Use AVB with Modulaser
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is a set of IEEE standards for transporting audio, video, and other data over ethernet with precise timing and low latency. It's widely used in professional productions, anywhere multiple devices need to stay tightly synchronized over a network.
AVB streams laser points as multichannel audio samples, one point per frame across 5 or 6 channels (X/Y, RGB, intensity). The OS audio stack handles transport, synchronization, and framing. Modulaser writes to the device like any other audio output.
Modulaser supports AVB on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Compatible hardware
LaserAnimation Sollinger manufactures laser projectors and devices with AVB support.
- Projectors with built-in AVB: Many LaserAnimation Sollinger projectors have AVB built in. Connect them to your network and they appear as audio output devices, with no external DAC or ILDA cable needed.
- AVB2ILDA converter: A standalone device that converts AVB network signals to ILDA output. This lets you use any laser projector with an ILDA input over AVB.
Setup
AVB devices appear as system audio outputs with 5 or 6 channels. Modulaser discovers them automatically, any audio device reporting 5 or more channels is treated as an AVB candidate.
- Connect your AVB device to the same network as your computer. On macOS, the device should appear in Audio MIDI Setup. On Windows, it should appear in your ASIO driver's device list.
- Open Modulaser.
- In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, select your AVB device.
- In the left panel, create a new Output Group and drag your laser into it.
- Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
- Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
- Press Arm in the right panel to start output.
Once output is working, open the Output Settings window and run the Calibration Wizard on your laser profile. The wizard walks through every setting step by step, showing test patterns at each stage so you can dial in scan speed, blanking, color, and quality with live feedback. We strongly recommend it for any new laser. See Improve Laser Output for details on what each setting does.
Never look directly into the laser beam. This can cause permanent eye damage. Read more in our Laser Safety guide.
Platform notes
| Platform | Audio host | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | CoreAudio | Works out of the box. AVB devices appear as standard audio outputs. |
| Windows | ASIO | ASIO is required for reliable multichannel output. The default Windows audio stack (WASAPI) does not reliably support 5–6 channel output. |
| Linux | ALSA | AVB devices appear as standard ALSA outputs. |
Troubleshooting
If your AVB device isn't showing up or responding:
- Check scan settings: Make sure AVB is enabled in Settings for Modulaser to scan for it.
- Check network: Make sure your AVB device is on the same network as your computer and is powered on.
- Verify the device is visible: On macOS, open Audio MIDI Setup and confirm the device appears with 5 or 6 channels. On Windows, check your ASIO driver's control panel.
- Windows: install ASIO: AVB on Windows requires an ASIO driver. If you don't have one installed, Modulaser won't be able to see your AVB device.
- Close other apps: If another application is using the AVB device, Modulaser may not be able to access it. Quit any other audio or laser software that might be connected.
- Sample rate: AVB devices typically run at 48 kHz or 96 kHz. If you're having timing issues, check that your system's audio sample rate matches the device's expected rate.