SpeakerLab Tutorial V1.00e

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Software Design Ahnert GmbH
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SDA Software Design Ahnert GmbH Arkonastrae 45-49 D 13189 Berlin www.sda.de
Conception and development of software for Scientific and Technical Applications, especially in Acoustics, Architecture, Media-, Lighting- and Stage Technology Administration, Planning, Systems
SpeakerLab Tutorial for EASE 4.2

Bruce C. Olson, Stefan Feistel ADA Version 1.00e Copyright 2002-2007 Acoustic Design Ahnert
EASE 4.2 allows a variety of ways to enter measured data from loudspeakers into files that are then used to model the results. The module used for this capability is called the EASE SpeakerLab.
Figure 1:
EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab Title Screen
This module allows the viewing of a variety of source file formats used for predictions in EASE. This includes the new Generic Loudspeaker Library (GLL) files as well as the previous single source binary format (SPK). EASE SpeakerLab can also be used to create a GLL file using a combination of independently measured source files that have been converted to the Generic Sound Source (GSS) format. A loudspeaker manufacturer can also prevent a GLL file from being modified by creating it in EASE SpeakerLab using a special authorization file available from SDA. When the GLL file is viewed in EASE SpeakerLab, in the GLL Viewer, or in an EASE project, the user will of course be able to see all of the people/companies involved in the creation of that GLL file, but no editing is possible. EASE users are able to build GLL files as well.
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Note: See the GLL Text File Format for EASE SpeakerLab documentation for details on each of the fields shown in the windows in this tutorial that are not described here.
Import of loudspeaker complex data into a GSS file

