Use AVB with Modulaser
Modulaser supports AVB laser hardware on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Use it to patch laser scenes with nodes, sequence clips on the timeline, control shows live, and stream output over Ethernet to AVB-compatible projectors and DACs.
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 is widely used in professional productions where 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.
Got AVB laser hardware? Download Modulaser, make sure the AVB device appears as a multichannel audio output, and select it as the DAC for a Laser.
What You Can Do
- Patch laser scenes with nodes instead of drawing static frames.
- Sequence clips on the timeline or trigger them live.
- Route output to one or more AVB devices with output groups.
- Tune scan speed, blanking, color, dwell, and PPS with the Calibration Wizard.
- Use MIDI, OSC, audio input, or BPM sync for live control.
What You Need
- An AVB-compatible laser projector or DAC.
- A network connection between the AVB device and your computer.
- An ILDA cable if you are using an AVB-to-ILDA converter with a separate projector.
- A working multichannel audio setup for your platform.
- Modulaser for macOS, Windows, or 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.
- Open Output Settings with View → Lasers (
CmdCtrlCmd/Ctrl + L), or with Output Settings on the Output Groups board. - In the Lasers list, press + to add a laser, then under DAC select your AVB device.
- In the Output Groups list, press + to add a group, then drag your laser from Available into In Output.
- Close Output Settings, then select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
- Press Assign on the output group to assign the clip to it.
- Press Arm in the right panel to start output.
AVB devices often apply their own projection map. Modulaser gives a new AVB laser a full-size map, so keep it that way unless you want the output mapped twice.
Modulaser does not apply its energy limits (dwell blanking and small-footprint power capping) to AVB devices, because it expects AVB hardware to have its own safety system. Motion limits still apply. Make sure your AVB device or projector has its own safety and power limits configured before you arm, and never rely on Modulaser alone.
Calibration
Once output is working, open the Output Settings window and run the Calibration Wizard on your laser profile. The wizard shows test patterns for scan speed, blanking, color, and quality, so you can tune the AVB device and projector with live feedback. 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 Audio Device is checked under Scan for in Settings.
- Check network: Make sure your AVB device is on the same network as your computer and the network link is active.
- 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.
FAQ
How does AVB carry laser output?
AVB laser devices receive laser points as multichannel audio samples. Modulaser writes X/Y, color, and intensity channels to the AVB device through the operating system audio stack.
Which AVB laser hardware works with Modulaser?
Modulaser works with AVB-compatible laser projectors and DACs that appear as multichannel audio devices. LaserAnimation Sollinger projectors with built-in AVB and the AVB2ILDA converter are supported examples.
Does AVB work on Windows?
Yes, but Windows requires ASIO for reliable multichannel output. The default Windows audio stack does not reliably support the 5 or 6 channels needed for AVB laser output.
Can I use AVB with an ILDA projector?
Yes, if you use an AVB-to-ILDA converter such as the LaserAnimation Sollinger AVB2ILDA.