What's new?

Only major additions listed. *) means not available in demo version (some features are included but limited in the demo version, refer to the helpfile Software variants and limitations for details).

CATT-Acoustic™ v9.0b, the first v9 update (2-DEC-2011, small fix 20-DEC-2011):

A more responsive PC during calculations
A Lambert 1D scattering function for walls with battens and 1D-diffusers
A novel and flexible mapping implementation of the DLf and DL2 measures (ISO 14257) suggested for use also in open-plan offices (draft ISO 3382-3) that allows these measures to be used as design tools where the limitations and pitfalls also can be understood. Comprehensive application notes.
T-30 statistics for selected source and receiver combinations, useful for understanding room properties
a recline() function for placing receivers in a line (useful for DL2 and DLf)
STI optionally according to IEC 60268-16 4th edition (2011)
Sequence (batch) processing now also in TUCT
Export (to spreadsheet) of a selected set of maps from Audience mapping
Creation and export of ITU 5-channel impulse responses now also in TUCT, many options ranging from actual mic setups (INA5, OCT, MMA etc.) reflection by reflection to three ways as a post-process from B-format using the pantented BPhormer™ process, the Sector mic™ and basic coincident patterns *)
Export of various mono mic impulse responses (omni, cardioid, supercard, hypercard, fig-of-8) *)
Graphics copy/save/print options also with minor dialog graphics such as map statistics
Predict SxR algorithm selection tips on the settings dialog
Time Trace "fast forward" skipping over time sements of little interest
Loudspeaker sensitivity variables that can be used in the source file
Optional auto-viewing of saved PL9-files in TUCT (useful for saving temporary results for later viewing/export or comparisons)
MultiVolver WCP addition for faster selection of multi-channel WAV input *)
Demo update

Distributor Korea (24-OCT-2011)
The Common Loudspeaker File format, CLF2 v2 released (8-SEP-2011):

CLF2 v2 introduces phase and optional filters for beam-steering and/or cross-overs and multiple files are used to describe an array or a multi-way loudspeaker.
As CLF2 v2 files appear CATT software will support the new options.
To update your viewer and see CLF2 v2 sample files go to www.clfgroup.org

CATT-Acoustic™ v9.0 is relased (5-JUL-2011):

Major restructuring using new PL9 plot-file graphics and all prediction/auralization is handled by TUCT™
All v8 projects and libraries can be used
Updated ActiveAudio StepArray DDI module (Ray-On 100 array)
TUCT™ v1.0g

Mouse-over echogram display for all map points
show all wall hits in the Image Source Module

Demo update

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0k build 2 including TUCT™ v1.0f (4-FEB-2011):

Mouse-over readout of map values
Mouse-over readout of Surface rendering SPL values
If a model with a map is saved as PL9 (see below) the PL9-viewer will give value readout in the same way
Map auto-scale option
A new option displays 3D text directly on surfaces (plane ids and sub-division names, plane names and a graph for absorption and scattering properties).
Ray leak detection and display (similar to CATT-A v8)
Image Source Model indicates plane ids of reflection planes
Blumlein-stereo IR save option added (full version) *)
Major enhancement of 2D/3D graphics libraries

less memory used for model display
use of a TrueType font for all graphics text giving crisper screen display and better export and printing
much improved Meta export
direct saving of Bitmaps (instead of via clipboard copy)

A new plot-file format PL9 to replace the current PLT format in CATT-Acoustic v9, TUCT v1.0f can export all major windows’ graphics to PL9 (Edit menu). PL9-files can be viewed by the new PL9-viewer.
Direct printing of all major 2D and 3D windows
Update of MultiVolver WCP™ (full version) *)

save/load input WAV-file lists
Nin x Nout increased to 36x16
utilizes new graphics text

Update of ReflPhinder™ (full version) *)

utilizes new graphics text and improved exports

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0k build 1 including TUCT™ v1.0e, MultiVolver WCP™ and ReflPhinder™ (29-OCT-2010)
(all new implementations concern TUCT™)

