HOW TO: Dirac Live Room Calibration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ย. 2024
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If you are reading this it is likely you are a happy new owner of a brand new Arcam, JBL or other Dirac enabled processor, or maybe you are considering purchasing one and want to understand how the setup will go. For those of you who are new owners, congratulations! At Audio Advice, we believe in getting the sound as close as possible to the original recording. Since no room is perfect, calibration software is a key ingredient to achieving this goal. In this video we walk you through how to set up your room for Dirac Live calibration. We then review the best order of steps for setting up your processor. Then we walk through the exact steps for performing the best possible Dirac calibration while showing a live screen recording.
A few things to note that we mention in the video itself. First, be sure to load the calibration file for the microphone that came with your system. For those of you who are going totally over the top, you can get a more advanced microphone and load its calibration file as well. Second, you will want the microphone pointing upwards for all of your samples. Some people make the mistake of thinking it should be pointed at the screen or somewhere else. But 99% of microphones that you would use for these calibrations are designed to be pointed up upwards. Most of these systems do not come with mic stands but if you can get your hands on one that will make it much easier to position the microphone perfectly stable during the calibration. Make sure you turn off fans, HVAC systems and everything else that will create background noise. You want the best signal to noise ratio you can get during your calibration.
Enjoy the video. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at www.audioadvice.com and we’d be happy to talk with you on the phone. Or if you live near one of our showrooms in Charlotte or Raleigh, we can show you in person.
Great video! I’ve been having signal to noise errors and I think I’ve been setting up the mic and master volume wrong or something like that. This is probably the most informative video I’ve seen on Dirac so far. I’m going to follow it to the “T”.
I live in Ohio but visiting one of your shops in the Carolinas is something I really want to do. Looks like a first class operation run by av geeks. What more can you ask for?
Same...could not get it to work, thx...
I was also getting the signal to noise error until I maxed out the volume/sensitivity within the Windows microphone settings. After that it seemed to work fine.
Thanks for the video. I just picked up a Pioneer 505. This is one of the best videos I’ve come across on how to work with Dirac.
Awesome! We are glad this helped you. Thanks for watching.
I just bought this receiver today and it is coming to me, avr20 thank you for the instructional video and I think it will this help me set up the receiver today Many Thanks✌️🙂👍
You got it, thanks for watching!
How are you liking the sound of your Arcam avr20, and what does it happen to be driving...
Very helpful tutorial on Dirac Live. And very helpful suggestions on how to setup a home theater system. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this, I have a couple clarifying questions:
1. You mentioned setting distances/levels before running calibration. Isn't Dirac supposed to set distances and levels automatically as part of the process?
2. Regarding the 6db cut/boost protection, doesn't Dirac have anything built in for this? Seems crazy to have to manually adjust the curve to gain these protections on what is supposed to be the best calibration software. There should be a preferences box where you can just set the max boost/cut like in REW.
The levels seamed to NOT be auto adjusting....they should be, mine do. Also, adjusting the curve like that would be a preference, not a requirement, and will not damage your speakers if you don't. Not sure why he is doing it that way....its not recommended by Dirac at all. By the way...that room response looks terrible!
@@mikehuntington4440 some bad advice was in that video if you ask me
@@chriswelljack4910 yes you are spot on this video is very misinformed
Hi great video but I have a question. On using the original Dirac 5 years ago, the installers would tell me to change all the speakers to large, set all crossovers to 200 hz, keep the subwoofer output to 0 dB and keep it flat!! Once establishing the correct curve and imported to the av processor. You would need to use a spl device to balance the speaker output and then change the settings back to small and reset the crossovers. Do you still need to do this with the latest Dirac ?
An updated version that uses the latest software would be nice. And if you really want to make it comprehensive, an explanation of how to use the measured response curves to decide where to set your sub crossover/s would be brilliant, for those of us that have devices which do not include Dirac's Bass Management.
Thanks for sharing. We try to go by the 80/20 rule and not get too deep into the technical details to help the average person get better performance from their gear. We could do an entire white paper on that subject :) Thanks for watching
@@AudioAdvice thanks for making it! Much appreciated.
I learned a lot about calibrating my room from this! Thank you
Great recommendations on not augmenting too much the holes in freq.
Just ran Direc Live on my IPAD through the App after adding a subwoofer to by 2 channel system. Unfortunately I don’t have the option to select a recording Device, volume calibration, and select arrangement. Any assistance would be appreciated to troubleshoot this matter. Thank you.
Sorry you are having trouble. If you purchased your Dirac piece from Audio Advice, please reach out to our tech team for support.
