Most of the leading sound reinforcement companies offer their own software simulation and prediction tools. Electro-Voice now introduced a fully integrated and advanced solution with a full-color 3D interface, user-friendly, flexible tools and a streamlined workflow. Preview helps specifiers, designers and audio engineers quickly calculate the ideal configurations and positioning of line arrays, as well as the angles between loudspeaker elements, amplifier drive and delay requirements, and other system design parameters. These combined features ensure that the arrays deliver the best possible performance in any venue, whether flown or ground stacked.
Preview provides a three-dimensional environment in which objects may be placed and manipulated anywhere. The user has complete control over rotation, scaling and translation and can also “see through” any surface that is viewed straight on.
A set of practical tools helps the user achieve the optimal acoustical representation of a real space. Quick Map delivers immediate visualization of the coverage density. The flexible auto dB range option maps the predicted SPL range across the full available color range, maximizing the visual detail simultaneously in all the displays. Virtual microphone positioning allows users to predict frequency response anywhere in the venue. The unique spectrogram display presents a vertical frequency response plot for each loudspeaker at the point at which its main geometric axis reaches the audience area. These plots are shown side by side, to help the designer assess how evenly the venue is covered in both level and frequency. The software also simplifies the creation of subwoofer arrays.
The application also includes a detailed report generation function and a powerful project file database, providing users with detailed acoustical and mechanical information. This timesaving database allows specifiers, designers and audio engineers to import existing designs and to store new project files, drawings and templates.
The first full public-release version of Preview will support most Electro-Voice touring and install line-array models, including X1(i), X2(i), XLC, XLD and XLE, as well as complementary subwoofers. More models will be added in future versions. Windows and Mac OS versions of the software are available as free downloads here.
www.electrovoice.com
