Rack Amps FAQ

In this section, we will look at how an ArmoníaPlus project designer can use the project properties section on ArmoníaPlus to enable project details, Views Host, and access support information of the said project.

Within the Workspace select the A+ emblem found in the upper left-hand corner of the program window and click ‘Project Properties.’

This is the ‘Project Properties’ section. This section is divided into 3 subsections.

We are currently looking at ‘Project Details’ sub-section. This is where the designer can input information about this project such as ‘title’, ‘address’, and notes about the project. Let’s input the information about this project.

Next, let’s select Views Host. Within this sub-section, the designer can control the currently active View Host by selecting the Views Host within the ‘preferred’ column. Here they can also view the ‘location’ of different Views Host within their project. Lastly, they can choose whether to exclude certain Views Host’s from their project by clicking the ‘No Symbol’ found in the ‘Actions’ column.

Now, let’s access the ‘support’ sub-section. This is where the designer can input the support details for this project so that when the need arises, the client can conveniently access the details in the ‘Sys Control App’. Information such as the person in charge, ‘name’, ‘company’, ‘email address, and ‘phone number’ can be inserted here. Let’s input the information for this sub-section.

After all the information has been keyed in, we can now deploy this project to our system.

Now let’s move to Sys Control App.

While in the Sys Control app, if the client would like to gain access to the support information, all they need to do is to select the “i” icon on the top right corner within the ‘Control System’ page of the application.

The Project Properties tab is a very useful window to address certain aspects of the project file. It not only allows the designer a preferred choice over the Views Host server but also gives the end user quick access to technical support information if the need should arise.

A new feature added to ArmoníaPlus is the Synchronization button. It can be accessed by clicking on the upper right ‘A+’ emblem and is available from any window within the software in both the Live Sound and Install skin of Armonía Plus.

This feature allows the user to freely design using online amplifiers without making real-time changes within the current project while Synchronization is off (shown in red).  While Synchronization is off the user cannot add any discovered amplifiers to their project and any amplifier previously synched to the project will appear offline.

When Synchronization is enabled ArmoníaPlus will pull all amplifier data in real-time to the active project.  Here you can see we have enabled Synchronization and the emblem is now green. If the user would like to match virtual amplifiers to the discovered amplifiers the Synchronization feature must also be turned on.

To the right of Synchronization is the newly added Controls and Views button (rocket button).  When the button is disabled, the user has full control of the system via ArmoníaPlus and no passive controls or views will be useable.  Once engaged the user can control the system with the use of passive controllers and Views. Light control within Armonia Plus is allowed but only consists of EQ, Mute, Polarity, and Level changes.

Some Error messages may occur when trying to run the Controls and Views. It is important to note that these error messages are not bugs within the software but are due to one or many instances and it is recommended to check that all Zones, Sources, Speakers, and Amplifiers have been assigned properly within your project.

When enabling ‘Run Controls and Views’ ArmoníaPlus will let the user know that they are about to deploy an active system and will prompt the user to save the current setup before deployment.  Once the project has been saved the system will configure itself to ‘Run’.

Once complete, a window with a checklist will appear confirming which ‘Views Host’ the system is running, that audio settings have been loaded to the amplifiers, and that the user can now close ArmoníaPlus. This can also be confirmed by viewing the status of the ‘green’ colored rocket found in the upper right-hand window.

With the proper use of Synchronization, Controls, and Views, the designer can be assured their system is complete and ready for deployment, allowing the end user, smooth, precise control of their background music system.

To update, we must go to Design, Match, and then click on Discovery.

We will see all the devices in our network, and below we will see the number of amplifiers that have new firmware available.

By clicking here … we would go directly to the System list view, where we could see the current firmware version in red and the new version available.

We can select one or more amplifiers simply by holding down ‘shift’, then we click on the ‘Update’ button, and then again on the ‘Update’ button.

Once the upgrade is complete (which may take a few minutes) you can check the version of the firmware installed.

Returning to Workspace, you will see that the amplifiers will be ready for use.

To enable this control, we need first go under options, and choose the tab VPN.

Now we need to insert the static IP address of every device we desire to control, in this example 10.10.1.1, click on enter e then click on apply.

Now we can discover our device in the match function.

And this is how you can easily control a device through a VPN.

Installing and running the Views Host software is an essential step in providing the end-user with access to the pre-designed Web Views and App Views of an ArmoníaPlus Install Project.

The Views Host application installs a Windows Service called “PowersoftViewsHostService” which runs automatically at Windows startup. The Windows Service needs to be installed and to operate on a Personal Computer (PC) that resides on the same network subnet as the Powersoft system.

Views Host software contains the control engine required for the deployment of Web Views or App Views control. Web Views control can be accessed with any web-browser and App Views control can operate on a mobile device using the Powersoft app SYS CONTROL. Within this document we will discuss the necessary steps for a successful installation of Views Host software onto a PC.

To install the Views Host software, click the following link: ArmoníaPlus and scroll to the “ArmoníaPlus downloads” section of this web page. Within this section, one will find Views Host software available (Figure 1). Click on the link and follow the installer’s prompts.

Figure 1- Views Host Download Link

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the integrator chooses only passive controls such as the Powersoft WMP LEVEL and WMP SELECT in the ArmoníaPlus install project, there is no need to install Views Host software. Views Host software is only needed if the integrator plans to deploy Web Views and/or App Views.

The Views Host can be installed onto a computer utilizing a Windows 10 x64 Operating System (OS).

The system requirements are minimal. The computer should have 2GB of RAM and 100MB of drive memory available. Once installed the application can be found running in the Window’s Task Manager on the Details Tab as ViewsHost.exe and ViewsHostService.exe (Figure 2).

Views Host can be installed on multiple machines across the same network subnet. This allows the integrator to install Views Host on their own PC as well as a permanent PC that will live with the Powersoft system.  When the project is complete, the integrator can remove their computer from the system and leave the management of Web Views and App Views to the remaining permanent Views Host PC on the network (Figure 3). This allows the end user to have access to Web Views and App Views for control, but not the entire ArmoníaPlus configuration file.

