NEXO Updates NS-1 System Software to Integrate Yamaha Speaker Systems and AFC Design Assistant

September 13, 2022 – Hamamatsu, Japan

Yamaha and NEXO S.A. are pleased to announce the latest version of NEXO’s NS-1 system configuration and simulation software. This update adds two major features: First, NS-1 Version 4 now supports a wide range of Yamaha professional audio speakers, providing designers a powerful simulation tool to ensure performance & uniform coverage of Yamaha and NEXO systems. Second, the update adds AFC Design Assistant, which assists in speaker positioning & prediction for immersive applications.

NS-1 is a powerful, intuitive system configuration and simulation tool which allows users of NEXO, and now Yamaha speaker systems to optimize performance and ensure uniform SPL coverage. Utilized by audio system designers around the world, NS-1 is regularly updated to enhance its functions.

NS-1 Version 4 is another significant step forward, now supporting many Yamaha professional audio speakers, from VXL line array, VXS surface mount and VXC ceiling speakers to the CZR, CHR, CBR and CXS ranges of speakers and subwoofers. The Yamaha speaker data includes all the necessary information, such as maximum SPL, giving system designers the tools they need to work across the entire Yamaha family of brands & products to create & predict systems.

"It's about valuing the designer’s time; reducing time on projects, while increasing confidence in the solution. Rarely, do we find opportunities to accomplish both.” says Preston Gray, Marketing Director of Professional Audio. “From the main PA line source system in the theatre, to the surface mount system in lobby, and bar areas that include pendants, Yamaha & NEXO have joined forces with this software update to provide quick & precise modelling of many different applications you may find in one venue, all with the confidence & precision expected from manufacturer design platforms."

This latest update also includes AFC Design Assistant, giving NEXO users the resources to work with Yamaha’s AFC Image immersive audio systems.

Yamaha Active Field Control (AFC) technology can completely change acoustic environments at the touch of a button, for example turning an acoustically dead space into a reverberant cavern or cathedral. Recently AFC has been expanded to included AFC Enhance for reverberation control and AFC Image for sound image control. Together they can create any acoustic environment imaginable.

Immersive audio requires very precise speaker implementation to achieve its goal. When the user specifies parameters such as venue dimensions, stage dimensions and aisle width, AFC Design Assistant provides the necessary guidelines for the required number and placement of speakers to provide a full immersive audio experience for an entire audience. When the system design is complete, the design file can be exported from NS-1 and imported to AFC Image Editor, making the whole process from studio design through to venue performance as quick, easy and accurate as possible.

"NEXO and Yamaha have already worked closely together to develop a range of products, including the NEXO NXAMP powered TD controller and Yamaha DXR series loudspeakers. With this latest collaboration we have taken another big step forward and are very happy that NS-1 Version 4 is now available, after many hours of in-depth discussions and work by the respective development teams," says Tadashi Morikawa, Project Manager of Immersive Sound Systems, Pro Audio Division at Yamaha.

Francois Deffarges, NEXO’s Engineering Support Director, adds, "We have collaborated very closely with the Yamaha R&D team over the years to bring new solutions to the market, so that devices like NXAMP, as well as CL / QL / RIVAGE PM digital mixing systems and ProVisionaire remote control and monitoring software interface in a very natural and straightforward way. It's clear that Version 4 of our NS-1 software will help to significantly increase the users and partners that we can work with. We are very pleased with the direction that NEXO and Yamaha are going forward in together."

To learn more about NS-1, please visit https://www.nexo-sa.com/systems/software/

To learn more about Yamaha AFC Enhance and AFC Image, please visit https://usa.yamaha.com/products/contents/proaudio/immersive/index.html

AFC

AFC

The detailed, dimensional reverberation control capabilities of AFC Enhance can be used to create acoustic spaces in which acoustic images are positioned and controlled by AFC Image.

Supported models

CZR / CXS XLF Series

A range of passive loudspeakers offering high power handling and outstanding sonic performance in a portable, lightweight, yet rugged design. The best matching CXS XLF series passive subwoofers can extend your system's low frequency performance down to a startling 29Hz for throbbing low frequency reproduction capability that’s sure to impress.

Yamaha Loudspeakers CHR Series

CHR Series

The CHR Series loudspeakers provide versatility and premium quality with a lineup of three different models equipped with plywood enclosures and practical features that have been optimized to deliver superb performance in a wide range of sound reinforcement environments.

CBR series

Versatile CBR Series loudspeakers deliver outstanding audio performance for a wide range of applications including front-of-house sound, floor monitoring or installations.

VXL Series

VXL series line array speakers offer a unique combination of outstanding sound quality and slim form that is ideal for a variety of environments.

VXS Series

The VXS Series lineup features two full-range models and two subwoofers, allowing you to choose the optimal model for a particular application and, if necessary, combine it with a subwoofer for venues that require a stronger bottom end.

VXS Series "F model"

VXS-F compact surface-mount speakers feature attractive, discreet design and premium sound tuning for refined background music in elegant spaces.

VXS Series "M model"

VXS series “M models” combine sophisticated sound and design in compact surface-mount speakers that will make a significant contribution to the most refined, elegant spaces.

VXS Series "S model"

VXS series "S models" are subwoofers that ideally complement the expressive natural sound of VXS and VXC series speakers.

VXC Series

The VXC Series offers three different woofer sizes, allowing you to choose the speaker that is most suitable for your venue.

Yamaha Low-profile ceiling speaker VXC Series "F model"

VXC Series "F model"

VXC series "F model" low-profile ceiling speakers can easily adapt to the strictest installation limitations, ensuring superb audio performance wherever they’re placed.

Yamaha Ceiling subwoofer VXC Series "S model"

VXC Series "S model"

VXC series "S models" are ceiling subwoofers that ideally complement the expressive natural sound of VXS and VXC series speakers without spoiling interior design.