Fraunhofer IDMT chooses Powersoft
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Fraunhofer IDMT - which focuses on applied research in the field of audiovisual media - is widely known for developing technologies for the digital media industry.
The institute has made the decision to invest in a new range of Powersoft Ottocanali 4k4 DSP+D amplifier platforms, further strengthening its long-standing relationship with the manufacturer.
René Rodigast, business manager in the acoustics department at Fraunhofer IDMT, commented: “We have a long story with Powersoft and have developed a good understanding of their systems over the years. Back when we installed our first Powersoft amplifiers here, we had direct contact to the guys in Italy as well as their German distributor, Laauser & Vohl GmbH. Normally we know very well what gear we want and in this most recent case the choice was easy. We ordered the amps without delay and received great support throughout.”
A total of 29 Ottocanali 4k4 DSP+D amplifier platforms were required to meet the institute’s grand aspirations, with 16 of those units being installed in the building’s 3D Presentation Room alone.
“This room is one of our biggest experimental rooms,” says Rodigast. “The goal when we created it was to have an efficient and flexible setup. The room is equipped with 117 loudspeakers and is able to accommodate a small number of subwoofers as well. All of the speakers can switch to different setups. One of our standard configurations is a stage setup of below-stage subs and some front fill, and a system enclosing the ‘audience’. Thanks to the certified acoustics, we can simulate other systems as well, such as stage, cinema, planetarium, and even home setups.”
Rodigast continues: “The amplifiers’ Dante capabilities make the system very flexible, which is ideal when using different speaker setups in the room. It is also easy to use the Dante metrics - we often have projects with students who are not used to the system but it’s easy to explain to them how it works. Flexibility is so important as we have different hardware and software all the time. It’s good for us to have a reliable audio network where we can work quickly and easily switch channels.”
He concludes: “We can accommodate most applications on the pro audio market here at Fraunhofer IDMT. We are currently doing things in the video side of the market as well, combining 3D sound with VR and headphone applications. We also have aspirations of working outside pro audio in areas such as industry and maybe medical technology.”
(Jim Evans)
