🎯EQ Shopping List bit.ly/3LtKjz3 (everything else is in the description!) 👉CLICK THANKS ☝to highlight your question &/or support the channel! ☝NO OUTSIDE LINKS OR PERSONAL INFO. PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC AND BE RESPECTFUL
An request/suggestion for Kristi - for those of us living in the EU shopping outside the EU often adds cost, depending on what and where 30% or more is not unseen. Even worse some of the sellers you link to do not even ship here, like for example the seller of the UMIK-2 do not ship to Denmark (I can't say if they will ship to other EU countries). It would be cool if your links to gear also came in a EU version, then us inside the EU could shop and still support the channel.
Thanks for the Video, Just wondering How do you feel abort Receivers that Have an audio set up feature for home theater setups. Cheers another good video. I have an Old Onkyo with the Audessy feature.
This is hot!!!! I know how to do this (you know I've been doing this for over a decade), but this was a very straight forward video. I use a piece of software to load things manually. You could have also transferred your measurements as a coefficient (biquad) into the MiniDsp! Awesome video!!!!!
Great video, especially since I recently moved into a new place and am limited on what I can do as far as room treatment goes.I wished that my equipment had dirac or room perfect built in. Even considered selling some of my stuff and replacing it with stuff that does. I think I will go ahead and buy a minidsp and microphone and see how it works for me. A couple of Questions in general though. What to do first, room treatment then dsp or vice versa? And two, I've also noticed recently how many TH-cam "audiophiles" "/audio enthusiasts have all played follow the leader with room treatments. How did all the "golden ear" audiophiles get by for so many years before DSP and room treatments were a thing?
Hi Andrew I hope you are well I was impressed by your video on minidsp. I am interested in buying minidsp shd and umic-2 Not found on Amazon's website according to the link you gave Can you recommend me where to order. I live in 11038 Nashville Dr Hollywood fl 33026 Best regards, cobi
Andrew your very kind to of offered this how to for all your subscribers. I can only imagine that most other channels would have kept this only available to Members/Patrons, your support for the viewers is awesome. Thanks for all you and Kristi do.
Do I want to see more content like this? Absolutely!! Literally no one else in your space is providing trustworthy reviews and showing their viewers how to maximize their systems. That shows you care. Your channel is valuable and worth paying for in my opinion. I just purchased an SHD and learned more in your video than I have in the last ten videos on other channels. Many thanks to you and Kristy for what you do.
One of the few home audio youtube personalities who actually truely knows what they are talking about! No BS, no fluff, take it or leave it information! A true and talented educator. Thank you!
This is why I keep watching your channel, absolutely amazing! I love the diversity in content and reporting styles. You can be technical at times or nontech. Design and esthetics are always a priority as well (thanks Kristi 😉). Love you two dearly. Thank you for keeping me entertained every weekend. 🙏
Forgot to ask, I assume the same protocol for freq and gain changes applies to a Marantz AV 8805A processor correct? I was thinking of upgrading my AV to the new Cinemea line because of the new addition of DIRAC but now with miniDSP, another viable option!
So glad! I hope it helps. As I say in the video, there's a myriad of ways to tackle some of these issues so feel free to experiment and do what works best for you!
What type of dsp with dirac did you order? (Link please) And is there anyway to do this with other things other the one in the description (Minidsp devices) here on this Video.
One question on the measurements. My wife and I sit on opposite ends of a 7' couch which is centered on the listening field. Should all measurements be taken from the center of the listening field always or taken from my listening position, center, and wife's position and then averaged? I'm not sure how to account for different seating positions. Thanks, Mark
You always take the measurements from the more critical listener’s point of view/location. You could also take measurements from yours and then hers and click the button in REW that says average the selected measurements and then EQ from there. Thank you so much for the support!!
Superb Andrew and Kristi, well worth the effort. Thank you, a couple of points though. This should also be possible with and older amplifier with a dedicated tape monitor circuit. For those that are unsure, if your amp has old mechanical switches in which a lever is moved or a row of buttons are pressed (and the previous button pops out) for input selection and it has a separate “tape monitor” switch/button this should be possible as well. This circuit was designed so you could monitor the sound you were recording directly off the tape (on a three head tape machine) without rewinding it and playing it back. This circuit was also utilised for old analogue graphic equalisers, effects units etc. The second point is, we saw Andrew from head to toe tonight for the first time. I had thought all these years Kristi had married a Max Headroom clone that she’d created🤣🤣🤣🤣. Keep up the great work👍👍
This is great content. I realize it may not garner as many views as a speaker or AVR review, but putting out the occasional tech video is not only massively helpful to your audience (probably for more of them than realize it), but it might well bring in some new viewers that are searching for this kind of content, as opposed to home theater products.
Been watching your content for some time. I really find the video well produced, the commentary very well thought through, honest and concise. I have been using REW for about a year on and off but only recently really starting to grasp the correct way to use it. I must say that this video is probably the best to cover room correction. Most others either just focussed on the REW and missed on the hardware connections, microphone setup etc. Great job! Keep the videos coming!
Bout time you made this vid Andrew and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Gives newcomers an insight to the world of Dirac and calibration. Changes the system completely like listening to completely different speakers. Yes, it doesnt change the dispersion and distortion of the speakers but the bulk of our perception lies in the tonality. Thank you once again drew!
What a great job on video you two! I have not found a better video on REW or Room Corrections for novices. Adding the minidsp shd was a game changer for my system. I wish I had this video about a year ago :) I hope this video gets 500k views. Upvote for 2 more videos- subs eq and speaker/sub time-alignment. Thank you again for the video!
Thanks for doing this deep dive! What I would LOVE for the subwoofer calibration video are measurements comparing the final miniDSP results and what Audyssey does on its own without any tweaking. Even better if you have dual subs and a receiver with independently controlled sub outputs. It would really show if/why this is worth the time & effort.
The best intro to REW + miniDSP that I've ever seen. Super nice work! The rabbit hole is deep on this topic, and I realize that you intentionally kept things high level here, a call I very much agree with. I'm looking forward to seeing more depth on this topic in future videos. Too many audiophiles and music enthusiasts leave loads of performance and listening engagement potential on the table because they are afraid to take this first step. This will help many more of them do just that. Well done!
Andrew I don't know people that have the time,or care for this type of "stuff" but I do . Sadly, I do not know people that is, this much into audio systems; but my god your explanations are god given!!! I love your content and feel more safe and confident when, thinking about investing in a audio setup that I'll end up enjoying countless of hours.
