Dirac / XMC-1 F.A.Q. (work in progress)
Jan 10, 2015 0:24:55 GMT -5
twism, kexodusc, and 10 more like this
Post by ansat on Jan 10, 2015 0:24:55 GMT -5
NOTE:: This is a forum run F.A.Q and not an official Emotiva F.A.Q. I put this together based upon common questions that I have seen in the forums and questions that have been asked to me privately.
Moderators / Emotiva Staff - Please feel free to add / remove items as necessary.
If something is not addressed in this F.A.Q. Please do not post your question in this thread and use one of the other threads. If something needs to be added to the FAQ that I left out, then post it here along with the answer and I will try to keep up with the additions.
Dirac LE F.A.Q.
NOTE: You must turn off AGC in the system settings as well as turn your mic gain to the max before you run Dirac. Windows is turning on AGC by default and users are reporting windows is turning it back on. If you have not turned it off manually, then yours is likely still on and your measurements will need to be re-taken. How to video
Dirac - General
What is the difference between Dirac LE and Dirac Live Full?
- Use of any microphone.
- Ability to easily change the calibration for a 3rd party microphone or the Emotiva microphone.
- Ability to create a custom house curve.
- Ability to change the target frequency for each speaker.
- Ability to change the frequency range that the Dirac applies correction to.
- Ability to save and load custom targets.
- Additional views of Dirac's measurements.
- Additional measurement patterns for single seat measurements and multiple seating rows.
Where can I get the full version of Dirac?
- Right here - link
Does Dirac LE / Full work natively on Mac?
- Yes, both PC and Mac are supported for both.
Can I transfer my Dirac LE / Full license if I sell my XMC?
- No. The user will need to purchase the full version here Emotiva's response.
Can I load more then one filter on the XMC?
- No, The XMC-1 will only store one filter. You can save multiple filters on your computer and load them to the XMC-1 (overwriting the old filter). Both the XMC and your computer will need to be network connected. You do not need to plug in the microphone to use the load function in Dirac.
Do I need a microphone stand? And which should I get?
- If your asking, then yes.
- This is what I have link , but anything with the standard 5/8 threads will work.
Where can I find the XMC-1 Dirac manual?
- here
Can I use Dirac LE on my computer, like the version from Dirac.se?
- No, you must purchase a license from Dirac. The Dirac LE will only interface and make corrections to the XMC-1.
Can I use my own calibrated microphone?
- Only the EMM-1 and C-Media cable will work with Dirac LE. However, you can use your own microphone with Dirac full.
Can I get my EMM-1 calibrated and use it with Dirac LE?
- Yes, however the EMM-1 has a calibration file built into Dirac LE and should bring the microphone within Emotiva's specifications.
- You can replace Emotiva's calibration file with a file of the same name that is marked read only.
What is AGC?
- Automatic Gain Control. This must be turned off for Dirac to work properly.
How do I disable AGC on Windows?
- I made a video that can be found here.
How many computers can I install Dirac LE on?
- According to the manual, the answer is 1. However, we are finding that it can be installed on 2.
Do I have to be internet connected to use Dirac?
- No, you have to be internet connected to run Dirac. After Dirac has uploaded the filters, you no longer have to be internet connected.
Dirac - Setup
Is there a setup video?
- Yes, see here
My microphone is not recognized by windows.
- Check all your connections. If the red light on the usb portion of the cable does not light up when you plug the USB cable in, then you have a defective microphone cable. Call Emotiva.
- If the microphone cable lights up and windows does not install the C-Media driver or give other errors. Call emotiva, as this is also likely a defective cable problem.
My microphone is recognized by windows but will not register any input.
- Check your C-Media microphone properties under recording devices. Ensure that AGC is turned off and the gain is all the way up.
- (Windows) Uninstall the microphone driver in the device manager. Then scan for new hardware to reinstall the microphone.