I like using Dirac
Extremely helpful Scott, thank you. My one question is that the diagram it shows the seats are shoulder high. How do you compensate for home theater seats? Thanks
Thanks Greg. We recommend you place your seats in the normal position you use (if they have recline) and try to put the microphone where your ears would be height wise. That gets as close to the sound arriving at your ears as you can. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hi,
are you sure you used the right Mic-Calibration correction file? Because your waveforme shows extrem high level above 10Khz. (7:50) Normally that is lower than the other freqenzies. (11:10) Or do I understand something wrong?
do you have to make manual corrections after Dirac does the test for each speaker?
Only if you want to, thanks for watching
It has been my experience that you cannot ADD LF energy to a room, but bring down the levels so they are as even as possible...i.e you cannot overcome a dip by adding power. even the best rooms are going to have issues, and Dirac Live is the best I have used. Also, even a move of 12-18 inches can significantly alter the perception of bass, so getting your initial positioning is mandatory, as is going back in and confirming distance and level, in spite of what ANY of the auto calibration formats measure. There is no replacement for a measuring tape and SPL meter.
I'm losing video signal when I run the Dirac software; black screen on TV and "See Dirac App" shows on receiver display. My video signal goes from my PC's RTX4090 to my Marantz Cinema 40 and then from my receiver eARC output to my LG CX eARC (Input 2). I have ordered a displayport to HDMI adapter so I can setup a 2nd display off my GPU and hopefully that will let me finish the process. Frustrating experience so far and your video has me thinking I may have just wasted $500 (mic & Dirac) on software that's to complex for my abilities.
Please reach out to our team of experts via phone or chat at audioadvice.com and they may be able to help you out!
@@AudioAdvice Thank you. I was able to get it working by running the software on my laptop. I mistakenly assumed that the data was being transferred to the receiver through eARC. It appears it's communicating by being on the same Wi-Fi network. I was able to get it to run alright. Just thought I'd give this update in case someone in the future saw my comment. Thanks for your response.
Where do you position the mic when doing the volume levels? Just dead center of the room?
It should be at your primary listening position. Thanks for watching.
I just bought a Marantz Cinema 50 that now supports Dirac. I have a 5.1.2 set up with front heights but the surrounds are along a wall directly behind my couch where I sit. I have noticed all set ups want you to do measurements behind the primary sitting position does that matter for Dirac? And can you pick the ones you want to do instead of being guided thru by the program?
You can try your own then listen and pick the one that sounds best to you.
Can you use Dirac without a compatible AVR? For example, if I am connecting my laptop to the avr to play music, can the processing all be done on the laptop?
Hi Ryan, you can download a trial version on live.dirac.com/pro-audio but it is a plug-in so you have to have a player that can handle vst, AU or AAX plug-ins
I have a new RC cam AVR 21. It’s a bit more difficult to set up than I anticipated. I’ve run into a problem. I am unable to set my speaker levels. I cannot generate a test tone. When I go to the screen that allows me to set the levels, all of the speaker icons are grayed out. I’ve scoured the user manual and tried everything I can, but I’m still unable to generate a test tone. Can anyone help?
Sorry you are having trouble. If you purchased your Arcam from Audio Advice, please reach out to our team for help.
In the section near the end with DLBC full bass optimisation ON, I've only ever seen DIRAC give a 70Hz default crossover and the user has to manually figure out their own crossover response and what looks best to them when moving the crossover vertical line around and calculating the filter. In your video you show that DIRAC suggested the most optimal crossover for each speaker group though... was this only a feature on an older version(s) of DIRAC?
Dirac is named after Paul Dirac (an absolute OG in quantum physics and mathematical physics generally). Being british he pronounced his name "duh rack" not really "dye rack". It's more of an aside and doesn't take anything away from the excellent content of the video, but worth noting.
Yes, we have heard at least 3 different ways to pronouce his name. Those two and deer rack. Thanks for watching
have they done away with the green in the level . this is my second av with dirac and nether has a green
It's possible. This video isn't up to date as they've made some changes. We plan to release a new in depth guide in the coming weeks. In the meantime, feel free to call or chat with our experts at audioadvice.com if you need any help.
Question: If you’ve run Dirac already, but you later decide to change the subwoofer’s crossover, do you need to run Dirac again? Please help!
Reach out to our team at audioadvice.com and our experts will help you out!
Hi. Thanks for this. I wonder if you could explain the volume set up? Is this adjusting the levels or is this just so the microphone gets the best measurement? On my processor (as all) there is a level adjustment which I feel is correct. Obviously I would do on the fly adjustments depending on the film too so assume I can still do this once the calibration is uploaded?
