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127th AES Convention Coverage (New York, NY Oct. 9-12)
PRESS RELEASE
SymNet Designer Update, New ARC Models Coming
May 11, 2004
Advertisement 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 http://www.symetrixaudio.com/.Recent Symetrix headlines
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