miniDSP HARMONY DSP 8X12 User manual

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 1
HARMONY DSP 8X12
8-IN 12-OUT ADVANCED IN-CAR AUDIO PROCESSOR
AND POWER AMPLIFIER
WITH DIRAC LIVE®ACOUSTIC CORRECTION
User Manual

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 2
Revision history
Revision
Description
Date
0.1
First draft
10 November 2020
1.0
First public version
30 November 2020
1.1
Minor updates and corrections
16 December 2020
SUPPORTED OS
The above are the only versions of the Windows and Mac operating systems supported by
Dirac Live. Other versions will probably not work.
Note: Use of Dirac Live with macOS Mojave and Catalina requires some manual
workarounds, which are documented in this manual.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 3
CONTENTS
Important Information........................................................................................................................................ 5
1Product Overview......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Typical usage........................................................................................................................................ 7
1.2 Dirac Live.............................................................................................................................................. 9
2Software Installation .................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Windows 10 ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.1 Download and install the DiracLive application ........................................................................... 10
2.1.2 Download the miniDSP software................................................................................................. 10
2.1.3 Install the miniDSP software ....................................................................................................... 11
2.2 macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina............................................................................................ 12
2.2.1 Download and install the DiracLive application ........................................................................... 12
2.2.2 Download the miniDSP software................................................................................................. 12
2.2.3 Install the miniDSP software ....................................................................................................... 13
3Hardware Connectivity............................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Mounting ........................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 USB .................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.3 TOSLINK Digital Audio......................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 A2B .................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.5 Remote Control.................................................................................................................................. 14
3.6 Power Supply and Remote Trigger...................................................................................................... 15
3.7 Analog outputs................................................................................................................................... 15
4Plugin Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 User interface..................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Synchronizing with the processor ....................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Global controls................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.1 Start Dirac Live Software............................................................................................................. 18
4.3.2 Configuration/preset selection ................................................................................................... 18
4.3.3 Tab selection .............................................................................................................................. 18
4.3.4 Master mute............................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.5 IP Address and Auto.................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.6 Subwoofer and Master volume................................................................................................... 19
4.3.7 Dirac Live on/off ......................................................................................................................... 19
4.4 Signal flow.......................................................................................................................................... 20
4.5 Inputs & Bass Mgt tab ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.6 Routing tab......................................................................................................................................... 22
4.7 Dirac Live tab...................................................................................................................................... 23
4.8 Mixer tab............................................................................................................................................ 24
4.9 Output tabs........................................................................................................................................ 25
4.10 Output mode selection....................................................................................................................... 26

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 4
5Dirac Live Calibration.................................................................................................................................. 27
6Remote Control .......................................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Status indicators................................................................................................................................. 28
6.2 Operation of the OLED wired remote ................................................................................................. 28
6.3 Channel selection for subwoofer volume control................................................................................ 29
6.4 Using the miniDSP remote.................................................................................................................. 30
6.5 Learning third-party remote codes ..................................................................................................... 31
7Plugin Reference......................................................................................................................................... 32
7.1 Output channel processing................................................................................................................. 32
7.1.1 Channel label.............................................................................................................................. 32
7.1.2 Level meter and gain control ...................................................................................................... 32
7.1.3 Parametric EQ (PEQ)................................................................................................................... 33
7.1.4 Crossover (Xover) ....................................................................................................................... 35
7.1.5 Time delay.................................................................................................................................. 37
7.1.6 Invert and mute.......................................................................................................................... 37
7.2 Custom biquad programming ............................................................................................................. 38
7.2.1 What’s a “biquad? ...................................................................................................................... 38
7.2.2 Using custom biquad programming ............................................................................................ 38
7.2.3 Biquad design software............................................................................................................... 40
7.3 Working with configurations .............................................................................................................. 41
7.3.1 Online and offline mode ............................................................................................................. 41
7.3.2 Selecting a configuration ............................................................................................................ 41
7.3.3 Saving and loading configurations............................................................................................... 42
7.3.4 Restoring to defaults................................................................................................................... 43
7.4 Keyboard shortcuts ............................................................................................................................ 43
8Additional Information............................................................................................................................... 44
8.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 44
8.1.1 General specifications................................................................................................................. 44
8.1.2 Analog output specifications, BTL and PBTL modes..................................................................... 45
8.1.3 Analog output specifications, Line Out mode .............................................................................. 45
8.2 MCU firmware upgrade...................................................................................................................... 46
8.2.1 Windows .................................................................................................................................... 46
8.2.2 macOS ........................................................................................................................................ 48
8.3 OLED remote firmware upgrade......................................................................................................... 50
8.4 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................. 51
8.5 Obtaining support .............................................................................................................................. 52

