EQ901USB User Guide
4. USB Streaming Music Driver Installation (PC only) 5
9. USB Music Server Volume Setting Warning 6
10. Using the EQ901USB Remote Control 6
11. Selecting Tonal Characteristics Modes 7
Introduction
The EQ901USB is an upgrade replacement for existing BOSE 901 Equalizers. The EQ901USB Series features four specifically designed equalization curve sets unique to each Series: I/II, III/IV or V/VI.
The EQ901USB is also a high performance digital pre-amplifier (DAC) intended to drive high quality power amplifiers or integrated amplifiers/receivers. Analog, USB and TOSLINK digital audio inputs are provided.
When used in the digital input mode, the music stream is maintained in the digital domain all the way through the 901 equalization process. This is the purest and highest fidelity way to drive your 901s.
1. Features
USB / TOSLINK Streaming Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) with built-in equalization curves for the 901 Series V/VI
Precise BOSE 901 equalization is performed digitally before the DAC in an Analog Device 400 MHz SHARC DSP processor with 24 bit resolution
The four BOSE 901 tone modes (EQ curves) are available on all four outputs. Two identical stereo pairs outputs are available, allowing for dual active stereo systems (two stereo power amps) or the addition of an active subwoofer(s)
Remote selectable inputs:
Analog
TOSLINK
USB
Remote selectable tonal characteristics settings:
Normal mode
Enhanced mode
Warm mode
Low frequency reduction mode
Remote volume control with 0.5 dB resolution and mute
Ultra low distortion 2.0 Vrms output driver stage
Selectable input sensitivity of 2.0 Vrms or 4.0 Vrms
2. What’s Included
EQ901USB equalizer for your BOSE 901 Series I/II, III/IV or V/VI (series selected at order)
Four precision engineered tone adjustment equalization curves
Two identical stereo pairs outputs are available allowing for dual active stereo systems (two stereo power amps) or the addition of an active subwoofer(s)
Deer Creek Audio USB drive with PC USB audio driver
IR Remote Control
USB cable
U.S. regulated power supply (see option for global supply)
3. Typical Connections
Stereo Mode
Dual Stereo (Quad) Mode
Active Subwoofer Mode
Tape/Processor Loop Setup
4. USB Streaming Music Driver Installation (PC only)
The driver enables USB streaming music from the computer to the EQ901USB. Connect the processor to the computer using the supplied USB cable, and power it on. Navigate to the WinDrivers folder of the software download and double-click on the driver install.
miniDSP_UAC2_v4.82.0_2020-06-09_setup.exe for Windows 7, 8 and 10
(The version number and date embedded in the filename may be different.) We recommend accepting the default installation location. Once driver installation completes, click Finish.
5. Hardware Installation
When audio input and output connections are being made, be sure that all associated equipment is powered off. Also, when you power the EQ901USB on and off, be sure that the associated equipment is off. Connect power to the EQ901USB before turning associated equipment on.
6. Level Setting
Your EQ901USB is being delivered with an internal level (gain) setting of 0db (max, no insertion loss) that you will adjust with the supplied remote control. It has been set with the analog inputs selected. Be sure to turn down your music source to protect your system at turn on. Once you have your inputs connected and all components on, you can adjust all the gain levels for optimal volume midposition control performance.
7. Analog Input Level
The analog audio input levels are switchable between 2.0 Vrms and 4.0 Vrms to accommodate use with most equipment. The EQ901USB is shipped with the analog input level set to 2.0 Vrms.
8. Subwoofer Settings
You may drive an active subwoofer with outputs 3 and 4, however keep in mind these are an exact, full range, stereo match to outputs 1 and 2. To begin, your subwoofer should be set at mid-level gain, and the crossovers should be set at the mid-level setting. After you have the system up and running, adjust the subwoofer level, phase and crossover to get the best response.
9. USB Music Server Volume Setting Warning
If you are streaming digital music via a server such as foobar2000, JRiver, Roon, etc., begin with the server application level set low.
10. Using the EQ901USB Remote Control
The IR remote control provided with the EQ901 controls the following runtime functions.
Mute. Mute and unmute audio output.
Volume. Reduce or increase the volume. Each press changes the volume in 0.5 dB. Holding down a button will accelerate volume change to 3 dB steps.
Source Selection. Cycle through the input sources in order: RCA (unbalanced analog), TOSLINK, USB.
Tone Modes (1 through 4). Switch to the selected tone mode. It takes a few seconds for the preset selection to complete.
11. Setting Tone Modes
Selection of the tone mode is generally a subjective choice based on what sounds best to you. Specifically: Normal mode is the most neutral, Enhanced mode provides a richer sound with more treble and bass, Warm mode adds midrange with slight treble reduction, and Low frequency reduction mode is intended to control bass in smaller rooms or on “boomy” recordings.
12. Specifications
EQ901USB platform base: miniDSP 2x4 HD
Digital Signal Processor Engine: Analog Devices Fixed point DSP SHARC ADSP-21489
USB controller: XMOS xCORE-200
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC): AK4626A
Internal Processing resolution and sample rate: 32 bit / up to 192 kHz
Audio Input Connectivity: RCA, TOSLINK (optical), USB Audio
Audio Output Connectivity: Unbalanced output, RCA
Input / Output Max Levels: In 2.0 Vrms / 4.0 Vrms (jumper-selectable), Out 2.0 Vrms
Input Impedance: 10 k Ω
Output Impedance: 560 Ω
Filtering Technology: FIR + I/IIR
Dimensions: 27 h x 119 w x 107 d mm
Power: 12V DC single supply, 2.1 mm round plug, 2.5 Watt
IR Remote: miniDSP Remote
13. Warranty Terms
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the invoice date. Warranty does not cover failure of the product due to incorrect connection or installation, improper or undocumented use, unauthorized servicing, modification or alteration of the unit in any way, or any usage outside of that recommended in this manual. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.
Contact Deer Creek Audio
Please contact us with any questions or comments:
720.726.9272