Before you can create a GLL file, you will need to create one or more GSS files. To view or create a GSS file, select the 'Source Editor' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2:
EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab File Menu
Figure 3:
EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab Source Editor Opening Screen
The first step is to define the data format for the source by selecting the 'New [Ctrl+N]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 4.
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E:\Generic Loudspeaker Library\Documentation\EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab Tutorial v1.00e.doc
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Figure 4:
Source Editor File Menu
This will open the 'New Source Definition' dialog shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5:
New Source Definition dialog
Select whether the data is high resolution, which means you have measured impulse response or complex frequency response data, or low resolution, which is a simple data table, using the three options in the 'Select Type Of Data' frame. The 'Next ' frame selects whether the 'Properties [F4]' or the 'Balloon Data [F5]' window will open after the 'Ok' button is pressed. Now let us shortly discuss the other items in the 'File' menu before we continue with the sequence of action: When you are later ready to save a device as a GSS file, select either the 'Save [Ctrl+S]' or 'Save As [Ctrl+A]' menu items from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 4. If the data has not been saved to a file location before a 'Save Source Definition' dialog will open as shown in Figure 6. To work with data that has previously been saved, select the 'Open [Ctrl+O]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 4 to select the file with the 'Open Source Definition' dialog shown in Figure 7. The 'Import' command in the 'File' menu provides a way to load existing EASE SPK files and use the 1/3rd octave data in the GSS.
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Figure 6:
Save Source Definition Dialog
Figure 7:
Open Source Definition Dialog
The next step is to define the properties of the source by selecting the 'Properties [F4]' menu item from the 'Edit' menu shown in Figure 8. (This window will open automatically if you have selected 'Edit Properties' in the 'New Source Definition' dialog.)
Figure 8:
Source Editor Edit Menu
This will open the 'Source Definition Properties' dialog shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9:
Source Definition Properties Dialog General Tab
Enter the name of the device in the 'Source' text box and the name of the manufacturer in the 'Manufacturer' text box. The 'Rated Bandwidth' entered here will be used to limit the data calculated and displayed in other parts of SpeakerLab (frequencies outside of the rated bandwidth will usually be displayed with a light blue background). Some text items will be automatically entered in
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the 'Description' text box as shown above. You may enter additional information about the source in the 'Description' text box also. Select the 'Impedance' tab and the dialog will switch to a display like the one shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Source Definition Properties Dialog Impedance Tab
If the source is based on high-resolution data, selecting the 'Load File' button will open an 'Open File' dialog where you can choose a file to use for the impedance of the source as shown in Figure 11. Similarly for low-resolution data 'Edit Table' will open a table to enter or edit the impedance curve in fractional octaves.
Figure 11: Source Definition Properties Dialog Impedance Tab with data
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The 'Calculate' button opens the message box shown in Figure 12 to display the calculated average and minimum impedance which are used to suggest a 'Rated Impedance'. Select the 'Ok' button to accept the value. The 'Rated Impedance' is an informational value and considered only to display equivalent 1 Watt / 1 meter sensitivity on the 'Sensitivity' tab.
Figure 12: Source Definition Properties Dialog Impedance Tab [Calculate Impedance]
Select the 'Sensitivity' tab and the dialog will switch to a display like the one shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Source Definition Properties Dialog Sensitivity Tab
Selecting the 'Load File' button will open an 'Open File' dialog where you can choose a file to use for the on-axis response of the source as shown in Figure 14. Similarly for low-resolution data 'Edit Table' will open a table to enter or edit the on-axis response curve in fractional octaves.
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Figure 14: Source Definition Properties Dialog Sensitivity Tab with Data
The Sensitivity is based on a measurement distance of 1 meter and a drive voltage of 2.83 volts. If the actual measurement distance or drive voltage are different from the defaults, enter them into the appropriate box. Press the 'Enter' key or select another control to recalculate the sensitivity values. A fixed offset can also be entered in the 'Gain Correction [dB]' box in order to account for other miscellaneous differences in level. The actual sensitivity values are used for calculations of the maximum SPL in EASE along with the Maximum Voltage for 1 minute entered on the 'Maximum Voltage' tab. Select the 'Maximum Voltage' tab and the dialog will switch to a display like the one shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15: Source Definition Properties Dialog Maximum Voltage Tab Page 7 of 35
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Here the 'Maximum Voltages (RMS)' for the durations indicated can be entered in the corresponding text boxes. Each 'Maximum Power' will be calculated using the 'Rated Impedance' and displayed for the respective Vrms. All maximum SPL calculations in EASE will use the actual sensitivity and the 'Vrms 1min' value. Additional information regarding the voltage measurements can be entered in the 'Notes' text box. The next step is to import the balloon data for the source by selecting the 'Balloon Data [F5]' menu item from the 'Edit' menu shown in Figure 16. (This window will open automatically if you have selected 'Edit Balloon Data' in the 'New Source Definition' dialog.)
Figure 16: Source Editor Edit Menu
This will either open the 'Import Impulse Response' dialog shown in Figure 17 if the data is High Resolution (IR/FR Data) or the 'Edit Table' dialog shown in Figure 18 for 1/3rd Octave or 1/1 Octave Resolution (Tables).
Figure 17: Import Impulse Response Dialog High Resolution (IR/FR Data)
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Figure 18: Edit Table Dialog 1/3rd Octave or 1/1 Octave Resolution (Tables)
After entering the measurement data confirm with 'Ok'. Now you can view the data of the source using the 'Graphs' menu shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19: Source Editor Graphs Menu
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Select the 'Attenuation Balloon' menu item and the dialog will switch to a display like the one shown in Figure 20.
Figure 20: View GSS Attenuation Balloon Menu Item
Modify how the 3D data is displayed using the 'View' menu shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21: Source Editor View Menu
An example of each of these view types is shown in Figure 22 to Figure 25.
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Figure 22: Graphs - Wireframe
Figure 23: Graphs Colored Contours
Figure 24: Graphs - White Contours
Figure 25: Graphs - Flat
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An example of each of the graphs is shown in Figure 26 to Figure 38.
Figure 26: View GSS Horizontal Map Menu Item
Figure 29: View GSS Phase Balloon Menu Item
Figure 27: View GSS Vertical Map Menu Item
Figure 30: View GSS Frequency Response Menu Item
Figure 28: View GSS Balloon Mapping Menu Item
Figure 31: View GSS Normalized Frequency Response Menu Item
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Figure 32: View GSS Polars Menu Item
Figure 35: View GSS Impedance Menu Item
Figure 33: View GSS Sensitivity Menu Item
Figure 36: View GSS Directivity Menu Item
Figure 34: View GSS Maximum SPL Menu Item
Figure 37: View GSS Beam Width Horizontal Menu Item
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Figure 38: View GSS Beam Width Vertical Menu Item
Be sure to save the data using the 'Save [Ctrl+S]' or 'Save As [Ctrl+A]' menu items from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 4, then you are ready to use this source file in a GLL. Select the 'Exit [Alt+F4]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 4.
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Create a new GLL project file

