Software Newsletter April 2016

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2 Contents ArrayCalc V R1 Remote control software V Amplifier firmware V2.04 (D80/D20/10D/30D)...11

3 ArrayCalc V8.8 d&b ArrayCalc simulation software accurately predicts the performance of all d&b line arrays and columns as well as a selection of point source loudspeakers and subwoofers. ArrayCalc models the exact performance of the system in a given space defined by the user, taking into account input levels as well specific d&b filtering options. All level distribution information is displayed using a 3D plot of the venue, which also maps coverage details for various frequency bands as well as broadband pink noise. This ensures that the system is within mechanical and safety limits and will perform exactly as expected, meaning system configurations can be defined before even entering the venue. The latest version of ArrayCalc includes a number of new features: Plane settings menu for ArrayProcessing In addition to Listening, ArrayProcessing now provides two additional plane properties, named Reflecting and Avoidance. Listening (standard) Listening is the standard setting which is used for all planes occupied by an audience. When this plane type is chosen, an additional level offset (positive or negative) can be defined. The resulting target level vs. distance is shown in Result window for ArrayProcessing. Reflecting Reflecting can be used for a highly reflecting surface such as, glass walls or balcony fronts. ArrayProcessing will reduce the SPL for the individual sources aiming at the reflecting plane only. This will affect the range above approximately 800 Hz and corresponds well within the region where discrete reflections are most audible and annoying. The benefit of the Reflecting plane option is that the performance of the entire array below 800 Hz is not affected. This means the sources aiming at the reflecting plane still fully contribute to the broadband directivity improvement in the lower frequency range. An appropriate resolution is necessary to achieve this effect. At least one dedicated source must be aimed at the reflecting surface. A plane that has been defined as Reflecting is illustrated by a dashed line in the Target level vs. distance window.

4 Avoidance The Level avoidance option does not appear in the drop-down list unless it has been enabled under the ArrayProcessing tab in the Options menu. There is a very good reason for this. It is recommended that users only apply this very special function when they have gained adequate experience with the effects. The Level avoidance setting can drastically change the behaviour of an array in a non intuitive way. Level avoidance can be used to prevent the transmission of energy to a particular area by adding a vertical plane in between other listening planes. This vertical plane is then acoustically excluded in a broadband way down to a frequency that depends on the FIR filter latency and array length. This split beam mode can only be achieved by creating a dipole bias. This means that this array will no longer be acoustically compatible with any other array of Tops or Subs. The Level avoidance plane type can be used within an AP slot to temporarily exclude a certain stand or balcony from the broadband electroacoustic program. Schematic beam splitting in Level avoidance mode

5 Z-value and vertical aiming for SUB arrays In permanent installations, adequate space is often not available for a ground stacked SUB array due to orchestra pits or elevated stages. In order to improve the SPL distribution in these applications, a SUB array can be flown over the stage. On the 3D plot page, an additional z value and a vertical aiming angle can be defined to position a subwoofer array. To avoid confusion and mistakes, the z value and its vertical aiming can only be edited on the Alignment and 3D plot pages, where the placement can be monitored. The 3D plot will show the level projected onto the actual listening planes, while the 2D mapping plot on the Sources page will show the level distribution in the plane of the array's aiming. (That means, the latter will NOT change when the array aiming is modified). 18S-SUB and 27S-SUB 18S-SUB and 27S-SUB now available in SUB arrays B6-SUB INFRA setup A specific INFRA setup has been introduced for the B6 subwoofer setup in firmware version V2.04 for the D80, D20, 30D and 10D amplifiers. Further information is available later in this document. Additional devices for R1 The additional devices for R1 option has been reintroduced. This option functions as an R1 editor for additional groups of devices that are not part of the ArrayCalc simulation. Point sources: Equally spaced along option Editing point sources has been improved by the Equally spaced along option already known from SUB arrays. Selectable default device for Configure all amplifiers This control allows the user to define a default amplifier type for the whole project, or for each specific source group. Keyboard shortcuts for Venue editor Keyboard shortcuts are now available. Planes in in the Venue editor can now be moved precisely (10 cm steps) using the keyboard arrow keys. Use Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) in combination with the arrow keys for bigger (1m) steps.

