NAB 2024: Suppliers Continue To Expand Networked-Audio Offerings
New and updated products boast IP and ST 2110, software systems, virtual control
With NAB 2024 opening tomorrow, a preview of notable new audio products and systems suggests that IP– and ST 2110–related standards will have a strong presence at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Audinate’s (Booth C3008) Dante Connect cloud-based service allows broadcasters to harness the power of Dante audio devices worldwide and create a seamless cloud network that can be managed from anywhere, with efficient remote-production workflows created directly from on-premises Dante devices. Dante AV now has more than 50 manufacturers licensing the technology to build networked video devices and collectively offers more than 60 products, from cameras to encoders and decoders.
Audio-Technica (Booth C5532) will introduce its Broadcast Audio Rental Program, which allows users in all 50 states to rent selected A-T products for short-term use with no obligation to purchase. The program allows access to Audio-Technica headsets; mono, stereo, and immersive microphones; and selected wireless systems for location or studio applications. Renters can choose from a variety of options to suit specific requirements, and A-T’s technical-support team will be available to assist with equipment setup, troubleshooting, and any other needs throughout the rental period.
Calrec Audio Argo S audio mixer
Calrec Audio (Booth C6307), celebrating its 60th anniversary, will highlight its Argo audio-mixing-control platform, which won NAB 2023 Product of the Year. Exhibited for the first time, the new reduced-height variant of Argo S combines the meter-bridge and touch UI into a single row of displays and enables users to switch on the fly between Calrec Assist full Web UI and full meters on any section. Also being featured, the ImPulse1 IP audio-processing and -routing engine is a smaller yet powerful, cost-effective ST 2110 version of the ImPulse and has an optional second core for redundancy; a new 128-input-channel DSP pack offers entry-level pricing. Type R modular, expandable IP mixing system features three hardware and soft panels, allowing a variety of system types to be created. It ties in with Calrec Assist for mixing in the cloud and integrates with station automation systems like Ross Overdrive, Sony ELC, and Grass Valley Ignite.
Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station
Clear-Com (Booth C6007) will highlight Gen-IC virtual-intercom service, Arcadia Central Station, the latest enhancements to Eclipse HX 13.1, and EQUIP wireless intercom system. In addition, the company will showcase the HXII-DPL Powerline Device, its latest advance in intercom connectivity. Gen-IC is available as a monthly or yearly subscription. EQUIP ensures seamless connectivity for up to 40 headsets per system using up to four remote transceivers that can be placed for capacity and coverage. The HelixNet HXII-DPL powerline device facilitates connectivity through passive cabling, allowing multiple stations to operate on a single line with digital-quality service. This update ensures enhanced convenience, scalability, and reliability in intercom systems.
Lawo A__UHD Core
Lawo (Booth C4110) enhanced IP-platform solutions reflect the company’s decision to focus its hardware and software products on the HOME management platform for IP infrastructures: HOME multiviewer, HOME UDX converter, HOME stream transcoder, HOME graphic inserter, and the free Test Pattern/Test Tone Generator apps. The HOME Apps support SMPTE ST 2110, SRT, JPEG XS, and NDI for increasingly mixed technology environments, ensuring instant integration with a variety of workflows. Lawo will also present the .edge hyper-density SDI/IP conversion and routing platform, which is able to handle 8K workflows and offers licensable options — such as proxy generation and JPEG XS compression — which address bandwidth constraints, streamlining IP-pipeline usage and optimizing workflows directly at the source with edge computing. The company’s latest software release for the mc²/A__UHD Core/Power Core platform includes flexible bus routing, expanded AUX count (up to 256 buses), QSC Q-Sys proxy integration in HOME, and Remote Show Control via OSC. Additionally, NMOS support for the mc² Gateserver enhances device compatibility, facilitating seamless integration of third-party products into the Lawo ecosystem.
Pliant Technologies PHS-IEHU in-ear–style headset
Pliant Technologies (Booth C5310) offers a new miniature in-ear–style headset with comfort and flexibility and new accessories with long-distance, long-term power options. The new PHS-IEHU features silicone ear concha locks and earbuds for either left- or right-ear orientation. The new headset also allows use of ear molds customized for the specific user from manufacturers Coda Room Audio and Sensaphonics. Two new accessories for the CrewCom lineup of radio transceivers (RTs) will be exhibited: the PAC-RTM-SMU universal single RT mounting bracket and, in conjunction with battery specialist Indipro Tools, the PBT-VMNT radio transceiver battery adapter.
Q5X (Booth C6516) will introduce three Axient Digital transmitters, all having application in sports and extending the functionality for which Q5X has become known. Launched in March 2024 on MLB umpires through CP Communications, the ToggleMic and PushMic have a software-defined switch that enables multiple mute and talkback options or can be disabled. The two products extend Q5X’s switched-transmitters option beyond the CoachMic rocker switch to add a firm baton-style or momentary button-style switch, respectively. The third new transmitter, AquaMic XL, boasts a 32-hour battery life while also being fully waterproof (IP68 rated to 30 m/100 ft.).
SDI and IP unification will be shown on Riedel’s MediorNet HorizoN.