Graham- the volume thing is Dirac only. One of the first steps in Dirac is to make sure the levels coming in for each channel fall within a fairly narrow range. Dirac allows you to adjust this on the fly so you do not have to jump back out to your AVR set up menu to change them, although we always suggest you get those close before you start. Thanks for watching!
Whats the best version of this called, and can i use this with just a computer and my dac, and does this support dsd 192khz 24 bit ect.
You set your target curve for subs and speakers seperate, but how does that work with the frequency curve for subs and speakers combined? If you set your target curve for subs a speakers seperate, the overall combined curve could be different from your target curves, right?
Mike, great question. We leave the crossover points alone, but sometimes adjust the high frequency area to more match what the speakers look like. The other important adjustments are to change the curve so Dirac is not trying to overcorrect for big dips in the lower ranges. Thanks for watchng
Is RIGHT listener position Right, or Listener Position Left (Right when facing the couch)? When I measure Right form Listening Position Right, etc, I get insane off-balance phase that sounds horrible.
When you sit in your main chair the speaker in front of your right arm is the right channel. Thanks for watching
IM AT NORTH CAROLINA . I NEED SOME HELP
My Dirac 3 has NO green bar it is Gray. And I don’t have % , like you said to leave gain at 100%. Also , how can I load target curves? To the mic like the 90 degree file??
You have the option of loading target curves at the end. If you purchased your Dirac based AVR or processor from Audio Advice we can help you remotely. Thanks for watching
With a Sonos Arc 5.1.2 "home theater" is TruePlay the best "tuning" I can do. I don't see how I can get the Sonos speakers in the Dirac Live software? (I'm new to all this gear, didn't even know what Atmos or eArc was a week ago, for example). Thanks so much!
Josh- with a Sonos system, TruePlay is the only tuning you can do. Dirac Live has to be built into the product, you'll find it in a few separate audio components. TruePlay does work really well though and is super easy to do. Feel free to reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com for any advice as you start your home theater journey.
Can I test the curve after calibrating the speakers with music or do I have to load the filter into the NAD T778 and test how it sounds - then go back and make changes in Dirac…repeat…
You have to load then listen. But loading is very quick. The time consuming part is taking the measurements. In one of our systems we tested 8 curves. What you want to do will not take much time other than the listening. Thanks for watching
So for something like a NAD T778 with 2 subwoofers, I would only need the upgrade to the full-frequency version and that measurement will still integrate those 2 subs into the 5.2 surround sound? I don't need the Bass Live Multi Sub for only 2 subs? So essentially, you could group "Right Speaker + Right Sub" and "Left Speaker + Left Sub" and DIRAC Full Frequency would see those 2 subs and 2 front speakers as their own groups and essentially measure them as a full frequency speaker?
From the Dirac site, Bass Live Multi is not available for the T778. If you group them as you say, you will not be able to roll off the sub. You should still be able to measure the two subs with the $99 version and blend them well, Multi Sub for its extra cost, gives you some AI to better blend multiple subs, but it is only available on a limited number of processors. If you purchased your NAD from Audio Advice, we can do a team viewer to help you set it up.
@@AudioAdvice Thanks so much for your reply, so I want to make sure with the $99 upgrade version that it can measure the 2 subs, as that's all I will ever be using is 2, I know you mentioned that it "should" be able to do it, but before I spend that amount of money, I need to know that it can definitely measure and integrate two subs separately as you say... I'm on your website looking now, just need to clarify "Yes or No" that it can definitely do this and I appreciate the fact we can do a team viewer to help set it up, that's great service 🙂
@@adammusic1124 Adam, we do not have a T778 to test this with. We suggest you read the data here www.dirac.com/live/bass-control/ and make your own decision. We have been able to integrate multiple subs in the past without the multi bass option but have not tested it on your unit as NAD is not a big seller for us. It looks like you will be fine, but we can not confirm this. As we said earlier, if you purchased your unit from Audio Advice, we are happy to help with the setup via team viewer.
I didnt find anything about it, but is Dirac also available a standalone software for Windows? I hear music via my PC (nearfield setup with an DAC) and want to measure / calibrate Speakers. I‘m not sure what programm i should try / buy (REW, Sonarworks, Dirac…)
www.dirac.com/live/downloads/ Thanks for watching
Boss Dirac live room setup it's sounds surround good or not?
