During a transition phase, AFMG is offering two versions of EASE. Both tools can be employed for all kinds of design projects. However, their feature sets are different to some extent.
- EASE 5 represents AFMG’s new platform for acoustic simulation. Based on modern software development principles, it combines high usability with a quickly growing, comprehensive feature set for both small and large projects. It includes a large number of new functions and workflows.
- EASE 4.4 represents the predecessor software that has been expanded over many years. It supports a few specific functions that may be required by experienced users under some circumstances.
EASE 5 has many new and innovative features that EASE 4.4 is lacking. The following table gives an overview of the most prominent differences in their feature sets. Please note that for the sake of clarity and brevity not all features and differences are stated.
Supported feature
Partly supported
In progress / In discussion
Feature |
EASE 4.4 |
EASE 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a project | ||
| - Import CAD files from tools such as AutoDesk AutoCAD software or Trimble SketchUp Pro | |
|
| - Support for importing layers and tags from CAD files | |
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| - Library of simple 3D prototype models for subsequent manual modification and extension | |
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| - Load image files of floor plans and section views as references for drawing | |
|
| Managing a project | ||
| - Load and save projects as a single file including all materials and loudspeakers models | |
|
| - Distribute project files to co-workers, 3rd parties or other computers without additional steps | |
|
| - Support of fractional inches for room entry | |
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| - Export in CAD format | |
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| Software structure and environment | ||
| - Window management supports docking functions and customized arrangements | |
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| - Interactive mouse navigation for zooming, panning and rotating model views following standard CAD conventions | |
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| - Highlighting and hovering functions for room elements | |
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| Viewing the room model | ||
| - Different model views and displays including wireframe, solid rendering, as well as central and parallel perspective | |
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| - Geometrical analysis functions for verifying model consistency | |
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| - Measurement mode for determining delays, distances and coordinates | |
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| - X-ray views with semi-transparent faces and indication of surface orientation | |
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| - Slices allow hiding user-defined parts of the room model | |
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| - User-defined colors for materials | |
|
| Creating the 3D model | ||
| - Integrated CAD editor for creating the 3D model and making modifications | |
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| - Use move, duplicate, extrude and numerous other advanced tools for model construction and modification | |
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| - Tables for viewing and selecting elements of the project | |
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| - Multi-selection and groups for manipulating the elements of the project | |
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| - Adding or combining project files in EASE format or CAD file format | |
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| - Rotate groups, change the aiming angle of multiple items at once | |
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| - Preview functions when editing the model | |
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| - Insert and modify surfaces using line constraints, relative coordinates, and projection from drawings | |
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| - Mirroring functions for symmetrical geometries and layouts | |
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| - Inserting circles and arcs | |
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| - Support of simple lines as visual elements | |
|
| - Rooms do not have to be closed exactly | |
|
| Extensive loudspeaker database | ||
| - Extensive loudspeaker database covering more than 2500 products of more than 140 brands | |
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| - Accurate simulation of line arrays, clusters and steerable columns | |
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| - Database management including filter and search functions, directly integrated in the software | |
|
| - Support for legacy SPK loudspeaker format | |
|
| Loudspeaker handling | ||
| - Inserting, configuring and finetuning of loudspeakers and loudspeakers systems | |
|
| - Copying loudspeaker configurations | |
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| - Signal processing functions for loudspeakers, such gain, delay and filters | |
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| - Separate signal processing functions for groups of loudspeakers | |
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| - Global EQ and gain | |
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| - Peak, low-shelf, high-shelf, low-pass, high-pass, and all-pass filters for all parts of the processing chain | |
|
| - Interactive line array configuration including box aiming lines | |
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| - Support for internal filter configurations of loudspeakers and line arrays | |
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| - Tabular overview of line array setup | |
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| Material management | ||
| - Large Database of materials for ceilings, walls, and floors | |
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| - Integrated material editor for creating new materials and adjusting existing materials | |
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| - Integrated database management including filter and search functions and data preview | |
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| - Detailed information about room materials in tabular format including covered surface area | |
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| - Easy and interactive assignment of materials | |
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| Receivers | ||
| - User-defined receiver locations as reference for mappings, response calculations, and auralization | |
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| - Audience areas can have any shape or form | |
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| - Ear height can be adjusted independently from location of audience area | |
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| Calculation functions | ||
| - Calculate mappings on faces, audience areas and listener seats in 3D | |
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| - Account for type of input signal, such as pink noise, speech or music | |
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| - STI analysis: Change signal level and noise level after calculating STI mappings | |
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| - STI optimizer: Determine signal level for best STI value | |
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| - Loudspeaker density mapping for coverage optimization | |
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| - Horizontal angle mapping for localization analysis | |
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| - S/N Ratio mapping | |
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| - Calculate response functions at listener seats in 3D | |
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| - Consider scattering effects based on user-defined standard scattering curve | |
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| - Customizable scattering effects for individual surfaces | |
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| - All important acoustic parameters available in a single view | |
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| - Cumulative distribution graphs including minimum and average values | |
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| - Mapping on areas in a user-defined 2D layout | |
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| - Peeking and printing mapping values in 3D view | |
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| - Mappings with isolines on audience areas and surfaces | |
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