To create a new project file, select the 'New Project [Ctrl+N]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 39.
Figure 39: EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab File Menu
This will open the 'Create New Project' dialog shown in Figure 40.
Figure 40: Create New Project dialog
When you select a loudspeaker type from the list its name will be entered as the default text for both the 'Subdirectory' and the 'Project'. Only the first selection made after the dialog was opened will enter the text. This text can be changed, and the subdirectory must not exist in the 'Destination' folder. Use the 'Browse' button to choose another destination folder or enter a different name for the subdirectory. Each tab contains a single type of GLL project. See the GLL Text File Format for EASE SpeakerLab documentation for the types that are supported. Select the 'Simple Loudspeaker' template from the 'Loudspeaker' tab. The GLL project will be automatically saved and then opened when the 'OK' button is pressed.
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Lets take a moment to describe the GLL project types that are available: 'Loudspeaker' These projects employ the 'LS' system type. This type is used for any system that consists of a single box, such as a single loudspeaker, a 2-way or 3-way loudspeaker, a column loudspeaker or a flat panel loudspeaker. There are seven project templates provided: '2-Way Speaker' This project contains a box with two sources each with two internal crossover selections. '3-Way Speaker' This project contains a box with three sources defined for LF, MF, and HF and uses external crossovers. 'Column' This project uses a single source definition arranged as an 8 high column of identical sources in the box. 'Panel' This project uses a single source definition arranged as a 6 wide row of identical sources in the box. 'Simple Loudspeaker' This project is just a single source at a single location in the box. 'Subwoofer' This project utilizes a single source definition at a single location in the box. Three 1/3rd Octave low-pass filters have been defined at different frequencies. 'Tweeter' This project utilizes a single source definition at a single location in the box. Three 1/3rd Octave high-pass filters have been defined at different frequencies.
'Cluster' This project employs the 'CL' system type. This type allows the use of the data blocks for Setups. Typically these are used for Cluster type arrangements of multiple boxes in fixed mechanical configurations. There is one project template provided called 'Cluster'. 'Line Array' This project employs the 'LA' system type. This type allows the use of the data blocks for Frames, Connectors, Limits and Warnings. Typically these are used for Line Array type systems that are composed of individual boxes in user-defined configurations concerning the number of cabinets, the splay angles between boxes etc.. There is one project template provided called 'Array Line'. When you are ready to save this device as a GLL file, select either the 'Save Project [Ctrl+S]' or 'Save Project As [Ctrl+A]' menu items from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 39. To work with data that has previously been saved, select the 'Open Project [Ctrl+O]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 39 to select the file with the 'Open Project' dialog shown in Figure 42.
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Figure 41: Save Project Dialog
Figure 42: Open Project Dialog
The next step is to define the properties of the loudspeaker by selecting the first item in the tree under 'General Data' as shown in Figure 43.
Figure 43: Edit General System Properties page
The 'Internal Name' is used to identify this loudspeaker inside EASE, this is important for later GLL files which may contain updated data for the same system. The 'Display Name' is shown as the label of this loudspeaker to the user in any EASE project. The 'Version' field is used to distinguish newer versions of a GLL data file from older ones. This will allow the user to upgrade existing EASE projects later on. Create and release the first GLL for a system using the version number 1, but publish later updates with incrementing version numbers. The entry 'Manufacturer' is similarly important. Along with the Internal Name it represents the unique combination that lets EASE distinguish between different GLLs. The following text fields are for informational purposes only, make sure that you enter an appropriate website and email address. Then select the 'Appearance' item as shown in Figure 44. This page allows you to specify two logo graphics and a background color which will be used for presentation of the GLL to the user. To select
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a graphics file press the 'Browse' button. It is strongly recommended to keep all items relative to the GLL project as this simplifies shipping the data to co-workers and keeping different versions of the same GLL separated. To make the selected file relative to the project location check the 'Relative' checkbox. A warning message will notify you if the relative path cannot be derived because the selected file is too far away. The recommended location for your bitmap files is in a \Logos\ subdirectory in the GLL project folder. The other three items under 'General Data' can be completed at any time. The 'Presets' section allows GLL configuration files (.xglc) to be included in the GLL. These configuration files can be created by saving them from within the GLL viewer or EASE. Having presets included the end user can more easily set up the GLL in EASE later on, because he may start from an optimized manufacturer configuration. The 'Additional Data Files' section can be used to embed other custom files into GLL, such as a PDF, a drawing or a bitmap file. These files can later on be extracted by the end user of the GLL and opened or viewed with the corresponding program. The 'Authorization Files' section is intended for use by manufacturer and GLL authors who want to publish data for many users. By including a so-called authorization file (.author) the GLL is specially signed (stamped) upon compilation. This signature is verified later on by EASE or by the GLL viewer when the GLL is opened and the authorizing company is indicated to the end user.
Figure 44: Appearance Details page
Now select the 'Source Definitions (x)' item in the tree under 'Acoustic Data' as shown in Figure 45. The number in parenthesis indicates the quantity of source directivity data sets defined for the loudspeaker. To add additional sources, select a row by clicking the number to the left of the row, then press the 'Duplicate' button. To remove a source, select its row by clicking the number to the left of the row, then press the 'Delete' button.
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Figure 45: Source Definitions (x) page
Each row added creates an additional item under the 'Source Definitions (x)' item in the tree. Select a 'Source Definition' item to show the page as in Figure 46.
Figure 46: Source Definition page
The default source is an ideal sphere. Click on the 'Data File (GSS)' option to allow selection of a previously created GSS file using the 'Browse' button. The recommended location for your source definition files is relative to the GLL project in a \Sources\ subdirectory. It is also possible to create a new GSS file by pressing the 'New File' button. View the selected GSS file by pressing the 'View
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File' button. How to create and modify GSS files has already been discussed in the beginning, please see this section for more details. Now we will combine the sources in their proper location in the loudspeaker box. Select the 'Box Types (x)' item in the tree under 'Acoustic Data' as shown in Figure 47. The number in parentheses indicates the quantity of box types defined for the loudspeaker. Note: Only the Line Array and the Cluster types allow the use of multiple box types.
Figure 47: Box Types (x) page
First select the '[+]' to the left of the 'Box Types (x)' item in the tree. Select a 'Box Type' item to show the page as in Figure 48. A 'Box Type' page always has a 'General' tab (Figure 48) and an 'Input Configurations' tab (Figure 50). Additional tabs are dynamically created for each row in the list of Input Configurations (in Figure 50 there is only one, labeled 'InputConfigA').
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Figure 48: Box Type page General tab
Press the 'Edit Case' button to open a window as shown in Figure 49.
Figure 49: Select Geometry Files window
Press the 'Browse' button to select an EASE Edges ASCII file to use for the case. If the file is located in a sub-folder of the project folder, then the 'Relative' checkbox can be used to simplify the path. It is good practice to keep all drawing files relative to the GLL project in a \Drawings\ subdirectory. Press the 'OK' button and the case will be shown in the graphical display area. Define the 'Weight' and the 'Center of Mass' of the box type for later calculation of the center of gravity for the whole system. Note: The 'Connecting Point' is only needed for box types used in line arrays. It defines the origin of the next box in the array. To locate additional sources in the box, press the 'Add Source' button. All dimensions and angles for each source are relative to the origin (0, 0, 0). To remove the last source, press the 'Delete Last' button. To edit any of the data for a source, double-click with the mouse or press the Enter key with the box in the grid highlighted. This will allow you to either enter a value directly or will open a selection box allowing you to choose one of the available selections, such as a Source Definition defined earlier. You can also select multiple cells and use Copy [Ctrl-C] and Paste [Ctrl-V] to place edit values in the cells.
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The 'Input Configurations' tab lists the different possibilities a user of this loudspeaker can use to connect inputs of the box. For a simple box this is usually just one configuration with a single input. More complex devices may contain multiple input connectors and switches on the back panel, or use computer control to change the configuration of the inputs. A single 'Input Configuration' is shown in Figure 50.
Figure 50: Box Type page Input Configurations tab
Enter or change the names for an 'Input Configuration' by double-clicking with the mouse or pressing the Enter key with the box in the grid highlighted. You can also select multiple cells and use Copy [Ctrl-C] and Paste [Ctrl-V] to place edit values in the cells. The tab created for the 'Input Configuration' above is shown in Figure 51. Similar tabs will be created for each row in the table. They represent different matrices defining how all of the acoustic outputs (sources) are linked with the electric inputs the user can see. In particular, fully passive systems will have an Input Configuration that only consists of a single row, connecting all sources to just one input. Depending on how the source data was measured and if the filters are adjustable the nodes will be either set to '<External>' (linked, but with a unity filter) or to contain additional 'Filter Groups' (internal filter settings), which will be introduced further below. In contrast, entirely active systems normally have an Input Configuration that consists of a matrix where the number of rows (inputs) is equal to the number of columns (sources) and only the diagonal elements are defined.
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Figure 51: Box Type page InputConfigA tab
To configure additional inputs, press the 'Add Input' button. To remove the last input, press the 'Delete Last' button. To edit any of the data for an input, double-click with the mouse or press the Enter key with the box in the grid highlighted. This will allow you to either enter a value directly or will open a selection box allowing you to choose one of the available selections, such as a Source defined earlier. You can also select multiple cells and use Copy [Ctrl-C] and Paste [Ctrl-V] to place edit values in the cells.
View a GLL project file

