SoundEasy working with DF now

[dlr]

Provided Link: DIY New England (http://diyne.speakerdesign.net)


I've now got SoundEasy running one of my 3-ways using its Digital Filter. I had entered a previous design into SE to ensure that I was using the CAD setup correctly. As John pointed out in an email, once that is done, using it for an active digital filter is almost as simple as connecting the outputs to the amps and hitting "go".

Gotta figure out how to add in a Linkwitz Transform to an existing crossover now. I'll be using the Peerless 850146 from DIY 2002 in its original closed box along with my older M/T box with a 13m/8640 and 9300 pairing.

Now I get to experiment with various crossovers and never have to touch an R, L or C until I decide that I've got it right. I plan also on one or more transient-perfect designs using the Digital Emulator function.

For those coming to DIY NE this year, I'll have that set up for demonstration. I haven't decided yet whether to put it upstairs or leave it down in my basement "laboratory". Acoustics down there are better in some ways and worse in others. Plus it will crowd the upstairs a bit more.

Along that line, I should have it running through some demo hardware as well, details not yet known. I've got a tentative commitment for front end hardware to be supplied for demonstration, hopefully a multi-channel amplifier if not more, but I can't say more as the commitment has yet to be made.

If that doesn't happen, I guess I'll be buying a multi-channel setup (maybe the Adcom units John recommended). But at least this year's event will have a little different flavor.

dlr

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


What speed computer are you using?

Once i get a faster computer that can handle DF and DE i planned on using 3 sonic T amps to power my speakers.

Are you using wav files or CD player on the sound card inputs? Any quality loss in the audio?

[Dirk]

> What speed computer are you using?

> Once i get a faster computer that can handle
> DF and DE i planned on using 3 sonic T amps
> to power my speakers.

> Are you using wav files or CD player on the
> sound card inputs? Any quality loss in the
> audio?

You know, I have a Yamaha receiver here that's getting phased out, but the thing has 6.1 preamp ins. I wonder if I could harness that ability...hrm...

What are you using for the soundcard(s)?

[paul_n_oneal]

Me and RomanB were speaking the other day about just this thing. I was unaware that SE allows you mimic any crossover without actually purchasing any passives. This is a nice feature allowing on-the-fly changes, etc. I've heard it is pretty difficult to learn but I'm thinking of purchasing for the above reason alone. Who needs active crossovers when you can individually make crossovers for each speaker and tune them to their position in the room. Regards, Paul.

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


M-Audio PCI Delta 410. Two inputs and 8 outputs.

They are kind of hard to find right now, but last i knew NewEgg.com had them for $85.00.

Check the SE home page for other compatible sound cards. The Delta 410 is the cheapest and most comonly used with SE users.

<A HREF="http://www.interdomain.net.au/~bodzio/">http://www.interdomain.net.au/~bodzio/</A>

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


DE and DF need to be marketed better by Bodzio. They are really, really powerful features.

I was going to buy a second copy of SE off ebay, but the price got to high.

[dlr]

> You know, I have a Yamaha receiver here
> that's getting phased out, but the thing has
> 6.1 preamp ins. I wonder if I could harness
> that ability...hrm...

> What are you using for the soundcard(s)?

cjd earlier said he'd found the Delta 410 still available at Newegg, but in my searching I never found it. Only one or two places with exceedingly high prices.

I've found a few sellers on ebay, however, at reasonable prices. Search there for the 410.

The problem with the other cards compatible with SE is that they cost quite a bit more. I also don't like the I/O connections.

dlr

[dlr]

> What speed computer are you using?

I've got a 1.6G P4. Works fine, but there is a latency period of about 2 sec between in/out in use.

For designing, I've used the 1.6 as well, but I prefer my 2.4G main desktop machine. The 1.6 is a dedicated measurement/playback system.

> Once i get a faster computer that can handle
> DF and DE i planned on using 3 sonic T amps
> to power my speakers.

> Are you using wav files or CD player on the
> sound card inputs? Any quality loss in the
> audio?

I'm using a separate D/A output through a passive attenuator as input to the card analog in. But you can input wave files.

I've only briefly auditioned with it and that's on an older 3-way. I'm also using (for now) a cobbled together pairing of receivers to get six channels (gain is likely not the same), so a comparison at this point is not valid. Initial impressions are, however, very good, considering.

John K insists that he hears no difference when he's compared. I'll know more later as I expect to have a full 6 channel higher quality setup soon.

dlr

[dlr]

> DE and DF need to be marketed better by
> Bodzio. They are really, really powerful
> features.

> I was going to buy a second copy of SE off
> ebay, but the price got to high.

I had asked on the SE list about having the ability to network PCs and run SE one each node using only one dongle, since it will only be the single user who has access anyway. It seems to me that when you have a design system (that requires the dongle) and then you want to run your actual speaker system through a dedicated PC (not like I'm going to stick my main system beside my speakers), then this ought to be an option.

That said, once you start SE, you can remove the dongle. Start up SE on a dedicated PC, then move it to your development system. You just have to swap it temporarily each time. It's a pain, but it works.

It's not like anyone is going to pirate SE since the dongle has to be installed anytime SE is exited/restarted.

dlr

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


They must have only had a few left. Last week they were in stock.

<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829121126">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829121126</A>

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


> I've only briefly auditioned with it and
> that's on an older 3-way. I'm also using
> (for now) a cobbled together pairing of
> receivers to get six channels (gain is
> likely not the same), so a comparison at
> this point is not valid. Initial impressions
> are, however, very good, considering.

That is what concerns me about using 3 T-Amps. I need to find a way to set each one to the exact same gain.

I wonder if i can do this with a volt meter and a test tone. Might be more accurate then my Rat Shack SPL meter.

[unknownuser]

> That is what concerns me about using 3
> T-Amps. I need to find a way to set each one
> to the exact same gain.

Why not fix the gain using the resistors, bypassing the pot? You can build the preamp, to drive the input of the 3 t-amps, if you want a variable gain.

> I wonder if i can do this with a volt meter
> and a test tone. Might be more accurate then
> my Rat Shack SPL meter.



(Originally posted by: James Lee)

[dlr]

> That is what concerns me about using 3
> T-Amps. I need to find a way to set each one
> to the exact same gain.

I don't know the T-Amps, but I don't see what the issue is anyway. You connect each driver output from the PC card to an amp. The output can then be controlled via the combination of the PC volume control and/or an external pot or preamp for the feed to the analog input.

dlr

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


The T-Amps have a knob. Damn them.

James was right. You would just need to take the "knob" out of the picture.

In a perfect world the signal from the computer to the amp will be the same. Then it is up to the amps to be the same.

That leaves the drivers to be different! Isnt that what speaker building is all about?

[jonpike]

> They must have only had a few left. Last
> week they were in stock.

They do say they expect more by 10/11...