miniDSP DDRC-22 User manual

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DDRC-22
HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO PROCESSOR
WITH DIRAC LIVE®TECHNOLOGY
User Manual

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Revision history
Revision
Description
Date
2.0
Updated for Dirac Live 2/3, DiracLive
documentation moved to separate miniDSP Dirac
Live User Manual.
30 June 2020
2.1
Corrected support link
6 July 2020
SUPPORTED OS
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-22D
processor. Please refer to the DDRC-22 User Manual Legacy Support version.
Note: Use of Dirac Live with macOS Mojave and Catalina requires some manual
workarounds, which are documented in this manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information........................................................................................................................................ 4
System Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Disclaimer/Warning ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Warranty Terms............................................................................................................................................... 4
A Note on this Manual ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1Product Overview......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Typical system configurations............................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Dirac Live.............................................................................................................................................. 7
2Hardware Connectivity................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 Audio input and output connections..................................................................................................... 8
2.2 DC Power ............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 USB ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
3Software Installation .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Windows 10 ....................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1 Download and install the DiracLive application ........................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Download the miniDSP software................................................................................................. 10
3.1.3 Install the miniDSP software ....................................................................................................... 11
3.2 macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina............................................................................................ 12
3.2.1 Download and install the DiracLive application ........................................................................... 12
3.2.2 Download the miniDSP software................................................................................................. 12
3.2.3 Install the miniDSP software ....................................................................................................... 13
4The DDRC-22 Utility program...................................................................................................................... 14
5Dirac Live Calibration.................................................................................................................................. 16
6Using the DDRC-22D ................................................................................................................................... 17
6.1 Status indicators................................................................................................................................. 17
6.2 Front panel controls ........................................................................................................................... 17
7Infrared Remote Control............................................................................................................................. 18
8Additional Information ............................................................................................................................... 19
8.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 19
8.2 MCU Firmware upgrade ..................................................................................................................... 20
8.2.1 Windows .................................................................................................................................... 20
8.2.2 Mac OS X .................................................................................................................................... 21
8.3 Trouble-shooting audio issues ............................................................................................................ 22
8.4 Obtaining Support .............................................................................................................................. 22

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information before use. In case of any questions, please contact miniDSP via the
support portal at support.minidsp.com.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
To configure your DDRC-22D, you will require a Windows or Apple Mac computer with the following minimum
specification:
Windows
•Microsoft• ® Windows® 10, latest version with all updates
•Intel Pentium III or later, AMD Athlon XP or later
•2 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM or higher
•Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device
•Two free USB 2.0 ports
Mac OS X
•macOS 10.14 Mojave or 10.15 Catalina, latest version with all updates
•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
•Two free USB 2.0 ports
DISCLAIMER/WARNING
miniDSP cannot be held responsible for any damage that may result from the improper use or incorrect
configuration of this product. Please read this manual carefully to ensure that you fully understand how to
operate and use this product, as incorrect use or use beyond the parameters and ways recommended in this
manual have the potential to cause damage to your audio system.
Please also note that many of the questions we receive at the technical 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 documentation. And if an issue arises with
your unit, please read through the Troubleshooting section first. Thank you for your understanding!
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. If in doubt, contact miniDSP prior to use.

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ANOTE 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. The embedded page size is 8 ½” x 11”. Printing on A4 paper will result in a slightly reduced size.
For reading on the computer, we have included hyperlinked cross-references throughout the manual. In
addition, a table of contents is embedded in the PDF file. Displaying this table of contents will make navigation
much easier:
•In Adobe Reader on Windows, click on the “bookmarks” icon at the left. The table of contents will appear on
the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the “+” icons.
•In Preview on the Mac, click on the View menu and select Table of Contents. The table of contents will
appear on the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the triangle icons.

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1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing miniDSP DDRC-22D high-resolution
1
audio processor powered by Dirac Live®, the
world’s premier room correction solution. We are delighted to offer you this software and hardware
combination, the fruit of extensive research and development and years of experience in sound system tuning.
Deploying a miniDSP DDRC-22D audio processor with Dirac Live® Technology will
•Improve the imaging of your sound system
•Improve the clarity of the music
•Produce a tighter bass
•Reduce listening fatigue
•Improve the timbre
•Remove resonances and room modes
•Reduce early reflections
1.1 TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
The DDRC-22D is typically inserted into the digital signal chain just before D/A conversion; for example, between
one or more digital sources and a DAC. From there, a regular power amplifier or an integrated amplifier
complete the system. Variations on this theme include the use of an integrated amplifier with a digital input or
the use of a digital input of an A/V receiver, in which case a separate DAC is not required.
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-22D and recalled from the front panel or via an
infrared remote. Once the processor is fully configured, the computer is no longer needed.
1
The DDRC-22D operates with 24-bit 96 kHz resolution.