Figure 2- Views Host Running in Windows Task Manager

Figure 3- Views Host Network Example

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If there are multiple Windows-based computers operating the Views Host on the same network, the PC which has received or has been assigned the lowest numbered IP Address will be given control of the system unless defined within ArmoníaPlus.

When installing the WM Touch within a project it is important to note that the Views Host is already integrated within the device and no external computer is required to run Views Host (Figure 4). The user may also control the system using the Control Sys App or Web Views created in ArmoníaPlus. This is possible because the WM Touch is also the active Views Host device. A wireless router connected to the same network subnet as the WM Touch is required (Figure 5).

Figure 4- WM Touch Views Host Example

Figure 5- WM Touch Views Host with Sys Control App and Web Views Example

Thanks to the release of ArmoniaPlus 2.2 network recovery of the WM Touch is now possible.

Installers can now easily discover and configure the IP Address of a WM Touch from a different subnet. Users can configure the IP Address of the WM Touch by right-clicking on the devices found within Match.

Making the WM Touch network recovery easily accessible gives installers and users a quick and reliable way to manage their devices on the network.

After completing your design within ArmoníaPlus, select Design > Match > Discovery, found in the Workspace, and turn on Synchronization (Figure 6). Match the corresponding amplifiers within the tray to the virtual amplifiers in the Workspace. For Synchronization to complete leave the Match tab. The Desynchronization Window (Read/Send Dialogue) will appear once leaving the Match tab and select Send (Figure 7).  When Synchronization is complete the amplifier will appear online within the Workspace.

Figure 6 – Discovery and Synchronization

Figure 7 – Desynchronization Window

As an advanced multimedia device, Deva is a convergence of multiple devices that can be easily deployed anywhere, enabling automated and direct interaction with the public. Its camera, high-powered speaker, and multiple sensors are designed to complement each other and interact with third-party applications to offer several services spanning from safety to information and entertainment.

This article describes optimal requirements when creating and setting up a complete DEVA Infrastructure for Infotainment and Security solutions. There are many different considerations that need to be evaluated when designing a Deva Solution, so, as best practice, is always suggested to be supported by our Solution Engineering Team to be sure the system can be created having the right requirements and fulfill all customer needs.

Deva HD and Deva Audio offer a versatile system of Mains powering and Network connectivity allowing a perfect integration to the central infrastructure. Deva HD and Deva Audio provide a link to connect a Deva Passive device for expanding the audio coverage area.

Mains options^*:

• External PoE injector (Solar Panel may be added on request)
• External Power Supply (Solar Panel may be added on request)
• Solar Panel (In addition to PoE or to PowerSupply)

Connectivity options:

• Network cable (Cat5e or higher)
• WiFi connected to an existing AP (signal above -56dBm and Star topology required)
• Mobile SIM Card (Used for Voice Calls on SOS Box or SMS Alert)

Management System:

• PDD (PC running DSM software on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS)
• Deva System Manager (Remote control software with web-based user interface)
• Gigabit Network Interface Card (Connected to Deva network)
• External Soundcard (suggested to use “Live from Mic” feature)
• Video-Analysis platform (V-Track for Win10 OS or Reco for Ubuntu OS)
• Dedicated GPU supporting Compute Unified Device Architecture (Required if using Video-Analysis)

^{*Internal Battery (12V – 12Ah) is required}

Understanding the key elements and the requirements needed, when designing a solution for infotainment and security with Deva Audio / Deva HD, is the primary aspect to achieve the best result from the entire system.

The following chart describes the compatible and suggested options based on specific solutions.

Solutions	Model	Mains Options
		PoE Injector	Power Supply	Solar Panel
High Schools and Education (Background Music)	DEVA Audio	P	P
Zoos and privately owned public parks (Scheduled Messages Playback)	DEVA Audio	P	P
Smart City Plans (SOS Emergency)	DEVA HD	P	P
College-University dorm areas (Video Analysis)	DEVA HD	P	P

Table – Deva Solutions Requirements Chart – Main Options.

Solutions	Model	Connectivity Options
		Network Cable	WiFi	Mobile SIM
High Schools and Education (Background Music)	DEVA Audio	P	P
Zoos and privately owned public parks (Scheduled Messages Playback)	DEVA Audio	P	P
Smart City Plans (SOS Emergency)	DEVA HD	P
College-University dorm areas (Video Analysis)	DEVA HD	P

Table – Deva Solutions Requirements Chart – Connectivity Options.

Solutions	Model	Features Available
		Full HD Camera	LEDs Light	Motion Sensor	VoIP -SIP
High Schools and Education (Background Music)	DEVA Audio
Zoos and privately owned public parks (Scheduled Messages Playback)	DEVA Audio
Smart City Plans (SOS Emergency)	DEVA HD	P	P	P
College-University dorm areas (Video Analysis)	DEVA HD	P	P	P

Table – Deva Solutions Requirements Chart – Features Available.

P            Suggested for best performances

          In addition to the suggested option

           Additional License required

Deva HD model is equipped with a Full HD camera that provides ONFIV-compliant video streams.

Those streams are available on the entire local network through any rstp media player, so DEVA HD can easily be integrated with third-party video-analysis software to manage the different scenarios, improving the security:

• Video surveillance
• Abandoned object detection
• Queue evaluation (People counter)
• Parking Control
• Gate transit (People counter)
• Restricted area intrusion detection
• Social distancing (Crowding monitoring)

The scenario listed above can be set using the provided video-analysis software V-Track for Win10 OS or Reko for Ubuntu OS and require a compatible graphic card with memory resources, based on the number of video flows that need to be processed.

Figure 1 – Example of Queue evaluation.

Notes:
V-Track and Reco are external software that requires additional licenses per video flow.

The limiting process in sound reinforcement is a way to protect loudspeakers from accidental damage; therefore, limiters are a safeguard against excessive signal peaks and/or signal long-term average power. Bear in mind that limiting does not only prevent occasional damage, but it first and foremost guarantees a long loudspeaker life. Speaker limiter designers do not usually concentrate on coloring sound, but rather on speaker protection. Typical applications in the audio chain are:

• Controlling the energy of a signal.
• Controlling the peak levels of a signal.
• Reducing the dynamic range of a signal.

