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Post by indiehouse on Jun 1, 2020 5:40:57 GMT -6
I’ve been demoing the new Dirac Live Studio monitor correction software. So far, I really like it. I have yet to complete a mix to test translation, but from the work I’ve done so far, I am using far less plugins/EQ on my tracks. The difference between active and bypass on Dirac is crazy. I’ve been working with Jeff Hedbeck on my room (who recommended Dirac over Trinnov, btw, probably due to cost/value), and even with all the treatment, Dirac is correcting for a 200-2k rise, and a null around 100. I couldn’t believe the difference at first. No wonder I’m never happy with my mixes. I’ve been trying to EQ against my shitty room. I’m always trying to EQ the room out of my tracks.
Anyways, I haven’t directly A/B’d it with Sonarworks, this stuff is a time suck, and I don’t have a lot of free time, even being stuck at home. But, I’m really happy with it so far. Plus, Dirac let’s you choose where to start/stop the correction, unlike Sonarworks. So, I have set my cutoff at 2k. Sounds more open to me.
Also unlike Sonarworks, Dirac corrects for phase.
Anyways, it’s worth a test spin. The measurements were easier than Sonarworks. The installation was a bit confusing, but I think that’s due to some instructions that could be better worded.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 1, 2020 8:17:30 GMT -6
I’ve been demoing the new Dirac Live Studio monitor correction software. So far, I really like it. I have yet to complete a mix to test translation, but from the work I’ve done so far, I am using far less plugins/EQ on my tracks. The difference between active and bypass on Dirac is crazy. I’ve been working with Jeff Hedbeck on my room (who recommended Dirac over Trinnov, btw, probably due to cost/value), and even with all the treatment, Dirac is correcting for a 200-2k rise, and a null around 100. I couldn’t believe the difference at first. No wonder I’m never happy with my mixes. I’ve been trying to EQ against my shitty room. I’m always trying to EQ the room out of my tracks. Anyways, I haven’t directly A/B’d it with Sonarworks, this stuff is a time suck, and I don’t have a lot of free time, even being stuck at home. But, I’m really happy with it so far. Plus, Dirac let’s you choose where to start/stop the correction, unlike Sonarworks. So, I have set my cutoff at 2k. Sounds more open to me. Also unlike Sonarworks, Dirac corrects for phase. Anyways, it’s worth a test spin. The measurements were easier than Sonarworks. The installation was a bit confusing, but I think that’s due to some instructions that could be better worded. I have said elsewhere it’s the first system of this type I like, but very speaker / room dependent. I wish I still had the Demo surround sound unit with it built in, a neighbor just bought a really generic surround system that sure would be fun to play around with. If you get a chance play with it full range Im kind of interested of what you think of the HF, to my ears it’s Dirac’s weakness but I’d love to hear what you hear! |
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 1, 2020 8:29:21 GMT -6
I mean, it wasn't bad. I did have it full range initially. Full range felt like it brought the vocal forward a little more. I've just always heard the correcting 2k and up is kinda weird. My room is pretty treated, so HF isn't as much of a concern as the low mids/lows.
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Post by mrholmes on Jun 1, 2020 9:14:09 GMT -6
Sonarworks4 corrects phase as far I understand it.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 1, 2020 9:24:20 GMT -6
I mean, it wasn't bad. I did have it full range initially. Full range felt like it brought the vocal forward a little more. I've just always heard the correcting 2k and up is kinda weird. My room is pretty treated, so HF isn't as much of a concern as the low mids/lows. Yeah I just wanted to hear your impressions. More and more I think I’ll end up grabbing their 8 ch box as a design tool as well as for making me look like an audio genius when I get asked to make somebody’s system sound good😎 It’s so much easier than moving everything around. |
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 1, 2020 10:09:35 GMT -6
Sonarworks4 corrects phase as far I understand it. Ah. Good to know! |
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Post by drbill on Jun 1, 2020 10:20:37 GMT -6
Jeff recommended Direc over Trinnov or Sonarworks to me as well. From 200Hz up my room is almost dead flat. I've got a problem between 100-200. A weird dip centered right at 150Hz. I have also been too busy to try Direc, but I did fill speaker stands with sand and that helped (doh!) and once I get my schedule sorted out, I will shoot again, and maybe try the built in digital EQ in my 708P's to correct the 2dB dip in the R speaker and more like 7dB dip in the L speaker. If not, Direc will be my choice, and I'll only filter below3-400Hz or so. Thanks for the report.