If you properly set it up, the results are usually spectacular
I’m using the most recent version of Dirac with mini DSP to calibrate my speakers. I do not see the green bar in the volume calibration page. Help? :)
Sorry, we are not a Mini DSP dealer and have not tried it. Here is a link to the latest Dirac software set up manual confluence.dirac.services/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=159549716#DiracLive%C2%AE3UserManual-_Toc85110290
I have Dirac Live 3 that I am running in Windows 10. Doing this on an Onkyo TX-RV50. In Dirac, the Mic-Gain is in Db not in %. Can I change this? What version are you using? I have 3.2. There's no "green area" when I adjust the gain....
This was done over 18 months ago using the Arcam AV40, they keep changing the software. Thanks for watching
How would you set up the focal points when your room has a platform for seating?. Floor level with a small couch and then another couch raised up higher on a raised platform?
You have to start out with your primary seat, wherever that is, then do the other positions afterwards. Many AVR's with Dirac give you more than one slot so you could set up one where you just measured for the main listening position, another where you did the entire main row, and another where you did all the seats.
@Audio Advice appreciate you getting back to me.. I'm so confused and a complete novice with all this. No idea what I'm doing.
@@celticcraps Thanks, that is one reason to purchase from Audio Advice, if you do we can even do a team viewer and help you with the set up, but that is only available if you purchase from Audio Advice
@Audio Advice sorry pardner. Appreciate it but I had already purchased it . Thanks for all you do though.
I thought that 2 subs is the minimum for "Full Bass Control" to work properly (since they play off each other) as using one sub would only require the lesser "Upmix" Bass Control functionality. - 2 or 4 subs would represent icing on the cake, but 2 subs are the minimum for 'full bass control.
Yes, 4 is ideal and at least 2 are preferred for serious home theater. Thanks for watching
Hiii
I watched your Dirac live calibration video.Right now I bought Audiocontrol Maestro X7 processor and IOTA 7 channel power amplifier.Can you explain me How to operate the Dirac live calibration in Audiocontrol Maestro X7 processor..
You best bet would be to contact your Audiocontrol dealer, we do not handle Audiocontrol, thanks for watching!
@@AudioAdvice okk thanks
What if I wanted it to be as easy as Audysyee MultEQ; would it be safe to not modify the generated curves?
Steven- we would recommend you modify the curves if there is a big difference in the room measurements and the curve. You do not want to try and over adjust big bass dips as it can strain your amp and possibly push your speakers too hard. Once you play around with the software, it is not that hard to change the curve. Thanks for watching!
Is there a class I could take to learn how to use dirac? Or a book I can buy?
We have some good written info on our site. The great thing about buying a Dirac system from Audio Advice, is we can dial in and help you with the set up, but that is only available if you purchase it from us. Thanks for watching
Mine only plays the left/front speaker for all the different speaker inputs. How do I fix this?
Something is going wrong, you may have to select the speakers. If you are trying to set up Dirac using a component purchased from Audio Advice, we can offer you phone support or a screen share to help figure it out. If you did, just reach out to our support team. Thanks for watching
Can anyone point me to a video that explains DIRAC on a much more elementary level with steps on what to do? This is kind of intimidating
Advance subwoofer calibration software? I am new to this stuff and thought that Dirac does everything?
Yes, there now is an add on piece of software from Dirac that works be better blend multiple subwoofers. Only a few products on the market are capable of taking advantage of it, and for most it is an optional purchase from Dirac, or included with others like the JBL SDP58. Regular Dirac though is fantastic. It does finally have some serious competition as the new Anthem ARC system also does the same type of bass blending. Thanks for watching and commenting
@@AudioAdvice ordered a 3.4 Integra from you guys that is due here tomorrow (Fri) I have never ran any type of audio calibration software and am dreading it honestly.
@@madcrabber1113 Thanks Mike, our team can help out if you run into any issues. We appreciate your support
Umik 2 makes better meassurements than umik 1?
Yes. It has better specs
@@AudioAdvice i have a fairly good Cinema room with Marantz Cinema 50 and Dirac Bass Control..i wonder If i have an Advantage with the Umik 2?🤔😀
@@texxhexxmm You probably would, we have found with Dirac, the better the microphone and microphone preamp, the bette the result. You could probably sell your UMK1 on ebay for about what you have in it.
@@AudioAdvice i got it today,a difference in Volume calibration i saw: whereas the umik one goes up to -18db ,the Umik 2 one is at -30db ...i would have to unlock the lock to get higher.But the Test tones are similar in Volume.After the first meassurement i think,the Umik 2 makes a very good job.
What about wen the speaker is way above like on your Sub woofer curve at about 1100k?
