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Version 1.0.4 available now

Plan your configuration with a structured workflow.

ART Coach is an independent planning app for use with third-party software Dirac Live® ART. It translates layout, speaker capability, and listening intent into structured starting values for Fsiso, Support Level, support ranges, and target curves. The 7-step flow shows what to set and why while keeping repeat sessions organized and export-ready.

Independent application; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the third-party software provider, Dirac Research AB.

Version 1.0.4Release
7 stepsWizard flow
13 presetsIntent presets
Stereo to 9.4.6Layout support

Structured workflow

The app is a parameter calculation engine with a 7-step wizard, support matrix, target curve guidance, and documentation-grade export.

Honest constraints

Results depend on room acoustics, placement, equipment capability, and measurement quality.

Platform availability

Available on the App Store.

Version 1.0.4 supports iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 or later.

iPhoneAvailable
iPadAvailable
Mac CatalystAvailable
Why ART Coach

See the problem ART Coach is built to solve.

This short introduction explains why calibration planning can become difficult before measurements begin, and how ART Coach turns scattered system details and setup decisions into a clearer starting point.

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What’s new in 1.0.4

More consistent recommendations and clearer ART guidance.

Version 1.0.4 is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac through Mac Catalyst.

  • The same system details now produce consistent recommendations, regardless of the order speakers were added or restored.
  • Nearfield subwoofer limits and the speaker capabilities you enter are now applied more consistently, including when using Custom Emphasis.
  • Support recommendations stay within the capabilities you provide. When a group has no usable support range, ART Coach now explains why instead of showing a misleading value.
  • Infra-bass target points now consider the complete channel group, so a limited speaker or subwoofer does not make the whole group appear infra-bass capable.
  • Older saved configurations refresh using the latest calculation rules while preserving custom group names and preferences.
  • Parameter review checklist changes now save automatically.
  • Guidance, exports, onboarding, and the guide now explain ART and Bass Control prerequisites, Support Level behavior, and what still needs to be confirmed through measurement and listening.

If you use a setup sheet created by an earlier version, open the saved configuration and export a fresh copy before your next calibration session.

Who it’s for

Built for first-time users and experienced calibrators.

The app is designed for people new to this workflow as well as experienced users running advanced calibration sessions in dedicated rooms. It helps you move from speaker data to clear entry values with less guesswork and better session consistency.

First-time users

The wizard and guide content break setup into clear steps so you can learn terminology, make decisions in order, and avoid skipped details.

Calibrators who want repeatable manual entry

The wizard turns system details into a consistent parameter handoff so each session starts from clear values instead of scattered notes.

Movie and music tuners using intent presets

Intent presets and optional emphasis controls support both cinema impact and music integration without changing the core workflow.

What it produces

Concrete outputs for people who need values.

The app exports what calibration sessions actually use: calculated group parameters, a condensed Setup Sheet or Detailed Configuration Reference, PDF and TXT files, clipboard text, and target curve points with a compatible import file.

Calculated group parameters

Each speaker group lists Fsiso, then names every supporter with its own Support Level, F-support Low, and F-support High values for direct entry.

Example · Immersive Atmos + Dialogue · 7.3.4

> FRONT LEFT/RIGHT
  Fsiso: 100 Hz    F-support: 45–80 Hz
  Within group
    Support Level:      -5 dB
    F-support Low:      45 Hz
    F-support High:     80 Hz
  Subs (Front)
    Support Level:     -22 dB
    F-support Low:      45 Hz
    F-support High:     80 Hz
  Subs (Behind MLP)
    Support Level:     -12 dB
    F-support Low:      45 Hz
    F-support High:     75 Hz

Target curve points

The Target Curve section identifies the Primary LFE/subwoofer group, the one showing the Target/Corrected curve indicator, and prints its frequency and gain points. Support-only sub groups contribute toward that target without receiving a separate curve. Export can also write a `.targetcurve` file for compatible import.

Example · Immersive Atmos + Dialogue · 7.3.4

Apply to: Subs (Front)
10 Hz ............ +0.3 dB
16 Hz ............ +0.9 dB
20 Hz ............ +1.9 dB
25 Hz ............ +3.2 dB
31.5 Hz .......... +3.6 dB
40 Hz ............ +3.9 dB
50 Hz ............ +3.9 dB
63 Hz ............ +3.3 dB
80 Hz ............ +2.6 dB
100 Hz ........... +1.4 dB
120 Hz ........... +0.6 dB
160 Hz ........... -0.2 dB

Simple and Detailed exports

Simple produces a condensed Setup Sheet. Detailed produces a Configuration Reference with speaker membership, support eligibility, bass regions, infra-bass guidance, and system notes. Both can be copied or exported as TXT or PDF.

Example · Immersive Atmos + Dialogue · 7.3.4

ART COACH · CONFIGURATION REFERENCE
Intent: Immersive Atmos + Dialogue
Layout: 7.3.4
Rec. Fsiso: 102 Hz
Groups: 8
Seats: 2
Priority: Multi-Seat Balance
Sound Strategy: Cinema Focused
Apply to: Subs (Front)
How it works

A seven-step flow shaped around practical calibration order.

The wizard follows a fixed sequence because each downstream output depends on choices made earlier in the session, starting with layout and capabilities.

01

Layout

Match the bed, sub, and height counts to the layout you are actually calibrating.

02

Speaker capabilities

Enter -3 dB extension and placement details, use quick presets when helpful, and copy values from similar channels to speed setup.

03

Sound intent

Pick an intent preset for your listening goal, then optionally refine with emphasis controls such as Dialogue, Impact, or Custom.

