Digital beam steering allows integrators to focus the sound where it is needed – on the audience. Vertically, sound beams are narrow and can be direct where they need to be, avoiding unwanted reflections from the ceiling, floor, or upper parts of sidewalls. This drastically reduces long reverberation tail or eliminates echoes in spaces that might have architecturally challenging elements.
Renkus-Heinz has been one of the pioneers in vertical column arrays and in beam-steerable loudspeakers since the introduction of ICONYX in 2004. The concept of beam steering has been around since the ‘60s, however, today’s advancements in DSP and amplifier technology allow the theory to be realized in practical, cost-effective, and compact loudspeakers. Renkus-Heinz RHAON II and BeamWare software offer a simple, intuitive interface to control a complicated mathematical process, calculating powerful FIR which can be downloaded into the loudspeaker’s amplifier module, turning the designed beams into reality. Inside the loudspeaker amplifier module, each driver has its own amplifier and DSP channel which, when loaded with the FIR filters, EQ and Delay, create the steerable beams.
Now, Renkus-Heinz OmniBeam delivers optimized audio performance with a simple press of the "Snap to Audience" button. The algorithm generates custom-tailored coverage precisely aligned to the exact geometry of any space, providing the most consistent front-to-back audio experience possible.
"The driving philosophy behind OmniBeam was to give consultants and integrators back their time," says Renkus-Heinz CTO Ralph Heinz. "By taking the rocket science out of simulating and commissioning steerable arrays, Renkus-Heinz has demonstrated how beam steering is suitable for more venues than just difficult reverberant spaces – it’s a toolbox for places where aesthetics, ease of integration, and best possible audio experience are top priorities.
All of Renkus-Heinz's current-generation steerable products, including ICONYX Gen5, IC Live Gen5, IC Live X, and Iconyx Compact, are compatible with the latest update, which means not only all future projects, but also existing current-generation ICONYX systems, will get the full benefit of OmniBeam from this free software update.
"Beam steerable systems have always delivered excellent results," says Heinz. "But the earlier tools required time and practice. With OmniBeam, our years of expertise working with thousands of projects have culminated in an algorithm that creates optimal coverage in just a few clicks, freeing up consultants and integrators to focus on other system elements."
"We are incredibly excited to bring OmniBeam to our customers," enthuses Brandon Heinz, product manager at Renkus-Heinz. "OmniBeam will help deliver dramatically better results when using our beam-steered loudspeakers in as little time as possible, allowing our partners to save time and money on their installations and deployments, which will lead to greater success on their projects. We can't wait to see what kind of projects this new algorithm will enable for our customers!"
RHAON II 2.5.0, the latest version of Renkus-Heinz's proprietary control software, is available as a free download on the company’s website. With this update, RHAON II now includes the award-winning OmniBeam algorithm as well as other enhancements, including added GLL compatibility and updated firmware for specific loudspeakers.
www.renkus-heinz.com
