miniDSP Flex Eight User manual

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Table of Contents
miniDSPFlexEight
Product Overview
DiracLive upgrade
Typical application
Software Installation
System requirements
Windows
macOS
Download the miniDSP software
Install the miniDSP software
Install on macOS
Install on Windows
The miniDSP Device Console
Finding connected devices
Connecting to a device
Using template devices
Settings
Input sources
Using presets
Selecting a preset
Renaming
Importing and exporting
Resetting
Firmware updates
Convert to Flex Eight (DL)
1. Purchase the Dirac Live upgrade
2. Activate the Dirac Live upgrade
Basic Operation
Front and rear panels
Basic operation
Rear panel connections
Playing Audio
Connecting sources
Connecting an amplier and speakers

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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
Channel gain
PEQ
FIR
Mute
Signal routing
Overview
Basic routing
Mixing
Inverting mixer inputs
Routing examples
Subwoofer integration
Two-way active speaker
Three-way active speaker and dual subs
Output Channels
Channel label
Signal routing
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Time delay
Gain adjustment
Invert
Mute
Current RMS level, level meter

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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
FIR Filtering
FIR ltering overview
The FIR lter pane
Enabling and disabling the lter
Allocating taps
Loading lters
File mode
Manual mode

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Jumping between channels
FIR lter design software
Tips
Compressor
Overview
Enable
Jumping between channels
Additional Information
Troubleshooting and support
Trouble-shooting audio issues
No sound during playback
Strange soundstage
Obtaining support

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miniDSPFlexEight
Product Overview
The miniDSPFlexEight is a stereo-input, eight-channel output compact high-resolution audio processor. It features
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.
DiracLive upgrade
The miniDSPFlexEight can be upgraded to run stereo (two-channel) DiracLive® room correction. This requires an
additional purchase for the DiracLive license. You can either purchase the miniDSPFlexEight with DiracLive already
activated, or purchase the DiracLive upgrade at a later time from within the Device Console. Refer to the instructions
here:
Convert to Flex Eight (DL)
Note that the upgrade applies per device.
Typical application
The miniDSPFlexEight is ideal for compact active loudspeaker solutions. Any outputs that are not used for the
speaker can be used for independent subwoofers.
Figure 1 shows the miniDSPFlexEight used as an active crossover with two subwoofers integrated. With multiple
digital inputs including Bluetooth audio streaming, this is very cost-effective way to build a modern active speaker
system. Add the optional DiracLive software upgrade for world-class room correction.

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Analog
3.0dB
Preset 3
Computer
USB audioDigital sources
miniDSP
Flex Eight
Power amplification
Speaker
enclosures
Subwoofer/s
Analog audio
Figure 1. miniDSPFlexEight active speaker system with dual subwoofer
integration
Of course, a full four-way active speaker could be built instead, or a two-way speaker with up to four independent
subwoofers.

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Software Installation
The miniDSPFlexEight is congured with software running on a PC or Mac.
System requirements
Windows
Windows 10 or later, with all updates installed
At least a dual core i3, i5, or i7 processor, or AMD equivalent
At least 4 GB RAM
One free USB 2.0 port
Internet connection
macOS
OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), or macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later
At least a dual core i3, i5, or i7 processor, or an Apple ARM processor (M1/M2/Pro/Max)
At least 4 GB RAM
One free USB 2.0 port
Internet connection
Intel and Apple ARM processors are supported with separate binaries.
Download the miniDSP software
If you purchased your FlexEight directly from miniDSP, your software will be available from the User Downloads
(https://www.minidsp.com/userdownloads) 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 FlexEight from a miniDSP dealer, you will receive a coupon together with the product. Redeem
this coupon at this page:
Redeem your miniDSP software (https://www.minidsp.com/support/redeem-coupon)
The User Downloads link is visible from the drop-down menu at the top right of the website:
Info

