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miniDSP Flex DL User Manual

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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Table of Contents miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live) Product Overview The Flex family Dirac Live room correction Typical applications Software Installation System requirements Windows macOS Download the miniDSP software Install the miniDSP software...
  • Page 2 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Flex/Balanced Flex/Digital Playing Audio Connecting sources Connecting an ampli er and speakers Bluetooth audio About USB Audio macOS Windows 11 ASIO Remote control Using the miniDSP remote Using a third-party programmable remote...
  • Page 3 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Current RMS level, level meter DSP Reference Parametric EQ Overview Editing lters Disabling individual lters Filter mode Basic mode Frequency Gain Filter type Jumping between channels Linking channels Reset to default...
  • Page 4 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Dirac Live Dirac Live overview Connections for Dirac Live calibration Loudspeaker and microphone positioning Before you proceed Download your microphone calibration les Check your preset Windows UMIK-1 plugged in Check that UMIK-1 is set as the default recording device Dirac Live has access to the microphone...
  • Page 5 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Viewing and redoing measurements Filter design The Filter Design screen Frequency response display Adjusting the target curve Range curtains Groups Zooming in on the graph Display controls Editing with control points...
  • Page 6 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The miniDSP processor is not detected Trouble-shooting audio issues No sound during volume calibration No sound during playback Strange soundstage Distortion Obtaining support https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 6/121...

  • Page 7: Minidsp Flex (With Dirac Live)

    After stereo Dirac Live correction, the audio signal is routed to the four output channels for processing such as parametric EQ and crossovers. The Flex family There are several versions of the 2-in 4-out miniDSP Flex with different I/O con gurations. Refer to the Flex product page (https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/ ex) for the complete list.

  • Page 8: Dirac Live Room Correction

    DACs, or to capture an analog source into a digital system. Dirac Live room correction The miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live) executes stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live® digital room correction, from Dirac Research (https://www.dirac.com/) . Dirac Live's mixed-phase ltering technology will improve the imaging of your system, minimize the effects of room modes and resonances, and improve dynamics and clarity.

  • Page 9: Typical Applications

    Typical applications The miniDSP Flex (DL) has a wide range of applications in home and professional audio. This section illustrates a few of them. Figure 1 shows the miniDSP Flex (DL) used as a digital preamp with subwoofer integration and stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction.
  • Page 10 (two-channel) Dirac Live room correction Figure 2 illustrates a similar use of the miniDSP Flex (DL) as a digital preamp, but the output channels have instead been con gured to act as crossover for a pair of active 2-way speakers. Ampli cation can be via a multichannel power ampli er as shown, or a pair of stereo ampli ers.
  • Page 11 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Digital sources USB audio Turntable Phono preamp Computer miniDSP Flex Preset 3 Analog Multichannel power amplifier Left speaker Right speaker Figure 2. miniDSP Flex (DL) as preamp and active crossover and stereo (two- channel) Dirac Live room correction https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 11/121...

  • Page 12: Software Installation

    If you purchased your Flex from a miniDSP dealer, you will receive a coupon together with the product. Redeem this coupon at this page: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...

  • Page 13: Install The Minidsp Software

    2. Drag the miniDSP Device Console application icon to your Applications folder. 3. To run the miniDSP Device Console, locate it in the Applications 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 14 If the UAC2 driver is not installed, Device Console will offer to install it. If you have previously installed the miniDSP UAC2 driver but it is not up to date, Device Console will offer to install the latest version. In either case, click PROCEED.

  • Page 15: Download And Install Dirac Live

    Info The most recent miniDSP processors require the UAC2 driver to be at least version 5.40. If you have di culty with the UAC2 driver or control panel, use Check USB Audio Driver to make sure that you have the latest version.

  • Page 16: The Minidsp Device Console

    For network control, the miniDSP Flex (DL) requires that a miniDSP Wi-DG be connected to its USB port. Note that network control is for miniDSP Device Console only – Dirac Live calibration can not be performed over the network. If your device is connected to a Wi-DG but is not visible here, con rm that you have updated the rmware on your Wi-DG to the latest version.
  • Page 17 Model Conversion Convert To Flex If this is the rst time you have used Device Console with your miniDSP Flex (DL), Device Console will check for an existing preset that was created with the older DDRC-24 "plugin" user interface. If found, Device Console will automatically import it. This is done on a preset-by-preset basis.

