DRAGONFIRE Mini Dragon User manual
Mini Dragons
Professional Near Field
Planar Magnetic Monitoring System
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“I believe in fairies, myths, Dragons.”!
John Lennon”
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Table of Contents
Important Information 4
System Requirements 4
Disclaimer/Warning 5
Warranty Terms 5
FCC Class B Statement 6
CE Mark Statement 6
Introduction 7
Fidelity 7
Level 7
Direct Sound 8
Power 8
Mini Dragons 8
SB-8P Subwoofer 11
Subwoofer Setup 11
MD-4 DSP Amplifier 14
Amplifier Wiring 15
SHD Studio Digital Preamp 21
About Dragonfire Acoustics 21
Technical Specifications 22
Mini Dragon Speakers 22
SB-8P Subwoofer 23
Kimber AXIO Cabling 23
MD-4 Amplifier 23
MD-4 DSP 24
SHD STUDIO 25
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Important Information
Please read the following information before use. In case of any questions, please
contact Dragonfire Acoustics support.
System Requirements
To configure the SHD Studio Digital Preamp, you will require a Windows PC or Apple Mac
OS X computer with the following minimum specification:
Windows
• Intel Pentium III or later, AMD Athlon XP or later
• 2 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM or higher
• Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device
• Microsoft• ® Windows® Vista® SP1/Win7/Win8/Win10
• Two free USB 2.0 ports
macOS / OS X
• Intel-based Mac with 1 GHz or higher processor clock speed
• 2 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM or higher
• Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device
• OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later, macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later
• Two free USB 2.0 ports
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Disclaimer/Warning
Dragonfire Acoustics (DFA) cannot be held responsible for any damage that may result
from the improper use of this product or incorrect configuration of its settings. As with
any other product, we recommend that you carefully read this manual and other
technical notes to ensure that you fully understand how to operate this product. The Mini
Dragon System is a powerful acoustic tool, and misuse or misconfiguration such as
incorrectly set gains or excessive boost, can produce signals that may damage your
system.
As a general guideline, you should perform the initial configuration of the miniDSP SHD
Studio Digital Preamp before enabling audio through any connected output device or
amplification. Doing so will help ensure that the software is correctly configured.
Finally, note that the miniDSP audio processor is a very flexible device, and many of the
questions we receive at the miniDSP tech support department are already answered in
this user manual and in the online application notes on the miniDSP.com website. So
please take the time to carefully read this user manual and the online technical support.
Thanks for your understanding and enjoy your listening experience!
Warranty Terms
Dragonfire Acoustics warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of three years 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. If in doubt, contact
Dragonfire Acoustics prior to use.
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FCC Class B Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Warning: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Notice: Shielded interface cable must be used in order to comply with emission
limits.
Notice: Changes or modification not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CE Mark Statement
The miniDSP SHD Series processor has passed the test performed according to
European Standard EN 55022
Class B.
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Introduction
As the culmination of +40 years of research and development in planar-magnetic
manufacturing, we are confident that Dragonfire Acoustics Mini Dragons define the state-
of-the-art in full-range, near field stereo listening.
Their unique ability to coherently excite and accelerate a light-as-air planar magnetic
diaphragm translates signal-to-sound with unparalleled accuracy, precision, and mastery
of the frequency, phase, and time domains.
Fidelity
Technologically, the strongest high-temperature rare-earth N48H Neodymium magnets
are sintered, assembled, arranged, and arrayed into patented push-pull dual-pole non
ferro-magnetic circuit with an industry leading peak magnetic induction of 1.8Tesla (1.8
Wb/m2).
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Aerospace-grade polyimide film, 1/10th as thick as a human hair, is mechanically drawn
to a less than 2-micron thickness before being laser-conductively traced, dynamically
tensioned, and cryogenically treated with liquid nitrogen at 77 Kelvin (-321 degrees
Fahrenheit, -196 degrees Celsius), to become a uniform planar-magnetic driving surface.!
Sir Isaac Newton’s second law of motion states that Force equals mass times
acceleration (F=MA).
Re-written, acceleration may be described as force divided by mass as well as the
change in velocity of an object with respect to time. !
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The greater the inductive force of the magnetic motor structure and the lighter the weight
of the diaphragm of the driver, the greater the acceleration and change in velocity of the
sound with respect to time.!
Level
Unlike conventional tweeters and woofers which must be energized past a minimum
threshold before reproducing the full spectrum of their band-limited response, the Mini
Dragons reproduce their balanced full range (200 to 40,000 Hz) frequency response at
every SPL level within their range enabling longer and more productive fatigue-free
listening in a broader more versatile range of applications and locations.
