Continued development of the Italian company’s patented WFIR filter design results in even greater EQ resolution, while other updates extend the unit’s capabilities, compatibility and control options.
As Newton continues to rewrite the rulebook for advanced sound system signal processing, the latest updates to the Dashboard application (software v1.9.4 and firmware v0.97) include enhancements to the functionality of WFIR filters, the addition of GPIO port control and extended compatibility for the latest Apple Mac computers.
Of particular interest to companies who already deploy Newton on some of the world’s largest festivals is the further development of its unique WFIR (Warped Finite Impulse Response) filters, using Outline’s new Equalisation Coefficient Synthesis Algorithm (EQ-CSA) which accelerates the group EQ speed functionality significantly and also extends the filter resolution.
These enhancements apply not only within a single Newton but also when several units are networked together, whilst retaining all the outstanding performance and surgical precision for which the unique WFIR filters are recognised. This new level of multi-unit control delivers an unprecedented level of audio equalisation options that can be simultaneously deployed across multiple festival stages – at present, no other audio processor approaches this degree of user control.
International providers including Rat Sound Systems, Gabisom, Adlib, Britannia Row Productions, Capital Sound and others already rely on Newton for core system control in complex multi-stage festival situations and its latest refinements will be great news for their sound engineers and system techs.
Compatibility with Apple Mac computers has also been further developed by Outline’s engineers, as Big Sur and Monterey operating systems are now supported. Additionally, Dashboard is now fully compatible with latest-generation Macs using the M1 chip.
The update also introduces the option of using Newton’s GPIO capability to manage some internal functions for safety and evacuation purposes.
Rat Sound of Camarillo, California have been enthusiastic Newton owners for some time and their work includes such legendary festivals as Coachella and Stagecoach. Rat Sound Systems’ Jon Monson commented: “We love our Outline Newtons at Rat Sound! They are an integral element of our large sound system and festival deployments. The Mac-based interface is clear and intuitive and the multitude of I/O options is key as we use analog, AES, Dante, and MADI in our setups.”
He added: “Now the Outline team has also implemented a GPIO function to the software and with this we have been able to implement a complete emergency override for every festival stage from a remote, central location. Over the last few years it has become increasingly important to offer these kinds of safety enhancements to our festival customers, and Newton has allowed us to make this happen.”