In the following section a few exemplary variants are described to show the basic possibilities. Further (intermediate) variants are possible, but for the sake of clarity we will not provide a detailed explanation here. Feel free to contact us if you would like to have another variant checked that you have in mind (email: info@modalakustik.de).

The MusikBoxx is connected to an integrated amplifier or a pre/power amplifier combination via the MusikCrss passive crossover, see diagram Option 1. The power amplifier outputs are connected to the respective inputs of the MusikCrss using speaker cables. Separate speaker cables then run from the MusikCrss crossover to the tweeters and the bass-midrange speakers.

For optical reasons, it is recommended to use a so-called bi-amping cable, which has four instead of two strands and on which the wires for the tweeter and the midrange are labeled. An example of this is the Inakustik Reference 1002 loudspeaker cable, which can be assembled accordingly.

With this option, the complete bass signal is passed on to the MusikBoxx, unless the amplifier/preamp has an integrated high-pass filter. Optionally, the MusikBoxx can be supported by a MusikBass or another subwoofer in the lowest bass range. The subwoofer receives the signal either via the preamp outputs (if no second pair of outputs is available, a Y-Cinch/XLR cable can be used to double the signal) or, if available, via a separate subwoofer output.

If the integrated amplifier/preamplifier does not have a high-pass filtering option and/or no dedicated low-pass filtered subwoofer output, an external subwoofer crossover can be used. This can be implemented via a DSP (e.g. minidsp 2x4 HD) or analog (e.g. SPL Crossover). The diagram for option 2 below shows an example of the integration of the SPL crossover.

The stereo signal is first routed from the preamplifier to the SPL crossover. This outputs the mid-high and low frequencies to separate XLR outputs. Separate power amplifiers are then required for the MusikBoxx and the MusikBass. A special subwoofer amplifier with low-pass filter as in option 1 is then no longer necessary, as the SPL Crossover takes over the low-pass filtering. This means that the power amplifier for the MusikBass can also be freely selected according to sound and visual preferences. As in option 1, the MusikCrss crossover takes care of separating the tweeter and the bass-midrange driver of the MusikBoxx.

With the SPL Crossover, the crossover frequency can be set separately for main speakers and subwoofers, among other things, which enables versatile adaptation to the room acoustics and personal taste. The signal also remains completely analog via the SPL Crossover, which is not often found with subwoofer crossovers.

Alternatively, the SPL Crossover can also be used for the integration of one or two MusikBass subwoofers only, if it is desired to leave the signal for the MusikBoxx “untouched”.

Please note: The SPL Crossover is a bass crossover. Due to the adjustment range, it cannot be used to separate the tweeter from the mid-range driver.

Possible crossovers for the separation between bass and mid/high frequencies (analog or DSP with 4 channels):

• SPL Crossover (analogue)
• Ridtahler crossover (analogue, currently not available)
• Minidsp 2x4 HD (DSP-crossover)
  
• DEQX (DSP, preamp, incl. roomcorrection)
• Trinnov (DSP, preamp, incl. roomcorrection)
• Nord Acoustics DSP-DAC NC252MP Amplifier (DSP-crossover, preamp, 4 power ampsincluded)
• DSPeaker Anti-Mode X2 (DSP, preamp, incl. roomcorrection)
• Hypex plate amplifier with DSP (DIY)

As the MusikBoxx has separate inputs for tweeters and bass-midrange speakers, it can be fully activated using DSP. With full activation, all chassis are driven via separate power amplifier channels. This requires filtering of the individual paths before the power amplifier and can be implemented using suitable DSP.

A four-channel DSP and four power amplifier channels are required to activate the MusikBoxx. Five or six channels are required to activate a system including one or two MusikBass subwoofers. The diagram for option 3 shows the use of a Nord Acoustics DSP-DAC NC252-100HF. This has six DSP channels, six power amplifier channels and a preamplifier function (distributed over two compact enclosures). Only one source is then required (streamer, CD player, turntable, etc.) plus a source switch (if more inputs are required) to create a fully active complete system (for more information visit https://nordacoustics.co.uk/product-category/dsp-dac-amp/).

With the DSP-DAC NC252MP model, Nord also offers an option with only four power amplifiers but also six-channel DSP and the option of integrating a separate two-channel power amplifier. For example, an existing power amplifier can be integrated to drive either the subwoofers, the bass-midrange speakers or the tweeters.

This opens up interesting combination possibilities, e.g. the integration of a tube power amplifier for the tweeters.Full activation can be a particularly cost-effective option, as the MusikCrss crossover is not required in this case. It also opens up a wide range of possibilities for room adjustment and adaptation to your own sound preferences.

Below you will find a list of other electronics that can be considered for full activation. DSP preamps offer the option of using selected power amplifiers for each speaker path. DSP power amplifiers allow the use of common stereo preamps or sources with integrated volume control. Integrated systems such as those from Nord Acoustics mentioned above minimize the number of devices required.

Compared to active loudspeakers with built-in DSP electronics, activation via external electronics offers more choice in terms of the devices used and the option of upgrading the system at a later date.

Please contact us if you are interested in activation. We offer the option of configuring your electronics for use with the MusikBoxx and MusikBass.

DSP with which full activation is possible (DSP with at least 6 channels):

• Nord AcousticsDSP-DAC NC252-100HF FULLY ACTIVE THREE WAY STEREO Amplifier (DSP-crossover, preamp, 6 power ampsincluded)
• Nord Acoustics DSP-DAC NC252MP Amplifier(DSP-crossover, preamp, 4 power ampsincluded, 2 outputstoaddanother stereo-power amp)
• Minidsp Flex Eight/HT (DSP-crossover, preamp, Dirac Live roomcorrection)
• Illusonic(crossover, preamp)
• Trinnov (crossover, preamp)
• DEQX (crossover, preamp, streamer)
• FIR-BoxX(crossover, preamp, 8 power amps)
• Legacy Wavelet 2 (crossover, preamp)
• Oktoresearch DAC 8 Pro (crossover, preamp)
• Analog Precision Ultimate Preamplifier (crossover, preamp)
• Four Audio HD2 (crossover, preamp)
• NAD CI8-120 DSP (8 channel DSP-power amp)
• Audiocontrol (various DSP-power amp)
• Lexicon DD8+ (8 channel DSP-power amp)
• Hypex plate amps with DSP (DIY)