Apart from many new features such as increased number of listening planes, arrays and subwoofers, it primarily introduces a number of realistic functions. Included in these is a selection of different excitation signals, sine, 1/3 octave filtered noise, pink noise or IEC 60268 noise, for the simulation of the sound level distribution and absolute sound pressure level. This simulation includes frequency, temperature and humidity dependent air absorption. Every loudspeaker type is now an exact model of the real system, with all available settings such as Line/Arc, CUT, HFC or INFRA. For all arrays and their individual elements the system headroom before gain reduction (GR) is calculated to obtain realistic and reproducible results.
The 3D Plot SPL level mapping calculates and displays the energy level summation of all activated arrays at chosen frequency bands for all selected listening areas, with an optional complex summation (showing interference) in the LF band. The mapping diagram offers isometric views and can be zoomed. An autocalculate function restarts the simulation with every acoustic relevant system design change, displaying a low resolution result almost immediately, then refreshing with increasing resolution until the calculation is complete. This new functionality minimizes waiting time, speeding up the design process.
Last, the Align Tab features a new alignment procedure that allows the various arrays, fills, delays and ground stacks to be time aligned at a selectable test point. The autoscale function of the arrival time display helps the precision of the alignment of the array arrivals. This page also displays the SubArray alignment, with its own test point in order to visualize all changes occurring during the alignment process.
The new ArrayCalc V6 is now available for download from the Support/Downloads section at www.dbaudio.com
(Jim Evans)
