What are miniDSP processors with Dirac Live The miniDSP Dirac Series of audio processors with Dirac Live are designed to fit into an existing system with minimum disruption, yet with the flexibility to allow for new and more cost-effective system configurations. Through the calibration process (acoustic measurements and final parameters configuration), these devices perform real time room correction with different input/output options. Dirac Live is an advanced digital room correction system, patented by Swedish company Dirac Research AB and fitted into the miniDSP Dirac Series audio processor.

They are all distributed in Spain by Sottovoce Audio S.L. Who is miniDSP DDRC-22A for? This processor is aimed to domestic and professional users, who look for accurate sound reproduction. The DDRC-22A interfaces via analog (RCA connectors) or digital (Toslink and USB) input signals and analog (RCA) output signals.

It can be simply inserted into the analog signal path of an existing system, or can be used as a digital-to-analog converter with extended performance. The DDRC-24 processor keeps the connectivity and features (routing, crossover, IIR filters and compressor/limiter) of the miniDSP 2x4HD processor, plus the Dirac Live room correction system, for a perfect in room configuration. It can be configured for mono/stereo subwoofer adjustment or also for two way active louspeakers, thanks to the internal dsp features. Main features. Technical specifications Processor: Analog Devices Shark DSP21489 / 400 MHz.

Number of channels: 2. ADC/DAC resolution: 24 bits. Internal sampling frequency: 48 kHz. Dynamic range: 103 dB (USBRCA). Digital input connections: 1x USB (44,1-192 kHz), 1x Toslink (SPDIF 20-216 kHz). Analog input connections: 2x RCA (unbalanced). Input impedance: 10 kΩ.

Maximum input level: 2 Vrms / 4 Vrms (jumper selectable). Output connections: 4x RCA (unbalanced analog). Output impedance: 560 Ω.

Maximum output level: 2 Vrms. System requirements Windows OS Microsoft® Windows® Vista® SP1/ XP pro SP2/Win7/Win8. Intel Pentium III or higher, AMD Athlon XP or higher (SSE required). 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM or more. Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device. Two free USB 2.0 ports. Administrative permissions for software and framework installation.

Mac OS X Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Intel-based Mac with 1 GHz or higher processor clock speed. 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM or more. Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device.

Two free USB 2.0 ports. Note: System Requirements apply to Dirac Live Calibration Tool Stereo for miniDSP for acoustic measurement and system calibration. Included products and accessories DDRC-24 Dirac Series, high resolution audio processor.

Universal 12 VDC power supply with interchangeable plugs (UK/EU/US/AU). License for Dirac Live Calibration Tool Stereo for miniDSP (Win/Mac). USB 2.0 cable. Note: The Dirac Live Calibration Tool Stereo for miniDSP software is only compatible with UMIK-1 microphone for measurement. Optional accessories UMIK-1: USB microphone with unique calibration file, for accurate acoustic measurements. IR Remote: Remote control for miniDSP products. How does Dirac Live work?

The audio system and room are analyzed with a measurement microphone connected to Dirac’s computer software. The software then builds an acoustical model of the room and performs the required corrections to reduce or suppress the room disturbances generated in the audio system. This process takes place in two steps, calibration and processing, using both of following applications: A) Dirac Live Calibration Tool: is executed only at the beginning of the correction and calibration process, which consists of:. Performance of acoustic measurements (9 points within the listening area). System response parameters generation. Definition of final target response and range of frequencies to be processed. Correction filter generation.

B) miniDSP DDRC-24: once the correction filter has been loaded in the processor, the computer (used for the calibration) can be disconnected. Then, the processor performs the “offline” real time correction.

If you use a computer as the main source in your home theater or stereo system, then listen up. Dirac has released a new room correction system called “Dirac Live” and it’s aimed at everyone seeking the best performance possible out of a computer.

Dirac Live is a feature rich room correction system that is supposed to help you achieve the best sound possible by measuring and accounting for frequency response and impulse response issues. Unlike most room correction systems that use an outboard piece of gear, so every source in your system has room correction applied, Dirac Live only works when using your computer as a source.

'The Dirac Live Room Correction Suite has been tailored to the growing number of consumers who are using their computer as an audio source. We have leveraged the processing power of the home computer, enabling each user to optimize their listening experience based on their existing speakers and environment. Our goal has been to offer a better sound quality upgrade than any other HiFi component can provide at the same price.' Mathias Johanzzon, CEO at Dirac. The software works on both PC and Mac, and is split into two distinct pieces, a live calibration tool and an audio processor.

The calibration tool guides you through microphone placement and measurement steps, and then the audio processor handles all of the, well, processing. The software suite supports multiple measurement positions in order to weed out any single-position anomalies and focus on consistent acoustic issues found across multiple measurement locations. It also supports up to 8 channel of audio and up to 24 bit resolution at 96Khz sampling rate, so you are fine to use it for Blu-ray playback. One of the big reasons Dirac is so proud of this system is that not only does it help achieve a flat frequency response, but also corrects time domain issues. Ensuring that the sound from each speaker hits both of your ears at the same time and decays quickly (but not too fast) is critical to proper stereo imaging and overall clarity. This system uses a look-ahead buffer to modify each track to make sure each individual frequency arrives at your ear at the same time.

Overall, this is a pretty cool system, but there is only so much an active solution can do so this isn't a substitute for passive room treatments. We are sure that Dirac Live will be a great addition to some studios and home theaters, but the market penetration is likely to be pretty small. The system itself sounds neat, but much of the correction it offers can be done in a receiver or with an outboard processor of some sort. And for $849 plus the cost of a microphone, the price is pretty steep for a casual listener. We think this product will be most applicable in recording studios, but for the hardcore HTPC user it might also be a great option instead of buying outboard equipment. For more information visit. For the more adventurous and cost conscious For those of you who are a bit more adventurous and cost conscious, there are open source programs that can perform digital room correction using a PC that are available on SourceForge: The first program linked will generate digital FIR filters based on room response measurements.

The second link is to a convolution program which will implement FIR filters in real time as a DSP plugin to Windows Media Player. Obviously, these programs are likely not to be as polished or user friendly as commercial products, but that is not always the case.

Dirac Live For Mac

However, for the technically inclined, it is quite possible that they may have greater functionality and flexibility. I have not tried any of this myself yet, but I have wanted to for a number of years and I would love to hear about anyone who does try it and what kind of results they were able to get. It has always seemed like a fun audio DIY project.