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Navigate to the miniDSP Device Console section and select the download according to your platform: Windows,
macOS with Intel CPU, or macOS with Apple ARM CPU.
Install the miniDSP software
Install on macOS
1. Double-click on the downloaded miniDSP Device Console-x.y.z.dmg image le to open it. (The version number
x.y.z embedded in the le name will change over time.)
2. Drag the miniDSP Device Console application icon to your Applications folder.
3. To run the miniDSPDeviceConsole, locate it in the Applications 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.
The macOS version of miniDSP Device Console is installed for all users on the computer.
Install on Windows
1. Double-click on the downloaded MiniDSP Device Console Setup x.y.z.exe installer to run it. (The version number
x.y.z embedded in the le name will change over time.)
2. Install the miniDSP UAC2 USB Audio driver:
Info

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a. Start miniDSPDeviceConsole.
b. Navigate to the Settings screen and select Check USB Audio Driver:
Settings
Network Device Discovery
Timeout 40 seconds
Software Update
Check Interval 24 Enable
Last checked: No updates available at 15:49:29 GMT+1000 (Hong Kong Time) on Fri Aug 19 2022
Color Mode
Modes Light Dark System
Support
Check USB Audio Driver
Main M e nu
Create Program Snapshot
Hours
Discover Devices
Template Devices
Settings
About
Version History
CHECK NOW
If the UAC2 driver is not installed, DeviceConsole will offer to install it. If you have previously installed the
miniDSP UAC2 driver but it is not up to date, DeviceConsole will offer to install the latest version. In either
case, click PROCEED.
UAC-2 does not seem to be installed.. Install UAC2 Driver?
UAC-2 Driver
PROCEED NO
Note: we recommend that you accept the default installation location.
The rst time you run the miniDSPDeviceConsole, 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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The most recent miniDSP processors require the UAC2 driver to be at least version 5.40. If you have diculty with the
UAC2 driver or control panel, use Check USB Audio Driver to make sure that you have the latest version.
The Windows installation of miniDSPDeviceConsole is for a single user. If it needs to be run in more than one account
on your PC, it will need to be installed for each account.
Info
Info

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The miniDSP Device Console
The miniDSPFlexEight is not yet supported by miniDSPDeviceConsole. Please subscribe to our newsletter
(https://www.minidsp.com/aboutus/newsletter) for updates.
The miniDSPDeviceConsole ("DC") is the new conguration and control software for miniDSP audio processors. It
replaces the earlier "plugin" control software. In contrast to the earlier software, DeviceConsole provides:
A single software program to control all miniDSP processors
Over-the-air (OTA) self-updates
Detection and installation of rmware upgrades for your processor
Purchase and activation of Dirac Live upgrades (where applicable)
Finding connected devices
The Discover Devices screen displays devices connected to your computer, or which have a network-accessible
control interface.
Main M enu Choose your device:
Devices plugged into your network / USB are shown below.
Flex Eight
Serial#: 900001
USB
VID: 10066 PID: 18
SHD
Serial#: 902607
USB
VID: 10066 PID: 69
Discover Devices
Template Devices
Settings
About
Version History
For network control, the miniDSPFlexEight requires that a miniDSP Wi-DG be connected to its USB port.
If your device is connected to a Wi-DG but is not visible here, conrm that you have updated the rmware on your Wi-DG
to the latest version. In particular, the FlexEight requires that the Wi-DG be on rmware 0.9.5 or higher.
Warning
Info
Tip

