I recently completed a CBT line array system that will use an active crossover (tweeter line, mid-bass line, sub and some aux outs for spectrum analyzers). For now, I’m using a PRV DSP 2.8X ($80) because it was super inexpensive, but it’s also pretty limited in functionality. I’m looking for a 2 or 4 input and 8 output DSP and have been pouring over the specs for the Dayton Audio DSP-408 and new AXIS-8. Both seem contenders but the older DSP-408 has some negative reviews about noise and the user interface is just okay. There isn’t much out on the AXIS-8 yet. I was also looking at the Acoustas AC650 amp/DSP combo, but it’s not quite a fit. Any thoughts or suggestions??
I know a lot of people really like the miniDSP Flex8, but it’s quite a bit more expensive. $686 with shipping & tariffs and that’s without analog inputs as far as I can tell. The Axis-8 looks very promising and they say more functionality is coming soon. I read more EQ bands and the ability to import biquad coefficients generated in REW will be added to the desktop software. If it sounds & measures fine and it isn’t buggy like some 408s were, that’s a lot of functionality for 1/2 the cost of the Flex8. PE does have a great return policy, so there’s less risk trying one.
I picked up an 8 output TinySine TSA1452 board that has lots of options, but have not had time to get it talking with SigmaStudio yet. I also realize and respect that a lot of people want a prebuilt GUI, not a programming tool.
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Weebs lab DSPi looks like it would be a good option.
The acoustas stuff seems fishy 6x50w on a 250w power supply… When I see specs like this I now know I can’t trust any specs.
“Made in Richmond, VA” I bet this doesn’t meet ftc standards. Once again makes me not trust them.
From their very first video where they used a dome mid as a tweeter it had me questioning what is really going on. https://youtu.be/tcghyUxNf3U?si=FWBRKEnM9ze9cUNI. 21min mark he calls the hivi dome mid a tweeter.
Ok-off my soap box.
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I also recommend the DSPi from Weeb Labs. I gave @Ani my spare set-up to try out and I’m interested in getting his feedback.
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100% speculation, 0% hands-on experience with the product.
There is a reason I don’t get into debates any longer . . .
Ned, let us know what you settle upon and how your experience was with it, please.
Good luck.
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I certainly will update this and in the meanwhile, will check out the DSPi. I agree about the debate part! I was posting status updates on a Facebook group and the feedback was 80-90% positive but 10-20% haters. CBTs seem to be a polarizing design approach.
Thanks for the suggestion. Seems to be a very nice system so I’m in for a Pico 2 and some DAC boards. If it works, it’ll be less than $100 plus I’ll be learning something new.
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I’m not a board builder- as such I have transitioned over the years with miniDSP units > powered plates, and recently upped for their flex unit for the balanced dsp outputs to use in bi-amped active / passive builds. Excellent IMO, hardware and software.
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DSPi is great! Easy to use and covers most of what you need. I had a quick setup with it. Will be starting a thread soon.
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Looks like I’ll be plowing through that 125 page thread on the DSPi during my downtime at work.
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Actually, you don’t need to. Just get a Pico 2, doesn’t have to be the W (wifi), just what you can get your hands on pico 2 or pico 2 W. You have option of going SPDIF out or use 4 x I2S dac from adafruit. Nate did a really nice setup with both the DACs and SPDIF outs.
I’ll start the thread sooner than later! Jason had mentioned the DSPi at iowa and when I went to drop off Nate’s drivers, he lent me his setup.
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Do you trust the clones being sold on Amazon? Does one version, like the Plus or 2H, offer any beneficial options?
I got a clone fron Amazon, microcenter was out of pico 2. Then when it showed up stick I got a couple from microcenter too. The chips is the same and the architecture is supposed to be based on the raspberry pico 2. The clone has USB c so that’s an advantage, newer laptops don’t even have USB A.
But I am still a bit away from doing my own setup.
You’ll want to have the RP2350 chip over the slower RP2040. Currently, the firmware does not make use of the wireless aspect of the Pico 2 W and I’m not sure it will in the future due to the resources it will take away from the DSP functions. The developer has already designed a wireless bridge using an attached ESP32 board. I have used the Waveshare Zero mini boards from Amazon, which have a different layout than the Pico boards.
Excellent - thanks guys! I’ll order one tonight. I have 2 I2S DACs stashed away and even have a few ESP32 boards on the shelf. This will be a good winter project.
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Me too!
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What DAC chips are you running, Ani? The boards I have use the PCM5102.
He currently has the Adafruit PCM5122.
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Correct. None claimed. I just expressed why I am suspicious. When someone claims to make 300watts out of 252 watt power supply I scratch my head and start to ask questions.
The Federal Trade Commission Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 323) requires that any product labeled or advertised with an unqualified “Made in USA” claim must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States.
They say “Made in Richmond VA” this is missleading at best and are eather in violation of the ftc rules or have skirted the rules by naming the state rather than “USA” even if the amplifier was made in the USA the power supply being a CUI made in china supply would make the product as a whole only qualify for assembled in the USA. Nothing wrong with a cui power supply but it is definetly not made in Richmond VA.
This might be an excellent product but it can not match the specs without some qualifiers. Qualifiers that I can’t find on their web site. Even their engineering report leaves a lot to be desired from an engineering standpoint.
You may love it and find it to be a good value-thats perfect. But for me I won’t spend $900 on something that I feel is marketed with misleading or incomplete specs.
Notice all my information is off of their listed data. When analyzing a product I don’t have any experience with I do my best to keep emotions out of it and use data alone.
If I have made a techical error or made a statement without merit then please correct me.
Ken, I love you but this is irrelevant to the discussion concerning recommendations from satisfied product users, isn’t it?