Technomad Speakers Pass GLL Tests
Technomad Associates, manufacturer of weatherproof and audio loudspeakers for the pro AV and security/military technology industries, upgraded to the GLL (General Loudspeaker Library) format to measure and present its loudspeaker design specifications to the pro audio industry.
Technomad Associates, manufacturer of weatherproof and audio loudspeakers for the pro AV and security/military technology industries, upgraded to the GLL (General Loudspeaker Library) format to measure and present its loudspeaker design specifications to the pro audio industry. GLL format data provides Technomad design engineers, consultants, and contracts with more options in positioning and simulating loudspeakers in sports, entertainment, and other large venues that require arrayed or clustered configurations, according to the company.
Technomad officials called GLL a new standard for measuring and storing loudspeaker performance data that is now part of the EASE software suite, which helps users create 3D simulations of a room’s acoustic model and sound system. The GLL format provides accurate technical detail about the loudspeaker design and driver output so consultants and design engineers can more accurately position loudspeakers in various environments compared to simulated point-source formats.
Recently, Technomad visited NWAA Labs, an independent, vendor-neutral laboratory that provides uniform product testing of loudspeakers. Ron Sauro, owner and chief scientist of NWAA Labs, led the test of Technomad’s IP56-rated weatherproof loudspeakers. The method uses a system of calibrated microphones positioned every five degrees in a 4-meter arc to consistently collect data while the loudspeakers are immersed in an anechoic chamber to eliminate reflected acoustic artifacts. According to Technomad, the process collects loudspeaker data more accurately than the traditional way of moving the position of a single microphone to record measurements at different angles, and is much faster.
The tests officially quantified Technomad’s loudspeakers as GLL-ready. Results and measurements are available for download and usage with the new EASE 4.2 software program.
“GLL testing is a critical step forward in accurate data collection for loudspeaker design engineers, particularly those specifying a venue that will include clusters of multiple loudspeakers,” said Sauro. “Engineers and consultants who download the GLL files can more accurately predict what will happen in a room or facility when multiple cabinets are used, and also predict and better understand the interaction between all the cabinets and drivers in the loudspeakers. The GLL format provides a very accurate resolution of phase that is superior to how we previously measured and presented data.”
Sauro added that manufacturers like Technomad benefit from GLL testing through physically assembling loudspeakers in “virtual reality” or simulated environments, measuring the drivers without crossovers or digital signal processing, and making design changes that are instantly noticed. He says this improves the speed and accuracy of developing the loudspeaker.
“Through testing at NWAA Labs, we have been able to generate GLL files that provide consultants and design engineers with the most accurate loudspeakers measurements possible,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “This highly accurate data provides design information that gives contractors new options to use Technomad loudspeakers in larger venues.”
