Please Join AV NIRVANA in Welcoming Its Latest Sponsor: Focus Fidelity

(May 4, 2021) AV NIRVANA is thrilled to introduce a new site sponsor: New Zealand's Focus Fidelity, a digital room correction software that calibrates audio playback for "higher fidelity."

David Broadhurst, the force behind Focus Fidelity, says the software was born from the intersection of multiple interests. "I've always enjoyed music, movies, and Hi-Fi, for literally as long I can remember," explains Broadhurst. " My other passion is software development, with a strong interest in digital signal processing. I created Focus Fidelity because it combines all these things."

Focus Fidelity analyzes room and loudspeaker characteristics, creating filters that fine-tune an audio signal for exacting playback. The analysis begins with multiple audio measurements taken within a room. Those measurements, along with user-specified targets, generate filters for media player software such as Roon and JRiver Media Center. Once installed, users will experience accurate bass reproduction, improved stereo imaging, elimination of loudspeaker-induced phase and impulse response distortions, and control of tonal balance.

Future software developments are expected to address digital crossovers, bass management, and multiple subwoofer optimization.

A single-user perpetual license costs $249 and allows for use on one device at a time. For complete information on Focus Fidelity, including reviews and "How To Guides," visit Focusfidelity.com.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Fixed! Thanks for pointing that out

 

[JStewart]

Welcome to AVNirvana!
Not that I have the need or time to try something new, but Is there a method for a trial?

Small error I think.
From the user manual:
Our preference is that the measurement hardware is a USB audio interface with two or more input and output channels with one input and output channel used as a reference loopback connection. This makes it easy to ensure delays through measurement hardware and software are properly compensated for.

The How To guide for REW measurements does reference acoustic timing reference.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Welcome aboard David... glad to have you as a sponsor.

 

[Focus Fidelity]

Welcome to AVNirvana!
Not that I have the need or time to try something new, but Is there a method for a trial?

Small error I think.
From the user manual:
Our preference is that the measurement hardware is a USB audio interface with two or more input and output channels with one input and output channel used as a reference loopback connection. This makes it easy to ensure delays through measurement hardware and software are properly compensated for.

The How To guide for REW measurements does reference acoustic timing reference.

Hi,

At the moment there is no trial version of the software, I can answer any and all questions you might have prior to purchasing and also review your measurements.
The measurement side of the process seems to be the only real sticking point for some people.
The REW instructions assume folks are using a USB measurement microphone which is the case for most, this means using the reference loopback is not an option. The acoustic reference methods also work well.

Kind regards,

David

 

[jtwrace]

Welcome!

 

[NBPK402]

Welcome to AvNirvana!

 

[Kal Rubinson]

At the moment there is no trial version of the software, I can answer any and all questions you might have prior to purchasing and also review your measurements.

2 channel only?

 

[Focus Fidelity]

Hi Kal,

Yes, 2 channel only for the moment.

 

[mechman]

Welcome to AV NIRVANA David! Great to have you here as a sponsor!

 

[JStewart]

Hi,

At the moment there is no trial version of the software, I can answer any and all questions you might have prior to purchasing and also review your measurements.
The measurement side of the process seems to be the only real sticking point for some people.
The REW instructions assume folks are using a USB measurement microphone which is the case for most, this means using the reference loopback is not an option. The acoustic reference methods also work well.

Kind regards,

David

Hi David,

I downloaded your newish measurement program, Impala. Worked flawlessly with Win 10 and UMIK mic. I found the GUI polished and intuitive. The documentation, including Windows audio device setup, equally so.

At this point I figured no reason not to give the Filter Designer a go, so after downloading and set-up I took 8 measurements in my usual Dirac calibration mic positions for comparison. Filters were then loaded into Roon and some familiar music selected.

My initial impression after this one set of measurements and zeroing in quickly from experience to a target slope of 0.6dB/octave, is the soundstage was both wider and deeper. The high end had more clarity. The auditory scene was more cohesive. The deepest bass notes were more distinct.
For some perspective, I won’t say these are night and day differences from Dirac, but I can say they are noticeable and easily my preference. Versus no DSP absolutely a night and day difference.

This will now be my go to method for most 2 channel listening. When the filter designer can accommodate XOs and multiple channels for subs I expect it will be for all 2 channel music. Dirac with Bass Control will remain doing a very fine job with multi-channel music and movies.

For anyone interested in learning more about the filter designer workflow and results check out @Mitchco ‘s excellent write up too. The new measurement companion program, Impala, replaces the use of REW and importing / time aligning measurements to the filter designer that Mitch used at the the time though, so even simpler now.

Calibrating Desktop Speakers using Focus Fidelity Filter Designer

In this article, I walk through the process of using Focus Fidelity’s Digital Room Correction (DRC) Filter Designer software to calibrate my desktop speakers for accurate sound. Focus Fidelity’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software product costs US $250. In my opinion, using DSP to correct fo...

audiophilestyle.com

Kudos to you, David, for both the software and it’s results.

 

[Focus Fidelity]

Hi @JStewart ,

Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

Cheers,
David