  • Page 18: Using Template Devices

    3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Using template devices The Template Devices screen displays the complete list of devices supported by Device Console. This can be used to explore features of a processor that you do not have, or to edit your processor settings when you are not able to connect to it.

  • Page 19: Settings

    Info You will see a similar dialog if you edit the settings of your device using a different computer or the older "plugin" user interface (the latter is not recommended once you have migrated to the miniDSP Device Console). Info If you have more than one device of the same type, only one of them can be edited using the template device. If you have more than one device of the same type or need to edit your devices from more than one computer, you will need to manage your presets by exporting them to and importing them from les.

  • Page 20: Using Dirac Live

    (Windows or macOS). If you choose the System option, you may need to quit Device Console and restart it for the change to take effect. The Check USB Audio Driver feature checks if you have the miniDSP UAC2 audio driver installed, and that it is the latest version. It appears on Windows only. See Installation for more information.

  • Page 21: Input Sources

    3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Info Be sure to start the Dirac Live application from within the Device Console using the START CALIBRATION button. If you open the Dirac Live application by itself, it will not be able to detect the Flex.

  • Page 22: Selecting A Preset

    To import a preset from a le, click the IMPORT button, then navigate to a saved preset le and click Open. The preset will be loaded from the le. If Device Console is currently connected to the miniDSP Flex (DL), the preset will also be sent to the Flex.

  • Page 23: Resetting

    Display Versions Refresh DSP Firmware Refresh XMOS Firmware You do not need to use these buttons in normal operation. They are there in case your Flex has issues and/or miniDSP Support instructs you to refresh the rmware. Convert to Flex To convert to the standard version (without Dirac Live), click on Convert to Flex.
  • Page 24 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Model Conversion Convert To Flex The miniDSP Flex (DL) presets will not be converted to the Flex. When reconnecting, you can choose to either restore all presets to their default values or to use existing Flex presets. Conversion to Flex Apply configurations to Flex Restore-All to Default / Use existing Flex configurations.

  • Page 25: Basic Operation

    3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Basic Operation https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 25/121...

  • Page 26: Front And Rear Panels

    Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Front and rear panels Basic operation The front panel and rotary encoder provide access to the key features of the miniDSP Flex (DL). These can also be accessed with a remote control. Preset 3 Analog To change the volume, rotate the encoder.

  • Page 27: Rear Panel Connnections

    To take it out of standby, press the encoder knob. All these operations can also be performed with the remote control. Rear panel connnections Warning Apply power to the miniDSP Flex (DL) only after all input and output connections have been made. All versions SPDIF DSP.
  • Page 28 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) . Coax digital input. Connect a digital source using an RCA cable. Sample rates from 32 up to 216 kHz are supported. 7. Reset button. For use in speci c circumstances only. See the Trouble-shooting and Support section.
  • Page 29 -- output channels 1 and 2, or output channels 3 and 4. The TOSLINK and SPDIF outputs for each pair of channels carry the same signal and are both active at the same time. The sample rate on the digital outputs is 48 kHz (miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live)). https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 30 Connecting an ampli er and speakers The diagram below illustrates a basic connection of a stereo ampli er and a pair of speakers to the miniDSP Flex (DL). Since the default settings of the Flex route the input channels to output channels 1 and 2 with no crossovers active, you can make this connection for initial testing and listening.

