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.

The Jeff Show: Backstage Meals

Between gigs for Toshiba, CASE IH, Siemens, Bankers Life & Casualty, and New Holland, we had one of our busiest starts to the year in a long time. I’m happy to report that everything went great, and we're settled down a bit.

I also want to thank Nicole for sitting in the captain’s chair by writing about her favorite places in France. And I must admit, I was a little jealous as I read her post about all that great French Champagne from my hotel room in Kansas City while munching on a club sandwich from hotel room service. Life is funny that way.

Speaking of room service, this month my travel advice runs a little different than most months. Rather than tell you about great places to find a meal in Kansas City (and there are some rather good ones). I want to talk about the food we experience in the ballroom or on the floor since that is what I experienced most of the past month.

Face it, backstage ballroom food is at best OK; and most of the time it’s not my favorite part of this job.

Ready, ok, here we go. Do not, and I repeat, do not under any circumstances accept the boxed cold sandwich lunch at the Kansas City Convention Center. And I have witnesses.

When they say cold they are not kidding. However, I think it would be ok to let lunch thaw out for a couple hours, don't you? The bread does not have to be 28 degrees along with the cookie and chips.

So this time, I really want to hear about your worst backstage meal. Think about it; I’m sure we’ll all have some entertaining stories.

Until next time…

Meeting Advice: Boomers vs Gen Y

Boomers vs Gen Y: these two generations will go into your next meeting or trade show with different expectations. On Meeting Planners International's website, Yvonne Nassar gives some advice on engaging both attendees at the same meeting in Meet Your New Visitor. We noticed a theme that will make your next meeting, trade show or event even more valuable and memorable: stories.

BOOMERS

Let them share their stories: Boomers have decades of real-world experience they are all to willing to share that are probably unique.

GEN Y

Provide true stories you won't find on the Internet: It's not a secret that Gen Y is Internet savvy and will probably look up information and tweet it during the event. Provide something unique that they won't be able to find.

As you're planning your next keynote speaker or break out session, remember to ask your speakers to include unique stories. Better yet, you might even want to pair up attendees in a formal break out session so they are able to share their stories.

Click here to read the entire article.