Duran Audio has released the latest version of its Digital Directivity Analysis software (DDA), a tool to allow sound designers to implement the company’s Digital Directivity Synthesis (DDS) algorithm.
DDS is a technology that uses FIR filters to allow sound designers to control both the near field and far field dispersion of a loudspeaker array. It has been implemented in AXYS Target line arrays and Intellivox arrays. DDS allows users to electronically aim the sound where they want it—at the listener and to excite the audience, not the room.
More than a dozen years later, Duran Audio continues to deliver AXYS Intellivox, Target and Beam Shaping subwoofer products that make use of this technology.
DDA was originally developed to generate the FIR filters required to synthesize the correct dispersion from an Intellivox or Target array. Now, DDA is a full 3D modeling and prediction environment which is intuitive and user friendly and has features to suit both lesser and more experienced users.
The prime function of DDA is to allow designers to define and visualize the directivity of their arrays; aiming the sound where they want it (at the audience) and avoiding those areas where they don’t want it (reflective back walls, etc.).
DDA also allows users to visualize and predict direct SPL, total SPL, D/R ratio, STI and delay spread. And for those wishing to carry out “Ray Tracing” using AXYS products, DDA allows exporting the directivity files to CATT Acoustic or ODEON.
Previously 3D room models could be imported into DDA from Google SketchUp, CATT Acoustic or Odeon. In new DDA 3.2, users can also build simple rooms using the 2D geometry builder, well suited for simple setups and touring applications.
In addition to the new 2D geometry builder Duran Audio has also been doing some work “under the hood” of the DDS Algorithms to improve directivity control and reduce the latency of DDS products.
The latest version of DDA will be on show at Duran Audio’s booth at Prolight & Sound 2013 in Frankfurt and is available to download from the company website (link directly below).