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Post by ajbiggie on Aug 17, 2016 16:34:50 GMT -5
Hello Emotivians! I'm an excited and proud new owner of both an XPA-5 Gen3 and an XMC-1. I purchased the Full license for Dirac cause I wanted to play with the addtional featrues. I'm using the Emotiva mic that came with the XMC-1. I must say I am having a terrible time with using this software. I must be the only one because many users seem to run it with no issues. I'm using a Mac running El Capitan. I'm aware there are challenges using this OS with some computers. I experienced this issue on my laptop and the SW (both LE and Full versions) can't see the XMC-1 or the mic. Emotiva has confirmed this is a known issue with seeing the mic. I think there's also an issue seeing the XMC-1 as I can ping and telnet to it no problem so it's not a firewall issue. (I've turned them all off and could even ping and telnet with them on.) To keep testing I moved to my wife's Macbook Air running El Capitan and it works just fine... Both mic and seeing the XMC-1. I thought i was good to go until I started running the test. I adjusted the baseline mic sensitivity in the Dirac Software so it's just below -24 for background noise. I've adjusted all speakers so they play the test sound at or just around -12 db so it stays in the green area as well. When I click start to run the test I constantly get all kinds of errors once complete. Only twice out of 12 different times have I gotten a clean pass on a checkpoint. I've attached the error messages below but the data is says is not helpful. I love my XMC-1 but this Dirac experience has been pretty horrific especially coming from Audyssey. I would assume Dirac is suppose to be big step up in experience and performance but I'm not feeling the love. Any recommendations on what I'm doing wrong? Is it that I'm using a Mac and not a PC? Example Error messages: ![]() Attachments:
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Post by fbczar on Aug 17, 2016 19:55:34 GMT -5
Can't read the error messages you posted. They are way to dim and blurry. Can you post again? I use a Mac with consistently great results. Watch the measurement process on screen. You should be able to see if errors are caused by levels that are too high. Dirac full is a great program, much better than Audyssey in my case. Can you explain the errors a little more?
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USAFRetired
Sensei
New Receiver onboard Denon RIP
Posts: 651
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Post by USAFRetired on Aug 17, 2016 20:21:40 GMT -5
I have no issues reading what he posted and I am also on a MacBook. One of the only reasons why I have not purchased the XMC-1 is because of it's issues when used with a Mac so I am really only posting here so I can follow to see what issues are occurring, how to fix them and how Dirac and the XMC-1. I may become more interested if the situation is doable. Appreciate the opportunity to learn and share.
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Post by ajbiggie on Aug 17, 2016 21:38:00 GMT -5
Can't read the error messages you posted. They are way to dim and blurry. Can you post again? I use a Mac with consistently great results. Watch the measurement process on screen. You should be able to see if errors are caused by levels that are too high. Dirac full is a great program, much better than Audyssey in my case. Can you explain the errors a little more? Here's a quote of the type of errors I see:
Measurement failed
Processing captured data completed with errors: Ch 6 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please check the settings and try again. REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE;Ch 7 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please Check the settings and try again.
REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE
I think you are right that it must have to do with mic input sensitivity and volume level of speakers but I don't know how to be more accurate and I don't know what will work across all test points. For example the same settings that end up working eventually for the first sweet spot measurement don't work for the second measurement. All of them give me errors like this and take several tries to even get a clean reading if I can at all. The only one I've been able to get to work after several tries is the sweet spot one. Inevitably I get a message like the one above. After adjusting settings I get those errors above or mic sensitivity is too low. The gain on the USB mic is all the way up on the system settings of the computer. The Dirac SW I've turned it down to 0 or just above as when I turn it to 0 it says the mic didn't get a loud enough reading. (Even tho the test tones were in the green at -12db for all speakers) So what's the secret? I'm following instructions on the manual. I've watched the Emotiva tutorial video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhoH3mBCUqYI'm sure it's user error but open to advice. |
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Post by fbczar on Aug 17, 2016 22:53:45 GMT -5
Can't read the error messages you posted. They are way to dim and blurry. Can you post again? I use a Mac with consistently great results. Watch the measurement process on screen. You should be able to see if errors are caused by levels that are too high. Dirac full is a great program, much better than Audyssey in my case. Can you explain the errors a little more? Here's a quote of the type of errors I see:
Measurement failed
Processing captured data completed with errors: Ch 6 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please check the settings and try again. REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE;Ch 7 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please Check the settings and try again.
REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE
I think you are right that it must have to do with mic input sensitivity and volume level of speakers but I don't know how to be more accurate and I don't know what will work across all test points. For example the same settings that end up working eventually for the first sweet spot measurement don't work for the second measurement. All of them give me errors like this and take several tries to even get a clean reading if I can at all. The only one I've been able to get to work after several tries is the sweet spot one. Inevitably I get a message like the one above. After adjusting settings I get those errors above or mic sensitivity is too low. The gain on the USB mic is all the way up on the system settings of the computer. The Dirac SW I've turned it down to 0 or just above as when I turn it to 0 it says the mic didn't get a loud enough reading. (Even tho the test tones were in the green at -12db for all speakers) So what's the secret? I'm following instructions on the manual. I've watched the Emotiva tutorial video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhoH3mBCUqYI'm sure it's user error but open to advice. Since you are using Dirac Full you have the ability to use the sliders on the right side of the screen you use to set up the levels to adjust each speaker group independently of all others. Dirac LE does not allow independent adjustment, but Dirac Full does. I would set up the L&R front speakers first, and set them to the center of the green shaded area. Then use the sliders to set all the other speakers at exactly the same level as the L&R speakers. Each speaker should be set so the level is in the middle of the green shaded area. Note, there is a limit, even with the sliders that may come into play with a subwoofer. If you run out of adjustment with the subwoofer slider just turn the subwoofer level down on the subwoofer itself until you can reach a level Dirac can handle. The object is to achieve the same level for all speakers before you begin measuring. When measuring be sure the microphone points to the ceiling for all measurements. After you finish measuring if the subwoofer level is not to your liking turn up the subwoofer level on your subwoofer to taste. I have read all kinds of horror stories about Macintosh computers, but I have a dedicated Mac with a clean install of El Capitan and it works perfectly. I think there is a lot to be said for a machine dedicated to music. I only run the Audirvana music software, the operating system, a browser and email program and Dirac. My XMC-1 and Mac have never had a problem. If El Capitan is a problem change to Yosemite. Many of the problems on Macs and Windows machines arise because of some other software lurking around. If you can clean the drive, install a clean version of your operating system and load only the software you need for music. |
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Post by fbczar on Aug 17, 2016 22:56:56 GMT -5
I have no issues reading what he posted and I am also on a MacBook. One of the only reasons why I have not purchased the XMC-1 is because of it's issues when used with a Mac so I am really only posting here so I can follow to see what issues are occurring, how to fix them and how Dirac and the XMC-1. I may become more interested if the situation is doable. Appreciate the opportunity to learn and share. What processor does your MacBook have and how much RAM does it have? How old is the machine? Which operating system do you use? |
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Post by ajbiggie on Aug 18, 2016 8:19:06 GMT -5
Here's a quote of the type of errors I see:
Measurement failed
Processing captured data completed with errors: Ch 6 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please check the settings and try again. REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE;Ch 7 : Error analyzing the measurements. Please Check the settings and try again.
REC2IMP_IMP_START_IDX_IS_NEGATIVE
I think you are right that it must have to do with mic input sensitivity and volume level of speakers but I don't know how to be more accurate and I don't know what will work across all test points. For example the same settings that end up working eventually for the first sweet spot measurement don't work for the second measurement. All of them give me errors like this and take several tries to even get a clean reading if I can at all. The only one I've been able to get to work after several tries is the sweet spot one. Inevitably I get a message like the one above. After adjusting settings I get those errors above or mic sensitivity is too low. The gain on the USB mic is all the way up on the system settings of the computer. The Dirac SW I've turned it down to 0 or just above as when I turn it to 0 it says the mic didn't get a loud enough reading. (Even tho the test tones were in the green at -12db for all speakers) So what's the secret? I'm following instructions on the manual. I've watched the Emotiva tutorial video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhoH3mBCUqYI'm sure it's user error but open to advice. Since you are using Dirac Full you have the ability to use the sliders on the right side of the screen you use to set up the levels to adjust each speaker group independently of all others. Dirac LE does not allow independent adjustment, but Dirac Full does. I would set up the L&R front speakers first, and set them to the center of the green shaded area. Then use the sliders to set all the other speakers at exactly the same level as the L&R speakers. Each speaker should be set so the level is in the middle of the green shaded area. Note, there is a limit, even with the sliders that may come into play with a subwoofer. If you run out of adjustment with the subwoofer slider just turn the subwoofer level down on the subwoofer itself until you can reach a level Dirac can handle. The object is to achieve the same level for all speakers before you begin measuring. When measuring be sure the microphone points to the ceiling for all measurements. After you finish measuring if the subwoofer level is not to your liking turn up the subwoofer level