How I Got My Best Dirac Calibration Results For ATMOS 3D Bubble And Soundstage For FREE!

[@FURognar]

You are about the only personI see talking about these effects. This needs to spread. I'm convinced a lot of people dont experience this level of immersion. Otherwise they would be talking about it.

[@kietlu8953]

Thanks David for sharing. I followed your settings for my 325ES & made some minor adjustments for my Stewart StudioTek 130. The results are stunning.

[@JosephTongret]

What kinda guy talks to me for 30+ minutes smoking a nice cigar and NEVER ONCE asks if I'd care for one? People these days... Happy Holidays to you and thanks for the video!

[@jqcbigdog]

I know right where’s the 💨 😂

[@COGuyStuff]

lol I even forgot to keep puffing! Gobble gobble to you too!

[@brianhart6978]

Thanks for sharing your findings, CO Guy. Question: when you take the measurement 8" directly in front of measurement #1, which circle are you marking/selecting in the software to indicate where you are measuring? There is a front right and front left circle, but not a "front middle" option. I understand where to put the mic for that measurement, I'm confused about what circle to select for that measurement. Hope this makes sense.

[@COGuyStuff]

The circles are meaningless it’s just an illustration. The positions mean nothing other than the first one

[@brianhart6978]

@@COGuyStuff Thank you! Makes things much easier. Looking forward to following your recommendations.

[@jensdetmering7932]

Great video, I will definitely give it a try :) So the first main measuring position is where the nose is and not between the ears? Did I understand that correctly?

[@techm0j0]

Will be giving this a try soon. Thanks!

[@COGuyStuff]

Have fun!

[@Darth_Duane]

Interesting, I just got DLBC and have been struggling with where to measure from. I have a large room with two recliners in the middle and trying to follow the diagram for mic placement doesn't really work with my setup. Measuring with my seats reclined as they are while watching a movie makes some of their placements impossible. I'm going to give this a try with not changing height and see if i get better results. Thanks for the content.

[@COGuyStuff]

Let us know how it turns out either way!

[@Darth_Duane]

@@COGuyStuff So it didn't work out for me. I believe the difference is likely because your seats are against the back wall and mine are in the middle of the room with rear surrounds behind in a 7.2.4 setup. BTW if you can get a hold of it the dolby leaf atmos demo is my favorite for testing atmos effects and whether I can localize the sound to a specific speaker. It has a seed/leaf thing that starts in front of you and then spins around 360 degrees in the room. Thanks for the work you put in to it, I'm sure it will help those with similar rooms.

[@COGuyStuff]

It was worth a shot! Others with normal rooms have reported good results though, so the wall proximity alone isn’t a dealbreaker. Yes I have all the Dolby demos :)

[@mercury7912]

Finally an answer to my question of listen the objects around! seems many atmos rigs only have sound sticked to sides no objects! i need to nailed it! thanks for sharing your findings

[@johanwiersma2242]

Was a bit like 'yeah right' when i saw your video, but i did the 'flat 6' measurement like you said, and it does give a significant better sound/bubble. More precise, more defined, e.g. when listening to 5.1 or 7.1 music (Nirvana unplugged, kraftwerk minimum maximum, alice in chains unplugged etc) it gives a much wider and deeper soundstage, and also the surround effects seem farther away and more separated. Very cool! I don't even have atmos speakers, just a 5.1 system (Arcam AVR850, KEF reference model 4 as fronts, model 2 as rears, 200c as center and a Velodyne DD15 sub).

[@esjovold6572]

Very interesting. I have a Pioneer with Dirac and have been looking for more than the basic how to run Dirac videos on getting the best out of my system. Could you post a link to the info on the avsfourm?

[@COGuyStuff]

This is by far the best guide so far, all the info on the thousand+ pages of the Dirac thread boiled down ;) docs.google.com/document/d/1Fxp26c4oXgrr3rwLqL00Nb2iOc22-Eum/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=113645576429475849506&rtpof=true&sd=true

[@esjovold6572]

@@COGuyStuff Thanks. I’ll take a look at that.

[@dan_hitchman007]

Did you happen to load in a pre-made house curve in your calibration like a Harman Curve +6 or something like that or did you start from a blank slate?

[@COGuyStuff]

I like the 6 curve, yes, but the curve is all personal preference.

[@hofmarskal]

Hey, do you make your own curve or just move the slider up to +6db? And do you run your subs a bit hot? Im new to dirac. Just bought the limited version for my denon x4800. And I thouht I had to make the mesurements as shown in the ilustration. It does sound more emersive but the bass seams a bit lacking in the low end. And I did make my own curve +9db gradual rise.