  • Page 31: Minidsp Flex

    Connecting a stereo ampli er and speakers to the miniDSP Flex (DL) Of course, more complex connections are possible using the additional outputs. In that case, the internal processing will need to be set up using the miniDSP Device Console. Refer to the Signal Flow and DSP Reference sections for details.
  • Page 32 To put the miniDSP Flex (DL) into pairing mode: 1. Press the encoder button on the miniDSP Flex (DL) twice and rotate it until the display shows "Bluetooth." 2. Press and hold the encoder and the display will change to "BTPairing." The miniDSP Flex (DL) is now in pairing mode.
  • Page 33 About USB Audio The miniDSP Flex (DL) accepts stereo PCM audio at sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz over USB. The same USB connector is used for playing USB Audio as well as for con guration and Dirac Live calibration.
  • Page 34 The miniDSP Flex (DL) is USB Audio compliant, so no drivers need to be installed to play audio on macOS. Open Audio MIDI Setup (in Applications->Utilities) and click on its name in the list on the left-hand side. miniDSP Flex (DL)
  • Page 35 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) miniDSP Flex 8 DL miniDSP Flex (DL) Default audio device To set the miniDSP Flex (DL) as the default audio output device, right-click and select "Use this device for sound output": miniDSP Flex (DL) miniDSP Flex (DL) https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 36 Note: to play USB audio from Windows, the miniDSP UAC2 driver package must be installed rst. Default audio device To set the miniDSP Flex (DL) as the default audio output device, open the Settings app and navigate to the System -> Sound page. Select the Flex with the radio button: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 37 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) DDRC 2x4n Set sample rate To change the bit depth and sample rate, click on the rightward angle symbol >. Click the selector next to Format to pop up the sample rate menu. Sample rates up to 192 kHz can be selected: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 38 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) DDRC 2x4n USB Audio from Flex to computer The miniDSP Flex (DL) sends its four output channels to the computer over USB. These can be used to monitor or record the output channels after DSP processing: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 39 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) DDRC 2x4n To avoid Windows resampling the outputs from the Flex, set the sample rate here to the DSP's internal sample rate: 48 kHz. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 39/121...
  • Page 40 (https://www.minidsp.com/applications/advanced-tools/analog-recording-with-minidsp-adc) on our website. ASIO If your audio application supports ASIO® audio drivers, we recommend selecting the miniDSP ASIO Driver in its settings. This typically allows the application to automatically change sample rate. For example, in JRiver Media Center: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 41 The current settings of the miniDSP Flex (DL) can be viewed by opening the miniDSP UAC2 Control Panel from the Windows Start menu (under the miniDSP Ltd folder). This control panel allows you to view current settings. In addition, it can be used to set buffer size, although we recommend that you leave this setting at the default. If you are having an issue with inadequate output volume over USB playback, check the Volume tab.
  • Page 42 Switch to the selected preset. It will take a few seconds for the preset selection to complete while the processor loads the new lters from its ash memory into the DSP. Using a third-party programmable remote A third-party programmable remote can be used with the miniDSP Flex (DL). Use the remote codes listed below. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 42/121...
  • Page 43 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Code Function 35 CA 0E F1 Next Input Source 35 CA 01 FE Preset 1 35 CA 02 FD Preset 2 35 CA 05 FA Preset 3 35 CA 00 FF...
  • Page 44 Harmony database. In addition, you can set up buttons for direct input source selection (instead of cycling through input sources). The procedure is as described in the application note linked below, except that you should select "minidsp ex" as the device instead of "shd".
  • Page 45 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Note that currently the miniDSP Control App cannot be used over the Bluetooth connection. It will work only if a Wi-DG is connected to the USB port of the miniDSP Flex (DL).
  • Page 46 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Signal Flow https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 46/121...
  • Page 47 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Signal ow The diagram below is a simpli ed representation of the signal ow through the miniDSP Flex (with Dirac Live): Configured by: Dirac Live app miniDSP Device Console INPUTS DIRAC LIVE...
  • Page 48 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Input Channels Channel label Dirac 1 RMS-Meter Current (dBFS) RMS level -14.0 Level meter Dirac Live delay Dirac Dirac Live gain Delay: 0.00 Gain: -1.3 Channel label Each input channel has a customizable label displayed at the top of the channel strip. This label also appears on the routing matrix.
