NAB 2022: Audio Offerings Reflect Growth in IP and Remote Production

NAB 2022, the broadcast industry’s first signature technology event since COVID-19 scuttled the 2020 version, currently has more than 900 exhibitors signed up. A lot has happened in the past two years, chiefly in IP and remote production, and the audio exhibits at the show will reflect that. Here is a sampling of what audio folks can expect to encounter on the exhibit floor.

Audio-Technica 8.0 Microphone Concept

Audio-Technica (Booth C5826) will be showing its new 8.0 Microphone Concept, which is designed to be lightweight and small enough for discreet placement in a field of play. In addition, each of the eight 12-mm elements can be removed from the core mount and packed away quickly in a compact case, making for fast deployment by a single operator. For producers and engineers looking to capture immersive audio content in a real-time and fast-paced environment, such as live sports, it offers a practical and uncomplicated solution without the additional algorithms and decoding required in alternative immersive-audio–capture applications.

A-T is also displaying its BP28 14-in. (355.6-mm) and BP28L 22.4-in. (569-mm) Line + Gradient large diaphragm condenser microphones. These phantom-powered microphones combine a large-diaphragm condenser element with a 28-mm-diameter shotgun design for exceptional low-noise performance.

Calrec (Booth 8008) will run three independent consoles from a fully redundant pair of ImPulse cores: a 48-dual-fader Apollo console, a 40-fader Artemis console, and a headless console running Calrec Assist on a PC. Introductions include the company’s new GPIO unit for Type R, a 1RU box that delivers an additional 32 GPOs and 32 GPIs for interfacing with external systems, such as playout, phone systems, and codecs. Functionality can be added to physical buttons on Type R fader panels, soft panels, or web UIs and configured via Calrec’s user-friendly Connect application.

Clear-Com (Booth C6908) will demonstrate some new IP-based and on-premises intercom solutions. Featured at the booth will be the Arcadia Central Station, a scalable IP intercom platform that integrates wired and digital-wireless partyline systems along with third-party Dante devices in a single rack unit. The system scales to meet various production needs, offering a base level of 32 IP ports, which can be expanded to 96 IP ports (and beyond in future releases) as needed. Arcadia integration with HelixNet Digital Partyline will be available for demonstration, with the update expected for release in the second quarter. The recently updated Trilogy Mentor system, now with dual Gigabit-network ports for improved network connectivity, will also be featured.

Digigram’s (Booth C6708) high-density 1RU IQOYA SERV/LINK multichannel IP audio codec handles four-64 stereo (eight-128 mono) audio input and output channels in 1RU and can also simultaneously encode and stream the audio inputs in multiple formats and protocols, decode IP audio streams to the outputs, and transcode IP audio streams. Used in conjunction with a web platform and connection service IQOYA CONNECT to remotely manage a codec fleet and custom user profiles, monitor in real time all communications and remote-control codecs, IQOYA SERV/LINK was designed for live remote broadcasting and delivery of audio programs in such applications as multiple STL and SSL links, delivery of multiple WEB radios to CDNs, multiple program delivery to DVB/cable operators, multiple live remote broadcasts, multiple intercom and commentary channels, and IP audio transcoding.

Electro-Voice’s (Booth C6108) venerable RE20 microphone makes a reappearance as the RE20-BLACK, which sports an elegant, low-reflection dark-charcoal finish in a new color option for the classic broadcast mic.

Fraunhofer IIS (Booth C3926) will spotlight MPEG-H Audio Is the Next Generation Audio Standard, which was recently selected as the only mandatory audio codec for Brazil’s TV 3.0, along with the xHE-AAC codec that Netflix chose for adaptive AV streaming to provide MPEG-D DRC volume and dynamic range adjustment as well as maximum coding efficiency.

Lawo (Booth C6932) will present a range of new and revamped software features for the software-defined V__matrix routing, processing, and multiviewing platform and a 48-fader version of the mc²36 mixing console, as well as new VSM and SMART features. In addition to Lawo’s HOME management platform for IP-based media infrastructures, which is now open to third-party vendors, exhibits will include significant software upgrades to the vm_dmv distributed IP multiviewer, vm_udx up/down/crossconverter, and vm_avp gateway and processing apps, the brand-agnostic VSM IP Broadcast Control System, and the SMART series for system monitoring and real-time telemetry for broadcast networks. A new software version for the mc² family of audio-production consoles and the A__UHD ultra-high density IP audio engine will be unveiled, and Lawo’s brand-new diamond console will be on display for the radio community.

Pliant Technologies (Booth C7118) will present High Density mode — a selectable mode of operation that greatly increases user densities — for both its CrewCom and CrewCom CB2 wireless intercom systems. For CrewCom, the new software-selectable mode supports up to 32 Radio Packs (RPs) on a single Radio Transceiver (RT) while dynamically allowing any four of the RPs to communicate in full duplex across four available talk paths. For CB2, the High Density mode supports up to 16 Radio Packs (RPs) on a single BaseStation. In addition, users of both systems will have the flexibility to simultaneously deploy “Normal” mode-enabled RPs and RTs (synced BaseStations for CB2) along with High Density mode-enabled hardware, providing adaptability for application-specific setups.

