Electro-Voice has announced the introduction of PREVIEW, a new platform-independent software application designed to help in configuring the company’s line array loudspeakers for optimized coverage in providing efficient system setup by creating visualizations of coverage, SPL, frequency response and mechanical load calculations.
PREVIEW offers a full-color 3D interface with flexible tools and a streamlined workflow for quickly calculating optimized configurations and positioning of line arrays, as well as the angles between loudspeaker elements, amplifier drive and delay requirements, and other system design parameters. The software also recommends mechanically valid combinations of loudspeakers and rigging hardware.
PREVIEW provides a three-dimensional environment in which objects may be placed and manipulated anywhere. The user has complete control over rotation, scaling and translation and can also “see through” any surface that is viewed straight on.
A set of practical tools helps in achieving the optimal acoustical representation of a real space. Quick Map delivers immediate visualization of the coverage density. The auto dB range option maps the predicted SPL range across the full available color range, maximizing the visual detail simultaneously in all the displays. Virtual microphone positioning allows users to predict frequency response anywhere in the venue. The spectrogram display presents a vertical frequency response plot for each loudspeaker at the point at which its main geometric axis reaches the audience area. These plots are shown side by side, to help the designer assess how evenly the venue is covered in both level and frequency. The software is also designed to simplify the creation of subwoofer arrays.
In addition, the application also includes a detailed report generation function and a project file database, providing detailed acoustical and mechanical information. This database allows users to import existing designs and to store new project files, drawings and templates.
The first full public-release version of PREVIEW will support most Electro-Voice touring and install line array models, including X1(i), X2(i), XLC, XLD and XLE as well as complementary subwoofers. More models will be added in future versions.
Windows and Mac OS versions of the software are available as free downloads here.