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Direct Sound
Sound emanating from a conventional point source propagates outwards in all
directions, diffracting and reflecting off traditional speaker cabinet enclosures and
adjacent acoustic surfaces, causing additive peaks and subtractive nulls of interference.
These reflections distort the frequency response, ruin the phase coherency and reduce
the sound clarity of the system.!
By contrast, sound emanating from a dipole planar magnetic source coherently
propagates along the axis of the originating plane like a laser beam or LED light panel –
while simultaneously completely canceling back sound waves around the speaker in the
diaphragm plane and eliminating enclosure reflections and traditional box artifacts..!
The resulting near field full-range direct sound is effortlessly delivered to the sweet spot.
Power
As an ultra-efficient purely resistive load, the Mini Dragons require only a few watts of
power to reach normal listening levels and may be driven by a wide variety of high-end
amplifiers.
For optimal performance, we recommend the Dragonfire Acoustics MD-4, a hybrid 4-input
(XLR, SPDIF, AES/EBU, USB), 4-output (280W RMS; 1kW Peak) high capacitance class D-
amplifier with integrated 192 kHz/24-bit AKM Velvet sound converters and 140 visually
programmable digital signal processing (DSP) parametric filters for advanced crossover,
mixer, EQ, delay, compression, limiting, and flexible filter design via Snowbird
Audioweaver.
For refined room correction through impulse response filtering as well as network audio
streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz, we also recommend our partnered MiniDSP
SHD Studio Digital Preamp.
Mini Dragons
NOTE: Correct symmetrical positioning and angling of the speakers relative to listening
position is essential for critical listening.
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Speaker Placement
1.) Gently remove the Mini Dragons from their shipping packaging, checking to ensure
they have arrived safe and sound.!
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2.) Clear two 5”x7” footprints on your level desktop/table or secure speakers stands. The
Mini Dragons work best when “toed” into the listening position, so please ensure there is
sufficient room to angle the footprint of their bases inward toward the listening position.!
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3.) Position yourself in the intended listening position relative to your sitting/standing
desk/speaker stands.!
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4.). Using a tape measure, extend the tape from your left ear to the center of the Mini
Dragon speaker grill positioned on your left. Note the distance of the measuring tape.
5.) Using the included Allen/Hex key, adjust the angle of the mini dragon speakers to
achieve 90 degree right angle from the grills to the tape measure extended to your ears in
the listening position!
5.a) Insert the short end of the right angled Allen/hex key into either Allen/hex
nut of the Adjustable Mini Dragon Base.!
5.b.) Turn the screw counter-clockwise to loosen
5.c.) Turn the screw clockwise to tighten.
6.) Check to ensure the adjusted base angles of the Mini Dragon speakers are the same
by placing them next to one another and checking that the frames align flush. The two
speakers should now be locked at the same angle relative to the desk and listening head
position.!
7.) Repeat step #4 using the included tape measure to extend the tape from your right ear
to the center of the Mini Dragon speaker grill positioned on your left. Ensure that the
distance from your right ear to the right speaker is the same as from your left ear to the
speaker positioned on your left.
8.) Repeat step #4 using the tape measure to extend the tape from the center of your
listening position to your subwoofer position below your desk.
9.) The Mini Dragons should now be positioned on a level surface symmetrically
equidistant from your listening position with the same adjusted base angle.
10.) Repeat step #4 using the tape measure to extend the tape from the center of your
listening position to your subwoofer below the desk.
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11.) Using the included 2x mini XLR to Speakon connector Cable, connect the Mini
Dragon Satellite Speakers.
11.a) Push the thumb button on the mini XLR connector and insert the mini XLR
connector into the rear mini XLR connector on the back aluminum frame of each
Mini Dragon.
11.b.) Release the thumb button to lock the mini XLR connector in place with the
speaker.
12). Neatly Position the cable away from any power cables and centered with the MD-4
amplifier.
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SB-8P Subwoofer
Actively Powered with 180W RMS on tap, the SB-8P subwoofer features a high-speed,
long-excursion, low-distortion 8” woofer coupled with a custom long-excursion 8”
passive radiator covering 30-to-200 Hz before blending into the Mini Dragons.
Subwoofer Setup
1,) Gently remove the SB-8P subwoofer from its protective shipping packaging, checking
to ensure the subwoofer has arrived safe and sound.!
2.) Check to ensure the subwoofer’s power switch is in the off (0) position”!
3.) Set the Subwoofer’s toggle switch to the LFE position!
4.) Set the subwoofer’s volume level to the 2 o'clock position on the output level!
5.) Set the subwoofer’s frequency response Level to the full-range position!
