Using Nureva audio systems with third-party digital signal processors

Although Nureva^® audio systems include key audio processing functions such as acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), noise suppression, audio mixing and EQ, we sometimes get questions about using them with third-party digital signal processors (DSPs). The answers to these questions depend on how the DSP is to be set up and used. The risk is that the audio processing inside the DSP duplicates or conflicts with the audio processing inside the Nureva audio system, resulting in a poor audio experience and needless complexity.

Generally, scenarios where a third-party DSP is used for mixing auxiliary audio inputs or outputs are low-risk. Scenarios are high-risk where a third-party DSP impacts echo cancellation or is used to mix multiple in-room far-field microphones.

Examples of low-risk DSP integrations

Distributing audio output to multiple destinations

The auxiliary output on the Nureva connect module is set to mix mode and connected to the input of a third-party DSP. Mix mode combines in-room audio and far-side audio in one audio stream.

• The DSP is set up to route the audio signal to multiple destinations, such as a lecture capture system, a hearing aid transmitter and a satellite classroom.

• The DSP could be set up to route the audio stream to all audio destinations simply or to switch between them programmatically.

Mixing audio from multiple sources

The auxiliary input on the Nureva connect module is connected to an output on a third-party DSP. Audio coming in through the auxiliary input will be played through the Nureva speakers in the room and — if in a conference call — sent to remote participants.

• The DSP is set up to mix audio signals from multiple sources, such as a Blu-ray Disc™ player, a PA system and the audio feed from another classroom.

• The DSP could be set up to mix the audio stream from all audio sources or to switch between them programmatically.

Mixing audio from multiple wireless headset microphones

Multiple wireless headset microphones are combined through a third-party DSP for use with Voice Amplification Mode. This setup would be useful for supporting multiple presenters in a room. Their voices would be amplified in the room through the Nureva speakers and — if in a conference call — sent to remote participants.

• The auxiliary input on the Nureva connect module is connected to an output on a third-party DSP.

• The DSP is set up to mix audio signals from multiple wireless headset microphones.

• The DSP could be set up to mix the audio streams from all microphones or to switch between them programmatically.

• If simply mixing the microphone audio streams, an analog mixer might be a simpler and more cost-effective solution.

  • A classroom with multiple wireless headset microphones with an HDL410 system, for example.

Examples of some high-risk DSP scenarios to avoid

Duplicating AEC functions

Any audio signal sent to a Nureva audio system (over USB or the auxiliary input port) will be used as a reference signal for the built-in echo canceler. If connecting both the auxiliary input and auxiliary outputs to a third-party DSP, any AEC processing in the DSP might conflict with the echo canceler in the Nureva audio system.

Using a DSP with external speakers

Nureva audio systems can support and echo-cancel external speakers when they’re connected through the auxiliary output port using the speaker-out setting.

Learn more about using external speakers with Nureva audio systems.

If the speaker-out signal is routed through a third-party DSP, additional audio processing in the DSP (such as automatic gain control, EQ or delay) might impact echo-cancellation, resulting in echo leaks.

Mixing in third-party far-field microphones in the same room

Nureva audio systems are designed to provide full-room microphone coverage. Mixing additional far-field microphones in the same room through a DSP can introduce audio artifacts.

Important to consider

Integrating Nureva audio systems with third-party DSPs is possible. However, there are many types of DSP and many ways to set them up. Nureva cannot test, validate or provide support for all DSP integrations. The system integrator or installer is ultimately responsible for ensuring the functionality and audio quality of third-party DSP integrations.