UMIK microphone questions

[Boomzilla]

Trying to do some speaker measurements this morning, and I'm encountering some funny issues. Asking in case anyone might have answers...

I have a USB-interface UMIK-1 measuring microphone. I have it plugged directly into the MacBook Pro running "FuzzMeasure" software.

ISSUE 1 - CALIBRATION

The FuzzMeasure manual (apparently written with Windows users in mind) says that when the microphone is plugged in, the software asks to load the calibration curve. Upon entering the microphone's serial number, the software is supposed to fetch the unique calibration curve for that particular UMIK and load it into the program.

My microphone is plugged in, but no popup appears. When I go to the options for loading the calibration curve they're greyed-out.

How do I load the calibration curve for my UMIK?

ISSUE 2 - MICROPHONE SELECTION

When I go to my control panel and select the sound icon, I get the usual menu asking me what to use for input and output. Output is fine - I can see and select either the optical TOSLINK output or the AudioQuest Dragonfly. But the input menu doesn't list the UMIK - It only lists internal microphone or the analog microphone input.

How do I select the UMIK if the computer isn't seeing it?

ISSUE 3 - MINI DSP REQUIRED?

Neither the UMIK instructions nor the FuzzMeasure instructions specifically say that the UMIK needs any interface between the microphone and the computer. But in all the user's manuals I've found, every illustration depicts a "Mini DSP" interface box between the microphone and the computer. I thought that the purpose of buying the USB-interface UMIK in the first place was to AVOID having to buy an additional interface box. Is this wrong?

Does the UMIK require an interface between the microphone and the computer? If so, why, and which interface box do I need?

Thanks kindly - Boomzilla

[klinemj]

I am not familiar with the Mac Software so I can't offer any tips. But I suspect the issue is with the software.

Mark

[geebo]

Jul 24, 2017 6:57:51 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I am not familiar with the Mac Software so I can't offer any tips. But I suspect the issue is with the software.

Mark

No interface needed between the UMIK and a Windows PC. Can't speak for Apple but the UMIK is USB powered. Does the blue LED on the UMIK illuminate when plugged in?
Have you thought about trying the Mac version of REW to see if it recognizes the UMIK?

[copperpipe]

Like Geebo said, the light should come on when it's plugging in. You don't need an interface to connect, the software should pick it up automatically. Did you have UMIK plugged in before running the software? It might not pick it up if you plug it in afterwards.

Does other software, like REW or Audacity find the UMIK?

[Boomzilla]

Haven't tried any other software yet. Will check the microphone LED to see. THANKS!

Boom

[klinemj]

I was just searching for info out of curiosity and I did see this one statement of interest: "the mic seems to want to be set up full in OS X system prefs -> sound" The person didn't elaborate any more, but this makes me wonder if you first have to tell your MAC about the USB Mic and then fuzzywuzzy might see it. Again, I know nothing about MAC's and don't understand them at all...so I may be way off base.

Mark

[thrillcat]

I've never had 100% success with my UMIK on a Mac. I've always used REW, but if you look at the instructions, there are LOTS of workarounds you need to go through on the Mac, including downloading a couple other free utilities, Soundflower and LineIn. You have to kinda "trick" the Mac.

That being said, I've been able to get the mic to read accurately, but I've still never been able to successfully get my Mac to send 8 channels out via the HDMI output. I ended up buying a little USB>Stereo RCA output device and send the audio through that into the 7.1 inputs (having to move down the line every two channels).

I did get my room sounding really good with that setup, however. But, of course, upgradeitis has set in and I'm ordering an XMC-1 tomorrow.

[socketman]

Jul 24, 2017 19:42:46 GMT -5 thrillcat said:

I've never had 100% success with my UMIK on a Mac. I've always used REW, but if you look at the instructions, there are LOTS of workarounds you need to go through on the Mac, including downloading a couple other free utilities, Soundflower and LineIn. You have to kinda "trick" the Mac.

That being said, I've been able to get the mic to read accurately, but I've still never been able to successfully get my Mac to send 8 channels out via the HDMI output. I ended up buying a little USB>Stereo RCA output device and send the audio through that into the 7.1 inputs (having to move down the line every two channels).

I did get my room sounding really good with that setup, however. But, of course, upgradeitis has set in and I'm ordering an XMC-1 tomorrow.

Congrats on your soon new to you XMC-1 you will not be dissappointed,i personally guarantee you will be happy. Now if you run Dirac on a Mac (ha ha) you may be up for a challenge. Some people have had really good luck with bootcamp from what i have read. For me i have been on windows so long if i tried using a mac it would be like trying to speak Korean. Let us know when you get your new toy.

[Boomzilla]

OK - I checked. The mini USB cable must be JAMMED into the microphone socket for the blue LED to light. But once on, it stays on. I haven't looked yet to see if the computer/software recognizes it, but I'll try to get around to that this afternoon.

Thanks for the feedback, guys - it's appreciated!

Boom

[klinemj]

Oh yeah man...you be jammin' that cable now!



Mark

[Boomzilla]

OK - The good news:

The computer now recognizes the microphone
The software has now located and installed the microphone calibration file
I can now capture sweeps

The less than good news:

I'm still struggling to learn how to configure the software to get what I want.

But success is in sight...

[novisnick]

Jul 25, 2017 20:53:36 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

OK - The good news:

The computer now recognizes the microphone
The software has now located and installed the microphone calibration file
I can now capture sweeps

The less than good news:

I'm still struggling to learn how to configure the software to get what I want.

But success is in sight...

Great! Then you can walk me through it Buddy! OL Pal My Friend! 😁😇👍