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Connecting to a device
To connect to a device for editing and control, click on its name. While the device is connected, the Device Console
displays three main areas:
The global control area has items that are not specic settings of the processor for the current preset. These items
are described on this page.
The input channels area displays a control strip for each input channel. See Input channels.
The output channels area displays the routing from input to output channels, and a control strip for each output
channel. See Signal routing and Output channels.
Connection
Master Volume
Input Source
Presets
1 2 34
Firmware
Display Versions
Refresh DSP Firmware
Refresh XMOS Firmware
Model Conversion
Convert To Flex Eight (DL)
DISCONNECT
-41.5 dB
Output 7
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
Output 2
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
Output 4
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
Output 5
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
Output 6
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
Output 8
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
0DB
Output 1
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
0DB
-98.0 -18.9 -42.9 -32.4 -33.5 -134.7 -29.1
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
Output 3
INPUT 1
0DB
INVERT
INPUT 2
INVERT
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
0DB
-3.5
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
PEQ
CROSSOVER
Delay (ms)
0
Gain (dB)
0
INVERT
MUTE
COMPRESSOR
TOSLINK
RENAME IMPORT EXPORT RESET RESET-ALL
Input 1
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
-14.0
Gain (dB)
Input 2
RMS-Meter
(dBFS)
-43.1
Gain (dB)
0
PEQ
FIR
MUTE
0
PEQ
FIR
MUTE
0
PEQ
FIR
MUTE
0
PEQ
FIR
MUTE
Global control Input channels Output channels
Flex Eight
When you are done, click DISCONNECT.
Using template devices
The Template Devices screen displays the complete list of devices supported by Device Console. This can be used to
explore features of a processor that you do not have, or to edit your processor settings when you are not able to
connect to it.
A template device "mirrors" the real device, so that you can edit your settings while not connected. That is, while you
are editing the real device, the current preset is copied to the corresponding template device whenever you change
presets and when you disconnect. You can then edit those settings in the template device.
To edit a template device, click on it.

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Tem pla te Devices
DDRC-24
Flex
Flex (DL)
Flex Eight
Flex Eight (DL)
SHD
Main Menu
Discover Devices
Template Devices
Settings
About
Version History
When you are done editing in the template device, click FINISH.
When you connect to your real device again, DeviceConsole detects that you have edited the template and asks you if
you want to use the settings from the edited template. Or, you can discard the changes you made in the template and
revert to the settings that your device had the last time you were connected to it. This is done on a preset-by-preset
basis:
Settings have changed
Different settings have been found for Flex Eight. Would you like to:
Possible reasons:
* The settings for Preset-1 in the template device has been changed since last time this
Flex Eight was connected.
Apply the changes from Preset-1 in the template to the Flex Eight
Continue and use current setting.
(Last Modified: 8/29/2022, 3:46:22 PM)
(Last Modified: 8/29/2022, 1:22:17 PM)
Initialize to default Settings
Disconnect

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You will see a similar dialog if you edit the settings of your device using a different computer or the older "plugin" user
interface (the latter is not recommended once you have migrated to the miniDSPDeviceConsole).
If you have more than one device of the same type, only one of them can be edited using the template device. If you have
more than one device of the same type or need to edit your devices from more than one computer, you will need to
manage your presets by exporting them to and importing them from les. See Importing and Exporting.
Settings
These settings are for Device Console itself (and not any connected processor).
Settings
Network Device Discovery
Timeout 40 seconds
Software Update
Check Interval 24 Enable
Last checked: No updates available at 15:49:29 GMT+1000 (Hong Kong Time) on Fri Aug 19 2022
Color Mode
Modes Light Dark System
Support
Check USB Audio Driver
Main M e nu
Create Program Snapshot
Hours
Discover Devices
Template Devices
Settings
About
Version History
CHECK NOW
The Modes selection sets the DC to display with a light theme, a dark theme, or with the same theme as your operating
system (Windows or macOS). If you choose the System option, you may need to quit DeviceConsole and restart it for
the change to take effect.
The Check USB Audio Driver feature checks if you have the miniDSP UAC2 audio driver installed, and that it is the
latest version. It appears on Windows only. See Installation for more information.
The Create Program Snapshot feature is used to help miniDSP support diagnose issues you may be having with your
unit. See Obtaining Support.
Input sources
Info
Info

