In-Depth
JBL discontinued their excellent 3D loudspeaker simulation software (CAPP2) in the late 1990s (at that time all manufacturers except Bose decided that programming was not their business, so it is interesting to note the current trend where even small loudspeaker brands are releasing their own proprietary simulation software). Now, JBL reformats part of the Matlab code from sister brand Axys' DDA software, to, 25 years later, present a 3D simulation program.
Venue Synthesis provides the ability to run three-dimensional acoustic predictions, simulate acoustic performance for complete systems, and validate equipment for safe, secure rigging. Users can create or import 3D venue models (such as SketchUp or DXF), interact with realistic (you can even see rigging pins) 3D models of JBL Professional loudspeakers and accessories and predict direct sound coverage on any plane for a full system of JBL products.
"The release of Venue Synthesis truly rounds out the toolset in our performance audio portfolio,” says George Georgallis, Director of Product Management, Performance Audio at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “3D prediction has been our most requested product for years; adding this functionality extends the value and performance of our professional PA systems.”
“Whether you're designing sound systems for small venues or large stadiums, Venue Synthesis makes it easy to plan and simulate acoustic coverage with confidence,” adds Santiago Ortiz, Principal Acoustic Engineer at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “We’ve carefully modeled all the components of the signal chain, from the input signal to the amplifier output voltage, in order to model accurate sound pressure levels that relate to reality. We have also made complex venue drawing and complex sound system configuration incredibly simple and fun to use."
Venue Synthesis features three intuitive modes of operation. Venue Mode generates venue models in 2D or 3D from import files of by building venues from scratch. As with most modern software, you can import architectural drawings to ease draw over them, accelerating room creation. Common architectural and audience areas such as balconies can be created using the Special Object Creator.
The Acoustics Mode is used to enter and modify speakers and arrays, as well as viewing results. Users can visualize fast-rendering preliminary "Quick SPL" coverage or fully map SPL to a venue. Balloon data for high-frequency channels has been measured to 2 degrees, says JBL.
The System Groups feature can be used to organize and link loudspeakers and arrays according to acoustic properties, and 2D System View to visualize coverage, impact points and loudspeaker angles. For instance one could define a line of subwoofers or front-fills and change the spacing from a single parameter rather than editing the position of every element. Delay Optimizer optimizes loudspeaker delays for the entire venue. A System Group File Export feature is fully integrated with the JBL Performance Manager application and the newly updated JBL ArrayLink mobile app, which uses a QR code system to deliver rigging information to field technicians.
Mechanics Mode lets users validate and refine mechanical settings—included suspended arrays—to confirm system feasibility, safety and reliability, using 2D and 3D configuration views. An Array Statistics tool confirms adherence to regulatory requirements, and a real-time warning notification system alerts users to safety and reliability issues across the system.
[Editor's note: Personally, from a group such as Harman I would expect integrated software that combines sound simulation, not only direct, but also reflected and reverberation (this would be relatively easy to pull off), together with project documentation, as well as control and monitoring; JBL falls a bit short here (you'll still need EASE for intelligibility mapping, let alone ray tracing, unlike CADP2), we'll see if in the future Venue Synthesis grows to provide a more complete set of tools]
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