- If you have further issues. You likely have a defective microphone. Call Emotiva.
Windows 7+ cannot find the XMC-1.
- Ensure that you are running the latest firmware.
- Ensure that your network settings are correct. (p.46 of the XMC-1 manual)
- Power down the XMC-1 using the rear switch for 10 seconds. Then power it back on.
- Ensure that you are using the 255.255.255.0 subnet - If you don't know what this is, then yours is correct.
My Mac running VMWARE cannot find the XMC-1.
- Your VMWARE must be set to Bridged. link
I get a "Processing captured data completed with errors: CHECKREC_TOO_MANY_CLIPPED_SAMPLES" error when running Dirac.
- ensure AGC is turned off in the C-MEDIA microphone properties
- go back to output & levels and turn down output levels a little further. You do NOT need to redo any measurements that you have already taken.
What do I have to setup on the XMC-1 before using Dirac?
- You need to go into Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size and configure this menu tree so that Dirac knows how many speakers you have.
Dirac is seeing too few or too many speakers.
- You must setup your speakers manually in the XMC-1 (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size ).
Do I need to set the levels in the Dirac speaker menu before running Dirac?
- No, Dirac will set your levels automatically. The levels adjustment is there to alter the levels post Dirac.
Dirac is taking one more measurement then I have speakers.
- This is part of the Dirac process. It is running the sweep on the left front speaker twice.
The test tones are way to loud.
- In the Output & Levels, turn up your input gain and down your output volume.
- If your input gain is all the way up - Check your microphone settings and ensure that AGC is turned off and the microphone gain is turned all the way up.
- Call emotiva, you might have a defective microphone / cable
The test tones are to quiet.
- In the Output & Levels, turn down your input gain and up your output volume.
Dirac is closed on my computer but the XMC-1 is still locked out stating Dirac Connected.
- Power cycle the XMC-1 using the switch on the rear of the unit.
What do the graphs mean at the end?
-Go here
Post Dirac
When I turn on Dirac, my volumes are lower.
- This is normal. Dirac will reduce the overall volume and turning up your XMC will not degrade anything. Alternatively you can turn up the Levels in the Dirac Preset on each speaker to make the levels the same (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Levels ).
- There was a fix in FW 3.0 that changed the way that the XMC-1 normalizes the volume for the Dirac preset. This should no longer be an issue. Keeping it as reference.
I do not like my results. Are there other ways to take the measurements?
- go here
- or here There are additional tutorials in the first thread.
- You can also use Room EQ Wizard (REW) which is now supported (as of FW 3.0)
I want to change my target curve. How do I do this?
- Spend $$ here
The levels between speakers are WAY off from each other.
- Backup settings and Factory Restore your XMC-1
- Turn off the XMC-1 using the rear switch for 10 seconds and then power back on.
- Re-Do your Dirac measurements
- Call emotiva.
My X speaker is X db (slightly) off from the other speakers.
- While Dirac sets the levels over your entire listening area. To override this, add/remove gain manually (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Levels ).
Dirac did not set my crossovers.
- Dirac does not do any Bass Management. Your crossovers must be set manually (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size ).
What do I set my crossovers to?
- Set the crossover to the speaker manufacturers recommendations.
- Or, use the graphs that Dirac provided and look for the natural roll-off of your speak in your room. This will give you the minimum point.
What is Loudness?
- See here.
XMC-1
My XMC-1 takes a long time to start up. (From Manual)
- You have the Standby mode on your XMC-1 set to Use Least Power so the XMC-1 has to boot up every time you turn it on. Set the Standby mode to Video Remains On.
I have a 6.1 setup. Which channel do I use for the 6th speaker?
-The LB channel is what is recommended. Be sure to set the the Back speakers to 1 Large or 1 small in the speaker setup menu.
My Logitech Harmony Remote is not selecting inputs correctly on the XMC-1.
-The harmony software requires additional setup from the standard. See here.