Remember that in sound reinforcement you are dealing with power signal (that means high voltage and currents), so the target with limiters is to protect the drivers from the two main causes of damage:

• 
  Over-excursion: An impulsive signal can reach the speakers and cause damage due to over-excursion of the voice coil that is driven out of the mechanical limit. This can damage the diaphragm by deforming or breaking it.

• 
  Over-heating: Delivering high power for too much time may lead to overheating of the voice coil copper, the coil former, the magnet, the suspensions, and the cone itself. Another effect is power compression, more noticeable in low-frequency speakers. When there is power compression there is an increase in the impedance and a decrease in power with the result of less perceived loudness!

When the input signal level exceeds the threshold, the limiter starts to reduce the input gain.
Gain is reduced of an amount equal to the overshoot of the input signal with respect to the threshold.

The threshold value is expressed in Volt because it depends on the power of the loudspeaker and its impedance

It is the time the limiter takes to get 70% of the total required reduction after exceeding the threshold level. In applications where we want to avoid speaker damage, the longer the attack time, the higher the risk of damaging the equipment. However, settings with a too fast attack time can generate distortions or a deep modification to the transient of the signal, especially with percussive sounds, resulting in poor perceived sound quality.

Typically, a good compromise is to set an attack time no longer than the lowest frequency you need to protect (i.e., 1 ms for an HF driver with X-over at 1kHz octave band).

Limiter acting on an audio signal

It is the time that the gain takes to go from the maximum reduction to 30% of reduction. In general, the release time, must be adequate to avoid a pumping effect and protect the speaker. The release time can be set between 1 to 32 times the attack time.

A soft knee slowly increases the compression ratio as the level increases, this way the changing from un-compressed to compressed sound is less audible. This value in Powersoft limiters is expressed in dB below the threshold.

The RMS limiter is intended to prevent burning the driver’s voice coil, while at the same time exploiting their maximum performance. The RMS limiter should not be engaged at normal working levels since a common musical signal has very high peaks, but a rather small average level.

The peak limiter avoids potentially dangerous displacement of the cone (larger excursion with respect to the allowed values), and it is based only on the quantity of signal that is sent through that channel.

Peak limiters, as well as RMS and Clip limiters, are independent from the number of parallel wired speakers: you can use the power and impedance of a single speaker or the power and impedance of the parallel circuit, the given result will be the same.

Pushing into a peak limiter can reduce the crest factor, thus “squashing” the dynamics of the original signal. For most applications, 3 to 9 dB of gain reduction is usually suggested.

The Powersoft clip limiter is a “brickwall” limiter that blocks the driving signal, not allowing it to exceed the threshold. This limiter has a fixed attack time of 0.3 ms with a lookahead of 0.3 ms that allows anticipating peaks before they occur and therefore with the benefit of less distortion by not having a hard clip. Clip limiters are very fast and are the last safety tool that can be used to avoid loudspeaker damage. To achieve the best result in quality and performance, it is suggested a gain reduction between 0 and 3 dB and engage also Peak and RMS limiters.

Limiters (basic) in ArmonìaPlus.

To calculate Voltage thresholds, attack, and release time for the three basic limiters available in ArmonìaPlus, Powersoft has developed a tool called the Power Sharing Tool. In this tool, there is a dedicated section called “Suggested Limiters threshold” that can be used as a safe starting point while working with limiters. Simply add the loudspeaker’s AES power, and the nominal impedance and select its profile (or the way of the loudspeaker). Once these values are specified the tool will calculate and suggest a possible limiters configuration. The tool provides calculations for both Low-Z loudspeakers and Hi-Z lines (100V, 70V, and 25V)

Remember that this is only the starting point, especially for a multi-way loudspeaker where it is always suggested to analyze the behavior of the ways with a musical or pseudo-musical signal. In this way, tonality unbalances due to wide differences in gain reduction between the transducers can be avoided.

Powersoft Power Sharing tool limiters section.

After this basic analysis of Powersoft limiters we can focus on two key points: the first one is that all Powersoft limiters are made to protect the loudspeaker, so it is best practice to have them always enabled. The second one concerns the sound quality and good system design: the best performances in audio quality are achieved when, as mentioned previously, RMS limiters can do the heaviest part of the job in terms of gain reduction, then Peak limiters to control transients and Clip limiters as a final safety point. By following this simple workflow, you will achieve the best audio quality from your system, ensuring its long lifespan.

In this application note we will explain how to use ArmoníaPlus on your Mac through Windows virtualization software. The procedure is fundamentally the same for the various software’s in the market and for our example we will use Parallels Desktop.

1. Parallels Desktop or other virtualization software for Windows.
2. ArmoníaPlus, you can find the latest version on com

Next, set up the network on your Mac.

Go to System Preferences, then Network.

System Preferences > Network > Ethernet

An ethernet adapter should already appear in the list of networks if inserted, if not, just click on the + button and add a new network.

We recommend using the original Apple Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter.

Enable your Mac’s Wi-Fi, which will then be shared with the Windows partition, allowing you to update ArmoníaPlus and use all the services that need internet.

System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi

Next, go to Windows Preferences/Configurations and select the sources for Networks 1 and 2.

For Network 1, select the Ethernet Adapter.	For network 2, select Wi-Fi

Once the network is enabled you need to go on ‘Communication manager’ in ArmoníaPlus and choose the network where the amplifiers are connected, in our example:

• Ethernet IP address 169.254.x.x

Communication Manager

We are now ready to click on ‘Design > Match’ and select ‘Discovery’ to view all the amplifiers connected to the network.

Discovery

The ‘Views Designer’ tab can be accessed across the top portion of the Armonia Plus 2.0 Workspace window or by pressing F3 on your keyboard.  Within this tab you will find the App View tab, which is located on the left-hand side of the Views Designer window.

To add a new App View simply select “New App View”.  You have the option to Delete, Rename or Duplicate the current App View.

To the right-hand side of the Views Designer Window, we can access the App View Properties menu.  Within the View Functions we have the option to engage Zones, System Scenes, and Global Power On/Off.  Shown in our App View Screen we can select multiple or independent Zones while controlling Levels, Sources, and Mutes.

By enabling our System Scenes, we have the ability to recall scenes with just the press of a single button.  Turning on Power gives us full global control of our amplifiers by simply pressing and holding the button for a few seconds.

