Symetrix Introduces SymNet Designer 5.0, New ARC Products
May 12, 2004
Symetrix has announced the next upgrade to the
SymNet series with the 5.0 version of its SymNet Designer
(application for Windows), as well as four new products in the
Adaptive Remote Control (ARC) series of RS-485 based external controls for
its SymNet and SymNet Express line of audio DSPs.
The most important feature included in the new 5.0 release is support for
the new line of SymNet Express hardware. These seven devices are also expected to start shipping
in June, at which time SymNet Designer 5.0 should also be availablr. The addition of these units brings the total number of audio
processors in the family up to fifteen.
Under version 5.0 hardware units will now
return to last state when the power is cycled on and off. This is critical
in live performance situations where parameter changes can occur on the fly.
In addition, portions of the software code have been rewritten to optimize
certain processes, and to take advantage of the more efficient 100MHz SHARC
processors used in the new Express hardware. An Auto Firmware Upgrade
function has also been added to greatly simplify the process of upgrading
hardware sites from previous software versions.
SymNet has been a licensee of Peak Audio's CobraNet protocol for years, and
the 5.0 release supports new developments in that realm such as 24-bit mode
and lower latency transmission. Latency can be set in the Designer software
to values as low as 1.3ms.
New processing modules include a "British EQ" with 40Hz rumble filter, high
and low shelving, and four-band parametric filters all on one screen. Also,
new Stereo Input/Output Mixers and Stereo Input/Output Matrix Mixers are
included. These mixers use a single fader to control a stereo pair of audio
channels. This increases the number of virtual mixers in SymNet Designer,
not including the Automixers, to 64. New 32-input versions of Gain and VCA
modules are also included.
Complete support is
being added for the CM Labs Motor Mix control surface. This eight-channel
MIDI device provides eight 100mm faders, and a number of rotary and button
controls. These are all assigned in SymNet Designer to control various
processing objects including mixers, compressors, etc., for real-time
control of the audio with a familiar, tactile interface. Assigning these
controls has been partially automated in the software to simplify
integration of outboard devices.
The new additions to the
Adaptive Remote Control (ARC) family are designated
ARC-SW4, ARC-K1, ARC-SWK, and ARC-MIC, and address the most common control
functionality for source selection, remote volume, room combining, and
paging. The original Adaptive Remote Control will remain in the line. A ship
date has not been set for these new products.
All of the new ARCs utilize RS-485 control protocol, and are easily
programmed to work with any SymNet or SymNet Express hardware. All control
assignments are made within SymNet Designer,
and stored locally on each ARC. Common applications will find these remotes
assigned to volume controls, source selectors, room combiners, and so on,
within the Designer software, but almost any parameter in a system design
can be accessed via these remote controls if desired. The various ARCs in
combination with SymNet hardware can provide a designer or installer a
single-source solution for audio system control.
All the controls are mounted on Decora style inserts in either single
(ARC-SW4, ARC-K1) or dual-gang (ARC-MIC, ARC-SWK) form factors. This form
allows system designers and installers a good measure of flexibility when
integrating ARC units into the total control scheme of a room or venue.
ARC-SW4 consists of four latching buttons, each with a bi-color LED
indicating its status. This control allows the user to select from up to
four sources, or call up combinations, in room combining scenarios. It could
also be used to call up four presets that could subtly or dramatically
change the sound in the room.
ARC-K1 is a single rotary encoder with a multi-colored LED stack providing
user feedback on the position of the control. This will most often be used
as a volume control for background music, overall system level, etc.
ARC-SWK combines these controls in a dual-gang format to provide linked
volume control in room combining situations. It also provides a
cost-effective solution for the dual function application of source selector
and volume control from the same position.
The dual-gang ARC-MIC is intended as a remote paging station for SymNet. It
takes advantage of audio capability to be added to the CAT5 cable also
carrying power and control to the ARC(s) from the SymNet system. A single
channel of balanced analog audio is sent over the wire to the system from
the ARC-MIC. The mounted push-to-talk switch, and XLR input on one Decora
allow for direct connection of a microphone to SymNet from a remote
location. The ARC-SW4 on the companion Decora selects paging zones.
All the new ARCs will be compatible with the ARC-PS remote power supply
device. This unit is required for systems where ARCs are used with legacy
SymNet hardware and local powering of ARCs is impractical. The new SymNet
Express units have an ARC port on the rear panel and will power a small
number of ARCs directly.
For more information, visit their web site at www.symetrixaudio.com. | 
