Catching Up With StormAudio: Details About Its New ISP Elite MK3 Processor, Dirac Bass Management, HDMI 2.1, and More!

full?d=1643307538.png

(January 24, 2022) StormAudio finished last year strong, unleashing its newly minted ISP Core 16 processor and launching innovative new features like StormXT and Expert Bass Management with Bass Routing. Recently, we had an opportunity to check in with the maestro of immersive audio, getting a rundown on current and future projects. The company has quite a bit in store for the coming year, including an exciting refresh of its ISP Elite MK line and full HDMI 2.1 compliance.

Several significant changes are being implemented to differentiate the MK series from its more affordable Core 16 sibling, beginning with the word “Elite.” Storm has already deployed this designation in current ISP Elite MK2 marketing materials and will continue to use it with the soon-to-launch ISP Elite MK3 line. With MK2 stock nearly depleted, the all-new MK3 is on the factory line and prepping for shipment during mid-March. Performance-wise, the MK2 and MK3 are equals. The MK3, however, carries distinctive new styling that sets it apart from physical elements shared by Core 16 and Elite MK2 models.

The ISP Elite MK3 also incorporates the same large color display found on the Core 16. While eye-catching, it provides access to key performance information that streamlines both operation and troubleshooting. This display will remain unique to the MK3 and Core 16, as it’s not being offered as an upgrade option to older models.

Pricing-wise, StormAudio says that supply chain and labor costs are forcing increases across the board. The ISP Elite MK3 line will carry MSRPs between $16,999 (16-channel XLR analog output) and $22,999 (32-channel AES67 in/out with 16-channel XLR analog output), which represents a $1,000 bump from previous prices. The ISP Core 16 is also realizing a $1,000 increase, now landing at $12,999, but no longer requires a separate fee for Dirac Bass Management. StormXT, Dual Zone Video, and Expert Bass Management will remain exclusive features that aren’t factory installed. Owners can purchase all three for a package price of $1,000.

Speaking of the ISP Core 16, StormAudio says sales have been robust. Last year’s initial manufacturing run sold out and demand remains high, keeping the company’s second French manufacturing facility busy. AV NIRVANA is on schedule to receive a review unit next month, with a full review slated to be published in March. If you have any investigative evaluation requests, please leave a comment below!

Looking forward, Storm’s highly anticipated next-gen HDMI 2.1 card is inching closer to production. Assuming supply chain issues remain manageable, the card should launch during Q3 or Q4 2022. The company also says its amplifier line is getting a refreshed look – stay tuned for updates on that front.

Earlier this week, Storm released a small firmware update for existing customers. It primarily caters to Core 16 improvements but marks the beginning of a complete overhaul of the Web UI interface. Owners will notice revisions to the look and feel of the “Settings” tab in this release, with more coming throughout the year. The software will also allow owners to save PEQ settings as a group, providing the ability to re-import previous settings whenever necessary.

StormAudio has a host of innovative products baking in its pipeline, several of which are real show-stoppers. We’ll have full details as soon as Storm is ready to take them public. For more information about Storm’s current product offerings or to find a dealer, visit www.stormaudio.com.
 

yoav

Registered
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
7
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
lingdorf mp50
Main Amp
bryston
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
cary 301
Front Speakers
tannoy d700
Center Channel Speaker
tannoy d750
Surround Speakers
atlantic technology 8200
Surround Back Speakers
tannoy oxford
Subwoofers
svs pb 13 ultra
Video Display Device
jvc 5000
Thank you

What about the chanel mapping they promised ???
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,138
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
Thank you

What about the chanel mapping they promised ???

