Meyer Sound has announced the release of MAPP 3D, an extensive upgrade to its system design tool that works on both the Mac and Windows platforms, employs local processing (no Internet connection required) and is now available as a free download from the Meyer Sound website. (A photo gallery with a variety of images showing MAPP 3D capabilities is below.)

MAPP 3D is designed to provide accurate three-dimensional renderings of predicted sound system performance within detailed, wire-frame venue drawings. It also now offers integration with the GALAXY Network Platform and Compass control software to generate workflows from initial design through on-site tuning. Processing parameters for complex systems can be optimized using MAPP 3D predictions, with the resulting processor settings pushed directly into multiple GALAXY processors. In addition to traditional calibration test signal sources, MAPP 3D also supports M‑Noise that’s designed to determine the maximum linear SPL for music.

“The release of MAPP 3D marks a milestone in the development of sound system design software, not only for Meyer Sound, but for the industry as a whole,” says Perrin Meyer, Meyer Sound director of emerging technologies. “The detail in the renderings is spectacular and the flexibility of the user interface is unprecedented, but what really sets MAPP 3D apart is the extreme accuracy of the predictions. What you measure with MAPP 3D’s virtual microphones is precisely what you will see in measurements from real microphones.”

Further, MAPP 3D enables system designers to perform virtual system optimization in the design phase. It includes virtual GALAXY signal processors, allowing designers to add and configure processors, view prediction results, and later synchronize these settings directly to the hardware processors on site. Complete output processing functions of all GALAXY processor models are available, and a copy and paste feature can be used to replicate settings in one or more other processing channels.

Because MAPP 3D includes sensitivity data for all Meyer Sound loudspeakers, it can display predictions as real-world SPL as well as attenuation. The inclusion of sensitivity coupled with M-Noise compatibility is also intended to provide accurate predictions of system headroom. Accurate headroom predictions can help alleviate the tendency to overdesign systems.

MAPP 3D loudspeaker performance is based on more than 65,000 three-dimensional measurement points, taken in 1/48th-octave resolution in the Meyer Sound anechoic chamber. Also, MAPP 3D predictions are stated to be accurate across the full bandwidth of all loudspeakers, including as low as 12.5 Hz for the VLFC very low-frequency control element.

“When working with predictions in MAPP 3D, you can be confident that your virtual loudspeakers will behave exactly as the physical models tested in the anechoic chamber,” says Todd Meier, Meyer Sound director of product management, “as will the loudspeakers in the final installed system. In addition, self-powering eliminates variables associated with external powering, such as amplifier type, amplifier output configuration and loudspeaker cable length — all of which add complexity and introduce a potential for error in other proprietary prediction tools.”

The upgraded high-resolution graphics and user interface in MAPP 3D provide numerous options for design and performance analysis. System designers can insert simple 3D geometry to reveal array behavior outside the audience area. Layers can be turned on and off to speed workflow. Prediction planes are quickly created from imported drawings with a “Snapping” tool. In addition, multiple prediction planes in large venues with symmetrical sections can be created quickly using linear and angular extrusion in combination with the “Mirror” and “Align” tools.

MAPP 3D is compatible with most recent computers running either Windows 10 or Mac OS versions 10.5.6 Catalina or later. A quad-core processor and at least 8 GB of RAM are recommended as well. MAPP 3D is available as a free download — find out more here.

Meyer Sound

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