Lastly, we have the option of engaging this App View to be private and whether it will require a password for control access.  We can also generate the QR code of this App View to share with other Users.

Once the user has completed designing the necessary Web Views, App Views and/or configuring the WM Touch, the system is ready to be launched (Figure 8). In the upper right corner of ArmoníaPlus, click on the rocket to open the Controls & Views Tab. After selecting Run, if not saved, ArmoníaPlus will present a window prompting the user to save the project file (Figure 9).  Once the initialization of the Controls & Views begins, the user will notice the HealthPlus Tab illuminating red and showing an alarm status (Figure 10). This is an expected operation and will clear once Controls & Views are running.

Figure 8 – Running Controls and Views

Figure 9 – Prompt to Save File Before Running

Figure 10 – HealthPlus Briefly Illuminates Red when Controls and Views begin to Run

Once the Control Views are tested the user can close ArmoníaPlus.  Using the IP Address given by the ‘View host device’ (Figure 11), any PC or mobile device connected to the network can now access and control the available Web Views and App Views (Figure 12).

Figure 11 – Views Host IP Address

Figure 12- Views Host Device Web Views

Additional Notes

The IP address provided under ‘View host device’ in Figure 11 above is the IP Address of the computer which is currently managing the control of the Web Views. Views Host software needs to be installed on a computer permanent to the network subnet as the Powersoft system in order for the Views to be accessible.  This is not necessary if using the WM Touch, because the Views Host lives on the device.

If we use the example created in Figure 11 above, ‘View host device’ tells us that the IP Address to access the Web Views is at IP Address: 192.168.1.122. If the user wants to deploy a WM Touch as the ‘View host device’ they simply would use the IP Address of the WM Touch to access any Web Views or App Views.

Is the new ArmoniaPlus monitoring and measurement system, which allows you to accurately monitor each amplifier, speaker, and in-and-out signals. Furthermore, you allow yourself to measure a lot of information for analysis.

HealthPlus, replaces the software’s previous ‘Events’ tab, giving sound engineers and integrators a streamlined monitoring environment of all elements in a given sound system with improved communication, control, and reporting ensuring even better performance than ever before. HealthPlus updated display gives engineers a complete suite of system diagnostic controls to monitor the health and effectiveness of any sound system in real-time, it can be used with a touring PA or in fixed installations like cinemas, airports, theme parks, etc. In addition to input monitoring for power amplifiers, speakers, and other connected devices, the system is also capable of measuring system health indicators such as headroom, temperature, voltage, and impedance to ensure optimal performance of all elements and will automatically alert users in case of malfunctions or element failures. Engineers can also now utilize the Event History function to track uploaded programs, and user logins, and diagnose any long-term system issues. Finally, HealthPlus has improved reporting, giving users the ability to track multiple indicators at once over an hour time log period for more detailed system monitoring.

Inputs

In this section it is possible to monitor the inputs channels, their quantity in total and are divided into Active, Passive and Missing categories. (Figure 1)

Active

These are the inputs that are playing, independent of the format. We can monitor the total number of input channels for:

• Dante / AES67
• AES3 (Digital)
• Analog

Furthermore, in status, there is the possibility to ignore one or more channels so that HealthPlus does not always signal an alarm. e.g., when you mute the mixer master or between tracks using a media player.

Passive

These are the signals present in the backup strategy, ready to become active as needed.

e.g., For input redundancy, when we lose a digital input and have an analog signal in the backup strategy.

Missing

Signals are lost since you saved the reference.

Figure 1 – Inputs

Save & clear reference

With HealthPlus it is possible to monitor the number of input signals and you can also save a reference so that ArmoníaPlus sends you an alarm when this reference changes. By clicking on save the reference, (4/4), which would be the number of channels present / the number of reference channels.

E.g., when you lose one or more input channels.  A recommended time to activate this reference is at the end of a soundcheck or at the end of an installation. (Figure 2)

Figure 2 – Save and clear reference

Speakers

In this section, it is possible to monitor the status of the speakers, which amplifier they are connected to, which output they are connected to, ways description, overall output gain, headroom, and impedance of the speaker. (Figure 3)

Figure 3 – Speakers

Active

In active, we can monitor the speaker with signal, no signal (without signal), and Muted.

Headroom

In headroom, we could monitor:

• Positive Headroom: This means that you still have headroom to increase the volume in case you need it.
• Limiting: You have reached the limit of the loudspeaker! We recommend do not increase the volume more, if you need more SPL increase the number of speakers or select a more powerful loudspeaker.
• Heavy Limit: It means that the channels are limiting more than 12 dB of gain reduction. (This could be because you have an under-sized system, increase the number of loudspeakers, or select a more powerful loudspeaker.)

Impedance

In this section, it is possible to monitor the speakers working within the nominal threshold range, which are inactive, and the loudspeakers at fault.

• Within the range: It is based on the impedance entered in the speaker preset information (.spk3). If no value is entered, the result is always within the nominal range.
• Inactive: When the amplifier is not reading the impedance, it will show the last measurement made.
• Fault: When the measurement is out of the established nominal threshold range.

E.g., with an 8 Ω speaker, the upper limit is 4x (32 Ω) and the lower limit is 1/2 (4 Ω), so above 32 Ω and below 4 Ω, HealthPlus will send an alarm Fault.

The Hi-Z description appears in the X and Ottocanali Series above 400 Ω, and the T Series, Duecanali, and Quattrocanali above 100 Ω.

Amplifiers

In this section, it is possible to monitor the status of the amplifiers by name, model, serial number, temperature, and firmware. (Figure 4)

Ready

In the ready category, we can monitor amplifiers online, stand-by, and offline.

TEMPERATURE

Each amplifier model has different temperature ranges where they can work, also different points inside the amplifier where the temperature is taken to be monitored, and to simplify readings to the end customer we have opted for a new way of viewing this in percentage.

• 0% – 100%: Is an optimal range for working.
• 100% – 150%: Limits the outputs to reduce heat and help cooling.
• > 150%: The amplifier could turn off to protect itself.

