Unable to connect 2021 MBP and NAD M33 for REW measurements

[vekven]

Hi there -

New to the site, found you folks through searches related to REW. I've recently got a listening space set up in a small and, unfortunately, square room in my attic. I have an NAD M33 that I'm very happy with. I've run Dirac a couple of times and I can definitely hear a difference. Things are more compact, tighter, more defined, and soundstage is excellent. However, I'd like to play around a bit more with speaker placement and tomorrow I have 2 small subs (I know, small subs aren't really subs) coming. The space is a work in progress and some room treatment is in the cards eventually as well. I have a UMIK-1 (which worked fine with Dirac, not a mic issue) and I'm all set to get some measurements, but I can't get my MBP to see the NAD unit connected via HDMI. I've read threads here and elsewhere and no one seems to have a single answer, but I figured I'd give it a shot. Here's what I've tried:

• 3 different HDMI cables - 2 generic, provided by cable company, 1 Rocketfish cable. The BluOS website recommends certified cables only, so perhaps I should grab a new cable and try that?
• various sequences and configurations of devices powered on and off and orders of connection, including the BLuOs recommendation of everything truly powered off, not just set to standby, prior to connection.
• I do have Rogue Amoeba's SoundSource installed on the MBP - I deleted it along with their ACE kext and restarted.

At no point has an HDMI connection been visible in Audio Midi Setup, REW, or the Sound system preferences. The NAD display shows 'connecting' with the HDMI input selected. Am I missing something here? I know HDMI is a complicated spec that is not well defined in some ways. Is a cable purchase worth a shot? Any other suggestions? I'd really like to know how my room measures! I like the sound I'm getting, but, as I said, the room measurements would help me tweak my speaker position, sub situation, and perhaps guide future room treatment. I'd appreciate any suggestions and am glad to provide any additional info that would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[sam_adams]

@vekven,

The NAD HDMI port is ARC/CEC audio only input. The Mac doesn't detect it because there is no video support.

You can send digital audio to the NAD up to 24-bit, 192KHz using the TOSLINK port(s) using the below (all Amazon links):

Douk Audio U2 PRO XMOS XU208 Digital Interface, USB to TOSLINK.

USB-C to USB 'B' cable.

TOSLINK optical cables in various lengths—stay under ten feet.

 

[vekven]

That would certainly explain it. I have an optical cable and a C -> B USB cable, just need to pick up the interface. Appreciate the quick response and detailed info, thank you very much!

 

[ddude003]

Or you could Generate sweep tones with timing reference and save to a .wav file, play via a network or put on a USB jump drive and play via what ever player you use...

 

[jeppekristoffer]

I believe you can connect your computer to your tv via hdmi and then select the hdmi input on your tv and then the audio can be sent out from your tv:s ARC-capable HDMI port to the Nad ARC-hdmi port. I do it like that with my sony (earc tv) and denon x3700h and can thereby send atmos sweeps from my pc through the tv and then to the denon.

 

[jeppekristoffer]

If you have a arc/earc capable tv then you can select that as "output" in REW preferences by selecting the outout named "EXCL-(insert your tv name here). Then you can send at least 2 channels from REW to your NAD 33.

 

[vekven]

I believe you can connect your computer to your tv via hdmi and then select the hdmi input on your tv and then the audio can be sent out from your tv:s ARC-capable HDMI port to the Nad ARC-hdmi port. I do it like that with my sony (earc tv) and denon x3700h and can thereby send atmos sweeps from my pc through the tv and then to the denon.

Thanks for that suggestion. Right now, I'm working in an audio-only room, no TV up here. In any case, the TVs in my house are at least 10 yrs old, not sure how much help they'll be! I did try a USB-C -> coax cable into the NAD, but no luck. The USB/optical interface should be here tomorrow. For now, just working on Dirac with the 2 subs. Thanks again!

 

[jeppekristoffer]

If your tv has arc then it will work.