For more years than I care to admit, I'd place my Advents wherever they would fit in a room, crank them up and enjoy the music. I've gone through a couple of upgrades since then and eventually learned the benefits of placement, but honestly, I like a natural sound, warts and all. It feels real to me. I respect anyone who wants a perfectly flat response curve. Hats off to you, but not for me.
Great video. So happy you made this. As a Yamaha fan I was always wondering how to start with the manual peq. I’d love to see a couple more of these videos- Subwoofer measurements peq Measuring with REW to adjust avr (Yamaha) I think there are thousands of people like me who can rock setting up a avr and running ypao etc but fine tuning on the web control features seems daunting.
I have been doing what's suggested in your video for quite a few years now. I've been a firm believer that acoustics are the biggest "component" you can invest into - and it's impressive how little you have to spend to get going. One thing to note for your viewers is, to apply EQ filters, you don't need a miniDSP. You can also get it done using Equalizer APO, which runs natively in the background on a Windows PC. This only works for the sound output from the PC, but if you want a cheap way to see what kind of difference it can make, you can give this a go. This is how I got started with EQing because splurging for a miniDSP wasn't in the cards at the time. You only need a measuring mic and Room EQ Wizard. Another bit I've discovered is that sometimes EQing above 200Hz makes the sound worse. This is because PEQs sometimes mess with the phasing in higher frequencies - something DIRAC resolves - and it can result in poorer sound. If you're finding this then I suggest focusing on EQing bass only, which is where 70+% of your acoustic issues are anyways. Clearing up the bass makes a huge difference so it's worth focusing on this only. I do find that DIRAC works very well for the rest of the range if you want to EQ everything. Secondly, none of this replaces room treatments. For anyone out there thinking, can I do this and not bother with treating my space? No. Room treatments are king. EQing will make things better, but definitely won't make your sound perfect (which is the one thing I disagree with in this video). Most acoustic issues are generated from reflections in the space, which can only be tamed through physical room treatments designed to absorb or diffuse sound waves. Finally, I'd like to see your subwoofer video because in my opinion, where EQing makes the most difference is with bass, so using this for tuning subwoofers is its most ideal application. I hope you'll cover crossing over vs. running speakers full range w/ subs, too, since there are varying opinions on that. Overall great video. It's nice to see more of this because so many audiophiles concentrate on their gear instead of the real issue, which is acoustics. I started going through a lot less "upgradeitis" phases once I improved the acoustics in my space through measuring and EQing. Just remember this doesn't make your sound perfect, it only helps get you there. But it is a necessary part of getting there.
Hi Andrew, this is exactly the sort of content I love to see. It's so hard very often to really get an idea of how to do this sort of project. I have used instructions like this to build my roon core, for instance. So yes, I really would like more of this sort of content.
Awesome content, especially after seeing many other creators’ ones on this topic. Looking forward for Episode 2 and 3 of this Season 1. LoL. A special ”thank you” to Kristi, of course: I always appreciate her take on any of the subjects discussed on this channel, but this time I was like “this is just a technical description, right? She’s not adding anything this time, right? I mean…what else can be added this time?!”. And there she goes, once again, perfectly on point.
Hey, great video. I can see how the EQ helps with room correction and frequency response, but does adding the minidsp into the signal path reduce other sound qualities such as soundstage, imaging, clarity and separation etc? Similarly, does the conversion from analog to digital and back in the minidsp make the quality of the original dac and preamp a bit redundant?
Great video, thanks. I've been getting back into Vinyl lately. Since the miniDSP involves Analog->Digital->Analog conversions, do you think the benefits of room correction outweigh the added conversions into the digital domain? Similar question for digital sources, since I currently have a fairly nice DAC which would be upstream of the miniDSP and this would seem to add potential for changing the signal in processing after that step in the chain.
miniDSP 2x4HD and I'm pretty sure the new Flex series has USB IN. I used USB in from a PC when deciding on a crossover frequency for my DIY speakers, so it does not utilize AD/DA/AD. The new Flex series suppose to have much better DACs then the 2x4HD. Sometimes I think properly adjusting crossover brings more than playing back DSD in its purest form, and of course room treatment... 2x4HD and Flex series has an internal sampling frequency max 24bit 96kHz.
Thanks for the extra support, Andrew. To answer the first question - yes, your room has the potential to swallow up any/all benefits you may feel analog/vinyl playback. A better, more even frequency in your room will make everything including records sound better. If you want to make sure that your DAC is the only thing performing any type of conversion, then I guess something the miniDSP would not be for you. That said, you could follow the REW portion of this video and apply some of the EQ filters and all analog equalizer to avoid unnecessary conversions in your signal chain.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews there are a few MiniDSP products that work in the digital domain. I have the now discontinued Nanodigi 2x8 that goes between digital source and DAC (in my case WiiM mini to Schiit Modi 3) so no extra DAC involved. Currently there’s now an expensive DDRC-88D that does it too. I know that folks say to only reduce frequencies in room correction and not to boost any because that puts strain on the amp. I wonder if that applies with doing the correction in the digital domain. Nice video. Thanks
One more strange thing, the WiiM mini has an analogue input and when I route my turntable through it (from the rec out of my pre-amp) the digitised and re-analogue version is way better in every audiophile way (imaging, clarity), than turntable straight to pre straight to power amp.
Watched Part 1 And 2, and love to see you tackling these types of tutorials! It would be great if you did a part 3 and dug even further. I’m currently struggling with time alignment between my Mains and or Center Channel with my subwoofer, there’s too many contradicting threads out there, and it’s taking forever trying to yield the best results! Would love if you dug more into REW/MiniDSP between the other manufacturers auto-calibration systems, specifically Audyssey, and fine tuning a full Atmos system instead of just stereo. Always enjoy the clean, concise, non-cheesy, thorough content your videos provide.
Thanks for this! Suggest it could be helpful to mention possibility of using Roon instead of miniDSP for those who may like and use Roon. And yes, would appreciate chatting about similar use of REW to integrate subwoofer(s).
Great video! I was just messing with REW and the Umik-1 this afternoon and found out I need a longer USB cable. You also learned me I need the 90 degree calibration file and you showed how to make the graph more clear with the smoothing out option. Now I have to see how to get the pc audio calibrated and then I’m going back to your video and do a few more measurements.
Yes! More please! I have a Pioneer lx 505 with Dirac. So I'm very happy with the results. I also have a umik 1 microphone and a fondness to tinker once in awhile. Very interesting and entertaining, thank you Andrew! You gave us a road map, whether we choose to travel down the road is now up to us.