We didn't discuss that. Are you talking about the additional use of digital outs?
 

yoav

Registered
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
7
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
lingdorf mp50
Main Amp
bryston
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
cary 301
Front Speakers
tannoy d700
Center Channel Speaker
tannoy d750
Surround Speakers
atlantic technology 8200
Surround Back Speakers
tannoy oxford
Subwoofers
svs pb 13 ultra
Video Display Device
jvc 5000
We didn't discuss that. Are you talking about the additional use of digital outs?
I am talking about the Channel Remapping
From thier site:
" In many installations, due to physical constraints of a room or because of the differences between different codecs placement recommendations, speakers might not be positioned in their ideal location. StormAudio has been working on its own proprietary solution to solve these challenges and will offer it to its customers as a software upgrade on the ISP platform"

So far no channel remapping was introduced
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,138
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
I *think* that might be referring to StormXT. But, hang tight and let me confirm!
 

apgood

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Messages
9
More  
Main Amp
QSC
Additional Amp
QSC
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
HTPC & Zidoo Z9S
Front Speakers
Focal
Video Display Device
Sim2
I am talking about the Channel Remapping
From thier site:
" In many installations, due to physical constraints of a room or because of the differences between different codecs placement recommendations, speakers might not be positioned in their ideal location. StormAudio has been working on its own proprietary solution to solve these challenges and will offer it to its customers as a software upgrade on the ISP platform"

So far no channel remapping was introduced
The feature roadmaps provided in their webinars have that feature placed later in 2022.

Things like per codec speaker layout and hdmi matrix switching are supposed to come before that.
 

yoav

Registered
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
7
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
lingdorf mp50
Main Amp
bryston
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
cary 301
Front Speakers
tannoy d700
Center Channel Speaker
tannoy d750
Surround Speakers
atlantic technology 8200
Surround Back Speakers
tannoy oxford
Subwoofers
svs pb 13 ultra
Video Display Device
jvc 5000
The feature roadmaps provided in their webinars have that feature placed later in 2022.

Things like per codec speaker layout and hdmi matrix switching are supposed to come before that.
Thank you
I think that the channel remapping is much more important for most of us.
 

apgood

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Messages
9
More  
Main Amp
QSC
Additional Amp
QSC
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
HTPC & Zidoo Z9S
Front Speakers
Focal
Video Display Device
Sim2
Thank you
I think that the channel remapping is much more important for most of us.
If it is anything like the Trinnov channel remapping feature I would be careful in using it as it can introduce artefacts.

Basically it is a tool of last resort to create a virtual speaker in a particular location because you can't place a physical speaker there.

Most people should not need to use it.
 

yoav

Registered
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
7
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
lingdorf mp50
Main Amp
bryston
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
cary 301
Front Speakers
tannoy d700
Center Channel Speaker
tannoy d750
Surround Speakers
atlantic technology 8200
Surround Back Speakers
tannoy oxford
Subwoofers
svs pb 13 ultra
Video Display Device
jvc 5000
I don't have any experience with Trinnov but regarding the channel remapping in the Storm they are talking about situation were the speaker is locate not in the ideal position (for example the center speaker that is usually locate under the tv / screen and not in the middle behind them ).

Storm did not say anything about situation were you do not have speaker ( again, for example ,the center speaker)
 

apgood

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Messages
9
More  
Main Amp
QSC
Additional Amp
QSC
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
HTPC & Zidoo Z9S
Front Speakers
Focal
Video Display Device
Sim2
I don't have any experience with Trinnov but regarding the channel remapping in the Storm they are talking about situation were the speaker is locate not in the ideal position (for example the center speaker that is usually locate under the tv / screen and not in the middle behind them ).

Storm did not say anything about situation were you do not have speaker ( again, for example ,the center speaker)

That's what I'm talking about. The remapping is using multiple surrounding speakers to virtualise a speaker in a specific location (including the suboptimal placed speaker). It is like creating a virtual centre speaker using the left and right speakers or a centre speaker using speakers above and below a screen, but uses more than 2 speakers to more firmly anchor the image. This allows for a wider sweetspot where the imaging of the virtualised speaker in the ideal location works properly, but if you are outside that sweetspot it can make things worse.

Like anything it has comprises.

If it is anything like the Trinnov implementation then I doubt any experienced calibrator that is familiar with speaker remapping will recommend using it unless a speaker needs to be located significantly out of place.
 
Top Bottom