IBC 2024 Preview: Audio Vendors To Emphasize Updates and Upgrades

Software is a major part of offerings for virtualized-workflow environments

The International Broadcasting Convention (Amsterdam RAI, Sept. 13-16) is the European counterpart of the NAB Show in Las Vegas every April. In both shows, product introductions tend to be iterative rather than transformative, but that’s chiefly a function of broadcast audio’s shift in from analog to digital and, more recently, into a cloud-based virtualized-workflow environment.

The expos may seem increasingly interchangeable, but cultural (and voltage) differences remain: for instance, most European A1s and A2s are on staff, unlike the freelance approach in the U.S. At IBC 2024, an estimated 43,000 broadcasters, content owners, rightsholders, and vendors will hear and say often this weekend, “Veel plezier!” (“Have fun!”). Here’s a look at some of the audio offerings that will be on hand.

Audinate (Stand 8.A95) welcomes new solutions from Calrec, Gallery Sienna, LAMA, Lawo, and Telos Alliance to the growing list of applications that support native Dante audio in cloud-based production workflows. The recently announced Dante SDK Connect Edition enables software developers to build Dante audio transmission and reception natively into cloud-based applications. The new Dante integrations give broadcasters and audio engineers an array of new products to choose from in building cloud-based Dante audio-production workflows.

Audio-Technica System 20 PRO digital wireless system

Audio-Technica (Stand 8.D46) will debut its System 20 PRO, a self-managing, plug-and-play 2.4-GHz digital wireless system scalable to 20 channels and delivering dependable, high-quality audio — regardless of location. Designed for hassle-free deployment, the system overcomes many challenges of conventional wireless microphones, such as TV-station interference and frequency coordination, complex intermodulation calculations, and remote antenna cabling.

Calrec True Control 2.0

Calrec Audio (Stand: 8.C47) is marking its “60th B-Day” with three major product launches: the compact Argo M console, ImPulseV cloud audio-mixing solution, and True Control 2.0.

Argo M brings the feature set and operational familiarity of Argo Q and Argo S consoles to a compact 24- or 36-fader, plug-and-play native–SMPTE 2110 console.

The ImPulse V cloud-based DSP processing core provides a virtualized Calrec audio-mixing engine in a cloud-native AWS environment optimized for low-latency throughput, providing real-time responsive, efficient and deterministic audio processing, control, routing, and mixing.

Calrec’s True Control 2.0 provides expanded levels of control, providing greater levels of remote control without the limitations of mirroring or parallel controlling, with control of an expanded feature set including EQ, dynamics, routing, direct outputs, and delay. “This is a new flexible approach to audio mixing,” says Calrec GM Sid Stanley General Manager. “The ability to control anything from anywhere is an incredibly agile way to work because it provides access to more cores, more faders/surfaces, and more control from more locations. It simply gives our broadcast customers more options.”

Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station System

Clear-Com (Stand 9.141) will highlight EHXv14, which introduces enhanced SIP integration on the E-IPA card. This capability responds to increased customer demand for higher-density connection to digital phone systems and other VoIP communication solutions. Redundancy with SMPTE 2022-7 to third-party AoIP devices will be demonstrated, ensuring maximum uptime and reliability. The Arcadia Central Station, now equipped with enhanced firmware, allows direct connections between Arcadia devices and Eclipse HX digital-matrix frames via the E-IPA card.

“We are excited to return to IBC this year with a robust lineup of products that truly reflect our commitment to innovation in the communications space,” says Dave MacKinnon, VP, product management, Clear-Com. “Our solutions are designed with the user in mind, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and providing the reliability that media professionals demand in today’s fast-paced production environments.”

Riedel Communications

Lawo (Stand 8.B90) will announce that its HOME Apps platform now hosts nine essential processing apps, effectively doubling the previous offering with more apps to follow in a few weeks. All run on the same generic server and can be configured and shared among locations using Lawo’s HOME management platform. The current line-up comprises HOME Multiviewer; HOME UDX converter with HDR processing; HOME Stream Transcoder; HOME Graphic Inserter; the first audio app, HOME mc² DSP; HOME Test Pattern/Test Tone Generator (TPG), HOME Color Corrector with HDR Processing; HOME Timecode Generator; and HOME Delay for alignment purposes.

“Lawo’s HOME Apps platform exemplifies the inherent value of the second wave of the broadcast industry’s IP journey,” says Lawo CTO Phil Myers. “Decoupling container-based processing from the hardware that computes it offers next-generation benefits.”

Q5X will demo its latest Axient Digital audio transmitters: the SwitchMic family. This family of compact bodypack transmitters comprises the CoachMic, ToggleMic, and PushMic, which are designed specifically for coaches, referees, broadcasters, and professionals requiring on-device control of their audio. Each unit in the SwitchMic family has a configurable “switch” that can be programmed to control the mute and talkback functions or can be totally disabled, offering increased flexibility and ease of use.

