Category: Linea Research

Linea Research has announced the first beta release of System Engineer 8, the company’s new control and telemetry platform designed to provide software control over the M and C Series of networked DSP amplifiers and the ASC48 advanced system controller.

System Engineer 8 divides into three main sections for navigation. Discovery and synchronization of connected devices is designed to be instantaneous, and the three workflow views, Setup, Presets, and Tune, are intended to simplify navigation making system configuration faster and more intuitive.

The Setup view allows the operator to configure the device’s global features. It includes a new input routing mixer/matrix, channel assignment, networking, and bridging. Preset view is where presets can be created, edited, and saved to the computer. Users can preview a selected preset in the browser window before dragging and dropping it into an intended device. Presets can also be created offline using a virtual device ready for deployment once connected to the hardware.

Tune view is where detailed configuration takes place. Dedicated Quick View buttons for Mutes, Gain, Delay, EQ, X-Over, Polarity, Impedance and Current provide Quick View information for each module in the Explorer section. Users can cick on the information in the module and it will expand in the Detail section below for editing and adjustment. Within Tune view, EQ Toggle is a new feature that allows users to toggle between different equalization on the same audio signal. This feature is available on the input, output and groups.

System Engineer 8’s Grouping functionality allows several modules to group for unified control with Overlay EQ, Delay, Gain and Mute. Modules can be assigned to any of the twelve available groups or assigned to multiple groups, particularly useful in controlling larger systems and installations.

System Engineer 8 is currently available on Beta release and can bownloaded from the Linea Research website here. The company states that because this is a Beta release, some features are still in the refining stage. New features are in development and will be added, with a final release due next year.

Focusrite plc has announced the acquisition of Linea Research, the UK-based designer and manufacturer of power amplifiers, controllers and software, becoming the ninth brand of the Focusrite Group in joining Focusrite, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Focusrite Pro and Sequential.

Headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, UK, Linea Reserach was formed in 2003 by a team of experienced audio professionals, with products that include a range of power amplifiers as well as digital signal processors, audio networking and software products. Two of the original founders, commercial director Davey Smalley and engineering director Ben Ver, will continue to lead the business post-acquisition.

Focusrite’s subsidiary Martin Audio is a major customer of Linea Research, with technology that’s behind the iKON amplifier series that powers Wavefront Precision line arrays. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the critical source of supply of amplifier modules for Martin Audio and will enable greater integration of loudspeaker and amplifier technology in products. It is also the intention to continue to develop the sales of Linea Research products through third-party distribution and to OEM loudspeaker customers.

“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Davey, Ben and the entire Linea Research team to the Focusrite Group,” says Tim Carroll, CEO, Focusrite. “We know the team and the business well given that Martin Audio is a major Linea Research customer. This will lead to many synergies and is expected to improve gross margin for both Martin Audio and the wider group. Linea Research’s products are globally recognised as best in class and we are all excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead with the collective expertise of the Linea Research and Focusrite Group R&D and sales teams.”

A joint statement from Smalley and Ver, adds, “We are delighted to be able to continue the Linea Research success story from within the Focusrite Group. Having seen the support and growth of the brands within the group, we believe this provides us with a secure foundation to further our R&D efforts and product portfolio, strengthening the Linea Research brand while continuing partnerships with our long-standing OEM partners. This can only be a good thing for our customers, end users and very much our staff.”