d&b launches NoizCalc: the far field immission modelling software tool

Wednesday, 4 May 2016
In recent years the prediction and control of far field noise immission from live open air events has become a serious topic. Gaining permission and licensing to stage such productions often requires an official statement, predicting how the noise will impact on surrounding areas.

In recent years the prediction and control of far field noise immission from live open air events has become a serious topic. Gaining permission and licensing to stage such productions often requires an official statement, predicting how the noise will impact on surrounding areas. The introduction of the far field noise immission modelling software, d&b NoizCalc, addresses this issue, taking the d&b promise of predictable, precise performance another step further.

NoizCalc models the sound propagation of coherently emitting complex sources such as line arrays and subwoofer arrays from multiple stages in the regions outside of the audience listening area and applies the results onto a 3D terrain map. This PC based software predicts the calculated far field impact of a d&b loudspeaker setup in the open air, by applying the ISO 9613-2 and Nord 2000 standards. Using meteorological and geographical data, NoizCalc details the environmental propagation and relative attenuation values towards the far field at a defined spectrum and level reference.

NoizCalc is the result of the collaborative efforts of d&b audiotechnik and noise consulting and software development experts SoundPLAN GmbH. SoundPLANnoise applies an extended range of accredited worldwide standards along comprehensive reporting tools to satisfy the need for an official noise immission statement. The next version the software is able to import d&b system setups from ArrayCalc.

Both NoizCalc and SoundPLANnoise import d&b ArrayCalc simulation software project files, including complex data describing the relationships between sources and their combined performance, allowing loudspeaker systems to be virtually situated and oriented within 3D terrain models for realistic prediction.

Werner “Vier” Bayer, d&b Product Manager said: “Our collaboration with SoundPLAN comes at a time when noise immission is becoming a major consideration in the planning of outdoor events. This free d&b software will enable system designers to investigate how their setup will impact on the wider area by modelling immission patterns ahead of time. NoizCalc forms the basis for a common understanding between those who create emissions: the loudspeaker system designers and technicians and the environmental noise and immission specialists, who consider the impact on the wider ecology.“

** LATEST SOFTWARE UPDATE **

A new version is now available for download.

The initial release version of NoizCalc V1.0 would only run on Windows 10 if the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software or R1 Remote control software were also installed. This bug has now been fixed.

The latest version of NoizCalc (Version 1.0 28.04.2016) is available via the integrated update function. NoizCalc is also available to download at www.dbaudio.com, alongside the d&b ArrayCalc and the R1 Remote control software downloads.

NoizCalc 1.0 28.04.2016 known issues:
  • Moving an ArrayCalc stage will replace it with a previously used stage
  • Error when rendering multiple stages
We will keep you informed about changes and improvements to the software.

NOTE: If you are experiencing any issues with Google Earth, please ensure that you are using V7.1.2, and uninstall any other versions. Google Earth V7.1.2 is available to download here: http://www.dbaudio.com/fileadmin/third-party-software/GoogleEarth7.1.2.EXE

Alternatively, a correct version of Google Earth is included with the latest NoizCalc download file from www.dbaudio.com

The launch is just the start.

For d&b, the launch of NoizCalc is the start of a movement to deliver and establish more awareness of noise immission issues, as well as a way to gather and share real world experience. Please share any opinions and experiences with us, as this information will help d&b to improve NoizCalc. We hope to collect a reasonable amount of practical experience throughout the summer season and the large open air events.

For all questions and queries, please contact support@dbaudio.com


NoizCalc tutorial 1 – What is NoizCalc?

d&b audiotechnik