Firmware

In Firmware we can monitor the total number of amplifiers:

• Updated: That has the latest firmware available.
• Outdated: amplifiers that have a more recent firmware available for upgrade.
• Not supported

Figure 4 – Amplifiers

Status

The status of the amplifier in the ‘Amplifiers’ tab can be:

• Ok
• Virtual
• Discovered: An amplifier seen in discovery, but which has not been added to the workspace.
• Stand-by
• Outdated: Amplifiers that have a more recent firmware available for upgrade.
• Not Supported
• OverTemp: >150%

Mains

In this section it is possible to monitor the mains of the amplifiers. (Figure 5)

• Status
• Rack Name: The rack where they are positioned on the workspace.
• Amp device: Their name.
• Amp model (Serial): The amplifier model and serial number.
• Phase
• Voltage
• Current
• Power

Figure 5 – Mains

Status

The status of the amplifier in ‘Mains’ tab can be:

• Ok
• Virtual
• Offline: when we lose the connection with an amplifier or when we turn it off.
• Warning (Phase): when there is a phase loss.
• Warning (Voltage): when an amplifier deviates from the average.

In HealthPlus we can measure various data points of a system. These measurements can be input channels, data related to the speakers, and measurements that concern the mains.
To select a measurement, click on the measurement icon.

The columns present in the measurements are:

• Remove and Show
• Color: This allows you to change the color of the measurement.
• Category, Name, and Parameter
• Max and Min: it indicates the maximum and minimum value of that particular measurement.
• Cursor: It shows you the value of where the mouse is positioned.

Inputs

We can measure the input level in all formats, Dante / AES67, AES3 (Digital), and Analog. (Figure below)

Measurements Inputs: Dante and Analog in Backup Strategy.

We can measure the Headroom and Impedance of the speakers. (Figure below)

Measurements Speakers: Headroom and Impedance.

We can measure the Temperature.

We can measure: Phases, Voltage, Current, and Power. (Figure below)

Measurements: Current and Power.

Hide and remove all

HealthPlus can have a maximum of 10 measurements enabled and display a maximum of 2 different ranges at a time, it’s possible to hide the measurements and delete all.

The saved measurements refer to the last hour of use.

In Event History, we can see the date of the event, type of event: Device or Software, priority: low, medium or alarm, and the description of the event. We can also export them to a file (.xlsx), and remove them all.

Event History

Active Events

In “Active Events” we can see the events and alarms that are happening in the system. Also, we can see the example of a loss in audio channels, we see exactly how many channels were lost, which input format, amplifier, and channel, so that we can be precise in solving the problem.

Active Events

In events reporting you can enable various Users to receive an email report sent by HealthPlus every hour. You can choose the language in which to receive the report, whether to receive the events of a specific project, or global of any project loaded, and also choose whether to receive only the alarms, the alarms + medium events, alarms + medium and low events.

Events Reporting

For HealthPlus to work it requires a computer with ArmoníaPlus running and an active internet connection.

Below you can see an example of HealthPlus email reporting.

Email Reporting

ArmoniaPlus 2.3 now features Mono-Mix Source Dante Sharing. This new feature addresses the use of Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution system. It enables users to have more stereo sources available in designs when using 4-channel Mezzo AD models while driving 2 or more zones.

The ability to distribute a stereo source as a Mono-Mix on Dante gives value to a system. Users can now save Dante input channels on receiving amplifiers, allowing them to have unique stereo source selections available for each zone. This benefit allows for example the use of a single Mezzo 604AD to drive for independent zones, each playing different background music sources.

The use of this feature only applies to system designs using Mezzo AD models. The Mono-Mix Dante sharing capabilities are limited to sources that are physically patched to Mezzo AD analog inputs and shared over Dante.

To add a Mono-Mix Source within ArmoniaPlus simply choose Design > Add and select ‘Source’ found within the upper window of the loudspeaker workspace; With the source in the workspace select it and choose ‘Analog’ as the format. Next, select ‘Mono (L+R mix)’ in the dropdown window. Now, choose ‘edit patch’ and patch left and right to inputs 1 and 2, and enable Dante sharing.

ArmoniaPlus 2.3 now gives the user more stereo sources in designs when driving 2 or more zones using 4-channel Mezzo AD’s. Another example of Powersoft’s technologies supporting its ever-growing user base.

The ability to change between a mono, stereo or summed send within the installation skin of Armonia Plus is quick. The software allows the user simple manipulation of their systems routing with just the click of a mouse. Within this video we will explain how to adjust the routing assignments within a project while referencing an existing example named ‘Install One’.

To access the routing assignments within ArmoníaPlus we need to select the ‘Config’ > ‘Routing’ tab found across the bottom portion of the Workspace.  Within this tab, we will find the ‘Source Format’: Mono, Stereo, and Multi-Channel. By selecting mono and choosing our ‘Zone 2’ loudspeakers we can choose if this group of loudspeakers is ‘ON’, this will allow the source to send.  we also have the option of whether it is ‘OFF’, this mutes the send.

Let’s now select ‘Stereo’ within the ‘Source Format’ tray below. Choosing ‘Stereo’ and clicking on our point source loudspeaker within ‘Zone 1’ we can change the loudspeaker from a ‘Left’, ‘Right’ or ‘Summed Left and Right’ send.  You can notice that ‘Zone 1’ is configured as a ‘Stereo’ send with both ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ sends selected within this zone. ‘Zone 2’ and ‘Zone 3’ have been selected as a ‘Summed Left and Right’ send.  We also have the option to turn these sends ‘OFF’ just like was shown within the ‘Mono’ ‘Source Format’.

Choosing ‘Multi Ch.’ within the ‘Source Format’ tray will allow the user to choose multiple channels for individual loudspeakers.  This routing option can be used for surround sound systems and will support a Dolby Atoms system of sixty-four channels when used in conjunction with a Dolby Atmos processor.

ArmoníaPlus is here to help the user’s installation move quickly and efficiently. Routing within ArmoníaPlus is simple and intuitive, allowing the user confidence, knowing their system is rooted for success.

The System List displays the main details of all the amplifiers making up the current Setup (either on-line or off-line). The System List is a useful tool both in live events and in maintenance environments, where multiple units have to be monitored.

