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The Sennheiser EASE-IR software is a complete package, starting from an AutoCAD drawing and ending up with detailed simulation results. The program leads you through all the steps necessary to simulate a complete IR installation. It can be used to visualize an enclosure or open space, to develop ideas on how demands for optimum audio transmission can be fulfilled and to verify existing IR designs or check modifications.

Room Modelling

The first step for the user to take is to enter the model's three-dimensional geometry data. Plenty of methods are available, but, for the IR-StartUp version, new ways were also developed. It is now possible to use pre-configured room prototypes to simulate the actual room. With the principle characteristics given, you can choose a basic prototype - for example a church or a "shoebox" - and stretch, turn and modify it graphically like a rubber model. First-time users will find this method of entering a room very fast and easy, while experienced users will want to rely on the advanced drawing tools and the AutoCAD import functions of the full EASE-IR version to enter buildings such as theaters, stadiums or convention halls, for instance, in high-resolution.

Figure 1: Wireframe View, Basilica Model     
Figure 2: Aiming View

After the building's data has been entered, the next step is to insert radiators into the model. EAS-IR refers to radiators in the room as "IR Emitters". IR Emitters can be placed freely in 3 dimensions, either by entering the exact coordinates manually or by a mouse click at the desired spot. After that, the user might want to aim the IR Emitters in such a way that the listening areas, so-called "Audience Areas", are sufficiently covered. 

Entering the radiator angle manually (horizontal, vertical and rotational coordinates) can be a very long procedure, therefore EASE-IR features an aiming function, which allows you to direct the radiator by a single mouse click. EASE-IR lets the users look out of the radiator as if they were sitting exactly where it is mounted. 

Finally, the technical properties of the IR Emitter have to be defined. First, an appropriate radiator has to be selected, as well as a modulator. These can be chosen from the database, which includes the complete range of Sennheiser products. Additional parameters such as the cable length and the percentage of diodes working can also be entered. The latter allows you to play through worst-case scenarios, for example when the radiators are no longer working at full power. The cable length is required to calculate delay times. Of course, it is also possible to use multiple modulators for a single radiator if more channels are required 

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