We tried to fix the acoustics with a mini DSP

Can the acoustic treatment be replaced with an electronic device?

We Put a Mini DSP to the Test

We embarked on an exciting test! We decided to try out a mini DSP to see what it’s really capable of. This product from a Chinese manufacturer isn’t exactly budget-friendly, so naturally, we approached it with high expectations.

To make things more interesting, we didn’t just dive into the sound waves—we also added a little fun, comparing it to a dish of letcho (because why not?). Our mission? To discover whether this premium technology is truly powerful enough to bring order to chaotic room acoustics.
An interesting challenge, right?
The good news: we found the answer!

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When I Tried to Save on Acoustics

Like many others, I initially tried to cut corners on acoustics. After all, acoustic treatment isn’t as “visible” as a sleek speaker or amplifier. It felt easier—and cheaper—to just get a tone control program instead.

But as this test revealed, proper acoustic design goes far beyond software tweaks. If you’re serious about sound, you need more than digital solutions—you need real, physical acoustic treatment.

Why Did I Mention Tone Control?

You might wonder why I brought up tone control in the first place.
The reason is simple: EQ software can only adjust the frequency response and timing (phase) alignment of sound. That’s it.

So naturally, the question arose—what can it really achieve in a room with bare walls?
And more importantly, what happens when we combine it with proper acoustic treatments, such as:

• Acoustic panels
• Sound-absorbing mats
• Diffusers

Can we push the limits of what digital correction can do?

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You Can’t EQ Your Way Out of Echo

If a room has too much echo and the reverberation time is high, no digital software will save you.
You simply can’t EQ your way out of a ringing room. It doesn’t work that way.

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Mini DSP – Maxi Experience

And that’s exactly where the Mini DSP shines.
When paired with proper acoustic treatments, it delivers a maximized sound experience.
On its own, it’s smart. But in a treated space, it’s spectacular.

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Let’s Start with the Dry Technical Specs

• Processor: 32-bit floating point, 450 MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• DAC/ADC: 32-bit audiophile-grade converters – AK5574 (ADC) / AK4490EQ (DAC)
• Room Correction: Integrated Dirac Live acoustic calibration
• Streaming Capabilities: Quad-core ARM processor for network audio, powered by a Linux-based Volumio system

This compact unit is packed with serious processing power, perfect for high-end audio performance and room correction.

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Design – Simple, Unpretentious, and Purposeful

There’s not much drama in the design—and that’s not a bad thing. It’s clear the developers didn’t burn the midnight oil over the looks, but honestly, this device isn’t about flash. And that’s exactly the charm.

At first glance, you’re greeted by a flat, black rectangle—not too deep, but fairly wide. And on second (or even tenth) glance, that impression stays the same.

To its right, you’ll find a crisp OLED display that emits a soft, pampering light. It’s easy to read and remains bright and visible without being overwhelming.

On the left, a universal rotary knob allows you to switch between inputs and control core functions.

Turning the Mini DSP Around – A Backside Worth Seeing

It’s worth taking a closer look at the rear panel of this little powerhouse—because that’s where things get a lot more interesting.

From left to right, here’s what you’ll find:

• Standard IEC power connector
• Power button
• USB host port
• LAN (Ethernet) connector
• USB-B input
• Three digital inputs: Optical (TOSLINK), Coaxial, and AES/EBU
• Two digital coaxial outputs

An extra bonus: in addition to these, analog connections are also provided, including:

• RCA input
• XLR input

And the outputs? They haven’t been forgotten either—featuring:

• 2x XLR outputs
• 2x RCA outputs

A curious quirk typical of some Chinese devices: none of these outputs are labeled as Left or Right channels. Instead, they’re numbered from 1 to 4, which can be a bit confusing at first—but manageable once you get used to it.

Simply Great?

Well—kind of!
The truth is, using the Mini DSP is surprisingly simple. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s almost child’s play. Still, the manufacturer doesn’t hold back on features, which makes the experience both straightforward and richly layered at the same time. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and infinitely flexible.

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Setup: More Than Just Plug and Play

Installation isn’t just about plugging in cables. You’ll need to:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website and select the exact model you own (patience is key—the list is long).
2. Download the appropriate driver and Dirac software—without these, your unit will remain frustratingly silent.
3. Connect to the integrated Volumio system. Although DHCP is automatically enabled, if multiple devices are connected to your router, it may assign an incorrect IP. In such cases, manual IP setup is recommended.

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The Dirac Story – Not One Sentence Long

Setting up Dirac Live deserves its own section.
It must be downloaded separately, and you can activate it for free using the coupon code provided with your device. Before diving in, it’s highly recommended to read the instructions and watch the official videos. These resources can help clear up any confusion and ensure a smooth setup. After all, no one is born knowing how to navigate complex sound calibration systems.

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Sound Quality Without Dirac

From everything mentioned above, it’s clear that this compact unit holds tremendous potential—but also demands some effort to unlock it.

When used in its basic state, the sound quality was still impressive. The listening experience was:

• Free from extremes
• Featuring deep bass
• With clear mids and non-fatiguing highs

The overall performance feels balanced and restrained, with a smooth, natural sound.
That said, the dynamic range felt slightly compressed, making the sound a bit too calm—some might call it sterile or boring, but others will appreciate the neutrality and control.

And yes, we also tested it in a room treated with acoustic panels—which, unsurprisingly, made a big difference.

Leather membrane bass traps and diffuser acoustic panels were placed primarily in the corners and primary reflection points. We laid a 2x3m Silent carpet on the floor.

So we listened to the system with the EQ program turned off!

This pair of panels alone was enough to surpass the sound of the mini DSP. I only tried to put in as many acoustic products that rivaled the price of a mini DSP. Precisely to decide the dilemma of which direction to go. On first hearing, the acoustic panels won.

What did I hear?

The sterility that the mini DSP designed is gone. The dynamics have intensified. The spatial effect has changed dramatically but in a good direction. With a mini DSP, the space was left somewhere in front, but not definable. With panels, the sound filled the room. A 3D feeling is formed. The instruments were able to determine where the sound came from, noticeably and tangible. This can be achieved mainly by covering the primary reflection points. The bass got bigger, louder, and faster. The growl of the room is gone.

So from now on, the acoustics of the room will be checked?

No, not quite. It may seem that not all acoustic deficiencies can be compensated with this small device with a guarantor. But the use of wall panels is by no means unavoidable. In fact! We can say with absolute certainty that even the most luxurious, high-performance, luxury hi-tech systems cannot perform perfectly without the support of wall acoustic panels.

A Clear Answer to Our Initial Dilemma

The question we raised at the beginning now has a clear and satisfying answer.

It’s great to have strong technical foundations. Even better when the system meets high-quality standards. But that alone isn’t enough to deliver perfect sound.

As we’ve hinted throughout this review, it’s not just about the Mini DSP.
Choosing top-tier technology is always a wise move—but it’s not a miracle solution in itself. Relying solely on digital tools will only take you so far.

Fortunately, with the right acoustic support—such as wall panels and diffusers—you can transform your room into the long-awaited audio wonderland.