InfoComm 2023: Audio Offerings Reflect Trends Toward IP, Immersive

Vendors plan to exhibit a wide variety of solutions for venue live sound

InfoComm has evolved into the largest annual live-sound technology expo in the U.S. — possibly in the world, depending on how one defines the sector. The event, which takes place June 14-16 in Orlando, will be a loud one, with manufacturers of PA systems and related gear taking over large demo spaces at the Orange County Convention Center. What attendees will encounter reflect the ongoing industry shift toward IP infrastructure and immersive audio.

AIMS Alliance (Booth 4181) will host a live interoperability demo of the Internet Protocol Media Experience (IPMX) standard. Networking equipment and hardware/software nodes will be running both IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110, and gateways between IPMX and other protocols, developer kits, and elements of IPMX-enabled AV-over-IP workflows will be demonstrated. Several AIMS members will be providing their own demonstrations of IPMX products and giving presentations on a variety of IPMX-related topics. AIMS will also be discussing initial drafts of the Video Services Forum (VSF) TR-10 suite of Technical Recommendations for IPMX. Recently available to the public, the VSF TR-10 suite outlines the differences between SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX, with documents ranging from system time and definitions, to use of AMWA Networked Media Open Specifications (NMOS) APIs, to transparent transport of AES3 audio using the RTP protocol.

Audinate Dante AV-A AV-over-IP solution

Audinate (Booth 2821) will focus on the Dante AV family of AV-over-IP solutions. Dante AV comprises Dante AV Ultra, a hardware-based solution offering 4k60 resolution for high-quality, visually lossless video; and Dante AV-H, an embedded software solution that can be added to H.264/H.265 cameras, encoders, and decoders, turning them into Dante AV endpoints. Also on display will be two recently announced products: Dante AV-A extends Dante AV to the ASPEED AST1530/1535 SoC (System on Chip) format and delivers high-quality video up to 4k60 4:4:4 resolution and two channels of Dante audio; Dante Connect solution allows Dante audio to be distributed worldwide using cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services.

Audio-Technica (Booth 3554) AT2040USB hypercardioid dynamic USB microphone combines the broadcast-quality performance of the AT2040 dynamic microphone with plug-and-play USB Type C functionality, making it easy to achieve professional results. The microphone connects directly to a computer for immediate use; no audio interface or additional cabling is required. The mic has a high-resolution A/D converter with a sampling rate of up to 24 bits/96 kHz, and its highly directional, hypercardioid pickup pattern isolates the user’s voice from surrounding noise, ensuring that the focus remains on the content.

Clear-Com Arcadia

Clear-Com (Booth 3854) will showcase advances in IP-based intercom for a wide variety of applications, including IP-based Arcadia Central Station, a scalable IP intercom platform bringing together HelixNet, FreeSpeak, Clear-Com Encore, other 2W/4W endpoints, and third-party Dante devices in a single, integrated system with support for more than 100 beltpacks and up to 128 IP ports. Also exhibited will be new product features of the flagship Eclipse HX digital matrix intercom system, including Dynam-EC real-time production software, role-based workflows, and a new desktop touchscreen panel.

CODA Audio (Demo Room W240B) will introduce to the U.S. market its SPACE by CODA, AV technology uniting with art to create a seamless audio-visual experience that is scalable and adaptable to any environment. SPACE by CODA integrates high-end, truly immersive 3D audio; a 4K projector screen; LED lighting; and advanced acoustical treatment as a unified system solution.

d&b audiotechnik HeadroomCalc

d&b audiotechnik (Booth B5561) HeadroomCalc software will make its InfoComm debut. Available in ArrayCalc V11, the patent-pending HeadroomCalc technology predicts the reaction of a d&b system to a specific audio signal, providing a more precise sound-pressure level (SPL) and headroom calculation.

DiGiCo (Booth 5760) will unveil its new flagship Quantum8⁵² large-format live-audio production mixing console. Featuring fully redundant processing, each engine is powered by five of the latest seventh-generation FPGAs and next-generation SHARC DSP processors. Input count for Quantum8⁵² increases to 384 mono channels, with 192 aux/subgroup buses, plus the familiar LR/LCR/5.1 master buses. It comes with a 64×64 processing matrix, 36 control groups, two solo buses, and 64 FX rack slots. There are also 48 graphic EQs, 384 nodal processors, 128 Mustard processors, and 32 Spice Racks. On the back of each engine are eight single or four redundant BNC MADI ports, word clock, AES-sync and video-sync inputs, dual USB 2.0 sockets, a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 socket, 4k DisplayPort overview out, five-port 1-Gbps network switch, dual DMI slots, Waves SoundGrid port, and Optocore inputs as standard, with space for an optional second Optocore loop.

EAW MKD526 loudspeaker

EAW (Booth 5243) will be introducing its MKD526 two-way full-range dual-woofer loudspeaker. Alongside its newest release, EAW will also be highlighting additional audio solutions, such as the AC6 two-way full-range ADAPTive column loudspeaker, MKC Series two-way coaxial loudspeakers, and SB210 dual 10-in. subwoofer.

The Evertz (Booth 2621) Studer Micro Series compact digital-audio-mixing system combines Studer quality with advanced features, such as AoIP, Lexicon effects processing, and VoiceMix automatic mixing. It’s suitable for AV full live productions when paired with Evertz BRAVO Studio. Its HTML5-based user interface can be fully controlled from any tablet or computer. A rugged, fanless rack-mountable chassis features AoIP as standard with eight channels of Dante I/O. The intuitive graphical user interface allows easy control of every function of the core unit. For live broadcasts where physical faders are preferred, the Studer Micro Series offers an optional fader-control surface that allows the operator to work the system by touch alone. The compact package comprises a comprehensive array of I/O, high-quality mic/line inputs, automatic input gain-level calibration, stereo recorder, track player, jingle player, and full suite of audio DSP functions.

