Martin Audio recently introduced Engineer, its new digital management processor, at the PLASA 2007 show in London.

This powerful DSP device is designed to provide comprehensive control and management of installed loudspeaker systems while using unique algorithms to keep sound systems automatically performing at optimum level.

Incorporating a broad range of standard facilities such as gain, EQ, limiting, time delay and a 4 x 8 routing matrix, what really sets this device apart are the ‘BassCreator‘ and Engineer algorithms. These unique, innovative functions offer solutions to some of the most common operational and environmental problems in audio system design.

In addition to its functionality as a conventional loudspeaker management system, Engineer provides automatic built-in control of program level and tonal quality to compensate for variations in program sources.

Engineer operates on the premise that installed speaker systems are usually commissioned with sophisticated test equipment and well-produced music tracks to ensure that the system settings are optimized for a well-balanced sound throughout the venue.

However, following the installation handover, the venue may never sound the same again; hence the Engineer system has been designed to take the brunt of everything thrown at it–from inexperienced staff, the visiting DJ, and worst of all, the wide disparity in the quality of source material.

The Martin Audio solution is so named because it takes the place of a qualified sound engineer, automatically maintaining the tonal and dynamic quality of the material being played. Any facility can be easily programmed within the Engineer. A 20-second segment is stored from a well-produced track, with good tonal characteristics, at the press of the Autocatch button. The sample provides the engineer with a reference of content level and an average of high and low frequencies. All subsequent material will be compared to the sample and adjusted to ensure that the tone and level match closely.

Whatever the style or quality of music, whatever the time of day or night the Engineer works tirelessly to maintain a well-balanced sound. In addition the Engineer has a window of advanced settings enabling every parameter of operation to be tailored to suit the venue and style of music most often played.

At the same time, incorporation of the BassCreator algorithm enables it to eliminate sub-frequency noise pollution by isolating the disturbing bass frequencies. This algorithm uses a psycho-acoustical effect to give the impression of deep sub-bass without actually creating any of the lower frequencies associated with noise pollution.

It does this by employing the ‘lost fundamental‘ principal; a fundamental frequency is selected which is appropriate to the program material and mid-top speaker system. The algorithm then analyzes the track routed through the BassCreator and generates the harmonics of the fundamental frequency that would be present. Hearing the harmonics is sufficient to make the human ear believe that it is hearing the fundamental sub-frequency.

What this means is that acousticians will not only be able to achieve a noise reduction between 6-10 dB (A) while retaining an amazing sound quality but extend the frequency range of small loudspeakers 1 to 1.5 octave below the resonance frequency of a loudspeaker without overloading it.

Features at a glance
• 4-input, 8-output freely-routable signal path
• 8-band fully-parametric EQ on every input/output
• High-pass and low-pass crossover filters on every output, with slopes up to 24dB/octave
• Choice of Linkwitz-Riley, Butterworth or Bessel filters
• Speaker protection limiters on every output
• Unique advanced human-based Engineer algorithm
• Unique psycho-acoustical perceptual BassCreator algorithm
• Flexible event scheduler
• RS232 interface for PC programming and control
• RS485 interface for external remote control

For more about Martin Audio, please call us at 519.747.5853, email infona@martin-audio.com or visit www.martin-audio.com.