on your subwoofer to taste. I have read all kinds of horror stories about Macintosh computers, but I have a dedicated Mac with a clean install of El Capitan and it works perfectly. I think there is a lot to be said for a machine dedicated to music. I only run the Audirvana music software, the operating system, a browser and email program and Dirac. My XMC-1 and Mac have never had a problem. If El Capitan is a problem change to Yosemite. Many of the problems on Macs and Windows machines arise because of some other software lurking around. If you can clean the drive, install a clean version of your operating system and load only the software you need for music. Thanks this is great advice. I didn't try to match each one exactly I will try that again. I'll also see if I can do a mac or even find a pc that can have a clean install to have no issues. I'll try later on and let you all know what happens. I will try again when the house can be quiet (kids settled/gone etc) so may be a couple days before I can try again and update... |
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USAFRetired
Sensei
New Receiver onboard Denon RIP
Posts: 651
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Post by USAFRetired on Aug 19, 2016 6:26:54 GMT -5
I have no issues reading what he posted and I am also on a MacBook. One of the only reasons why I have not purchased the XMC-1 is because of it's issues when used with a Mac so I am really only posting here so I can follow to see what issues are occurring, how to fix them and how Dirac and the XMC-1. I may become more interested if the situation is doable. Appreciate the opportunity to learn and share. What processor does your MacBook have and how much RAM does it have? How old is the machine? Which operating system do you use? 2009 Model Model Name: MacBook Pro Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,5 Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz Number of Processors: 1 Total Number of Cores: 2 L2 Cache: 3 MB Memory: 2 GB Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz Boot ROM Version: MBP55.00AC.B03 SMC Version (system): 1.47f2 Serial Number (system): W895300P66D Hardware UUID: 8124D128-4D4A-57A2-B12A-011A77B1EA59 I'm sure I would need to upgrade. |
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Post by fbczar on Aug 19, 2016 9:30:08 GMT -5
What processor does your MacBook have and how much RAM does it have? How old is the machine? Which operating system do you use? 2009 Model Model Name: MacBook Pro Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,5 Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz Number of Processors: 1 Total Number of Cores: 2 L2 Cache: 3 MB Memory: 2 GB Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz Boot ROM Version: MBP55.00AC.B03 SMC Version (system): 1.47f2 Serial Number (system): W895300P66D Hardware UUID: 8124D128-4D4A-57A2-B12A-011A77B1EA59 I'm sure I would need to upgrade. I use a 2009 iMac, but it is a 4 core machine with an i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, and it runs flawlessly. I am running EL Capitan. I do not see what operating system you are using. I think you should be ok with Dirac. After all, you just measure with your computer and send the results to Dirac for processing. However, if you intend to use a computer for music I think you could really benefit from a 4 core processor and at least 8GB of RAM. I just refurbished a 2011 MacBook Pro with an i7 processor and 8GB of Ram. It uses El Capitan. It is dedicated to music and it runs Audirvana and Dirac really well. In fact it even handles DSD up-sampling with ease which is very CPU intensive. It seems to me you could get a good used 2011 or newer Mac of some sort with an i7 processor and all the RAM you can put in it and be really happy. HQPlayer and Roon would be great choices along with Audirvana for your music software. Running a NAS like the Western Digital MyCloud is an inexpensive way to setup a great networking system for music too. I think a dedicated music computer is the key. |
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USAFRetired
Sensei
New Receiver onboard Denon RIP
Posts: 651
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Post by USAFRetired on Aug 19, 2016 20:06:04 GMT -5
OS X El Capitan 10.11.06. Is it really worth upgrading vs purchasing new?
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Post by ajbiggie on Sept 1, 2016 19:58:25 GMT -5
Hey everyone! Thanks for all your help and feedback. I wanted to follow-up and let everyone know I got everything resolved and what I did to do it. I was having issues with my Macbook Pro but that's a work laptop and so it may have something installed that was preventing it from working correctly. My wife's Macbook Air with El Capitan worked fine. 1. First issue was the most important and user error (dooh!) I didn't realize this but you need to go into Setup on the XMC-1 and tell Dirac settings what speaker sizes you have and how many you have. My XMC-1 was setup for 7.0 and I have 5.1. Many of my errors turned out to be clearly from the fact that it was testing for speakers I didn't have.  2. I adjusted the mic sensitivity and volume of each test tone so that the silence was in the middle or just below middle of the -36 and -24db range. I also ensured each test tone was in the green area and peaked at -12db but it ensured it never peaked past the -12db mark. Having the Full version made this much easier as you can control each speaker level independently. Once I did this I was able to get clean test results every time the first time! The difference was amazing and I had fun tweaking the curves post-calibration to my liking. Someone somewhere on here highly recommended the Full version and I totally agree. The customization and freedom of the Full version was WELL work the money! I wanted to follow up with this because so many times we search for problems find them and the person that resolved the problem never reports back with the solution. I didn't wanna be that guy  Hope this helps! Thanks again for everyone's help and thanks Damon for your recommendations on the volume levels. |
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Hope this helps! 