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Summary of Contents for miniDSP DDRC-88A
- Page 1 DDRC-88A CHANNEL UDIO ROCESSOR ® WITH IRAC TECHNOLOGY AND OPTIONAL UPGRADE FOR BASS MANAGEMENT AND CROSSOVER User Manual miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice...
- Page 2 UPPORTED If you are unable to run the above versions of the Windows or macOS operating system, you will need to use the original version of Dirac Live (“Dirac Live 1”) with your DDRC-88A processor. Please refer to the DDRC-88A User Manual Legacy Support version.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Master control..............................18 Configuration/filter set selection ........................18 Dirac Live information ............................19 Start Dirac Live Software ............................ 19 Dirac Live Calibration ..........................20 Using the DDRC-88A Audio Processor ......................21 Configuring source equipment ........................... 21 6.1.1 Level trims ..............................21 6.1.2 Bass management ............................. - Page 4 MCU Firmware update ............................55 9.4.1 Windows ..............................55 9.4.2 Mac OS X..............................57 Activating enhanced/bass management mode ....................59 Troubleshooting ..............................60 Obtaining support ............................. 61 miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice...
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Page 5: Important Information
Warranty Terms miniDSP Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the invoice date. Our warranty does not cover failure of the product due to incorrect connection or installation, improper or undocumented use, unauthorized servicing, modification or alteration of the unit in any way, or any usage outside of that recommended in this manual. - Page 6 CE Mark Statement The DDRC-88A has passed the test performed according to European Standard EN 55022 Class B. A Note on this Manual This User Manual is designed for reading in both print and on the computer. If printing the manual, please print double-sided.
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Page 7: Product Overview
The DDRC-88A is inserted between line-level analog sources and power amplification. In a typical home theater application, line-level signal to the DDRC-88A is produced by an A/V receiver or processor with one or more source devices connected, and the amplification is typically a multichannel power amplifier. A source such as a ‑... - Page 8 Computer connectivity is used to perform acoustic measurements and generate digital room correction filters. Up to four sets of correction filters can be stored on the DDRC-88A processor and recalled from the front panel or via an infrared remote. Once the processor is fully configured, the computer is no longer needed.
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Page 9: Dirac Live
Dirac Live calibration is described in the separate miniDSP Dirac Live User Manual. A UMIK-1 is included in the standard purchase price of the DDRC-88A processor. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... -
Page 10: Hardware Connectivity
NALOG INPUT AND OUTPUT Up to eight channels can be connected to the DDRC-88A. Be sure to take careful note of the channel numbering: On the input side, it is very strongly recommended that all connections be of the same type – i.e. balanced or unbalanced. -
Page 11: Dc Power
To configure the DDRC-88A using the DiracLive application: • Connect the USB port of the DDRC-88A to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the supplied cable. • Connect a miniDSP UMIK-1 to a second USB port on your computer. -
Page 12: Software Installation
3.1 D O YOU NEED A FIRMWARE UPGRADE When you receive your DDRC-88A, check the rear panel. If it has a green label marked “V2.2”, then you do not need to upgrade any firmware prior to proceeding to install the software. -
Page 13: Windows 10
If you purchased your processor directly from miniDSP, your software will be available from the User Downloads section of the miniDSP website when your order ships. To access the download, you will need to be logged into the website with the account you created when purchasing. -
Page 14: 3.2.3 Install The Minidsp Software
