Yamaha has an upcoming upgrade to its Active Field Control (AFC) acoustic processing system. The new AFC4 (fourth generation) system features upgrades in digital signal processing (DSP) and hardware that, when combined with microphones and loudspeakers, AFC4 operators can greatly enhance or create any space, from a cathedral to an outdoor or roofless venue, with an organic-sounding acoustical environment.

First released in 1985, Active Field Control systems augment the architectural design of facilities such as performance arts venues, houses of worship, theaters and concert halls, while maintaining the natural sonic characteristics of a space. The powerful technology provides a cost-effective and flexible alternative to expensive and time-consuming physical renovations, enabling venue operators to offer a wide range of sonic applications.

The new AFC4 system delivers improved sound quality through its expanded DSP power and connectivity. The processor’s sampling rate, fixed FIR taps, FIR presets and configurable FIR tap settings have all been upgraded, and the system is now equipped with a FIR EQ in favor of the previous AFC3 version’s parametric EQ. Combined with greater connectivity options — 32 mic inputs and 96 output channels — this considerable DSP upgrade gives users greater creative flexibility to realize a broader range of sonic “experiences,” from subtle and nuanced to dramatic and extreme.

The new Active Field Control (fourth generation) system is planned for availability in the fall of 2019 and, if you are at InfoComm 2019, Yamaha has it in their booth (6461) and in an actual demo room (W224D) in the Orange County Convention Center. Or you can go here.