Really easy to follow video, actually you made it look easy to do despite REW looking like it is very complicated haha. What are the benefits of the DSP box though? I can input the EQ adjustments into Roon for example couldn't I? £400 for the little DSP is pretty expensive unless its doing something Roon cant?
You’ve invited comments, so, here’s mine. I watched this video, purely out of interest. Your narrative was clear, concise and articulate, as always. For those interested in employing corrective software I’m sure this video is invaluable. I lean more toward investing in speakers that load the room correctly. I use pro reference headphones to gauge what is linear/neutral audio reproduction. My speakers in room reproduction match, if not better those headphones. Whether that is because of the room, or in spite of the room, I’m uncertain. I suspect it’s because our auditory system has evolved to easily distinguish between the direct sound from our speakers, and indirect or reflected sound from our room. I’m sure your eq tutorial on subs will be welcomed by many.
Perfect timing! Based on your previous videos I purchased a pair of R600's and a sub-woofer. My room is an odd shape and was struggling with the set-up. Thanks again and Look forward to Pt2 - the subwoofer.
This was great. I just started experimenting with taking measurements in my room. It's definitely helped me identify some issues in my room that I'm working on. A part 2 on Sub EQ would be awesome!
I have never seen mini dsp & rew explained in such a simple manner. I’ve seen other content creators & I was like this looks very technical. But after seeing your video I’m going to purchase the set up & will look forward to your video on calibrating the subs.
This is a perfect video, as I’ve been dreading to fill my room with sound panels.. majority of them look godawful and my wife would divorce me if I put them up. So although this wouldn’t fix everything that’s “wrong” with my system, it’ll definitely help, considering I’ve got pretty much everything aside for minidsp and microphone. Thank you! Nice RCAs by the way! 😅 sorry, I couldn’t resist! Hope everything is having a great Sunday and enjoying their weekend! 🥃🕺🏻
I would do this BEFORE using room treatments because once you have your AFTER MEASUREMENTS it will tell you EXACTLY what type of treatments (if any) that you need to invest in. The cables continue to impress. Getting closer to a decision 😉
@@williamhicks2763 Well, as the whole video is about MiniDSP it would have been nice to mention this feature as it saves you a lot of time and prevents you from entering wrong filters.
If you're trying to tame shrillness in the treble range, what would expect to see on the graph in that area? Some tall peaks or steep drop-off? Thanks!
I find that a 1.2 to 3 dB gradual drop-off starting between 1 and 2 kHz and remaining mostly flat up to 10-12 kHz before dropping off again to be pretty ideal. Also, you can affect the treble more than any other frequency by how much or how little you toe your speakers in. Thanks for being a member and for the extra love!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I have to say. I don't place any credibility on your "opinions" of what is worth buying or avoiding. The whole channel is product placement for me. It's like a showroom to "look" at but no way to hear anything. Cheers.
Why is it that one couldn't do this with an integrated amplifier without pre-outs? 19:47 I don't understand that, wouldn't the DSP device just be a source if plugged into normal analog inputs on the integrated amp and still work?
I've been waiting for a simple video like this for a long time. I look forward to Part II. I do have one question, namely, is room correction more important than moderate room treatment or vice versa? I say this as someone who has purchased all my components, some of them at your recommendation. My next step is the tools you mentioned or room treatment so I'm wondering where I should spend my money first. Thank you!
Yours is the only video I managed to watch till the end and enjoyed! Perhaps it's the slick presentation and the easy step by step instructions. Either way, I'm looking forward to the next video 🤞
This was great, super helpful and easy to follow. Thanks Andrew! In terms of using a receiver, could someone use a minidsp (or multiple) between the preouts of a receiver and an external amplifier (obviously keeping the receiver in something like pure direct mode)?
I already knew almost everything in the video but I find it helpful to stay sharp with tips and tricks that other people know. I also find it satisfying to see the before and after results that people get. Another Great video as usual
You couldn’t have explained those steps any clearer, that was great. So much info to take on board and I bet I end up watching this video multiple times to make sure I do this right if I go to use the software. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, was good to get an insight into what you have to do each time you set up a review for the viewers. Happy to see more of these videos to.
Thanks! Yes I have done that rodeo a few times and back in the day (early 90's and a meter) it took me a week, now inside 45 min on a 7.2.4. Audyssey and speaker distance is a near hit and then after 100hrs I tweak for the great room as it has to load a bit more to the rear for the heights to sound correct.
Great stuff. Even how to videos for beginners on how to hook up basic audio components. Or how to properly set up a turntable that has a weighted tone arm. MM/MC differences and how to set up. Thank you so much for your videos.
Hello Andrew, you have my vote for the subwoofer video. In my case I truly benefit from this type of videos. As usual excellent presentation and delivery. Thank you so much to you and Kristi for the excellent content! Regards from Michigan!
I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!!! We need more. You even answered a few questions at the end that I was just about to type, primarily about Yamaha gear. I have the A6A in my living room. As for my McIntosh MAC6700 I've been interested in using a mini DSP (FLex because I've read it has better sound quality than the 2X4HD) between the pre-out and main jumpers but I am wondering if the minidsp would negate the characteristics of the Mac. You said that, for the most part, you leave the high frequency alone, but can you use this to smooth out any high-frequency harshness or sibilance? Lastly, any chance of a review of the SHD?
RE: review of the SHD - No plans to review it as it is such a niche product. While Andrew loves and uses it, it's likely too expensive for most users. This amzn.to/3ntpiYE is the better product to start with for most people. I would definitely get it before going with the SHD.
@@KristiWright Understood, I was just thinking since Andrew mentioned that the SHD could also be used as a Pre-amp/streamer, how well of an option would it be to use it in that manner.
Absolutely fantastic video. One of the best so far! Once I get my own place, I’ll be definitely doing this in a new room!❤ You are the best!!! I’ll be watching this again and again each time I move!!!
These types of videos are of great value and I thank you and Kristi so much! I have already saved this one in my Useful Technology Videos playlist and am looking forward to more videos from the series!
A parametric EQ makes a lot of sense to me. Even without automated room correction it can help to fine tune the sound to the taste of the user and to compensate critical room modes. I am happy with my RME DAC that offers that functionality without any kind of external software. Tone control in the digital domain does not degrade the sound quality as much, compared to the analog domain. It should be standard for every DAC.