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Post by mrholmes on Jun 1, 2020 10:31:54 GMT -6
Jeff recommended Direc over Trinnov or Sonarworks to me as well. From 200Hz up my room is almost dead flat. I've got a problem between 100-200. A weird dip centered right at 150Hz. I have also been too busy to try Direc, but I did fill speaker stands with sand and that helped (doh!) and once I get my schedule sorted out, I will shoot again, and maybe try the built in digital EQ in my 708P's to correct the 2dB dip in the R speaker and more like 7dB dip in the L speaker. If not, Direc will be my choice, and I'll only filter below3-400Hz or so. Thanks for the report.
I just can tell what Sonarworks4 did for my room and that is pretty impressive for 250 bucks. No REW Measurement was telling me the problems Sonarwork detected.
I have no idea how they do it, but now it also sounds great on the backseats in the studio. Every mix translates better mixing is way more enjoyable. To me it sounds like that they correct phase issues by the crossover, but as well as in the room.
Highly recommended by me and I just use it for 1,5 weeks now...
Thanks to wiz for insisting on trying it....
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Post by Darren Boling on Jun 1, 2020 11:39:53 GMT -6
I think I mentioned it in the other thread but I also like Dirac more than Sonarworks. The majority of my problems in that room are in the low end and only correcting from 450 down sounds much better than Sonarworks running full range, much more alive and natural. That said I also haven't mixed seriously with it yet so time will tell.
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Post by drbill on Jun 1, 2020 19:14:21 GMT -6
Jeff recommended Direc over Trinnov or Sonarworks to me as well. From 200Hz up my room is almost dead flat. I've got a problem between 100-200. A weird dip centered right at 150Hz. I have also been too busy to try Direc, but I did fill speaker stands with sand and that helped (doh!) and once I get my schedule sorted out, I will shoot again, and maybe try the built in digital EQ in my 708P's to correct the 2dB dip in the R speaker and more like 7dB dip in the L speaker. If not, Direc will be my choice, and I'll only filter below3-400Hz or so. Thanks for the report.
I just can tell what Sonarworks4 did for my room and that is pretty impressive for 250 bucks. No REW Measurement was telling me the problems Sonarwork detected.
I have no idea how they do it, but now it also sounds great on the backseats in the studio. Every mix translates better mixing is way more enjoyable. To me it sounds like that they correct phase issues by the crossover, but as well as in the room.
Highly recommended by me and I just use it for 1,5 weeks now...
Thanks to wiz for insisting on trying it....
Thats awesome that Sonarworks works great in your room!!! Jeff Hedback has worked with all of the programs, has designed my room specific for my needs, and got everything from 200Hz up to 20k quite literally ruler flat with impeccable phase response - and the bottom very good with the weird exception of this one bobbly freq dip at 150Hz on the L side. (And I know it's my glass French doors that I wouldn't give up.  ). So I'm going to trust that he knows what's best for my room and how to dial it in. Dirac has come highly recommended by several, and the fact that you don't have to adjust "all" the freq range is awesome. You should try it perhaps? They have a demo period that should allow you to easily judge it against Sonarworks! |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 1, 2020 22:00:00 GMT -6
I just can tell what Sonarworks4 did for my room and that is pretty impressive for 250 bucks. No REW Measurement was telling me the problems Sonarwork detected.
I have no idea how they do it, but now it also sounds great on the backseats in the studio. Every mix translates better mixing is way more enjoyable. To me it sounds like that they correct phase issues by the crossover, but as well as in the room.
Highly recommended by me and I just use it for 1,5 weeks now...
Thanks to wiz for insisting on trying it....