  • Page 49 INPUT 2 In addition to routing, the miniDSP Flex (DL) supports mixing, where input channels can be mixed at different levels to a single output channel. The complete set of routing controls along the top of the output channel strips is therefore also called the "matrix mixer."...
  • Page 50 The diagram below shows the connections for a stereo pair of speakers plus a single subwoofer. This is the simplest type of active system, so is a good introduction to the advanced features of the miniDSP Flex (DL). It is also known as a "2.1"...
  • Page 51 Input sources Processor Powered Subwoofer No connection (or use for a second subwoofer) Typical connections for subwoofer integration with the miniDSP Flex (DL) The routing for this system is: Left Out Right Out Subwoofer Unused Left In Left In Left In...
  • Page 52 Input sources Processor Right woofer Right tweeter Protection capacitor Typical connections for a two-way active speaker using the miniDSP Flex (DL) The routing for this system is: Left Woof Right Woof Left Tweet Right Tweet Left In Left In Left In...
  • Page 53 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Output Channels Each of the four output channels has a complete "strip" of controls: Output 1 INPUT 1 Signal routing INPUT 2 Edit EQ and crossover settings CROSSOVER Time delay in ms...
  • Page 54 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Sets the routing from input channels to output channels. See Signal routing. Click on this button to open the parametric EQ settings window for that output channel. There are 10 parametric EQ lters on each input channel.
  • Page 55 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Current RMS level, level meter Displays the current signal level in real time. (The device must be connected and online to display signal levels.) https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 55/121...
  • Page 56 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) DSP Reference https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 56/121...
  • Page 57 Low Shelf The miniDSP Flex (DL) has 10 parametric EQ lters on each output channel. The graph displays the response of each lter in a light color and the combined response of all enabled lters as a heavy line. For example, the curve shown above has a low-shelf boost at 100 Hz, a dip at 500 Hz, and a high-shelf cut at 5000 Hz.
  • Page 58 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Band 2[579 Hz] -8.7 dB Disabling individual lters All 10 lters are enabled by default. To disable a lter, select it with the row of buttons. Click on the Enable button to turn it off.
  • Page 59 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Frequency For PEAK lters, this is the center frequency of the peak or dip. For HIGH_SHELF and LOW_SHELF lters, this is the frequency at which the gain is half of the set value. For ALL_PASS lters, this is the center frequency of the phase shift.
  • Page 60 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Click to jump to a different channel PEQ Details (Output 1) Menu BACK OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 3 OUTPUT 4 OUTPUT 5 OUTPUT 6 OUTPUT 7 OUTPUT 8 Channels...
  • Page 61 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) To reset all parametric EQ bands of the current channel to the default settings, enable the Menu switch at the top right and click the RESET TO DEFAULT button: Menu...
  • Page 62 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Info Switching between basic and advanced mode does not convert between Frequency/Gain/Q and biquad parameters. The basic parameters and advanced biquad coe cients for each lter are stored independently and the selected set is used for processing.
  • Page 63 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) If the loaded le contains more than 10 biquads, then only the rst 10 will be loaded. Biquad design software Following are programs that can be used to design your biquad coe cients. The design program must be set for a 48 kHz sample rate.
  • Page 64 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Crossover Crossovers "split" the frequency band to send to different drivers. In a two-way loudspeaker, for example, a low pass lter is used to remove high frequencies from the signal sent to the woofer, and a high pass lter is used to remove low frequencies from the signal sent to the tweeter.
  • Page 65 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Output 3 [390 Hz] -15.1 dB Crossover mode The crossovers on each output channel can be set in either basic mode or advanced mode. Basic mode allows each crossover lter to be speci ed simply by providing two parameters, while advanced mode requires the use of a separate design program.
  • Page 66 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Crossover filter is disabled Crossover filter is enabled Cut-off frequency Sets the nominal cutoff frequency of the crossover. In actual fact, the crossover has a more or less gradual transition from "full on"...
  • Page 67 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) To link a channel, enable the Menu switch at the top right. Click on the channel that you want to link the current channel to. After con rming, an indicator appears to show the new link:...
  • Page 68 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Band Pass Filter (Low+High) Output 1 Output 2 Output 3 Click to hide Output 4 channels Output 5 Output 6 Output 7 Output 8 Frequency (Hz) The crossover settings of channels 1, 2 and 3 can be changed by using the channel selection buttons at the top of the window to jump between them.