Noise mapping, i.e. use of an SPL map of actual noise sources as background noise for STI and U50
2nd and 3rd order B-format option and export of IRs *)
Image Source Model image sources can be saved and will be reloaded the next time the window is opened
MATLAB® .MAT export of all measures
Release of MultiVolver WCP™ (WAV Convolution Processing) *) (full version)

an offline version of MultiVolver VST™ with no channel limitation using the same FIR setup-files and a very similar interface

Release of ReflPhinder™ a B-format (WXYZ) impulse response (IR) analysis and display software *) (full version)

AVI video export of Time Trace graphics
All 3D models rotated around the model center (as in 3D-viewer and CATT-Acoustic PLT) rather than the origin
Optional logging of all info and error messages
Updated Nexo GEO DDI module (GEO S12 added)
Updated ActiveAudio StepArray DDI module (SA400P and SA180S added)

Release of ReflPhinder™ (standalone version, personal and office license) (29-OCT-2010)
The FIReverb Suite ™, 5th Edition (29-OCT-2010)

Includes MultiVolver WCP™ and MultiVolver VST™

A list of some available B-format microphones (15-SEP-2010)
New DDI DLL for the Tannoy QFlex column arrays *) (19-AUG-2010)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0j build 2 including TUCT™ v1.0b (29-JUN-2010)
(all news concern TUCT™)

Saving/loading named 3D views, global or project specific
Shortcut to load a new project using the same 3D-view as the current
Project-based automatic saving of the latest used settings for Predict SxR, Map direct and Map measures
Simpler scrolling through Predict SxR results
Different internal Predict SxR algorithms are used depending on case, no more memory issues with many receivers and/or long echogram/IRs
An additional normalized Schroeder plot showing the decay for one band against a backdrop of all bands
An interactive option to show only the energy echogram response
An STI limit can be specified for STI maps indicating which positions are below the limit
Optionally suspend update of a big map while changing Max/Range
Map spreadsheet export with automatic separation into layers that cover eachother in z (such as a balcony above a floor audience)
Seperate map z-layer displays (show balcony by itself, floor by itself or both)
Time trace includes diffuse reflection as well (it was initially not included since it often creates a too confusing display but has its uses)
Several small useful additions and changes

Course at WSDG-E in Switzerland (9-JUNE-2010)

June 17 the Swiss distributor WSDG-E offers a course in the use of CATT-Acoustic™ and the new TUCT™.

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0j build 1 including TUCT™ and MultiVolver™ VST (29-MAR-2010)

TUCT™ is released and included in the v8.0j release. TUCT™ is a new software rewitten nearly form scratch that will replace all prediction and auralization in the current CATT-Acoustic™, see overview.
MultiVolver™ VST a multi-channel real time convolver VST-plugin made mainly for the general multi-channel VST-host AudioMulch (www.audiomulch.com). The plugin can be used with CATT-Acoustic v8 SIM-files, WAV-files, and MAT-files created by CATT or other software. It also allows for multiple source auralization with different anechoic sound for each source (such as binaural listening to stereo loudspeakers, a 2x2 convolution). *)
The demo manual restructured as an Introduction manual and included also in purchased versions
Hidden option to enable using all reported CPUs *)
Auto edge diffusion reminder/help
Network use of a common Surface properties library
A protected SD2 file version for ARRAY0
New DDI DLL for the Ateïs International Messenger column arrays *)

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0i build 2 (17-DEC-2009)

shortcut to make half-sphercial SD0/SD1 directivities
processing of the Listen project public HRTFs for use with CATT-Acoustic (51 sets) *)
work now concentrates on finalizing TUCT for release.

