House Curve or Keep Speaker Voicing: preparing an ART target curve
How ART Coach's two target approaches differ, which groups each file applies to, how to import a .targetcurve file, and what to check before and after.
Short answer
ART Coach House Curve exports one full-range curve that you load, unchanged, into every target-bearing speaker group. Keep Speaker Voicing leaves your existing full-range speaker targets in place and exports one bass-only curve, through 160 Hz, for the Primary LFE group or the identified bass destination. Support-only subwoofer groups receive no curve in either approach.
What a target curve is
A target curve sets the tonal balance the correction aims for. Dirac Live starts from a flat target and lets you drag control points to change it. Dirac: Filter Design
In ART, target curves are assigned to main channels. A subwoofer group outside the LFE channel group works as a supporter: it contributes toward the target of the channels it supports and has no curve of its own. Dirac: subwoofers outside the LFE channel group
The two approaches in ART Coach
With House Curve, each group follows only the part of the shared curve inside its own correction curtains, the frequency limits that define where correction is applied. There are no separate curves by speaker role.
| Item | ART Coach House Curve | Keep Speaker Voicing |
|---|---|---|
| What the file contains | One full-range curve | One bass-only curve, through 160 Hz |
| Where it goes | Every target-bearing group: left/right, center, surrounds, heights, and the Primary LFE group when present | Only the Primary LFE group or the identified main-speaker bass destination |
| Existing speaker targets | Replaced by the shared curve | Kept as they are |
| Profiles | Movie Reference Level, Movie Everyday Volume, Music Reference Level, Music Everyday Volume | Bass shape follows the selected intent |
| Support-only subwoofer groups | No separate curve | No separate curve |
| Default | Used for new plans | Choose it when you want to keep established speaker targets |
Keep Speaker Voicing without subwoofers
When a system has no subwoofers, ART Coach 1.0.8 names the main-speaker bass destination and asks you to enter its bass points by hand in Dirac Live. Importing a bass-only file into a full-range speaker group can replace that group's upper target.
What shapes the curve, and what does not
- The listening intent and its optional emphasis set the bass shape.
- Curve Shape, in the free app, makes broad bass adjustments with a live preview. Pro Bass Shaping and the Target Curve Editor add finer per-band and per-point control.
- The Sound Strategy changes how groups cooperate, not the curve's tonal balance.
- The target approach does not change grouping or support settings.
Export and import the file
- In ART Coach, confirm the target approach and profile on the Target Curve step.
- On the Export step, export the .targetcurve file. The Setup Sheet and Technical Reference list every group that should receive it.
- In Dirac Live, load the same file into each listed group. Do not load it into support-only subwoofer groups.
- Check the curve against each group's correction curtains before you calculate filters.
- Listen and measure. If the result does not suit the room, change one region of the curve for one reason, then compare again.
Example: bass points from one plan
20 Hz +4.8 dB 31.5 Hz +4.8 dB 50 Hz +4.8 dB 63 Hz +4.7 dB 80 Hz +3.9 dB 100 Hz +2.9 dB 120 Hz +2.0 dB 160 Hz +0.8 dB
The Setup Sheet rounds these bass points. The .targetcurve file carries the precise full-range contour, including the treble. A different intent, emphasis, or Curve Shape gives a different curve.
Before and after the import
- Confirm which approach the plan uses before loading any file.
- Keep any bass boost within what your subwoofers and amplifiers can deliver at your listening level.
- Compare at matched playback levels with familiar material.
- A smooth-looking curve is not proof of a good result. Watch for loose bass, compression, or a change that only works at one seat.
Sources
- Dirac Live Bass Control: Filter Design, Dirac help center
- Why do subwoofers outside the LFE channel group not have a target curve?, Dirac help center
- ART Coach in-app Guide, version 1.0.8, ART Coach
Statements attributed to Dirac summarize its public help center; check it for current behavior. ART Coach’s planning rules come from the app and its in-app Guide. ART Coach is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dirac Research AB. Dirac® and Dirac Live® are registered trademarks of Dirac Research AB.