miniDSP Flex Eight 2x8 DSP audio processor

The Flex Eightis the latest member of the miniDSP Flex family of advanced audio processors. This miniDSP digital signal processor took advantage of flexible hardware architecture to pack eight full DSP channels and a world-class analog output stage into this compact enclosure.

The Flex Eight has USB audio, S/PDIF and Bluetooth stereo digital inputs. An OLED front panel display and volume control/encoder knob provides easy control. Last but not least, it is easily software-upgradable with Stereo Dirac Live® for full range correction (20~20kHz), the world’s premiere room correction system.

We supply the FLEX Eight with a coupon (worth €9.50) for one free miniDSP plugin download.

Highlights miniDSP FLEX Eight 2x8 DSP

• Processor: 32-bit floating-point 400MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• Multi-Core USB Audio processor (XMOS)
• Bluetooth streaming: LDAC™/aptX™ HD/aptX™/AAC/SBC
• Optional upgrade to Dirac Live® 3.x Digital Room Correction, Full Range Room Correction (20~20kHz)
• Audiophile performance with very low noise floor and distortion (SNR @128dB(A), THD+N @ -111dB (0.0003%)
• Inputs: Stereo digital (USB Audio/SPDIF/Optical/Bluetooth)
• Outputs: Unbalanced (RCA)
• Control and configuration by miniDSP Device Console (DC)
• White/Black OLED front panel controller with IR control

Product details miniDSP FLEX Eight 2x8 DSP

8 channel output for up to four-way configurations

With multiple digital inputs and eight unbalanced analog output channels, the miniDSP Flex Eight can implement active speakers up to stereo four-way! Flexible 2x8 signal routing supports many other configurations such as two-way, three-way and multiple subwoofers. As we have come to expect from MiniDSP, a full suite of miniDSP's tried and proven audio processing functionality is included: parametric EQ, IIR & FIR filters, crossovers, advanced biquad programming and delay on each output channel.  

A performance fit for the audiophile

The onboard 400 MHz Analog Devices SHARC processor enables substantial processing upgrades previously available only on more expensive platforms. One example is 96 kHz internal processing for true high-resolution audio capability and assignable FIR filter taps for sophisticated equalization, crossover, and room correction capabilities. All to be accessed and programmed with miniDSP’s easy-to-use interface software. The SHARC processor can perform fixed-point as well as floating-point calculations. This makes the miniDSP Flex Eight perfect for for a wide range of applications. 

Optional upgrade to Dirac Live Digital Room Correction

Dirac Live™ is a room correction algorithm developed by Dirac Research AB of Sweden. It uses a very powerful algorithm to analyze a set of nine measurements taken around the listening area and to generate a correction filter. The correction is implemented using what Dirac Live call mixed-phase filters.

Dirac Live Calibration Tool corrects the measured in-room amplitude response to a specified "target curve." Usually, it has a rise in the bass and a slight fall in the treble.

Dirac Live Calibration Tool also corrects the time domain response of the loudspeaker. The next diagram illustrates a "perfect" impulse response of a loudspeaker, the measured impulse response, and the impulse response after correction with Dirac Live. This impulse response correction enhances stereo imaging and realism.

The miniDSP Flex Eight is easily software-upgradable with Stereo Dirac Live® for full range correction (20~20kHz) via this link.

MiniDSP Flex versions

The miniDSP Flex is the 3rd generation of the popular line of compact 2-in, 4-out audio processors. It retains the powerful floating point processor but rethinks the I/O architecture so it can provide the customers with different input-output versions in this compact chassis. The initial versions are single-ended analog I/O (RCA), balanced analog I/O (TRS) and digital out with superb audiophile specification for your enjoyment.

All versions include a set of digital inputs: USB audio, S/PDIF (RCA/optical) and Bluetooth (LDAC/aptX). An OLED front panel display and volume control/encoder knob provides easy control.

What's included with this product?

• Digital Audio Processor - Flex Eight
• IR remote v2
• 12V univeral power supply (UK/EU/US/AU plugs)
• USB cable  

Note: This product comes with a coupon (€9,50) for one free miniDSP plugin download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can l load my Dirac Live DDRC-24 project into a Flex + Dirac Live license?

Unfortunately Dirac live projects are tied to the product type (as per licensing requirements). Although on the miniDSP is able to use the same DSP/plugin configuration, it's unfortunately not possible on the Dirac live side as projects won't be compatible and Dirac Live software won't allow you to load a DDRC-24 Dirac project file into your Flex.

Would my custom linear power supply improve the Flex performance?

It's a valuable idea to think that a Linear supply will be less noisy and much better performance. However this thinking doesn't apply to all products and not 100% sure if you'd hear the improvements on a Flex knowing the extremely low noise floor (128dBA SNR).

The second concern would be the possibility that a linear power supply could introduce a whole lot of issues with ground loops as it is commonly the case when you add a linear supply to an audio chain.

Does my Bluetooth Source (Phone/Player) supports LDAC?

Starting from Android 8 (2017 release), all phones should support LDAC since it's part of the OpenSource Android project. A pop up on your OS will say "Connected with LDAC audio" once you initiate the first connection.