8
Introduction
The principle behind the Minidrive was to harness the recent leaps in audio signal processing
technology to produce a range of digital processing devices that could improve upon both the
sound quality and operational flexibility of our original analogue equipment - such as the
FDS360 crossover.
The BSS 334T/336T Minidrives are developed from our Omnidrive series of loudspeaker
management processors. Following the unquestionable success of Omnidrive in audio systems
around the world in both touring and installed applications, BSS has realised the requirement for
a less expensive version of the Omnidrive, hence the Minidrive was conceived. Functionally
very similar to the more expensive FDS366T and 355 products, the Minidrive loses only high
end capabilities like 96kHz operation, memory storage on pc cards and digital interfaces and
continues to deliver the high standard of sound and build quality that BSS users have come to
expect.
Indeed, not only do BSS Minidrive systems contain the functionality of several analogue
processors all in one convenient unit but this is also augmented with storable setup memories
and a clean digital signal path that brings audio performance into a new era. By integrating the
various system control requirements into one package, the FDS-334T/336T offers a great deal of
flexibility for touring, fixed installation and monitoring requirements.
What does a Minidrive do?
The FDS-336T and FDS-334T Minidrives are loudspeaker system management processors that
use digital signal processing to perform the same tasks as analogue crossovers, limiters, equali-
sation and delay units. Envisaged applications for the Minidrive include stage monitor set ups,
modest PA systems, zoning and installation uses, e.g. clubs and pubs.
Both units feature two balanced analogue inputs on XLRs that can be summed as A+B, time
delayed as necessary, have equalisation applied and drive, either six (FDS-336T) or four (FDS-
334T) balanced outputs. The routing flexibility of the Minidrives is only really limited by the
maximum number of Inputs and Outputs.
There are 3 basic configurations available to the FDS-336T - Mono, LCR 2 way and 2x3way
operation. The mono option feeds the signal to all the Outputs, 3x2 way feeds three sets of two
way amplifier/speaker combinations and 2x3 way would feed 2 sets of 3 way combinations.
Additional configurations can also be programmed such as mono four, five or six way. Other
configurations include mono four way with the second Input feeding either a separate 2 way
system such as a down fill or a delay cluster.
The FDS-334T has two basic configurations, with up to four way Mono or a 2x2 way routing
system that could be used for smaller active systems, bi-amped monitors or zoning installations.
The audio signal can be processed through a selection of active crossover networks with up to
48dB slopes, with Bessel, Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley and WHISEWORKS-NTM* filter types
available. The signal can also be tonally adjusted via a combination of assignable EQs to shape
the sound as required. Output limiters can be set at an appropriate level to prevent sound
system overloads and to correctly maintain the maximum use of available headroom. Absolute