Q5X (Booth C7406) is launching the next generation of its MicControl with an updated user interface, improved workflows, and support for control and telemetry of both Q5X transmitters and Shure AD4 receivers. (Analog-receiver support is scheduled to become available later this year).

Riedel MuoN SFP technology

Riedel Communications (Booth C6925) will present MediorNet IP solutions for video and audio processing and distribution featuring the innovative MuoN SFP technology. The solution offers a flexible, small form-factor capable of encoding/decoding, multiviewers, and SMPTE ST 2110 gateways, achieving tremendous density in a small footprint that easily scales. The award-winning MicroN’s big brother, MicroN UHD, will provide more bandwidth, more I/O, higher resolutions, and more processing power to the MediorNet TDM platform. On hand to demonstrate wired and wireless intercom product lines, the SmartPanel 1200/2300 series features lever keys and ability to run apps providing advanced intercom, control, automation, and/or monitoring functionalities, as well as Artist and Bolero. Also on exhibit will be Tarn, a new split-run headset.

In addition to the new Digital Partyline, comms expert RTS (Booth C6108) will demonstrate its solutions for multisite and on-the-go productions, which incorporate its RVON and VLink technologies and make the most cost-effective transitions to IP. Also on exhibit will be RTS’s range of SMPTE ST 2110-ready options.

Sennheiser (Booth C6715) will showcase premium shotgun microphones like the MKH 8060 and MKH 416 and wireless tools like the EK 6042 camera receiver, which works seamlessly with the company’s digital and analog wireless microphones. Sibling company Neumann will offer an exclusive sneak preview of its upcoming studio monitors with optional AES67 interface, and the new Neumann Miniature Clip Microphone System will make its NAB Show debut.

Solid State Logic (Booth C8008) will highlight many advances in its System T broadcast-audio platform. Among them: NGA/immersive production capabilities; channel and bus formats with 3D panning; advanced Dante AoIP implementation, featuring full routing control directly from the console with AES67 and ST 2110 integration; and integrated control of Shure Axient wireless mics and Dante-enabled Rednet MP8R mic I/O directly from the console. Also debuting will be the SSL Live L650 console and V5 software, featuring immersive/object-based mixing control of L-Acoustics L-ISA and Meyer Spacemap Go loudspeaker systems, new processing tools, and operator-focused workflow enhancements.

Shure (Booth C9612) will showcase its dual-channel ADX5D portable wireless receiver, a slot receiver that provides superior RF performance, spectral efficiency, and transparent audio quality. The portability enhances the Axient Digital ecosystem of wireless audio solutions. As an Axient Digital ADX Series wireless receiver, the ADX5D features ShowLink Direct Mode, allowing remote control of Axient Digital transmitters without the need for external equipment — all in a portable, slot-in design.

Sony Electronics (Booth C10901) announced a new URX-P41D two-channel portable receiver, supporting MI (multi-interface) shoe with Digital Audio Interface. Key new features include Sony’s Digital Audio Processing, which improves sound quality by optimizing a time-constant range between the transmitter and receiver, and an external microphone input and three-channel mixing function.

The iconic Studer Audio brand’s knowledge base and experience and its range of IP audio solutions have been integrated into Evertz Microsystems’ (Booth N5907) overall live-production offerings since Evertz acquired the brand last year. Studer has designed new tools for its powerful Vista mixing consoles that are suited to live event, broadcast, remote, and OB production. Studer’s IP capabilities have also made it possible to deliver comprehensive mixing capabilities within a private-cloud environment, providing additional flexibility for broadcasters looking to get more out of their mixing console and audio infrastructure.

Telos Infinity VIP system

Though not formally exhibiting at NAB 2022, Telos Alliance has collaborated with key partners to highlight a robust offering of products and solutions that span the media, entertainment, and technology ecosystem to create audio and broadcasting content. The following Telos Alliance product families and technologies will be on display at NAB 2022:

• Omni (Omnia.11, Omnia.9, Omnia Volt, Omnia for Nautel OEM solution of Omnia processing software integrated into Nautel transmission products)
• Axia (Axia Quasar SR, Axia iQs)
• Infinity (Infinity master panel, Infinity beltpack, Infinity VIP, Linear Acoustic LA-5300 audio processor, Infinity VIP system integrated into Grass Valley AMPP)

TSL (Booth C5240) is launching updates to its Power Distribution Units. The new Intelligent PDUs have increased functionality, offering enhanced levels of power monitoring and management. In addition, TSL’s updated PDUs help companies meet sustainability goals because the devices can act under instruction to selectively switch off power when not in use, either remotely or onsite, further supporting flexibility and energy and cost savings.

Wheatstone (Booth N2631) will launch Tekton 32, its latest AoIP console for TV. The networked console is based on the company’s WheatNet-IP protocol, which is aimed at smaller, local TV stations. It has 64 layered channels and motorized faders that can be controlled by the producer or director through the automation system. Making its NAB Show debut will be Wheatstone’s MP-532 multipurpose FM/AM/HD audio processor, which introduces new algorithms, and includes RDS, multiplex power controller, and WheatNet-IP audio-network interface.