The ultimate low cost solution for room correction?

[Count Arthur]

Thank you so a interface is definitely needed..

Possibly not. If I uninstalled the Madiface driver and messed around, maybe used the VB-Audio software that Keith suggested above, I might be able to get it to work.

However, I don't really want to do that and possibly screw something up. If you don't have RME Madiface installed, and use WASAPI, chances are you won't run into the problem I did.

Given that Thomann sell the version of ARC with the microphone for very little more than the version without, I'd be inclined to get it with the microphone. If you are unable to get the UMIK-1 to work, you could then get an audio interface. Swissonic, Thomann's own brand, make some fairly inexpensive models which are likely perfectly adequate for taking measurements or you could try Ebay for something used:

Swissonic Audio 1

2x2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Resolution: 192 kHz / 24 Bit, Inputs: 1x XLR and 1x 6.3 mm jack, Microphone preamplifier with 48 V phantom powering, Hi-Z instrument input, Output: 2x 6.3 mm mono jack output, Various direct monitoring options: Off....

www.thomann.co.uk

 

[F1Fan72]

Possibly not. If I uninstalled the Madiface driver and messed around, maybe used the VB-Audio software that Keith suggested above, I might be able to get it to work.

However, I don't really want to do that and possibly screw something up. If you don't have RME Madiface installed, and use WASAPI, chances are you won't run into the problem I did.

Given that Thomann sell the version of ARC with the microphone for very little more than the version without, I'd be inclined to get it with the microphone. If you are unable to get the UMIK-1 to work, you could then get an audio interface. Swissonic, Thomann's own brand, make some fairly inexpensive models which are likely perfectly adequate for taking measurements or you could try Ebay for something used:

Swissonic Audio 1

2x2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Resolution: 192 kHz / 24 Bit, Inputs: 1x XLR and 1x 6.3 mm jack, Microphone preamplifier with 48 V phantom powering, Hi-Z instrument input, Output: 2x 6.3 mm mono jack output, Various direct monitoring options: Off....

www.thomann.co.uk

Thank you

 

[500Homeruns]

The website won’t let me register mine. I have the serial number/registration number that came on a card in the box, but it doesn’t accept it.

 

[Steven Holt]

Thank you Count Arthur for your input. The title of this thread 'the ultimate low cost solution for room correction' is missing the obvious : TREATMENT. First, do basic things that won't cost you much at all. Center your rig in the middle of the room, 18 in. from the wall. If u have hardwood floors, put a nice thick rug in the middle. Center yr listening chair/couch 6-8 feet away dead ctr. between yr speakers. If you have windows, buy high quality thick drapes AND KEEP THEM CLOSED. Now, we all have (at least) one subwoofer, hopefully a REL or SVS, whatever. You can put that thing where ever you please, but some people think it 'sounds best' right smack in the middle. That's fine, if it makes u feel good. NOW yr ready for the more elaborate room correction -- should u need it.

 

[Count Arthur]

The website won’t let me register mine. I have the serial number/registration number that came on a card in the box, but it doesn’t accept it.

Get in touch with IK Multimedia, they responded pretty quickly when I contacted them.

 

[500Homeruns]

I did receive the proper registration file from IK Multimedia and installed everything successfully.
The unfortunate thing is, I am running into the same problem as Arthur when attempting to use my UMIK-1. I get everything set up and i can only get sound out of my laptop speakers when using the ARC Analysis software. I have no problem getting sound out of my stereo speakers using the Sound Settings in Windows, but it won’t output properly using the ARC software.

 

[Count Arthur]

Have you tried the VB Matrix software that Keith mentioned in an earlier post:

The ultimate low cost solution for room correction?

Guys, I am looking for a room correction system matching the criteria: 1. Ease of use. Ideally, I don't want to learn the science behind it, just position the microphone as instructed on the screen a few times and be done with it 2. The output needs to be loadable into a system-wide application...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[500Homeruns]

Have you tried the VB Matrix software that Keith mentioned in an earlier post:

The ultimate low cost solution for room correction?

Guys, I am looking for a room correction system matching the criteria: 1. Ease of use. Ideally, I don't want to learn the science behind it, just position the microphone as instructed on the screen a few times and be done with it 2. The output needs to be loadable into a system-wide application...

audiosciencereview.com

I did, but I am not familiar with it. So, I need to try to figure it out.

 

[Count Arthur]

I did, but I am not familiar with it. So, I need to try to figure it out.

