Before you get started, please note the following:
Dirac Live measurement and initial calibration: we have confirmed in our testing and with Dirac that there is no need or benefit in doing multiple measurements of various playback configurations.
Dirac Live measures each speaker individually and with a full range signal. Calibration is applied to each speaker in the array to meet as closely as possible a theoretical ideal, with the understanding that each speaker will contribute to the system output to meet this goal whether it is run full range or crossed over and playing back in multi-channel or two channel modes.
This means for example that there is no need to do a separate two-channel and multi-channel measurement. Rather, the complete speaker compliment of the system should be measured, and an initial calibration generated to be installed into one of the four Dirac slots available.
From this completed process additional filters can be generated to work with the variety of both INPUT and SPEAKER presets that are available.
- INPUT and SPEAKER Presets: we have created some confusion by not properly labelling the two different presets available – INPUT presets and SPEAKER presets. These perform different albeit similar functions to customise the operation and processing options in conjunction with each other.
- 17 INPUT presets, found under the MAIN MENU PRESET SETTINGS
- 16 are fully customisable to meet the needs of various sources, with each of these presets could represent a different SPEAKER preset and Dirac filter.
- INPUT #17 is dedicated to the Prisma network player source
- 5 SPEAKER presets, found under MAIN MENU SPEAKER PRESET:
- This allows for setting up optional speaker configurations to be created that can be applied to the INPUT presets.
- Note: the option to apply a specific SPEAKER preset to an INPUT preset is found at the bottom of the INPUT settings field, a flaw we will be fixing in a future update as too many users simply do not see it ;-)
- 17 INPUT presets, found under the MAIN MENU PRESET SETTINGS
Various combinations of INPUT and SPEAKER presets can be created to meet most system needs and playback options.
The most obvious example would be that one source could have multiple INPUT presets, with one being for multi-channel and another for stereo playback, with different SPEAKER presets that have specific Dirac filters loaded or not and speaker configurations settings as appropriate to meet the need.
So, basically the first thing to do is an initial Dirac Live measurement and calibration as described below and based on the complete SPEAKER configuration setup in SPEAKER preset #1 and applied to an appropriate INPUT preset. From there combinations of INPUT and SPEAKER presets can be setup reflecting different Dirac filters and speaker configuration settings.
- Setup the physical system - connecting to power and completing all signal connections, including Main HDMI output to the video display and ethernet connection to the network required for Dirac Live calibration.
- Acoustic equalisation – carefully place speakers and subwoofers to best optimise their acoustic relationship to the room as much as physical constraints will allow.
- Select speaker array configuration in OSD menu - Front LR, Centre, Surrounds and Height speakers, leaving all speakers set to large (without crossover).
- Complete Dirac Live measurement and calibration - this will allow confirmation of proper connection of the speaker array.
- Load the filter and save the file - load the resulting filter into the processor AND save the Dirac project file on to your computer to be able to access it for additional filter adjustments.
- Listen to the results with full range speakers - if adjustments are desired, proceed with the following until you have achieved the desired results, noting that this is a repetitive process and may need to be repeated until you are satisfied:
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Overall Bass and Specific Speaker Level within Primare
- Overall Bass Output Adjustment: By examining the results of the measurements in Dirac, determine any potential crossover points for all speakers or only those bass limited speakers in the array. With Dirac filter set to NONE, apply those crossover points. With the crossovers in place, this will allow for raising or lowering the SUB level to increase or decrease overall system bass output. Additionally, you can try different crossover points to gauge the results in conjunction with level adjustments. These settings will remain in the system when re-engaging the Dirac filter.
- Specific Speaker Position Level Adjustment – if a speaker position output level seems too low or too high, select NONE for Dirac filter and raise and lower the level. This setting will remain in the system when re-engaging the Dirac filter.
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Tonal Balance Adjustment within Dirac - load the saved project file to allow access to each speaker position to allow adjustments using:
- Shelves – to raise or lower relative bass and treble
- Control Points – to raise or lower specific frequencies
- Once you have found a combination of the various settings that you like, load it into one of the three remaining Dirac Live filter slots.
Note: when using Dirac Live Limited Bandwidth, the shelf above 500hz results in a slight high frequency roll-off that cannot be adjusted. However, it can be removed by right clicking on the "shelf" and selecting "convert shelves to control points.”
Delays – making overall speaker delay or distance changes in the OSD menu is not possible when using Dirac filters. When Dirac filters are created, incredibly precise micro adjustments of phase related to frequency are made for each channel. By changing the overall delay of any channel also changes the phase characteristics of that channel related to frequency. This will unpredictably counteract the filters that you have loaded to the device, potentially resulting in inferior results.
If you feel that there is any speaker that arrives at an incorrect time, it may be best to make sure you have the latest software both for your Primare device and Dirac Live application, prior to completing a new measurement and calibration sequence.
Temporary Adjustments – as some sources or software will present slightly different output to various channels of the immersive audio speaker array, most often the centre channel, there may be instances where temporary adjustments to speaker level and delay may improve the listening and viewing experience. The following temporary adjustments are available by pressing the BAL button on the PRISMA remote control:
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- Level – Centre, Surround, Surround Back, and Height speaker level can be adjusted to better match Front speaker output.
- AV Delay – this adjusts overall speaker array delay, preserving the Dirac Live calibration settings, to synchronise audio with video. This is often referred to as “lip synch,” indicating that it is designed to synchronise the sound of the spoken words with the movement of the lips speaking those words.
To get your Dirac Live Limited Bandwidth subscription included with your Primare home cinema model or to buy Dirac Live Full Bandwidth subscription go to: https://www.dirac.com/online-store/primare-spa25-prisma/
To check your Dirac Live version, see the changelogs at this link: https://confluence.dirac.services/display/DLS/Software+Changelogs
To download latest Dirac Live software, go to: https://www.dirac.com/live/downloads/
For additional Dirac Live information and for assistance from Dirac, go to: https://www.dirac.com/live/faq
For assistance from Primare, please submit a help request at this link: https://helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new
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