Hierarchy

MediaMatrix provides a method to "zoom" in on particular parts of a sound system.  The method employed is called hierarchy.  This is accomplished by creating sub-systems within a child window.  Child windows can be included in other child windows, which can in turn be included in another child window.  The accompanying figures illustrate how hierarchy is used in an arena sound system design.  The first figure shows the entire sound system for the arena.  This overall view of the entire sound system provides a global view not typically available.  Each of the blocks in the figure include systems and subsystems which are wired together.  The second figure shows the contents of one of these blocks, the "Clusters" block.  The schematic for the Clusters subsystem is shown here.  This block was opened by double clicking on the "Clusters" block.  Each of the other blocks in the first figure contain their associated subsystems. The third figure shows the contents of the "Cluster A" subsystem.  This schematic of Cluster A was opened by double clicking on the "Cluster A" block.  There are similar schematics in each of the eight cluster blocks.  By using this system of hierarchy it is easy to navigate within complex systems.

This provides a structured method to organize any size audio system in an easy to use manner.

Any object within any system can be copied out to any other part of the system regardless of how "deep" it is within the system.  You can make a control panel containing controls from various systems and subsystems regardless of where the control originated from.

Hierarchy provides a very powerful design and implementation tool, allowing you to easily organize and "get around" a very large sound system.  It is a key element of MediaMatrix and is well worth the time to become familiar with it.