Creating an LF Coverage Beam

LF (Low-Frequency) Coverage Beams are a specific type of Coverage Beam designed exclusively for S21 subwoofer arrays. When a user creates a Coverage Beam from an S21 array, it is automatically classified as an LF Coverage Beam (non-LF Coverage Beams do not exist for S21 arrays).

Creating LF Coverage Beams

LF Coverage Beams work in the same way as standard Coverage Beams in terms of setup, configuration, and optimization. They are created and adjusted within HOLOPLOT Plan using the same workflow, allowing users to precisely define coverage areas. This ensures an even distribution of low frequencies across the target audience area while minimizing spill in zones which are avoided or ignored.

Control / Power Slider

The Control / Power slider is a new parameter for LF beams that allows users to fine-tune the balance between optimization accuracy and system stability when configuring LF Coverage Beams.

During optimization, the system attempts to achieve the most precise match between the desired and actual SPL distribution. If no constraints are applied, the algorithm prioritizes maximum accuracy, but this can lead to extremely high driver levels, causing instability and making the system more sensitive to small variations. To prevent this, the Control / Power slider introduces regularization, which applies a penalty for excessively high driver levels.

By adjusting this slider, users can determine the trade-off between accuracy and robustness. A setting favoring Control results in a more stable and predictable output with slightly less precision in SPL matching, while shifting towards Power maximizes SPL accuracy at the cost of potential sensitivity to small system variations. Finding the right balance ensures reliable low-frequency performance while maintaining optimal coverage.

Limitations of LF Beams

LF Coverage Beams can only be generated from S21 subwoofer arrays and currently cannot be used in conjunction with other HOLOPLOT products. Any Coverage Beam created from an S21 array will always be an LF Coverage Beam. There is a maximum slot limit of eight LF Coverage Beams per array, which should be considered when designing low-frequency coverage.

Optimization

Like standard Coverage Beams, LF Coverage Beams undergo the same optimization process to maintain spectral consistency and uniform coverage. By directing low-frequency energy where it is needed and reducing unwanted spill, they enhance clarity and impact, ensuring optimal low-frequency performance throughout the audience area.

Learn more about the Acoustic Neighbourhood for LF beams in Simulating with S21 arrays

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