Hi,

First post here (obviously). I have considered this as an option, but rejected the idea due to the requirement for more crossovers. However I have since discovered I can run multiple versions of this program.

I require
4 way crossovers for the front (Mid woofer, midrange and tweeter in an MTM array and an ambient tweet)

Centre requires a two way crossover for a six 3" array and two tweeter array

Rears require a two way crossovers (pair)

Subs require a crossover (bandpass)


Viz 8 pairs and one single crossover.

Could you please recommend the most stable hardware for this setup.

I believe I will require multiple sound cards with synchronised clocks for this.

I would be building the system from scratch, and would like some redundancy available for future upgrades such as room correction etc.

Price is not a major concern. I had planned for multiple DEQX or possibly Dolby Lake Processor LP4D12 etc.

Hi,
You should be OK with an RME card like the HDSP-3696 and external converters.
You will want to run 3 or 4 instances of the Allocator Light. Light- because of the latency issues involved with full Allocator- unless you can delay the video by about 150 msec. for 48kHz audio (less for higher rates). Then multiple Allocators would possibly work- but definitely a fast computer would be called for. Think a Core 2 Duo.

You'll need less than 16 total analog outputs, so dual 8 channel DA converter units would do. Once you go beyond 48kHz sampling you might want to consider the RME HDSP AES-32 with AES D/A converters like the ones made by Apogee for example. The RME card will output 16 digital audio channels at up to 192kHz sampling rate, the Apogee DA-16X will convert them to analog with ultra hi-fi quality (Apogee converters are reference grade for mastering suites and recording studios). The good thing is you can sync the whole system with one Wordclock cable and eliminate jitter altogether- just set the DA converter as the clock source. The whole system would cost you about $4k- the same as one DEQX box with the preamp option ($3750.00 advertised price). If you don't like the software, you can find a different solution and reuse the hardware- something that's hard to do with the DEQX.
The lake processors are very good- but they don't let you use imported measurements when designing crossovers. You would have to use the SMAART measurement system option and tune in real time like the PA guys do. Nothing wrong with it- SMAART is great, but it is expensive and requires solid training to use correctly.

I'd be happy to help you put the whole system together because it would be a cool challenge to make it all work.

Jan

Thank you for the prompt reply.

I sum the crossovers at 17 required.

The dual core are mainly intel based? Or would I be better off using AMD based chips which use the digital design risk chip implementation (higher floating point ability).

Hi,

You said:

4 way crossovers for the front (Mid woofer, midrange and tweeter in an MTM array and an ambient tweet)- 8 outputs

Centre requires a two way crossover for a six 3" array and two tweeter array- 2 outputs

Rears require a two way crossovers (pair)- 4 outputs

Subs require a crossover (bandpass) - 1 output

I'm counting 15 outputs. Where do the extra two come in?
But, if your system indeed calls for 17 outputs at high sampling rates, two of the MOTU HD192 interfaces will give you 24 outputs at up to 192kHz sampling.
For lower sampling rates you can still go with the RME HDSP9636, two 8-channel ADAT converters and use a stereo SPDIF converter for the subs.

Big thanks thuneau,

Yes your right I only need 15 outputs, I had in my mind to try stereo subs etc.

If I use the RME setup I get a proven compatable system that will suit my needs.

If I use the MOTU HD192 I will have a considerable amount of reduntantcy, which would be very useful.
I suspect the MOTU would benfit from a word clock?

MOTU has wordclock on their interfaces, but they stay in sync through their own cabling. Only if you connect your system to a wordclock equipped CD player you would use it. If you play from the hard drive inside the same computer you will be OK without wordclock.