Ok so its on sale and i want to give it a try. My setup is dali opticon 2 mk2 svs pb2000 pro denon x4800h. My question is should set speaker crossover manually or dirac will do it automatically or i can choose crossover from dirac itself? Also what about lfe crossover which is below option lfe/lfe+mains? And what about svs app low pass filter LPF should i keep it off default or turn it on set to highest 200? Also in windows should i choose 5.1 or stereo?
Here’s how to optimise your subwoofer using Dirac Live:
1. Place the subwoofer in your room where it provides the best balance between bass response and overall integration with your main speakers.
If you’re unsure about the best spot, use the subwoofer crawl ~ method, where you temporarily place the subwoofer at your listening position and crawl around the room to identify where the bass sounds the best. Once you find the sweet spot, place your subwoofer there.
2. If you have a receiver with bass management, make sure that the subwoofer output is correctly configured. Some receivers have built-in room correction systems such as ( Audyssey), but Dirac Live will take precedence for room correction if it's being used.
Step 2:
Open the Dirac Live software on your computer and start a new project for your system.
Choose the number of speakers in your setup, and make sure to indicate that you have a subwoofer in the system setup. If you are using a stereo setup, Dirac will treat the subwoofer as part of the system’s low-frequency range. In a multi-channel system, Dirac Live can manage the subwoofer as a separate channel.
Step 3:
Connect the Measurement Microphone! Attach your microphone to your audio interface or directly to your computer if using a USB microphone. Place the microphone at the primary listening position (typically at ear height).
Select the desired frequency range for measurement, typically between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Dirac Live will focus on the low-frequency range for subwoofer optimisation.
Take Measurements ~ Dirac Live will guide you through taking measurements at multiple positions around the listening area. These measurements help Dirac understand how the sound is interacting with the room and your subwoofer's placement. For subwoofer optimisation, Dirac Live may prompt you to measure the subwoofer separately to identify the specific bass-related issues. If you have a multi-channel setup (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1), Dirac will guide you through separate measurements for each channel, including the subwoofer.
Step 4:
After taking measurements, Dirac Live will display the frequency response of your system, including the subwoofer. You'll see a graph showing any peaks or dips in the bass frequencies such as (20 Hz to 200 Hz).
Dirac will also indicate the phase response of the subwoofer and how it integrates with the main speakers.
Dirac Live will generate a correction filter that targets the problematic frequencies in your room. This filter adjusts the subwoofer's output to smooth out the bass response.
(Bass Peaks/Dips) If your subwoofer has a frequency peak ( a boom at a certain frequency), Dirac Live will create a filter to reduce that peak. Similarly, if there is a dip (lack of bass at a particular frequency), Dirac will adjust to increase that range.
Phase Alignment: Dirac will also optimise phase alignment between the subwoofer and your main speakers, ensuring they work together seamlessly rather than causing destructive interference at the crossover point.
Adjust the Subwoofer's Crossover Point! In addition to correcting the frequency response, Dirac can adjust the crossover frequency between your main speakers and the subwoofer. This ensures a smooth transition in the bass frequencies where the main speakers hand off to the subwoofer. Typically, the crossover point is around 80 Hz, but this can be adjusted based on your speakers and preferences. Dirac will suggest an optimal crossover based on its measurements.
Step 5:
Implement the Correction Filter!
Apply the Correction: Dirac Live will generate a custom correction filter based on the measurements and analysis. Apply this filter to your system. If you’re using a receiver with DSP ~ Dirac will guide you to load the correction filter into the system. If you are using an external DSP or Dirac Live-supported device, you will need to load the filter into the DSP via the provided method such as (USB, network connection).
Listen to a variety of audio content, paying attention to the bass. A well-integrated subwoofer should blend seamlessly with the main speakers. The bass should feel even and smooth, with no obvious peaks or holes in the response. Use test tones or bass-heavy tracks to evaluate how the subwoofer handles low frequencies. The integration with the main speakers should also be transparent, with no obvious localization of the subwoofer.
Step 6:
Adjust Subwoofer Settings (if needed)
• If the bass still feels imbalanced, you can tweak the subwoofer’s settings in Dirac Live. You can adjust parameters like the subwoofer’s volume, phase, and low-pass filter.
• If your subwoofer has a phase switch or a low-pass filter, Dirac might recommend specific settings to improve integration with the rest of the system.
• Subwoofer Placement Reassessment: If you’re still experiencing issues, consider slightly repositioning the subwoofer and repeating the measurement process. The physical placement of the subwoofer plays a big role in how it interacts with the room.
Re-measure if Necessary: If adjustments are made, you can re-run the measurements in Dirac to fine-tune the optimisation.
Step 7:
Listen critically to both bass-heavy tracks (such as electronic music, movies with deep bass scenes, or test tones) and more neutral content to make sure that the subwoofer sounds integrated and balanced.
•Ideally, you should not hear the subwoofer working independently. The bass should be smooth, deep, and blending naturally with your main speakers.
Save Your Configuration:
• Once you’re happy with the result, save your configuration in Dirac Live. You can also create multiple profiles if you plan to change the room setup or experiment with different configurations.
• Room Treatment: While Dirac Live is effective at correcting many bass issues, proper room treatment such as ( bass traps) can further enhance the results, especi
ally if your room has a lot of acoustic anomalies!!