Remote Monitoring Systems for Line Array Speakers

Line Array Speakers

I’d like to discuss the use of remote monitoring or sensing systems for usage with multiple box line array systems. Every year the use of multi-box line array systems grows a little bit deeper into the fabric of industrial theater. Rental houses and production support companies are updating their inventory with the latest technology. With this influx of multi-box systems, it's not just enough for a specialist to know that all the boxes are plugged in and are on, he needs to know that box three in the left mains hang has a blown woofer and needs to be replaced. And he needs to know it before the system flies out of reach.

What is RMS"

A typical RMS system consists of a laptop computer running a manufactures’ proprietary software and a cable system that polls the speaker modules and reports status and control information in a real-time environment. Various manufacturers use different hardware to accomplish this information loop, here we are going to look at the Meyer Sound RMS system for use with their lines of active speakers. As stated the Meyer system starts with a Windows laptop running Windows 7 and Meyers RMS software.

The next element is a computer interface card that links the software with the reporting modules that are built in to the active speaker system. Meyer accomplishes this with the use of a simple 2-wire non-shielded twisted pair cable that connects from the computer interface to the first module and simply loops to additional units. Up to 50 modules can be connected in this manner, more with the use of a network repeater, up to a max of 100 units. Several hundred nodes can be connected when using an Ethernet based connections. Meyer has used an Echelon Corporation network platform, a longtime leader in sensing and remote control networks to accomplish this. The addition of an i.LON 10 Ethernet adaptor then connects to the 2-wire twisted pair network to the host computer and allows for a standard 10-base T cable run.

What Does RMS Do for Me? 

Once the modules have been commissioned or registered in the system, the operator has the choice of 4 different views to manage the modules, small icon, large icon, meter view, and text view. The Small Icon view has status indicators for: Amplifier channels, Mute, Solo, Communication, Wink, and Information. The Icon view adds a graphic of the speaker layout so you can tell instantly if a component is working correctly, shorted or being limited etc. The Meter view uses a different graphic to represent power usage, voltage, fan speed, and temperature. It also gives you input level and polarity, but there is a trade off in loss of control of Mute, Solo, and Wink in this view.

The most complete control is provided in the Text view where values are displayed in text fields but control is retained for the Mute, Solo, and Wink function. Mute I’m sure is self-explanatory, but Solo in this case is very handy in trouble shooting speakers as it allows only one unit to work at a time, so you know that what your hearing is the speaker in question. The Wink function lets you identify the physical loudspeaker corresponding to a speaker icon in the RMS panel.

This system gives the Tech a complete overview of system components and operational values in real time. This means it’s easy to judge the sonic performance of a system because feedback data is telling you directly about component operation.

User Guide: RMS™ Remote Monitoring System 5.9.1

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Craig Vlasic | Technical Director/Audio

Joining WAV in 1982, Craig has engineered over 700 meetings with audiences ranging from 20 to 35,000 people. While current in the latest audio techniques and theories, he brings knowledge in fundamental audio logic to every production from corporate talking heads to rock-n-roll bands.

Line Array VS Virtual Array Systems

To Line Array or not? That is a question you should ask your AV vendor when evaluating the best audio solutions for your next event. Today, audio engineers have many tools to solve problems. There are two major forms of sound design to help solve these problems, Line and Virtual Arrays:

• Line Array: Many people might think Line Array systems are a recent development. You can actually trace them to the design of the column speaker that’s been used since the late 1950’s. Put simply, a Line Array has multiple speakers stacked closely in a vertical column. This produces a wide horizontal and narrow vertical sound wave. The intent is to distribute and direct sound to the audience in a controlled pattern, keeping unwanted energy reflection to a minimum.
   
• Virtual Array: This sound theory became relevant in the mid-1980’s as a development of concert sound practice of the time. It’s design seeks to combine all the elements of a sound wave to produce sound that appears to come from a single point in space, which comes from the surface of a sphere. When that surface resonates it sends sound waves equally in all directions. Through careful manipulation of cabinet design, multiple cabinets are arrayed to produce a unified wave that represents a portion of that sphere.
   

These two different designs both provide a uniform sound wave to the audience with as little unwanted reflection in the room as possible.

In today’s industrial audio world, knowing which set-up to use is the key to a successful audio display. If your room is wide and deep with a low ceiling, Virtual Array elements used in a distributed system may be your best solution.

However, if your room is wide and deep with a high ceiling, the application of a Line Array system may give you the best bang for your buck.

In small to mid-sized rooms Line Array speakers and ground supporting may work, but it might not be the most efficient and cost effective answer. Using Virtual cabinets can give you a more flexible installation.

Everyone likes to use the newest and most advanced AV equipment. Remember, one tool does not fix all your problems. Technologies may or may not be more relevant to a particular problem regardless of age. Give your clients the best results by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different sound systems and applying them correctly to different types of rooms.
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Craig Vlasic | Technical Director/Audio

Joining WAV in 1982, Craig was the first full-time employee. In 30+ years, Craig has engineered over 700 meetings with audiences ranging from 20 to 35,000 people. While current in the latest audio techniques and theories, he brings knowledge in fundamental audio logic to every production from corporate talking heads to rock-n-roll bands.