The XMC-1 will not turn on my amps with the trigger cable.
- There is a known hardware issue that affects certain amplifiers (including Emotiva's). Call emotiva - Ask to be shipped a modified cable.
My amps are clicking when I use the trigger on the XMC-1.
- There is a known hardware issue that affects certain amplifiers (including Emotiva's). Call emotiva - Ask to be shipped a modified cable.
When I use the Mode Up/Down buttons on the remote control or the front panel, Reference Stereo Mode isn’t there.
- Go to Menu | Main Zone | Surround Mode | Reference Stereo | Select confirm.
- You can also configure this in the setup menu by configuring the Input you’re using to use Reference Stereo as it’s default mode. (taken from manual)
The Standby button on my XMC-1 blinks whenever I use any remote control near it, even the one for some other piece of equipment.
- Because the XMC-1 can act as a repeater for signals from any remote control, it listens to all IR remote control signals, and the Standby button blinks whenever the XMC-1 is receiving any remote control signal.
The XMC-1 power button is keeps switching from blue to amber.
- Your Zone 2 is on.
I bricked my XMC-1 doing a firmware update. How can I fix this?
- You can't, there is nothing that can be done remotely and your XMC-1 will need to be sent in for repair. Call Emotiva.
I don't like the new firmware. Can I reload my old firmware?
- While it is technically possible, Emotiva has publically warned against doing so, as the firmware was not set up to be downgraded.
Can I use the EMM-1 microphone with Room EQ Wizard?
- Yes. Select the C-Media microphone in the settings
- As of 3.0, the XMC now supports importing filters directly from Room EQ Wizard (REW)
Is there a microphone calibration file?
- Nothing from Emotiva - But there is a community created one that can be found at the bottom of this post.
EMM-1 / Mac / and the latest version of REW
- There is an issue with the latest version of REW (as of 3/15/15) where REW will not recognize the C-Media microphone. The work-around that I was able to use was using a free program called linein. To do this, grab linein and reboot your mac. In the linein application set the input to C-Media and the output to soundflower 2 channel and click the pass-through button. Open REW and set the input to Soundflower 2 channel and you should be working.
Moderators / Emotiva Staff - Please feel free to add / remove items as necessary.
If something is not addressed in this F.A.Q. Please do not post your question in this thread and use one of the other threads. If something needs to be added to the FAQ that I left out, then post it here along with the answer and I will try to keep up with the additions.
Dirac LE F.A.Q.
NOTE: You must turn off AGC in the system settings as well as turn your mic gain to the max before you run Dirac. Windows is turning on AGC by default and users are reporting windows is turning it back on. If you have not turned it off manually, then yours is likely still on and your measurements will need to be re-taken. How to video
Dirac - General
What is the difference between Dirac LE and Dirac Live Full?
- Use of any microphone.
- Ability to easily change the calibration for a 3rd party microphone or the Emotiva microphone.
- Ability to create a custom house curve.
- Ability to change the target frequency for each speaker.
- Ability to change the frequency range that the Dirac applies correction to.
- Ability to save and load custom targets.
- Additional views of Dirac's measurements.
- Additional measurement patterns for single seat measurements and multiple seating rows.
Where can I get the full version of Dirac?
- Right here - link
Does Dirac LE / Full work natively on Mac?
- Yes, both PC and Mac are supported for both.
Can I transfer my Dirac LE / Full license if I sell my XMC?
- No. The user will need to purchase the full version here Emotiva's response.
Can I load more then one filter on the XMC?
- No, The XMC-1 will only store one filter. You can save multiple filters on your computer and load them to the XMC-1 (overwriting the old filter). Both the XMC and your computer will need to be network connected. You do not need to plug in the microphone to use the load function in Dirac.
Do I need a microphone stand? And which should I get?
- If your asking, then yes.
- This is what I have link , but anything with the standard 5/8 threads will work.
Where can I find the XMC-1 Dirac manual?
