BlueSound BLS-RCK1

The BlueSound BLS-RCK1 is an omnidirectional microphone designed for professional acoustic calibration. Dirac certified, it enables precise measurement and optimization of audio system sound reproduction based on the specific characteristics of each listening room.

A measurement microphone designed for acoustic precision

The heart of the BLS-RCK1 lies in a calibrated omnidirectional electret capsule designed to capture sound measurements throughout the room with remarkable precision. This omnidirectional design ensures uniform capture of the 360-degree sound field, an essential characteristic for properly analyzing the reflections and resonances of the listening space. The microphone’s perfectly spherical directivity allows faithful measurement of the interaction between speakers and the acoustic environment, without favoring any particular direction.

The microphone covers the entire audible spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring complete frequency analysis, from the deepest bass to the most crystalline highs. This extended frequency range allows the Dirac Live software to identify and correct acoustic anomalies across the entire bandwidth, guaranteeing exhaustive system calibration.

The integrated USB-A interface transforms this microphone into a true plug-and-play tool. Once connected to the USB port of a Dirac Live Ready compatible BlueSound device, the system automatically loads a specific correction file, eliminating any complex configuration. This driverless design ensures seamless compatibility with Windows and macOS systems, allowing users to immediately begin the calibration process without prior software installation.

Dirac certification and integration into the BlueSound ecosystem

Official Dirac certification represents a guarantee of quality and compatibility for the BLS-RCK1. This validation ensures that the microphone meets Dirac Research’s strict requirements in terms of linearity, signal-to-noise ratio, and measurement accuracy. The calibration file provided with each microphone compensates for the slight frequency response variations inherent to any acoustic transducer, ensuring professionally accurate measurements.

Native integration with BlueSound Dirac Live Ready products constitutes a major asset of the BLS-RCK1. The Node N132 streamers (2025 generation) and Node Icon natively integrate Dirac Live support, enabling acoustic correction directly in the digital domain before analog conversion. This approach preserves signal integrity while applying necessary corrections, guaranteeing optimal sound quality even when using an external DAC.

Compatibility also extends to NAD amplifiers equipped with BluOS-D modules, notably the M10 V3, M33, M66, C658, C3050 models and the Classic series with optional MDC2 BluOS-D modules. This synergy between Lenbrook group brands (BlueSound, NAD and PSB Speakers) demonstrates a coherent vision of the high-resolution audio ecosystem.

Dirac Live technology: next-generation acoustic correction

Dirac Live represents far more than a simple parametric equalizer. This acoustic correction technology analyzes and compensates for temporal and frequency distortions caused by room acoustics. Unlike basic correction systems that merely adjust frequency response, Dirac Live also processes impulse response, correcting phase and temporal alignment issues between speakers.

The measurement process typically involves 9 to 17 microphone positions distributed around the main listening area. The microphone, pointed toward the ceiling during multichannel measurements or toward the speakers in stereo configuration, captures the unique acoustic characteristics of the space. The Dirac Live algorithm then analyzes this data to create custom correction filters, compensating for resonance modes, early reflections, and phase cancellations.

The correction applies in real time with negligible latency, allowing instant enjoyment of an expanded soundstage, precise instrument localization, and controlled, articulate bass response. Low frequencies, often problematic in domestic spaces, particularly benefit from this technology, regaining definition and impact without parasitic resonances.

Calibration process and practical use

Deploying the BLS-RCK1 follows a rigorous yet accessible methodology. After connecting the microphone to the USB-A port of the BlueSound device or directly to a computer, the user launches the Dirac Live application (available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android). The software automatically detects compatible devices on the network and guides the user through each calibration step.

The level adjustment phase ensures optimal signal-to-noise ratio, with a recommended target between -15 dB and -13 dB to avoid any saturation or excessive background noise. The microphone must be positioned at ear height for the main listening position, then moved according to a predefined pattern to capture acoustic variations in the listening area. Each position undergoes a frequency sweep broadcast successively by each speaker.

Analysis of the measurements generates a target correction curve that the user can adjust according to their preferences. Advanced users can manually modify the target curve to personalize sound reproduction, while beginners can rely on predefined profiles optimized by Dirac Research. The calculated correction filters are then loaded into the BlueSound device, where they apply in real time to all audio content played.

Technical Specifications

Type and Design

• High-performance omnidirectional microphone for precise acoustic measurements
• Specifically designed for Dirac Live acoustic measurements
• Certified and approved for Dirac Live

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Covers the entire audible spectrum
  • Accurate measurements throughout the room
• Fast, reliable calibration for optimized sound

Connectivity and Interface

• Interface: USB A
• Operation: Plug & Play
• Installation: driverless
  • Windows compatible
  • macOS compatible

Compatibility

• All Bluesound Dirac Live Ready products
• Immediate integration with no configuration required