miniDSP Flex HTx Audio Science User Guide

: June 17, 2024
: MiniDSP

Table of Contents

miniDSP Flex HTx Audio Science
Product Usage Instructions
Adjusting Audio Settings
Features
Hardware
Applications
TYPICAL APPLICATION
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

miniDSP Flex HTx Audio Science

miniDSP-Flex-HTx-Audio-Science-product

Technical Specifications

Digital Signal Processing Engine: Analog Devices Floating point SHARC DSP – ADSP21489 @ 400MHZ
Processing Resolution / Sample Rate: 32-bit / 48 kHz
USB Audio Support: UAC2 Audio – ASIO driver provided (Windows) – Plug&Play (Mac/Linux)
Multichannel USB Audio interface (8ch) for up to 7.1 configurations / 32bit / 44.1~96kHz
Input/Output DSP Structure: 8ch IN (USB/HDMI/Analog) or 2ch IN (Toslink/SPDIF) => DSP => 8 channels OUT (Analog)
Digital Stereo Audio Input Connectivity:
- HDMI connectivity
- 1 x SPDIF (stereo) on RCA connector
- WARNING: No onboard Dolby/DTS decoding. Use your source (E.g. TV) to output in PCM mode.
Analog Audio Input Connectivity:
- 8 x Balanced TRS
- 8 x Unbalanced RCA
Analog Audio Input Impedance: 200 kΩ
Analog Audio Output Impedance: 300 Ω
Analog Input/Output Max Level Frequency Response: Digital to Analog (input 1 kHz, 0 dBFS) / AES17 20kHz LPF
SNR: 127 dB(A)
THD+N / SINAD: -120 dB (0.0001 %) / 120dB SINAD
Crosstalk: -132 dB
TRS Analog to Analog (input 1 kHz, 4 V RMS) / AES17 20kHz LPF
SNR: 120 dB(A)
THD+N / SINAD: -114 dB (0.0002 %) / 114dB SINAD
Crosstalk Filtering Technology: -130 dB
DSP Presets: Up to 4 presets
Dimensions (HxWxD): 41.5 x 429 x 236 mm
Accessories: IR Remote, Power Supply (Including external switching Power Supply 12V/1.6A – US/UK/EU/AU plugs), Trigger out (12V trigger out controls external ON/OFF powering of amplifiers, 3.5mm jack), CEC control
Power Consumption: HDMI CEC command for Mute/Volume/Standby – 16.5 W (idle), 3.7 W (standby)

Product Usage Instructions

Connecting the Flex HTx

Connect the audio source to the Flex HTx using one of the following options:
- HDMI: Connect the HDMI cable from your audio source to the HDMI port on the Flex HTx.
- SPDIF: Connect the SPDIF cable from your audio source to the RCA connector on the Flex HTx.
If using HDMI, ensure that your audio source is set to output in PCM mode. The Flex HTx does not support Dolby/DTS decoding.
Connect your speakers to the Flex HTx using either balanced TRS or unbalanced RCA cables.
Connect the included power supply to the Flex HTx and plug it into a power outlet.
If you have external amplifiers, you can control their powering using the 12V trigger out. Connect the 3.5mm jack to the trigger input of your amplifiers.

Using the Flex HTx

The Flex HTx provides advanced audio processing capabilities. To use the Flex HTx, follow these instructions:

Setting Up DSP Presets

The Flex HTx allows you to save up to 4 DSP presets. To set up DSP presets:

Using the included IR remote, navigate to the DSP preset menu.
Select an empty preset slot.
Adjust the audio parameters according to your preferences.
Save the preset for future use.

Adjusting Audio Settings

To adjust audio settings on the Flex HTx:

Using the included IR remote, navigate to the audio settings menu.
Choose the desired audio input (USB, HDMI, Analog, etc.).
Configure the audio parameters such as volume, balance, and equalization.
Save the settings if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the Flex HTx support Dolby/DTS decoding?

A: No, the Flex HTx does not support bitstream (e.g. Dolby/DTS) decoding. The audio source must be able to output linear PCM (LPCM) for multichannel support over HDMI.

Q: What is the power consumption of the Flex HTx?

A: The Flex HTx has a power consumption of 16.5 W when idle and 3.7 W in standby mode.

Features

Floating point SHARC DSP
Flexible and powerful multichannel audio processor
Dirac Live 3. x upgrade option
Class-leading analog I/O noise and distortion specifications
Full suite of miniDSP processing
Upgradeable with Dirac Live

Hardware

ADI ADSP21489 @400MHz
Multichannel USB audio (8ch)
EARC/ARC HDMI input (8ch PCM)
8ch AD/DA with audiophile specs
SPDIF/optical stereo inputs
OLED front panel with IR control
12V trigger output

Software Control

Real-time live control
Win & Mac compatible
Firmware upgradeable
4 preset memories
CEC control from TV

Applications

Home theater
PC-based multichannel audio
Low latency gaming
Subwoofer integration
The Flex HTx is the bigger brother of the Flex HT, targeting the need for a multichannel processor with HDMI ARC/eARC capabilities and stellar analog and USB audio capabilities. Within a single rack unit, we packed all the possible connectivity we could fit.
Eight-channel audio input is via analog audio (RCA and TRS), eARC linear PCM over HDMI1, or USB Audio. Additional digital stereo input is supported over SPDIF and TOSLINK optical. Internally, we’ve provided a full suite of mini DSP’s flexible routing and audio processing features: bass management, parametric EQ, crossovers, advanced biquad programming, and delay/gain adjustments. In addition, the miniDSP Flex HTx is software-upgradable with full-frequency Dirac Live®, the world’s premiere room correction system.
Continuing miniDSP’s focus on affordable high-performance audio, the Flex HTx features class-leading low noise and distortion figures. An OLED front panel display and volume control/encoder knob provide easy control.
The miniDSP Flex HTx is the perfect solution for a modern compact process for home theater and multichannel sound.
The Flex HT does not support bitstream (e.g. Dolby/DTS) decoding. The audio source must be able to output linear PCM (LPCM) for multichannel support over HDMI.

TYPICAL APPLICATION

miniDSP-Flex-HTx-Audio-Science-fig-1

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

| Description
---|---
Digital Signal Processing Engine| Analog Devices Floating point SHARC DSP: ADSP21489 @ 400MHZ
Processing resolution / Sample rate| 32-bit/48 kHz
USB Audio support| UAC2 Audio – ASIO driver provided (Windows) – Plug&Play (Mac/Linux)

Multichannel USB Audio interface (8ch) for up to 7.1 configurations / 32bit / 44.1~96kHz

Input/Output DSP structure| 8ch IN (USB/HDMI/Analog) or 2ch IN (Toslink/SPDIF) => DSP => 8 channels OUT (Analog)
Digital Stereo Audio Input Connectivity| 1 x SPDIF (stereo) on RCA connector,

1 x OPTICAL (stereo) on Toslink connector

Supported sample rates: 20 – 216 kHz / Stereo source will be automatically assigned to Input 1&2

HDMI connectivity| ARC/EARC compliant for up to 8ch of LPCM audio streaming

Supported sample rates: 32 – 96 kHz / Supported sample sizes: 16-24bits

WARNING : No onboard Dolby/DTS decoding. Use your source (E.g. TV) to output in PCM mode.