UMIK-1 finally arrived yesterday so been having a bash overnight and this morning whilst the neighbours are out. Many thanks to Ellis for the excellent tutorial, had it up and running in no time *good*
Good bits: Very easy to set up once I'd sorted the internet connection out on my old music PC to download the Dirac software. Very clever piece of kit and the mic looks and performs brilliantly, all very professional, the software interface is very clear and easy to follow. Done a few passes so far, (I got some clipping on the eighth sweep on the first one), but there's still room for improvement so will press on when possible. I really like what the software can do and it does sound rather nice after applying the filter, the mids and highs are crystal clear. Also playing at higher volumes, (one reason for which is in the Bad below).
Bad bits: Where's all my bass gone? Either that or I'm a lover of flabby/loose bass. My little PMC's were very musical with punchy bass... a little too punchy sometimes but re-postioning isn't an option. Soundstage is different, not bigger or smaller, just different. Sweet spot isn't as well defined and there's a brightness issue that wasn't there before... the PMC/Marantz combo has always been quite lush but detailed. Dirac does lie - if you turn-off the filter in the audio processor window it sounds awful, but if you revert back to your pre-Dirac set-up then it sounds far better - easily switchable in foobar.
I'm guessing that after 14 days it's gonna be a pay-up situation, still got some more days to play with it but currently I'm doubting if I'll pursue this path for £345, unless something spectacular happens...
Bit cream crackered now so I'm gonna hit the sack soon.