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1.2 DIRAC LIVE
The DDRC-88D processor executes Dirac Live® digital room correction, from Dirac Research. Dirac Live’s mixed-
phase filtering technology will improve the imaging of your system, minimize the effects of room modes and
resonances, and improve dynamics and clarity.
To accomplish its remarkable improvement in listening quality, the DiracLive application steps you through the
procedure for taking measurements around your listening area. Dirac Live® employs a sophisticated analysis
algorithm to make the optimal correction across the whole listening area, not just at a single point. The user has
full control over the target frequency response. Measurements are taken with a calibrated acoustic
measurement microphone, the miniDSP UMIK-1.
2
In addition to correcting magnitude response, Dirac Live® corrects the system’s impulse response, which reflects
how the system responds to a sharp transient such as a drumbeat. Reflections, diffraction, resonances,
misaligned drivers, and so on, all combine to smear out the transient. Correcting the impulse response makes
the speaker in the room behave much more like an ideal loudspeaker. The impulse response is a critical factor
for accurate sound-staging, clarity and bass reproduction.
Dirac Live calibration is described in the separate miniDSP Dirac Live User Manual.
2
A UMIK-1 is included in the standard purchase price of the C-DSP 8x12 DL processor.

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2HARDWARE CONNECTIVITY
All connections to the DDRC-22D are made on the rear panel.
2.1 AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Digital inputs
Connect up to three digital sources: AES-EBU on XLR, S/PDIF on RCA, or optical (TOSLINK). These
sources can be selected between by using the front panel or an infrared remote (not included).
The digital inputs of the DDRC-22D accept sample rates from 20 up to 216 kHz.
Note: the digital inputs accept a stereo PCM digital signal only. They do not accept encoded or
multichannel digital audio (such as Dolby Digital or DTS).
Digital outputs
Connect one of the digital outputs to your DAC or other device with a digital input. All digital
outputs are simultaneously active, so multiple output connections can be made if necessary.
Note: the digital outputs of the DDRC-22D operate at 96 kHz sample rate. Any connected DAC
must support this sample rate. (The digital inputs of the DDRC-22D accept any sample rate up to
216 kHz.)
DDRC-22D connections

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2.2 DC POWER
The supplied 5 VDC power supply includes a set of interchangeable power pins. Fit the correct pins for your
country. Connect the DC plug to the 5 VDC power socket.
2.3 USB
Computer connectivity is required to perform acoustic measurements in your listening room and to generate
and download the digital room correction filters to the DDRC-22D. To configure the processor, connect the USB
port of the processor to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the supplied cable. For measurements, connect
the UMIK-1 to a second USB port.
Once calibration and configuration is complete, the computer can be disconnected. The processor can then be
controlled from the front panel or via remote control –see Section 6, Using the DDRC-22D.

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3SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
The DDRC-22D is configured with software running on a PC or Mac. There are two sets of software to download
and install, from live.dirac.com and from miniDSP.com.
3.1 WINDOWS 10
This section describes software download and installation for Windows 10.
The software described in this section runs on the latest version of Windows 10 only. Other versions
of Windows are not supported by the current version of Dirac Live. If you are running an
unsupported version of Windows, refer to the DDRC-22 User Manual Legacy Support version.
3.1.1 Download and install the DiracLive application
Download the DiracLive application for Windows 10 from https://live.dirac.com/download/.
Double-click on the downloaded installer to run it. It will have a name like DiracLive v3.0.0 Setup Windows.exe.
We recommend that you accept the default installation settings. Do not run the application yet.
3.1.2 Download the miniDSP software
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.
If you purchased your processor from a miniDSP dealer, you will receive a coupon together with the product.
Redeem this coupon at the link below:
•https://www.minidsp.com/support/redeem-coupon
The User Downloads link is visible from the dropdown menu at the top right of the website:
Navigate to the Dirac Series section and then to DDRC-22 Software. Download the zip file under the heading
DDRC-22 software for Dirac 2.0.
After downloading, unzip the file (right-click and select “Extract All...”). The unzipped download has a name like
DDRC_22_v1_11_Dirac2. (The version number embedded in the folder name may be different.)

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3.1.3 Install the miniDSP software
3.1.3.1 Possible Windows installation issues
The miniDSP software requires that a number of other frameworks be installed for it to work. These packages
should be installed automatically, but you can manually install them if you receive an error message that
required software is missing.
•Microsoft .NET framework (version 3.5 or later)
•Latest version of Adobe Air
•Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package: for x86 (32-bit Windows) or x64 (64-bit Windows).
3.1.3.2 Install the plugin
1. Navigate to the Windows folder of the software download.
2. Double-click on the plugin installer to run it. It will be named DDRC_22.exe. We recommend that you
accept the default installation settings.
Note: the first time you run the DDRC-22 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. Then click on “Allow access.” This warning dialog may appear more than once.

