BSS Audio's Soundweb Offers Flexible System for Distributing and Routing Sound
September 26, 1997
Soundweb from BSS Audio is a multi-purpose system for distribution and processing of sound. The user can design his own system from an extensive library of DSP blocks, all the way from microphone to power amplifier input. Soundweb deals with major sound contracting problems in a wide variety of applications.
The first product in the family is the Soundweb 9088 - a networked DSP device in a 1U package which contains enough DSP power to implement all the processing required for a medium-sized sound reinforcement system. A single 9088 will handle all the processing for a small church or school.
Multiple Soundweb 9088s can be networked together, with digital audio and control running over very low-cost cable. In this way, it is possible to create very large scale systems - the size and sophistication is only limited by the designer's imagination.
This distributed approach dramatically lowers installation cost. Rack space is reduced, as is the installation labour of setting up many discrete processing units. Cable lengths are reduced, and much cheaper cable is used. Finally, configuration and parameter setup of the whole system is dramatically simplified.
True Scalability
A single Soundweb 9088 provides eight analogue inputs and outputs, enough for a substantial entry level system. The next size up is a system with two 9088s linked by
one CAT-5 cable, which pipes eight channels of 48kHz 24-bit digital audio between the two units, as well as control instructions. For bigger systems, add any number of 9088s, and use Soundweb 9000 hub units to mix and route signals between them - for example, feeds can be provided to outlying areas of a building, or paging messages can be distributed from the front desk to an entire facility.
The same software, DSP algorithms and system design approach are available at all system sizes, as are the many control options: contact closure/potentiometer inputs, control from PC (directly or via a modem), serial interface to AMX or Crestron, or the Soundweb 9010 wall-mounting remote control panel. The AMX interface allows Soundweb to become part of integrated systems including video or security equipment.
Uniquely, the 9088 includes computer-controlled microphone pre-amps with continuously variable analogue gain. High-performance 24-bit A/D and 20-bit D/A converters offer premium audio performance not previously available on systems of this level of flexibility. Interconnection is by Phoenix-type screw connectors, the preferred choice of systems contractors.
Configuration ... and the Technical Bit
System configuration is via the Soundweb Designer, a PC-based programme that covers the design and set-up of the complete signal processing path.
The designer simply cables up his favourite selection of processing boxes (such as compressors, EQs, crossovers, mixers etc.) on his PC screen. However sophisticated, the entire system can be designed in an office on a stand-alone PC.
Once the installation is ready, the PC is plugged into a serial port on one of the Soundweb boxes and the whole network is loaded by hitting the 'Download' button. With the design complete, the PC can be removed for complete security, or a multi-level password system can be employed to set access permissions for different operators.
More impressive still is Soundweb's ability to hold several completely different system designs simultaneously, and switch between them on-line at the touch of a button
without changeover delay. Multi-purpose venues can now have a system design which is pre-optimised for each type of event that the venue hosts. The right system can be selected by a simple button press by staff with no audio training.
The Bottom Line
For the contractor this adds up a to a package of bonuses. A single Soundweb 9088 requires less rack space than the myriad of boxes it replaces, while the digital audio routing between boxes entirely eliminates signal degradation while providing improved reliability. Apart from the obvious advantages of lower installation and cable costs, the 9088 allows the contractor to stock only a single signal processing item, and to give customers a simple and inexpensive upgrade path as their needs grow.
For the consultant, standard Category 5 cabling means fewer headaches with building issues (especially retrofit projects), while the Soundweb Designer software simplifies the process of designing and documenting the audio system - an updated system layout is just a disk away. The wide range of control options allows the consultant to carefully tailor a system to be easy to use by the end customer.
Soundweb represents the most cost-effective, long-term return on investment across the spectrum of sound system design. It represents the future of high quality distributed sound in installations. For more information on the complete range of BSS Audio signal processing products, contact BSS Audio, Harman Pro North America, 1449 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37217; Tel: 615/399-2199; Fax: 615/367-9046; Web: www.bssaudio.co.uk. | 