Riedel Communications (Booth C4907) MediorNet IP solutions for video and audio processing/distribution feature MuoN SFP technology and a variety of processing: encoding/decoding, ST 2110 gateways, multiviewers, and newly added HDR conversion between any SDR/HDR formats, including Slog3, PQ, and HLG. The MicroN UHD media-distribution and -processing platform adds bandwidth, I/O, higher resolutions, and processing power to the MediorNet TDM platform. SDI and IP unification will be shown on the MediorNet HorizoN, a high-density hybrid processing and gateway platform. On the comms side, the Emmy Award-winning Bolero wireless intercom will be exhibited in both DECT 1.9-GHz and new 2.4-GHz versions, including capabilities in combined networks. The Artist-1024 will be on display, as will the SmartPanel 1200 and 2300 Series multifunctional interfaces. Riedel’s SmartPanel concept decouples a keypanel’s capabilities from its hardware and turns it into a software-definable application platform. With the company’s new Audio Monitoring App (AMA), the 1200 Series SmartPanels unite advanced intercom, control, automation, and monitoring functionalities in a single panel. For the 1200 Series Control Panel App (CPA), third-party implementations of broadcast-control and -automation software will be on display. Riedel will also highlight PunQtum digital partyline intercom.
RTS Intercom Systems (Booth C3810) will preview a major new software ecosystem for intercom configuration, control, and system monitoring. The first installment of the software suite is scheduled to launch this spring, with regular iterative additions planned thereafter. Leveraging the proven performance of existing AZedit software for RTS matrix systems, the new software significantly enhances the user experience with new workflows to ensure even faster, clearer configuration and operation of the company’s intercom system. Key features are Intercom Manager, which allows users to see all available intercom resources locally as well as globally, with the ability to assign any resource to devices via simple drag-and-drop workflow; and Intercom Resource Search Engine, which enables users to quickly find any resource available in Intercom Manager. The new search engine uses type-ahead technology and looks at all data fields for a match. User-configurable Keypanel Editor enables a custom-tailored interface: the user can easily enable or disable each element of the dashboard to show as much or as little information as desired. The Multiple Keypanel Editor Sessions feature allows an unlimited number of keypanels to be viewed at the same time; key assignments can be copied across devices by simply dragging them from one to another. Simplified Changing Pages allows users to quickly review and change setup pages on devices via a new graphical drag-and-drop approach.
Sennheiser MKH 8030 RF condenser mic
Sennheiser (Booth 4732) will demonstrate the MKH 8030 figure-eight RF condenser mic, previewed at IBC, which not only unlocks M-S, double M-S, and Blumlein stereo-recording options but also is applicable wherever the highest attenuation of neighboring sound sources is required, such as a PA system whose sound needs to be eliminated. The MKH 8030 shares the qualities of the MKH 8000 family and its RF condenser principle with the push-pull transducer. These qualities — high resistance to moisture; a fully floating, balanced output signal; extended low- and high-frequency response (30 to 50,000 Hz); extremely low inherent self-noise — enable capture of a sound event in its entirety and intricate detail, with wide dynamics, extremely low distortion, and a frequency-independent polar pattern to avoid coloration.
Shure SLX-D digital portable wireless system: SLXD3 plug-on transmitter and SLXD5 receiver
Shure’s (Booth C5525) new line of MoveMic system of wireless clip-on microphones leverages proprietary wireless technology to send two channels of broadcast-quality audio directly to a smartphone without requiring a receiver. Ultra-lightweight design and up to 24 hours of recording per charge suits it for portable applications. Shure will also be showcasing expansion of the SLX-D digital wireless family. The new SLX-D portable wireless systems include the SLXD5 receiver and SLXD3 plug-on transmitter. With IR Sync, users can easily pair receivers to transmitters for instant single-channel configuration. SLXD5 offers Multi-Mic Mode, which facilitates management and monitoring of multiple sound sources from a single receiver. The SLXD3 transmitter transforms any XLR source, including dynamic and condenser mics, into a wireless one. Providing phantom power, the SLXD3 is suitable for wireless transmission from boom-mounted shotgun mics.
Sony (Booth C8201) updates to its pro-audio portfolio include the DWA-F03D, an expandable adapter that connects to the DWR-S03D slot-in receiver to create a lightweight solution for field audio recording. It is expected to ship this summer.
Telos Alliance (Booth C1808) returns to Las Vegas with new and updated products. The family of Telos Infinity IP-intercom products, including award-winning Infinity VIP (Virtual Intercom Platform) software and app for iOS and Android devices, now features remote control of virtual intercom panels from Infinity hardware devices and includes NDI v5.5, variable-bitrate OPUS, and Unicast AES67 for greater flexibility and audio quality. Partner Jünger Audio will showcase performance and usability upgrades to its versatile AIXpressor and flexAIserver products, including improved AoIP integration, new immersive-audio capabilities, and convenience and security improvements.
TSL (Booth C2119) will be on hand with its latest innovations in control, audio monitoring, and power management; an expanded Inside Sales Team and new VP, Sales and Business Development (Americas), Ed Holland; and exhibits of traditional hardware solutions and a growing portfolio of virtual solutions. Among the latter will be GTP-V1 virtual control processor, GV AMPP and AWS integration, TallyMan virtual panels (InSite DCIM Power Management), and 2023 Product of the Year IP Transition tool X-Connect. In a first for the NAB Show, TSL will demo its MPA1-MIX-NET-V-R audio-monitoring unit. The IBC Best of Show winner extends ST 2022-7 functionality to ST 2110 AoIP networks and has been the company’s fastest-selling new product ever.
Wheatstone (Booth W1731) will introduce the Audioarts Lyric DML 12 and Verse DML 8 plug-in–ready digital consoles. Included are USB direct-to-fader inputs, plus Bluetooth in the case of the DML 12 for PCs, phones, players, and other external devices. Features include three stereo program buses, AES3 inputs via RJ45, mic preamps, and built-in cue speaker. The new digital consoles expand the Audioarts studio line of headphone amps, talent stations, consoles, and control surfaces.