miniDSP Ltd – Hong Kong /
www.minidsp.com
/ Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice
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4.4.1
Listening environment
The Dirac Live Calibration Tool Stereo for miniDSP presents two different listening environments as a visual
guide to positioning the microphone for each measurement: Chair, for a single listening seat, and Sofa, for
multiple listening seats. Select a listening environment by clicking on the chosen icon.
The center of the screen contains a pictorial representation of the selected listening environment, with dots
marking the microphone locations. Completed measurements are shown in green, while the next measurement
to be done is highlighted in yellow and has a red arrow marker pointing to it. A drop-down menu underneath
selects three different views, which should be used to help you place the microphone in the correct location.
While the visual guide indicates a suitable set of microphone locations, these locations can be varied to suit
individual circumstances. It is, however, imperative that the first measurement is taken in the center of the
listening area, as this measurement is used to set the levels and delays of each channel. The subsequent eight
measurements should be well spread out over the entire listening area so that Dirac Live can acquire a good set
of measurements that capture the acoustic behavior of the room. Placing all microphone locations too close to
each other may result in “over-correction” that will sound dry and dull.
For example, if using the Chair listening area, spread the microphone positions over a circle with a diameter of
at least a meter (three feet). The microphone should be varied in height from the central position by at least 30
cm (one foot) up and down. If using the Sofa listening environment, spread the measurement locations over the
full listening area and vary the height up and down by at least 30 cm (one foot).
A different set of locations other than those indicated by the visual guide and the above guidelines can be used
if necessary. The important thing is to ensure that the measurement locations are spread out over the whole
listening area and that the microphone is moved a sufficient distance vertically as well as horizontally.
