🎯EQ Shopping List bit.ly/3LtKjz3 (everything else is in the description!) 👉CLICK THANKS ☝to highlight your question &/or support the channel! ☝NO OUTSIDE LINKS OR PERSONAL INFO. PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC AND BE RESPECTFUL
An request/suggestion for Kristi - for those of us living in the EU shopping outside the EU often adds cost, depending on what and where 30% or more is not unseen. Even worse some of the sellers you link to do not even ship here, like for example the seller of the UMIK-2 do not ship to Denmark (I can't say if they will ship to other EU countries). It would be cool if your links to gear also came in a EU version, then us inside the EU could shop and still support the channel.
Thanks for the Video, Just wondering How do you feel abort Receivers that Have an audio set up feature for home theater setups. Cheers another good video. I have an Old Onkyo with the Audessy feature.
This is hot!!!! I know how to do this (you know I've been doing this for over a decade), but this was a very straight forward video. I use a piece of software to load things manually. You could have also transferred your measurements as a coefficient (biquad) into the MiniDsp! Awesome video!!!!!
Great video, especially since I recently moved into a new place and am limited on what I can do as far as room treatment goes.I wished that my equipment had dirac or room perfect built in. Even considered selling some of my stuff and replacing it with stuff that does. I think I will go ahead and buy a minidsp and microphone and see how it works for me. A couple of Questions in general though. What to do first, room treatment then dsp or vice versa? And two, I've also noticed recently how many RU-vid "audiophiles" "/audio enthusiasts have all played follow the leader with room treatments. How did all the "golden ear" audiophiles get by for so many years before DSP and room treatments were a thing?
Hi Andrew I hope you are well I was impressed by your video on minidsp. I am interested in buying minidsp shd and umic-2 Not found on Amazon's website according to the link you gave Can you recommend me where to order. I live in 11038 Nashville Dr Hollywood fl 33026 Best regards, cobi
Andrew your very kind to of offered this how to for all your subscribers. I can only imagine that most other channels would have kept this only available to Members/Patrons, your support for the viewers is awesome. Thanks for all you and Kristi do.
Do I want to see more content like this? Absolutely!! Literally no one else in your space is providing trustworthy reviews and showing their viewers how to maximize their systems. That shows you care. Your channel is valuable and worth paying for in my opinion. I just purchased an SHD and learned more in your video than I have in the last ten videos on other channels. Many thanks to you and Kristy for what you do.
One of the few home audio youtube personalities who actually truely knows what they are talking about! No BS, no fluff, take it or leave it information! A true and talented educator. Thank you!
This is why I keep watching your channel, absolutely amazing! I love the diversity in content and reporting styles. You can be technical at times or nontech. Design and esthetics are always a priority as well (thanks Kristi 😉). Love you two dearly. Thank you for keeping me entertained every weekend. 🙏
Forgot to ask, I assume the same protocol for freq and gain changes applies to a Marantz AV 8805A processor correct? I was thinking of upgrading my AV to the new Cinemea line because of the new addition of DIRAC but now with miniDSP, another viable option!
So glad! I hope it helps. As I say in the video, there's a myriad of ways to tackle some of these issues so feel free to experiment and do what works best for you!
What type of dsp with dirac did you order? (Link please) And is there anyway to do this with other things other the one in the description (Minidsp devices) here on this Video.
This is great content. I realize it may not garner as many views as a speaker or AVR review, but putting out the occasional tech video is not only massively helpful to your audience (probably for more of them than realize it), but it might well bring in some new viewers that are searching for this kind of content, as opposed to home theater products.
Superb Andrew and Kristi, well worth the effort. Thank you, a couple of points though. This should also be possible with and older amplifier with a dedicated tape monitor circuit. For those that are unsure, if your amp has old mechanical switches in which a lever is moved or a row of buttons are pressed (and the previous button pops out) for input selection and it has a separate “tape monitor” switch/button this should be possible as well. This circuit was designed so you could monitor the sound you were recording directly off the tape (on a three head tape machine) without rewinding it and playing it back. This circuit was also utilised for old analogue graphic equalisers, effects units etc. The second point is, we saw Andrew from head to toe tonight for the first time. I had thought all these years Kristi had married a Max Headroom clone that she’d created🤣🤣🤣🤣. Keep up the great work👍👍
What a great job on video you two! I have not found a better video on REW or Room Corrections for novices. Adding the minidsp shd was a game changer for my system. I wish I had this video about a year ago :) I hope this video gets 500k views. Upvote for 2 more videos- subs eq and speaker/sub time-alignment. Thank you again for the video!