We recommend that you accept the default installation settings. Note: the first time you run the DDRC-88A plugin and the DiracLive application, you may see a Windows Firewall warning such as the one below. Ensure that “Private networks...” is checked and “Public networks...” is not checked. -
Page 15: Macos 10.14 Mojave And 10.15 Catalina
If you purchased your processor directly from miniDSP, your software will be available from the User Downloads section of the miniDSP website when your order ships. To access the download, you will need to be logged into the website with the account you created when purchasing. -
Page 16: 3.3.3 Install The Minidsp Software
We recommend that you accept the default installation settings. To run the plugin, locate it in the Applications -> miniDSP folder and double-click on it. To make it easier to run in future, right-click on its dock icon and select Options -> Keep in Dock. -
Page 17: The Ddrc-88Bm Plugin
See Section 8, Enhanced/Bass Management Mode for further information on this functionality. If you purchase a DDRC-88A in basic mode and later upgrade to enhanced/bass management mode, you will need to perform the upgrade procedure described on page 59. -
Page 18: Master Control
The DDRC-88BM plugin can communicate with the processor using either USB or over the network. For USB communication, connect the DDRC-88A to a USB 2.0 port on your computer. Then click on the Connect button: If you are running the plugin in enhanced/bass management mode, a dialog box with additional connection options may appear. -
Page 19: Dirac Live Information
DiracLive and run the plugin to view Dirac Live delay and gain settings and real-time levels. This tab displays the gains and delays of the Dirac Live filters loaded into the DDRC-88A. (The plugin must be online to display them.) These gains and delays were calculated by DiracLive during its Optimize phase and cannot be changed by the user –... -
Page 20: Dirac Live Calibration
IRAC ALIBRATION Dirac Live calibration with the miniDSP DDRC-88A is described in the separate miniDSP Dirac Live User Manual. It can be downloaded from the DDRC-88A product page on our website. Be sure to start the DiracLive application from within the DDRC-88BM plugin using the Start Dirac Live Software button. -
Page 21: Using The Ddrc-88A Audio Processor
6.1.5 Other processing Any other processing can be applied in the same manner as you did prior to deploying the DDRC-88A in your system. In a home theater context, this includes down-mixing (for example from 7.1 to 5.1), up-mixing (including decoders such as Dolby Pro Logic), and “effects”... -
Page 22: Front Panel
Indicates the currently selected filter set (1 through 4). 6.2.2 Front panel controls The DDRC-88A audio processor uses a minimalist physical control design with a single control knob. To change the volume Rotate the control knob clockwise to increase the volume, and counter-clockwise to decrease it. -
Page 23: Infrared Remote Control
Dirac Live processing on and. 6.3.1 miniDSP remote By default, the DDRC-88A recognizes commands from the optional miniDSP remote: Source Has no effect with the DDRC-88A. 1, 2, 3, 4 Switches to the selected preset. -
Page 24: Programming A Third-Party Remote
6.3.3 Programming a third-party remote Alternatively, the DDRC-88A can “learn” the control codes of your current remote if it supports one of the following remote control codes: • • Sony • Philips RC6 To initiate the learning process, run the DDRC-88BM plugin and click Connect. Drop down the IR Remote menu and select IR learning. -
Page 25: Gain Structure
It may also have an additional 10 dB gain on the LFE channel. The DDRC-88A has a master volume control and an internal trim control (not visible to the user). In addition, there are per-channel settings for input sensitivity and output gain. -
Page 26: Choosing Gain Structure Settings
The best choice of input sensitivity and output gain settings can be determined in two ways: by the output level of the source and the input sensitivity of the amplifier, or by the resulting input-output gain of the DDRC-88A. We suggest initially using Figure 6.2 as follows: Knowing the maximum output level of your source equipment, run a line across to either Unbalanced input or Balanced input. - Page 27 Balanced input Gain values are simplified to give exact multiples of 6dB. Figure 6.3. Input-output gain determined by connection type and gain structure settings miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice...
