Engineered for sound
The CoLinear Acoustics DSP-8C is a state-of-the-art multi-channel digital signal
processor and preamplifier, purpose-built for advanced room correction, multi-way
active crossovers, and speaker/driver alignment in both frequency and time domains.
Designed for audio professionals, system integrators, and discerning enthusiasts
who require precise control over their acoustic environment.
The DSP-8C accepts stereo input signals and processes them through high-resolution
algorithms to provide eight independent output channels. Each channel offers
comprehensive frequency response shaping, time domain correction, and gain management
capabilities. The system is optimized for active speaker designs, room acoustic correction,
and multi-driver integration where phase coherence and frequency response accuracy are
critical.
Applications include development of active speaker systems, professional studio
monitor optimization, room correction in critical listening environments, and
custom installation projects requiring precise acoustic control. The DSP-8C
delivers the processing power and reference-grade performance necessary for the
most demanding audio applications.
High-precision DSP engine
A 1 GHz SHARC+ processor with inbuilt IIR and FIR accelerators delivers high-speed, low-latency digital signal processing. The internal DSP sampling rate can be set to either 96 kHz or 192 kHz, allowing up to 348 IIR biquads and over 49,000 combined FIR taps for detailed crossover design, correction, and time alignment across all channels.
Cross-platform control
DSPconfig, our intuitive control application, runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a fast, visual interface with full access to all parameters, including comprehensive crossover and filter design, time alignment, gain structure, and output configuration.
Reference-grade DAC performance
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the ES9039SPRO DAC with HyperStream IV architecture which feeds a carefully optimised analogue output stage. This combination yields class-leading results, with THD+N as low as -127 dB and dynamic range up to 131 dB (A-weighted). Each of the 8 output channels maintains exceptional linearity and low distortion across the entire frequency spectrum.
System integration
The DSP-8C offers user selectable calibrated full scale voltage output as well as independently configurable single-ended RCA or true balanced XLR outputs. This makes it highly versatile across different amplifiers and active speaker systems, whether in the studio, your hi-fi, or custom installs. Flexible input options include USB, S/PDIF coaxial, and optical connections supporting up to 24 bit / 192 kHz resolution.
0.000045%
unweighted
A-weighted
190 Ω (balanced) 95 Ω (unbal)
190 Ω (bal)
4.00 V to 5.00 V in 0.10 V steps (balanced) 2.00 – 2.50 V
(0.05 V steps, unbalanced)
4.00 – 5.00 V
(0.10 V steps, balanced)
+0.0 dB / -0.02 dB
all at up to 24 bit / 192 kHz Inputs
1 x S/PDIF coaxial
1 x S/PDIF optical 1 x USB audio (UAC2)
1 x S/PDIF coaxial
1 x S/PDIF optical
all at up to
24 bit / 192 kHz
8 x XLR, balanced 8 x RCA, unbal.
8 x XLR, bal.
Output channels: up to 288 biquads, combined 348 biquads
Input channels: up to 16,384 taps, combined
Output channels: up to 32,768 taps, combined. Max 4,096 per channel.
at 192 kHz
Input channels: up to 8,192 taps, combined
Output channels: up to 18,432 taps, combined. Max 4,096 per channel. at 96 kHz
49,152 taps
at 192 kHz
26,624 taps
Windows/macOS/Linux DSPconfig
(mm, W x D x H)
2.2 kg (gross)
1 x 22.5 W universal AC adapter
1 x 1.5 m USB-A to USB-B cable 1 x remote control
1 x AC adapter
1 x 1.5 m USB cable
Available user guides for the DSP-8C:
Getting Started with DSPconfig - your DSP control softwareFurther reading:
FIR vs IIR Crossovers in Active Loudspeaker DesignDownload DSPconfig for your operating system at the downloads page
Fantastic sound and easy DSP programming in an unpretentious box. It makes A/B testing very easy.
Ole, Denmark DIY - Linear Dipole Array - Purifi mids, Mundorf AMT tweeters, SB-Audience subs
We are running it on a €300,000 system for a four way speaker system (accuton drivers). So yes, it is good for serious listening. Pros: sound quality, quick response of software. Good chain of audio processing.
Christian, Germany 4-way active Lyravox loudspeakers
Stunning sound precision, minimal background noise - ease of system setup and fine tuning. Uncompromised sound precision/quality that makes all the difference ! :)
AR Bi-amped system (based on TAD 2404 eXclusive design). ARAI E-170 cabinet with TAD TL-1603, TAD TH-4003 horn replica with TAD TD-4002 driver. Acoustic phases sync target + convolution to eliminate excess phase (minimal phase listening goal)
A very powerful DSP and preamp that sounds great and brings the best out of your system. Snappy change of volume and fast change of profile with little delay makes voicing of speaker and comparing profiles easy.
Ralf, Austria Wiim Pro Plus and/or notebook to CoLinear DSP-8C - various amps - various active self developed 2-way speakers and subs
A very high quality DSP with a very good performance/price ratio. Very transparant sound.
Anonymous DIY 2-way or 3-way system
The DSP chip's processing power, the quality of the DACs, and the simplicity of the software setup. I’ve tested several Minidsp models, and this one is in a completely different league. I’ve also had the chance to test a Deqx HDP-4, and I still think this one is a step or two above it. The system's core.
Jesús, Spain I use it with a pair of DIY 4-way speakers, featuring a 10-inch Scan-Speak woofer, 6.5-inch Scan-Speak midwoofer, along with a 3-inch dome midrange and a 1-inch tweeter from BliesMa. The entire system setup was configured using REW and Rephase.
This is probably the best device on the market in terms of combining a modern DSP architecture, a multichannel DAC, objectively excellent signal‑to‑noise performance, and other parameters that determine sound quality.
Aleks Custom active speaker systems
The build quality is top notch and the specs. I'm reassured that its more high end than miniDSP.
James, United Kingdom 2-way wide-band assisted woofer system
Having FIR on all channels and on the inputs as well works really nice. Easy interaction with REW and RePhase. Balanced outputs is nice as well. Great DSP with full FIR support and low noise levels.
Douwe, Netherlands 4-way open baffle speakers
The DAC chip is superior to any other speaker management system I have used in the past. The user interface is intuitive and powerful. A true high fidelity speaker management system. Simple yet powerful, with options for IIR and FIR filtering.
Mark, United States 3-way Danley SH-50 speakers
5 stars. Positives: stability, DAC performance. DSP is the future, combine it with tube amps and you have it all, and by "tube", 300b-845 is the way.
Tasos, Greece DIY speaker 4-way : Sub 2x10inch + 1x15inch Dayton UII -)(- Accuton C220 -)(- 2X Accuton C90 D'apol -)(- Mudorf D23 AMT
State of the art FIR DSP engine. Great sound quality. More taps than you need. Best sounding DSP I know with best hardware short of the mad Trinnov Altitude stuff which has downsides too.
William, United Kingdom Multi-way active speaker system