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IIR vs FIR filters. Is the sacrifice in fidelity worth the better DSP of FIR?

My Mini DSP is being finicky with the infrared learning of my remote and I think I may need to replace the unit with a Mini DSP Flex Eight because the one I have is out of production. The newer models have the option of keeping 32 bit/96 kHz with IIR filters or 32bit/48 kHz with Dirac Live® which uses FIR filters. The additional processing power needed to run FIR filters reduces the throughput. Do the superior FIR filters, which can correct phase so it is linear (IIR filters cannot), improve the DSP more than to make up for the loss in fidelity? I ask because I have to chose which I want when purchasing the unit. I currently use IIR with Room EQ Wizard and run the measurements through Multi Sub Optimizer and plug those results into the 8 bi-quad filters of my Mini DSP. The FIR integration simplifies the process and uses Dirac Live to make the DSP happen. 
 

I would appreciate anyone’s experience! I don’t mind the extra work, I want what will sound best. Of note the system is all wired with balanced connections while the new Mini DSP model Flex Eight uses RCA. There is another Mini DSP model I could use that has balanced out but it only uses Dirac Live at 32bit/48 kHz. 

Thanks,

Steve

128x128hifidream
erik_squires
16,407 posts
 

Personally I've never found phase correction worth that much.  Getting a glass smooth FR and integrating the bass well with the room is such a huge improvement over no EQ, but the extra steps needed for phase correction never did that much for me.

Yeah, I miss the 8 channel miniDSP myself.

hifidream's avatar
hifidream OP
138 posts
 

Thanks Erik! The other model they have is the DDRC-88A. Reading through their literature they actually encourage the process I’m using with the 2x8 which is REW into MSO and then they do Dirac Live on top of those results and apparently the results are pretty impressive. I also had the idea of just getting another infrared board and replacing it on my current unit. I think they haven’t changed that. . . I wish they made this same 2x8 / 4x8. The results are awesome. Dirac seems to have a lot of support over many manufacturers, I want to weed through the chaff to find out if it really is great or just good and easy to use. 

ddude003
161 posts
 

I will probably catch some flak for saying this... And... If you are comfortable with REW what is the point of using Dirac too? Create some FIR filters and run them thru a convolution engine like HangLoose Convolver and be done with it...  If your worried about phase try rePhase along with REW...

luisma31
516 posts
 

@hifidream 

I would say give HQPlayer a try, best pre processing digital option, this is software, you will need a computer to run the filters, conversions, modulators etc. it does have DSP in the digital domain at any resolution and it includes a convolver where you can feed your room corrections. You can find more info at audiophilestyle.com

I have been using HQPlayer for years and it is a game changed IMO, if you need more info feel free to PM me

I'm not associated nor I am a dealer or work for anything related to audio,

hifidream's avatar
hifidream OP
138 posts
 

@ddude003, @luisma31 

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll check them out!!

 

- Steve

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