SymNet Designer Software Upgraded to Version 3.0
January 17, 2003Users and potential users of Symetrix SymNet modular audio mixing, routing and digital signal processing system now can experience even more precise and reliable control over large audio systems thanks to the new 3.0 update of the operating system and software.
This is the fourth upgrade since the product was introduced in August 2001. SymNet Designer 3.0 software, a PC-based package that allows CAD-style "drag and drop" control over audio processing modules, now incorporates a new category labeled Control Modules. By selecting and combining the 50 tools included in the new module, users can exercise a greater degree of logical control over the system involving programming, simple or complex decision making, and processing sequential, triggered events.
"This is a quantum leap forward in terms of the power, flexibility, and capabilities of this system," stated Jim Latimer, director of sales for Symetrix. "It gives our users a clear advantage in designing systems that will be more accommodating to the needs of their clients, as well as integrating more readily into third-party hardware."
With the addition of control signal outputs to many of the existing dynamics modules, as well as a new class of modules known as VCA (voltage controlled amplifier), an entirely new level of mix sophistication is achieved with SymNet Designer 3.0.
For instance, dynamics processors such as Automatic Gain Controllers or Compressor/Limiters can generate control signals based on audio input. Those signals can, in turn, be sent to VCAs watching over groups of audio signals. Working as virtual processing objects, the VCAs respond and perform exactly as traditional voltage controlled amps would in a hard-wired environment. As the various mix elements become more interdependent and maintain their relative levels with more consistency, large system control becomes easier, Latimer says.
Also new to this latest version of SymNet are new capabilities for Supermodules, which appear as user-definable processing objects, but have multiple functions nested inside. Supermodules now support audio or control signal inputs and outputs, and can be protected with a password to ensure the security of a particular design. In addition, a graphical control screen has been added that accompanies the module during import or export between designs.
Meanwhile, SymNet's Event Scheduler now includes a 365-day calendar so that an entire year of configuration or preset changes can be loaded into a unit at any time, allowing for completely automated interaction with the facility.
Other enhancement include:
- New processing objects, including Stereo Crossover modules (three choices), Small Speaker EQ (four curves), and an All Pass Filter (two choices).
- A 12-channel meter module has been added to easily monitor signals going to or coming from one of the new Break I/O expansion series units.
- Color-coded wires for easier on-screen identification of groups, types or pathways of signals.
- Improved interaction with outside hardware allows onscreen level meters to be exported to RS-232/485 devices, allowing more meaningful feedback from the hardware under operating conditions.
- Fully-empowered Open Collector and Binary Relay outputs, thanks to new logical control capabilities.
For more information, visit their web site at www.symetrixaudio.com. |