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Page 28: To Change Input Sensitivity
A set of eight DIP switches located on the main circuit board select the output gain of each channel. The switches can be set independently for each channel, and affect output gain for both the balanced and unbalanced output connections to that channel. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... -
Page 29: Optimizing Gain Structure
7. Power off the power amplifiers and the DDRC-88A, and make the changes. 8. Power on the DDRC-88A and the power amplifiers, restart the DiracLive application, and re-run the levels check on the Volume Calibration tab. -
Page 30: To Increase Output Gain
Some amplifiers have half the sensitivity on the balanced inputs, in which case this connection change will have no useful effect. Please check the specifications of your amplifier. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... -
Page 31: Enhanced/Bass Management Mode
These tabs correspond to the sections of the signal flow diagram described on the next page. In the main part of the screen is the display for each of the tabs. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com... -
Page 32: Signal Flow
Once the DDRC-88A has been configured, the plugin is no longer required, as source and preset selection can be done with the front panel or a remote control (see pages 22 and 23). If desired, however, the user interface can remain online during use for real-time (“live”) adjustment of the settings. -
Page 33: Plugin Design/Configuration Guide
If using an external test signal to accurately set up bass management, this must be done after Dirac Live calibration, and on the same preset. In summary, the best general approach to configuring the DDRC-88A with the enhanced/bass management functionality is as follows: 1. -
Page 34: Connecting And Configurations
The DDRC-88BM plugin can communicate with the processor using either USB or over the network. For USB communication, connect the DDRC-88A to a USB 2.0 port on your computer. Then click on the Connect button: For networked communication with the processor, a miniDSP... -
Page 35: More About Configurations
DDRC-88BM be saved to a file, to ensure that the data is not lost if the DDRC-88A is inadvertently reset. A configuration file stores all of the DDRC-88BM audio processing parameters except for the master volume setting. -
Page 36: Relationship With Dirac Live
If the plugin is online, the new configuration data will be downloaded to the DDRC-88A immediately. If the plugin is offline, the data will be loaded into the user interface only, and will be downloaded to the DDRC-88A the next time it is synchronized. -
Page 37: Signal Processing Tabs
40 Hz, let alone 20 Hz. The solution is bass management, where low frequencies are filtered out from the speaker channels and sent to the subwoofer instead. This is the LFE Mgt screen: miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... - Page 38 The HPF blocks are used to create matching high pass filters for each channel. The high-pass filtered signals are passed through to the Routing tab. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice...
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Page 39: Routing
This tab mixes the eight signals from the Dirac Live processing and routes them to the individual output channels. The input channels are labeled along the left and the output channels are labeled along the top. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com... - Page 40 The gain of the signal being mixed can be adjusted at each crosspoint to a value between -72 and +12 dB. Note: To rename an output channel, use the Outputs tab. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice...
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Page 41: Outputs
The meters can also be used during normal operation to monitor for or to help locate level or gain structure problems. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com... -
Page 42: Parametric Eq
For the PEAK and SUB_EQ filter types, this is the gain in dB at the center frequency. For the HIGH_SHELF and LOW_SHELF filter types, this is the gain in dB reached at high or low frequencies respectively. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... - Page 43 Other filter types can be created by switching to Advanced mode. In this mode, the coefficients of each filter “biquad“ are entered individually. The coefficients will need to be calculated by a filter design program. A useful spreadsheet for a number of filter types is available on the miniDSP.com website – see the application note Advanced Biquad Programming.
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Page 44: Crossover Settings
Available in 12, 24, and 48 dB/octave, Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters are 6 dB down at the cutoff frequency. Bessel Available in 12 dB/octave only, a Bessel filter gives a more gradual roll off through the crossover region. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... -
Page 45: Time Delay
For other types of filter and filter slopes, use Advanced mode. This mode allows you to enter the coefficients of eight biquads directly into the interface. The coefficients will need to be calculated by a filter design program. A useful spreadsheet for a number of filter types is available on the miniDSP.com website – see the application note Advanced Biquad programming. -
Page 46: Additional Information
9.1.3 RCA adapters In certain special cases, it can be helpful to connect a balanced input or output of the DDRC-88A to an unbalanced (RCA) connection on the source or power amplifier. The connection scheme is shown below. Note that the cable shield must be connected to the ‘−’ terminal on the DDRC-88A input, whereas on the output side, the ‘−’... -
Page 47: Specifications
Controls master volume, mute, filter set selection, Dirac Live® filtering enable Power supply 12 VDC single supply Dimensions (H x W x D) 41.5 x 429 x 252 mm; 1RU height miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice... -
Page 48: Main I/Oboard Firmware Update
BOARD FIRMWARE UPDATE The procedure described in this section is a necessary update for all DDRC-88A units loaded with main board firmware less than Version 2.2. All currently shipping units are loaded with Version 2.2, and are marked with a green label “V2.2”... - Page 49 Do not force the connector. If it does not slide on with a small amount of pressure, you have not positioned the connector correctly and will damage it if you try to force it on. miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com...