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To select the input source, drop down the selector menu.
The selectable inputs can set up by clicking on the CUSTOMIZE SELECTION button. Any input source can be enabled
or disabled here.
TOSLINK
SPDIF
USB
Bluetooth
Please choose selectable Audio Source
If an input is disabled, it cannot be selected here, from the front panel, or by remote control. This is a convenience
feature so that ununused inputs do not need to be cycled through.
Using presets
Presets / Configurations
1 2 34
RENAME IMPORT EXPORT RESET RESET-ALL
The miniDSPFlexEight has four onboard presets, each of which contains all of the settings for audio processing
except items controlled by the front panel and remote control (volume, mute, input source).
Selecting a preset
Click on the desired preset number. Or if you have renamed the presets, its name.
Renaming
Select the preset, then click the RENAME button. Enter the desired name, then click OK. The name can be up to 12
letters long.

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Preset Name
OK CANCEL
2Preset Name
OK CANCEL
More Bass
The preset name is displayed in the DeviceConsole only. The front panel of the FlexEight will still display "Preset 1"
through "Preset 4".
Importing and exporting
To import a preset from a le, click the IMPORT button, then navigate to a saved preset le and click Open. The preset
will be loaded from the le. If Device Console is currently connected to the miniDSPFlexEight, the preset will also be
sent to the FlexEight.
To export a preset to a le, click the EXPORT button. Navigate to the desired location in the le system, change the le
name if desired, and click Save.
It is not possible to load a preset from the FlexEight back to the Device Console. We strongly recommend always
exporting your presets to les when they are complete, to ensure that you don't lose them in future.
To copy all settings from one preset to another, export the rst preset to a le, select the second present, and then import
the le that you just saved.
Resetting
To reset the current preset to default values, click the RESET button.
To reset all four presets to default values, click the RESET-ALL button.
Firmware updates
miniDSPDeviceConsole will check for rmware updates when a device is connected, and notify you if one is available.
To manually update the rmware, click the Refresh DSP Firmware and Refresh XMOS Firmware button.
Info
Info
Tip

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Firmware
Display Versions
Refresh DSP Firmware
Refresh XMOS Firmware
You do not need to use these buttons in normal operation. They are there in case your FlexEight has issues and/or
miniDSP Support instructs you to refresh the rmware.
Convert to Flex Eight (DL)
Dirac Live is an optional upgrade to the miniDSPFlexEight. You can purchase and activate the upgrade from within the
miniDSPDeviceConsole.
To purchase the Dirac Live upgrade, click on Convert to Flex Eight (DL) in the DeviceConsole sidebar:
Model Conversion
Convert To Flex Eight (DL)
Read the information and warning notices and click through if you wish to proceed.
The upgrade is a two-step process: 1. purchase; 2. activate.
Tip

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Step-1: Purchase Dirac Live Upgrade
Jump directly to Step-2 if completed purchase already.
Step-2: Upgrade to Dirac-Live
Please enter the activation key from miniDSP to activate the license
RETRIEVE KEY ONLINE ACTIVATE
Upgrade to Dirac Live
Click to buy Dirac Upgrade online for Flex Eight BUY UPGRADE
Click to display Activation Code for trouble-shooting purpose
User can enter the activation key online if this computer is connected to the Internet. Otherwise, the activation key can be loaded from file.
LOAD FROM FILE
1. Purchase the Dirac Live upgrade
Click on BUY UPGRADE. A browser window will open on stripe.com. Enter your payment details and click Pay.

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The Stripe payment page redirects to an acknowledgement screen:

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You will also receive an email receipt.
After you press the Buy Upgrade button, miniDSPDeviceConsole will wait for an acknowledgement from the payment
system. If you decide not to proceed with the upgrade, click the back-arrow button near the top left of the purchase
screen and the DeviceConsole will return to normal operation.
If you just close the payment window, DeviceConsole will wait 30 minutes for the acknowledgement; in that case, quit
and restart the DeviceConsole application.
2. Activate the Dirac Live upgrade
Info