Fulcrum Acoustic (Booth 5160, Demo Room W224D) announced formation of Fulcrum Immersive, the result of Fulcrum Acoustic’s acquisition of Concord, NC-based Venueflex. The goal of the acquisition is to provide a complete set of hardware and software tools that enable designers and integrators to design and deploy immersive solutions in a modular, scalable manner from small to large. Fulcrum Immersive technologies tailor venues for optimum performance to promote a higher level of audience engagement and a more consistent audience experience; that includes software modeling tools, hardware and software signal-processing modules, loudspeakers, amplifiers, and acoustic treatments. In addition to the technological aspects of the acquisition, Fulcrum Immersive gains the expertise of sales, technical, and customer-service personnel.

L-Acoustics (Booth 5751) announces the launch of L Series loudspeakers with patented Progressive Ultra-Dense Line Source (PULS) technology. Available in the fourth quarter, L Series comprises two elements designed to work together or on their own: L2 above and L2D below. One L2 or L2D element provides the same contour as four K2 elements in a format that is 46% smaller and 40% lighter. Each element contains eight 3-in. high-frequency drivers with eight 10-in. low-frequency drivers, complemented by four side-loaded 12-in. drivers with front and back exits to deliver efficient, high-precision broadband coverage with a choice of cardioid or supercardioid patterns. The L Series also features L-Acoustics Panflex technology, providing sound designers with quick access to a choice of four horizontal directivity patterns.

Lawo mc²36 xp console

Lawo (Booth 5281) will present solutions based on HOME, the company’s management platform for IP media infrastructures. On show will be mc²36 xp and mc²56 audio-production consoles, both powered by the A__UHD Core audio engine. In the new mc²36 xp desk, Lawo has an audio-production console whose control surface is identical to that of the mc²36 MkII and its available fader counts (16, 32, or 48) but is based on external DSP processing via an A__UHD Core processing unit. A suitable complement for audio setups involving several mc²56 and/or mc²96 consoles, the mc²36 xp provides the same, consistent workflow in locations where space is at a premium or lower channel counts are required. It supports up to 256 DSP channels and offers Lawo’s superior audio quality, IP-network and processing redundancy, and optional multi-slice console array capability using a single, shared A__UHD Core.

Pliant Technologies (Booth 4854) will announce release of its CrewCom v1.14 firmware and software update,. With it, CrewCom supports addition of the new IP-rated lineup of radio transceivers (RTs) and the current CrewCom CRP-12 series of radio packs. CrewWare v1.14 provides a UI display in the system diagram that automatically detects the new IP-rated RT hardware and shows when it is in use, as well as indicating corresponding new model numbers in the detail and device list views.

Riedel Communications Bolero 2.4-GHz wireless intercom

Riedel Communications (Booth 4647) will showcase Bolero wireless intercoms — both the DECT 1.9-GHz and the new 2.4-GHz versions, including capabilities in combined networks — and PunQtum digital partyline intercom. The Artist-1024 will be on display, as will the SmartPanel 2300 and 1200, with hybrid lever keys offering multifunctional interfaces. Riedel SmartPanel software-definable application platforms feature advanced intercom, control, automation, and monitoring functionalities, such as the new Audio Monitoring App (AMA). MediorNet IP solutions for video and audio processing and distribution will also be on display, along with the MicroN UHD media-distribution and -processing platform, adding bandwidth, I/O, higher resolutions, and processing power to the MediorNet TDM platform.

RTS (DSPK-4 Digital Speaker Station

The RTS (Booth 4947) DSPK-4 Digital Speaker Station is the latest addition to the RTS Digital Partyline product family, which includes the OMS (OMNEO Main Station) and DBP (Digital Beltpack). The DSPK-4 is an IP-based wired speaker station providing next-level versatility and such functionality as four channels of talk/listen via microphone and speaker or headset, all with high-quality digital audio and the use of standard Ethernet for easy integration into existing IT infrastructure. It adapts the hybrid IP/digital/analog functionality, ergonomic design, and intuitive UX of the DBP into a sleek new form factor. Flexibility is further enhanced with Bluetooth headset connectivity and PoE connectivity. As with the DBP, the DSPK-4’s IP technology allows for both digital partyline and matrix keypanel modes.

Solid State Logic V5.2 software for SSL Live production platform

Solid State Logic (Booth 5881) will unveil V5.2 software, the latest update to its SSL Live production platform. V5.2 adds integrated control of d&b Soundscape immersive loudspeaker system and significantly enhances the console’s “Rehearsal and Recorder” function, with other updates and developments. In addition to new V5.2 software showcased on the flagship SSL Live L650 and small-scale high-performance L100 consoles, SSL’s Audio Creation Products will also be featured.

Waves Audio IONIC 16 SoundGrid stagebox

Waves Audio (Booth 5868) will show the IONIC 16, a 16-in/12-out SoundGrid stagebox with Waves Signature Preamps, designed with fully discrete analog circuits, fast transient response, and a low noise floor, intended to complement the sonic performance of the Waves eMotion LV1 live mixer. Waves Signature Preamps feature a gain structure designed to deliver a wide dynamic range and handle bigger signals, and 12 outputs and two independent headphone-outs offer substantial headroom and an extremely low noise floor.