- here
Can I use Dirac LE on my computer, like the version from Dirac.se?
- No, you must purchase a license from Dirac. The Dirac LE will only interface and make corrections to the XMC-1.
Can I use my own calibrated microphone?
- Only the EMM-1 and C-Media cable will work with Dirac LE. However, you can use your own microphone with Dirac full.
Can I get my EMM-1 calibrated and use it with Dirac LE?
- Yes, however the EMM-1 has a calibration file built into Dirac LE and should bring the microphone within Emotiva's specifications.
- You can replace Emotiva's calibration file with a file of the same name that is marked read only.
What is AGC?
- Automatic Gain Control. This must be turned off for Dirac to work properly.
How do I disable AGC on Windows?
- I made a video that can be found here.
How many computers can I install Dirac LE on?
- According to the manual, the answer is 1. However, we are finding that it can be installed on 2.
Do I have to be internet connected to use Dirac?
- No, you have to be internet connected to run Dirac. After Dirac has uploaded the filters, you no longer have to be internet connected.
Dirac - Setup
Is there a setup video?
- Yes, see here
My microphone is not recognized by windows.
- Check all your connections. If the red light on the usb portion of the cable does not light up when you plug the USB cable in, then you have a defective microphone cable. Call Emotiva.
- If the microphone cable lights up and windows does not install the C-Media driver or give other errors. Call emotiva, as this is also likely a defective cable problem.
My microphone is recognized by windows but will not register any input.
- Check your C-Media microphone properties under recording devices. Ensure that AGC is turned off and the gain is all the way up.
- (Windows) Uninstall the microphone driver in the device manager. Then scan for new hardware to reinstall the microphone.
- If you have further issues. You likely have a defective microphone. Call Emotiva.
Windows 7+ cannot find the XMC-1.
- Ensure that you are running the latest firmware.
- Ensure that your network settings are correct. (p.46 of the XMC-1 manual)
- Power down the XMC-1 using the rear switch for 10 seconds. Then power it back on.
- Ensure that you are using the 255.255.255.0 subnet - If you don't know what this is, then yours is correct.
My Mac running VMWARE cannot find the XMC-1.
- Your VMWARE must be set to Bridged. link
I get a "Processing captured data completed with errors: CHECKREC_TOO_MANY_CLIPPED_SAMPLES" error when running Dirac.
- ensure AGC is turned off in the C-MEDIA microphone properties
- go back to output & levels and turn down output levels a little further. You do NOT need to redo any measurements that you have already taken.
What do I have to setup on the XMC-1 before using Dirac?
- You need to go into Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size and configure this menu tree so that Dirac knows how many speakers you have.
Dirac is seeing too few or too many speakers.
- You must setup your speakers manually in the XMC-1 (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size ).
Do I need to set the levels in the Dirac speaker menu before running Dirac?
- No, Dirac will set your levels automatically. The levels adjustment is there to alter the levels post Dirac.
Dirac is taking one more measurement then I have speakers.
- This is part of the Dirac process. It is running the sweep on the left front speaker twice.
The test tones are way to loud.
- In the Output & Levels, turn up your input gain and down your output volume.
- If your input gain is all the way up - Check your microphone settings and ensure that AGC is turned off and the microphone gain is turned all the way up.
- Call emotiva, you might have a defective microphone / cable
The test tones are to quiet.
- In the Output & Levels, turn down your input gain and up your output volume.
Dirac is closed on my computer but the XMC-1 is still locked out stating Dirac Connected.
- Power cycle the XMC-1 using the switch on the rear of the unit.
What do the graphs mean at the end?
-Go here
Post Dirac
When I turn on Dirac, my volumes are lower.
- This is normal. Dirac will reduce the overall volume and turning up your XMC will not degrade anything. Alternatively you can turn up the Levels in the Dirac Preset on each speaker to make the levels the same (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Levels ).
