1. What is Acoustic Simulation Software?

Acoustic simulation software consists of tools designed to model how sound propagates in a given environment. These programs use ray tracing principles, sound field prediction, and reflection and absorption algorithms to generate detailed acoustic maps.

Some of their applications include:

✔ Calculation of sound coverage and speaker dispersion.
✔ Prediction of interference between speaker cabinets (lobing and phase cancellations).
✔ Optimization of time alignment and delay settings.
✔ Evaluation of reverberation time (RT60) and room behavior.

2. EASE Focus: Sound System Simulation

2.1. What is EASE Focus?

EASE Focus is an acoustic simulation software based on 2D and 3D coverage mapping technology, developed by AFMG. It specializes in configuring line array speaker systems, point source speakers, and subwoofers, making it an essential tool for sound engineers and system integrators.

Key Features of EASE Focus:

✔ Speaker modeling using manufacturer-specific GLL files.
✔ Simulation of SPL coverage, frequency response, and time alignment.
✔ Calculation tools for line array curvature and dispersion optimization.
✔ Configuration and tuning of subwoofers in cardioid or conventional arrays.
✔ Prediction of system behavior in different venue locations.

2.2. Practical Use of EASE Focus

The workflow for designing a typical sound system with EASE Focus includes the following steps:

Defining the Venue:

• Set the shape, dimensions, and general acoustic conditions of the space.
• Import a venue model or define the audience height and desired coverage area.

Selecting the Speaker System:

• Load GLL format speaker models, provided by the manufacturer.
• Tecnare, among other brands, offers GLL files for system simulation.

Configuring Speaker Placement:

• Adjust the tilt angle and spacing between cabinets in a line array to achieve uniform coverage.
• Configure the orientation and placement of subwoofers in cardioid or conventional stack arrangements.

Simulating and Adjusting Coverage:

• Generate sound pressure level (SPL) maps and frequency response analyses for different venue points.
• Evaluate system intelligibility through STI index calculations.

Exporting Results and Final Adjustments:

• Use the generated data to set up and fine-tune the system in the field.

Example of Use:

If a sound engineer is installing a Tecnare system in an auditorium, they can use EASE Focus to determine:

✔ The optimal tilt angle of a line array to ensure uniform coverage.
✔ The best subwoofer configuration in a cardioid array to minimize stage interference.
✔ The sound pressure distribution in different areas of the venue.

3. Other Acoustic Simulation Software

3.1. EASE 4/5 (Enhanced Acoustic Simulator for Engineers)

✔ Advanced tool for full 3D venue modeling.
✔ Detailed simulation of acoustic reflections.
✔ Analysis of reverberation time (RT60), frequency response, and SPL mapping.

3.2. AFMG SoundFlow

✔ Specialized in predicting absorption and transmission coefficients of acoustic materials.
✔ Useful for acoustic treatment studies to avoid unwanted reflections.

4. Benefits of Using Simulation Software

Using tools like EASE Focus provides significant advantages in sound reinforcement system design:

✅ Performance Optimization: Allows for parameter adjustments before installation, avoiding costly on-site corrections.
✅ Time Savings: Speaker arrays and delay alignment can be preconfigured before physical setup.
✅ Improved Sound Coverage: Ensures that all audience members receive a consistent and cancellation-free sound experience.
✅ Interference Prediction: Reduces phase issues, lobing, and unwanted coupling between speaker cabinets.
✅ Precise Subwoofer Configuration: Helps determine the best subwoofer arrangement (cardioid, end-fire, stack).

Conclusion

Acoustic simulation software has become an essential tool for professional audio system designers. EASE Focus enables the prediction of system coverage and behavior before implementation, optimizing speaker placement and tuning.

Mastering these tools is crucial for sound engineers, system integrators, and audio technicians, as it ensures optimal results with less time and resource investment in field adjustments.