AFMG announced the availability of EASE Focus version 2.2, which was first released in Oct. 2012. Among other enhancements, EASE Focus 2.2 supports conventional “box-type” loudspeakers in a mixed project together with line arrays. A maximum of 16 sound sources can be combined to a complex system, opening up a wide array of potential applied uses, including front-fills, side-fills, under-balcony systems, delay lines, etc., in all possible combinations with the main systems.
More details from AFMG (www.afmg.eu):
APG, Amadeus and Others Expand Data for EASE Focus 2 to Complete Product Ranges
BERLIN, Germany — With more than 1,000 downloads per month, EASE Focus 2 is probably the most-installed sound system simulation tool worldwide. Three simple reasons provide explanation for this success: EASE Focus is the only free loudspeaker system design and simulation software open to all manufacturers; EASE Focus is the only such software supporting a mixture of different brands within one project; and EASE Focus is free for the end user. — With the release of Version 2.2, the sound software professionals at AFMG continue to add further features, making the software even more valuable to system technicians around the world.
Originally starting out as a design study for 2D line array simulation, EASE Focus 1 has quickly found enthusiastic supporters in many renowned loudspeaker manufacturers. The idea of an independent, free tool for the prediction of sound radiation by line arrays proved so successful that public demand soon urged AFMG to continue development. EASE Focus 2 followed, adding 3D simulation and supporting multiple sound sources in one setup. Also, Focus was no longer limited to line arrays. So-called “configurable loudspeakers” (steerable column loudspeakers and other complex, configurable sources) were supported by the new DLL options. Of course, Focus 2 allowed the construction of complete venues with multiple audience areas, calculating sound dispersion from up to eight sources. What was new and unique was that several types of loudspeakers and even different manufacturers could be mixed within the project.
Major Enhancement: Conventional Loudspeakers
As with every AFMG software release, the October 2012 update to EASE Focus 2 brings several interesting features that make work even easier and quicker. EASE Focus 2.2 now supports conventional “box-type” loudspeakers in a mixed project together with line arrays. A maximum of 16 sound sources can be combined to a complex system, opening up an incredible number of use-cases: front-fills, side-fills, under-balcony systems, delay lines, etc. — in all possible combinations with the main systems! This option really provides a leap for the planning work of engineers and system technicians especially in the rental business.
Professional preparation of every medium or large production nowadays implies simulation. Mathieu Delquignies of French manufacturer APG explains the benefits of EASE Focus: “Coverage and SPL predictions are very close to reality. EASE Focus has proven not only to be an indispensable help for touring system techs but also a useful sales support tool.” Gaetan Byk, Marketing Manager at Amadeus, France, adds: “It seemed vital to us to offer our customers such a powerful and above all free interface.” — Both companies provide EASE Focus data for their complete range of products.
EASE Focus provides additional benefit to the engineer with many useful tools. SPL and frequency response can be examined and compared across all audience areas and “Virtual EQ” settings can be simulated. The DLL concept allows manufacturers to provide all control options of their systems (including DSP settings) and users to pre-configure their setups to become turnkey solutions for a production. Monitoring rigging loads and height limitations of a venue during simulation and the detailed reports generated by EASE Focus make installation and configuration on site an easy game and just as quick and precise as the simulation. Further manufacturers are currently supplying conventional loudspeaker data for Focus 2.2 such as LAX, RCF and Renkus-Heinz.
Getting EASE Focus 2.2
EASE Focus 2.2 is Microsoft Windows software, running smoothly under Parallels or in Bootcamp.
For more information and to download the free installation version please visit http://focus.afmg.eu.
Loudspeaker manufacturers interested in supplying their data to the EASE Focus community, please contact AFMG directly: sales@afmg.eu.
