PRELIMINARY
miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong /
www.minidsp.com
/ Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice
38
5.3
S
OME NOTES AND CAUTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
5.3.1
Ensure good measurement conditions
Measurements should be performed under good conditions if possible. While the measurement technique used
by Dirac Live is quite robust, low-frequency noise (traffic, machinery, aircraft, storms) in particular can adversely
affect measurement accuracy. A high level of ambient noise can degrade signal to noise ratio and prevent the
algorithm from analyzing the test sweep signal properly. Minimize the effect of any external noise, ensure that
measurement signal levels are adequate, and/or choose a suitable time for performing measurements.
5.3.2
Select the configuration/preset
Prior to running measurements for Dirac Live, you must ensure that you have selected the configuration preset
that you will be using with the calibration.
For example, if you have made changes on the
Mixer
and
Outputs
tabs to set up an active crossover, be sure to
select the configuration preset that has those settings each time you perform a calibration. If, however, you are
not making any changes to the
Mixer
and
Outputs
tabs and all presets remain at the default settings, then it
does not matter which one is selected.
5.3.3
Check subwoofer volume
Check that the subwoofer volume is set to zero. (Remember that this volume is relative to the master volume.
Zero is typically the best setting to use for calibration.)
5.3.4
Only run one program at a time
Quit the
C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin
before starting
Dirac Live Calibration Tool for miniDSP (DLCT)
.
Be sure to quit the C-DSP 8x12 DL plugin. Running DLCT and the plugin at the same time can result in
communication conflicts and odd behavior.
5.3.5
Don’t take shortcuts
It is important that all nine measurements are completed in order to ensure best results from the
optimization algorithm. Being patient and thorough will pay audible dividends!
Note: it is good practice to save the project periodically while performing measurements (see below).
5.4
S
AVING AND LOADING PROJECTS
Each set of measurements and the associated configuration settings are called a
project
. The project should be
saved at regular intervals by clicking on the
Save
button. The default location for project files is
My Documents\MiniDSP\C-DSP\Projects
(Windows) or
Documents/MiniDSP/C-DSP/Projects
(Mac).
A project can be reloaded at any time by clicking on the
Load
button. This enables you to generate new
correction filters for different target curves at a later date, or to redo any of the measurements. (Note: if you
wish to change between the
Chair, Sofa
, or
Auditorium
listening environments, you will need to start a new
project.)