I really love educational content. Also lifestyle, comments on outside of the box use-cases for gear, hifi hacks, and the overall macro of the the hifi space. Thanks for stepping outside reviews again. Looking forward to more.
Great video. This is going to "tune" your eq for a very specific place in your room. I have my system in a living room in which I am often listening to music whilst moving about the room, kitchen etc - do you have any suggestions or best to leave eq alone in this circumstance, there is no information I can find anywhere about that sort of scenario.
❤I’ve had a minidsp shd for a couple of years now, using Dirac to autocorrect my 2 channels. But this is the first time I’ve actually understood what’s going on. Now to take charge a little more, thanks for a great video
Thanks for the tutorial. I've already done this in my room with my MiniDSP Flex, but I still learned a couple of new things from this video. I saw you mentioned the laser measure, but you didn't mention time alignment? Or is that in the next video :P
I would definitely enjoy more calibration content, especially regarding subwoofers and showing how a mini dsp can effectively give you multiple independent sub outputs. Question regarding room calibration in general: Why is it usually done with a single mono mic? Would two at the listening position give more accurate results? I'm imagining hard-core audio-geeks using binaural head mics modeled after their own heads in order to squeeze every drop of performance from their equipment. In your opinion, would there be a benefit to such a thing?
Thank you. This process has always seemed too confusing, especially after opening the REW program and not seeing/knowing where to start. Andrew, you’ve made it very clear. I’m off to order a mic. Thank you!!!
Superb. Any way to automate loudness in order to improve low volume listening?? I use to hear music during the night and my neighbours complained so I had to lower a lot the volume and my Dentons play dull.
I was watching a long interview with the owner of Schiit Audio the other night and he was laminating the disappearing loudness buttons on equipment. They do have their place for low volume listening. Perhaps keep an eye on the products they come out with this year.
@@KristiWright A poor implementation of Loudness does do this but properly implemented it adjust the bass and treble (based on Fletcher Munson Curves) and the amount of adjustment vary by volume.
Very informative video! Andrew, wondering if you use this minidsp preamp for mostly just measurements / room correction purposes or also use it as your Go To as a regular pre amp when you are testing / evaluating power amplifiers for the channel? I have definitely heard you mention it in the past but didn't know how pervasive your use of it was. I've been reading up on their website and basically curious if you stand behind it as a quality audiophile grade preamp? Thanks for your time and I hope this video is a success so there can be future videos on bass, etc. 👍
Great vid! I have a question tho: is the REQ recommended target curve a totally flat line? And is that recommended over other target curves some audiophiles swear by like the Harman curve?
Thanks for this video. there are hundreds of REW/Mini DSP tutorials out there, but this was very helpfull on understanding how REW and Mini DSP actually works. I hope you do a SW one allso :)
Andrew, Very informative video. I always wondered how REW worked and now I know. Since many people read comments I'm going to add an idea that may work for people that don't want to go as deep as REW. Paradigm is still selling its PW Link which includes Anthem Room Correction (with the latest version of ARC), a DAC with optical input/output connections, and DTS Play-Fi (that is gapless with at least Qobuz). The Link kit includes the microphone and all necessary software, but a computer or laptop is required. The cost is $200. My system comprises a Rotel A11 Tribute with the KEF LS50 Metas. I'm streaming Qobuz from Audrivana Studtio to an iFi Signature DAC. The DAC connects to the analog inputs on the Link. My LG TV connects to the Link's optical input. From there, I connect the analog output of the Link to any of the analog inputs on the Rotel. It would be nice if the Rotel had a pre/amp function like the Audiolab, but since I only use two sources (e.g. no turntable) it works for me. BTW, using REW with the Yamaha was an excellent tip.
I bought a Schiit Lokius EQ to keep the signal chain all analog. ASR rated it highly as long as gain is only reduced. Frequency and Q are fixed and quite wide. Seems like hitting a protruding nail with a jackhammer. It reduces the peaks but does affect the area around the problem. Used in conjunction with REW, I was able to take the harshness out of the sound. Will continue to experiment with placement and room treatments.
🎯EQ Shopping List bit.ly/3LtKjz3 (everything else is in the description!)
👉CLICK THANKS ☝to highlight your question &/or support the channel!
☝NO OUTSIDE LINKS OR PERSONAL INFO. PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC AND BE RESPECTFUL
An request/suggestion for Kristi - for those of us living in the EU shopping outside the EU often adds cost, depending on what and where 30% or more is not unseen. Even worse some of the sellers you link to do not even ship here, like for example the seller of the UMIK-2 do not ship to Denmark (I can't say if they will ship to other EU countries).
It would be cool if your links to gear also came in a EU version, then us inside the EU could shop and still support the channel.
Thanks for the Video, Just wondering How do you feel abort Receivers that Have an audio set up feature for home theater setups. Cheers another good video. I have an Old Onkyo with the Audessy feature.
This is hot!!!! I know how to do this (you know I've been doing this for over a decade), but this was a very straight forward video. I use a piece of software to load things manually. You could have also transferred your measurements as a coefficient (biquad) into the MiniDsp! Awesome video!!!!!
Great video, especially since I recently moved into a new place and am limited on what I can do as far as room treatment goes.I wished that my equipment had dirac or room perfect built in. Even considered selling some of my stuff and replacing it with stuff that does. I think I will go ahead and buy a minidsp and microphone and see how it works for me.
A couple of Questions in general though. What to do first, room treatment then dsp or vice versa? And two, I've also noticed recently how many TH-cam "audiophiles"
"/audio enthusiasts have all played follow the leader with room treatments. How did all the "golden ear" audiophiles get by for so many years before DSP and room treatments were a thing?
Hi Andrew
I hope you are well
I was impressed by your video on minidsp.
I am interested in buying minidsp shd and umic-2
Not found on Amazon's website according to the link you gave
Can you recommend me
where to order.
I live in
11038 Nashville Dr
Hollywood fl 33026
Best regards,
cobi
Andrew your very kind to of offered this how to for all your subscribers. I can only imagine that most other channels would have kept this only available to Members/Patrons, your support for the viewers is awesome. Thanks for all you and Kristi do.
I think you have not got the chance to watch OCD's videos yet. 😂😂😂
Do I want to see more content like this? Absolutely!! Literally no one else in your space is providing trustworthy reviews and showing their viewers how to maximize their systems. That shows you care. Your channel is valuable and worth paying for in my opinion. I just purchased an SHD and learned more in your video than I have in the last ten videos on other channels. Many thanks to you and Kristy for what you do.
That’s so very kind. We are so glad this has been helpful!!
