
The AES Show: More New Hardware Than in Recent Years Virtual networks and streaming were a focus for many exhibitors By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - 7:00 am
Print This Story
Story Highlights
The phrase What's new? has been superseded on trade-show floors in recent years by What have you seen the latest software version of? However, at Audio Engineering Society's AES Show at New York's Javits Center last week, there was a wealth of new products.
A major example was right at the front of the audio hall, adjacent to the hall occupied by the NAB Show New York: Solid State Logic was showing its first new fully analog audio console in 25 years. The ORIGIN analog desk harks back to the traditional in-line console designs of the 1970s and '80s, such as SSL's famous 4000 series. ORIGIN evokes and emulates the 4000 series in many ways, with a dual-channel design, 16 buses, E Series EQ, and the company's classic Bus Compressor. Not a broadcast console per se, but, given music's deepening integration with sports on television, online, and in the venue, ORIGIN's audio will likely turn up on-air soon.
In a related move, SSL's parent company, UK-based Audiotonix - which also owns leading broadcast-audio-console manufacturer Calrec, live-sound and broadcast-console manufacturer DiGiCo, and live-sound and studio-desk supplier Allen & Heath - announced at the show that it has completed acquisition of Group One Ltd., longtime U.S. distributor of DiGiCo products.
Group One's Jack Kelly
According to Group One CEO Jack Kelly, Group One brings U.S.-market savvy to the Audiotonix portfolio for specific verticals, including in-venue and broadcast sports. However, although back-office functions might share resources, each brand will remain unique in terms of products, R&D, and support.
There might be situations in which you'll see an SSL System T console go up against a Calrec Artemis, he says, but the outcome, the best solution, will be determined by what the customer's needs are. There are no inherent synergies between the brands. They're each unique.
In a related announcement, pro-audio-industry veteran Phil Wagner was named North American SVP of SSL, where he has worked for 17 years, becoming president of U.S. operations in 2005. His career has also included president of U.S. operations for Focusrite Novation Inc., with more-recent senior-management roles at Apogee Electronics and Ocean Way Audio.
Zaxcom MRX414 module receiver
More Hardware
Another piece of new hardware was Zaxcom's MRX414 module receiver for reception from four separate transmitters, launched at the show. Part of its Digital Recording Wireless line and paired with the Nova recorder/mixer, two of these modules will allow the Nova to receive audio from eight separate transmitters in one unit weighing 3.7 lb., substantially less than a typical sound bag with similar capabilities, which can weigh upwards of 25 lb. The UHF diversity receiver uses the High-Q tunable tracking frontend filter within its host device to combat interference and extend range. The module is compatible with any Zaxcom digital recording wireless transmitter and with all current Zaxcom modulations (mono, stereo, XR, and ZHD96).
Underscoring audio's move deeper into networked territory, Focusrite released RedNet Control 2.4, a free software update adding Dante Domain Manager (DDM) and AES67/AES70 compatibility, as well as an AES3 Kill Switch function, background mode, and other enhancements. RedNet Control 2.4 makes all Focusrite Red audio interfaces - plus RedNet devices with Audinate Brooklyn 2, Ultimo, and Ultimo X architecture - compatible with DDM.
AKG Lyra microphone
A new product with implications for podcast sports is AKG's new Lyra, a microphone that reflects the migration to Ultra HD-grade 24-bit/192-kHz audio resolution and, in this case, in a USB microphone format, which gives podcasting a tool on the same level as high-end recording. Features are designed for experienced and novice users: the AKG Adaptive Capsule Array provides user-selectable capture modes, and plug-and-play operation allows users of all levels to get set up quickly. An internal self-adjusting shock mount minimizes contact noise, and a built-in sound diffuser and AKG's proprietary Internal Element Overload Prevention reduce noise, eliminate pops, and improve signal levels.
The Telos Alliance showed several new products in support of ATSC 3.0 and immersive television audio, as well as updates and enhancements to its existing product and solutions portfolio at AES. Additions to the Telos Infinity IP intercom platform include Dashboard Advanced software, Infinity Link, and new base models of the Master Panel and Desktop Station. The Telos Infinity Link provides connectivity for Infinity systems installed in remote locations by using embedded, versatile, speech-optimized OPUS codecs to convert WAN-side VoIP (including the internet) to LAN-side Livewire AES67 networks. Infinity Link is available in the form of software licenses that can be added to any host Infinity Panel or beltpack hardware or by way of a dedicated higher-density 1RU hardware gateway. The resulting Livewire AES67 streams from the remote locations appear as sources and destinations within the Telos Infinity Dashboard software and behave just like local-networked audio sources, providing the ultimate in flexibility.
And Avid has once again refined its foundational Pro Tools system. Its newest version, unveiled last week, will support higher video resolutions and frame rates, giving users higher precision when editing and mixing sound to picture, smoother collaboration between editorial and sound mixing, and streamlined end-to-end audio post-creative workflows. The newest version of Pro Tools increases the efficien
Most recent headlines
06/10/2025
France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...