04

Groups

Choose a grouping strategy, then verify group structure and support eligibility before entering any values in your calibration software.

05

Configuration parameters

Use the per-group values and support relationships exactly as shown in the handoff section.

06

Target curve

Review and shape the system bass target for the Primary LFE/subwoofer group, verify the Target/Corrected curve indicator in Filter Design, then export a `.targetcurve` file when you do not want manual transcription. Support-only sub groups do not receive separate curves.

07

Export

Choose the format that fits the session: clipboard, TXT, PDF, or a documentation-ready setup sheet.

Trust and constraints

Plain limits, clear scope, and no language that pretends the room stopped mattering.

The app is explicit about what it can and cannot claim. That clarity is part of why serious users can trust it in real calibration work.

Guidance, not guarantees

The app produces structured starting points for measurement and listening validation, not final acoustic verdicts.

Your room still decides the result

Final results still depend on room acoustics, placement, equipment capability, and measurement quality.

Conservative by design

Near-MLP speakers, behind-MLP subwoofers, and center-channel support can receive intentionally cautious boundaries or roles before room measurements are available. These safeguards create a conservative starting point, not a claim that a wider measured range cannot work.

Validate against equipment limits

The parameters step warns that these settings increase demand on speakers and amplifiers, and tells users to back off if they hear strain or compression.

Pricing / Pro

Free for the core workflow. Pro for persistence, editing, and organization.

Free mode includes the full calculation and export workflow. Pro adds workflow depth and convenience, not guaranteed performance. Third-party calibration software licensing is separate.

Free

$0

Core workflow included

Free mode includes the complete core workflow: calculation, grouping, target curves, and export.

  • 7-step wizard
  • 13 listening presets plus custom intent
  • Automatic speaker group derivation
  • Subwoofer role classification (Impact, Pressurization, Nearfield)
  • Parameter and target curve workflow
  • Curve Shape: broad target-curve bass controls with live preview (every preset and custom intent)
  • Clipboard, TXT, PDF, Setup Sheet, Detailed Reference, and Target Curve export
  • Room Noise Check, Background Noise Monitor, and measurement-layout references
  • Comprehensive guide content

Pro

Most workflow depth

$7.99

One-time unlock

A one-time, non-consumable unlock for workflow depth and organization, not for promised sound quality gains.

  • Configuration Library for saved setups
  • Room and setup folders
  • iCloud Sync
  • Reusable configuration templates
  • Pro Bass Shaping: finer per-band precision (5 core bands, 20–160 Hz, plus optional infra-bass on compatible systems) on top of the free Curve Shape controls
  • Version history with rollback and side-by-side configuration comparison
  • Custom group names and configuration notes
  • `.artcoach` configuration import and export
  • Target Curve Editor with per-point control
  • Siri Shortcuts, Spotlight Search, and Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets

One-time unlock. Not a subscription. Restore purchases in-app. Refunds are handled by Apple.

FAQ

Short answers to the questions most buyers ask first.

These answers are written for people preparing for their first calibration and for users who already calibrate regularly.

What is this app for?

It is a calculation and export workspace for structured calibration setup. It helps you learn the workflow while producing entry-ready values, and it does not replace room correction itself.

What third-party software is required?

ART Coach is an independent planning companion for third-party Dirac Live® software and is not affiliated with Dirac Research AB. It does not perform calibration or function as a standalone calibration tool; its plans and exports can be used only with the compatible Dirac Live application for Windows or macOS. You will also need a compatible system and licenses for Dirac Live Room Correction and Active Room Treatment. If your system includes one or more subwoofers, you’ll also need a Dirac Live Bass Control license. Verify current compatibility and licensing requirements at https://www.dirac.com.

Can first-time users use it?

Yes. It is designed for first-time users and experienced calibrators who want a clearer, repeatable parameter workflow.

What values does it produce?

Fsiso, LFE Reference guidance, supporter relationships, Support Level, F-support Low, F-support High, target curve points, a Simple Setup Sheet, and a Detailed Configuration Reference.

Which group receives the target curve?

Apply the system low-frequency curve to the Primary LFE/subwoofer group, the one showing the Target/Corrected curve indicator in Filter Design. Support-only subwoofer groups contribute toward that target and do not get separate curves. LFE Reference is the timing reference, not the curve destination, and other main speaker groups keep their own targets.

Can it guarantee better bass?

No. Results depend on room acoustics, placement, equipment capability, and measurement quality.

What does Pro include, and is it a subscription?

Pro is optional and adds the Configuration Library, folders, iCloud Sync, reusable templates, per-band Bass Shaping, version history and comparison, custom group names and configuration notes, `.artcoach` transfer, the Target Curve Editor, Siri Shortcuts, Spotlight Search, and Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets. It is a one-time, non-consumable unlock, not a subscription. The free workflow still includes full core calculation, broad Curve Shape controls, and the standard export formats.

What platforms are supported?

Version 1.0.4 supports iPhone and iPad on iOS or iPadOS 18 and later, and Mac through Mac Catalyst on macOS 15 and later.

Does it include measurement tools?

It includes optional companion tools for room-noise readiness checks, background-noise monitoring during sweeps, UMIK-1/2 calibration-profile import, and measurement-layout reference. These tools support measurement preparation; they do not replace calibration measurements or correction.

What happens to my data?

Core functionality runs on-device. There are no analytics SDKs or advertising trackers, and optional sync is handled through the user’s private iCloud account.

Start with structure before you start entering calibration values.

The free version includes the full calculation and export flow, with Pro reserved for saving, comparing, shaping, syncing, and organizing longer calibration work.