Been watching your content for some time. I really find the video well produced, the commentary very well thought through, honest and concise. I have been using REW for about a year on and off but only recently really starting to grasp the correct way to use it. I must say that this video is probably the best to cover room correction. Most others either just focussed on the REW and missed on the hardware connections, microphone setup etc. Great job! Keep the videos coming!
Bout time you made this vid Andrew and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Gives newcomers an insight to the world of Dirac and calibration. Changes the system completely like listening to completely different speakers. Yes, it doesnt change the dispersion and distortion of the speakers but the bulk of our perception lies in the tonality. Thank you once again drew!
The best intro to REW + miniDSP that I've ever seen. Super nice work! The rabbit hole is deep on this topic, and I realize that you intentionally kept things high level here, a call I very much agree with. I'm looking forward to seeing more depth on this topic in future videos. Too many audiophiles and music enthusiasts leave loads of performance and listening engagement potential on the table because they are afraid to take this first step. This will help many more of them do just that. Well done!
Great video. So happy you made this. As a Yamaha fan I was always wondering how to start with the manual peq. I’d love to see a couple more of these videos- Subwoofer measurements peq Measuring with REW to adjust avr (Yamaha) I think there are thousands of people like me who can rock setting up a avr and running ypao etc but fine tuning on the web control features seems daunting.
Hi Andrew, this is exactly the sort of content I love to see. It's so hard very often to really get an idea of how to do this sort of project. I have used instructions like this to build my roon core, for instance. So yes, I really would like more of this sort of content.
For more years than I care to admit, I'd place my Advents wherever they would fit in a room, crank them up and enjoy the music. I've gone through a couple of upgrades since then and eventually learned the benefits of placement, but honestly, I like a natural sound, warts and all. It feels real to me. I respect anyone who wants a perfectly flat response curve. Hats off to you, but not for me.
Hello Andrew and Kristi, yes !!!! Please keep this type of video coming. It's so helpful. It will take me a ton of time to learn, but so what. Thank you so much.
Andrew I don't know people that have the time,or care for this type of "stuff" but I do . Sadly, I do not know people that is, this much into audio systems; but my god your explanations are god given!!! I love your content and feel more safe and confident when, thinking about investing in a audio setup that I'll end up enjoying countless of hours.
I have been doing what's suggested in your video for quite a few years now. I've been a firm believer that acoustics are the biggest "component" you can invest into - and it's impressive how little you have to spend to get going. One thing to note for your viewers is, to apply EQ filters, you don't need a miniDSP. You can also get it done using Equalizer APO, which runs natively in the background on a Windows PC. This only works for the sound output from the PC, but if you want a cheap way to see what kind of difference it can make, you can give this a go. This is how I got started with EQing because splurging for a miniDSP wasn't in the cards at the time. You only need a measuring mic and Room EQ Wizard. Another bit I've discovered is that sometimes EQing above 200Hz makes the sound worse. This is because PEQs sometimes mess with the phasing in higher frequencies - something DIRAC resolves - and it can result in poorer sound. If you're finding this then I suggest focusing on EQing bass only, which is where 70+% of your acoustic issues are anyways. Clearing up the bass makes a huge difference so it's worth focusing on this only. I do find that DIRAC works very well for the rest of the range if you want to EQ everything. Secondly, none of this replaces room treatments. For anyone out there thinking, can I do this and not bother with treating my space? No. Room treatments are king. EQing will make things better, but definitely won't make your sound perfect (which is the one thing I disagree with in this video). Most acoustic issues are generated from reflections in the space, which can only be tamed through physical room treatments designed to absorb or diffuse sound waves. Finally, I'd like to see your subwoofer video because in my opinion, where EQing makes the most difference is with bass, so using this for tuning subwoofers is its most ideal application. I hope you'll cover crossing over vs. running speakers full range w/ subs, too, since there are varying opinions on that. Overall great video. It's nice to see more of this because so many audiophiles concentrate on their gear instead of the real issue, which is acoustics. I started going through a lot less "upgradeitis" phases once I improved the acoustics in my space through measuring and EQing. Just remember this doesn't make your sound perfect, it only helps get you there. But it is a necessary part of getting there.
