I started reading up on REW. The approximately 132 page instructions. I'm wondering if it's in my best interest to upgrade my PC for one that has HDMI out, so I'm able to measure each channel.
My current PC is getting a bit older now, so I may just do that. I still have much to prep for, but that can wait 'til I have a 976 in the fold. Still not sure how to tie into the measurement specifically for the 976.

Soundcards under Windows do not allow for HDMI control— https://www.roomeqwizard.com/help/help_en-GB/html/calsoundcard.html

I was reading a "getting started with REW" a step by step guide, where starting on page 7 of the 132 page article, it describes using either an HDMI connection or the 3.5mm headphone output. I'm thinking the HDMI would be much easier to use configuring a 7.1 system.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zdhq72a1puyyxpr/REW%20101%20HTS%20Current%20Version.pdf?dl=0

There's program software that needs to be installed to be able to use an HDMI interface- ASIO4ALL- which is mentioned on page 30 of the guide. Otherwise renov8r, you would be correct
BTW, that link you provided only goes to a "404 Not Found" page.
Or is it just me?

I somehow added a character to the end of the link, I've corrected the link...

That is still the "online" help file, the revisions to the software since then do have support for audio cards with surround via HDMI, but I really am not even sure if it makes sense to get a new computer for just that functionality.

If you want / need a major upgrade for gaming or HTPC that might make sense, but if you have a desktop that supports older audio cards that seems to yield the same results with REW, of course you'd need to move around audio cables a bit more ...

Have you got to the part where it says if your system isn't minimum phase then parametric EQ isn't going to fix it?

From this I take it that the first step should be identifying and fixing any glaring problems in your room. Then re-run REW and tune in the parametric EQ.

From that standpoint I would think REW can be run with your current setup to identify the room problems and, incidentally, get some experience with REW.

Thanks, and thanks. No I haven't got that far yet. Just getting my feet wet.
I do know that I'm going to need some sort of room treatments, but it's also a dual purpose room, not dedicated.
I can't wait to get some experience with REW.
It does make sense to not get a new PC just for this. I will need a new one at some point either way. I may try it with the current PC first and see how that goes.

That was a bit of a throwback, but HDMI is much more preferable. Initially, you may think to use the headphone-out of the computer and I made the same mistake, but the Model 976's analog input section is pure analog. This means the EQ does not, and cannot, affect the analog inputs because they stay analog through and through and are not converted.

You can use the headphone-out to the 7.1 analog inputs to analyze two channels at a time and the frequency response of your speakers in your room. You can then make your changes in the Model 976's EQ, BUT, you would not be able to monitor, visually or audibly, your changes because, again, the analog inputs are not impacted by the EQ.

Ultimately, an HDMI connection is necessary to monitor and correct any changes made in the EQ. If you don't want to tinker to that level, and visually see the affect of your EQ changes, analog connections from a headphone output should work just to implement the changes recommended by REW. These changes will then audibly impact all digital audio inputs.

So I have a MacBook Pro with ethernet, firewire, thunderbolt, and two USB ports. One USB port will be used by the mic. Thunderbolt to HDMI seems to be easy using an adapter but which MacBook port is best for using REW with the 976?

Here is graph of my PSA 15S sub response with REW EQ filters generated for the 976. REW Google photos