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3.2 MACOS 10.14 MOJAVE AND 10.15 CATALINA
This section describes software download and installation for MacOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina.
This software described in this section runs on macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina only. Other
versions of OS X / macOS are not supported by the current version of Dirac Live. If you are running an
unsupported version of OS X / macOS, refer to the DDRC-22 User Manual Legacy Support version.
3.2.1 Download and install the DiracLive application
Download the DiracLive application for macOS from https://live.dirac.com/download/.
Double-click on the downloaded file to unzip it. Then double-click on the unzipped installer file to run it. It will
have a name like DiracLive v3.0.0 Setup Darwin.app. We recommend that you accept the default installation
settings. Do not run the application yet.
3.2.2 Download the miniDSP software
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.
If you purchased your processor from a miniDSP dealer, you will receive a coupon together with the product.
Redeem this coupon at the link below:
•https://www.minidsp.com/support/redeem-coupon
The User Downloads link is visible from the dropdown menu at the top right of the website:
Navigate to the Dirac Series section and then to DDRC-22 Software. Download the zip file under the heading
DDRC-22 software for Dirac 2.0.
After downloading, unzip the file (double-click on it). The unzipped download has a name like
DDRC_22_v1_11_Dirac2. (The version numbers embedded in the folder name may be different.)

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3.2.3 Install the miniDSP software
3.2.3.1 Possible Mac installation issues
If double-clicking on the installer brings up a message that the installer cannot run, use this alternate method:
1. Right-click on the installer (or click while holding the Control key).
2. Move the mouse over the “Open With” item and then click on “Installer (default).”
3. The following window will appear. Click on “Open.”
3.2.3.2 Install the plugin
3. Navigate to the Mac folder of the software download.
4. The installer is named DDRC-22.pkg. To run it, double-click on it, or right-click and open as described
above. We recommend that you accept the default installation settings.
5. 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.
3.2.3.3 Enable file sharing for device discovery
To enable device discovery, open System Preferences, go to Sharing, then
enable File Sharing as shown at right.
Notes:
a) This step is not always necessary and may depend on your Mac’s
configuration or your home network setup.
b) If you wish, you can turn File Sharing off again after completing your
Dirac Live calibration.

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4THE DDRC-22 UTILITY PROGRAM
The DDRC-22 Utility program is used to set up the DDRC-22D. It is not used for Dirac Live calibration.
Master volume
Displays the current master volume setting. Click and type here to change the master volume.
Mute
Mutes all audio output.
Connect/Connected
Click on the Connect icon to connect to the DDRC-22D. To disconnect, quit from the DDRC-22
Utility.
You will need to connect to the processor with this button in order to use most of the
functionality of this utility. If you have been using the DiracLive application, quit it before
clicking this button.

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Start Dirac Live Software
Starts the separate DiracLive application. When this button is pressed, the SHD plugin will
disconnect from the DDRC-22D processor and then start up DiracLive.
You must start the DiracLive application from within the DDRC-22 plugin using the Start Dirac
Live Software button. If you open the DiracLive application by itself, it will not be able to detect
the DDRC-22D processor.
Attenuation
By default, the DDRC-22 introduces 10 dB of attenuation in order to provide headroom for the
EQ boost that Dirac Live may introduce. If this is too much attenuation, you can change it with
the dropdown menu.
Refresh DSP Program
Updates the internal DSP program with the version contained in the DDRC-22 Utility. Use this
after installing a new version of DDRC-22 Utility.
Restore All to Default
Clears all four loaded filter presets.
About
Provides the current version of DSP firmware.
Upgrade Firmware
Starts the MCU firmware upgrade process. See MCU firmware upgrade on page 20.
IR Learning
Buttons used to learn infrared remote control codes. See Infrared remote control on page 18.

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5DIRAC LIVE CALIBRATION
Dirac Live calibration with the miniDSP DDRC-22D is described in the separate miniDSP Dirac Live User Manual. It
can be downloaded from the DDRC-22D product page on our website.
Be sure to start the DiracLive application from within the DDRC-22 utility using the Start Dirac Live
Software button. If you open the DiracLive application by itself, it will not be able to detect the
DDRC-22D processor.