[@AdrianJeanes-c9j]

I used your recommended flat 6 set-up - 2 channel listening only - through my NAD Master Series M33 Steamer/DAC/Amplifier to my Dynaudio Evoke 50 loudspeakers. At first, the difference between Dirac’s own 7 position bubble set-up and your simplistic approach wasn’t exactly black and white, but after swapping between the two for a day or so the difference quickly became more and more obvious. The sound was beautifully open and clear, with a tight, punchy bass. Thank you so much for your video because now, at last, my system sounds as I’d hoped it would one day!

[@COGuyStuff]

Great job!

[@philindeblanc]

You can get the center sounding flot even with 2 channel. Time delay does it. For music the speakers disappear and the sound is floating in the center. That is great to get it in Atmos. Is there enough content that makes it worth doing? I have not found it so, as of yet :-) I use 5.2 now. I do get the effect of the front to rear and acrosss. I should try the Dolby demo sound. The space size may have a lot to do with it also.

[@COGuyStuff]

That wasn't the point, it was simply to verify the effect is still there after filter creation. Sometimes it's not.

[@arnewaara567]

Hi. Very nice video. I am also going to try this. One question. Do you take into account that your microphone boom will give you alot of reflection in your measurements? Those big screws wont make it less reflective. When I measure drivers for diy projects its important to get the stand and cable out of sight or you get quite big peaks in different regions depending on distance to stand. Thanks for your research and have a nice day!

[@COGuyStuff]

I always make sure it’s out of direct line to any speaker. Never had an issue.

[@arnewaara567]

@@COGuyStuff Ok good. Iam also having listening position close to wall and was wondering how to have the boom to not disturb the measurments. But maybe it doesnt do any difference at all.

[@COGuyStuff]

It helps to keep the stand low and angle the boom up

[@LLL-us9lw]

I also gave this a try yesterday and i can hear a clear difference but cant say i like it better. I watched Edge of Tomorrow with it today and it sounds just like i’m cupping my ears. Its a very similar effect. I can make the effect go in and out by rocking forward 10-12 inches. It’s pretty wild. Im going to run it again but be 2-3” back. So more of a 5” from headrest then apply the 8” rule. But yeah its very similar to cupping my ears as if you do when youre trying to better hear whats in front of you. Thats the best way i can explain it. Thanks for the inspiration to try new ways to calibrate

[@techm0j0]

So, tested your pattern and tried a few more in similar style. The one that ended up working well for me was 6 inches from the back of the seat and about an inch above the head rest (just enough to have a line of sight to the tweeters of my back surrounds) for position 1, then keeping it at same mic height as you suggested and doing 6 total measurements, but instead of spacing out at eight inch intervals, I liked a 12 inch interval between positions best in my room. Thanks again for sharing your observations and test results for the benefit of others!

[@COGuyStuff]

Awesome!

[@adamjj85]

Thanks for doing this testing. If you use DLBC, do you find you have to change the crossovers Dirac picks or does it get it right without intervention? I have the JBL too and the same frustrations with Dirac exports freezing. I went back and forth with support and discovered that if you have any smart home or IP control systems connected to the SDP, it interferes with Dirac uploads. I disabled mine and haven't had any issues uploading filters since.

[@COGuyStuff]

I dont have any ip control of the jbl, just ir. I went over xovers in the vid. . Dirac doesn’t calculate them, you must test yourself through trial and error.

[@adamjj85]

@@COGuyStuffDLBC does choose crossovers initially, that's part of the benefit over standard Dirac.

[@COGuyStuff]

No, it doesn't calculate them. It just sets to the lowest possible point it thinks will work for each group. None of them are actually tried based on effect and response. I have a new vid going up showing it in a min.

[@viper527]

So how do I make custom mic measurement positions in Dirac? They have set positions in the software.

[@COGuyStuff]

As I said, only the first one needs to be centered at the mlp. The graphics mean absolutely nothing, place anywhere appropriate.

[@SunnySkiesInAZ]

Do you do any post Dirac adjustments like level matching or impulse response? I have an older version of Dirac so I’m wondering about your custom patterns. What plotted measurement points on the screen do you select since your actually measurement points don’t match?

[@COGuyStuff]

No. That’s the whole point of Dirac. If you have to do that, either something is wrong or you probably didn’t need to do it. As I said in the vid, the points on the screen mean nothing. Use any you wish in any order, past the first one.

[@rolandrohde]

A little caveat there... I just got my first AVR with Dirac a few days ago, an Onkyo RZ70, and I found that it set my Subs WAY too high. When checking levels in the Onkyo menu after running Dirac on the PC, there is actually a littlr text being displayed when checking Subwoofer Levels, that say "if you have two subs, lower their Volume by 4.5db". This turned out to be exactly the right amount to dial in the bass. Contrary to that, many Denon Owners with Dirac seem to be complaining about too little Bass. So maybe the implementation of Dirac on these AVRs is still a bit lacking.