  • Page 69 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Setting biquads for the crossover block Paste the coe cients into the text box, then click on the PROCESS AND APPLY button for them to take effect. BASIC MODE ADVANCED MODE...
  • Page 70 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Compressor The compressor reduces the gain of an output channel when the audio signal reaches the level speci ed by the Threshold parameter. The gain of the channel will be progressively reduced as the signal increases above the threshold, according to the Ratio parameter.
  • Page 71 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Enable The compressor block is disabled by default. To enable it, click on the Enable Compressor switch. The graph will change from a dashed grey line (disabled) to a solid colored line (enabled).
  • Page 72 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Dirac Live https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 72/121...
  • Page 73 1. Connect the supplied USB cable (type A to type B) from the miniDSP Flex (DL) to a USB port on the computer. 2. Connect the supplied USB cable (type A to mini type B or type C, depending on version) from the UMIK-1 or UMIK-2 to a USB port on the computer.
  • Page 74 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) USB control miniDSP Computer Flex Preset 3 Analog Power amplifier UMIK-1 or UMIK-2 USB microphone Speakers System connections for a stereo Dirac Live system Place the UMIK-1 microphone into a microphone stand and position the computer and cabling so that there is enough freedom of movement to move the microphone into the needed locations.
  • Page 75 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Before measurement, adjust speaker toe-in for best subjective results The first measurement must be in The rest of the measurements the center of the listening area are spread around the listening area Speaker and microphone positioning for stereo Dirac Live...
  • Page 76 Check your preset If you have used the miniDSP Device Console to set up routing, crossovers or parametric EQ on the output channels, check that you have the correct preset selected before starting Dirac Live. This is because the Dirac Live test signal originates in the Dirac Live blocks and therefore passes through the routing matrix and the output channel processing.
  • Page 77 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Open the Windows Control Panel and select the Sound pane then the Recording tab. Check that the UMIK-1 is set as the default recording device. If it is not, then click on it and then on the Set Default button.
  • Page 78 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) macOS users Enable le sharing for device discovery To enable device discovery, open System Preferences and then go to Sharing. Enable File Sharing as shown at right. Notes: a) This step is not always necessary and may depend on your Mac's con guration or home network setup.
  • Page 79 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Be sure to plug in the UMIK-1 before starting Dirac Live. Grant microphone access The heightened security in recent versions of macOS can cause some di culties with the Dirac Live application accessing the UMIK-1.
  • Page 80 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The application "Dirac Live" should appear here. You will typically have additional applications to which you have given microphone access. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 80/121...
  • Page 81 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) First steps Starting the Dirac Live application To start Dirac Live calibration, click on the START CALIBRATION button. The Device Console will disconnect and the Dirac Live application will start. Dirac Live®...
  • Page 82 Other optional or paid-for features. miniDSP always provides the "full" version of Dirac Live with its products, so you do not need to log in to use the full version of Dirac Live if you have a miniDSP product. Select device The only device visible here will be the miniDSP Flex (DL).
  • Page 83 If Dirac Live doesn't nd your device, see Solving connectivity issues. Features of the Dirac Live UI Once you have selected the miniDSP Flex (DL), the full Dirac Live UI becomes visible. This section describes the common features of the UI. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 83/121...
  • Page 84 The sidebar shows the currently selected device. The lower portion lists loaded lters. The sidebar can be closed with this icon: Loaded lters After correction lters have been loaded into the miniDSP Flex (DL), the list of loaded lters appears here. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 84/121...
  • Page 85 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Tab selection menu Once the output device has been selected, the main tab menu appears. This menu indicates which tab you are currently viewing. Each tab has buttons to navigate to the previous and next tabs. You can also navigate directly to a tab by clicking on its name in the menu.
  • Page 86 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Noti cations When events happen, a noti cation appears to the top right of the window. Normal noti cations are in green, with warnings and errors in black and orange: To close a noti cation, click on the "X"...
  • Page 87 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The navigation buttons to the lower left and lower right of the main display area link to the next and previous tab, using the order in which a complete calibration is normally performed.
