starting out on dsp crossover and active speakers

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wobberly1

Member
Joined 2006
#1
Hi

I'd like to learn how to design a dsp crossover and am after some help on how to get set up and what to read. I've read around a lot and found a guide on desiging dsp crossovers on asr but don't know if its polite to refer to that here. I'm sure there are better resources here though

I tend to understand thinngs best with an iterative practical approach: read some theory, play around with it until I understand it. and then repeat ...

So I was thinking of building some speakers with well behaved drivers and use pc software,to get a functional but basic crossover built and then iteratively learn how to design a good crossover.

I know there are some big holes in that idea that have to be filled in, like
  • what speakers
  • what box
  • what ampplifiers
  • what interface between the computer and the amplifiers

so the questions I've looking for help on

Is this idea practical?
If so what sort of kit will I need? I'm looking for basic gear but want it to be able to get great sound.
What are good not too technical guides to read up on the theory.
What guides are there on setting up a basic crossover for a baseline to get me started.

I like listening to orchestra's, concert bands and choral music (eg Mahler) as well musical pop and rock (from abba, carpenters, simon and garfunkle to Pink Floyd and Queen). I was thinking of using one of Troels Graveson's designs as a basis for the speakers and box- maybe The Loudspeaker 3. I'll

My budget is going to be around $4000

thanks in advance for your help
Martin
 
#2
Just to clarify, that I'm mainly asking for advice on the interface between the computer and the amps here, and setting up and learning about dsp crossovers - I was going to ask about the speakers on the speaker foruwm. But I'll welcome all suggestions here too.

thanks
 
#5
So I was thinking of building some speakers with well behaved drivers and use pc software,to get a functional but basic crossover built and then iteratively learn how to design a good crossover.
Click to expand...
I think that you are on the right track here.
For a simple plug and play solution, have a look at Hypex Fusion Plate amps. This one is the cheapest three-way: FA123. you will need a pair for stereo speakers. Connect to your PC and off you go. You will need a measurement mic and something like REW software to find where you are up to.
 
#7
wobberly1 said:
I know there are some big holes in that idea that have to be filled in, like
  • what speakers
  • what box
  • what ampplifiers
  • what interface between the computer and the amplifier
Click to expand...

Hi,
Speakers are a matter of preference ( as well as their size, type, etc,etc,...) so you are on your own regarding defining your own preference.

Amplifiers: whatever please you. As long as it is mated with your drivers. Could be tube, transitors, chip amps (like powered studio monitors), or classD. This is the interesting point of a modular approach ( versus something like hypex fa123 which integrate everything on one plate amp).

Interface: like already pointed any proaudio multichanel interface is ok, as long as it have drivers for the OS you'll use. Beware that most proaudio brands don't have Alsa drivers ( Linux audio drivers) availlable so they exclude Linux environnement. Win or Apple with Asio drivers ( you loose in choice of os but will gain in stability and peace of mind).

About essential skills you'll need: measuring. How to do it, how to interpret them. But it is true for all kind of design ( passive)...
 
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