[@kuronekosan2830]

from what i understand 8inches from the seat then 8 to the sides then bottom left and right thats only 5 how do you do bottom middle for 6 ? and should they all be at ear level?

[@user-yk4gd1fl4z]

Does this apply to 2 channel stereo listening as well or just Atmos ?

[@COGuyStuff]

Everything.

[@thestig007]

Thanks for the video, man! What is the best way to implement Dirac into my home theater? I'm looking at some new receivers that say they include Dirac Live built in. Are these worth getting? I want my next receiver to have pre outs for all channels because I already have a big Emotiva 2 channel amp, could just add another amp for the other channels. But I also want Dirac next! Also... What watch are you wearing?

[@COGuyStuff]

The only thing I would suggest overall, is that you make sure whatever unit you get has dlbc available or included, not just the basic Dirac. That’s the game changer for using subs. Other than that it’s all about what other features you need. You get what you pay for, happens to,be true with processors. It’s a Hamilton Intramatic and colareb band

[@thestig007]

@@COGuyStuff Thanks for the reply! I'll look into dlbc.

[@msoles30]

Can you show us about choosing the right crossovers

[@COGuyStuff]

Yeah I can do a short vid on that. It'll take a while to film, the steps take time.

[@msoles30]

@@COGuyStuff can you show it in rew also

[@COGuyStuff]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmXZnHiojaiSedk

[@COGuyStuff]

It has nothing to do with REW

[@msoles30]

@@COGuyStuff so rew won't let you see the correct crossovers to choose

[@FURognar]

Ah. You do some thing similar to what I've been doing for a few years now. One day I decided to do my final two measurements where ears would be (basically about 6" to the left and right of the initial measurement) and the resulting soundstage was extraordinary. Ever since then I always do that as my final two measurments.

[@syntheee]

This is such a great video. I was also very confused with Dirac's guidelines regarding the mic positions and asked myself the same questions. Who has such a low couch? Why should you place the microphone on a table? Should I also place the microphone in the lower area of the couch's backrest, where there is no direct line of sight even to the rear height speakers? I actually wanted to follow StormAudio's instructions, but they seem to be very complicated and not intended for single-seat use. So here are finally some credible tips, thank you. It's actually shameful that the manufacturers can't do it.

[@hofmarskal]

Hi im new to dirac, and I have only done this once this saturday. I have many years of experience with Audesy. Do you make a housecurve for every speakergroup og just the sub? And does that matter if the speakers are small? Also do you boost the sub bass with a curve? Why is it so difficult to find all the god advice in one video guide😂 I will try this tight 6 point measurement group at earlevel asap. Thanx😊

[@COGuyStuff]

Yes I run a curve, the same one to all groups. I use DLBC, there is no 'small or large', each group is crossedover through Dirac appropriately.

[@hofmarskal]

@COGuyStuff Thanx, I forgot to say, that I dont have the bass management license. I cross my speakers at 80hz in front and 110front hight and 100hz rear. (5.1.2) So maybe I was thinking does the bass curve for all speakers even matter. And is it possible to se via the graphs where the optimal crossovers should be.

[@COGuyStuff]

Sorry, all that is totally different for DLBC vs plain Dirac, I don't know. It also varies by processor.

[@user-yk4gd1fl4z]

Shit, glad I discovered this before I go through the whole thing on the weekend !! As a bonus, this arrangement of mic positions seems easier and quicker. Quick question... I am coming from V1 and use 96 khz alot. Can V2.0 be used with 96 khz material? Dirac Live 3 only seems to run at 48 khz ?

[@COGuyStuff]

It's limited by device and AFAIK all processors only do 48 with Dirac

[@josh200505]

Hi, I'm from Florida too, I have to say your advice gave me the best atmos bubble ever. I wanna thank you. I have Arcam avr30 7.2.4 configuration 🎉

[@COGuyStuff]

Great to hear!

[@josh200505]

Hi, I want to tell you how to improve even more the bubble you won't believe how good dolby atmos is even with movies that are not that good, I live in Miami I'll be able to get you there if you're interested let me know,dirac live get us close but not perfect , provide an email so we can get in contact,I'm not charging any money, only see your face when you can hear what I'm hearing right now would be enough for me ,I know you're are like 4 hours from not a problem for me, if you like the new calibration you can update this video 😉

[@josh200505]

I do have a system pretty much the same as you arcam avr30 + polk speakers

[@josh200505]

I know yours is a jbl but they used same operating system

[@rolandrohde]

I also did just a straight line for Audyssey and now Dirac. I tried some of the height variation once and found that Dirac then created a big dip in my Sub Frequency measurement when checking with REW in the MLP. Edit: on a different note...that Ready Player One scene you mentioned also has a nice Overhead effect, when he closes the doors after collecting the coins. He hits the switch with his fist, and that Sound should be coming from pretty much directly overhead. Problem with Ready Player One is, that it's a static Atmos mix, so don't expect any accurate overhead panning Sounds. There is a decent test for Subwoofers as well, towards the end of the Movie when the virtual world is "reset".

