miniDSP Flex DL User manual

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
1/121
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
Install on macOS
Install on Windows
Download and install DiracLive
The miniDSP Device Console
Finding connected devices
Connecting to a device
Using template devices
Settings
Using Dirac Live
Input sources
Using presets
Selecting a preset
Renaming
Importing and exporting
Resetting
Firmware updates
Convert to Flex
Basic Operation
Front and rear panels
Basic operation
Rear panel connnections
All versions
miniDSP Flex

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
2/121
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
Programming a Logitech Harmony remote
Android/iOS control app
Signal Flow
Signal ow
Input Channels
Channel label
Current RMS level, Level meter
DiracLive delay
DiracLive gain
Signal routing
Overview
Basic routing
Mixing
Routing examples
Subwoofer integration
Two-way active speaker
Output Channels
Channel label
Signal routing
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Time delay
Gain adjustment
Invert
Mute

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
3/121
Current RMS level, level meter
DSP Reference
Parametric EQ
Overview
Editing lters
Disabling individual lters
Filter mode
Basic mode
Frequency
Gain
Q
Filter type
Jumping between channels
Linking channels
Reset to default
Advanced mode
Programming a single biquad
Loading a biquad le
Biquad design software
Crossover
Overview
Crossover mode
Basic mode
Enable
Cut-off frequency
Filter type
Jumping between channels
Linking channels
Hiding channels
Advanced mode
Setting biquads for the crossover block
Biquad design software
Compressor
Overview
Enable
Jumping between channels
Dirac Live

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
4/121
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
macOS users
Enable le sharing for device discovery
UMIK-1 plugged in
Grant microphone access
First steps
Starting the DiracLive application
Dirac account login or creation
Select device
Features of the Dirac Live UI
Sidebar
Loaded lters
Tab selection menu
Main display area
Main menu
Notications
Help overlay
Navigation buttons
Saving and loading projects
Congure Dirac Live for measurement
Select Recording Device
Volume Calibration
Select Arrangement
Tightly focused imaging
Focused imaging
Wide imaging
Take your measurements
Run the rst measurement
Completing the measurements

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
5/121
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
Snapshots
Reset to default
Saving and loading individual target curves
Guidelines for target curve design
Low-frequency extension and boost
High-frequency "tilt"
Low-frequency adjustment
Magnitude response dips
The Impulse response graph
Example impulse response
Impulse response controls
Exporting lters
Export a lter
Replace a lter
Delete a lter
Switch between lters
Check your device volume
Additional Information
Migrating to DC
1. Check that you have the latest version of Device Console
2. (Windows only) Check that you have the latest USB driver
3. Update DSP Firmware
4. Download the Migration Pack
5. Upgrade the rmware in your Flex
6. Migrate your conguration presets
Troubleshooting and support
Solving connectivity issues
No Internet connection

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
6/121
The miniDSP processor is not detected
Trouble-shooting audio issues
No sound during volume calibration
No sound during playback
Strange soundstage
Distortion
Obtaining support

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
7/121
miniDSPFlex (with DiracLive)
Product Overview
The miniDSPFlex(DL) is a stereo-input, four-channel output compact high-resolution audio processor. It features
stereo analog inputs, two digital inputs, USB audio, Bluetooth streaming with LDAC™ and aptX™ HD codecs and
automatic Bluetooth input selection, and an OLED front panel with physical volume control.
Stereo (two-channel) Dirac Live provides world-class room correction, while a full suite of miniDSP’s powerful audio
processing tools and exible I/O routing support applications such as subwoofer integration and active speakers.
The miniDSPFlex(DL) implements stereo DiracLive correction. That is, there are two channels of Dirac Live correction.
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.
Info

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
8/121
I O
2
1
2
1
4
3
SPDIF
TOSLINK
D
A 
C
USB
RESET
GND
DC 12V
PWR
INPUTS OUTPUTS
2
1
2
1
4
3
SPDIF
TOSLINK
D
A 
C
USB
RESET
GND
DC 12V
PWR
SPDIF
TOSLINK
D
A 
C
USB
RESET
GND
DC 12V
PWR
SPDIF
TOSLINK
OUT 34OUT 12
SPDIF
TOSLINK
OUTPUTS
INPUTS
2
1
Flex
Our standard model with stereo analog input
and four channels of analog output, all on RCA
connectors. The perfect tiny digital/analog
preamp and room correction device.
Flex/Balanced
For those with balanced equipment whether
audiophile, studio, or on-the-go professional
sound use. TRS jacks keep the compact profile
and are easy to adapt.
Flex/Digital
For specialized needs including driving active
speakers with digital input, use with separate
DACs, or to capture an analog source into a
digital system.
SPDIF
TOSLINK
USB Audio
Bluetooth Audio
Common Inputs
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.
To accomplish this, the DiracLive software steps you through the procedure for taking measurements around your
listening area. It employs a sophisticated analysis algorithm to make the optimal correction across the whole listening
area, not just at a single point. You have full control over the target frequency response. Measurements are taken with
the miniDSP UMIK-1 or UMIK-2 calibrated acoustic measurement microphone.

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
9/121
In addition to correcting magnitude response, DiracLive® corrects the system's impulse response, which reects how
the system responds to a sharp transient such as a drumbeat. Reections, diffraction, resonances, misaligned drivers,
and so on, all combine to smear out the transient. Impulse response correction is a critical factor for accurate sound-
staging, clarity and bass reproduction.
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. The Flex provides accurate and exible integration between the subwoofers and the main
speakers as well as comprehensive EQ and tuning options. This is a very cost-effective way to build a complete audio
system that includes all the benets of modern DSP technology.

3/15/23, 9:46 AM
Print or save - miniDSP Flex (DL)
https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex-dl/print_page.html
10/121
Analog
3.0dB
Preset 3
Phono preamp
Power amplifier
Powered
subwoofer
Loudspeakers
Computer
USB audio
Digital sources
Turntable
miniDSP
Flex
Figure 1. miniDSPFlex(DL) as preamp with subwoofer integration and stereo
(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.