Meyer Sound brings new dimensions to sound system design with MAPP 3D

The MAPP 3D tool from Meyer Sound provides highly accurate three-dimensional renderings of the intended performance of the sound system, within the detailed plans of the enclosure.

MAPP 3D is the most comprehensive update to the system design tool Meyer Sound, become an industry standard since the original software program was introduced MAPP Online in 2001. Available for free download on the manufacturer's website, works for Mac and Windows and employs local processing (no Internet connection required).

This tool provides three-dimensional renderings very precise of the expected performance of the sound system within the detailed plans of the enclosure. MAPP 3D offers full integration with Galaxy processors and the Compass control software, for a complete workflow from initial design to tuning in situ.

Comprehensive processing parameters for complex systems can be optimized using MAPP 3D predictions, with the resulting processor configuration, guided directly to multiple Galaxy processors with the click of a mouse.

High precision

In addition to traditional calibration tests of signal sources, MAPP 3D is Supports M-Noise, an emerging industry standard for determining the maximum SPL linear for music. This combination provides the most accurate prediction yet of the maximum capacity a sound system has when playing music..

As he explains Perrin Meyer, Director of Emerging Technologies at Meyer Sound, “The launch of MAPP 3D marks a milestone in the development of sound system design software, not only for the company, but for the industry as a whole. The details in the renderings are spectacular and the flexibility of the user interface is unprecedented.”.

The differential of this update, as Meyer points out, “is the extreme accuracy of predictions. What is measured with MAPP 3D virtual microphones is exactly what you will see in measurements of real microphones”.

The combination of a simplified and easy-to-use interface, seamless integration with Galaxy processors and easy import of SketchUp files (SKP) and AutoCAD (DXF) provides significant time and cost savings, both in system design and optimization in situ.

With multiple views and a free rotation control tool, audience areas can be quickly defined, even within a complex architecture. the line array can be quickly and automatically configured for uniform coverage, as well as simultaneously evaluating multiple system options.

Configuration and predictions

In addition, MAPP 3D allows designers to perform virtual system optimization in the design phase. Includes Galaxy virtual signal processors, so that the designer can add and configure processors, view the results of the prediction and, subsequently, synchronize these settings directly to the hardware processors on site.

Full output processing features are also available for all Galaxy processor models, and the function of 'copy and paste’ can be used to replicate settings across one or more processing channels.

Because MAPP 3D includes accurate sensitivity data for all Meyer Sound sound speakers it is possible to display predictions such as real-world SPL, as well as attenuation.

The addition of sensitivity along with M-Noise compatibility also provides very accurate predictions of the system Headroom., which avoids the tendency to oversize the design of the systems and results in greater cost efficiency.

The performance of MAPP 3D speakers is based on more than 65.000 measurement points 3d, taken in a resolution of 1/48 octave in the anechoic chamber by Meyer Sound.

In addition, MAPP's 3D predictions are accurate in the bandwidth of all speakers, Including until 12,5 hz for the very low frequency control element of the CFLVC.

Uniformity of performance

MAPP 3D also takes advantage of the inherent advantages of working with self-powered speakers manufactured with extremely tight tolerances for performance uniformity.

“When working with predictions in MAPP 3D, you can be sure that the virtual speakers will behave exactly the same as the physical models tested in the anechoic chamber. Todd Meier, Director of Product Management, Meyer Sound-, just like the speakers in the final installed system”.

Another advantage is that “self-amplification eliminates the variables associated with external power supply, as the type of amplifier, the output settings of this and the length of the speaker cable; which adds complexity and introduces a possibility of error in other prediction tools”, says Meier.

Updated high-resolution graphics and flexible user interface in MAPP 3D provide a variety of options for design and performance analysis. System designers can insert simple 3D geometries to understand the behavior of the array outside the audience area.

Layers can be turned on and off to speed up workflow. Prediction plans are quickly created from drawings imported with the tool Snapping.

In addition, it is also possible to quickly create multiple prediction planes in large spaces with symmetrical sections, using linear and angular extrusion in combination, with the tools Mirror and Align.

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