DSP-8C front panel showing display and volume knobDSP-8C shown at an angle highlighting the brushed metal finishDSP-8C rear panel showing 8 RCA and 8 XLR outputs, USB and S/PDIF inputs, and S/PDIF outputs

DSP-8C

8-channel digital signal processor

£1,195.00

Incl. shipping and VAT

In stock

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 optimised 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 optimisation, 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.

ADSP-21565 DSP Chip

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 96kHz or 192kHz, allowing up to 348 IIR biquads and over 53,000 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.

ES9039SPRO DAC Chip

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 -126 dB and dynamic range up to 130 dB (A-weighted). Each of the 8 output channels maintains exceptional linearity and low distortion across the entire frequency spectrum.

DSP-8C Signal Chain Block Diagram

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 / 192kHz resolution.

Input / output channels
2 / 8
THD + N
Up to -126 dB1 / 0.00005%, unweighted
DNR
130 dB1, A-weighted
ZOUT
95 Ω (unbal)190 Ω (bal)
FS VOUT
2.00 – 2.50 V (0.05 V steps, unbalanced)4.00 – 5.00 V (0.10 V steps, balanced)
Freq. resp.
20Hz – 20kHz +0.0 dB / -0.02 dB
Processing res.
32-bit floating point / up to 192kHz
Processor
1 GHz 32-bit floating point SHARC+ architecture with inbuilt FIR and IIR accelerators
DAC
8-channel ES9039SPRO DAC with HyperStream IV architecture
Inputs
1 x USB audio (UAC2)1 x S/PDIF coaxial1 x S/PDIF opticalall at up to 24 bit / 192kHz
Outputs
8 x RCA, unbal.8 x XLR, bal.1 x S/PDIF coaxial1 x S/PDIF optical
IIR filters
348 biquads
FIR filters
at 96kHz53,248 tapsat 192kHz27,648 taps
Software control
DSPconfig
Dims
330 x 180 x 70 (mm, W x D x H)
Weight
1.55 kg (net)2.2 kg (gross)
Included
1 x remote control1 x AC adapter1 x 1.5 m USB cable
Compliance
CE, UKCA, FCCDetails
1. Every channel is hand-calibrated to reach optimum performance; variability of approximately +/-1 dB is expected.

Download DSPconfig for your operating system at the downloads page

After spending some time testing the DSP-8C, I can honestly say this unit feels incredibly serious the moment you take it out of the box. Sound quality is where the DSP-8C really stands out. The ES9039SPRO DAC combined with the OPA1612 output stage delivers a super clean and detailed presentation with huge dynamic range. Vocals sounded incredibly precise while bass remained tight and controlled even during more demanding tracks.

Modul KollektivView their full review on Instagram

Fantastic sound and easy DSP programming in an unpretentious box. It makes A/B testing very easy.

Ole, DenmarkDIY - 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, Germany4-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 ! :)

ARBi-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, AustriaWiiM 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 transparent sound.

AnonymousDIY 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, SpainI 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.

AleksCustom active speaker systems

The build quality is top notch and the specs. I'm reassured that it's more high end than miniDSP.

James, United Kingdom2-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, Netherlands4-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 States3-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, GreeceDIY speaker 4-way : Sub 2x10inch + 1x15inch Dayton UII -)(- Accuton C220 -)(- 2X Accuton C90 D'apol -)(- Mundorf 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 KingdomMulti-way active speaker system