One of the few home audio youtube personalities who actually truely knows what they are talking about! No BS, no fluff, take it or leave it information! A true and talented educator. Thank you!
This is why I keep watching your channel, absolutely amazing! I love the diversity in content and reporting styles. You can be technical at times or nontech. Design and esthetics are always a priority as well (thanks Kristi 😉). Love you two dearly. Thank you for keeping me entertained every weekend. 🙏
Forgot to ask, I assume the same protocol for freq and gain changes applies to a Marantz AV 8805A processor correct? I was thinking of upgrading my AV to the new Cinemea line because of the new addition of DIRAC but now with miniDSP, another viable option!
I ordered a minidsp with DIRAC yesterday, the timing of this video is insane.
So glad! I hope it helps. As I say in the video, there's a myriad of ways to tackle some of these issues so feel free to experiment and do what works best for you!
What type of dsp with dirac did you order? (Link please)
And is there anyway to do this with other things other the one in the description (Minidsp devices) here on this Video.
19:17 Thank you. Please keep the content coming.
19:17 Thank you. Please keep the content coming.
One question on the measurements. My wife and I sit on opposite ends of a 7' couch which is centered on the listening field. Should all measurements be taken from the center of the listening field always or taken from my listening position, center, and wife's position and then averaged? I'm not sure how to account for different seating positions. Thanks, Mark
You always take the measurements from the more critical listener’s point of view/location. You could also take measurements from yours and then hers and click the button in REW that says average the selected measurements and then EQ from there. Thank you so much for the support!!
Superb Andrew and Kristi, well worth the effort. Thank you, a couple of points though. This should also be possible with and older amplifier with a dedicated tape monitor circuit. For those that are unsure, if your amp has old mechanical switches in which a lever is moved or a row of buttons are pressed (and the previous button pops out) for input selection and it has a separate “tape monitor” switch/button this should be possible as well. This circuit was designed so you could monitor the sound you were recording directly off the tape (on a three head tape machine) without rewinding it and playing it back. This circuit was also utilised for old analogue graphic equalisers, effects units etc.
The second point is, we saw Andrew from head to toe tonight for the first time. I had thought all these years Kristi had married a Max Headroom clone that she’d created🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Keep up the great work👍👍
This is great content. I realize it may not garner as many views as a speaker or AVR review, but putting out the occasional tech video is not only massively helpful to your audience (probably for more of them than realize it), but it might well bring in some new viewers that are searching for this kind of content, as opposed to home theater products.
Thanks! Great and very descriptive video. Really hoping we get a subwoofer eq video as well to compliment this one.
Thank you so much for the kinds words and support. Akram! We hope to see you on the next video!
Been watching your content for some time. I really find the video well produced, the commentary very well thought through, honest and concise.
I have been using REW for about a year on and off but only recently really starting to grasp the correct way to use it.
I must say that this video is probably the best to cover room correction. Most others either just focussed on the REW and missed on the hardware connections, microphone setup etc.
Great job! Keep the videos coming!
Bout time you made this vid Andrew and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Gives newcomers an insight to the world of Dirac and calibration. Changes the system completely like listening to completely different speakers. Yes, it doesnt change the dispersion and distortion of the speakers but the bulk of our perception lies in the tonality. Thank you once again drew!
What a great job on video you two! I have not found a better video on REW or Room Corrections for novices. Adding the minidsp shd was a game changer for my system. I wish I had this video about a year ago :) I hope this video gets 500k views. Upvote for 2 more videos- subs eq and speaker/sub time-alignment. Thank you again for the video!
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Great info. I had no idea. And Thank you Kristi for asking about using it with a integrated amp.
I hope you find this video helpful. Thanks for watching!
So glad to have helped out in some way!
Thanks for doing this deep dive! What I would LOVE for the subwoofer calibration video are measurements comparing the final miniDSP results and what Audyssey does on its own without any tweaking. Even better if you have dual subs and a receiver with independently controlled sub outputs. It would really show if/why this is worth the time & effort.
Thanks, Chris. Appreciate the support and the note on subwoofers. We'll see how that fits into part 2 or whether or not it needs to be its own video.
The best intro to REW + miniDSP that I've ever seen. Super nice work! The rabbit hole is deep on this topic, and I realize that you intentionally kept things high level here, a call I very much agree with. I'm looking forward to seeing more depth on this topic in future videos. Too many audiophiles and music enthusiasts leave loads of performance and listening engagement potential on the table because they are afraid to take this first step. This will help many more of them do just that. Well done!
Kristi's questions were especially helpful.
So glad to know that!
Thanks!
❤
Andrew I don't know people that have the time,or care for this type of "stuff" but I do . Sadly, I do not know people that is, this much into audio systems; but my god your explanations are god given!!! I love your content and feel more safe and confident when, thinking about investing in a audio setup that I'll end up enjoying countless of hours.
For more years than I care to admit, I'd place my Advents wherever they would fit in a room, crank them up and enjoy the music. I've gone through a couple of upgrades since then and eventually learned the benefits of placement, but honestly, I like a natural sound, warts and all. It feels real to me. I respect anyone who wants a perfectly flat response curve. Hats off to you, but not for me.
😀👍🍻🍻
I never comment on anything but DSP is the next step in my hifi journey. Please make more dsp videos!!! Thanks for all of your guys’ hard work!!
Loved the slow tutorial...made it super simple! Thanks an informative watch
Thanks! I’m pretty new to hifi and have been wanting to try this out but was a little hesitant because it seemed complicated. Great tutorial!!
I hope this makes the process a little less scary.
Great video. So happy you made this. As a Yamaha fan I was always wondering how to start with the manual peq. I’d love to see a couple more of these videos-
Subwoofer measurements peq
Measuring with REW to adjust avr (Yamaha)
I think there are thousands of people like me who can rock setting up a avr and running ypao etc but fine tuning on the web control features seems daunting.
Subwoofer EQ video much needed! Having a hard time integrating into my system.
I’m ready for your sub-woofer video! Excellent insights. You provide wonderful videos 👍👍
I have been doing what's suggested in your video for quite a few years now. I've been a firm believer that acoustics are the biggest "component" you can invest into - and it's impressive how little you have to spend to get going.
One thing to note for your viewers is, to apply EQ filters, you don't need a miniDSP. You can also get it done using Equalizer APO, which runs natively in the background on a Windows PC. This only works for the sound output from the PC, but if you want a cheap way to see what kind of difference it can make, you can give this a go. This is how I got started with EQing because splurging for a miniDSP wasn't in the cards at the time. You only need a measuring mic and Room EQ Wizard.
