The new 2-user license lowers the cost of entry into EASE 4.2 by over 40%. Similar price reductions are available for all EASE modules.

Acquiring an EASE license is not only less costly, but much easier thanks to Internet distribution of the software. EASE software and associated modules and programs such as EASERA are available for purchase online at https://www.renkus-heinz.com/ease/purchase/purchase.html. Purchasers receive a license key and download link from AFMG via email. The EASE 4.2 file is about 50 MB – a broadband Internet connection is recommended.

Both new owners and experienced EASE users will be impressed with the capabilities of version 4.2. The new release is the first version of EASE to incorporate the new Generic Loudspeaker Library (GLL) data format developed by AFMG member company Software Design Ahnert GmbH (SDA). The GLL format includes mechanical, electronic and acoustic properties of complex sound sources such as multi-way loudspeakers, line arrays, horizontal clusters and column loudspeakers. The GLL can utilize measurement data such as impulse responses or transfer functions as well as previously processed fractional-octave data. This new concept of including one or several acoustic sources in a single loudspeaker cabinet also allows for defining and customizing crossovers and filters. Various details of the GLL format are presented and validated in 121st AES Preprint 6987 “Modelling of Loudspeaker Systems using High-Resolution Data” by Wolfgang Ahnert and Stefan Feistel, and references therein.

EASE 4.2 also includes the new EASE SpeakerLab software program which allows the creation of GLL files. Among many features the software can be employed to analyse and present measured and simulated loudspeaker directivity data, to evaluate crossover designs and to model new loudspeaker systems. An associated free GLL Viewer program allows loudspeaker manufacturers and EASE users to view and exchange complex, high-resolution loudspeaker data by means of a GLL.

The room-acoustic calculation module AURA has been significantly improved in EASE 4.2 with better performance, faster calculations and more consistent results. Major improvements to the standard mapping functions which reduce the calculation time required to correctly forecast performance values are also a part of EASE 4.2. In addition, the room entry functions have been enhanced and updated to further simplify and speed up the modeling process. New data transfer functions allow for the seamless exchange of both simulation and measurement results with the measuring software EASERA. Finally, EASE 4.2 was developed to be entirely compliant with all Microsoft Vista security features.

In short, EASE 4.2 represents a major step forward in bringing acoustical modeling and simulation closer to real world results. Both EASE 4.2 and EASERA will be demonstrated at the Renkus-Heinz InfoComm booth, #8844.