Setting up Dirac Live for the first time usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Make sure your house is as quiet as possible (turn off fans, air conditioning, and close the windows).

Need help? Remember, your Audio Wizard Dirac license comes with 14 Days of Free Online Support (support@audiowizard.co.uk). If you get stuck on any of these steps, just reach out!

Step 1: Preparation & Connection

1. Connect your measurement microphone (e.g., UMIK-1) to your PC or Mac via USB.

2. Turn on your Dirac-enabled receiver or processor.

3. Ensure both your computer and your receiver are connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

4. Launch the Dirac Live software on your computer, log in to your account, and select your audio device from the list when it appears on the screen.

Step 2: Microphone Configuration

1. The software will ask you to select your recording device. Choose your USB measurement microphone.

2. Crucial Step: You will be prompted to load a Microphone Calibration File. This is a text file downloaded from the microphone manufacturer's website using your mic's serial number.

3. (Pro-Tip: If using a UMIK-1 for a multi-channel home theatre, use the 90-degree calibration file and point the microphone straight up at the ceiling. For a 2-channel Hi-Fi stereo setup, use the 0-degree file and point the mic directly at the speakers).

Step 3: Volume Calibration

This is the most important step to get right! It ensures the test tones are loud enough to be measured, but not so loud that they damage your speakers.

1. The software will show two main sliders: Master Output (the speaker volume) and Mic Gain (how sensitive the mic is).

2. Keep the room completely quiet. Adjust the Mic Gain so that the background noise level sits in the green/blue safe zone at the bottom of the meter.

3. Slowly raise the Master Output while playing the test tone ("sweep") through your quietest speaker.

4. Adjust the sliders until the test tone registers comfortably in the green zone of the volume meter for all speakers.

Step 4: Room Measurement

1. Choose your seating arrangement in the software: Tightly Focused (1 person), Focused (a 2-3 seat sofa), or Wide (a large cinema room with multiple rows).

2. Place your microphone on a boom stand at your exact Main Listening Position (MLP), right where your head usually rests.

3. Click "Measure." The software will play a series of "whoop" sounds through every speaker.

4. Once the first measurement is done, the software will show you a 3D visual map of where to place the microphone next. Move the mic to the next position, keep the room quiet, and measure again. Repeat this for all 9 to 17 positions.

Step 5: Filter Design

1. Once all measurements are taken, proceed to the "Filter Design" page.

2. Dirac Live will calculate the acoustic properties of your room and show you a graph of your room's natural frequency response (it usually looks quite messy!).

3. Dirac will automatically apply a Target Curve—a suggested line that corrects the messy response into a smooth, ideal sound.

4. You can click and drag the points on this line to customize the sound to your preference (for example, adding a slight "bass shelf" for more impact in action movies).

Step 6: Export and Enjoy

1. Save your project! This allows you to go back and tweak your curves later without having to re-measure the room.

2. Click "Export Filter."

3. Choose an empty "Slot" on your receiver, name the filter (e.g., "Dirac Movie Curve"), and export it.

4. Disconnect your computer, sit back, play your favorite song or movie scene, and listen to the massive improvement in clarity, bass response, and soundstage!