Announcing CATT TUCT™ (21-OCT-2009)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0i build 1 (21-SEP-2009)

New Sector directivity model (CATT_Generic DDI) *)
Some useful WAV-file filters for IR listening *)
Update of the ActiveAudio DLL (SA180P added) *)

Announcing the ReflPhinder™ software employing the patent pending Sector mic™ (previously called Magic mic as a working name) (1-AUG-2009), relased OCT-2010 with CATT-Acoustic v8.0k

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0h build 3 (22-APR-2009)

Visually enhanced audience 3D mapping
A handy way to load a PLT-file in the external viewer for comparions
Refinements to the multi-core processing
Geometry debug speedup for complex models
Some 3D geometry viewing speedup
optional Direct to Reverberant Ratio (note that many of the previous measures already give more useful info)
Mouseover value readout on SIM- and CWI-file info impulse response, frequency response and spectrogram graphs
Hidden option to show T20 instead of T15 *)

GratisVolver™ free software update v1.4b minor fix (25-MAR-2009)
Distributor Poland (2-JAN-2009)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0h build 2 (19-DEC-2008)

Time trace ray segment coloring also according to reflection order
A way to select audience planes based on surface material
Variable suppression of continius shading when using the internal 3D viewing (makes handling of complex 3D PLT-files faster)

GratisVolver™ free software update v1.4a with 4-channel convolution, typically B-format IRs (1-OCT-2008)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0h (25-SEP-2008)

Full detailed calculation and Audience area mapping utilizes multi-core CPUs. Example: prediction for a complex model can be up to twice as fast on a dual-core CPU and up to four times as fast on a quad-core.
A new prediction display called Time trace, a wavefront-like display with many options
Better memory-handling for big plot-files.

The FIReverb Suite™, 4th Edition minor update (25-SEP-2008)

PureVerb™ offers Gang buttons for room size (changing all room dimensions simultaneously) and Directivity Index.

Distributor China (6-MAY-2008)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0g build 4 (23-APR-2008)

Faster animation echogram drawing
ISM history ray bundle plot (shows all rays at the same time)
Source addition overall SPL eq change (useful for optimizing IEC STI that has level dependent masking)
New DDI module for d&b audio J-series line arrays *)
Faster SIM/CWI-file info IR drawing option
CATT-Walker has a direct B-format output option (requires a 4-channel capable soundcard to be installed and selected and an ambisonic decoder to be used externally) *)

List of available measurement software updated (4-APR-2008)
A list of some available measurement software (2-APR-2008)
Distributor Singapore (17-MAR-2008)
The CLF software is updated with new display options: www.clfgroup.org (12-DEC-2007)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0g build 3.02 (11-DEC-2007)

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0g build 3 (6-DEC-2007)

New DDI module for Renkus-Heinz Iconyx line arrays *)
Updated DDI module for ActiveAudio StepArray (new SA250S model and new steering parameters) *)
Interactive RT estimate speedup

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0g build 2 (18-SEP-2007)

A new 300 pages printed (and PDF) manual *)
merging of planes e.g. after an AutoCAD interface export or DXF with 3DFACEs
PLINFO.PLT shows GEO-file name and line number for each plane
new GEO-file functions: ABS(x), SQR(x) and CUBE(x), i.e. |x|, x^2 and x^3
Updated DDI DLL for PanBeam arrays (PB32 and PB40 added) *)
Option to run several independent sequence-processing files in batch *)
DXF2GEO adds an extra coordinate decimal in the export

New DDI DLL for the PanBeam column arrays (11-JUL-2007) *)
GratisWavPlayer™ free software, update v1.0b (5-JUL-2007)
The Common Loudspeaker file Format (CLF) software update (5-JUL-2007)
New Distributor Japan (1-JUN-2007)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0g (18-MAY-2007)

General:

reworked, improved and harmonized helpfiles using Compiled HTML Help (CHM), Windows Vista has no longer direct support fo the HLP format.

separation of program and data folders (harmonizing with Windows Vista requirements)

Modeling:

optional ELSE in IF-statements
exp10() and log10() added to math functions
the AutoCAD AutoLISP interface is updated to meet with Windows Vista requirements and the SRC command creates the SOURCEDEFS syntax.

