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Starting January 14, 2025, Bluesound is officially leveling up its streaming game. With the introduction of Dirac Live Ready technology, the NODE (N132) and NODE ICON (N530) become pioneers in the world of audio streamers, offering unmatched room correction capabilities.
This firmware update allows users to enhance sound quality in any space, compensating for room-specific acoustic challenges. Bluesound’s Room Calibration Kit, available for $39, works seamlessly with the technology, offering intuitive calibration using an omni-directional microphone and driverless operation on Windows and Mac.
For audiophiles holding onto older NODE X (N131), NODE (N130), POWERNODE (N330), or POWERNODE EDGE (N230) devices—don’t worry. By summer 2025, firmware updates will extend Dirac Live compatibility to these players, ensuring all users enjoy a clearer, more balanced listening experience.
Dirac Live At a Glance:
- Dirac Live Ready: NODE (N132) and NODE ICON (N530) are the first streamers to feature this cutting-edge room correction technology.
- Seamless Upgrades: Existing NODE and POWERNODE players will receive compatibility updates by mid-2025.
- Custom Calibration Tools: Bluesound’s Room Calibration Kit ensures every room sounds incredible.
Why Dirac Live Changes the Game
Dirac Live technology has been a long-awaited addition for Bluesound fans. As Product Manager Matt Simmonds shares, “Dirac Live has been one of the most requested features from Bluesound customers due to its unique room correction methods that result in more transparent, balanced sound, and tighter bass and enhanced clarity.”
Dirac Live’s appeal lies in its ability to refine audio for any space. By digitally correcting the sound waves in a room, it ensures music plays as intended, free from distortion or echoes caused by environmental factors. With three license options—Dirac Live Limited ($159), Full ($249), or an upgrade ($99)—users can choose how deeply they want to dive into their audio calibration.
Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager for Bluesound, highlights another key feature: “We’ve implemented Dirac filters before the internal DAC, meaning users can bypass to an external DAC while still benefiting from the technology.” This is a game-changer for those with high-end setups relying on external digital-to-analog converters.
How to Get Started
For users eager to experience this innovation, the setup is straightforward. First, purchase a Room Calibration Kit from Bluesound’s website or authorized dealers. Then, head over to Dirac.com to get the appropriate license for your needs.
The kit includes a professional-grade microphone, capable of capturing frequencies across the full audible range (20 Hz to 20 kHz), making calibration simple and precise. Once set up, use a laptop to run the calibration process, tailoring the sound to your space.
Rikard Hellerfelt, Dirac’s VP of Consumer and eCommerce, emphasizes, “This allows music lovers to elevate their existing audio setups—even those without built-in Dirac Live—by simply adding a Bluesound streamer.” Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard audiophile, this partnership offers a significant step forward in accessible, high-quality sound.
About Bluesound and Dirac
Bluesound’s legacy in the audio industry dates back to the 1970s, with a mission to deliver true-to-life performance through cutting-edge wireless audio products. Dirac, headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, specializes in software solutions that enhance sound for manufacturers, services, and end users alike. Together, these two innovators are reshaping how we experience music at home.
Bluesound’s Dirac Live integration is more than just a firmware update—it’s an invitation to rediscover your music. Whether you’re fine-tuning a living room setup or aiming for studio-quality sound, this collaboration ensures that every note hits just right.
The post Elevate Your Listening Experience: Dirac Live Comes to Bluesound NODE Players appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.