FAQ

Systems for active acoustics can be divided into two categories: "inline" and "regenerative" (or "non-inline") systems. AMADEUS focuses on the regenerative approach but combines the best of both worlds and hence can be called a hybrid system.

• In inline systems the feedback from loudspeakers to microphones is avoided and acoustic enhancement stems purely from algorithmic or convolution reverb. This is why microphones have to be positioned as close to musicians or sound sources as possible.

• In regenerative systems the acoustic enhancement stems from a controlled regeneration from loudspeakers via the prevalent room acoustics to the microphones. If the system is in a safe and stable state a very natural sound experience can be achieved.

AMADEUS Active Acoustics is a hybrid system that uses a regenerative approach for natural acoustic enhancement and an inline approach to enhance loudness indoors or to generate a sound field outdoors.

It is not yet possible to simulate active acoustics systems in commercially available acoustic simulation programs. However, the loudspeaker arrangements can be planned for sufficient sound levels and even coverage of the listening areas.

Immersive audio is the term that summarizes every system or sound design to fully immerse an audience in a sound scene. Sounds are projected from any spatial direction to the listeners creating localization and envelopment.

The AMADEUS Core allows for a standalone Immersive Audio application, or the 3D Audio module is running in parallel with the acoustics module.

The 3D Audio module works in an object-oriented manner and can handle up to 64 objects and a maximum of 128 outputs simultaneously. Based on the 3D room model, live signals or audio files can be moved and played continuously. A plugin can be integrated easily into standard DAWs to enable preproduction and mixes and is used to send control data to the Core. We use our own delay and amplitude panning algorithms for every object ("WFS light" or " Pan"). The size of the source can also be modified. We can configure "virtual speakers" to attain standard surround sound (e.g. 5.1; 9.1, etc.). Pre-produced 3D materials can be saved in the processor and displayed through the user GUI. General processing inputs, such as OSC, are used to connect external devices.

The 3D Audio module runs in parallel to the acoustic module allowing for very interesting sound experiences.

Our processor contains algorithms to calculate early reflections based on a 3D model of the given room and the directional creation of source positions. This creates an inherently natural sound, as the active acoustics are seamlessly interleaved with the prevalent acoustics of the room.

The processing itself is time-invariant without coloration or any noticeable latency. A 128-channel reverb generator is included, which takes early reflections patterns into account and expands the capabilities of the reverb enhancement.

Our approach is to be independent of a specific loudspeaker or microphone brand. Amadeus Acoustics demands quality components, but we can deliver with a wide array of audio brands.

Other systems for active room acoustics and 3D Audio are offered as separate devices. As the 3D Audio module runs in parallel to the acoustic module very interesting sound experiences can be achieved.

For the first time, our system combines the two different approaches to sound design in rooms.

The AMADEUS Core is basically a bullet-proof computer running the Amadeus Core software. This approach reduces the development and manufacturing costs compared to special DSP hardware platforms, which require very complex programming. Also costs for repairing or updating the system are therefore much lower.

The system can be controlled via a web-based graphical user interface on a tablet or a computer. You can stand in the venue and change presets instantaneously. No training is necessary for this. Additionally, a touch panel on the Amadeus Core can be used to control presets.

After installation and connection of all hardware components a certified team of AMADEUS “Tonmeisters” (specially trained sound engineers) arrives to technically calibrate the system. Afterwards presets are tuned to the needs of the venue and musicians.

The AMADEUS Core can be controlled using Open Sound Control (OSC). Hence, any control system able to create OSC data can be used to control presets.

In general, the room acoustic situation should be dry and neutral. The ideal reverberation times for a room depend largely on the volume and geometry of the room. In most cases, a design for speech or amplified sound situations is recommended. However, careful planning can merge both a more characterful early reflection design and a versatile active acoustics enhamcement. The Amadeus support team is happy to support acousticians with the design: +43 (0) 664 765 52 12

Amadeus is brand independent. Loudspeaker, amplifiers, micophones and network components can be used according to basic quality standards and customer requirements.

After the first few months of operation, specific requests may arise. Users, musicians, performers have had their first experiences and have requests and suggestions. The Amadeus team is available to adjust presets and calibration of the system. In general, the support team is available for support and suggestions.

In an outdoor setup, the sound usually comes from the front, facing the audience. We have developed a new approach based on our technologies, so that the sound behaves like in a concert hall - with all reflections and diffuse reverberation. Each hall has its own acoustical signature. We can take these properties into account and change them in real-time, for example for a chamber music concert or church-like acoustics, but also, for example, for sophisticated 3D soundscapes. We can even transfer the sound properties of a room from the inside to the outside, with the same acoustic experience for the audience.

It is necessary to distribute speakers around the audience. The system needs at least one horizontal ring to the side and suspended systems above the audience. The distance between the side systems should be between 3-5 m. Greater distances can be selected above the audience. For the location of the sources on the stage a smaller number of loudspeakers can be installed around and above the stage.

The construction time depends on the size of the location. E.g. 2 days are needed for approx. 600 listeners in an area of approx. 480 square meters.

Background noise varies widely depending on the setting and cannot be avoided completely. The audience sits in an open structure, hears the performance like in a concert hall and hears the noises from outside. Of course, it must be ensured that the performance is transmitted significantly louder than the background noise. In contrast to the active acoustics indoors, the sound may need to be amplified a little.

Yes, AMADEUS usually is added to an existing sound reinforcement system. Instruments must be equipped with microphones, in order to deliver a high enough sound output.

• Amadeus provides the Amadeus Core (main signal processing unit) and the corresponding services for system design and system calibration and tuning.

• Further components provided by third-parties are: microphones, loudspeakers, amplifiers, signal converters, network switches, control tablet or computer.

• The installation and commissioning of the system is provided by a system integration company

• Usually microphones and loudspeakers are connected to a technical room using standard cabling. The signals are converted to the digital domain using the DANTE or MADI formats and processed in the Amadeus CORE.

• The acoustics is controlled through a web interface which can be used on a computer or a tablet switch acoustic spaces from within the room.