Thats awesome that Sonarworks works great in your room!!! Jeff Hedback has worked with all of the programs, has designed my room specific for my needs, and got everything from 200Hz up to 20k quite literally ruler flat with impeccable phase response - and the bottom very good with the weird exception of this one bobbly freq dip at 150Hz on the L side. (And I know it's my glass French doors that I wouldn't give up. ). So I'm going to trust that he knows what's best for my room and how to dial it in. Dirac has come highly recommended by several, and the fact that you don't have to adjust "all" the freq range is awesome. You should try it perhaps? They have a demo period that should allow you to easily judge it against Sonarworks! Yeah but then he would have to go through all that trouble of measure I g the room again! |
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Post by mrholmes on Jun 2, 2020 5:00:00 GMT -6
I just can tell what Sonarworks4 did for my room and that is pretty impressive for 250 bucks. No REW Measurement was telling me the problems Sonarwork detected.
I have no idea how they do it, but now it also sounds great on the backseats in the studio. Every mix translates better mixing is way more enjoyable. To me it sounds like that they correct phase issues by the crossover, but as well as in the room.
Highly recommended by me and I just use it for 1,5 weeks now...
Thanks to wiz for insisting on trying it....
Thats awesome that Sonarworks works great in your room!!! Jeff Hedback has worked with all of the programs, has designed my room specific for my needs, and got everything from 200Hz up to 20k quite literally ruler flat with impeccable phase response - and the bottom very good with the weird exception of this one bobbly freq dip at 150Hz on the L side. (And I know it's my glass French doors that I wouldn't give up. ). So I'm going to trust that he knows what's best for my room and how to dial it in. Dirac has come highly recommended by several, and the fact that you don't have to adjust "all" the freq range is awesome. You should try it perhaps? They have a demo period that should allow you to easily judge it against Sonarworks!
I had it pretty much flat, but also more like in an anechoic room with my last setup. And that's pretty much how they measure monitors at the factory - I have seen it.
But working without any daylight is no perspective for me. Saying that Sonarworks4 brings back the voicing of the speakers is pretty much a compliment.
I echo your own words:
Try Sonarworks4 too and you may come to the same conclusion that it detects problems you were not aware of. The phase correction is pretty impressive, and it makes sense to me to do this over the full range.
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Post by thirdeye on Jun 2, 2020 9:38:07 GMT -6
Has anyone used Dirac with a mini DSP processor? Or everyone mainly just using the software as a plugin? Any comments on what the latency is like? Thanks!
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Post by bram on Jun 3, 2020 0:41:32 GMT -6
Has anyone used Dirac with a mini DSP processor? Or everyone mainly just using the software as a plugin? Any comments on what the latency is like? Thanks! I use Dirac with miniDSP DDRC-22, there is added latency but it’s not something I have l noticed in a long while. It’s easy enough to bypass the processing (and extra latency) when playing VI’s or soft-synths. Although come to think of it, I haven’t been bothered to turn it off even for that purpose. Currently running the DDRC with digital outs (you can swap the config), so it’s just doing the processing without DAC. |
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Post by EmRR on Jun 3, 2020 8:34:53 GMT -6
Is there a single one of these that operates in a standalone fashion with acceptable latency to switch between overdub and playback?
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 3, 2020 9:01:41 GMT -6
Is there a single one of these that operates in a standalone fashion with acceptable latency to switch between overdub and playback? You would have to use the plugin version, but it seamed a little bit DSP intensive. The more I play around with this and a couple of prototype speakers from others that are floating through here I want that 8 ch AES box, I’m just afraid what I’ll have to spend on conversion? |
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Post by EmRR on Jun 3, 2020 11:00:33 GMT -6
Is there a single one of these that operates in a standalone fashion with acceptable latency to switch between overdub and playback? You would have to use the plugin version, but it seamed a little bit DSP intensive. The more I play around with this and a couple of prototype speakers from others that are floating through here I want that 8 ch AES box, I’m just afraid what I’ll have to spend on conversion? The only one I've tried was ARC as an AU plug in DP, and I could live with it for mix, but absolutely couldn't turn it on and off during overdubbing. Massively confusing sonic difference, made everything sound broken all the time. Once I changed speakers, I abandoned it's use. I felt it showed me most of what I needed to know, and could move on from muscle memory. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 3, 2020 11:12:40 GMT -6