[@larshinkel7542]

my stereo image is off after Dirac ( tight focused imaging) . everything shifted to let front

[@COGuyStuff]

Either the mic was not placed in the exact position as your head for the 1st measurement, or something in the room is seriously throwing the calibration off.

[@radry100]

Excuse my ignorance but how do you set custom patterns in the dirac software? I can only choose between 3 presets (9 points, 13 points and another with more).

[@COGuyStuff]

Those are not patterns. As I went over, beyond the first point they mean nothing. You don't follow that screen whatsoever as far as number or placement.

[@radry100]

@@COGuyStuff Ok, I assumed the position it expects matters because it will calculate the results based on it. During measurment I have to select the points to measure. So you just selected a random point and measure it regardless of the expected position?

[@COGuyStuff]

Correct. Dirac has no idea nor cares where any point other than the first, is.

[@ChrisUlrich]

Great video! But what’s your setup? What products and how many speakers? What’s your speaker layout?

[@COGuyStuff]

JBL SDP55 processor, Polk LSiM speakers, PSA S3612 subs 5.2.4

[@ChrisUlrich]

⁠@@COGuyStuff4 S3612s? Lmfao Dude What in the hell hahahhaahah Do you have photos or how you established your layout?

[@COGuyStuff]

Dude. the 4 designates atmos channels. the 2 is subs.

[@claywhicker8549]

I gave this a try and ran Dirac as you described, it made a pretty big difference. This is the best my system has ever sounded so thanks!

[@COGuyStuff]

Glad it helped!

[@FURognar]

That bubble of sound would be even better if you could pull your seat from against the wall behind you. 2 feet would probably be sufficient, but the more space the better. I know you don't have a lot of space there. I moved from a living room where the couch was up against a window behind me (which really messed up the sound) into a 20 foot by 12 foot wide room where the front row is 8 feet from the front, and 12 feet from the wall behind me. That opened up my soundstage considerably. That back wall might be the difference between that baseball not imaging right next to your head in that Atmos demo. You have your room treatments up though, and I'm sure those help considerably. I'm still working on my room treatments. I have two panels up but I need at least six more and also some diffusion in the back. The room's RDT isn't bad right now, but I do want to control some of those direct reflections. I DO get the bubble of sound effect with Audyssey and different microphone positions do have a pretty significant effect on how the calibration turns out, especially the soundstage. I mentioned earlier about using the last two measurements (of 8 measurement points) for where my left and right ears are (about 6" to the left and 6" to the right of my 1st measurement) the end result was an absolutely phenomenal stereo soundstage and a very tangible bubble of sound for immersive audio. Not just Atmos, but DTS:X and Auro3D were positively effected as well. I get the same tangible 3D objects as well with DTS:X and with Auro3D, the depth of the soundfield was outstanding. There were movies where the distance of the sound appeared to come from the next room over (which is my kitchen)

[@COGuyStuff]

Oh yes, believe me, I know lol I'm totally limited by the room. Luckily with this processor it does wonders even with the limitations. But unleashed in a proper room...yeah I wish!

[@VoodooZ]

love the dog ramp to the chair. weener dog? save their back.. Back wall seating is not exactly optimal so in my case it would get rather different results as my rears are actually behind me..

[@COGuyStuff]

It works the same for better placement as well

[@jafo1701]

I gave it a shot and it didn't work well for me. I run the max number of measuring points covering 3 seating positions. I have a 9.3.6 system. I lost a ton of bass and all sorts of gaps in the bass response with your focused measurement. The atmos soundstage wasn't much different, with the biggest difference being that massive loss of bass response even with tweaking bass control. It was worth a shot however.

[@COGuyStuff]

It was worth a shot! I wonder if your mlp is just in a null though. If so, it’ll never sound good only doing a single area.

[@chrislukowski1825]

Has anybody tried this where the MLP seats are split along the center line of the room, ie a loveseat? I would think it just involves expanding the left/right measurements 8" past head position in either seat.

[@COGuyStuff]

The mlp is where the head is not the seats. If you sit off center that’s where you start. But results will be compromised.

[@jqcbigdog]

Yeah I’m off to the side, wait you already know this you setup my home theater 😅

[@wilfredohernandez2257]

Great video !! I’ve always measured ear level left front,right front,left and right at same plane as mlp and left right slightly behind.That works great.Did the demo tests that you mentioned and it sounds just like you explained.Also 2 channel music is fantastic too !!