HEADER ROW

The view is completely customizable: it is possible to select what column to show or hide. Right click on the header row and select among the following:

• Dante Name
• Load Imp. W
• Mains limit
• Preset list revision (only for Loto)
• Model
• Preset (Snapshot .pam)
• On/Off
• MAC Address
• Mains
• Scheduler

Dynamic Music Distribution offers System Integrators the ability to scale inputs and zones conveniently and efficiently with dynamic routing capabilities embedded in its amplifier platforms. This makes it simpler to share music between different zones independently from the source location and to carry control signals in an automated fashion without the need for a centralized DSP.

Dynamic Music Distribution enables the system to differentiate zones assigned to one or more amplifiers without needing a central DSP or zone mixer. Do take note that the number of zones that an amplifier can have does not always correspond to the number of outputs available on the amplifier.

Here is a list of the various amplifiers and their zoning capability.

Table 1 – Maximum zones available on Powersoft amplifiers.

Notes:

As a rule of thumb, except for Mezzo Series, all other amplifiers have ½ the number of zoning capabilities compared to their outputs.

Dynamic Music Distribution does not support speakers linked in “Spit Mode” to amplifiers, so they cannot be assigned to any zone.

The Dynamic Music Distribution capability of the system also enables dynamic routing. Dynamic routing enables the user to easily share their analogue or AES3 signal with other amplifiers on the network through DANTE receivers. This is made possible with the use of DANTE transmitters available on select Powersoft amplifiers.

Some considerations need to be kept in mind on the number of simultaneous DANTE sources that one amplifier can convert vs. the number of simultaneous DANTE sources that one amplifier can receive. This is due to the Dante flows available related to the number used within the amplifier.

The table below shows the type of DANTE chip being deployed in each Powersoft amplifier and the number of DANTE inputs/outputs and DANTE flows available.

Table 2 – List of Dante-enabled Powersoft amplifiers.

Notes:

One Unicast Dante flow (configuration by default) can contain up to 4 audio channels while One Multicast Dante flow can contain up to 8 audio channels.

Dante “transmit” flows are used when sending audio out from a Dante device and a “receive” flow is used to accept audio in from another Dante device.

The 4-channel Mezzo AD models use the same DANTE chip as the 2-channel version. Both will have a maximum of 2 DANTE flows. When a 4-channel Mezzo AD is being used to drive more than 2 zones and 3 or more unique DANTE transmitters are linked to the zones, a warning will appear to the user alarming them to the risk of “overflow”.

This is due to the capability of the DANTE chip being used in the Mezzo which can handle a maximum of 2 unique DANTE Flows simultaneously. This is in no way a limitation of the amplifier to process the sources.

Figure 1 – Overflow Example scheme and ArmoniaPlus Warning

With the release of ArmoniaPlus 2.2, 4-channel models of Mezzo now support up to 4 zones. This specific request from integrators has now been addressed and the Mezzo Series of amplifiers can drive as many zones as their total number of available outputs.

The System design workflow within ArmoniaPlus stays unchanged apart from the 2-zone limitation on 4 channels Mezzo. This has been removed with the release of new firmware which is available for all Mezzo Series amplifiers.

It is important to note that this feature is only available for Mezzo Series amplifiers and that this will never be implemented for Quattrocanali DSP+D Series amplifiers due to processing capabilities. ArmoniaPlus 2.2 now features greater zoning control for Mezzo Series amplifiers while building onto Powersoft user requirements.

ArmoniaPlus 2.2 introduces the use of Dante Overflow warnings when working with Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution. This may happen when users set unique sources to play each zone since the 4-channel Mezzo can now support 4 independent zones.

This may lead to the user believing that Mezzo can play 4 different Dante sources from 4 different Dante transmitters at the same time, while in fact, this is not the case. The Mezzo Series can only support 2 flows, In the example, Dante sources from up to 2 independent Dante transmitters.

To prevent the misuse of Dante flows and the Dynamic Music Distribution system not working properly, users are now warned of the Dante Overflow condition when the following circumstances are both met while designing a system.

1. When a Mezzo, 4-channel amplifier is set to drive more than 2 zones.
2. When the same zones are linked to sources from 3 or more unique Dante transmitters.

ArmoniaPlus 2.2 has your back every time you design with the addition of Dante flow warnings. Using ArmoniaPlus 2.2, the user can be assured that their system design will always run efficiently and properly.

Dante Fan Out Warning is now also available. This new feature addresses Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution and that at times designers and installers may experience no audio playback after system deployment.

When designing Dynamic Music Distribution systems based on a Dante backbone it is possible that a unicast Dante source is set to feed more than 4 individual amplifiers at the same time. This will result in Dante fanout error and audio will not be received on all amplifiers.

To address this problem ArmoniaPlus 2.2 now detects possible fanout conditions during system deployment within the user’s design. Upon deployment, a warning is displayed asking users to check the devices at risk as well as direct resources on fixing the problem.

Potential Dante fanout conditions can be addressed even after system deployment by enabling multicast flows on the Dante sources creating the issue within Dante Controller.

By default, patching DANTE outputs of the amplifiers to other devices create unicast flows.
In the event that more DANTE devices need to subscribe to the DANTE outputs, (2 DANTE transmitter flows for Mezzo AD and T Series and 32 DANTE transmitter flows for Ottocanali) users will find themselves running out of flows for a unicast subscription or find themselves running into a “fan-out” error. Upon finishing “Running” the project, the “Summary” page on ArmoníaPlus will also indicate that a multicast DANTE flow subscription needs to be created. To create a multicast flow, the user will need to use DANTE Controller.

Figure 1 – Dante Controller “No More Flows” Error

Figure 2 – ArmoníaPlus Summary Page Multicast Flows Warning

Figure 3 – Dante FANOUT Example scheme

DANTE multicast flow subscriptions need to be created from DANTE Controller. To do this, the device needs to be online. The multicast flow needs to be created on the transmitter end of the Dante device. To do that, double click on the transmitter and click on “Create a multicast flow” option.

For further information, you can always refer to Audinate’s official documentation.

Figure 1 – Selecting a Dante Transmitter

Figure 2 – Create a Multicast Flow Option

Figure 3 – DANTE Multicast Flow Example scheme

Apart from controlling the system using the WM Touch, users can also configure the system to be controlled using the WM Passive wall controllers. The WM Passive wall controllers need to be connected to the “GPI” inputs of an amplifier. Do take note that not all the amplifiers come with “GPI.”