Now you are ready to view the GLL. This can be done two ways. The first is to run the GLL from within SpeakerLab. The second is to compile the GLL using the 'Compile [Ctrl+F5]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 39. After the file is saved, it can be opened in SpeakerLab, in the standalone GLL Viewer, or used as a loudspeaker in EASE. Select the 'Run GLL [F5]' menu item from the 'File' menu shown in Figure 39. This will open the View GLL window shown in Figure 52. Note that both commands will let EASE SpeakerLab first check the project data for consistency, resolve all existing file references, embed the data and link it against each other. At this time, if referenced files cannot be loaded or other data is inconsistently defined, the software will show an error message.
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Figure 52: View GLL window
The 'File' menu of this window is shown in Figure 53.
Figure 53: View GLL File menu
Previously compiled GLL files can be opened by selecting the 'Open GLL' menu item from the 'File' menu. System configurations can also be saved and opened using the 'File' menu. If a configuration has been included as a Preset in the GLL, it can be selected using the 'Select Preset' menu item from the 'File' menu. Any additional data files that are included in the GLL can be saved and opened by selecting the 'Embedded Data Files' menu item from the 'File' menu. Select the 'Info' menu item from the 'File' menu to show the system information for the GLL along with information on the authorization of the file. A GLL file that is not yet protected (authorized) by the manufacturer is shown in Figure 54.
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Figure 54: GLL System Information window
The 'Calculate' menu is used to update the data selectable through the 'Graphs' menu. This is necessary whenever the current configuration has been changed in the left panel such as the change of the filter setting of a box, the addition of boxes to a line array or the change of a splay angle.
Figure 55: View GLL Calculate menu
The 'Balloon [F5]' menu item opens the 'Calculation Parameters' window shown in Figure 56. The first time the window is opened it uses a 'Resolution' of Low (10) and a 'Distance' of 100m for the default values. The 'Recalculate [Ctrl+F5]' menu item uses the default values or the last used values from the 'Calculation Parameters' window to show the result data.
Figure 56: Calculation Parameters window
After having calculated the balloon you are able to view the data using the 'Graphs' menu shown in Figure 57.
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Figure 57: View GLL Graphs Menu
Select the 'Attenuation Balloon' menu item, then press 'F5' and the dialog will switch to a display like the one shown in Figure 58.
Figure 58: View GLL Attenuation Balloon Menu Item
An example of each of the graphs is similar to those shown in Figure 26 to Figure 38.
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Modify how the 3D data is displayed using the 'View' menu shown in Figure 59.
Figure 59: View GLL View Menu
An example of each of these view types is similar to that shown in Figure 22 to Figure 25.
Adding Filters to Sources and Inputs

