolabs.com

......there give much more like from Merging, RME, etc, etc, i show only some with good sounding and with master-volume-control.



3. USING A PC with 8-channel I2S PCIe card + 4 Stereo DAC with I2S In.

This option is very nice and very good quality, if you have a little bit electronic DIY know how, ...or you have a friend who help you.

You need this parts:

a) fast good Audio optimized PC ( same like in point 2 )

b) this high quality PINK FAUN PCIe card, with 8 channel I2S output.

c) a special crossover software DEPHONICA or EKIO (same like in point 2)

d) 4 pieces of SOEKRIS DAM1021 Stereo R2R DAC boards with I2S Input

Soekris Audio ApS, Products dam1021

Home page for Soekris Audio apS

www.soekris.dk

Info: You can make master-volume-controls for all 4 DAC boards very easy, with using a 4-way 10k potentiometer, ...and connect 1-way with every board. No Audiosignal run over the pot, Poti is only the reference resistor for the digital output volume control of every board.

Potentiometer like this. https://www.aaranis.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=395045

In this 2 info links you can see and find more information about, how to make a volume control with this Soekris R2R DAC board, ....what power supply this board need, etc., etc. ......

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/32911158189.html

Soekris dam1021 Sign Magnitude R-2R DAC | Dimdim's Blog

Soundsample with using this SOEKRIS R"R DAC board only as a bridge for 2x4way active system. Good sounding system from a friend in Bangkok.

PS: I`m not a friend from DEQX. Why? In my opinion the value for money is not the best and you lose to much dynamic with DEQX, ....but i listening only one times DEQX Talking about Audio parts always subjektiv.

Add. Picture from my old system with "Fischer Antheus" speakers with 4 inside 12" Iophon PLS320 subwoofer and FOSTEX Magnetostatic speakers. with a 2x4 way active DSP crossover system from TACT AUDIO and a CD-Drive from AUDIOMECA. This system is from 2004.
Now i`m planning to make a new system.

SHORT VERION !!!

If you prefer STANDALONE DSP CROSSOVER buy this:

https://danvillesignal.com/dspnexus-dsp-audio-processor



If you prefer to use a WINDOWS PC for DSP processing buy this:

https://www.oktoresearch.com/dac8pro.htm

....plus this software: https://dephonica.com


Best regards
Christian

Sorry for my bad english, ....i speak german.

 

[Ikigai]

SHORT VERION !!!

If you prefer STANDALONE DSP CROSSOVER buy this:

https://danvillesignal.com/dspnexus-dsp-audio-processor



If you prefer to use a WINDOWS PC for DSP processing buy this:

https://www.oktoresearch.com/dac8pro.htm

....plus this software: https://dephonica.com


Best regards
Christian

Sorry for my bad english, ....i speak german.

Thanks for you answer, great report and solutions.
One more PC solution is Acourate from AudioVero, from Germany!

best regards,

Florian

 

[Chris-Austria]

Thanks for you answer, great report and solutions.
One more PC solution is Acourate from AudioVero, from Germany!

best regards,

Florian

Yes, you can also using Accurate.