ART terms explained: Fsiso, Support Level, F-support, and more

A Dirac Live feature that coordinates speakers so supporting speakers can help other channels control room resonances in the bass.

It requires compatible hardware and its own license. ART Coach plans settings for it; it does not run it.

A set of speakers that share the same correction parameters. A group works within the limits of its most limited member.

Dirac recommends separating subwoofers with different capability into different groups.

Permission for one group to contribute toward another group's target, within a frequency band and up to a level.

It is a limit, not a fixed amount. ART Coach lists one row per supporter, and a "Within group" row for a group's own contribution.

The highest frequency at which speakers may support each other. Above it, each speaker receives standard per-speaker correction.

Dirac's default is 150 Hz, within a range of 50 to 150 Hz. ART Coach often suggests a lower starting value; these suggestions are planning choices to compare with the default and your measurements, not measured requirements.

How strongly a supporting group may contribute, in negative decibels. -1 dB allows the least contribution and -24 dB the most.

Dirac's default is -18 dB. It is not a target-curve boost or a volume setting.

The bottom of the band in which a supporter may contribute.

It should respect the supporting speaker's real low-frequency capability. ART Coach rounds it up to a 5 Hz step.

The top of the band in which a supporter may contribute.

It cannot usefully exceed the receiving group's Fsiso and may sit below it. ART Coach rounds it down to a 5 Hz step.

The full-range speaker that sets the timing reference for the LFE group.

It concerns timing only. It is not where a target curve is sent.

The frequency limits that mainly define the range in which a speaker group's magnitude correction is applied.

Each group follows only the part of its target curve inside its curtains.

The subwoofer group that carries the LFE channel and receives a target curve. Other subwoofer groups support it.

Support-only subwoofer groups receive no target curve of their own.

The target curve file ART Coach exports for import into the calibration software.

ART Coach exports one file for the selected target approach.

One full-range target curve that is loaded, unchanged, into every target-bearing speaker group.

Profiles: Movie Reference Level, Movie Everyday Volume, Music Reference Level, and Music Everyday Volume. It is the default for new plans.

A target approach that keeps existing full-range speaker targets and exports one bass-only curve, through 160 Hz, for the Primary LFE group or bass destination.

Without subwoofers, the bass points are entered by hand.

How groups cooperate in the plan. It does not change the curve's tonal balance.

Balanced Reference: moderate bass sharing with controlled surround participation. Cinema Focused: the strongest front-anchor bias, with restricted surround participation. Maximum Modal Control: broader cooperation where the layout and intent permit it.

The listening goal that sets the starting bass shape and support behavior.

Version 1.0.8 has three Movie presets (Theater Reference, Cinematic, Slam), four Music presets (Music Reference, Balanced Music, Electronic / EDM, Live Concert), and Custom.

A small adjustment within the chosen intent, such as Bass lift or Bass restraint. The options offered depend on the preset.

Curve Shape makes broad bass adjustments to the target, with a live preview, in the free app. Pro Bass Shaping adds finer per-band control.

A placement mark for a speaker or subwoofer close to the main listening position (MLP).

A Near MLP speaker mainly receives a lower F-support High cap, and a subwoofer behind the main seat can also start with a lower Fsiso. Both reduce the risk of a supporter drawing attention to itself; neither proves a wider range cannot work.

ART Coach's two exports. The Setup Sheet is a condensed entry reference; the Technical Reference is the fuller record with explanations.

Both are available as PDF, text, or clipboard text.

An optional notebook for room dimensions, seating positions, speaker distances, and notes, kept with the plan.

It is a reference only. It does not change ART Coach's recommendations or measure anything.

Microphone tools for checking background noise before measuring. Readings are relative input levels, not calibrated sound pressure level.

Audio is analyzed in real time and never recorded or stored.

The tonal balance the correction aims for, as frequency and gain points. It is a goal, not the measured response.

The frequency at which a speaker's output has fallen 3 dB below its normal level, from the manufacturer's specification or a conservative estimate.

ART Coach uses it to keep support bands within each speaker's capability.