TOPIC:

I see there is a similar topic on volume calibration issues but those discussions deal mainly with MAC systems.  I'm using Windows 10 and with master volume and mic gain maxed out, I am not able to get the speaker volume higher than -30 dB unless I crank my Marantz pre-amp above 0 dB.  However, my bigger problem is that the white noise is more than just white noise.  I am getting a nasty crackling sound repeating at about 30 Hz along with the white noise.  The crackling sound does increase in volume commensurate with the white noise.  During music playback, I don't have any noise issues... so I'm guessing the noise is coming from my USB connection to my Windows computer.  I am using a high quality USB cable (Pangea Premier SE).  Is there some internal Windows setting I may have missed ?  And why is that Dirac no longer shows a target region for the volume calibration ?

Hoping I can get some trouble-shooting suggestions.  I tried Dirac once previously with an Emotiva processor and I recall having challenges with the volume calibration even then.  I also was very disappointed with the end results because Dirac killed the imaging from my KEF speakers and I ended up returning the Emotiva processor.

Here is my set-up:
NAD M50.2 (source) --- AES/EBU ---> DDRC-22D --- SPDIF (coax) ---> Bifrost2 (dac) --- XLR ---> Marantz AV8805 (analog in / Pure Direct)

All software and firmware is current.  My Windows setting for the Umik 2 mic is 96 kHz/24 bit.  I plan to try 48 kHz/24 bit for my next try but not sure what else I can do to fix the issue.
 

I just tried the volume calibration again and have to correct my description of the odd noise.  It is not really a crackling sound but more like a pulsing siren sound that cycles up and down in volume about every 2 seconds (30 Hz).  It is more noticeable in my left speaker.  At this point, I am going to assume that it is a normal part of the white or pink noise but it seems odd.

I have reached one conclusion but please correct me if I am wrong.  My intent is to always use the DDRC-22D at max volume (0 dB) setting because I will be using my pre-amp to control volume.  (I still do not understand why this all digital device needs a volume control.)  Therefore, I intend to override the Master Output lock and set it to 0 dB during the Dirac volume calibration.  That way I can set my pre-amp to a reasonable volume, somewhere between -30 and -20 dB, during the calibration process and also leave the mic gain at 100%.