Another bit I've discovered is that sometimes EQing above 200Hz makes the sound worse. This is because PEQs sometimes mess with the phasing in higher frequencies - something DIRAC resolves - and it can result in poorer sound. If you're finding this then I suggest focusing on EQing bass only, which is where 70+% of your acoustic issues are anyways. Clearing up the bass makes a huge difference so it's worth focusing on this only. I do find that DIRAC works very well for the rest of the range if you want to EQ everything.
Secondly, none of this replaces room treatments. For anyone out there thinking, can I do this and not bother with treating my space? No. Room treatments are king. EQing will make things better, but definitely won't make your sound perfect (which is the one thing I disagree with in this video). Most acoustic issues are generated from reflections in the space, which can only be tamed through physical room treatments designed to absorb or diffuse sound waves.
Finally, I'd like to see your subwoofer video because in my opinion, where EQing makes the most difference is with bass, so using this for tuning subwoofers is its most ideal application. I hope you'll cover crossing over vs. running speakers full range w/ subs, too, since there are varying opinions on that.
Overall great video. It's nice to see more of this because so many audiophiles concentrate on their gear instead of the real issue, which is acoustics. I started going through a lot less "upgradeitis" phases once I improved the acoustics in my space through measuring and EQing. Just remember this doesn't make your sound perfect, it only helps get you there. But it is a necessary part of getting there.
Hi Andrew, this is exactly the sort of content I love to see. It's so hard very often to really get an idea of how to do this sort of project. I have used instructions like this to build my roon core, for instance. So yes, I really would like more of this sort of content.
Thanks for letting me know Robin and thank you for watching!
Awesome content, especially after seeing many other creators’ ones on this topic.
Looking forward for Episode 2 and 3 of this Season 1. LoL.
A special ”thank you” to Kristi, of course: I always appreciate her take on any of the subjects discussed on this channel, but this time I was like “this is just a technical description, right? She’s not adding anything this time, right? I mean…what else can be added this time?!”. And there she goes, once again, perfectly on point.
Thank you, I appreciate your support and also you recognizing Kristi's contributions to this video and channel.
This video is 🔥🔥🔥
I'm a bit busy/newb to figure this all out on my own but have always wanted to do this. I can't wait to try this.
Thanks 🙏
Hey, great video. I can see how the EQ helps with room correction and frequency response, but does adding the minidsp into the signal path reduce other sound qualities such as soundstage, imaging, clarity and separation etc? Similarly, does the conversion from analog to digital and back in the minidsp make the quality of the original dac and preamp a bit redundant?
Finally!!! Someone who systematically and slowly explains each step how to REW and minidsp set-up in EQ -ing a stereo system!!! More please!!
I just picked up a mini dsp hd and the Umik 1. Getting my system professionally calibrated next week.
Thank you for stepping out to help the community with this video!
Definitely appreciate this kind of content.
Great video, thanks. I've been getting back into Vinyl lately. Since the miniDSP involves Analog->Digital->Analog conversions, do you think the benefits of room correction outweigh the added conversions into the digital domain? Similar question for digital sources, since I currently have a fairly nice DAC which would be upstream of the miniDSP and this would seem to add potential for changing the signal in processing after that step in the chain.
miniDSP 2x4HD and I'm pretty sure the new Flex series has USB IN. I used USB in from a PC when deciding on a crossover frequency for my DIY speakers, so it does not utilize AD/DA/AD. The new Flex series suppose to have much better DACs then the 2x4HD. Sometimes I think properly adjusting crossover brings more than playing back DSD in its purest form, and of course room treatment... 2x4HD and Flex series has an internal sampling frequency max 24bit 96kHz.
Thanks for the extra support, Andrew. To answer the first question - yes, your room has the potential to swallow up any/all benefits you may feel analog/vinyl playback. A better, more even frequency in your room will make everything including records sound better. If you want to make sure that your DAC is the only thing performing any type of conversion, then I guess something the miniDSP would not be for you. That said, you could follow the REW portion of this video and apply some of the EQ filters and all analog equalizer to avoid unnecessary conversions in your signal chain.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews there are a few MiniDSP products that work in the digital domain. I have the now discontinued Nanodigi 2x8 that goes between digital source and DAC (in my case WiiM mini to Schiit Modi 3) so no extra DAC involved.
Currently there’s now an expensive DDRC-88D that does it too.
I know that folks say to only reduce frequencies in room correction and not to boost any because that puts strain on the amp. I wonder if that applies with doing the correction in the digital domain.
Nice video. Thanks
One more strange thing, the WiiM mini has an analogue input and when I route my turntable through it (from the rec out of my pre-amp) the digitised and re-analogue version is way better in every audiophile way (imaging, clarity), than turntable straight to pre straight to power amp.
Watched Part 1 And 2, and love to see you tackling these types of tutorials! It would be great if you did a part 3 and dug even further. I’m currently struggling with time alignment between my Mains and or Center Channel with my subwoofer, there’s too many contradicting threads out there, and it’s taking forever trying to yield the best results! Would love if you dug more into REW/MiniDSP between the other manufacturers auto-calibration systems, specifically Audyssey, and fine tuning a full Atmos system instead of just stereo. Always enjoy the clean, concise, non-cheesy, thorough content your videos provide.
This is the easiest-to-follow and most user friendly REW tutorial I've come across. Helped a lot - thanks, Andrew!
Thanks for this! Suggest it could be helpful to mention possibility of using Roon instead of miniDSP for those who may like and use Roon. And yes, would appreciate chatting about similar use of REW to integrate subwoofer(s).
This is the best content I’ve seen in a while, please keep it going this simple
Love this Andrew and Kristie! Great vid!
Thank you so much!
Thanks!
You bet! Thanks for your support!
I got a miniDSP for Christmas and still haven't used it. I think it's finally time 😅👍
Great video! I was just messing with REW and the Umik-1 this afternoon and found out I need a longer USB cable. You also learned me I need the 90 degree calibration file and you showed how to make the graph more clear with the smoothing out option. Now I have to see how to get the pc audio calibrated and then I’m going back to your video and do a few more measurements.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to add miniDSP to an AVR? I just want to add some custom EQ to my mains in an 11ch system.
Yes! More please! I have a Pioneer lx 505 with Dirac. So I'm very happy with the results. I also have a umik 1 microphone and a fondness to tinker once in awhile. Very interesting and entertaining, thank you Andrew! You gave us a road map, whether we choose to travel down the road is now up to us.
