I've ordered a topping DM7 - an 8-way balanced output usb DAC - to replace my (deceased) 8-way soundcard; used as the output in a PC-based software crossover (for stereo 3-way speakers +subs). Whilst relatively low cost for such a device, it is quite expensive to me; a lot of unpleasant overtime working has been necessary to pay for it, so I hope that this was worthwhile.
Additionally, I'm also rebuilding my PC but this time intending to use Linux as standard. Camilladsp has appeared on my radar since last I went in this direction; it looks excellent and i would like to try it for the crossover (possibly more), though I haven't ruled out alternatives by any means.
The challenge may be hardware/software compatibility, and certainly my own lack of both linux and camilladsp expertise. But there appear to be precedents, such as this small post from tinnitus on ASR, suggesting that it might work as hoped. So I shall have a go, and would welcome thoughts and pointers from anyone who has done this or anything quite similar.
Cheers,
Kev
Additionally, I'm also rebuilding my PC but this time intending to use Linux as standard. Camilladsp has appeared on my radar since last I went in this direction; it looks excellent and i would like to try it for the crossover (possibly more), though I haven't ruled out alternatives by any means.
The challenge may be hardware/software compatibility, and certainly my own lack of both linux and camilladsp expertise. But there appear to be precedents, such as this small post from tinnitus on ASR, suggesting that it might work as hoped. So I shall have a go, and would welcome thoughts and pointers from anyone who has done this or anything quite similar.
Cheers,
Kev
Well some more searching has found a small post by tinnitus on audiosciencereview, in which the DM7 was said to be working out of the box on the raspbian version of debian buster (running kernel 5.10.63-v7). This is very encouraging, and suggests that what I want to do should be quite possible on a linux-based PC. There isn't much info given on the actual implementation but, as things do indeed appear to be compatible, it should now just be a case of investigating camilladsp (on which there is already a lot of info elsewhere around diyaudio etc.) and/or other software alternatives.
As an aside, I was surprised that there isn't a lot more info from people using the topping DM7, but I suppose it is quite new and also fairly niche in application. I read the whole of that ASR thread and found it depressing that so many couldn't accept it is simply a computer-based DAC (not a surround processor or stand alone product etc). The balanced outputs also seemed underappreciated, with people proposing conversion to single ended in quite cheap and nasty ways or dismissing the device entirely. So overall I'm not sure what the future might hold for uptake of the DM7, but it appears to be exactly what I wanted for implementing PC-based active crossovers. No doubt time will tell if I'm correct or not; I hope so given how many days of overtime it is costing me.
As an aside, I was surprised that there isn't a lot more info from people using the topping DM7, but I suppose it is quite new and also fairly niche in application. I read the whole of that ASR thread and found it depressing that so many couldn't accept it is simply a computer-based DAC (not a surround processor or stand alone product etc). The balanced outputs also seemed underappreciated, with people proposing conversion to single ended in quite cheap and nasty ways or dismissing the device entirely. So overall I'm not sure what the future might hold for uptake of the DM7, but it appears to be exactly what I wanted for implementing PC-based active crossovers. No doubt time will tell if I'm correct or not; I hope so given how many days of overtime it is costing me.
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I have a DM7 which is driving my amps in a 4-way no baffle speaker. For crossover software I use camilladsp implemented in a RPI 4 running with ubuntu like shown here: audiosciencereview. It works and sounds flawless.
I used an old RME Fireface 400 with a similar old Macbook (also running camilladsp) for this task before, the new setup is as stable and works as well, sounds and measures better, uses less energy and is future proof, so I can recommend the DM7 for the purpose of building digital crossovers.
I used an old RME Fireface 400 with a similar old Macbook (also running camilladsp) for this task before, the new setup is as stable and works as well, sounds and measures better, uses less energy and is future proof, so I can recommend the DM7 for the purpose of building digital crossovers.
Thanks! I'd seen that thread of yours and was going to use it as my starting point for camilladsp when the time comes, but hadn't actually noticed your use of the DM7. That is excellent news, thank you.
Getting quite excited about this now, though I need to finish rebuilding my PC first. I do also have a raspberry pi somewhere, if that should prove to be preferable. Just that my PC is already in the same location, and turned on whenever I'm at home, so it would be convenient to simply use that unless some reason is found to do otherwise.
Thanks again,
Kev
No, that is not my thread 😀, I just followed that thread installing Camilla…
But Camila works on any computer, I guess… you just have to figure out how to install….
But Camila works on any computer, I guess… you just have to figure out how to install….
Ah, sorry; I misunderstood.
Still, the fact that you have done it is the key thing, and that you also did so by following the thread is a good recommendation for it 🙂
Still, the fact that you have done it is the key thing, and that you also did so by following the thread is a good recommendation for it 🙂