  • Page 88 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Info If you save the project and you are not logged into your Dirac account, you may not be able to load that project again. Be sure to log into your Dirac account before saving the project.
  • Page 89 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Con gure Dirac Live for measurement Select Recording Device Use this tab to select the UMIK-1 and load its calibration le: 1. Click on the UMIK-1 icon, labeled "Microphone (Umik-1 Gain: 18 dB)", to select it.
  • Page 90 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) 1. Check that the Master output slider is set low. 2. Click on the triangular button for the Dirac 1 channel and gradually increase the Master output slider. You should hear pink noise playing from the left front speaker.
  • Page 91 Note: there will be only two channels shown, even if you have used the Device Console to set up routing for a subwoofer. This is because the miniDSP Flex (DL) is a stereo Dirac Live processor. Therefore, it treats each speaker combined with the subwoofer as a single channel. There is no separate Dirac Live channel for the subwoofer.
  • Page 92 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The menu bar shows the selection choices: Use the menu to select the arrangement that is most appropriate for your listening area. They are described more below. There are no hard and fast rules on which arrangement to use, so feel free to experiment by calibrating for more than one arrangement and auditioning the results.
  • Page 93 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) This arrangement is best for a single listener. There are nine measurement positions: Focused imaging This arrangement is optimized for a single listener but also caters for additional listeners. There are thirteen...
  • Page 94 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Wide imaging This arrangement is optimized for multiple listeners. There are seventeen measurement positions: the same nine as the tightly-focused arrangement, plus an additional eight positions that extend the listening area out to the left and right: https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html...
  • Page 95 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Take your measurements Measurements are performed on the Measure tab. The left side of the window displays a visual guide to the measurement positions. The position that will be measured is shown in white.
  • Page 96 Measure selected position button and choose the delay: With the microphone in the center of the listening area, click on Measure selected position. The miniDSP Flex (DL) will generate a test signal, audible as a frequency sweep through the left speaker, then the right, then through the left again.
  • Page 97 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) While the measurement proceeds, a time-domain graph of the captured audio signal is overlaid on the screen. This graph is related to the magnitude response but is not the same display. Its purpose is to verify that the recorded signal level is in a suitable range.
  • Page 98 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) To take the next measurement, move the microphone to the highlighted location -- labeled "Next" on the seating visual -- then click on Measure next position. If the measurement produces an error that the signal was too low or high, go back to the Volume Calibration tab and adjust Master output or Mic gain.
  • Page 99 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The measurement positions should be well spread out over the entire listening area so that Dirac Live can acquire a good set of measurements that capture the acoustic behavior of the room. Typically, you should spread the microphone positions over a circle with a diameter of at least a meter (three feet) and vary the microphone height from the central position by at least 30 cm (one foot) up and down.
  • Page 100 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Filter design The Filter Design screen Once the full set of measurements has successfully been taken, Dirac Live has the acoustical information it needs about your loudspeakers and listening room to create the correction lters.
  • Page 101 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The grey regions to the left and right of the graph are excluded from magnitude correction. You can adjust the frequency range of correction by dragging the "curtains" to either side of the graph.
  • Page 102 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Display the average of all magnitude responses. If the "Measured" checkbox on the left is on, the average of the uncorrected measurements is displayed. If the "Corrected" checkbox on the right is on, the average of the response after correction is displayed.
  • Page 103 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) The target curve is converted to the equivalent but with control points, shown as dots on the target curve. The curve can then be edited as shown here: Click and drag to move point...
  • Page 104 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Snapshots will by default be named as the current time. They can be renamed for easier selection later on. Click on the right side of the button and then on the pencil-shaped icon. Enter the name and press the Enter key: To select a saved snapshot, click on the right side of the button and then click on the desired snapshot.
