ACOUS'TIPS #07: Preset libraries

With the arrival of the Stage LT series (the VCH30 constant-curvature speaker and the dual 18" VTL218 subwoofer), PikiP has released a new generation of preset libraries for its AMP_V2 amplifiers. All systems have been updated to guarantee a consistent sound signature across the whole range.

The target curve shared across each series was co-developed with sound engineer Christophe Chapuis: designed to remain versatile between bass-heavy recorded music and live performance, it can still be adjusted to the venue.

What the libraries contain

• "Speakers": a processing file per speaker model (EQ, limiters, delays) that optimizes the amp/speaker pairing for protection, sound quality and efficiency.
• "Presets": combinations of Speakers with ready-to-use matrixing for common configurations (e.g. LT800 = 1x VTL218 + 1x VCH30 per side).

Under the hood

• EQ: compensates for acoustic phenomena (e.g. high-frequency roll-off of a constant-directivity horn) to match the target curve.
• Phase alignment: phase, filters and delays aligned to minimize discrepancies in overlap zones, resulting in clean summation, coherent impulse response and preserved waveform.
• Limiters: peak (coil excursion) and RMS (heating) limiters to guarantee durability without choking dynamics.