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 5
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 the miniDSP audio processor, you will require a Windows PC or Apple macOS 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
macOS
•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 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 miniDSP
audio processor is a powerful tool, and misuse or misconfiguration, such as incorrectly set gains or excessive
boost, can produce signals that may damage your audio system.
As a general guideline, you should perform the initial configuration of the miniDSP audio processor 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 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!
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

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 6
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.
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.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•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 Harmony DSP 8x12 has passed the test performed according to European Standard EN 55022 Class B.
A note 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. Use
the View menu (Preview on Mac) or the
bookmarks sidebar (Adobe reader on Mac
and Windows) to view this table of contents.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 7
1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the miniDSP Harmony DSP 8x12 advanced in-car audio processor and power amplifier.
The Harmony DSP 8x12 features stereo optical and 6-channel USB digital inputs, 12 speaker- or line-level analog
outputs, a full eight channels of Dirac Live room correction and miniDSP’s powerful audio processing on each
output channel.
By use of the onboard matrix mixers, the Harmony DSP 8x12 is adaptable to many configurations, ranging from a
simple stereo correction and EQ system, through to integration of one or more subwoofers, through to a
complete active multichannel surround system. Low-noise digital-input line/power drivers ensure pristine audio
quality in any vehicle environment.
Four complete processing configurations are stored on-board and can be selected from the OLED wired remote
or by infrared remote control.
1.1 TYPICAL USAGE
Figure 1 illustrates a straightforward installation, with two or four channels supplied by the source device and
four speakers being driven by a power amplifier. The included miniDSP UMIK-1 is used to perform Dirac Live
calibration.
Figure 1. Basic system setup with four-channel acoustic correction

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 8
The Harmony DSP 8x12 also supports more advanced configurations. With 12 powered output channels,
implementing an in-vehicle active speaker system has never been easier, and the Dirac Live correction ensures
optimum response all around. Some features include:
•Comprehensive bass management function to synthesize the subwoofer feed from speaker channels.
•Up to 8 channels of Dirac Live correction with flexible assignment to output channels.
•Rear channel synthesis for stereo sources.
•Multiple onboard configurations for different situations (with/without passengers, competition etc.).
Figure 2 illustrates a more complex installation that uses more of the features of the Harmony DSP 8x12.
Figure 2. Advanced system configuration with subwoofer(s) and active speakers

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 9
1.2 DIRAC LIVE
The Harmony DSP 8x12 executes Dirac Live® digital room correction, from Dirac Research. This mixed-phase
filtering technology will minimize the effects of cabin modes and resonances, adjust frequency response to
optimum, and improve imaging, 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 response. Measurements are taken with a calibrated acoustic measurement
microphone, the miniDSP UMIK-1.
In addition to correcting frequency 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 behave much more like an ideal speaker.
Dirac Live calibration is described in the separate miniDSP Dirac Live User Manual.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 10
2SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
The Harmony DSP 8x12 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.
2.1 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.
2.1.1 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-v3.0.13-setup.exe.exe. Be
sure to accept the default installation settings. Do not run the application yet.
2.1.2 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 C-DSP plugins section and download the zip file under the heading C-DSP 8x12DL Dirac 3.0.
(Note: the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin works with both the Harmony DSP 8x12 and the C-DSP 8x12 DL processors.)
After downloading, unzip the file (right-click and select “Extract All...”). The unzipped download has a name like
C_DSP_8x12_DL_v1_11_mbfw_v2_11_oledfw_v2_3. (The version numbers embedded in the folder name may
be different.)

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 11
2.1.3 Install the miniDSP software
2.1.3.1 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).
2.1.3.2 Install the plugin
1. Navigate to the Plugins folder of the software download and then to the Windows folder.
2. Double-click on the plugin installer to run it. It will be named C-DSP-8x12-DL.exe. We recommend that you
accept the default installation settings.
Note: the first time you run the C-DSP 8x12 DL 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.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 12
2.2 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.
2.2.1 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-v3.0.13-Setup-Darwin.app. Be sure to accept the default installation settings. Do not
run the application yet.
2.2.2 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 C-DSP plugins section and download the zip file under the heading C-DSP 8x12DL Dirac 3.0.
(Note: the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin works with both the Harmony DSP 8x12 and the C-DSP 8x12 DL processors.)
After downloading, unzip the file (double- click on it). The unzipped download has a name like
C_DSP_8x12_DL_v1_11_mbfw_v2_11_oledfw_v2_3. (The version numbers embedded in the folder name may
be different.)