The table below shows the amplifier models and their available “GPI” inputs.

Table – List of GPI on Powersoft amplifiers

Notes:

The “GPI” signal from one amplifier can be shared over the network with another amplifier. This will enable the user to have WM Passive wall controllers controlling other amplifiers on the network.

While some of the non-DSP+D amplifiers like the Quattrocanali feature “GPI” inputs are used for VCA control. For zone, source, and scene control, a DSP+D enabled amplifier is required.

For Mezzo both A and AD models can have zone, source, and scene control on the “GPI” inputs.

The diagrams below show the location of the “GPI” port of each amplifier.

Figure 1 – Quattrocanali DSP+D GPI port location

Figure 2 – Duecanali DSP+D GPI port location

Figure 3 – Mezzo GPI port location

Notes:

Please refer to the Application Notes on how to set up GPI control at www.powersoft.com or check out our YouTube channel for a tutorial video.

To have zone, source, and scene control on your project, the project needs to “Run” or be deployed first. If the project is not “Run,” the WM Touch will not have the control interface loaded and the WM Passive will only act as a VCA volume control for your amplifiers.

To “Run” the project, you would need to make sure that your project is set up properly. If the project was not set up properly, an error will pop up when you try to run the project. To “Run” the project, click on the “Rocket” icon and then click “Run.”

Running controls & Views

The chart below shows some key points that needed to be considered while designing the system for Dynamic Music Distribution.

Table 4 – Summary of Powersoft amplifier capabilities

In case a preferred Views Host or WM Touch fails for network or hardware problems, the Dynamic Music Distribution has the Failover Redundancy, which allows the system to continue running using another View Host available on the network.

This feature is available starting with WM Touch firmware v1.1.2.9 and Views Host v1.6.4.3.

This feature allows seamless failover redundancy across multiple WM Touch and/or PC Views Hosts within the same system. Failover redundancy ensures that the system control will continue to run smoothly even in the case of a WM Touch or PC Views Host failing/going offline.

Note that the new failover redundancy does not require any configuration and that the health check of devices within a Dynamic Music Distribution system is a fully automated background process, the only difference will be the IP Address of the server because the new Views Host will have a different IP address from the preferred.

Project Properties – Views Host

At the moment ArmoníaPlus is only for Windows platform but can be used on Mac OS running a Virtual Machine software like “Parallels” or similar. The application note on how to do this is available here

MEQ are a set of equalizations that the manufacturer develops for a speaker or a series of speakers to compensate low frequencies (Speakers coupling) to compensate the air loss (Long, medium, short throw) and for Low / High Contourn equalization or for musical styles.

First, make sure you have Armonia Plus V1.4 and above for this feature. To be able to patch your amplifier’s Dante input from Armonia Plus, select the “A+” logo, go to “Options”, on “Options”, select “Communication Manager”. On “Communication Manager”, select the “Dante” column for the network poert you are working with. Bear in mind if Dante is enabled for the port, Armonia Plus would be enabled as well. To disable Armonia Plus for the said port, click the radio button to turn it “OFF”.

Yes, with the new .spk3, you can add your custom images as well as add MEQs and enter useful data for the final customer. Further information can be found inside the DSP of an amplifier such as the X Series on the part: Speaker configuration.

Just copy a link of the project to this directory: C:\Users\admin\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Events has been replaced with the new monitoring and measurement system called Health +. Health_ can be accessed from the top middle section of ArmoníaPlus.

Is the new ArmoniaPlus monitoring and measurement system, which allows you to accurately monitor each amplifier, speakers, and in-and-out signals. Furthermore you allow yourself to measure a lot of information for analysis.

In Market Place, (which is in the A + menu) where you can install the plug-ins already present there as well as the preset libraries that each brand makes available. If you can’t find the plug-in you want on Market Place, get in touch with specific brand support and they will support you.

Add your device into the workspace, right-click on the amplifier, then select Device–>Reset

Up to 32 filters per layer, 3 layers for each EQ, for a total of 96 filters per channel.

Up to a 8 Advanced/Array groups.

Just create your project and then go to A + menu and choose Save as template. Each time you open ArmoniaPlus you will have the option to start from the previously created project.

Yes. Autosave can be managed from ‘Options’ (A+), ‘General’ and by configuring the parameters under the Autosave option. The “Open Autosave Folder” button is used to recall saved files. You can also access the autosave files by clicking the A+ logo and selecting “New/Open”

Maximum number of zones depends on the model that you have.
See the Application Note – Dynamic Music Distribution Design Guide

If using DMD, the user can use HealthPlus.

If not using DMD the user can monitor the Mezzo with the 3rd Party API, HealthPlus, or SNMP.

• Input source selection per zone
• Level and mute per zone
• Scene Recall
• System Power On/Off

No, the WM Touch has an embedded Views Host and can also be used to run the SYS Control app and Web Views

Yes, a screen unlocks passcode can be set.

Mezzo is the perfect fit for WM Touch, however any DSP+Dante enable Powersoft product can be controlled

Yes, there is no restriction to the number of WM Touch panels used in a system

Yes, the WM Touch includes the Views Host for running controls on the SYS Control app and Web Views, so no additional hardware is needed

Some configurations such as screen orientation and language can be set directly on the device. More advanced configurations will require ArmoniaPlus. Please refer to the product’s Users Guide here for more information.

No, there is no need for any computer connected to the system when WM Touch is running in the system.

Yes, the commands for changing sources and zones can be generated by 3rd party control devices

No. The layout uses fixed graphics with designated positions of appearance. Much time and thought went into the User Interface Engineering and Control System flow. This feature adds value as the integrator does not have to spend time creating custom graphics themes for the customer.

Yes, a custom image can be loaded from ArmoniaPlus. You must use a 100 pixel X 100 pixel .png graphics file.

Use a standard (1) Gang Electrical box. Low Voltage boxes are acceptable. The box should be mounted horizontally to support the Landscape orientation. The electircal box should be mounted vertically to support the Lortrait orientation.