Yes! More please! I have a Pioneer lx 505 with Dirac. So I'm very happy with the results. I also have a umik 1 microphone and a fondness to tinker once in awhile. Very interesting and entertaining, thank you Andrew! You gave us a road map, whether we choose to travel down the road is now up to us.
Watched Part 1 And 2, and love to see you tackling these types of tutorials! It would be great if you did a part 3 and dug even further. I’m currently struggling with time alignment between my Mains and or Center Channel with my subwoofer, there’s too many contradicting threads out there, and it’s taking forever trying to yield the best results! Would love if you dug more into REW/MiniDSP between the other manufacturers auto-calibration systems, specifically Audyssey, and fine tuning a full Atmos system instead of just stereo. Always enjoy the clean, concise, non-cheesy, thorough content your videos provide.
Great video! I was just messing with REW and the Umik-1 this afternoon and found out I need a longer USB cable. You also learned me I need the 90 degree calibration file and you showed how to make the graph more clear with the smoothing out option. Now I have to see how to get the pc audio calibrated and then I’m going back to your video and do a few more measurements.
One note, much as I love you guys: When you address beginners and say REW will work on most any computer, you might want to note that it can't run on chromebooks. My parents only have those, and they wouldn't know the difference.
Perfect timing! Based on your previous videos I purchased a pair of R600's and a sub-woofer. My room is an odd shape and was struggling with the set-up. Thanks again and Look forward to Pt2 - the subwoofer.
This was great. I just started experimenting with taking measurements in my room. It's definitely helped me identify some issues in my room that I'm working on. A part 2 on Sub EQ would be awesome!
I have never seen mini dsp & rew explained in such a simple manner. I’ve seen other content creators & I was like this looks very technical. But after seeing your video I’m going to purchase the set up & will look forward to your video on calibrating the subs.
Great stuff. Even how to videos for beginners on how to hook up basic audio components. Or how to properly set up a turntable that has a weighted tone arm. MM/MC differences and how to set up. Thank you so much for your videos.
Thanks for this video. there are hundreds of REW/Mini DSP tutorials out there, but this was very helpfull on understanding how REW and Mini DSP actually works. I hope you do a SW one allso :)
This is a perfect video, as I’ve been dreading to fill my room with sound panels.. majority of them look godawful and my wife would divorce me if I put them up. So although this wouldn’t fix everything that’s “wrong” with my system, it’ll definitely help, considering I’ve got pretty much everything aside for minidsp and microphone. Thank you! Nice RCAs by the way! 😅 sorry, I couldn’t resist! Hope everything is having a great Sunday and enjoying their weekend! 🥃🕺🏻
I would do this BEFORE using room treatments because once you have your AFTER MEASUREMENTS it will tell you EXACTLY what type of treatments (if any) that you need to invest in. The cables continue to impress. Getting closer to a decision 😉
Yours is the only video I managed to watch till the end and enjoyed! Perhaps it's the slick presentation and the easy step by step instructions. Either way, I'm looking forward to the next video 🤞
A parametric EQ makes a lot of sense to me. Even without automated room correction it can help to fine tune the sound to the taste of the user and to compensate critical room modes. I am happy with my RME DAC that offers that functionality without any kind of external software. Tone control in the digital domain does not degrade the sound quality as much, compared to the analog domain. It should be standard for every DAC.
I really love educational content. Also lifestyle, comments on outside of the box use-cases for gear, hifi hacks, and the overall macro of the the hifi space. Thanks for stepping outside reviews again. Looking forward to more.
Hello Andrew, you have my vote for the subwoofer video. In my case I truly benefit from this type of videos. As usual excellent presentation and delivery. Thank you so much to you and Kristi for the excellent content! Regards from Michigan!
Absolutely fantastic video. One of the best so far! Once I get my own place, I’ll be definitely doing this in a new room!❤ You are the best!!! I’ll be watching this again and again each time I move!!!
You couldn’t have explained those steps any clearer, that was great. So much info to take on board and I bet I end up watching this video multiple times to make sure I do this right if I go to use the software. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, was good to get an insight into what you have to do each time you set up a review for the viewers. Happy to see more of these videos to.