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Page 50: Update The Main I/O Board Firmware - Windows
Update the main I/O board firmware - WIndows 1. Apply power to the DDRC-88A and connect the rear panel USB port to your computer with a USB cable. 2. Navigate to the Plugins folder of the software download and then to the Windows folder. - Page 51 When the completion message below displays, click on OK and then quit the program. Click on the About button to confirm the new firmware version. You can now uninstall the MiniDSP-8x8-IO program, as it is no longer needed. Use the Uninstall feature of the Windows Control Panel.
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Page 52: Update The Main I/O Board Firmware - Mac
Update the main I/O board firmware - Mac 1. Apply power to the DDRC-88A and connect the rear panel USB port to your computer with a USB cable. 2. Navigate to the Plugins folder of the software download and then to the Mac folder. - Page 53 After the status indicates that the verify has completed successfully, click on the Reset Device button, and then quit the upgrade utility. g. Return to the MiniDSP-8x8-IO utility. (If there is a dialog informing "Connection to DSP closed," click on OK.) Click on the Connect button. It will change to a green tick.
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Page 54: Restore The Connectors And Close Up
9.3.4 Restore the connectors and close up 1. Remove power from the DDRC-88A. 2. Grasp the body of the five-pin connector and pull it straight up. Do not pull on the wires. 3. Reposition the connector as shown in the photographs below, and push it onto the five-pin header until it has seated properly. -
Page 55: Mcu Firmware Update
Downloads section of the miniDSP website. Then follow the instructions below for your platform. This procedure must also be performed when first using the DDRC-88BM plugin with a DDRC-88A that does not have a green label indicating “V2.2” or later. This applies to both basic mode and enhanced/bass management mode. - Page 56 10. Return to the DDRC-88BM plugin. (If there is a dialog informing "Connection to DSP closed," click on OK.) Click on the Connect button. 11. You may see the following dialog. This can occur if you upgraded from an earlier DDRC-88A unit without bass management. (If this does not appear, skip the next step.) 12.
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Page 57: Mac Os X
If your unit does require a firmware upgrade, a warning dialog will pop up. Click OK: The DDRC-88A will be put into boot loader mode and the miniDSP bootloader program will start. The status area should display “Device attached” and then “Device Ready.”... - Page 58 10. Return to the DDRC-88BM plugin. (If there is a dialog informing "Connection to DSP closed," click on OK.) Click on the Connect button. 11. You may see the following dialog. This can occur if you upgraded from an earlier DDRC-88A unit without bass management. (If this does not appear, skip the next step.) 12.
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Page 59: Activating Enhanced/Bass Management Mode
BASS MANAGEMENT MODE The following procedure converts a DDRC-88A from basic mode to enhanced/bass management mode. It only needs to be applied to a DDRC-88A that was purchased in basic mode, after later purchasing the plugin upgrade from the miniDSP website: •... -
Page 60: Troubleshooting
9.6 T ROUBLESHOOTING The following table lists the most common causes of issues with the DDRC-88A. If following this table does not provide a solution, see Obtaining Support. Confirm that you downloaded and installed the required frameworks Cannot install first (see Software Installation). -
Page 61: Obtaining Support
9.7 O BTAINING SUPPORT 1. Check the forums on miniDSP.com to see if this issue has already been raised and a solution or solutions provided. 2. Contact miniDSP via the support portal at support.minidsp.com with: a. The product information obtained from DDRC-88BM plugin (Help -> About...) and the DiracLive application.
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