Adamson ArrayIntelligence Deep Dive

Modern sound reinforcement systems are more than just speakers on sticks; they have become networks of interconnected devices that must be designed, tuned, and controlled to exacting standards.

Adamson’s ArrayIntelligence software arms users with the tools and knowledge to design and deploy world class audio at high standards. It seamlessly blends design, deployment, control, and monitoring workflows into a single, comprehensive platform. From concept to final tuning, ArrayIntelligence provides system engineers, integrators, and technicians with a powerful toolset to achieve consistent, predictable, and ultimately superior sonic results, whether for touring line arrays or fixed-installation point source systems. 

While our next article will take a closer look at the cutting-edge Array Optimization algorithm—one of the marquee features that sets ArrayIntelligence apart—this article provides a high-level deep dive into the platform’s overall capabilities. We will explore how its various modules and workflows interconnect, and how it leverages AES70, AVB Milan™, and FIR-based DSP technologies to streamline the entire audio project lifecycle. 

One Software, Multiple Roles: 

Traditionally, system engineers have relied on a patchwork of tools—CAD software for venue design, prediction software for array calculations, separate DSP controllers for EQ and routing, and yet another interface for metering and monitoring. ArrayIntelligence integrates all these roles into one ecosystem. The result: fewer jumping between applications, more efficient file management, and a holistic approach to system engineering. 

The starting point for any project is the Blueprint section. Here, users can model venues using reference axes, stages, surfaces, and audience areas. The platform supports both 2D and 3D modelling, allowing engineers to visualize complex geometries and generate accurate audience coverage maps. Virtual microphones—essential placeholders for analysis—can be positioned throughout the audience area, becoming key reference points for both simulation and future optimization. 

Once the room is defined, ArrayIntelligence enables you to add loudspeakers, line arrays, subwoofer arrays and point source cabinets to your design. Comprehensive mechanical tools help define hang points, tilt angles and inter-cabinet splay angles, ensuring that you can dial in both the physical and acoustic geometry before stepping foot in the venue. 

Predictive Simulation: 2D, 3D, and Beyond 

Once your arrays and audience geometry are set, the Simulation modules provide precise SPL predictions. Engineers can conduct 2D cross-sectional analyses to evaluate front-to-back and top-to-bottom coverage. Moving to 3D, users can examine how sound distributes across complex seating areas, balconies, and under-balcony spaces. 

 
Within ArrayIntelligence, you can store and compare multiple simulation snapshots. Need to see how the system performs at a different SPL weighting or after applying a particular EQ filter? Store the initial condition, apply changes, then toggle back and forth. This flexibility reduces guesswork and provides a clear evidence-based path to acoustic refinement. 

 
Acoustic environments vary with temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. ArrayIntelligence accommodates these variables, allowing you to incorporate air-loss modeling for more realistic predictions. This ensures that what you see on the screen more closely matches what you’ll experience in the field. 

Assigning, Controlling, and Networking Devices 

Control and audio distribution are two critical pillars of modern systems. ArrayIntelligence uses AES70 (OCA) for control and monitoring, ensuring reliable, standards-based communication. For audio distribution, it supports AVB Milan™, a deterministic, standards-based protocol that ensures stable, low-latency connectivity and interoperability with other certified devices. 

The software’s Assign section bridges virtual designs and physical hardware. After building your conceptual model, you can discover, identify, and assign real-world devices—loudspeakers, Gateways, Bridges—to your virtual blueprint. Using features like “Detect” (which auto-sorts devices by switch port) streamlines the often-tedious process of marrying your design’s logical topology with the actual hardware network on-site. 

In today’s digital ecosystems, networked DSP hubs—like the Adamson Gateway and Bridge—are integral components. ArrayIntelligence allows you to configure these devices’ input-output matrices, prioritize signals, and patch AVB Milan™ audio streams all within the same interface. The ability to mix analogue, AES3, and AVB Milan™ sources with asynchronous sample rate converters on each input adds flexibility and resilience, simplifying the task of integrating multiple consoles or audio feed types. 

Control and DSP Management 


At the Control stage, ArrayIntelligence consolidates all DSP parameters into easily navigable Groups and Zones. Users can quickly adjust global EQ or individual zone EQ, apply delay, manage polarity, or tweak gain shading. Built-in EQ snapshot functionality allows you to store multiple EQ settings and recall them at will—particularly handy for multi-day events or venues hosting different types of performances. 

 
For line arrays, built-in Array Shaping filters let you compensate for different array lengths and adjust tonal balance. Tilt filters let you sculpt the system’s character to match the environment or musical content. These tools reside right alongside more advanced features like FIR-based optimization, making complex DSP manoeuvres more accessible and coherent. 

 
All FIR-based processes, including those used by optimization and EQ, are integrated in a way that preserves time alignment—especially critical for subwoofer-to-main system coherence. By merging filters seamlessly, the system avoids introducing unnecessary latency or phase anomalies. 

Monitoring, Metering, and Status 

The Metering pages provide a real-time overview of signal levels at every point in the chain—input, output, DSP, and amplifier stages—enabling engineers to catch issues before they become audible. The Status page goes even deeper, presenting device diagnostics, inclinometers for cabinet angles, temperature readings, and power supply conditions. A robust synchronization feature ensures that what you see in ArrayIntelligence matches what is actually deployed in the field, allowing you to correct parameter mismatches or re-sync the system as needed. 

ArrayIntelligence even simplifies tasks like power cycling devices. With a single click, you can remotely put multiple devices on standby or power them on, easing the burden of physically accessing each cabinet. 

Preparing for the Next Step: Array Optimization 

One of the most groundbreaking features of ArrayIntelligence is its Array Optimization algorithm. This advanced DSP-driven feature calculates and applies FIR filters to each cabinet in a line array, intelligently tailoring frequency response and level distribution over the audience area. By doing so, it corrects subtle imperfections that cannot be addressed through mechanical adjustments alone. 

This article touched briefly on the relevance of the Optimization feature, but we’ve only scratched the surface. In our next article, we will dive deep into the algorithm itself—examining how virtual microphones guide its calculations, how frequency-specific FIR filters adjust tonality and coverage, and how advanced constraints ensure that the system maintains headroom and overall sonic integrity. 

Adamson’s ArrayIntelligence software is a comprehensive environment for modern audio system engineering. By integrating venue modelling, advanced SPL simulation, device assignment, DSP control, metering, and status monitoring under one roof, it streamlines workflows and enhances accuracy. As the complexity and sophistication of sound reinforcement grow, having a platform that supports every phase—from initial concept to final tuning—is invaluable. 

ArrayIntelligence stands as a testament to where pro-audio system design is headed: integrated, intelligent, and ultimately more musical. 

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By Travis Taylor 

National Technical Sales & Systems Design

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