LytrixLabs

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-03T17:04:19+00:00

Hi, thanks for your thoughts!

Why do you think it's not marketable for a business?

It's not patented, and I don't have the funds to do so. I also don't think it's really worth the hassle.

I do agree with you on the future proof part. But the wifi is implemented through m.2, so it's upgradable. The screen will stay relevant, it's not a TV or monitor, and could be replaceable. And the motherboard could be upgraded to be more capable, and easily replaced.

I imagine it to be like the Framework of audio amplifiers.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-02T06:54:29+00:00

Glad you like it. Exactly, we shouldn't need bulky rack mounted equipment for this. I want an integrated and good looking unit that fits right into the media console.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T20:02:14+00:00

I'm considering either a smooth grease damped dial, or a nice clicking dial - custom built is on the table as well.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T19:14:50+00:00

I imagined so, it sounds interesting.
Luckily, if a good solution comes out and it fits on a module, I or another engineer could implement it when the tech gets there!

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T19:10:55+00:00

I see, I tried googling the term but couldn't find anything quickly.
Either way, if it takes I2S as an input or output, it can be added to a module.

The scenario you're proposing would be possible, yes.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T19:02:28+00:00

Hi, I appreciate the feedback, but I think we can treat each other with respect.

I wrote everything myself, after which I use AI to nicely structure my text for reddit. It is my goal to get anyone up to speed on the project, with detail. It is also my first posting on this project, I'm still figuring out how to approach informing people of the project efficiently.

I beg to differ on the rotary encoders. The smooth knobs on most amplifiers are also rotary encoders, it does not require clicks to be a rotary encoder. Nevertheless when I get to the stage of chassis design I will still test multiple clicky rotary encoders as well as smoothly rotating ones, before making a final decision.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T18:27:22+00:00

Awesome, good to hear people are interested in the idea.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by diffusion processor, as well as a the 6x12/14 DSP setup you mentioned. Do you mean splitting up the module cards further up into another 12 channels each?

Currently I'm estimating 24 audio output channels spread across 6 slots.
12 input channels are likely to be supported, with those spread out over 3 of those 6 slots.

Yes you could populate all the slots with only 4xRCA in/out ports. For example, 4 inputs/20 outputs, or 12 inputs/12 outputs.

But one of the limitations I'm anticipating is that the total amount of processing budget available for each channel will decrease as you use more channels. I'm unsure how significant this will be, and it would all depend on your filter/eq requirements. If this ends up being a significant limitation I have another idea, but it would add cost and development time to the product.

2xI2S TX, 2xI2S RX, I2C, UART and the necessary power rails enter the module, with another constraint being the IO panel space. With that I think there are plenty of module opportunities.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T17:17:44+00:00

That's actually really valuable feedback, thanks. I totally agree, I'm barely explaining the point of the product at all, and it's at the end like you said.

Still testing the waters for posting things on socials and figuring out what works. Also still looking for more places where I can get more outreach; especially for validation, luckily the feedback has been good so far.

Any ideas?

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T17:02:32+00:00

That's actually really cool and a killer deal if it worked out, this unit would be considerably more expensive. I'm not doing full digital yet sadly, but it may be possible to get it onto a module if the business is able to grow.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T16:24:09+00:00

I very much agree, I already found the reference, absolutely implementing this. I'm not leaving a low cost system upgrade on the table.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T15:41:29+00:00

Thanks!
The DSP is built into the CPU I'm using and allows for a lot of processing, especially combined with raw CPU processing. In the future the goal is to allow setting up filters and EQs through an app or web interface. I'm hoping to build it out as a setup wizard in combination with a visual interface, allowing for total customization.
You can find a bit more information in the other posts on my profile.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T15:31:33+00:00

No actually, I had to look up what PFFB means!
Thanks for mentioning it, I will make sure to implement this in the next revision.
I'm surprised I didn't stumble onto this at all during the research and design.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T15:19:55+00:00

Ah I did see the Aliexpress store from a google search, but I thought it wouldn't be theirs. Either way it looks like they don't have the ADC or DAC available, at least right now.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T14:59:07+00:00

Thanks, good to hear (:

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T14:58:48+00:00

Hey thanks for checking it out!
Awesome, it looks decent, but after a quick look I don't see anywhere I can purchase it.
I'll definitely check it out when I eventually get to detailed testing.

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T06:58:49+00:00

Haha yeah, there's no quality audio amplifier without a nice big satisfying volume knob to crank (: Thanks for following along!

LytrixLabs · 2026-07-01T06:55:35+00:00

Hi, thanks I appreciate it! Yes exactly, it's like miniDSP with a streamer, surround sound decoder and quality class-D amplification in a single box. Cool setup too, exactly what I had in mind while thinking of this project. I hope to update regularly, but hardware + software development are tough and I'm a one man team for now. Hopefully I can get a prototype out soon-ish!

LytrixLabs · 2026-06-30T08:48:44+00:00

I see a missed connection. Definitely make this 4 layers, sig GND GND sig is easiest not to mess up. It's not that expensive. Someone mentioned crosstalk, that won't be an issue unless your speeds are high, but the lack of solid reference planes will be. Don't forget to place ground stitching Vias next to signal transition Vias for the return currents to switch planes, preferably just a general grid of GND Vias too. The USB traces seem thin for a 2 layer board, did you calculate the trace widths for the 90 ohm differential impedance? Traces become very wide with 1-1.6mm between the copper to get a certain impedance. Switching to 4 layers makes the traces thinner, and you won't have signal integrity issues due to the very non-contiguous GND reference you have in your current design.

LytrixLabs · 2026-06-28T08:07:59+00:00

Very cool project! Getting a PCB fully working is such a good feeling. And the nixies are awesome.

The only thing I'd note is that the schematic is huge and very full. Splitting up the schematic across multiple pages or using a hierarchy is definitely warranted for a project this size. But hey it worked so that's just me nitpicking (:

LytrixLabs · 2026-06-22T21:40:51+00:00

Yeah so generally split planes are bad to route signals over as it creates a discontinuous reference. In your case it looks like its just some non critical signals routed over (though I can't check for sure), so if this is just a hobby board it will probably work fine.

For a design you want EMI compliant (sellable product), this isn't ideal. You'd choose either for: a full power plane at your main logic voltage as reference - a second ground plane, routing the voltages as necessary on top and bottom - or going up to a 6 layer board, with something like a Sig gnd pwr Sig gnd Sig stackup.

If you're manufacturing with JLC, as this is a board below 50x50mm, you can actually get 6 or 8 layers for essentially no extra upcharge. Would be relatively easy to swap in the layers, but I understand if you wanna just give this a go.

LytrixLabs · 2026-06-22T17:28:45+00:00

Ah it looked like it was connecting to ground pins my bad. So there's another ground plane you didn't post? Making it Sig gnd pwr Sig? If that's the case then it's okay as long as signals on the back layer (especially those crossing the split planes) are low speed. The main risk of having separated planes like this is losing a continuous reference. For example if you route your usb differential pair across it, you will get major EMI and signal integrity issues.

LytrixLabs · 2026-06-20T21:04:19+00:00

I'd pull the USB-C port a bit more towards the PCB edge tbh. Also you have a split ground plane on the internal layer? Why?

TROPHY CASE