6 HCD in ArrayProcessing The Hypercardioid switch for 2-Way Active subwoofers can now be selected for applications using ArrayProcessing. Reference point for NoizCalc To use ArrayCalc projects in NoizCalc or SoundPLANnoise, a reference point must be defined on the 3D plot page within ArrayCalc. The NoizCalc tab in the Options menu enables the respective settings on the 3D plot page. As soon as the Reference point option is ticked on the NoizCalc tab, the Air absorption switch (in the toolbar and Options menu) is automatically activated and locked and the HFC settings are made available. To exchange data between ArrayCalc and NoizCalc or SoundPLANnoise, make sure the HFC settings (along with all other settings) of all loudspeakers are adjusted correctly.

7 Help section Since its introduction in 2003, the ArrayCalc simulation software has seen many updates and a large number of new features. This has meant that the accompanying TI 385 ArrayCalc manual has grown to a very large document, making it difficult to access information quickly. To ensure that the content remains easily accessible, ArrayCalc V8.8 contains a Help function similar to the Help section known from the R1 Remote control software V2. The structure and usability of this new Help function will be continuously updated and improved in subsequent releases.

8 R1 Remote control software V2.16 The R1 Remote control software provides a flexible workplace for the d&b user. All features, functions and controls are accessible via the front panel of d&b amplifiers, which can be remotely controlled and/or monitored using R1 Remote control software. It allows each channel of the amplifier to be controlled and enables the creation of groups of loudspeakers. The latest version of the R1 Remote control software includes a number of new features: Enhanced EQ usability and speed R1 V2.16 features a new version of the EQ, in which the A/B switch is no longer present. This greatly improves the speed and response of the group EQ for large systems. This also improves the speed when loading a large R1 project and switching to Online mode. Note: The A/B switch is still available. If required, the AB version of the EQ 1 or EQ 2 should be selected in R1: Additionally, Grab points on the enlarged EQ view have been optimized for use with both mouse and Touch panel controls.

9 Undo/Redo for Remote views Undo/Redo functions have been included in the Configuration mode for the Remote views. Any action can be undone/redone with these functions, either by the dedicated buttons or via the usual Windows/Mac keyboard shortcuts. DS10 data Input Monitoring and Fallback In addition to sending the Dante channel labels and cabling information via the AES3 stream, the DS10 sends other information to the d&b amplifiers, such as if the selected receive channel is present in either the Primary and/or the Secondary Dante network. A new Input Monitoring mode has been included for digital inputs. In this DS Data Input Monitoring mode, the meta data information sent by the DS10 is constantly monitored and the Fallback function can be triggered if the Dante channel is not available on either the Primary or on the Secondary Dante network. Templates have also been created with this information included, so that users can monitor the Dante Channel status in their Remote views. Group targets for LED controls Groups can now be assigned to LED controls as a target, in order to monitor several devices at the same time. Certain functions, such as GR and OVL are not available for group LEDs, as they are rapidly switching, and would require too much network bandwidth. Sorting of Remote views The Remote views on the Home view can be now arranged by drag and drop:

10 Additionally, the views can be sorted within the Open views bar, also by drag and drop: The custom sorting will be saved within the project, so it will be kept after closing and reopening the project. Conflicting IP addresses for OCA devices If the IP address of an OCA device does not match the IP configuration of the local network interface, the device will be shown with a yellow icon within R1. The IP address of the OCA device will be shown within the properties page: Additionally, within the Interfaces window, the IP configuration (address and network mask) of all local interfaces will be visible.

11 Amplifier firmware V2.04 (D80/D20/10D/30D) DS data Input Monitoring and Fallback In the DS Data Input Monitoring mode, the meta data information sent by the DS10 is constantly monitored and the Fallback function can be triggered if the Dante channel is not available on either the Primary or on the Secondary Dante network. See also the R1 V2.16 section above. Example: Input Monitoring for input D1 Link channel function The EQ and/or Delay settings can be linked together in several combinations. These functions are controlled in the Channel menu for channels A or C. There are three different coupling functions available: - Delay - EQ - EQ + Delay Four direction modes are possible: A B A B, C A B, C, D C D Example: Channel linking A B and C D with EQ and Delay

12 EQ Copy/Paste function Using the new EQ Copy/Paste function, all 16 bands from EQ 1 or EQ 2 can be copied/pasted for use on other channels. Example: Copy EQ 1 channel A Paste EQ 1 channel A into channel B B6 INFRA setup added A specific B6-SUB INFRA setup for the D80, D20 and 30D amplifiers has been added to firmware V2.04. This allows B6/Bi6 subwoofers to be driven in a special subsonic effect mode with a bandlimited frequency response. Please note that the B6-SUB INFRA setup is not compatible with the standard d&b CUT functions for Top cabinets, and it should not be combined with B6 subwoofers in standard mode.