(January 14, 2021) StormAudio has launched a new firmware package for its ISP MK2 platform. Firmware 4.1r1 brings several new performance factors to the table, including advanced immersive processing and bass management functions, and is available for immediate download.
On the immersive front, Firmware 4.1r1 brings DTS:X Pro decoding to the platform. This "Pro" version extends performance from 11.1 channels (provided by the base version of DTS:X) to 24 channels, all the while remaining fully backward compatible. It also offers a newly re-designed DTS Neural:X upmixer that's particularly useful for high channel count systems. According to StormAudio, the upmixer's intelligent processing can re-map an original encode's requirements to a system's available speakers, ultimately rendering a new immersive track that takes advantage of a system's full deployment capabilities.
Firmware 4.1r1 also gives owners their first glimpse of "Expert Bass Management." Outside of Dirac's highly touted Dirac Live Bass Control plug-in, Storm's proprietary Expert Bass Management algorithms allow owners to create up to six different bass routes for selectable bass extraction for each channel. Using a system's subwoofers and large bass-capable speakers, routes can be configured to reproduce LFE or LFE and re-direct low frequencies, adding a level of directionality and realism to bass playback.
The firmware update also gives owners the ability to run multiple discretely rendered surround speakers (e.g., Surround 1 and Surround 2), in addition to eARC functionality, on gear using Storm's HDMI 7+2 eARC card. Also, MK2 gear with AES/EBU outputs can choose between a Digital or Analog mode for each channel. According to StormAudio, "In Digital mode, both outputs (digital and analog) will work simultaneously, with the full dynamic range on the digital and analog outputs, thus not using the hybrid volume adjustment of the DAC board. In Analog mode, the channel will go through the DAC board only and have lower residual noise as it will get attenuated with the volume, thanks to the hybrid volume adjustment function."
StormAudio is hosting a Firmware 4.1r1 webinar, today (01/14/2021, 12:00-1:30 EST), featuring DTS's Paul McCambridge discussing DTS:X Pro secrets. To register for this webinar, click here. For more information, including details on how to download and install Firmware 4.1, contact your local distributor, dealer, or representative.
