Berkeley, Calif.-based Meyer Sound introduced Nebra, a new software platform that brings together multiple tools for specific tasks into a single integrated solution. According to the company, the initial release focuses on fast and intuitive connectivity for endpoints in Milan AVB networks. This includes Meyer Sound’s PANTHER large-format linear line array loudspeaker, three ULTRA-X series point-source loudspeakers, and the USW-112P compact subwoofer.
Nebra also provides comprehensive system monitoring directly via the AVB network or for other Meyer Sound products. It achieves this through the existing RMS network via the RMServer. Nebra also will provide connectivity for Meyer Sound’s Galileo GALAXY Network Platform and for third-party network devices using the Milan protocol.
Nebra’s connectivity tools are suitable for fast, trouble-free configuration and connection of complex Milan-based audio systems.
“Many current audio-over-IP solutions are heavily text-based,” Andy Davies, Meyer Sound’s senior product manager, notes. “Here, by displaying connections and monitoring in a clear visual layout, the system overview is much easier to understand. Connections are shown as graphical wires offering a clear picture of the system, while device icons change color to quickly identify any potential points of failure.”
Advantages of Nebra
Nebra leverages the latest in sensor-fusion technology to simplify the task of monitoring large and highly complex networked-audio systems. It also collects disparate system-health information from all connected devices. Then it combines sensor data from multiple sources and displays it in one simple summary.
“A ‘traffic light’ indicator in the corner of the screen constantly displays overall system status,” Davies continues, “So all the user needs to see is that one green box to know everything is fine. In addition, critical system messages [come] to the user’s attention via banner alerts; so there is no need to constantly review the status of every device. If there is a warning, Nebra directs the user swiftly to the source of the problem.”
A Comprehensive Software Platform
Nebra is a standalone solution for all Milan-based devices. For Meyer Sound loudspeakers using RMS technology, Nebra functions in parallel with Compass-control software. Meyer Sound states that Nebra is now available as a free download from its website. Versions will be available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Nebra will immediately enable comprehensive connectivity and monitoring functions for Meyer Sound Milan-equipped loudspeakers, the GALAXY Network Platform, Milan-certified AVB switches and other Milan-certified devices. Nebra is a comprehensive software platform, says the company. Additionally, it will incorporate other functions into future releases.
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Nebra is also compatible with the newly introduced Milan endpoint versions of the ULTRA-X20, ULTRA X22, and ULTRA-X23 loudspeakers and the USW-112P subwoofer.
Versatile Applications
Meyer Sound proclaims that Nebra is unique in the way it applies software tools to groups. Additionally, it identifies large numbers of Milan endpoint devices, presenting an intuitive workflow when making a large number of connections, such as with PANTHER deployments. Touring sound users will thus benefit from the ability to quickly reconfigure systems for different venues. Meanwhile, installed sound users will benefit from a clear, easy-to-understand monitoring screen that operators can grasp with minimal training.
Rental company Major Tom, Ltd., became the first company to use the Nebra software platform. It used the platform on the massive, in-the-round Ed Sheeran +-= ÷x (“Mathematics”) Tour, underway since early 2022.
Milan is a standards-based deterministic network protocol for real-time audio and video media. Certification by the Avnu Alliance assures that devices will work together for maximum convenience, reliability and functionality.
