For a long time, I'm thinking of buying a MiniDSP 2x4 and a UMIK-1. This will cost me more or less 200 euros but I'm trying to make it a bit cheaper.
My goal is to measure my speakers/room with a mic that has calibration files and then make some corrections with a parametric EQ.
At the moment I'm looking at WONDOM APM2 (ADAU1701) with the interface extension. And those will cost me about 45 euros. But I have some questions.
Do I need a programmer of the same brand or could I do it with those USBi programmers that cost 3$ on aliexpress?
Otherwise, buying the programmer would set me on a very marginal save.
The other question is if, performance-wise, this is better or worst the MiniDSP 2x4?
I got that the miniDSP has a much better user experience in configuring it, but I think that I would be very comfortable programming the ADAU1701.
The 3 outputs of the WONDOM are suitable for me since I'm not thinking of adding 2 subwoofers.
Is the UMIK-1 the best budget option or are better options on the market?
My goal is to measure my speakers/room with a mic that has calibration files and then make some corrections with a parametric EQ.
At the moment I'm looking at WONDOM APM2 (ADAU1701) with the interface extension. And those will cost me about 45 euros. But I have some questions.
Do I need a programmer of the same brand or could I do it with those USBi programmers that cost 3$ on aliexpress?
Otherwise, buying the programmer would set me on a very marginal save.
The other question is if, performance-wise, this is better or worst the MiniDSP 2x4?
I got that the miniDSP has a much better user experience in configuring it, but I think that I would be very comfortable programming the ADAU1701.
The 3 outputs of the WONDOM are suitable for me since I'm not thinking of adding 2 subwoofers.
Is the UMIK-1 the best budget option or are better options on the market?
Can you get a USBi programmer for 3$ ..... have not seen that before?
I have used both the AMP2 with connection board and the programmer from Wondom.
I especially like the programmer, and now use it for my own ADAU1701 boards.
The AMP2 is fine, but of course the MiniDSP is more a finished product. (I also have a MiniDSP)
I have not yet dared trying to program the MiniDSP using SigmaStudio, as I'm afraid it will not work and I wil not be able to go back to using the MiniDSP with MiniDSPs own SW again ....
But, maybe the MiniDSP sw is also more a finished product, but it really lacks the flexibility you'll have with SigmaStudio.
One thing I have found using a separate DSP board and a separate programmer is that it is sensitive to how/when you connect it ... needs to be in the right order to work .... but it's really a minor detail 😉
Soundwise I would guess it's the same as both the MiniDSP and the AMP2 uses the ADAU1701 without any buffers or active filters (as far as I know).
With respect to Mic; I uses a home made mic for a long time based on a small panasonic electret mic capsule and a home made mic amp based on an opamp and a 9 V battery. Very cheap, and worked no problem.
I have just shifted to a new Behringer ECM8000 mic and a second hand external sound card (E-MU Tracker Pre, that I got for around 30 USD) works really well.
No matter what you chose, ADAU1701, SigmaStudio and a Mic is a super fun and educational experience. Go for it 😉
My 2 cent
PS. To make good measurements in room, you'll need a real mic stand ... I just got a cheap one of https://www.thomann.de/ .... think it was like 20 usd
I have used both the AMP2 with connection board and the programmer from Wondom.
I especially like the programmer, and now use it for my own ADAU1701 boards.
The AMP2 is fine, but of course the MiniDSP is more a finished product. (I also have a MiniDSP)
I have not yet dared trying to program the MiniDSP using SigmaStudio, as I'm afraid it will not work and I wil not be able to go back to using the MiniDSP with MiniDSPs own SW again ....
But, maybe the MiniDSP sw is also more a finished product, but it really lacks the flexibility you'll have with SigmaStudio.
One thing I have found using a separate DSP board and a separate programmer is that it is sensitive to how/when you connect it ... needs to be in the right order to work .... but it's really a minor detail 😉
Soundwise I would guess it's the same as both the MiniDSP and the AMP2 uses the ADAU1701 without any buffers or active filters (as far as I know).
With respect to Mic; I uses a home made mic for a long time based on a small panasonic electret mic capsule and a home made mic amp based on an opamp and a 9 V battery. Very cheap, and worked no problem.
I have just shifted to a new Behringer ECM8000 mic and a second hand external sound card (E-MU Tracker Pre, that I got for around 30 USD) works really well.
No matter what you chose, ADAU1701, SigmaStudio and a Mic is a super fun and educational experience. Go for it 😉
My 2 cent
PS. To make good measurements in room, you'll need a real mic stand ... I just got a cheap one of https://www.thomann.de/ .... think it was like 20 usd
Trying the link I just get "Sorry, this item's currently unavailable in your location." and no further information, no description, no picture ... Strange ...
I think these are the cheapest options https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/adau1701-programmer.354277/ The one you linked to isn't for programming ADAU chips with Sigma Studio.
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