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 13
2.2.3 Install the miniDSP software
2.2.3.1 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).” (The name
“MiniDSP_Plugin” will be replaced with the actual plugin name.)
3. The following window will appear. Click on “Open.”
2.2.3.2 Install the plugin
3. Navigate to the Plugins folder of the software download and then to the Mac folder.
4. The installer is named C-DSP-8x12-DL.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.
2.2.3.3 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.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 14
3HARDWARE CONNECTIVITY
Connections to the Harmony DSP 8x12 are made on the rear panel.
3.1 MOUNTING
Mount the amplifier inside the vehicle, typically in the boot, trunk or cargo area. Do not place it in the engine
bay, near hot components (exhaust) or where it may be exposed to weather, dust, fluids or corrosive
substances.
The amplifier needs to have adequate space around it so air can flow around it for cooling. Don’t cover it with
seating or carpet, or wedge it between anything, for example. Don’t place anything on top of it or place it in a
closed console with no ventilation.
3.2 USB
The USB 2.0 (Type B) port is used for:
•Configuration and calibration with the miniDSP plugin and with DiracLive. Connect to an available USB
port on your computer.
•Audio playback of up to 6 channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Connect to an available USB port on a computer,
tablet, phone, streamer or Android-based head unit. In some cases you will need an appropriate
adapter.
3.3 TOSLINK DIGITAL AUDIO
The TOSLINK input accepts stereo PCM audio at sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz.
Note: this input accepts only a stereo PCM digital signal. It does not accept encoded or multichannel digital
audio (such as Dolby Digital or DTS) or ADAT.
3.4 A2B
The A2B ports are for an optional future enhancement (via firmware upgrade).
3.5 REMOTE CONTROL
Connect the OLED wired remote with the supplied RJ-11 phone cable.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 15
3.6 POWER SUPPLY AND REMOTE TRIGGER
The power supply and trigger connections accept bare wire connections.
1. Connect a nominal 12V DC supply (10 –16 VDC range is acceptable) to the terminals marked “Battery
(+12V)”and “Ground“. Use the supplied hex key to tighten the connecting wire securely.
2. Connect a remote trigger source to the Terminal labeled “Remote”. Use the smaller supplied hex key to
make this connection. The Harmony will power on when the voltage on this connection is greater than
4 VDC.
If no remote trigger source is available, a mechanical switch can be used to connect Remote to +12V DC.
3.7 ANALOG OUTPUTS
There are twelve analog output channels provided on two connector blocks. To simplify connection, mating
connectors with labelled pigtails are provided with the Harmony unit.
1
There are three modes for the outputs. This is set for each output channel using the plugin.
1. Line-level output. Line-level outputs are a balanced output with full-scale output of 5 VRMS. Connect
the + and –terminals to a balanced input of a power amplifier. Note: you cannot connect to single-
ended amplifier inputs.
2. BTL (bridge-tied load) mode. Connect the + and –terminals to a single speaker or speaker driver. Note:
be sure not to connect the negative output to ground, as both positive and negative outputs are “hot.”
3. PBTL (parallel bridge-tied load) mode. Connect the + and –terminals of the odd-numbered channel to
the positive speaker terminal. Connect the + and –terminals of the corresponding even-numbered
channel to the negative speaker terminal. Note: be sure not to connect any output to ground.
To set the output mode, see page 26.
1
For additional or custom cable looms, use Molex 5557 series or equivalent. Housing PN: 39012120, Crimp terminal PN: 457503111
https://www.molex.com/molex/products/part-detail/crimp_housings/0039012120
https://www.molex.com/molex/products/part-detail/crimp_terminals/0457503111

