PSI Audio introduced the Active Velocity Acoustic Absorber (AVAA) concept to tackle problematic room modes with the introduction of the AVAA C20 in 2016. With the new AVAA C214, the technology is now available in two forms, each with its own features and optimized for certain applications. The original AVAA C20 is the choice for most audio professionals with its purist, all-analog operation that essentially acts like traditional acoustic elements (only better) in that it does not change once installed. The new AVAA C214 is catering to listening rooms. Both still operate on the same unique principle, acting like a hole in the wall and effectively sucking modes out of the room.
Low-frequency room modes are different for every room and require individual treatment in traditional acoustics. The AVAA system eliminates the problem by eliminating the most critical of these resonant frequencies in the room. Replacing massive porous absorbers up to 45 times its size, the AVAA C214 automatically detects low-frequency waves between 15 and 150 Hz and acts like a hole in the wall, effectively removing those waves from the room. The result is a clearer, more transparent and authentic low end in the entire room, as AVAA only affects the room modes without changing anything about the direct sound from the source.
These low-frequency resonances also seriously tarnish the overall acoustic image of a room. The unique AVAA active broadband absorbers are extremely efficient and simply "clean" the room and not just a clearly defined sweet spot; it even helps reduce sound emissions from the room. The effect of the PSI Audio AVAA C20 and AVAA C214 imposes a very low acoustic impedance in front of them, effectively acting like a hole in the wall. They suck those resonances in and remove the energy from the room. The result in the time domain tightens up the bass and benefits other frequency bands as they are no longer masked by lingering lows. It’s like listening in a completely different – and better – room.
Being specialized in professional audio studio monitors, PSI Audio developed the original AVAA C20 for that exact field. As a result, the C20 caters to the preferences of audio professionals with its purist approach with all-analog circuitry, no DSP and no network connection. What is more, its place-and-forget design is ideal for engineers who want to set up their listening environment once and then not worry about it ever again. The triangular shape fits perfectly into the corners that most often designate the ideal position for the AVAA system. The AVAA C20 is the ultimate low-end treatment for studios.
When PSI Audio introduced the AVAA C20, it soon transpired that the system would find its way into applications way beyond the studio it was originally conceived for. In particular, audiophile listeners expressed great interest in the system to tackle acoustic shortcomings of their listening environments where installation of bass traps is very dificult and inconvenient. The AVAA C214 active absorber is optimized for that exact purpose. A specially designed app allows for adjustments to finetune the device's performance to individual taste and room requirements through an ultra low-latency digital controller. Its form factor was changed, too: the slender, cylindrical shape has a much smaller footprint and fits into the most different positions in a room, with optional feet mounting the AVAA C214 to walls or ceilings – wherever it best suits the purpose and taste of the user. It can even be adjusted to further enhance its efficiency for particular room requirements.
To signal the availability of this innovative active absorber technology, the Swiss company is introducing also a white AVAA C214 at High End 2024. The new version retains all the acoustic qualities, but can be easier to integrate visually, depending on the room design.
Visitors of High End 2024 can find PSI Audio at booth R09 in hall 3 and experience the efficiency of the AVAA C214 for themselves, while listening to the company's Héritage3 high-end speakers acting as the source.
www.psiaudio.swiss