6.) Set the subwoofer’s phase level to the 0 degree position.
7.) Connect the included black/white Neutrik NL4 connector cable to the top rear panel
Neutrik NL4 connector of the MD-4 amplifier.!
8.) Press the push terminal low input level inputs on the rear panel of the SB-8P
subwoofer and insert the pairs of speaker terminations from the MD-4 interconnecting
cable. Match black wires to black terminals (negative) and white wires to red terminals
(positive). Either pair is fine on either terminal as the subwoofer will automatically sum
the low input signal to mono for subwoofer operation.
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9.) Position the subwoofer beneath your desktop/table, with the 8” driver and 8” radiator
at a right angle to the side facing your feet. Ensure enough space so as not to
inadvertently kick the subwoofer while listening.!
10.) The subwoofer should be positioned away from immediate surfaces so as to
minimize unintended boundary loading and boosting. !
11.) The subwoofer should be positioned equidistant from the listening position as on the
legs of an isosceles triangle as the Mini Dragon satellite speakers positioned on your
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desktop or speaker stands.!
12.) Plug the 3-prong grounded power cable into a surge protected and ideally power
conditioned electrical outlet.
>For 240v European voltage, switch the rear panel red switch of the subwoofer to
the 240V position.
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13.) When not in use, the subwoofer will operate in a standby idle mode, consuming a
minimum of electricity to detect the signal and subsequently may be left on provided the
power source is properly surge protected and conditioned.!
14.) Flip the rear panel rocker power switch into the on (|) position. A green rear panel
LED will illuminate to indicate the subwoofer is receiving power. !
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“Music should strike fire from the heart.”!
Ludwig Van Beethoven”
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MD-4 DSP Amplifier
Housed in a matching anodized aluminum enclosure, the MD-4, is a hand-built globally
adaptable 2-input/4-output ADC/DAC+DSP high-capacitance class-D amplifier with
balanced analog XLR and 192 kHZ PCM SPDIF< AES/EBU and USB streamer inputs.
The amplifier’s power factor correction linear power supply ensures universally
adaptable and fully regulated AC mains operation everywhere in the world. !
Free of a high frequency damping network, the amplifier delivers full power all the way
up to 20 Hz while the extremely high voltage rail to RMS power rating ratio delivers up to
250W RMS with ultra short bursts of 500 W to 1 kW of power, providing 26 dB of gain with
a signal to noise ratio of 119 dB and 0.05% total harmonic distortion.
The amplifier’s exceptional 93% Class-D efficiency ensures minimal cooling
requirements and maximum long-term reliability. !
For improved imaging and to meet the current draw requirements of even the most
demanding program material, the amplifier includes two supplementary dual high-
capacitance dynamic power reserves. !
An advanced DSP engine for speaker calibration with visual programming interface via
Snowbird Audioweaver offers a total of 140 parametric filters with 60 dB better signal to
noise ratio performance than normal filters.
Filters may be used for a variety of DSP applications such as equalization, crossovers,
delays, compression, limiting, and user specific configurations.
The dedicated Digital Signal Processing engine is based on the 4th generation of Analog
Device’s 32/40-bit IEEE floating point SHARC Processor with 640-bit product and 80-bit
accumulations implements a “Super” Harvard Architecture to balance DS core and
memory performance with dedicated program and data busses. !
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Dedicated I/O processor and busses running at 450 MHz turns 277,700 MFLOPS to satisfy
the most demanding single-cycle computationally intensive tasks.!
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To avoid sacrificing as much as 15 dB of ADC and DAC performance, the MD-4 DSP-
amplifier incorporates Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) VERITA Velvet Sound converter
technology.
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Manufactured in the USA and with over past 25 years of experience, the AKM Velvet
sound converters are designed to balance the amount of information, intensity,
musicality, emotion, and focus of the original sound source through a combination of
technical measurements and human listening tests.
Amplifier Wiring
1) Gently remove the MD-4 amplifier from its packaging, checking to ensure the
amplifier has arrived safe and sound.
2) Securely position the amplifier on a stable level surface, ensuring adequate airflow
for proper heat dissipation through the top panel venting holes. Ensure that the
amplifier is away from sources of moisture and falling debris that could damage the
internal electronics.
3) On the rear panel of the MD-4 panel, connect the included IEC power cable, checking
to ensure the amplifier’s power switch is in the off position.
4) Plug the IEC power cable into a grounded electrical outlet. Proper surge protection
and power conditioning is strongly recommended.
5) On the top rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier, identify the Neutrik NL4 output
connectors, located immediately to the left of the ICE power cable and power switch.
