3-way active crossover with 1 DSP and multiple DAC modules

Hello,

I'm trying to decide on how to setup my system. I have a pair of 3-way speakers and 6 separate power amp modules. My goal is use Hifiberry DSP as an active crossover. That would mean I'd need 6 separate line outputs.

I've read that I cannot stack multiple DAC boards, as raspberry pi only uses 1 sound card.

1st question: Why is that? Can it be fixed with a tool?

2nd question: Even if there only one output audio stream as far as rpi is concerned, couldn't the 3 required DAC boards (for the 3-way crossover) be somehow controlled by the DSP module (maybe make the DSP the sound card)?

Active crossovers are becoming more and more mainstream. Maybe if what I am asking is not available, it would be good idea to provide such functionality through software or even with new many-channeled DACs

Thank you

HiFiBerry team November 23, 2021 19:15

Answer 1: That's how the hardware works. The Pi can handle only a stereo stream.

Answer 2: Theoretically you could add another 4 DAC channels to the DSP. However, this require serious skill in digital audio circuit design and DSP programming. There is no support from us for this and we definitely don't recommend this to people who didn't design circuits like this before.

3-way active crossover with 1 DSP and multiple DAC modules

1 comment