NAB 2024: Suppliers Continue To Expand Networked-Audio Offerings New and updated products boast IP and ST 2110, software systems, virtual control By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Friday, April 12, 2024 - 7:00 am
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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 mc /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 mc 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.