Prediction:

source level voice shortcuts for IEC STI (Lp_voice_IECmale and Lp_voice_IECfemale) available in the CATT-Edit Template|Source menu
new handling of calibrated SD2 arrays (DLL Directivity Interface)
optional full MATLAB result output from Full detailed calculation *)

Internal and standalone PLT-viewers:

direct mouse selection of shaded plot-frames (planes in PLINFO.PLT)

optional autoload of a PLT-file in the stand-alone viewer (for simpler client presentations)
isometric view shortcut (pressing "I" in parralel perspective)

3D-viewer:

mouse selection of planes and plane sub-divisions with data read-out

mouse selection of plane-sets for pasting into plane-use dialogs (e.g. audience planes)

optional autoload of an OGL-file (for simpler client presentations)

Directivity:

optional color-shaded directivity balloons

2º balloon option for SD2 arrays

A scripting interface:

MATLAB, EXE or script interface allowing for optimization of room geometry or data in a Sequence processing REPEAT loop

Post-processing:

Spectrogram option with SIM- and CWI-file info, many time and frequency resolution options

IR display dB option with SIM- and CWI-file info

toolbar button access to common Info menus

The FIReverb Suite ™, 4th Edition (18-MAY-2007)

PureVerb™ creates a new PureVerb eXtended (PVX) file format. PVX is a single-file, multi-input, multi-output, multi-microphone impulse response format that also stores a PureVerb settings-file. A PVX-file can be loaded by File|Open for examining the parameters used when creating the impulse responses, or to re-calculate the same basic responses after some changes in parameters. The PVX-format simplifies use of PureVerb responses in MultiVolver™ since only one file needs to selected for a complete set of filters.
the new PvxViewer shows the contents of a PVX-file, impulse responses, octave-band filtered impulse responses and decays.
PureVerb and MultiVolver optionally creates WAV-files in WAVE-EX format.

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0f Build 2 (14-DEC-2006)

mainly a maintenace release
ABS1 option to give absorption and scattering coeffcients in the range 0..1 instead of in %

New DDI DLL for ActiveAudio StepArray line arrays (14-DEC-2006). *)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0f (25-OCT-2006)

optional use of XP interface
max number of planes raised, limit essentially removed
optional noise map with STI amd RASTI mapping where some sources are defined as noise sources
optional individual receiver noise for STI and RASTI in Full detailed calculation
new GETGLOBAL/GETLOCAL options with info-text and limit checks
Schröder frequency estimate
estimate of a limit for geometrical acoustics (based on the Schröder frequency)
Nexo Geo D arrays implemented in the Nexo DDI module *)
optional 3rd order B-format impulse responses *)

GratisWavPlayer free software (v1.0a, 25-OCT-2006)
Distributor Russia (3-JUL-2006)
IOA Copenhagen 2006 paper and presentation about CATT-Walker™ for download (28-JUN-2006)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0e build 3 (21-JUN-2006)

audience area mapping speed-up option (2-20x, case dependent gain typical 3-4x)
optional source ray factor with audience area mapping to allow less rays for simpler sources (such as fill sources) while still use many rays for main sources. Together with the map speedup option large multi sources cases can be calculate in much shorter times.
option to display only the mapped audience surfaces (useful to get a more readable map if the audience surface is much smaller than the room plan) *)
averages calculated in audience are mapping statistics, for STI, RASTI and SPL also the standard deviation is shown
optional list export of all maps to spreadsheet format
DXF2GEO, the DXF converter is now included (also in the demo, see File|External CATT Tools)
NCB noise ratings shown when selecting background noise level for STI etc.
background noise level displayed in echograms (according to ANSI S12.2-1995)
optional curves displayed on echograms to help identify potentially detrimental early reflections in e.g. cinemas (based on a Floyd Toole AES paper) *)
optional calculation of U50, AI, PI, SII *)
EDT calculated also for multiple source addition echograms
IACC included in optional binaural post-processing MATLAB output *)
CATT-Edit includes a source syntax template
Lp_sensitivity shortcut for Lp1m_a values in source file