SpeakerLab also allows you to add groups of filters to sources and inputs in the GLL. Select the 'Filter Groups (x)' item in the tree under 'Acoustic Data' as shown in Figure 60. The number in parentheses indicates the quantity of filter groups defined for the loudspeaker. To create the first filter group, press the 'New' button. To add additional filter groups, select a row by clicking the number to the left of the row, then press the 'Duplicate' button. To remove a filter group, select its row by clicking the number to the left of the row, then press the 'Delete' button.
Figure 60: Filter Groups (x) page
Create a filter group for each source in each input configuration that will have at least one internal filter, gain, or delay setting. For example, if the loudspeaker is a 2-way device with both Active and Passive inputs, then you will need to create at least two filter groups, a low-pass crossover and a highpass crossover for the Passive mode. The Active mode would then only use external filters for the crossovers.
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First select the '[+]' to the left of the 'Filter Groups (x)' item in the tree. Select a 'Filter Group' item to show the page as in Figure 61. A 'Filter Group' page always has a 'General' tab. Additional tabs are dynamically created for each row in the list of Filters.
Figure 61: Filter Group page General tab
Press the 'Number of Filters' down arrow to select 1 filter to be used in this filter group and a tab will be automatically created for this filter. Enter or change the names for a 'Filter Group' by doubleclicking with the mouse or pressing the Enter key with the box in the grid highlighted. Then press the 'Save As' button to create the GFB file using the name Input as shown in Figure 62. Use the 'Load' button to import filter files that already exist. Generally it is recommended that all filter files be kept relative to the GLL project in a \Filters\ subdirectory.
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Figure 62: Filter Group page General tab with one filter
Now select the 'keyFilterDef1' tab to show the filter definition as shown in Figure 63.
Figure 63: Filter Group page keyFilterDef1 tab
The boxes to the left of the graph affect the entire filter bank, individual filters are shown below the graph. To add filters to the filter bank press the 'Add Filter' button and select 'IIR Filter' from the menu. Doing this twice will create two filter sections, here we want to define them as a simple highpass and low-pass. For the first filter select a High-Pass from the 'Type' drop-down control, then enter a value of 50 in the 'Frq. [Hz]' text box. The second filter just needs 15000 entered as the cut-off into the 'Frq. [Hz]' text box. The graph will then display the combined response of any filters that are not bypassed as shown in Figure 64 (in this case it is a relatively wide band-pass).
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Figure 64: Filter Group page keyFilterDef1 tab with Filters
The next step is to assign the Filter Group to an Input. Select a Box Type and then select the tab created for the 'Input Configuration' above as shown in Figure 65.
Click the box at the intersection of the row for an input and the column for a source to open a window as shown in Figure 66 where you can select the Filter Group to be used on this source for this input.
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Create a GLL using more than one Box Type

