Hello,
I just thought of something and wanted to ask the computer guys if something like this is possible.
I gave my brother an R2R DAC for Christmas.
It was an entry-level model, but it's an R2R Ladder DAC for 160,--
Working with my DSP, I thought that if I had three of the inexpensive DACs and could connect all three to a computer via USB at the same time.
Then I would have an high-end 6-channel R2R DSP...and could drive a pair of 3-way speakers.
So I have no idea if there is a software that can simulate a crossover and then separate the music and deliver the individual channels to more than one USB socket (or Coaxial, Opical aso...)
What do you think about this idea and if you have ever heard of something like this?
I just thought of something and wanted to ask the computer guys if something like this is possible.
I gave my brother an R2R DAC for Christmas.
It was an entry-level model, but it's an R2R Ladder DAC for 160,--
Working with my DSP, I thought that if I had three of the inexpensive DACs and could connect all three to a computer via USB at the same time.
Then I would have an high-end 6-channel R2R DSP...and could drive a pair of 3-way speakers.
So I have no idea if there is a software that can simulate a crossover and then separate the music and deliver the individual channels to more than one USB socket (or Coaxial, Opical aso...)
What do you think about this idea and if you have ever heard of something like this?
I think you could get there using EqualizerAPO. It is free PC software that lets you setup filters in the audio chain before it gets to a DAC. I think it will work with multiple DACs. It works with a configuration file. Have a look at the examples.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/
https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/
Quite some people use DSP on PC for active crossovers. But you need to ensure the channels stay in sync. This is impossible with multiple USB. Some options would be a multi channel USB to I2S board and then feeding the DACs via I2S if possible. Or alternatively (less preferred), you could use a card that can do 4x (or 3x) SP/DIF out to the DACs...
Well then I'm not the first one with this idea 🙂
then SPDIF would be more likely.
The idea is only a good idea with inexpensive DACs.
But certainly better than the D/A section of a car crossover with 8V at the RCA outputs.
Not the best solution for Home HiFi....
👍
Actually, I think it is also a good idea with more expensive DACs... ;-)
Currently working on a (PC based) custom crossover SW solution with Merging HAPI...
Currently working on a (PC based) custom crossover SW solution with Merging HAPI...
For 3-way speakers the easy solution is one of the Hypex Fuxion three channel plate amps with built in DSP. Fewer boxes and cables. Great sound with an optional remote and lots of different inputs. https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/speaker-amps/
I use the Helix Pro MK2 with 10 channels 24/96 and inter 32 bit. Works well with a Rotel 6 channel power amp and a Rotel with 150W/8 Ohm for the bass. Because the CAR HiFi DSPs usually have 8V at the output, I have built a 12 channel unbalanced or 6 channel balanced passive volume control with resistors and remote control. I can also use this on my DBX Venu 360. This allows me to control the volume without bit losses.
Nevertheless, I would be interested in a PC-based crossover.
If someone knows a software that can do this and it works via 3 Spdif outputs I would be happy about it.
Surely expensive DACs are also suitable for this, but I believe that even cheap DACs are superior to most DSPs in terms of conversion and amplification. Especially as R2R would also be possible...
Nevertheless, I would be interested in a PC-based crossover.
If someone knows a software that can do this and it works via 3 Spdif outputs I would be happy about it.
Surely expensive DACs are also suitable for this, but I believe that even cheap DACs are superior to most DSPs in terms of conversion and amplification. Especially as R2R would also be possible...
You can use multichannel USB interface to feed DACs, for example:
I guess you can use a software/driver that aggregates several audio interfaces into a mutichannel one. I.e., you have 3 stereo (2-channel) usb audio interfaces that are combined into a single 6-channel interface via software. In MacOS there is a native feature called "Aggregate Device" that allows you to do it:
If I remember correctly, ALSA has tools to do that in linux as well. Then, having several devices show up as a single multi channel one, you can use a software like CamillaDSP to build your crossover.
However, from what I read, you can run into syncrhonization problems as USB doesn't ensure that all devices are in sync. I also read (sorry, couldn't find the link) about a guy that used two Prosonus 26C interfaces connected to a computer through USB to run as a single 8ch DAC, and it seems that there were no synchronization issues (powerful comuper + 2 equal interfaces).
If I remember correctly, ALSA has tools to do that in linux as well. Then, having several devices show up as a single multi channel one, you can use a software like CamillaDSP to build your crossover.
However, from what I read, you can run into syncrhonization problems as USB doesn't ensure that all devices are in sync. I also read (sorry, couldn't find the link) about a guy that used two Prosonus 26C interfaces connected to a computer through USB to run as a single 8ch DAC, and it seems that there were no synchronization issues (powerful comuper + 2 equal interfaces).