You would have to use the plugin version, but it seamed a little bit DSP intensive. The more I play around with this and a couple of prototype speakers from others that are floating through here I want that 8 ch AES box, I’m just afraid what I’ll have to spend on conversion? The only one I've tried was ARC as an AU plug in DP, and I could live with it for mix, but absolutely couldn't turn it on and off during overdubbing. Massively confusing sonic difference, made everything sound broken all the time. Once I changed speakers, I abandoned it's use. I felt it showed me most of what I needed to know, and could move on from muscle memory. Yeah the key is knowing what your speakers do right and wrong then how to work with it. For me it’s much more of a “toy” I’ll admit it, for trying to tune x-overs and show what’s wrong with systems and what improvements can be brought to the table. |
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Post by thirdeye on Jun 3, 2020 12:09:25 GMT -6
Has anyone used Dirac with a mini DSP processor? Or everyone mainly just using the software as a plugin? Any comments on what the latency is like? Thanks! I use Dirac with miniDSP DDRC-22, there is added latency but it’s not something I have l noticed in a long while. It’s easy enough to bypass the processing (and extra latency) when playing VI’s or soft-synths. Although come to think of it, I haven’t been bothered to turn it off even for that purpose. Currently running the DDRC with digital outs (you can swap the config), so it’s just doing the processing without DAC. Are you using a subwoofer? I’m running a stereo system with dual subs. I’m looking at the 8 channel analog mini dsp. Wondering how their AD and DA sounds?? The latency seems okay. Depending on the mini dsp unit, looks like anywhere from around 18ms to 26ms. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 3, 2020 14:24:22 GMT -6
I use Dirac with miniDSP DDRC-22, there is added latency but it’s not something I have l noticed in a long while. It’s easy enough to bypass the processing (and extra latency) when playing VI’s or soft-synths. Although come to think of it, I haven’t been bothered to turn it off even for that purpose. Currently running the DDRC with digital outs (you can swap the config), so it’s just doing the processing without DAC. Are you using a subwoofer? I’m running a stereo system with dual subs. I’m looking at the 8 channel analog mini dsp. Wondering how their AD and DA sounds?? The latency seems okay. Depending on the mini dsp unit, looks like anywhere from around 18ms to 26ms. Everybody I have talked to has said the DA/ AD on mini DSP boxes sucks and avoid at all costs! Otherwise I would have jumped on one already! |
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Post by thirdeye on Jun 3, 2020 15:42:59 GMT -6
Are you using a subwoofer? I’m running a stereo system with dual subs. I’m looking at the 8 channel analog mini dsp. Wondering how their AD and DA sounds?? The latency seems okay. Depending on the mini dsp unit, looks like anywhere from around 18ms to 26ms. Everybody I have talked to has said the DA/ AD on mini DSP boxes sucks and avoid at all costs! Otherwise I would have jumped on one already! That’s what I was afraid of! |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 3, 2020 17:22:28 GMT -6
So - when I choose the 14 day trial with "Dirac Live For Studio" it gives me just the Dirac Live to download. Then it asks me which HIFI device I'm using. What gives with that?
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 3, 2020 18:21:41 GMT -6
So - when I choose the 14 day trial with "Dirac Live For Studio" it gives me just the Dirac Live to download. Then it asks me which HIFI device I'm using. What gives with that? Ok, so here are the steps: 1) go through the checkout process for the 14-day demo. After you “purchase” the demo, a license key will be emailed. 2) then, download and install the Dirac plugin AND the Dirac Live software. This is where I got tripped up because the link in the instructions to download the plugin links to download the Dirac Live software. But you need BOTH the plugin and the standalone. 3) Fire up your DAW and load up the plugin. 4) Open the standalone Dirac Live software. It’s looking for that plugin, and will recognize your interface. |
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 3, 2020 18:23:18 GMT -6
FYI, this is only needed for measuring and creating filters. After that, you’re good with just the plugin.
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Post by thirdeye on Jun 3, 2020 18:45:55 GMT -6
Anyone using the plug-in have a stereo system with a subwoofer (or subwoofers)?? Looking like it's only for Left and Right, with no sub.
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). So I'm going to trust that he knows what's best for my room and how to dial it in. Dirac has come highly recommended by several, and the fact that you don't have to adjust "all" the freq range is awesome. You should try it perhaps? They have a demo period that should allow you to easily judge it against Sonarworks!