Distributor Latin America (23-JAN-2006)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0e (20-JAN-2006):

separate direct sound and direct+reflected soiund audience area mapping
3D rotatable audience area maps
color coded closest source group audience area map
pixel rendering also/only on fictive audience area surfaces as in mapping
external CATT tools menu
the "Stage support" measure
spectra plots for single and multiple sources
3D room aim view in mutiple sources addition
new PLT-viewer shortcuts for viewing along X, Y or Z axis
WalkDecim, a walkthrough convolver path tool. *)

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0d build 3 (20-OCT-2005):

multiple PA source real time walkthrough visualization / binaural auralization via the CATT-Walker™ module. *)
DXF export *)
complex source speedup
STI according to IEC 60286-16 2003-05 (updated from IEC 60286-16 1998-03)

Fogg Art Museum Lecture Room : A calibrated recreation of the birthplace of Room Acoustics

A Forum Acusticum Budapest 2005 paper with auralizations of this famous auditorium
Further details (links to the paper and models for download)

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0d build 2 (30-JUN-2005):

unique real time walkthrough visualization / binaural auralization via the new CATT-Walker™ module. *)
a new receiver file function recwalk() that simplifies receiver placements for CATT-Walker

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0d (27-MAY-2005):

support for the CLF (in demo only for viewing), see www.clfgroup.org
export of geometry to CLF cabinet format (useful for CLF authors)
balloon plot All option (plots balloons for all bands in one plot-file)
receiver OVERRIDE option
negative increments allowed in plane loops
improved multi-tasking

Distributor Iran (17-MAY-2005)
The Common Loudspeaker file Format (CLF) is released (15-APR-2005)

an initiative from four prediction sofware developers and two companies involved in audio education and loudspeaker data measurements
the CLF format will be supported by CATT-Acoustic
go to the dedicated CLF web site: www.clfgroup.org for a background and download a free viewer or a trial authoring kit

CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0c build 7 (22-MAR-2005):

interactive RT estimate using global ray-tracing
pixel rendering "quick render"
SPL map statistics range in Prefs
finer RASTI/STI map statistics ranges *)
map statistics spreadsheet file
initial balloon view angles in Prefs
walkthrough convolver improvement *)
convolver plays impulse response
convolver dialog auto fill-in
WAV IR convolver plays impulse response *)
SIM-file info dialog plays impulse response *)
plot-file list export

GratisVolver™ free software (v1.2a, 17-MAR-2005)
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0c build 6 (03-JAN-2005), *) not available in demo version:

geometry debug additions
free form plane id dialog editing
interactive Sabine additions
plane loops
double-sided planes speed-up
ranges in plane definitions
scattering coefficient auto-estimate
smoothed audience area maps
EKgrad graphs for multiple sources
plot file viewer additions
enhanced SIM-file information with impulse and frequency response plots
optional direct impulse response WAV output *)
general purpose WAV IR convolver *)

Distributor Taiwan (04-OCT-2004)
More FIReverb Suite audio samples (23-JUL-2004).
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0c build 4 (14-JUL-2004)

STI according to IEC 60286-16 1998-03
Relative input and output folders
Template settings-files for prediction and post-processing
GEO format additions: EXCLUDE can take ranges, NOHIDELINES, lock() in loops

More FIReverb Suite audio sample production CD with before/after examples (01-APR-2004).
Geo T is added to the DDI DLL for Nexo GEO line arrays (01-APR-2004)
New DDI DLL for Outline Butterfly line arrays (01-APR-2004). This is the first DLL based on the new sub-DLL concept that dramatically simplifies dedicated array modeling while at the same time offers intellectual property hiding.
CATT-Acoustic™ v8.0c (17-MAR-04)

Direct and reflected sound pixel rendering
EKgrad echo disturbance calculation
arbitrary resolution HRTFs
Duran Intellivox DDI updates (optional absolute calibration)

What's cooking?

nothing yet to report after the v9.0b release

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