miniDSP DDRC-24 with Dirac Live Full Version

I've playing around with the DDRC-24 for about a month now and it's been transformative, especially when combined with Dirac. There is a bit of a learning curve with this and the Dirac software can be buggy at times, specifically with the UI. Once you get past these foibles, it works as advertised by correcting EQ, individual speaker levels, and delay based upon audio measurements in your room. Get the UMIK and don't cheap out with another microphone.To folks that say "Never EQ, I want only the pure sound", they are either listening to music near field or have a room setup with acoustic wall treatments, bass traps, etc. In reality, unless you live alone and don't have a significant other then go right ahead. For the rest of us that have to deal with room furnishings, bare walls, and hardwood floors, its magic.

I like PC audio. 2 days ago, I found myself with 2 quality bookshelf speakers (ELAC UB5), two quality subs (RSL Speedwoofers), and an assortment of sound cards, DACs and amps. I should have been basking in crystal highs and lapping up bassy goo. But the sound wasn't right. I couldn't pin down what was off but I knew my equipment was deprived of proper input. I'm somewhat sensitive sound and I was finding that only a sliver of a track, every 10 tracks, had the right sound. I knew with certainty that the high and low frequencies weren't being distributed properly. My best option was the crossover on the RSL subs but that's not ideal. I came upon the MiniDSP 2x4 while searching for crossovers. It sounded like a great product but I was kind of intimidated as people said it was hard to configure. I'm capable with technology but was deterred. A week or two passed and I came across the MiniDSP DDRC-24 while searching for crossover options for a PC. I saw the diagram in the manual that illustrated a 2.2 setup and it described my problem and offered a solution (reading manuals for products you don't own rocks). The four channels is perfect for me: right speaker, left speaker, sub 1, and sub2. So I ordered a DDRC-24 and Umik Mic (DIRAC setup) from Deer Creek Audio and and it turned out that the store proprietor lived in my area. We geeked out on A/V hardware and software for a few hours and it was a blast. Once home, I made an embarassing oversight upon installation but ultimately, it was quite simple. It's the same as any other hardware. You install the software and drivers and follow-up the basic setup guide. There's a lengthy manual but you can get incredible sound by just configuring it based on the first 10 pages. I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend considering the DDRC-24 for anyone with a 2.1 (or 2.2) setup. DIRAC is fantastic. I don't believe in much of audiophelia but tuning is real. The DDRC-24 and DIRAC will tune your speakers. The speakers will then make pleasant sounds.

Superb. Tamed bass, improved imaging and listenability. Highly recommended.