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 16
4PLUGIN OVERVIEW
The overall power of the Harmony DSP 8x12 comes not only from its comprehensive I/O but its merge of Dirac
Live processing with miniDSP’s powerful audio processing.
4.1 USER INTERFACE
This screenshot shows the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin with the key areas highlighted:
We recommend that you do a “straight-through” Dirac Live calibration before attempting more
advanced configuration with the plugin. This way you can become familiar with Dirac Live
calibration and learn how the calibration algorithms work in your vehicle.
The C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin works with both the Harmony DSP 8x12 and the C-DSP 8x12 DL
processors. Some features of the plugin will be enabled or disabled according to the specific
processor that is connected.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 17
4.2 SYNCHRONIZING WITH THE PROCESSOR
Communication with the Harmony DSP 8x12 for configuration and control takes place over USB. Ensure that the
computer is connected to the processor via a USB 2.0 port. Then click on the Connect button:
The first time you connect, or if you have made any changes to any data in the plugin user interface, the
following dialog box will appear:
The options are:
Synchronize Config
Download the currently selected configuration into the corresponding configuration preset of the
processor. After downloading the configuration data, the plugin is in online mode and any changes to
processing parameters will be downloaded immediately in real time. That is, the user interface is now
“live.”
Synchronize and Upgrade
This is similar to Synchronize Config, but also upgrades the internal data of the processor. This option
may appear after downloading and installing an updated version of the plugin.
Restore Config
Restore the data in the currently selected configuration to the factory defaults. When using this
option, any connected output equipment should be muted or powered off until you have set the
configuration to a working state. Note that the configuration data currently stored in the processor will
be deleted.
Cancel
This option cancels the attempt to connect to the processor. The plugin will remain in offline mode.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 18
4.3 GLOBAL CONTROLS
4.3.1 Start Dirac Live Software
The Start Dirac Live Software button (in the menu bar at the top of the window) starts the separate DiracLive
application. When it is pressed, the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin will disconnect from the Harmony DSP 8x12 processor
and then start up DiracLive.
You must start the DiracLive application from within the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin using the Start Dirac
Live Software button. If you open the DiracLive application by itself, it will not be able to detect the
Harmony DSP 8x12 processor.
4.3.2 Configuration/preset selection
The set of data that controls the back-end processing is called a configuration. This includes crossovers,
parametric EQ and the routing matrix. It does not include the master volume or mute status.
Four configurations are stored onboard. The currently selected preset is indicated by a dark background:
To switch to a different preset, just click on the desired button:
4.3.3 Tab selection
For the selected configuration, this row of tabs selects the parameters to be display in the main display area.
4.3.4 Master mute
The Mute button disables all audio output:
4.3.5 IP Address and Auto
Reserved for future use.

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 19
4.3.6 Subwoofer and Master volume
The Harmony DSP 8x12 has two modes of volume control operation:
Master volume mode
In this mode, the wired remote and infrared remote control the master volume i.e. all output channels.
Master volume can be varied from -72 to 0 dB.
Subwoofer volume mode
In this mode, the wired remote and infrared remote control the volume of just a selected set of
channels. This is typically used to control subwoofer volume but can also be used in other ways –for
example, to control rear channel speaker level. Subwoofer volume can be varied from -72 to +12 dB.
To set which channels are controlled in subwoofer volume mode, see page 29.
The current values for master and subwoofer volume are displayed in the plugin while connected:
These can be edited directly by typing the desired value and pressing the Tab or Enter key. Note that Subwoofer
volume is relative to master volume –that is, when master volume is changed, the actual signal level from the
subwoofer changes by the same amount as the speakers.
When performing measurements or calibration, check first that Subwoofer volume is set to your
“normal” level. Typically, setting Subwoofer volume to 0 dB is a good choice. Then you can increase
it by up to 12 dB.
4.3.7 Dirac Live on/off
The Dirac Live button turns Dirac Live processing on and off. This can also be done with a remote control or from
within the DiracLive application:

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 20
4.4 SIGNAL FLOW
To understand how the Harmony DSP 8x12 combines Dirac Live with miniDSP’s audio processing, refer to Figure
3. Each of the blue labels at the top of the diagram corresponds to a tab accessible in the plugin user interface.
From left to right:
•Eight digital input channels are passed through bass management, to extract a subwoofer channel (optional)
•A matrix mixer routes nine channels through to eight channels of Dirac Live processing.
•The signals from Dirac Live are routed through an 8x12 matrix mixer to the 12 output channels.
•Each output channel is processed with crossovers, parametric EQ, and gain and delay.
The signal processing is configured by two different programs –the DiracLive application for Dirac Live and the
C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin for the processing on the input and output side of Dirac Live. Each program loads its
configuration into one of four presets or “slots”. When a preset is selected, the configurations from both
programs are loaded into the working DSP memory.
Because of the way these two “halves” of the Harmony DSP 8x12 work together, it’s usual to configure the
system from the outputs back to the inputs.
For the sections configured by the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin, acoustic measurement with a separate program like
Room EQ Wizard (REW) will give the best results. (See the application notes on our website for guidance.)
Figure 3. Signal flow through the Harmony DSP 8x12