Using the removal pin provided with the product, unclip the panel from the metal plate. Be very careful not to damage the Touchpanel. The metal plate is hooded onto integrated plastic tabs of the WMT Touch. The Tool is used to unhook the metal hooks from the plastic tabs.

Yes. This can be set from the Hidden Settings menu in the WM Touch. Check the product’s User Guide section Local Configuration for more information.

Standard PoE. The IEEE 802.3af-2003 PoE standard provides up to 15.4 W power on each port.

Yes. The IP Address can be configured to be static in ArmoniaPlus. This parameter is found under Config > IP.

Category 5 or higher grade cable.

A maximum lenght of 100 m (328 ft.) is recommended.

It is likely that the device firmware needs to be updated. Please check the Troubleshooting section in the product’s User Guide for detailed instructions regarding the upgrade of firmware in the WM Touch.

Yes, however, all controls assigned to the passive controllers will be read-only in the WM Touch. In other words, if the level of a zone is controlled with a local WMP knob, it will not be possible to control this level from the WM Touch.

Yes, the WM touch is a PoE network device and can be incoorperated in any standard network. The WM Touch is powered by standard PoE and can be connected with Category 5 or higher unsheilded cable.

Yes. Any channel from any amplifier can be the member of a zone, but a member of only (1) zone. Amplifier channels can not be members of multiple Zones. Once an amplifier channel is assigned to a zone, it can no longer be assigned to be a part of any other zone.

True. The graphics once selected, their position size and color are fixed. However not all controls need be present. Bselecting the check boxes for the parameters in the WM Touch, or by turning on the switches in the Views Designer the programmer can add the desired control parameters to the control scheme.

IEEE 802.3af-2003 PoE standard provides up to 15.4 W power on each port. It uses a minumum of 44vDC.

Insert USB Key (FAT32) in the front panel an press together CH2 & CH3 buttons (on X4 / X4L) or CH 4 & CH 5 (on X8)

Unfortunately not because they have different DSPs, to better understand these differences you can use Armonia Plus, adding the amplifiers in offline to understand what each DSP offers you.

Yes, Mezzo series and Canali series (except for Ottocanali) amplifiers have a dedicated VCA input where a 10kOhms potentiometer can be connected.

Yes, the amplifier is capable to work in mixed configuration without any problem. To protect loudspeaker be sure to have the right preset loaded or use the AutoSetup function.

Just hold down the button in the rear panel for 3 seconds, the amplifier will send a signal to the speakers, it will make specific measurements and settings for each channel and after a few seconds the amplifier will be ready for use. Autosetup also can be triggered from ArmoniaPlus under “Autosetup” Tab in the workspace.

X series Red Light means a hardware fault. Reboot the amplifier and if the red light is still present contact Powers Service Center at service@powersoft.it

Use Lantronix Device Installer and follow our Tech Note: M series IP Management and Recovery

In the display go to page 10, hold the “cogwheel” key for 3 seconds and then choose the “LCD brightness” option. You can choose between: Dark, Normal, Bright.

To activate the Energy Save mode on the Canali Series, the DIP Switches on the rear panel for Duecanali and Quattrocanali and on the front panel for Ottocanali Series must be used. The activation times are 4 seconds for Ottocanali and 30 Minutes for Duecanali and Quattrocanali Series. Through ArmoniaPlus you can change the activation time and the threshold for the input signal that will activate the energy save.

Go in the System List page is it possible to update firmware for T series, X series, Canali Series and Mezzo series.

All firmware can be found on our website: https://www.powersoft.com/en/download/firmware/

To update the K Series firmware, you must contact the distributor or Service Center nearest you. Specifying the model, and current amplifier firmware.

Press together Wi-Fi button and Callback Button until front panels leds start flashing green. Release the buttons and wait the amplifier reboot itself.

Remove front panel left mask (magnetic) and press the soft reset button for 3 sec.

Unfortunately it is not possible to have the redundancy in the control but only the redundancy of Dante, in the X and Ottocanali Series.

No, DHCP server is not required. If you don’t have a DHCP server the amplifier will automatically take the IP address 169.254.xxx.xxx.

To update the K Series firmware, you must contact the distributor or Service Center nearest you. Specifying the model, and current amplifier firmware.

Enable the network card in the communication manager of A+. If the problem persist do a network reset of the device.

In the display go to page 9.1, hold down the “cogwheel button” for 3 seconds and then confirm the operation that will reset the network and report the amplifier to DHCP. If you want to also reset Dante Network of the amplifier just go to the next page 9.2 and do the same operation.

Using Dante Updater integrated into Dante Controller.
All firmwares can be also found on our website: https://www.powersoft.com/en/download/firmware/

All Powersoft amplifiers with the lastest Dante firmware support AES67

All Powersoft amplifiers that have the latest Dante firmware can be enrolled in a Dante Domain

For the M and K series, there are some differences in the DSP that involves the compatibility of the presets. If you need to copy a preset for the M Series on the K Series, you should copy filter by filter manually. In addition, there are additional features on the K Series that are not present on the M Series. For more information, you can use ArmoniaPlus to add offline amplifiers to understand the differences.

Unfortunately, this function is only present on the X Series, Canali DSP+D Series and Mezzo Series. This because of the difference in the DSP.

Mezzo’s DSP is different from Canali series DSP, although a lot of presets are compatible. Adding a speaker in ArmoníaPlus you can filter the list of speaker selecting the voice “Mezzo Compatible”

The main purpose of this article is to provide a better understanding of how to use the different types of limiters available in Powersoft amplifiers. This document is applicable to the following product lines: X series, T series, Otto/Quattro/Due Canali DSP+D series, Mezzo series, and Loto DSP.

Choosing the correct limiter is not an easy task and many aspects need to be considered, e.g.: it can be difficult to decide thresholds and time constants to obtain the correct balance between protection and sound quality, hence every decision should be based on a wider knowledge of the component to limit. Limiting may be considered an “art” and many different approaches and philosophies can be followed. For this reason, this guideline intends to simply provide a starting point on limiter parameters and how to handle them with Powersoft devices.

NOTE: Powersoft is not responsible for misuse of the information contained in this document and/or any potential loudspeaker or other damages derived from incorrect limiter settings. This article serves as a general guideline and is subject to the context in which it is applied.