Dirac Live

• Install the software.

Download the latest Dirac Live version from https://www.dirac.com/live/downloads/ and install it on your computer.

Ensure that your Dirac Live-enabled device and computer are both connected to the same local network and have internet access.

You can choose to launch Dirac Live in the last step of the installation:

Please enter your account details on the screen and click "Log in". If you purchased a feature from the webstore, you must enter your account details to use it.

• Select Device.

As soon as you log in, the Dirac Live application will scan your network for compatible devices.

You can click the “Rescan devices” icon in the upper left corner if you want to refresh the scanning result.

Make sure your device and computer are connected to the same network and have full network access.

Choose your device from the list of detected devices. In the example below, there is only one device available. Click it to enter.

• Select Recording Device.

Choose the microphone you will use for measurements from the list of available options. If relevant, you can load a calibration file

for the selected mic by pressing the text field reading "No microphone calibration" (please see smaller image below).

Then choose "Load from file" and browse to where on your computer you have downloaded the file to.

• Volume Calibration.

Position the microphone in the usual listening seat at ear level (the "sweet spot").

1. Set the Mic gain to 100%, which is the point between the red and blue areas.

2. The "Master output" level must be set to a low volume in order to avoid damage to your ears or speakers. If it is not already set to a low volume, drag the magnitude indicator to the lower part of the slider.

3. Press the "Play" button beneath the speaker located furthest to the left. The speaker should now play a stimulus in the form of a pink noise or, if the speaker is a subwoofer, short sine sweeps. If you cannot hear the stimulus, slowly raise the "Master output" level until you hear it.

4. Repeat this procedure for all speakers. If there is no noise playing from one or more speakers, make sure that your device is configured to the correct speaker configuration and that your speakers are connected to the device. Ensure that the device's firmware is also properly recognizing each speaker.

5. After you have confirmed that all speakers play stimulus, then play the stimulus from the furthest left speaker again. Ensure the sound pressure indicator indicates sound being played.

6. Adjust the Master Output to a comfortable or slightly louder-than-normal listening level for Measurement and then proceed.

   1. If you receive a Signal-to-Noise Ratio error during Measurement, you will need to increase Master Output or decrease Mic Gain at the Volume Calibration stage.

   2. If you receive a Clipping error during Measurement, you will need to decrease Master Output at the Volume Calibration stage.

NOTE: If using a UMIK microphone, on Mac computers the Mic Gain bar is all red so start with it as is, all the way down.

NOTE: Volume Calibration will not impact the relative channel gain levels when Dirac Live is active.

Remember that volume of the stimulus should never hurt your ears. There is a lock on the Master output slider for safety reasons. However, if you need to raise the volume into the red zone and are positive that your system can handle it, press the red lock that appears above the slider. You should now be able to drag the slider into the red area.

• Select Arrangement.

Choose an arrangement that best matches the size of your listening area: Tightly focused imaging (9 points), Focused imaging (13 points), or Wide imaging (17 points).

• Measurement Procedure.

Ensure a clear line of sight between the microphone and speakers and no background noise during measurements.

Take measurements at each point in the chosen arrangement, starting with the sweet spot. The first measurement should always be taken at the "sweet spot", as it will be used to align levels and delays between speakers.

Spacing and order: In general, the measurement positions should be 40 – 60 cm apart, however the exact placement or order of the remaining positions is not crucial, and the position layout only provides a rough guide for you.

Number of measurements: You can do fewer measurements than the full set before proceeding to Filter Design, but we recommend that you complete the full set for the best possible audio optimisation results.

Set the "Timer option" if you need to position yourself for example outside of the listening area while doing the measuring. Set intervals between 2-15 seconds can be selected.

After all recommended positions have been measured (and are valid), proceed to the filter design page.

The project will be automatically saved, but make sure to save your project manually as well in case something unforeseen happens.

Click the "Main menu" icon up in the top left corner to find the save option:

• Filter Design:

You can review each speaker's corrected frequency response to see the improvements Dirac Live will make.

Adjust the sound character by dragging the bars for bass and treble or use classic view to manually adjust individual frequencies.

You can also load custom target curves from the menu.

Speakers with similar attributes are automatically grouped, but you can separate them for individual target curves if desired.

You can take snapshots to compare different target curve settings.

For detailed information on how to master the Filter Design page, please see the full manual:

• Export Filter.

After designing the filter, export it to your device for a live listening test.

Select a slot and save the filter with the desired name.

Save your project before closing the application to keep your filter settings and measurements for future adjustments.