d&b audiotechnik has announced System Auralization, a new software feature that enables a loudspeaker system design to be auditioned before it is deployed.
Sound system prediction software such as d&b ArrayCalc presently helps engineers visualise system performance through plots, maps and acoustic data. System Auralization, adds a new dimension to the workflow, allowing users to hear the direct sound of a system design and assess aspects of system performance that are often easier to evaluate by listening than by studying metrics alone.
System Auralization generates a real-time binaural rendering of the current system configuration. Users can move freely through a virtual venue in first-person mode, listening from different audience positions and exploring how design decisions influence the listening experience across the coverage area.
This makes it possible to hear how design choices impact coverage, imaging and tonal balance across the full audience area of a room.
Users can hear the impact of changes to loudspeaker positioning, array geometry, amplifier settings, filters and ArrayProcessing configurations, helping them refine and validate decisions before arriving on site.
‘With System Auralization, engineers can build confidence in their decisions and address many important design considerations beforehand – it’s a huge time saver, which is especially valuable before a show,’ says d&b audiotechnik Product Manager for Applied Software, Florian Hahn. ‘While built to support professionals, it also makes system behaviour easier to explore and understand, offering a useful tool for the next generation of system engineers.’
Users can load audio material and listen to the simulated result of their system design in real time. Changes to system parameters are reflected immediately. Combined with ArrayCalc’s new snapshot recall functionality, users can easily compare different system configurations without interrupting audio playback.
The beta version of ArrayCalc featuring System Auralization is available for download from LINK. User feedback gathered during the beta phase will help shape the feature ahead of its future general release.