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Before you proceed

Download your microphone calibration files

Each UMIK-1 and UMIK-2 measurement microphone is individually calibrated to ensure accuracy. To download the unique calibration files for your microphone, go to the UMIK-1 page or the UMIK-2 page. Enter your microphone's serial number. It is in the form xxx-yyyy and labelled on the microphone.

Two calibration files are downloaded:

  • The regular or "on axis" calibration file will be saved to the computer with a name that is the same as the serial number e.g. "7001870.txt". This is the one that you should use when pointing the microphone towards the speakers.

  • The second calibration file has "_90deg" in the name e.g. "7001870_90deg.txt." This corrects the frequency response when the microphone is oriented at 90 degrees to the sound source, such as when pointing the microphone towards the ceiling.

Check your preset

If you have used the miniDSP Device Console to set up routing, crossovers or parametric EQ on the output channels, check that you have the correct preset selected before starting Dirac Live. This is because the Dirac Live test signal originates in the Dirac Live blocks and therefore passes through the routing matrix and the output channel processing. Refer to the diagram in the Signal Flow Overview page to refresh your memory if needed.

For example, suppose that you have set up preset 2 with routing and crossovers for a subwoofer. Before starting Dirac Live with the START CALIBRATION button, select preset 2 from within the miniDSP Device Console or with the remote control.

Windows

Double-check the following items before starting the Dirac Live application.

UMIK-1 plugged in

If you haven't plugged in your UMIK-1 yet, plug it in now.

Tip

Be sure to plug in the UMIK-1 before starting Dirac Live.

Check that UMIK-1 is set as the default recording device

Open the Windows Control Panel and select the Sound pane then the Recording tab. Check that the UMIK-1 is set as the default recording device. If it is not, then click on it and then on the Set Default button.

Set default windows recording device

Dirac Live has access to the microphone

Open the Windows Settings and select Security, then Privacy then Microphone. Check that "Allow apps to access your microphone" is turned on.

Allow apps to access your microphone

Allow apps to access your microphone

Scroll down and check that "Allow desktop apps to access your microphone" is also turned on, and that DiracLive.exe is listed with the applications that are allowed to access the microphone:

Allow desktop apps to access your microphone

macOS users

Enable file sharing for device discovery

To enable device discovery, open System Preferences and then go to Sharing. Enable File Sharing as shown at right.

macOS: Enable file sharing for device discovery

Notes:

a) This step is not always necessary and may depend on your Mac's configuration or home network setup.

b) You can turn File Sharing off again after you have completed your calibrations.

UMIK-1 plugged in

If you haven't plugged in your UMIK-1 yet, plug it in now.

Tip

Be sure to plug in the UMIK-1 before starting Dirac Live.

Grant microphone access

The heightened security in recent versions of macOS can cause some difficulties with the Dirac Live application accessing the UMIK-1. The Dirac Live application should request microphone access when it first runs. A dialog like this will appear:

macOS: Dirac Live requests microphone access

When it does, click OK. You can confirm that access has been granted by opening System Preferences, then going to the Security&Privacy pane, selecting the Privacy tab, then clicking on Microphone at the left:

macOS: grant Dirac Live microphone access in System Preferences

The application "Dirac Live" should appear here. You will typically have additional applications to which you have given microphone access.