Andrew, Very informative video. I always wondered how REW worked and now I know. Since many people read comments I'm going to add an idea that may work for people that don't want to go as deep as REW. Paradigm is still selling its PW Link which includes Anthem Room Correction (with the latest version of ARC), a DAC with optical input/output connections, and DTS Play-Fi (that is gapless with at least Qobuz). The Link kit includes the microphone and all necessary software, but a computer or laptop is required. The cost is $200. My system comprises a Rotel A11 Tribute with the KEF LS50 Metas. I'm streaming Qobuz from Audrivana Studtio to an iFi Signature DAC. The DAC connects to the analog inputs on the Link. My LG TV connects to the Link's optical input. From there, I connect the analog output of the Link to any of the analog inputs on the Rotel. It would be nice if the Rotel had a pre/amp function like the Audiolab, but since I only use two sources (e.g. no turntable) it works for me. BTW, using REW with the Yamaha was an excellent tip.
Really easy to follow video, actually you made it look easy to do despite REW looking like it is very complicated haha. What are the benefits of the DSP box though? I can input the EQ adjustments into Roon for example couldn't I? £400 for the little DSP is pretty expensive unless its doing something Roon cant?
Great video Andrew. I bought the miniDSP SHD during lock down as a spare of the moment purchase and I have to say it is a great sounding preamp as well as a powerful DSP tool. I prefer the manual EQ with REW method like you have used rather than using the supplied Diraq license as in my room with my setup Diraq makes the sound too dry and more studio monitor like, so takes the fun out of the music somewhat.
Thanks for doing this deep dive! What I would LOVE for the subwoofer calibration video are measurements comparing the final miniDSP results and what Audyssey does on its own without any tweaking. Even better if you have dual subs and a receiver with independently controlled sub outputs. It would really show if/why this is worth the time & effort.
I already knew almost everything in the video but I find it helpful to stay sharp with tips and tricks that other people know. I also find it satisfying to see the before and after results that people get. Another Great video as usual
Great content! I feel like your "how to setup" guides usually get a lot of attention even from non regular viewers :) Basically thats how I found your channel in the first place. It was from the "make any tv look better" video and I'm so glad I did! I'd also like for you to compare the result you manually did with the results of dirac, audyssey and the like
I would definitely enjoy more calibration content, especially regarding subwoofers and showing how a mini dsp can effectively give you multiple independent sub outputs. Question regarding room calibration in general: Why is it usually done with a single mono mic? Would two at the listening position give more accurate results? I'm imagining hard-core audio-geeks using binaural head mics modeled after their own heads in order to squeeze every drop of performance from their equipment. In your opinion, would there be a benefit to such a thing?
These types of videos are of great value and I thank you and Kristi so much! I have already saved this one in my Useful Technology Videos playlist and am looking forward to more videos from the series!
Thanks for this! Suggest it could be helpful to mention possibility of using Roon instead of miniDSP for those who may like and use Roon. And yes, would appreciate chatting about similar use of REW to integrate subwoofer(s).
Hey, great video. I can see how the EQ helps with room correction and frequency response, but does adding the minidsp into the signal path reduce other sound qualities such as soundstage, imaging, clarity and separation etc? Similarly, does the conversion from analog to digital and back in the minidsp make the quality of the original dac and preamp a bit redundant?
Hi Andrew, Thanks so much for this. By all means keep them coming. You could make a whole series. I know I'd watch. I look forward to all your new reviews, even if it's not something I'm particularly interested in. You make it fun and informative, and I love Kristi's commentary. P.S. Now, I'm champing at the bit to see you review the miniDSP SHD in depth too!
Terrific job Andrew. I’ve been using Room EQ for a while now. Took me a lot of time, frustration and did I mention a lot of time, to get the hang of it. Had your video had been around then, I would have saved countless hours. Great job and look forward to seeing your part deux
There is an easier way to program your PEQ if using miniDSP. In the REW software, using the EQ tool, under Filter Tasks, you can export filter settings as text. Then, in the miniDSP software, go into the PEQ for the channel you want to edit, and import file. Select your file and upload it. I think you have to click advanced setting first. Thanks for the videos, great content. I enjoy how to videos.
