miniDSP Tide16

Immersive home cinema audio-video processor (AV preamplifier-processor / DSP) The miniDSP Tide16 is the brand's first immersive audio processor: an AV preamplifier-processor able to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X up to 16 channels, while integrating the full Dirac Research room correction suite at no extra cost. Designed for high-end home cinema installations as well as professional studios, it combines a powerful DSP processing platform, audiophile conversion quality and complete 4K HDMI connectivity. Design and connectivity The Tide16 offers a 3-input to 1-output HDMI switch in HDMI 2.0b (4K60 UHD, 18 Gb/s, HDCP 2.3, eARC/ARC, Dolby Vision and VRR compatible). On the digital stereo source side, it provides 2 coaxial S/PDIF inputs, 2 Toslink optical inputs, USB audio (UAC2) and Bluetooth with high-resolution codecs (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC). The analogue inputs include an unbalanced RCA pair and a balanced XLR pair via an ES9842QPRO converter. The 16 fully balanced outputs use Neutrik XLR connectors. The front panel features a 1080p colour OLED display and the unit ships with an IR remote control. The rackable chassis uses passive, fanless cooling for completely silent operation. Performance and processing At the heart of the Tide16, a Quad Core ARM processor clocked at 1.8 GHz delivers 32-bit / 48 kHz DSP processing with an unlimited number of presets and a flexible mixing matrix offering gain and phase inversion at each crossover point. Decoding reaches 16 channels in Dolby and 12 channels in DTS:X, with upmixing via Atmos Upmixer (up to 16 channels) and DTS Neural:X (up to 12 channels). Advanced bass management drives up to 4 subwoofers. The audio quality matches the very best references: 8x ESS ES9017 output converters, 125 dB SNR, -118 dB THD+N and -120 dB crosstalk. Dirac Live room correction At no extra cost, the Tide16 includes the complete Dirac Research suite: Dirac Live 3.x full range for frequency response and phase correction across the whole band, Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC) for multi-subwoofer optimisation, and Dirac Active Room Treatment (ART) for active treatment of the room acoustics. Control is handled via the built-in web interface and the miniDSP Device Console software (Mac / Windows), with WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. Use cases and compatibility The miniDSP Tide16 is aimed at high-end immersive home cinema installations, professional studios and audiophile systems based on multi-way active speakers. Its 16 balanced outputs and Dirac correction make it an ideal system core for complex configurations. It pairs perfectly with the miniDSP AMP-8 amplifier (8 channels in Class D, 8x300 W) to build a complete immersive home cinema system. Technical specifications Type: AV preamplifier-processor / immersive home cinema DSP processor Immersive decoding: Dolby Atmos (up to 16 channels), DTS:X (up to 12 channels) Upmixers: Atmos Upmixer (up to 16 channels), DTS Neural:X (up to 12 channels) Included room correction: Dirac Live 3.x full range, Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC), Dirac Active Room Treatment (ART) Processor: Quad Core ARM 1.8 GHz, 32-bit / 48 kHz processing, passive cooling (fanless) Bass management: up to 4 subwoofers, unlimited DSP presets, mixing matrix with gain/inversion at each point HDMI: 3-input x 1-output switch, HDMI 2.0b, 4K60 UHD, 18 Gb/s, HDCP 2.3, eARC/ARC, Dolby Vision and VRR compatible Digital stereo inputs: 2x coaxial S/PDIF, 2x Toslink optical, USB audio (UAC2), Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC) Analogue inputs: stereo RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced), ES9842QPRO converter Analogue input performance: frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.05 dB, SNR 122 dB, THD+N -116 dB Outputs: 16 fully balanced channels on Neutrik XLR connectors, 8x ESS ES9017 converters Output performance: SNR 125 dB, THD+N -118 dB, crosstalk -120 dB Network and connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB Host, 1x USB device Display and control: 1080p colour OLED front-panel display, IR remote control, built-in web interface, miniDSP Device Console software (Mac/Win) Triggers: 1x 12V trigger in, 2x 12V trigger out, 1x IR in Power supply: 90-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, consumption 23 W (active standby) / 1.3 W (standby) Dimensions (W x D x H): 433 x 255 x 90 mm Box contents: Tide16 processor, IR remote control, power cord (UK/EU/US/AU), USB and Ethernet cables, removable rack feet Compatibility: miniDSP AMP-8 amplifier (8 channels Class D, 8x300 W) for a complete installation