Dirac Live with headphones

[RichJT]

Hi,

Long time site referencer but my first post. I am about to test DIRAC Live for my Mac which is the source for my audio chain. I use Qobuz and an old version of Audirvana for audio.

I am wondering what to do for EQ for my headphones as my stack does not have this option. Would DL enable me to EQ my headphones/IEMs or should I turn it off and use Soundscape or something? Does Dirac now offer a separate add on for headphones? I saw a Dirac headphone app for smartphones touted a few years back but cannot seem to find much on this now.

I would prefer price-reasonable offers as I am saving for new speakers which will take me some time to acquire for on my pocket money!

Any guidance much appreciated.

 

[theREALdotnet]

I think Dirac focusses on room EQ and won't be of any benefit for headphones.

That said, Audirvana (even old versions) supports AU plugins, and macOS comes with a free 16-band parametric EQ that can be plugged in there. This is what I used to use with Audirvana for room EQ before getting Dirac. You'd still need a way of measuring your headphones' frequency response, or you can EQ by ear.

 

[GXAlan]

If you use an ADC attached to the output of your headphone amp/lineout instead of a microphone, Dirac will think you have the world's flattest speaker and most anechoic room ever. Then, when you apply the target curve, you are providing a very high resolution EQ that it's limited by 16-bands but just lets you sort of draw your intended correction.

 

[obsessive9119]

Although it's a touch fiddly, I think the best way to get PEQ for Mac is using Apple's AU Lab along with BlackHole. Then (so long as your headhones have been measured), grab the EQ settings from autoeq.app and add an AUNBandEQ filter to AU Lab with the appropriate values.

 

[RichJT]

I think Dirac focusses on room EQ and won't be of any benefit for headphones.

That said, Audirvana (even old versions) supports AU plugins, and macOS comes with a free 16-band parametric EQ that can be plugged in there. This is what I used to use with Audirvana for room EQ before getting Dirac. You'd still need a way of measuring your headphones' frequency response, or you can EQ by ear.

Thank you for your reply. This sounds like a good option which I can try right away. Where could I find the free 16-band PEQ plug in for my Mac?

In terms of headphones, I have Shure 846 IEMs and Focal Celestee headphones although the latter are somewhat fatiguing being heavy and a little warm perhaps. Based on what I have read here, I would probably like to start by adjusting them to the Harman curve and perhaps work from there. Does this sound logical and something possible? I am actually new to equalizing my audio gear but would like to start trying.

Thanks again.

 

[RichJT]

If you use an ADC attached to the output of your headphone amp/lineout instead of a microphone, Dirac will think you have the world's flattest speaker and most anechoic room ever. Then, when you apply the target curve, you are providing a very high resolution EQ that it's limited by 16-bands but just lets you sort of draw your intended correction.

Good evening, Alan. That is something I can try once I receive the microphone and start my trial when we come back from our summer vacation. As I am new to DL, I may struggle with doing this but I will let you know whichever way if that is fine with you? Thanks for your suggestion.

 

[RichJT]

Although it's a touch fiddly, I think the best way to get PEQ for Mac is using Apple's AU Lab along with BlackHole. Then (so long as your headhones have been measured), grab the EQ settings from autoeq.app and add an AUNBandEQ filter to AU Lab with the appropriate values.

Good evening and thank you for the suggestion which I will try tomorrow. I work from home but it seems I will be pretty unproductive in the morning (as usual). I will report back on how I get on.

 

[Esprit]

That said, Audirvana

In Audirvāna Studio now is integrated:

How to use the integrated Studio equalizer (EQ)?

Applies to Studio Origin Audirvāna Remote Operating System macOS Windows Linux Your walkthrough to understanding and using the built-in equalizer. Audirvāna’s new parametric EQ gives you powerful con...

help.audirvana.com

 

[theREALdotnet]

Thank you for your reply. This sounds like a good option which I can try right away. Where could I find the free 16-band PEQ plug in for my Mac?

Once you find the section in Audirvana where audio plugins are added/configured, the N-Band EQ will be right there with all the other standard audio unit plugins.

 

[RichJT]

Once you find the section in Audirvana where audio plugins are added/configured, the N-Band EQ will be right there with all the other standard audio unit plugins.

Thank you. Found. I have been playing around with the PEQ settings and can already see how precise I must be. For example, 3db is fine for low bass but any more distorts. One more question if I may? Is there anywhere to download presets that might suit my headphones or that adhere to the Harman curve?

 

[obsessive9119]

Thank you. Found. I have been playing around with the PEQ settings and can already see how precise I must be. For example, 3db is fine for low bass but any more distorts. One more question if I may? Is there anywhere to download presets that might suit my headphones or that adhere to the Harman curve?

AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization

autoeq.app

There's no dirac download option, but I assume you can just pick one of the other apps and manually copy across the values.

 

[RichJT]

AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization

autoeq.app

There's no dirac download option, but I assume you can just pick one of the other apps and manually copy across the values.

That looks great. Thank you. Will try later after doing some work.

 

[RichJT]

Just an update. The AU plug ins have been a revelation. Never realised they existed.

Love FabFilter Pro 4 but not enough to buy it for $170. Tried TDR Nova but not able to get to grips with it. NBand EQ is pretty easy to set up so moving forward with this.

Quite an education reviewing ASR threads and trying different house curves. Really like the Olive Toole one which makes me realise how wrong I was to go with a V-curve initially based on my hearing loss. Firstly, anyone over 20 probably has similar listening weaknesses to mine. Secondly, this boosting of the lows and highs is fatiguing which is why I always went back to no EQ on all my devices. Very pleased I bought the Shure 846s not the IE600s last month now. The former sound great with the Olive Toole curve.

I have the Harman curve and a few others (BK, trained listener etc) ready to test later but I what is really clear is how the EQ adjustment has not only made everything sound better to my ears but has also made low-level listening more enjoyable. My wife is working in her office so I have the volume down low (40db from my seated position) and it is far better than previously.

Final point is last night my son and I had music on while we were playing chess and my wife came home and she did not complain about the noise. Instead she started humming. A revelation indeed.

Thanks once again for your guidance everybody.

 

[theREALdotnet]

Also check Amir's headphone reviews. He often gives EQ suggestions for correcting the headphone response. Maybe your headphones have already been reviewed?

 

[RichJT]

Also check Amir's headphone reviews. He often gives EQ suggestions for correcting the headphone response. Maybe your headphones have already been reviewed?

Yes. Found the review for the Focal Celestee headphones last night and tried the settings he suggested. Sadly, I agree with his conclusion that they are a bit lifeless even after equalizing them. A few days ago, I put them up for sale as I enjoy the IEMs more and they are definitely better in the humid Japan summer here. Plan to buy some good open headphones instead later in the year.

Thanks again.

 

[RichJT]

AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization

autoeq.app

There's no dirac download option, but I assume you can just pick one of the other apps and manually copy across the values.

Tried this today and actually works great so thanks for the tip!