d&b audiotechnik GmbH

Loudspeakers

All d&b loudspeakers deliver scalability, flexibility, diversity and maximum efficiency with dedicated rigging accessories and specific paint finishes for seamless visual integration or weather protection. Each loudspeaker features trademark d&b qualities: low weight, constant directivity control down to low frequencies, cardioid subwoofer technology and integrated flying equipment. The mobile d&b loudspeakers are intended for a wide range of applications, from touring productions and sports events, to live sound, performing arts and speech reinforcement. Dedicated rigging and transport accessories to ensure easy redeployment from one venue to the next. The installation specific loudspeakers are intended for integration within permanent installations, delivering an optimal sonic performance
and visually unobtrusive design.

Amplifiers

The all-embracing functionality of the d&b amplifiers can be accessed via the d&b Remote network, through either Ethernet or CAN-Bus, providing all the power to effectively control. All d&b amplifiers incorporate sophisticated Digital Signal Processing capabilities for comprehensive loudspeaker management, switchable filter functions, remote capabilities and user-definable controls. The d&b amplifiers are designed specifically to power d&b loudspeakers and are the beating heart of all d&b systems. The dual channel D6 and D12 offer 4-band parametric equalizers, along with 340 ms of signal delay, while the 10D, 30D, D20 and D80 provide two user-definable 16-band equalizers with parametric, notch, shelving and asymmetric filters and up to 10 seconds of delay, all of which can be applied to each of the amplifiers’ four channels. All d&b amplifiers feature analog and AES / EBU digital inputs
for each channel, not to mention System check, Input and Load monitoring, overvoltage protection, temperature and signal controlled cooling and switch mode power supplies.

The 10D and 30D are dedicated to installation systems and as such, perfectly fulfil the needs of any permanent sound reinforcement requirement. Whether discreetly integrating inside a venue or operating in a rider driven performance space, these devices provide installation specific functionalities, including enhanced system status monitoring features and GPIOs for extended input routing capabilities. The 10D, 30D, D6, D20 and D80
also incorporate active Power Factor Correction, which maintains a stable output when used with weak or unstable mains supplies. All in all, the amplifiers do more than drive d&b loudspeakers; they realize the full potential of the d&b system approach.

Networking and integration

The d&b networking and integration approach ensures comprehensive remote control capabilities, efficient audio networking possibilities and seamless interoperability and integration with other devices within a sound reinforcement system. The d&b four channel D80 and D20 as well as the installation specific 10D and 30D can be controlled using Ethernet via the Open Control Architecture (OCA) protocol, developed by the OCA alliance of which d&b audiotechnik is a founding member. The Open Control Architecture protocol is an open standard control and media architecture for media devices.

The intention of the OCA alliance is to improve interoperability. Further information is available at www.ocaalliance.com. These latest generation amplifiers can also be controlled through the established CAN-Bus network, which is also used to control the dual channel D6 and D12 amplifiers. Using the R1 Remote control software, amplifiers can be controlled using Ethernet (OCA) and CAN-Bus simultaneously. The DS10 Audio network bridge interfaces between the Dante audio transport protocol and the AES3 inputs of the d&b amplifiers.

Software

The d&b software offers precise prediction capabilities along with advanced remote control and monitoring solutions. Together they provide an exact simulation of the predicted performance prior to actually rigging the system, then seamlessly provide centralized remote control solutions for the complete management of the system from anywhere within the venue. The d&b ArrayCalc simulation software models the exact performance of the system in a given space defined by the user, taking into account input levels as well specific d&b filtering options.

This ensures that the system is within mechanical and safety limits and will perform exactly as expected, meaning system configurations can be defined before even entering the venue. The data defined within this simulation is used by the R1 Remote control software, which generates a graphical representation. This intuitive user interface offers central access to all functions through the d&b Remote network, to group controls as well as detailed system and device diagnostics information, and unlocks the full potential of the d&b system approach.