The GLL Cluster and Line Array loudspeaker types allow the use of more than one box type. In a Line Array the boxes can be arranged by the user in a vertical line based on certain restrictions defined by the manufacturer. A predefined set of configurations for the Cluster can also be defined by the manufacturer. To create a new project file for a cluster, select the 'New Project [Ctrl+N]' menu item from the 'File' menu in EASE SpeakerLab. This will open the 'Create New Project' dialog. Select the 'Cluster' template from the 'Cluster' tab. The subdirectory must not exist in the 'Destination' folder. Use the 'Browse' button to choose another destination folder or enter a different name for the subdirectory. The GLL project will be automatically saved and then opened when the 'OK' button is pressed. First select the '[+]' to the left of the 'Mechanical Data' item, then select the '[+]' to the left of the 'Cluster Setups (x)' item in the tree. Select a 'Setup' item, then select the 'Setup' tab to show the page as in Figure 67. A 'Setup' page always has a 'General' tab and an 'Setup' tab.
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Figure 67: Setup page Setup tab
The 'Number of Boxes' determines the quantity to use. Each box has a corresponding row where you can determine its location and how it is aimed. To edit any of the data for a box, double-click with the mouse or press the Enter key with the box in the grid highlighted. This will allow you to either enter a value directly or will open a selection box allowing you to choose one of the available selections, such as a Box Type defined earlier. You can also select multiple cells and use Copy [Ctrl-C] and Paste [Ctrl-V] to place edit values in the cells. To create a new project file for a line array, select the 'New Project [Ctrl+N]' menu item from the 'File' menu in EASE SpeakerLab. This will open the 'Create New Project' dialog. Select the 'Array Line' template from the 'Line Array' tab. The subdirectory must not exist in the 'Destination' folder. Use the 'Browse' button to choose another destination folder or enter a different name for the subdirectory. The GLL project will be automatically saved and then opened when the 'OK' button is pressed.
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Figure 68: Mechanical Data page
Select the '[+]' to the left of the 'Mechanical Data' item to see the sub-items available for a line array. 'Frames' are used as supports for the boxes of a line array and can be of Flown type or of Groundstack type. Frames additionally represent grouping possibilities for the individual box types. For example, there may be a large frame and a small frame available for this type of array. For structural reasons only the large frame may be allowed to support the heavier box types. Such relationships can be defined by entering the corresponding frames and allowing only limited options to connect them with boxes via the so-called Connectors explained further below. A 'Frame' page always has a 'General' tab (Figure 69) and a 'Pinpoints' tab (Figure 70). While most of the parameters on the 'General' tab are defined similar to the box types explained above, the 'Pinpoints' tab contains information about the available rigging possibilities. Included pinpoints can later on be selected by the user to define how the system is hung (Flown type). They are especially important to calculate the center of gravity and the overall system tilt if the array angle is not fixed. To define the pinpoints select the corresponding amount, fill the field 'Display Name' for display to the end user and specify the coordinates with respect to the origin of the Frame. Note: In this model the actual physical realization of the mounting is unimportant. Therefore pick points can be handled just the same way as pinpoints. If the system does not support multiple fixture locations only enter a single pinpoint with the correct coordinate. If the system allows for a continuous choice of the rigging point you may enter a set of pinpoints sufficiently spaced, such as in distances of 1 cm or a half inch.
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Figure 69: Frame page General tab
Figure 70: Frame page Pinpoints tab
'Connectors' are used to define the mechanical connections between frames and boxes and also between boxes and boxes. They are also used to define the splay angles available to the end user. A 'Connector' page always has a 'General' tab (Figure 71 and Figure 72) and an 'Angles' tab (Figure 73). Select on the 'General' tab which kinds of elements you want to link with this Connector. For every link that is mechanically possible an appropriate Connector must be defined. For box box connections you can restrict the availability of the connector to a particular frame using the 'Available for Frame' selection list.
Figure 71: Connector page General tab [Frame Box]
Figure 72: Connector page General tab [Box Box]
On the 'Angles' tab all splay angles are defined which are possible for this link. Select the corresponding amount, fill the field 'Display Name' for display to the end user and specify the tilt angle of the lower element relative to the z-axis.
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Figure 73: Connector page Angles tab
The pages for each 'Limit' and 'Warning' contain a single tab. Limits and Warnings both define maximum or minimum values for distinguished quantities, such as the weight or the number of cabinets. Although similar in nature, Limits are more important because they represent restrictions directly enforced by the software while Warnings only have informational character. Generally, one should define at least one limit, namely the maximum number of cabinets allowed. Additional Limits may be added for the maximum system tilt angle or for the maximum weight. Warnings are optional and usually entered to make the user aware of circumstances not directly covered by the modeling software. For example, for a certain weight additional rigging structures may be needed or for a large number of cabinets the manual should be consulted to find detailed assistance.
Figure 74: Limit page Page 35 of 35


