miniDSP SHD Dirac live Audiophile preamplifier (Analog, Digital, Streamer)

Introducing: the SHD (“Streaming High Definition”) digital audio processor incorporating Dirac Live®, the world’s premier room correction solution. A natural evolution and extension of our considerable experience with Dirac Live implementation, the miniDSP SHD heralds a new era in affordable yet powerful DSP-based network streamers.

The miniDSP SHD has extensive connectivity options. Three digital inputs, two analog inputs and USB Audio enable the SHD to fit right into any modern audio system. The four-channel DSP-controlled outputs are available as single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) analog as well as SPDIF digital.

We supply the miniDSP SHD with a coupon (worth €9,50) for one free miniDSP plugin download.

Highlights of the miniDSP SHD

• 32-bit floating-point 400MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• 32bit Audiophile converters: Measured 120dB Dynamic Range / 0.0003% THD+N
• Powered by Dirac Live® 3.x Digital Room Correction
• Powered by miniDSP's new Device Console for Over The Air upgrades, Live Real Time control of DSP settings
• Quad core ARM processor for network audio streaming
• Inputs: Stereo digital (USB Audio/AES-EBU/SPDIF/Optical), stereo analog (Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA)
• Outputs: 4 x digital (SPDIF out), 4 x analog out (Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA)
• USB audio recording feature (4xCH processed output via USB audio to record inputs, e.g. Vinyl)
• White/Black OLED front panel controller

Product details of the miniDSP SHD

miniDSP SHD Audio-Streamer

MiniDSP SHD with Roon streaming technology

The miniDSP SHD Series processors are certified Roon Ready players. This means that they are certified by Roon Labs to work seamlessly with the Roon software running on your PC, Mac, or Linux-based server! Roon streaming technology stands for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise.

Note: To use Roon, you will need to have a paid account with Roon Labs. Your miniDSP SHD Series includes a free two-month trial.

MiniDSP SHD with full crossover / equalizer applications

Along with the room correction and streaming functionality, the SHD also has full DSP crossover / equalizer applications. The powerful SHARC processor features 10 PEQ bands per channel, a matrix mixer, compressor, limiter and crossovers with a roll-off up to 48 dB/octave. This full-featured digital signal processor enables you to build and tune applications ranging from subwoofer integration to a complete 2-way DSP controlled stereo speaker system.

Other miniDSP modules

Do you have the option to work without analog in- and outputs; check out the miniDSP SHD Studio. This features the same powerful processor and extended functionality, but has digital in- and outputs only. The miniDSP SHD Power is the SHD solution with an integrated, high-end stereo amplifier.

What's included with this product?

• SHD audio processor and streamer
• miniDSP remote V2
• USB 2.4 Ghz WiFi adapter
• Dirac Live 3.x license (embedded in hardware)
• IEC C13 Power cable
• Rack mounting brackets
• miniDSP software coupon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the miniDSP SHD and SHD Studio?

The miniDSP SHD Studio does not have the AD (analog to digital) and DA (digital to analog) stage. Therefor you can only connect a digital signal source on the inputs and the outputs require an external DAC for the digital to analog conversion. Both devices feature the same functionality in terms of signal processing and streaming. 

I already have a measurement microphone. Can I use this microphone with the SHD and DiracLive? 

The UMIK-1/2 are measurement microphones approved by Dirac Research. Knowing the major effect a wrong calibration/measurement would have on the final results of Dirac Live tuning, we strongly recommend that you select a UMIK-1/2 microphone together with your platform for a plug&play experience leading to best results. Any issues related to 3rd party microphones such as ASIO/USB audio driver incompatibility/Latency problems or incorrect calibration process will not be under our support structure by our support team.

Why do I get distortion when I turn on Dirac Live?

Usually, this is caused by over-boosting. Remember that all EQ requires additional headroom. In the case of Dirac Live, it will boost by up to 10 dB, so if you run your SHD at 0 dB volume with a digital input (e.g. in the case where you control volume in the amplifier instead of in the SHD), then you will certainly get a clipping of the output signal. If you experience distortion, reduce the level in the SHD to less than -10, and increase the gain on the amplifier accordingly.