MiniDSP has announced the Tide16, MiniDSP's new 16-channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X AV DSP processor that also promises high-quality two-channel audio. The Tide16 also supports Dirac Research's full suite of room correction technologies.
MiniDSP , founded in 2009 and based in Hong Kong, is a technology company focused on Digital Signal Processing (DSP) platforms for audio applications. The Tide 16 is the company's latest product, featuring a 1.8 GHz quad-core A53 ARM processor capable of digital audio processing up to 32-bit/48 kHz, combined with low power consumption and minimal heat generation. The Tide 16 is also rack-mountable.
The Tide16 can decode up to 16 channels, depending on the speaker configuration and Atmos/DTS:X content. It supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos Music, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, and DTS Virtual:X.
The front panel features a 1,080-pixel colour OLED display, while the rear panel offers three HDMI inputs plus eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for sources routed via an eARC-compatible TV. This is then output via 16 fully balanced XLR ports.
MiniDSP has partnered with Swedish company Dirac Research, including Dirac Live (RC), Bass Control (BC), and Active Room Treatment (ART) licenses at no extra cost. Furthermore, a flexible matrix mixer, advanced bass management, and MiniDSP's full processing suite operate across all sixteen outputs, simplifying installations with multiple subwoofers, active loudspeakers, or multi-speaker studio setups.
High-level two-channel sound
The designers also considered two-channel stereo. The miniDSP Tide16 is equipped with several stereo inputs, including USB, Bluetooth (LDAC and APTX HD), analog inputs via RCA and XLR, and four S/PDIF digital inputs (coaxial and optical).
The stated S/N ratio is 127 dB and distortion figures have a level of THD+N 0.0001% at level -118 dB.
According to MiniDSP's website , the Tide 16 should be available for delivery in the coming weeks. It's priced at $3,500.
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