DIRAC and REW Tips
THIS THREAD IS FLUID, AND A WORK IN PROGRESS
PURCHASE A DIRAC LICENSE HERE:
www.dirac.com
Official DIRAC Desktop App and Changelogs Link:
confluence.dirac.services
Offical MARANTZ web and pdf manual for DIRAC:
Follow this great thread for everything DIRAC:
People asked for it, here it is, a dedicated thread all things Dirac Live (DL). This post will be updated as we go along... Note: If you are new to Dirac Live room correction or you're running it for the first few times please read through the following links. 99% of your questions will get...
www.avsforum.com
Step your mic game up:
A better mic = more accurate results (Make sure you use the calibration file)
I suggest these, but any high quality USB mic with a calibration file will do.
The UMIK-1 is an omni-directional USB measurement calibrated microphone providing Plug & Play acoustic measurement. From speaker & room acoustic measurement to recording, this microphone provides low noise and accurate results you can rely on.
www.minidsp.com
USB Reference Measurement Microphone, 32bit/44.1~192kHz, ASIO drivers, 1/2" capsule, Low noise floor, Unique Calibration file, REW and Dirac Live integration
www.minidsp.com
Purchase calibrated MiniDSP UMIK-1 measurement microphones, low-cost option for performing precise and accurate sound measurements
cross-spectrum.com
Purchase calibrated MiniDSP UMIK-2 measurement microphones
cross-spectrum.com
Don't forget to buy a boom mic stand for your mic. Notable Mic stands for use with UMIK-1, UMIK-2, etc.:
Parts Express Mic + Stand Bundle
I actually have the Dayton EMM-3 mic. I haven't checked if it's compatible yet. Sadly, I don't think so. Needs a USB mic with calibration file for DIRAC to see it, as far as I know
www.avsforum.com
Samson MK-10 Microphone Boom Stand
Buy Samson Microphone Stand, Black (SAMK10): Stands - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com
On-Stage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand
These mics are for the free
DIRAC WINDOWS / MacOS app linked above, and can be used with REW as well.
HOW TO CONNECT THE USB MIC
If using Windows, make sure all "ENHANCMENTS" are disabled in your HDMI output, and mic's properties page before running DIRAC or REW
Make sure all your speakers/ subs layout and channel count are specific, and correctly configured properly in the AV 10 BEFORE attempting measurements.
Make sure your subs are attached in the proper connection order if using more than one.
You can use a UMIK as a fancy SPL meter in REW (RoomEQ Wizard).
REW is free software for room acoustic measurement, loudspeaker measurement and audio device measurement and analysis
www.roomeqwizard.com
If you use Cross Spectrum UMIK, in Room Eq Wizard, (REW) use
Z-WEIGHTING. (Verified via email with Cross Spectrum).
If you have a calibrated mic that works with REW, re-check your channel levels using the built in SPL meter function, and check crossover settings to optimize them after DIRAC. Mine were 98% spot on, but I lowered my Center's crossover from 70 to 60 as it looked a tad smoother in REW in the upper bass region, and some channels were close to 75dB, but just a bit shy.
For REW I sometimes use FlexASIO when ASIO, which is in perpetual beta, acts flaky.
A flexible universal ASIO driver that uses the PortAudio sound I/O library. Supports WASAPI (shared and exclusive), KS, DirectSound and MME. - dechamps/FlexASIO
github.com
You can do a 1 point measurement at your sweet spot and load it to determine your sub gain if you don’t have access to a mic and REW.
Save your measurement configs on your PC, so you can always experiment and go back if your not happy, or try new things.
Load the preferred HARMAN curve and modify it in the high end to follow the natural roll-off of my speakers' top end as suggested in the DIRAC thread. As of DIRAC DESKTOP APP V3.3,
This done automatically. There are sliders now to adjust the curves tilt. I suggest adjusting only the left slider up on each group for a more aggressive bass in the house/Harman curve.
Every time DIRAC updates their PC app, you might want to update it, re-open your saved project, load your curve, let it re-calculate, and re-send it to the AV 10. Sometimes they fix minor bugs, or introduce calibration enhancements that benefit your sound.
A good practice is, DO NOT move the lower curtain to a lower frequency on your speakers than DIRAC sets them to. It can strain your speakers.
More than one sub-woofer? Get your single or multiple subs right with a UMIK, REW, and maybe add a MiniDSP 2X4HD if you can: Links below
https://www.avsforum.com/threads/jerrys-images.2919306/post-60008826 and
Simplified REW Setup and Use (USB Mic & HDMI...
I would make sure to use an SPL meter, or use REW to get the subwoofer in line with the internal AVR test tones at 75dB (85dB if using REW and LFE channel) using the sub's gain knob before DIRAC.
With REW you can also use the signal generator function if you want.
Put your AVR's main volume at 0 (reference level), any EQ off, sub level in AVR at 0, and
make sure your signal is -30 dBFS when adjusting gain, or measuring.
*If loading HARMAN, etc, curves take that into account, and adjust with the AVR sub level before DIRAC.
Lastly, test using 1 DIRAC position. Load and look at the resulting sub level set by DIRAC.
AFTER adjusting DIRAC levels
For those of you with too loud or too low warnings with your subs in the PC DIRAC app, this is a great workaround if you have a calibrated USB mic:
Fire up REW after volume calibration and finding the loudest speaker in DIRAC, then adjust the sub's amp gain to match it and add 10dB.
A tip courtesy of
soldiersinx: If you are worried of laptop, or PC fan noise, "Download hwinfo64. There is an option there to lower your GPU and CPU fan. I noticed my laptop fan would change my noise floor by a little bit."
Warning:
THERE IS A SETTING IN THE DIRAC APP THAT CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY HIT THAT DOESN'T CARRY OVER THE DISTANCES AND SPEAKER LEVELS. JUST A HEADS UP ON THAT.
IN MY OPINION, IT IS TOO EASY TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE OPTION, BUT NOT TO WORRY, JUST DESELECT THE OPTION AND THE PROPER VALUES WILL BE RESTORED AND TRANSFERRED TO THE UNIT.