It appears that the ARC software is looking for a single device for both microphone input and speaker output. It might be that there is a technical reason, a restriction within Windows, or elsewhere, that makes it tricky to do otherwise, or it may be that IK Multimedia didn't put in much effort in developing that aspect of the software.

The ARC Studio is aimed at professional/studio use, where there will always be an audio interface available, so perhaps they didn't really consider that someone might want to use a USB microphone and a separate DAC.

Did you get the bundle with the MEMs microphone?

If you can't get around the issue with the VB Matrix software, you may have to bite the bullet and get hold of an audio interface. It's an extra bit of kit, that probably won't get much use - mine has been used twice for measurements and sat in its box the rest of the time. However, for me, the results are good and the extra cost of an audio interface and a microphone cable aren't a deal breaker.

I even bought a cheap microphone stand to use with it; which was surprisingly un-terrible for £8.40:

Fun Generation Mic Stand

Microphone Stand with Boom Arm 5/8" threaded connection, Boom length: approx. 70 cm, Height adjustable from 100 to 150 cm, Weight: 1.6 kg, Colour: Black

www.thomann.co.uk

 

[F1Fan72]

I decided to go the Eversolo A8 route ..

 

[landco]

True.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine to make good use of »IK Arc Studio« or even more »Trinnov Nova« without a computer.

For home room correction you don't need either Arc or Trinnov. REW (more complicated) or CavernEQ (faster and easier) is enough, plus EAPO as a systemwide

 

[500Homeruns]

I originally bought the Arc Studio without the microphone. I am going to get the IK Multimedia calibrated microphone to simplify things (instead of trying to use my UMIK-1).
Would this work as an interface:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=625910

 

[Count Arthur]

I originally bought the Arc Studio without the microphone. I am going to get the IK Multimedia calibrated microphone to simplify things (instead of trying to use my UMIK-1).
Would this work as an interface:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=625910

It would probably work, but it has a whole bunch of features that you don't need for taking measurements. All those extra features will have a cost, so in order to keep the price that low, the overall quality might not be that good.

I would choose something more basic, that has as little more than you need, as possible, like the Swissonic I linked to earlier. If you're outside Europe, perhaps the Steinberg IXO12, which should be available pretty much anywhere, for a similar price:

Steinberg IXO12 White

Two-Channel USB 2.0 Audio Interface Microphone preamp, +48V phantom power, Dimensions: 158 x 47 x 102 mm, Weight: 450 g, Incl. Steinberg Cubase AI (download version) and USB-C to USB type A cable Connections: 6.3 mm jack/XLR microphone / line...

www.thomann.co.uk

I imagine that the IXO12 and IXO22 would perform fairly similarly, IXO12 just has less channels/inputs.

 

[500Homeruns]

I was able to take my measurements and load them into the Arc Studio. It sounds good to my ears, but the clipping light is on constantly. Anything I should be looking at?

EDIT: Disregard this. I believe the light was Green. Not Red.

 

[Keith_W]

Not clear if it's input clipping or output clipping.

If you are running an analog source through the ADC, it may be input clipping if the input voltage is too high.

If it's output clipping, then your filters are driving the DAC beyond 0dB. Check your filters.

 

[500Homeruns]

Not clear if it's input clipping or output clipping.

If you are running an analog source through the ADC, it may be input clipping if the input voltage is too high.

If it's output clipping, then your filters are driving the DAC beyond 0dB. Check your filters.

I am not home now, but I will double check when I get a chance. I believe the light is GREEN for a signal. Not RED for clipping.

 

[500Homeruns]

I just did the quick (7 point) measurement and loaded it onto the ARC Studio. It makes a noticeable (positive) difference in my room. Eventually I will do the full measurement, but right now I am enjoying it too much to stop and measure again.

 

[Punchy_Power_Cat]

I find it incredible that they do not disclose the voltage of the power supply on or near the DC-IN round port. Neither on the device itself nor in the manuals or specs. I live in europe and I don't think I ever encountered a device without.

How much volt does it take?

 

[Count Arthur]

I find it incredible that they do not disclose the voltage of the power supply on or near the DC-IN round port. Neither on the device itself nor in the manuals or specs. I live in europe and I don't think I ever encountered a device without.

How much volt does it take?

The small power supply that comes with it says "Output 5v, 3A".

 

[Punchy_Power_Cat]

The small power supply that comes with it says "Output 5v, 3A".

Thanks. Do you have any idea how much watt it actually consumes? 5V/3A = 15W I really doubt it consumes that much.

edit: seems to be 6W