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Thanks. Very helpful. And of course we need more videos. Thanks again from Spain.
Really easy to follow video, actually you made it look easy to do despite REW looking like it is very complicated haha. What are the benefits of the DSP box though? I can input the EQ adjustments into Roon for example couldn't I? £400 for the little DSP is pretty expensive unless its doing something Roon cant?
I enjoyed your walk thru. Thank You.
You’ve invited comments, so, here’s mine. I watched this video, purely out of interest. Your narrative was clear, concise and articulate, as always. For those interested in employing corrective software I’m sure this video is invaluable. I lean more toward investing in speakers that load the room correctly. I use pro reference headphones to gauge what is linear/neutral audio reproduction. My speakers in room reproduction match, if not better those headphones. Whether that is because of the room, or in spite of the room, I’m uncertain. I suspect it’s because our auditory system has evolved to easily distinguish between the direct sound from our speakers, and indirect or reflected sound from our room.
I’m sure your eq tutorial on subs will be welcomed by many.
I just wanted to thank you for all the content you deliver to us. This video was especially enjoyable.
Perfect timing! Based on your previous videos I purchased a pair of R600's and a sub-woofer. My room is an odd shape and was struggling with the set-up. Thanks again and Look forward to Pt2 - the subwoofer.
This was great. I just started experimenting with taking measurements in my room. It's definitely helped me identify some issues in my room that I'm working on. A part 2 on Sub EQ would be awesome!
I have never seen mini dsp & rew explained in such a simple manner. I’ve seen other content creators & I was like this looks very technical. But after seeing your video I’m going to purchase the set up & will look forward to your video on calibrating the subs.
Is the MiniDSP device required? or you can use laptop audio output directly to the amp ?
This is a perfect video, as I’ve been dreading to fill my room with sound panels.. majority of them look godawful and my wife would divorce me if I put them up. So although this wouldn’t fix everything that’s “wrong” with my system, it’ll definitely help, considering I’ve got pretty much everything aside for minidsp and microphone. Thank you!
Nice RCAs by the way! 😅 sorry, I couldn’t resist!
Hope everything is having a great Sunday and enjoying their weekend! 🥃🕺🏻
I would do this BEFORE using room treatments because once you have your AFTER MEASUREMENTS it will tell you EXACTLY what type of treatments (if any) that you need to invest in. The cables continue to impress. Getting closer to a decision 😉
@@andrewrobinsonreviews that’s even better! Gonna get the dsp and mic then next! Thank you!
Can’t wait :)
@@gavriushka If you need any help let me know.
Great video, but why do you enter the filters manually instead of exporting them from REW and importing them into the MiniDSP?
He’s saying that if you have the ability to enter the parametric eq parameters directly into your receiver then you don’t need the miniDSP.
@@williamhicks2763 Well, as the whole video is about MiniDSP it would have been nice to mention this feature as it saves you a lot of time and prevents you from entering wrong filters.
You guys are the best.
We appreciate you too!
If you're trying to tame shrillness in the treble range, what would expect to see on the graph in that area? Some tall peaks or steep drop-off? Thanks!
I find that a 1.2 to 3 dB gradual drop-off starting between 1 and 2 kHz and remaining mostly flat up to 10-12 kHz before dropping off again to be pretty ideal. Also, you can affect the treble more than any other frequency by how much or how little you toe your speakers in.
Thanks for being a member and for the extra love!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I have to say. I don't place any credibility on your "opinions" of what is worth buying or avoiding. The whole channel is product placement for me. It's like a showroom to "look" at but no way to hear anything. Cheers.
What are you talking about@@theaustralianconundrum He is reviewing products, there will be a 100% risk of products appearing.
Why is it that one couldn't do this with an integrated amplifier without pre-outs? 19:47 I don't understand that, wouldn't the DSP device just be a source if plugged into normal analog inputs on the integrated amp and still work?
This information in invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to explain this Andrew! Looking forward to fine tuning 😁
I've been waiting for a simple video like this for a long time. I look forward to Part II. I do have one question, namely, is room correction more important than moderate room treatment or vice versa? I say this as someone who has purchased all my components, some of them at your recommendation. My next step is the tools you mentioned or room treatment so I'm wondering where I should spend my money first. Thank you!
Great video, bring on the sub video. I have the miniDSP but don’t want any “pre-amp” colouration of the signal. Is there an option to bypass it?
Yours is the only video I managed to watch till the end and enjoyed! Perhaps it's the slick presentation and the easy step by step instructions. Either way, I'm looking forward to the next video 🤞
This was great, super helpful and easy to follow. Thanks Andrew!
In terms of using a receiver, could someone use a minidsp (or multiple) between the preouts of a receiver and an external amplifier (obviously keeping the receiver in something like pure direct mode)?
Start watching here 18:16 until the end and see if your question isn't answered there.
I already knew almost everything in the video but I find it helpful to stay sharp with tips and tricks that other people know. I also find it satisfying to see the before and after results that people get. Another Great video as usual
You couldn’t have explained those steps any clearer, that was great. So much info to take on board and I bet I end up watching this video multiple times to make sure I do this right if I go to use the software. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, was good to get an insight into what you have to do each time you set up a review for the viewers. Happy to see more of these videos to.
Thanks! Yes I have done that rodeo a few times and back in the day (early 90's and a meter) it took me a week, now inside 45 min on a 7.2.4. Audyssey and speaker distance is a near hit and then after 100hrs I tweak for the great room as it has to load a bit more to the rear for the heights to sound correct.
Great tutorial! Would love to see subwoofer integration as well.
Ready for subwoofer video 👍
Surprised how well your system measures even before EQ! I’m sure the EQ helps, but even without EQ it’s pretty impressive.
Great stuff. Even how to videos for beginners on how to hook up basic audio components. Or how to properly set up a turntable that has a weighted tone arm. MM/MC differences and how to set up. Thank you so much for your videos.
Right on. Nothin wrong with a little know how
Thanks Max, appreciate you tuning in AND YES, this may be a better, more value-oriented way to improve your system rather than buying new gear.
Hello Andrew, you have my vote for the subwoofer video. In my case I truly benefit from this type of videos. As usual excellent presentation and delivery. Thank you so much to you and Kristi for the excellent content! Regards from Michigan!
What about for surround sound? Many of these DSP's are for 2-channel
There are multichannel mini-DSPs available.
I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!!! We need more. You even answered a few questions at the end that I was just about to type, primarily about Yamaha gear. I have the A6A in my living room.