Riedel Communications

Riedel Communications (Stand 10.A31) will introduce its Smart Audio & Mixing Engine (SAME), an ultra-low-latency audio-processing software that automates and comprises a comprehensive suite of more than 30 processing tools and mixers, with instant access to all active productions from a single, centralized platform. The company is extending its Network Stream Adapter (NSA) product line with the addition of NSA-006A and NSA-003A. These adapters are designed to advance IP-based audio workflows, offering seamless integration for broadcast, live events, and studio environments. In addition, the company will unveil the Virtual SmartPanel (VSP), an all-new software solution enabling users to leverage their mobile devices for remote intercom connections.

Sennheiser (Stand 8.D50) will debut its Spectera bidirectional wideband solution. Using WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology, Spectera substantially reduces wireless-system complexity, while considerably increasing capability, enabling time-saving workflows, and offering full remote control and monitoring, including permanent spectrum sensing. Spectera features bidirectional bodypacks that manage both digital IEM/IFB and mic/line signals at the same time. The solution is resistant to RF fading and enables flexible use of the wideband RF channel: for example, for digital IEMs with a latency down to a spectacular 0.7 ms.

Shure SLX-D portable digital wireless system

Shure (Stand 8.C32) will demo the new SLX-D portable digital wireless systems, MoveMic wireless lavalier system, and other audio solutions and software. Among other products will be the Axient digital wireless microphone system and Microflex Advance MXA920 ceiling array microphone. Additionally, Shure will preview ShureCloud, a unified platform for customers to monitor, manage, and control Shure hardware and software in one place, including access to WWB Scan Library, integrated in Wireless Workbench (WWB).

“This is a pivotal moment for the broadcast industry,” says Nick Wood, senior director, global marketing and product management, Shure, “and IBC is the perfect platform to explore and discuss the latest advances and emerging technologies. We eagerly anticipate connecting with our customers and partners to showcase our recent product launches and engage with the entertainment and broadcast community.”

Solid State Logic TCA Package

Solid State Logic (Stand 8.B73) will be exhibiting a new range of System T fader tiles and Tempest Control App (TCA) Packages, in addition to the previously announced S400 console and feature-packed update to its System T V4.1 software. The new fader tiles deliver new workflow opportunities for both fixed- and remote-production scenarios; the new TCA Packages are available in a range of configurations to suit a wide range of applications.

Sony (Stand 13.A10) will show its new MDR-M1 reference closed monitor headphones. The headphones host a closed acoustic structure with high sound isolation, an exclusively developed driver, and a lightweight and comfortable design that allow users to create in their own environments. The MDR-M1 headphones combine studio sound quality with extreme comfort and reliability.

Studer Vista digital mixing console

Studer (Stand 2.B51) has integrated its Vista digital mixing consoles into Evertz’s BRAVO Studio, providing access to a full mixing console featuring enhanced audio capabilities. The controls of Vista BRAVO can be accessed with the 12-fader mixing console or through Evertz VUE for remote control from anywhere. Evertz will highlight these developments with a large Studer Vista X console with full connectivity to Vista in VUE, giving users a fully remote audio-production unit or a simple extension to any Vista console or headless Vista server. Evertz will also underscore support for third-party plugins on the Studer, including Waves FX plugins.

Telos (Stand 8.D37) expands its offering for the media and entertainment market with a new Media Solutions initiative. Telos Alliance will debut a range of Next Generation Audio advances at IBC 2024, introducing several product lines and enhancements across Jünger and Linear Acoustic brands. The company will also showcase new AI modules in the Minnetonka AudioTools solution suite.

Making its IBC debut at TSL (Stand 10.B40), the PAM2-12G audio-monitoring unit is designed for UHD audio monitoring and supports a wide range of signals: AES, analog, UHD, HD-SDI, and IP sources like AES67/Dante and SMPTE 2110. Also, TSL’s MPA1-MIX-NET-V-R audio monitor will be showcased on the Ravenna stand (8.D56). The compact IP audio monitor delivers control for RAVENNA, AES67, and ST 2110-30 streams. TSL’s X-Connect IP transition tool now has an improved interface, making it easier for broadcasters to transition to hybrid or IP workflows.

Wisycom MRK16 multichannel receiver

Wisycom (Stand 8.C44) will shocase an integrated RF scanner for its MRK16 multichannel receiver system. This addition complements the numerous advanced functionalities of the MRK16, including the ability to manage up to 16 true-diversity, multiband channels in a 19-in, 1RU rack. The MRK16 can now be daisy-chained up to four times, for 64 channels of audio.

“With this new addition,” says Leslie Lello, technical support, Wisycom, “the MRK16 becomes the complete core of wireless microphone systems, making it the ultimate solution for RF monitoring and frequency management. This powerful feature is designed to adapt and evolve with future software updates, ensuring that your device remains at the cutting edge of technology. We are very proud to unveil this latest MRK16 enhancement to IBC 2024 attendees.”