  • Page 105 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Guidelines for target curve design Care should be taken to create a target curve that works well with your speakers and room, as well as suiting your personal preferences. Small changes to the target curve can have signi cant effects on the tonal quality of the system, so it is important that you experiment with different target curves.
  • Page 106 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) In some cases, it may be helpful to adjust the target curve to follow dips in the measured response. This can occur where, for example, the listening area is very close to the speakers and the measurements exhibit a dip caused by the vertical response of the speakers themselves.
  • Page 107 If checked, the graph colors are the same for all channels in a group. This can be individually selected for the measured and corrected impulse responses. Show latency Show the impulse responses including actual delay through the miniDSP Flex (DL). Separate curves Show the measured and corrected responses on separate graphs. See the previous page for an example.
  • Page 108 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 108/121...
  • Page 109 To export a lter into a slot, click on the slot. At the right, enter the name and description and click Export lter: A circular progress indicator will indicate that the lter is being downloaded to the miniDSP Flex (DL). When lter export is complete, the UI will return to the Measure tab so you can adjust the target curve to create a different set of lters.
  • Page 110 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Replace a lter To overwrite a lter slot, select a slot with a loaded lter and click on Replace existing lter. Info If you have set up any back-end processing (subwoofer, active speaker, etc.), be sure to load the lter into the same slot as the preset selected when running the Dirac Live calibration measurements.
  • Page 111 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Info Selecting a lter here will also select the matching preset in the back-end processing set up by miniDSP Device Console. Check your device volume Check your device volume before you return to normal playback. The Dirac Live app may have reduced the device volume as a safety feature.
  • Page 112 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Additional Information https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html 112/121...
  • Page 113 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Migrating to DC If you have used the older "plugin" software with your miniDSP Flex (DL), you will need to perform a one-time migration procedure to use it with miniDSP Device Console. Follow the procedure described below. Please be sure to perform all steps in order.
  • Page 114 Create Program Snapshot If the miniDSP USB Audio driver is not up to date (or has not been installed), DC will offer to install the latest version. In that case, click on the PROCEED button and proceed through the installation.
  • Page 115 Device running a XMOS firmware version 1.25 that is too old to update with Device Console. Please upgrade to version 1.50 or above with the DFU Tool provided by the DC-Migration-Package. Click the 'Download' button to retrieve from miniDSP User Downloads. Decide Later Download (If you do not see this message, you do not need to upgrade the rmware and you can skip ahead to the next step.)
  • Page 116 For macOS, navigate to:       XMOS Firmware ⟩ Firmware_Upgrade_Tools ⟩ Mac Double-click on the miniDSP USB DFU.app program to run it. 3. The rmware update utility will start: 4. Click on Browse and select the rmware le from the XMOS_Firmware folder of the migration pack. It will have a name like "miniDSP_Flex_XMOS_v1.59_up.bin."...
  • Page 117 Existing presets must be imported manually into Device Console. Locate your Flex on the Discover Devices page and click on it. Device Console will offer this prompt: No saved settings No saved settings for Flex DL have been found. Would you like to: Initialize to default settings Disconnect Click on Initialize to default settings.
  • Page 118 Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Troubleshooting and support Solving connectivity issues If you are experiencing any connectivity issues, the rst thing to do is double-check that the miniDSP Device Console and your processor's rmware are up to date. No Internet connection Various components of the software require an Internet connection.
  • Page 119 If you get no sound while playing music, double-check the following items. Depending on the speci c processor, you may be able to do this with the aid of the level meters in the miniDSP Device Console (quit the Dirac Live app before clicking on the Connect button in the Device Console).
  • Page 120 -10 dB to guarantee that there is no distortion with a full-scale input signal. This issue typically occurs when volume control is being done downstream of the miniDSP processor. If so, set the processor master volume at -10 dB, and then use the downstream equipment to control volume.
  • Page 121 3/15/23, 9:46 AM Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL) Obtaining support If you are experiencing issues with your miniDSP Flex (DL) that are not resolved by this manual and by following the trouble-shooting steps above: 1. Check the miniDSP forums (https://www.minidsp.com/forum/index) to see if this issue has already been raised and a solution provided.

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