04 l May 2013
www.psneurope.com
news GERMANY
FIRmaker software promises improved coverage for line arrays
BERLIN-BASED SOFTWARE developer Ahnert Feistel Media Group (AFMG) has launched the FIRmaker sound optimisation tool, designed to dramatically enhance the performance of line arrays. Three pro-audio brands have already embedded the software in their equipment, managing director Stefan Feistel revealed at a press conference at Prolight + Sound last month. FIRmaker is a “highly sophisticated optimisation algorithm that is designed for computing optimal FIR (finite impulse response) coefficients tailored to the venue”. Loudspeaker manufacturers can employ FIRmaker to give engineers and sound designer customers the option of tuning DSP FIR filters to “every possible venue within seconds”, says the developer, whose EASE and EASERA acoustics simulation and measurement tools have become industry standards. In a white paper, AFMG
proposes how, with the application of FIRmaker, “large- format line arrays will benefit from longer throw distances, unsurpassed even coverage, maximised output levels and extremely fast set-up”. Digitally steered columns in acoustically challenging spaces will be
boosted in “their ability to deliver a substantially increased signal-to-noise ratio as well as maximum speech intelligibility”.
Lab.gruppen, Powersoft and
Four Audio are the first three brands to engage with FIRmaker, software which has taken nearly nine years to bring to market. “[The three companies] have supported us with their FIR-capable DSPs during the development and intense testing phase,” AFMG’s Thilo Schuetz told PSNEurope. “It will be the loudspeaker manufacturers that will be licensing the tech in order to employ the optimisation for their speakers. We will be working closely with each manufacturer to assure best quality and integration adapted to the specifics of each loudspeaker system. It will be the manufacturer that will be deciding on the details of each solution and how they want to pass it on to their customers/users.” “Even SPL coverage to
AFMG’s Stefan Feistel introduces the software in Frankfurt
every seat in the house… Using any line array loudspeaker system… Driven by
Lab.gruppen PLM Series. This is something we are very excited about, and pleased to be a part of,” commented Martin Andersson,
“Powersoft has already engaged with the FIRmaker code”
Development house behind EASE acoustic simulation package is backed by three
amplifier manufacturers at PL+S launch, writes Dave Robinson
product manager for
Lab.gruppen. “It’s early days, but all the results we’ve seen so far are extremely positive and we will be putting our full weight behind progressing this and taking it to its full potential.” “All PLM Series amplifiers can interface with FIRmaker. Surely thousands of users of both new as well as existing systems will soon benefit from this integration,” said Feistel. Italy’s Powersoft has also taken on FIRmaker technology. AFMG’s algorithms can be loaded directly into Powersoft’s flagship product lines, the K Series of amplifiers and the DSP4 module for powered loudspeakers. “FIRmaker technology is
software-only, meaning it can be applied to both new as well as existing sound systems – Powersoft K Series amps support FIRmaker out of the box!” adds Feistel. FIRmaker is also supported
by the HD2, a loudspeaker management controller produced by Aachen, Germany- based Four Audio. AFMG is the public face of
Berlin-based EASE developer SDA (Software Design Ahnert), which celebrated its 30th anniversary last September. n
www.afmg.eu
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