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REW Beginner, MiniDSP UMIK-1

11K views 31 replies 10 participants last post by  JohnM 
#1 ·
Hey All,

I'm just beginning to look into using REW and I'm looking for the best way to get started on a beginner level. I came across the MiniDSP UMIK-1 and noticed that it "integrates seamlessly with REW". I'm curious as to what I will need besides the mic to use REW.

I'm intending to use REW primarily to graph the frequency response of my sub and mains in my room. From there, I plan to use the EQ in my processor (receiver) to take out the dips and peaks for each of those as best I can.

I'm passing audio to my processor (receiver) via HDMI, if that matters.

Basically, if I have a computer with REW 5.1 and the UMIK-1, what else do I need (if anything) to begin taking measurements of my speakers?

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
What laptop and operating system are you using?

You will be using the laptops sound card so:
1. Basically a cable (RCA or HDMI) from your laptop to the receiver.
2. With the RCA you use the headphones or similar output to your receiver. With the HDMI i haven't used this connection.

I highly recommend getting the UMIK from Cross - Spectrum.

When you receive your mic and connected REW when opened will ask:
1. Do you want to use the UMIK as a mic
2. Then ask to load the UMIK calibration file.

You do not do the soundcard calibration, just above.

You are good to go.
 
#3 ·
I have both a laptop and a desktop, both running Windows 7 64bit.

What is the benefit from ordering from Cross Spectrum? As far as I can tell, it just includes the calibration file on a thumb drive, which I can download for free from the MiniDSP site? It also has some other info/charts, but I don't feel like I need those?

Would a stereo 3.5mm to Red/White RCA cable do the trick?
 
#4 ·
I am new with this like you. I just ordered the UMIK from Cross-spectrum because the calibration is best, highly recommended by the A/V community. After thousands of dollars of gear, a few more bucks is worth it to me to make it all sound best. It's a little more money but it's supposed to be worth it, and mention HTS and you get a discount too.
 
#6 ·
I have both a laptop and a desktop, both running Windows 7 64bit.
I would use the laptop. If you use the desktop running on power that will generate noise.

What is the benefit from ordering from Cross Spectrum? As far as I can tell, it just includes the calibration file on a thumb drive, which I can download for free from the MiniDSP site? It also has some other info/charts, but I don't feel like I need those?
Has been answered above, depends on your need for accuarcy and extension.

Would a stereo 3.5mm to Red/White RCA cable do the trick?
Yep but it pays to have a splitter, REW sends mono test signals. I have one at the receiver end. E.g if you want to measure the left speaker just disconnect the right speaker wire.
 
#17 ·
The files are in a FRD format, do I need to change the file type?
No it should be fine.

BTW happy birthday, don't worry you will get up and started, just settings.

I have red your other post, i think that most people use ASIO Drivers for HDMI, i use Java so i am not 100% sure.

You can download (free) ASIO4ALL drivers from their website.

Have a good one, concentrate on having a great birthday.
 
#18 ·
Again, Phillips, thank you. Looks like your the only one trying to help a person out, sadly.. Im beginning to wonder why im here, and not there.

Downloaded the ASOI drivers, but im still not getting enough sound to produce a usable cal file. I've turned the volume all the way up, subs and speakers. Like I said before, im sure it;s some setting in the laptop that im missing. Man I wish you had the same setup I have, lol.. :T
 
#20 ·
Hi
I used the Narrow Band Response. I recall that was recommended by CSL in their PDF file came with the mic.
Yes the 0 45 90 refer to the mic position. I do room measurements using REW so I point the mic directly at the speakers from my listening position. So that is the 0 position.
 
#30 ·
Thank you for the imputs.

I use REW to check acustics with my stereo system that works only in analog domain (no HDMI input).
I am using external soundcard Behringer UCA202 with my laptop.
I use only left chanel card output with mono signal, then Y spliter to feed both hanel of my preamplifier.

I thought that loop a right unused channel of the soundcard will yield to beter accuracy results.

If I am wrong, please correct me.
Thank you!
 
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