SpeakerLab Tutorial V1.00e

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SpeakerLab Tutorial for EASE 4.2

EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab Title Screen

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Import of loudspeaker complex data into a GSS file

EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab File Menu

EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab Source Editor Opening Screen

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Source Editor File Menu

New Source Definition dialog

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Save Source Definition Dialog

Open Source Definition Dialog

Source Editor Edit Menu

Source Definition Properties Dialog General Tab

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Figure 10: Source Definition Properties Dialog Impedance Tab

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Figure 13: Source Definition Properties Dialog Sensitivity Tab

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Figure 16: Source Editor Edit Menu

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Figure 19: Source Editor Graphs Menu

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Figure 20: View GSS Attenuation Balloon Menu Item

Figure 21: Source Editor View Menu

An example of each of these view types is shown in Figure 22 to Figure 25.

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Figure 22: Graphs - Wireframe

Figure 23: Graphs Colored Contours

Figure 24: Graphs - White Contours

Figure 25: Graphs - Flat

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An example of each of the graphs is shown in Figure 26 to Figure 38.

Figure 26: View GSS Horizontal Map Menu Item

Figure 29: View GSS Phase Balloon Menu Item

Figure 27: View GSS Vertical Map Menu Item

Figure 30: View GSS Frequency Response Menu Item

Figure 28: View GSS Balloon Mapping Menu Item

Figure 31: View GSS Normalized Frequency Response Menu Item

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Figure 32: View GSS Polars Menu Item

Figure 35: View GSS Impedance Menu Item

Figure 33: View GSS Sensitivity Menu Item

Figure 36: View GSS Directivity Menu Item

Figure 34: View GSS Maximum SPL Menu Item

Figure 37: View GSS Beam Width Horizontal Menu Item

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Figure 38: View GSS Beam Width Vertical Menu Item

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Create a new GLL project file

Figure 39: EASE 4.2 SpeakerLab File Menu

Figure 40: Create New Project dialog

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Figure 41: Save Project Dialog

Figure 42: Open Project Dialog

Figure 43: Edit General System Properties page

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Figure 44: Appearance Details page