6) Using your thumb, pull the spring-loaded Neutrik NL4 connector latch back and insert
the black and white braided subwoofer Neutrik NL4 cable connector into the top
Neutrik NL4 panel connector of the MD-4 amplifier.
7) Turn the Neutrik NL4 cable connector 30 degrees counter-clockwise, align the tabs of
the connector to the inserts of the connector panel.
8) Turn the Neutrik NL4 connector 30 degrees clockwise and release the spring loaded
thumb-latch to lock into place.
9) Using your thumb, pull the spring-loaded Neutik NL4 connector latch back and
insert the brown and black braided dual Mini Dragons Neutrik NL4 connector into
the bottom Neutrik NL4 panel connector of the MD-4 amplifier
10) Turn the Neutrik NL4 cable 30 degrees counter-clockwise, align the tabs of the
connector to the inserts of the connector panel
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11) Turn the Neutrik NL4 connector 30 degrees clockwise and release the spring
loaded thumb-latch to lock into place.
Input Connector Options
The MD-4 amplifier is equipped with four input connector options:
1x SPDIF coaxial input (for consumer applications)
1x AES/EBU via balanced XLR (for professional applications)
2xXLR for a balanced analog stereo signals
1x USB type-B connector for direct audio streaming from a computer using the
amplifier’s XMOS chipset.
1x USB type-B connector for customized programming of the amplifier’s internal
Snowbird DSP chip using the MATLAB-based visual programming language Audio
weaver on a windows PC.
For USB Streaming
Note: Depending on your computer, a USB hub and/or USB Type C to USB Type A
adapter may be required.
1.) Insert the type-B side of the supplied USB cable into the Type-B USB connector on the
rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier labeled “USB 2.0 Audio”.
2.) On the rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier, find the 3-position metal toggle switch and
switch it into the top position labeled “USB”.
3.) The amplifier’s XMOS chipset accepts a PCM signal with up to 192 kHz 24-bit
resolution.
4)If using an Apple Mac running OSX, no driver is required. Simply open the computer’s
Sound settings in system preferences and select USB DAC as the computer’s sound
output.
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5.) If using a Windows computer, a driver is required and may be downloaded from the
support section of Dragonfire Acoustics’ website.
6.) When using the amplifier’s USB streamer, volume to the system is controlled directly
from the computer. Before playback check to ensure the volume of the system is set to
low and gradually raise it using the computer’s master volume control to achieve a safe
and comfortable listening level.
For SPDIF/AES Digital Inputs.
1.) On the rear panel of the MD-4 Amplifier, insert a coaxial SPDIF cable into the top back
panel connector labeled “SPDIF” IN
2.) Alternatively, on the rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier, insert a balanced AES/EBU cable
into the XLR connector under the SPDIF cable labeled “out”.
3.) On the rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier, find the 3-position metal toggle switch and
switch it into the Middle position for SPDIF and/or AES/EBU digital inputs.
For Analog Inputs
1.) Insert the left and right sides of a balanced stereo analog signal into the rear panel
XLR connectors labeled “Analog In”.
2.) On the rear panel of the MD-4 amplifier, find the 3-position metal toggle switch and
switch it into the top position labeled “Analog”.
4. Flip the rear panel rocker I/O power switch to the on position. The rear panel green
LED and front panel red LED will illuminate to indicate the MD-4 is receiving power.
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Picture showing USB Streamer Input (blue) and Neutrik NL4 output connectors (white
and black sub, brown and black Mini Dragons
Picture showing USB Program (blue), SPDIF (white) and Neutrik NL4 output
connectors (white and black sub, brown and black Mini Dragons
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Programming the MD-4 DSP
The MD-4 includes an integrated digital signal processing (DSP) chip with up to 140
programmable filters. As a factory default the DSP has been programed to handle
essential crossover functions to integrate the Mini Dragon speakers with the SB-8P
subwoofer.
For special applications requiring custom filters, it is possible for the end user to
reprogram the amplifier. Doing so requires a Windows computer, a license to Snowbird
Audioweaver (included with every MD-4 amplifier), as well as some basic knowledge of
filter design and visual programming using Audioweaver’s “drag and drop” interface.
A growing community of expert users around the world are using the MD-4 amplifier for
special applications that require multiple channels, high power density and efficiency,
and a powerful programmable DSP platform.
The Dragonfireacoustics support forum and direct one-on-one technical guidance by a
Dragonfire Acoustics Technical support specialist is available by request. Contact
Dragonfire Acoustics directly to discuss your application and filter design.
Phone: 657-667-6187
email: support@dragonfireacoustics.com
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“The music is not in the notes, but in the
silence between.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
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