As for my McIntosh MAC6700 I've been interested in using a mini DSP (FLex because I've read it has better sound quality than the 2X4HD) between the pre-out and main jumpers but I am wondering if the minidsp would negate the characteristics of the Mac.
You said that, for the most part, you leave the high frequency alone, but can you use this to smooth out any high-frequency harshness or sibilance? Lastly, any chance of a review of the SHD?
RE: review of the SHD - No plans to review it as it is such a niche product. While Andrew loves and uses it, it's likely too expensive for most users. This amzn.to/3ntpiYE is the better product to start with for most people. I would definitely get it before going with the SHD.
@@KristiWright Understood, I was just thinking since Andrew mentioned that the SHD could also be used as a Pre-amp/streamer, how well of an option would it be to use it in that manner.
Absolutely fantastic video. One of the best so far! Once I get my own place, I’ll be definitely doing this in a new room!❤ You are the best!!! I’ll be watching this again and again each time I move!!!
I have been really hoping you would put together a video such as this. Thank you! ❤🎉
Please create a follow up video for subwoofer EQ correction. Long time follower of your channel... I look forward to your next review
Thanks so much for watching and for watching to the end!
Noted Tony! Thank you!
This was an amazing video! Thank you so much for this!
These types of videos are of great value and I thank you and Kristi so much! I have already saved this one in my Useful Technology Videos playlist and am looking forward to more videos from the series!
Yes please, part 2 and 3. Thanks really appreciate your help and time.
A parametric EQ makes a lot of sense to me. Even without automated room correction it can help to fine tune the sound to the taste of the user and to compensate critical room modes. I am happy with my RME DAC that offers that functionality without any kind of external software. Tone control in the digital domain does not degrade the sound quality as much, compared to the analog domain. It should be standard for every DAC.
I really love educational content. Also lifestyle, comments on outside of the box use-cases for gear, hifi hacks, and the overall macro of the the hifi space. Thanks for stepping outside reviews again. Looking forward to more.
Great video. This is going to "tune" your eq for a very specific place in your room. I have my system in a living room in which I am often listening to music whilst moving about the room, kitchen etc - do you have any suggestions or best to leave eq alone in this circumstance, there is no information I can find anywhere about that sort of scenario.
❤I’ve had a minidsp shd for a couple of years now, using Dirac to autocorrect my 2 channels. But this is the first time I’ve actually understood what’s going on. Now to take charge a little more, thanks for a great video
Thanks for the tutorial. I've already done this in my room with my MiniDSP Flex, but I still learned a couple of new things from this video. I saw you mentioned the laser measure, but you didn't mention time alignment? Or is that in the next video :P
I would definitely enjoy more calibration content, especially regarding subwoofers and showing how a mini dsp can effectively give you multiple independent sub outputs.
Question regarding room calibration in general: Why is it usually done with a single mono mic? Would two at the listening position give more accurate results? I'm imagining hard-core audio-geeks using binaural head mics modeled after their own heads in order to squeeze every drop of performance from their equipment. In your opinion, would there be a benefit to such a thing?
Thank you. This process has always seemed too confusing, especially after opening the REW program and not seeing/knowing where to start. Andrew, you’ve made it very clear. I’m off to order a mic. Thank you!!!
Thank you for this tutorial. Well done.
Superb. Any way to automate loudness in order to improve low volume listening?? I use to hear music during the night and my neighbours complained so I had to lower a lot the volume and my Dentons play dull.
You may want to consider a brighter, more efficient speaker for better low volume listening.
@@KristiWright so DSP EQ won’t help much in this regard…
I was watching a long interview with the owner of Schiit Audio the other night and he was laminating the disappearing loudness buttons on equipment. They do have their place for low volume listening. Perhaps keep an eye on the products they come out with this year.
All the loudness button is really doing is boosting the bass and the treble. You can accomplish the same if your amp has tone controls.
@@KristiWright A poor implementation of Loudness does do this but properly implemented it adjust the bass and treble (based on Fletcher Munson Curves) and the amount of adjustment vary by volume.
Very informative video! Andrew, wondering if you use this minidsp preamp for mostly just measurements / room correction purposes or also use it as your Go To as a regular pre amp when you are testing / evaluating power amplifiers for the channel? I have definitely heard you mention it in the past but didn't know how pervasive your use of it was. I've been reading up on their website and basically curious if you stand behind it as a quality audiophile grade preamp? Thanks for your time and I hope this video is a success so there can be future videos on bass, etc. 👍
Thanks for the video! Really educational. I guess the MiniDSP Flex digital version can be used to avoid a separate pre-amp in the chain.
Great vid!
I have a question tho: is the REQ recommended target curve a totally flat line? And is that recommended over other target curves some audiophiles swear by like the Harman curve?
Great video. A game changer for my setup. Please more content like this!
Andrew, great work! This was a brilliant & helpful guidance video! Will recommend it in my next news show, and throw it on my recommended playlist!
Thanks for this video. there are hundreds of REW/Mini DSP tutorials out there, but this was very helpfull on understanding how REW and Mini DSP actually works. I hope you do a SW one allso :)
I’ve got a integrated amp, so where does the eq thingy go?
Andrew, Very informative video. I always wondered how REW worked and now I know. Since many people read comments I'm going to add an idea that may work for people that don't want to go as deep as REW. Paradigm is still selling its PW Link which includes Anthem Room Correction (with the latest version of ARC), a DAC with optical input/output connections, and DTS Play-Fi (that is gapless with at least Qobuz). The Link kit includes the microphone and all necessary software, but a computer or laptop is required. The cost is $200. My system comprises a Rotel A11 Tribute with the KEF LS50 Metas. I'm streaming Qobuz from Audrivana Studtio to an iFi Signature DAC. The DAC connects to the analog inputs on the Link. My LG TV connects to the Link's optical input. From there, I connect the analog output of the Link to any of the analog inputs on the Rotel. It would be nice if the Rotel had a pre/amp function like the Audiolab, but since I only use two sources (e.g. no turntable) it works for me.
BTW, using REW with the Yamaha was an excellent tip.
I bought a Schiit Lokius EQ to keep the signal chain all analog. ASR rated it highly as long as gain is only reduced. Frequency and Q are fixed and quite wide. Seems like hitting a protruding nail with a jackhammer. It reduces the peaks but does affect the area around the problem. Used in conjunction with REW, I was able to take the harshness out of the sound. Will continue to experiment with placement and room treatments.