You can still make changes/compensation there if you want. Thanks for watching
Hi. Can you please recommend an expert who can calibrate our home cinema room using the Arcam AV40 processor? We are based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST7 4SJ, UK. Thanks.
Right now, our scope of support is concentrated in the United States, however if you come have a chat with one of our Direc chat experts at audioadvice.io/aa-chat we may some options to consider. Thanks for watching!
Try contacting Terry Ellis, Pursuit Perfect Audio, based in the UK and able to do either an on-site or on-line calibration, at www.diraclivecalibration.com/
They need to inform us that you need a windows 10 operating system to download dirac live I cant download on my chromebook haeve borrow my brothers Mac to use dirac live
09:00 I think you may be shooting yourself in the foot here. That dip is probably due to cancellations.. I don't think your center speaker has such a curve in a near field measurement... so that dip is a timing/phase issue. What Dirac does is a lot more complicated than adding dB's. It does time corrections to fix stuff like this.
I also get a huge amount of treble energy that peaks at 16k in my measurement. Do you have any idea what that means?
Likely you have a live room.
@@AudioAdvice Ah ok thanks for that. I do notice if I flatten the treble it sounds awfully dull and lifeless. I just bring the peak down a bit and it seems to take the edge off. I do seem to have a wonderful soundstage, definitely 3 dimensional (it’s 2 channel) so maybe not a bad thing.
I keep getting a low signal to noise level
Hi Mo. We're sorry to hear you experienced some issues. If you purchased yours from our website, come have a chat with one of our customer support chat advisors at www.audioadvice.com/ so we can help you troubleshoot the issue. Thanks for watching!
I hear there is a bass module update coming. Anyone know when?
We have not heard yet, but have heard similar rumors.
Hi do you set all the speakers to large prior to calibration
We recommend for most speakers you set the crossover to 80 Hz. Thanks for watching
so i can use this as a crossover to cut low frequencies?
Only if Dirac support Bass Management on your device. It does not on my Nad T778.
do you leave the room when you calibrate the speakers?
You do want to be sure and not get in between the microphone and any speaker, you don't have to leave, but its not a bad idea, just make sure the door is fully shut before you start things up
@@AudioAdvice also, I have a pioneer LX-305. Can I use my umik1 in the front USB port? I feel like it’ll be better while I close the room, setup volume levels, than start positioning while I’m outside
@@samgao No, you would need to use that microphone with a laptop and dirac software
What is du1001 error in Dirac live
That is a new one for us. If you purchased your DIRAC processor or receiver from Audio Advice, we would be happy to help you troubleshoot it. Thanks for watching
Cool, AVR10 is enough then if I have 2 subs?
The AVR21 let’s you calibrate two subs independently if you don’t use up the 4 assignable preamp outs for other channels. Thanks for watching
Setting Mic and Levels in this video is for Dirac Live circa 2020. The current version (as of Aug. 2023) is 3.6.5 and this video no longer matches current best practices. Good video, otherwise.
Thanks, yes, things live on YT forever! Appreciate your comments
Nice exposé on Dirac. Still in the end it stays very abstract and theoretical. You should have shown the room, seating positions and furniture, and of course you should have given the dimensions of the room, also in metric. That way it is easier to comprehend the achievement
If you have good speakers and you set them up by how they best combine to give you the sound field you desire;shouldn't you place the subs where they disappear to you the listener and provide the best low register impact ?These auto calibration digital systems take a room with its faults and force good speakers to behave bad to cover up the room's faults while degrading the good speakers desighn. Correct?i.e.,covering rotten food with a heavy sauce to make it more palatable,BC,sound engineer at Abbey Road
I agree in principle, but no room is perfect even with the best available speaker placement. This is especially the case if the system is in a standard living room.
Ideally you setup the physical placement etc as best as possible then you can use Dirac or similar to correct for what’s left.
Please don't forget to breathe
Mubarak Idris 😂
I feel like I have a IQ of -1 after watching this. I don’t understand heads or tails with what your saying.
Sorry, if you purchased a home theater receiver from Audio Advice that has Dirac and you need help, we are happy to do a Team Viewer with you to get it set up. Just reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com with your name and order number and they can set up a time with one of our calibration experts. Thanks for watching
@@AudioAdvice hi, I purchased a XMC-2 processor from Emotiva. Is there any way to call via FaceTime and send me an invoice? Or is there a way I can pay for Dirac room calibration help? Thank you in advance 🙏🏽
@@raymondayala5355 Sorry, that service is reserved for people who purchased their AVR from Audio Advice.
where do you connect your mic? to amp ?
You will connect your microphone to your computer.