- There was a fix in FW 3.0 that changed the way that the XMC-1 normalizes the volume for the Dirac preset. This should no longer be an issue. Keeping it as reference.
I do not like my results. Are there other ways to take the measurements?
- go here
- or here There are additional tutorials in the first thread.
- You can also use Room EQ Wizard (REW) which is now supported (as of FW 3.0)
I want to change my target curve. How do I do this?
- Spend $$ here
The levels between speakers are WAY off from each other.
- Backup settings and Factory Restore your XMC-1
- Turn off the XMC-1 using the rear switch for 10 seconds and then power back on.
- Re-Do your Dirac measurements
- Call emotiva.
My X speaker is X db (slightly) off from the other speakers.
- While Dirac sets the levels over your entire listening area. To override this, add/remove gain manually (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Levels ).
Dirac did not set my crossovers.
- Dirac does not do any Bass Management. Your crossovers must be set manually (Menu | Setup | Speakers | Dirac | Size ).
What do I set my crossovers to?
- Set the crossover to the speaker manufacturers recommendations.
- Or, use the graphs that Dirac provided and look for the natural roll-off of your speak in your room. This will give you the minimum point.
What is Loudness?
- See here.
XMC-1
My XMC-1 takes a long time to start up. (From Manual)
- You have the Standby mode on your XMC-1 set to Use Least Power so the XMC-1 has to boot up every time you turn it on. Set the Standby mode to Video Remains On.
I have a 6.1 setup. Which channel do I use for the 6th speaker?
-The LB channel is what is recommended. Be sure to set the the Back speakers to 1 Large or 1 small in the speaker setup menu.
My Logitech Harmony Remote is not selecting inputs correctly on the XMC-1.
-The harmony software requires additional setup from the standard. See here.
The XMC-1 will not turn on my amps with the trigger cable.
- There is a known hardware issue that affects certain amplifiers (including Emotiva's). Call emotiva - Ask to be shipped a modified cable.
My amps are clicking when I use the trigger on the XMC-1.
- There is a known hardware issue that affects certain amplifiers (including Emotiva's). Call emotiva - Ask to be shipped a modified cable.
When I use the Mode Up/Down buttons on the remote control or the front panel, Reference Stereo Mode isn’t there.
- Go to Menu | Main Zone | Surround Mode | Reference Stereo | Select confirm.
- You can also configure this in the setup menu by configuring the Input you’re using to use Reference Stereo as it’s default mode. (taken from manual)
The Standby button on my XMC-1 blinks whenever I use any remote control near it, even the one for some other piece of equipment.
- Because the XMC-1 can act as a repeater for signals from any remote control, it listens to all IR remote control signals, and the Standby button blinks whenever the XMC-1 is receiving any remote control signal.
The XMC-1 power button is keeps switching from blue to amber.
- Your Zone 2 is on.
I bricked my XMC-1 doing a firmware update. How can I fix this?
- You can't, there is nothing that can be done remotely and your XMC-1 will need to be sent in for repair. Call Emotiva.
I don't like the new firmware. Can I reload my old firmware?
- While it is technically possible, Emotiva has publically warned against doing so, as the firmware was not set up to be downgraded.
Can I use the EMM-1 microphone with Room EQ Wizard?
- Yes. Select the C-Media microphone in the settings
- As of 3.0, the XMC now supports importing filters directly from Room EQ Wizard (REW)
Is there a microphone calibration file?
- Nothing from Emotiva - But there is a community created one that can be found at the bottom of this post.
EMM-1 / Mac / and the latest version of REW
- There is an issue with the latest version of REW (as of 3/15/15) where REW will not recognize the C-Media microphone. The work-around that I was able to use was using a free program called linein. To do this, grab linein and reboot your mac. In the linein application set the input to C-Media and the output to soundflower 2 channel and click the pass-through button. Open REW and set the input to Soundflower 2 channel and you should be working.
