Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming MiniDSP U-DIO8 Multichannel USB to 4x SPDIF Interface

I see that a few months ago MiniDSP released a new product, the U-DIO8 Multichannel USB to AES-EBU or SPDIF interface.
So it looks like finally there is a cost effective way to hook up a computer using a 5.1 channel digital output to the multiple SPDIF input of a Meridian Processor. A USB to SPDIF audio only alternative to an HD621!

I wonder has anyone tried this yet? I'll definitely be buying one later this year.

Ali.

It seems to offer 8 discrete channels of digital output on BNC. The Meridian multi-channel processors expect multiple stereo channels on their digital inputs. If the device can combine channels correctly it would be rather useful, otherwise I cannot see a way of integrating it without further boxes. The AES/EBU outputs seem to be stereo digital feeds - is there a way of converting those to SPDIF passively?

May be all good - the Tascam interface is input and output so 8 plugs is 4 in and 4 out, ie hopefully 4 x stereo each input/output Tascam - DB-25_Pinout.pdf.

Needs confirming though.

Yes, it's four two channel inputs and four two channel outputs. The snake is available with XLR connectors (AES/EBU) or BNC (SPDIF)

In the software one can choose which of the 8 outputs is assigned to what channel (front right, rear left, centre etc.

The user manual is available at USER MANUAL

Ali.

Thanks Ian.

The manuals and product specification seem to hint at that for the BNC/SPDIF option, the AES/EBU option is clearly that format.

Just to clarify, there's two output options, you specify the output at time of ordering. Either AES/EBU format on XLR or SPDIF format on BNC. As they say:
So the SPDIF output is genuine SPDIF format. You can't just change the AES/EBU snake for a SPDIF snake or vice versa.

The user manual only shows the AES/EBU connections.

Ali

Greetings!

I reported on this new device in the September Stereophile and, indeed, it should be an excellent and cost-effective PC/Streamer interface into an 861. Unfortunately, I no longer have an 861 to try it.

FWIW, the AES/EBU and SPDIF versions differ in the I/O board used but, otherwise, operate identically.


(Sad note: I sold my 861 because I had lost all hope of such a facility. I detected no interest from Meridian in creating it. )

Now posted Music in the Round #93: miniDSP & Ripping SACDs.

Sorry for not replying sooner. Yes I found your review very interesting, thank you Kal.

I've finally just bought one direct from MiniDsp £265.38 including postage.

Cool gadget.

Interesting, does this replace a HD621 and an Oppo for instance? Effectively streaming multichannel? Is there something special going on here that I’ve missed? Cheap replacement...

Just to clarify, this plugs into a computer USB port and outpouts upto 8 channels of SPDIF digital audio. So yes, it replaces a HD621 with the exception that the U-DIO8 doesn't have a Meridian Comms link or MMHR/Smartlink outputs(obviously) and instead of the audio being output from the computer (or media player) over HDMI, with the MiniDsp U-IDO8 the output from the computer is over USB. Obviously the U-DIO8 has no HDMI input and therefore does not have any HDMI switching or pass through capability. The UDIO-8 also allows upto 8 channels of digital audio input (for recording).

The U-DIO8 allows one to play a DVD/Bluray on a computer and the multichannel surround sound audio to be routed to Meridian Processors via the MD1 or MD2 inputs.

Hope that makes sense?

Ali.