It is easy to see that a DSP-based processing system can make life a lot easier in any situation where sound reinforcement systems must serve many different masters. In the rental department fewer crossovers are stocked, and in the concert venue the system can be optimized for every show. The sound contractor can offer additional value by customizing the client's processor for them, and the venue owner can store house settings for instant recall regardless of the settings demanded by last night's rental. These are some of the advantages these software-based system processors have offered for many years. The other side of this new-found flexibility is the maintenance implications that only software can generate. For some professionals in the audio industry this will just be a slight addition to their component paper trail but for the rest of this hardware-focussed trade, the software adds a whole new layer of device management to the job.

Whether the sound system is fully DSP-based from the mic pre-amps to the power amps or simply uses DSP units to replace the system crossovers, there is probably a level of the system that will use updateable software. Software updates for hardware are usually less prolific than their computer industry counterparts but there will still be a need to know which version of software resides in your processors. You will also need to know the implications of different versions, such as bug fixes, feature implementations and incompatibilities.

We have become familiar with the dribble-ware approach to updating operating systems and software applications for the PC, unless you are still running in DOS 5. This is cumbersome to manage even on a well-connected PC. The last thing you want to face is monthly updates for the software in racks of processors. Updating an entire sound system can be very time-consuming, except in those rare cases where the system control is fully networked and linked to a central PC. Even so, what happens when you discover that the new software version no longer supports a feature you were relying on?

Staying on top of the current versions of remote control software and embedded software is becoming a necessary part of the work required to maintain a sound system. This requires good documentation and a system of labeling that informs the field service technician of the version status for each device. The service technician must also be aware of any potential differences resulting from the "spare unit" software version being different from the unit it temporarily replaces. It will be up to those in charge of servicing the system to decide which units, if any, are kept up to date. After all, there will be many situations where the processor's software works fine and does not need to be updated. However, there will always be devices that were installed before the manufacturer had actually finished all of the software. Updating the unit will be the only way to achieve full functionality. It is also necessary to backup all of the unit's settings before any change in software/firmware is made.

Updating software may be an excellent opportunity for vendors to stay in touch with their clients. They can show their commitment to long-term service without having to wait for something to break. On the other hand, if the supplier haven't considered the additional labour required to maintain software, this may be another way for the profit to dribble out of a sale. It pays to investigate each manufacturers policies and style of software distribution. You may have a whole new list of requirements for manufacturer/vendor support the next time you consider the purchase of a software-based unit.

United Entertainment Media Inc.
460 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor
New York, NY, 10016
Ph. 212-378-0400
FAX 212-378-2160

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