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6USING THE DDRC-22D
Once the desired correction filters have been downloaded into the DDRC-22D, the computer is not required and
can be disconnected. The front panel and/or an infrared remote can be used to control master volume, preset
selection, mute (remote only), input source, and Dirac Live filtering.
6.1 STATUS INDICATORS
The current status of the processor is indicated by a set of LEDs:
Filter Set Indicates the currently selected filter set (1 through 4).
Digital Source Indicates the currently selected digital input.
Dirac Live Indicates that Dirac Live® filtering is turned on.
6.2 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
The DDRC-22D 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.
To change the selected filter set
Briefly press the control knob. The Filter Set LED blinks quickly. Rotate the control knob until the
desired filter set LED is blinking. Press the control knob again twice, and the selected LED will
remain steady.
To change the selected digital input
Briefly press the control button twice. The Digital Source LED blinks quickly. Rotate the control
knob until the desired source LED is blinking. Press the control knob again, and the selected LED
will remain steady.

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7INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL
Once configuration is complete, the computer is not required and can be disconnected. An infrared remote can
be used to control volume, mute, preset selection, input selection, and to turn Dirac Live processing on and. The
optional miniDSP remote can be used with the DDRC-22:
Source
Cycles through the input sources.
1, 2, 3, 4
Switches to the selected preset. Note that it takes a few seconds for the
preset selection to complete.
[Bell]
Enables or disables Dirac Live filtering. Dirac Live filtering will be effective
only on presets for which Dirac Live filters have been loaded.
Vol
Reduce or increase the volume. Each press changes the volume in 0.5 dB.
Holding down a button will accelerate volume change to 3 dB steps.
Mute
Mutes and unmutes audio output.
The DDRC-22 can also “learn” the control codes of your current
remote if it supports one of the following remote control codes:
•NEC
•Sony
•Philips RC6
•Apple (old silver remote only)
To initiate the learning process, drop down the IR Remote menu
and select IR learning. Click on the Learn button for an operation,
and then press the desired button on the remote control. If the
code is accepted, the status will change to show a tick, as shown
at right.
To "unlearn" a command, press the Learn button
and wait for the plugin to time out. Note that you
cannot “learn” the miniDSP remote – if you program
another remote and want to revert to using the
miniDSP remote, simply “unlearn” all codes. (Applies
to firmware v2.23 and later.)

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8ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
8.1 SPECIFICATIONS
Computer connectivity
Driverless USB 2.0 control interface for Windows
Digital Audio Inputs
Digital audio source selectable from IR remote or front panel:
•AES-EBU on Neutrik 3-pin female XLR / Isolated with digital audio transformer
•SPDIF on RCA connector / Isolated with digital audio transformer
•Toslink on Optical connector
The input signal is processed by a high quality onboard Asynchronous Sample Rate
Converter for compatibility with most common sample rates (20-216kHz)
Digital Audio Outputs
Processed digital audio is available on all three outputs:
•AES-EBU on Neutrik 3-pin male XLR / Isolated with digital audio transformer
•SPDIF on RCA connector / Isolated with digital audio transformer
•Toslink on Optical connector
Digital audio is always output at a sample rate of 96 kHz.
Audio sample rate /
Resolution
Input/output resolution: 24-bit integer
DSP internal processing path: 96 kHz
Audio processing
32-bit floating-point processor
Storage/Presets
4 filter sets stored, selectable from front panel or IR remote
Infrared remote
“Learning remote” capabilities (NEC, Philips, Sony, Apple)
Controls master volume, mute, digital input selection, filter set selection, Dirac
Live® filtering on/off
Power supply
5 VDC single supply @ 600mA, 2.1 mm center-positive
Dimensions (H x W x D)
41.5 x 214.5 x 206 mm

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8.2 MCU FIRMWARE UPGRADE
miniDSP may occasionally provide an update to the DDRC-22D MCU firmware to enable new features. To update
the MCU firmware, first download and install the latest version of the DDRC-22 Utility program from the User
Downloads section of the miniDSP website. Then follow the instructions below for your platform.
DO NOT DISCONNECT THE USB CABLE OR POWER FROM THE DDRC-22D WHILE FIRMWARE UPDATE IS
IN PROGRESS. DOING SO MAY “BRICK” YOUR PROCESSOR.
8.2.1 Windows
1. Connect the processor to your computer via USB (if not already connected) and power it on.
2. Start the DDRC-22 utility program.
3. Click on the Connect button. The button will display a green tick if connection is successful.
4. Click on the Upgrade Firmware button. The DDRC-22D will be put into boot loader mode and the miniDSP
upgrade utility will start. The status line should display “Device attached”.
5. Click on the Open Hex File button and select the .hex file located in the firmware folder of the download. It
will have a name like ENC_DDRC22_Ver2.26_SS.hex.
6. Click on the Program/Verify button. The status bar will indicate progress. Do not disconnect the USB cable
or remove power from the processor while this runs!
7. After the status indicates that the verify has completed successfully, click on the Reset Device button, and
then quit the upgrade utility.
8. Return to the DDRC-22 Utility program. (If there is a dialog informing "Connection to DSP closed," click on
OK.) Click on the Connect button, and then on About to verify the new firmware version.