Powersoft has announced the AnyMate platform and its first implementation, SpeakerMate, designed to add identification, monitoring and data exchange capabilities directly to passive loudspeakers and ‘marking a significant step towards smarter, more connected installed audio systems’.
AnyMate is a communication technology based on a proprietary protocol and a patent-pending physical-layer implementation. Rather than relying on Ethernet or wireless connections, AnyMate exchanges data directly via an amplifier’s output channels, making it possible to identify and monitor downstream devices without a separate control network. This approach fits closely with real-world installed audio environments that often rely on long cable runs, Hi-Z architectures and legacy infrastructures.
Developed by Powersoft’s R&D department over more than a decade, AnyMate has been refined through extensive testing before being brought to market. Importantly for system designers and integrators, the technology is not limited to new installations. Where amplifiers have sufficient current-sensing and processing capability, AnyMate can be introduced into existing systems by adding compatible downstream hardware, making it suitable for retrofit projects in sectors such as transport, retail and large venues.
SpeakerMate represents the first practical application of the AnyMate platform. The compact hardware module establishes communication between amplifiers and passive loudspeakers and can be deployed either as an external add-on near the loudspeaker or integrated directly by loudspeaker manufacturers. For retrofit applications, SpeakerMate connects in parallel with the speaker line via quick-splice connectors and requires no dedicated power supply, simplifying installation and minimising downtime.
Once installed, SpeakerMate devices are automatically discovered and configured through Powersoft’s Armonía+ software. Additional data can be written to the device in advance, including manufacturer and model information, enabling the system to suggest appropriate presets and helping to reduce configuration errors.
Beyond identification, SpeakerMate incorporates a temperature sensor, accelerometer and microphone, with the option to interface with an external sensor via a GPI port. These enable new levels of monitoring and diagnostics for passive loudspeakers, including temperature and tilt measurement, on-demand SPL testing, and access to detailed metadata such as installation notes, serial numbers and lifecycle history.
When integrated with cloud-based services such as MyPowersoft, accessed via MyUniverso, SpeakerMate allows system status and anomalies to be monitored remotely. This capability supports faster fault-finding, preventative maintenance and reduced site visits, particularly valuable for large, distributed systems such as shopping centres, airports, stadia, cinemas and theme parks.
Powersoft is introducing AnyMate as a platform rather than a single product, with the potential for future expansion and licensing to third-party manufacturers. By embedding intelligence into existing infrastructure, AnyMate and SpeakerMate can transform passive loudspeakers from silent endpoints into active participants within the networked A/V environment.
‘These technologies demonstrate the importance we place on investing in research and development, constantly striving to raise the bar when it comes to innovation in the audio sector, say Powersoft R&D Director, Claudio Lastrucci. ‘Our passion lies in innovating outside of conventional norms, looking to how we can develop both products and platforms which deliver exceptional performance and seamless workflows. It’s exciting to see AnyMate’s application in SpeakerMate, and this is only the beginning for a technology which we are sure is going to make a huge impact.’
More: www.powersoft.com