TOPIC:

Where did they come from? What do they do?

It's a different type of target curve, where you can drag the new elements up and down to affect the low and high frequency targets. If you want to use the old target curve you still can though. The circled options in the top right corner of the image below let you switch between the two. I think the logic of the new default is to alter the intrinsic character of a system less, at least in the first instance. Personally I still use the old one as I'd got used to how to adjust from there.

 

Makes sense. What's confusing is when I click on that icon in the top right box to switch to this new curve - it's already modified by default. Like where did that +5.5db on the right of my screenshot come from?

Kenken wrote:

Makes sense. What's confusing is when I click on that icon in the top right box to switch to this new curve - it's already modified by default. Like where did that +5.5db on the right of my screenshot come from?

This is what I was referring to when I said I think the logic is to change the inherent character of your system less. The curve you start off with broadly fits the existing tonal balance of your system I believe.

Like it applies an estimate of a house curve? It looks like a low shelf... is there any documentation for this?

Kenken wrote:

Like it applies an estimate of a house curve? It looks like a low shelf... is there any documentation for this?

All I've seen is the following statements from the Dirac Live changelog for version 3.3.0 when I believe this was introduced:

Features

• A new and unique algorithm that tailors the target curve to your room and sound system.
• A new way to set the target curve (the old way still available).

Source:  Software Changelogs - Dirac Live Support - Confluence

You'll need to contact Dirac Live if you want to try to find out any more about this but I believe it's as I've described above. Just view it as a different option to adjust your target curve to taste should you wish to try it. There is no such thing as a 'correct' target curve so don't get too hung up on this.
 

Oh, and note the target curve you had applied was both a low shelf filter applying a boost, and a high shelf filter applying a cut.

You're referring to the high shelf being applied to the highs on the right there?
 

Kenken wrote:

You're referring to the high shelf being applied to the highs on the right there?
 

Yes.

this new curve thing looks pretty correct - I do need more bass and I do need less highs. thanks

Oh also, in general, if I pull the right curtain in dirac to the modal frequencies - it will negate anything that happens to the right of the curtain, correct?

Kenken wrote:

this new curve thing looks pretty correct - I do need more bass and I do need less highs. thanks

You've misunderstood. The new default curve is broadly matching to what you already have, not really applying a boost/cut. With any target curve you ultimately have to listen to the result and decide if you like it or not, and adjust the target curve accordingly if not.

Kenken wrote:

Oh also, in general, if I pull the right curtain in dirac to the modal frequencies - it will negate anything that happens to the right of the curtain, correct?

Yes. The upper and lower curtains define the frequency range over which the Dirac Live filters are applied. Personally I prefer the results if Dirac is only applied below ~150 Hz but experiment with full-range as well as some do like this.

I think I'm confused about the distinction between the "default curve" and "target curve". Which one is the corrected response that gets applied after measurements and carries the correction plus my edits? 

Kenken wrote:

I think I'm confused about the distinction between the "default curve" and "target curve". Which one is the corrected response that gets applied after measurements and carries the correction plus my edits? 

There is a default target curve that appears first of all. You can then edit this.