IBC 2023: Advances in Audio Technology Go Hand-in-Hand With Trade-Show Growth Exhibits reflect broadcast sports' transition to IP, immersive, and the cloud By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - 7:00 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
IBC 2023, scheduled for Sept. 15-18 in Amsterdam, is the next chapter in the post-COVID recovery in trade-show attendance - by both exhibitors and attendees - since the pandemic virtually shut down pro-audio-inclusive events. Statistics for IBC 2022 indicate improvement from the prior 11 quarters, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR): the cancellation rate for in-person events dropped to 1.3%, a huge improvement from the 97.9% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 14.8% in 2021.
Broadcast is sharing in the salubrious trend. NAB 2023 in Las Vegas in April, for instance, reported a nearly 20% increase in attendance over the previous year's edition.
This is all especially good news for broadcast-sports audio, which is in the midst of an inflective and simultaneous transition into IP, immersive, and cloud-based territories.
Here's a look at some of the audio-focused exhibits IBC attendees will see - and hear.
Calrec ImPulse1 IP audio-processing and -routing engine
Making its IBC debut is Calrec's (Stand 8.B57) ImPulse1 IP audio-processing and -routing engine. It's designed as a powerful and cost-effective ST 2110 solution for single-console scenarios, joining the established multi-console ImPulse platform. ImPulse1 is a compact 1RU solution with an optional second core for redundancy and a new, 128-input channel DSP pack offering entry-level pricing. It works with Argo Q and Argo S control surfaces and/or Calrec Assist, a browser-based GUI suited to remote working, multi-operator, and/or headless operation. Cores with smaller DSP licenses can be offered without hardware redundancy. ImPulse1 is designed for small to medium single-mixer applications and is offered with an all-new DSP license of 128 input channels without compromising its ST 2110 capability.
Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station
Clear-Com (Stand 10.D29) will highlight IP-based and remote-production intercom solutions and announce new features for the Arcadia Central Station. The exhibit will also highlight innovative features of the company's flagship Eclipse HX digital matrix intercom system, including Dynam-EC real-time production software, role-based workflows, and the new 2X10 Touch desktop touchscreen panel. The award-winning IP-based Arcadia Central Station will be available for demonstration, including the HXII-DPL Powerline device, an IP interface that delivers power and digital audio from Arcadia to HelixNet Digital Network systems, as well as new features to be revealed at the show.
Evertz (Stand 1.B79) will showcase Studer Audio, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Since acquiring Studer in 2021, Evertz has integrated the brand's Vista digital mixing consoles into its own Software Defined Video Networking (SDVN) platform. The consoles now support SMPTE ST 2110, making them an important addition to Evertz's live-production workflows, part of the industry's transition to IP. Evertz will also demonstrate the integration of Studer Vista with its DreamCatcher BRAVO studio virtual production-control suite, which allows users to quickly and easily produce high-quality live content at a lower cost by providing virtual access to a full mixing console.
Genelec 9320A Reference Controller
Genelec (Stand 8.A61) will unveil the 9320A Reference Controller as a bridge to its new UNIO audio-monitoring-service platform. UNIO brings together benefits of Genelec Smart Active Monitors, GLM 5.0 calibration software, and Aural ID 2.0 technology to create seamless integration of professional in-room loudspeaker and headphone monitoring services. With flexible connectivity, a reference-grade headphone output, and tactile hardware control of Smart Active Monitors, GLM, and Aural ID, the 9320A provides a compact and exceptional hub for both static and mobile professional audio-monitoring applications.
Lawo (Stand 8.B90) HOME apps, announced at NAB 2023, harness the power of a flexible microservice architecture, allowing users to adapt to changing requirements and budget conditions while supporting SMPTE ST 2110, SRT, JPEG XS, and NDI for mixed-technology environments. Also to be displayed, the .edge Hyper-Density SDI/IP conversion and routing platform offers licensable options like proxy generation and JPEG XS compression to address bandwidth constraints, streamline IP pipelines, and optimize workflows. The V10.8 software release for the mc /A__UHD Core/Power Core platform features flexible bus routing, expanded AUX count (up to 256 buses), QSC Q-Sys proxy integration in HOME, Remote Show Control via OSC, and more, setting a new benchmark for live-performance capabilities.
Pliant Technologies MicroCom 863XR
Pliant Technologies (Stand 10.C53) will show the latest addition to its MicroCom family of products: the new MicroCom 863XR wireless beltpack operates in the 863-865 MHz ISM band, allowing unlicensed use in most European countries. It features excellent range, two intercom channels, and the capability to support up to six full-duplex users with unlimited listeners. MicroCom 863XR provides full-duplex, multi-user intercom solutions for applications where high-quality audio, extended range, ease of use, and affordability are essential. Featuring rugged IP67 construction, a long 12-hour battery that is field-replaceable, and a range of MicroCom accessories, the MicroCom 863XR is suited for jobs that require continuous use.
Q5X TossMic
Q5X (Stand 8.C92) will introduce two transmitter form factors: the AquaMic XL and TossMic. The AquaMic XL is the latest addition to the Q5X AquaMic family of r
