Video Summary - HOW TO: Dirac Live Room Correction - Optimize Your Audio Experience with Our Updated Setup Guide!

What this video covers

An updated, step-by-step guide to setting up Dirac Live room correction (including Dirac Live Bass Control) for home-theater receivers and two‑channel preamps.
Practical tips from Audio Advice’s on-site and remote calibrations, plus recommendations integrated from the Dirac team.

Dirac Live (Limited bandwidth) Corrects distance, gains, impulse response and EQ roughly 20 Hz–500 Hz (the most critical range).
Dirac Live (Full bandwidth) Same corrections, extended to ~20 Hz–20 kHz.
Dirac Live Bass Control Time/phase aligns subs to mains, sets crossover and optimizes multi‑sub systems (single or multiple subs). Recommended for stereo setups with 2+ subs and for most theaters.

Configure receiver/processor: speaker types, distances and levels. Dirac can replace these settings, but presetting is helpful.
Set a maximum master volume (example: ~90%) for safety.
If subs have their own EQ, run it first; turn sub crossover off if the processor will handle crossover.
Recommended processor crossover: ~80 Hz for most theaters (adjust lower if you have truly full-range mains and sufficient amp headroom).
Arrange the room as you normally use it (curtains closed, reclined seating, etc.) and eliminate HVAC/projector noise.

Download the latest Dirac Live PC/Mac software and ensure the computer is on the same network as the processor.
Use an analog input on the processor to avoid click/pink-noise issues that can occur with some HDMI inputs.
Plug the supplied measurement mic (UMIK/puck) into the computer and load the mic’s calibration file. For a UMIK used upright, load the 90° calibration file.

Calibrate at a typical listening level because speaker frequency response varies with level.
Measure the room noise floor, then set speaker level so the quietest speaker is about 30 dB above the noise floor. Aim for speakers within ~3 dB of each other.
If a speaker doesn’t play during a test, try another and return to it.

Choose an arrangement based on desired imaging:
- Tightly focused imaging — single seat / two‑channel single listening spot.
- Focused imaging — 1–2 key seats (typical theater).
- Wide imaging — multiple rows / wider coverage.
Place the mic at ear position for the main listening spot (the middle listening position is most important). If you recline while listening, place the mic in the reclined position.
Measurement count and placement:
- Do 5–7 measurements for one or two seats; do more for wider coverage.
- Vary forward/back/left/right/up/down around ear positions.
- Avoid placing the mic extremely close to walls and don’t put it extremely far from listening positions.
Common errors:
- Clipping: reduce speaker volume or move the mic away from very near speakers.
- Low SNR: eliminate noise sources or raise measurement volume.

Dirac automatically groups speakers and suggests a target curve adapted to your system.
After calibration you may perceive bass as reduced because room peaks are removed and overall SPL may be lowered. You can raise system volume slightly if needed.
Ways to increase perceived bass:
- Use Dirac’s low-frequency “handle” to boost bass (for example +3–4 dB).
- Load a custom target curve (Audio Advice provides calibrated target curves with varying bass levels). Load via Menu → Load Target Curve → apply to all groups.
Dirac enforces a maximum filter gain (about 10 dB). Do not exceed speaker capability.

Use the left/right “curtains” to restrict Dirac’s correction frequency range:
- Pull the left curtain right to stop correction below a chosen frequency.
- Pull the right curtain left to stop correction above a chosen frequency.
Do not expand curtains outward unless you are experienced.

Bass Management Dirac can override processor crossovers if you did not use dedicated Bass Control hardware.
Bass Control (preferred) Aligns subs in time/phase and optimizes multiple subs. Dirac calculates a suggested crossover (current default minimum ~70 Hz). Use snapshots and calculations to test different crossover and gain combinations.

Create snapshots (name them to include bass gain/crossover) for alternate filters (e.g., tight single-seat vs wide/party filters).
Export filters to the processor; many devices accept multiple filters.
Save the Dirac project so you can revisit and tweak later.

Use an analog input on the processor for pink-noise playback.
Load the mic calibration file before measuring (UMIK 90° if mic is upright).
Keep speakers within ~3 dB of each other during volume calibration.
Stay about a foot from walls for measurements when possible.
Be conservative with filter gains; do not push small subs beyond their capability.

Audio Advice has additional setup and calibration videos on their YouTube channel and at audioadvice.com.
The video references Audio Advice’s custom target curves that are included with purchases from them.

Scott (CEO of Audio Advice) — presenter and author of the guide.
The Dirac team — consulted for software and best-practice input.
Example hardware referenced: JBL Synthesis processor and UMIK/puck measurement microphones.