06/09/2025
(L-R) Dylan O'Brien and James Sweeney attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Twinless premiere at Eccles Theatre. (Photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock f...
06/09/2025
LONDON Vizrt has introduced Viz Arena 6, the newest version of its all-in-one live augmented reality (AR) graphics and virtual advertising sports solution. The ...
06/09/2025
SEATTLE Amazon Web Services (AWS) will feature 56 AWS Partners making various demos that showcase the technologies and use cases shaping the future of the Media...
06/09/2025
In news that highlights the ongoing importance of video games, PBS Kids is making its first foray into gameplay content with the September 5 launch of Odd Squa...
06/09/2025
PBS chief executive Paula Kerger has sent an email to staff outlining plans to cut about 100 positions or 15% of its staff, following the loss of Federal fundin...
06/09/2025
A new era of recognition as IABM honors the people, projects and innovations driving real impact
IABM has confirmed the shortlist for the new IABM Impact Award...
06/09/2025
Vizrt, the leader in live production technology revolutionizing viewer experiences, announces new capabilities to help customers create once, adapt automaticall...
06/09/2025
Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, will spotlight four of its innovative audio solutions at th...
06/09/2025
DigitalGlue, creator of the award-winning creative.space managed storage platform, today announced a technology preview of Creative Intelligence (CI) powered by...
06/09/2025
Eye Filmmuseum is the Netherlands leading film museum, offering a rich variety of experiences from screenings of classic films to cultural exhibitions. With fou...
06/09/2025
The latest innovations in Grass Valley's AMPP applications will be on full display at IBC 2025, as the company brings significant updates to Playout X, its ...
06/09/2025
Disguise has announced the launch of the GX 3 , its most powerful media server ever. Built on NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture and including...
06/09/2025
Autoscript and Autocue have announced the launch of a new advanced PTZ prompter system shared by both brands and designed to provide seamless, professional prom...
06/09/2025
Sachtler has added four new models to its award-winning aktiv and FSB Mk II fluid head ranges. The aktiv16T and aktiv18T, plus the FSB 16T Mk II and FSB 18T Mk...
06/09/2025
CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, will present its bold new vision for the fu...
06/09/2025
DHD has chosen IBC 2025 (Amsterdam, 12-15 September) as the launch venue for the latest version of its RM1 all-in-one portable audio production and broadcast sy...
06/09/2025
AJA Video Systems debuted IP25-R, a Mini-Converter for connecting SMPTE ST 2110 networks with 4K SDI/HDMI infrastructures. IP25-R lets broadcast, production, an...
06/09/2025
AJA Video Systems today introduced new products and updates ahead of the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2025 that streamline signal flow management...
06/09/2025
Researchers map key human proteins that power coronavirus replication, pointing to new treatment strategies Findings from Scripps Research reveal promising drug...
05/09/2025
Your listening habits are as unique as you are-and this year, Spotify has introduced a wave of new features to help you personalize your experience. From playli...
05/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 , premium dram...
05/09/2025
Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...
05/09/2025
L3Harris Chief Financial Officer and Aerojet Rocketdyne President Ken Bedingfiel...
05/09/2025
PHILADELPHIA NBC Sports will present tonight's NFL Kickoff Game between the '25 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on Peacock in...
05/09/2025
Warner Bros. Discovery filed a lawsuit against Gen AI company Midjourney this week, claiming that the company violated the studio's copyright....
05/09/2025
Alum Esin Ayd ng z Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday The Grammy-nominated composer appears on this season's soundtrack alongside...
05/09/2025
C-SPAN and YouTube this week announced an agreement in which YouTube will sponsor C-SPAN's America 250 programming and expand access to C-SPAN's politic...
05/09/2025
LONDON Live broadcast infrastructure solutions provider Techex has added Peter Dawidzik as senior director, sales and business development....
05/09/2025
As news organizations and broadcasters face more pressure than ever to capture, verify, and distribute real-time access to breaking news, Reuters and Amazon Web...
05/09/2025
LOS ANGELES The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) today said it has begun accepting submissions for its expanded HPA Engineering Excellence Awards, which...
05/09/2025
Sage has released an update to its most recent firmware for its Digital ENDEC model 3644....
05/09/2025
LONDON and LOS ANGELES ThinkAnalytics will debut ThinkMetadataAI, the company's latest step in recommendations, search and discovery services....
05/09/2025
WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commissions Media Bureau has announced that the agency is initiating a phased process to lift the current freeze on major ...
05/09/2025
TORONTO Quickplay will feature its newly unveiled AI Studio that assists broadcasters and streamers in transforming their content libraries into short-form asse...
05/09/2025
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Announces Five-Year Partnership with The Verdon F...
05/09/2025
Alum Esin Ayding z Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday The Grammy-nominated composer appears on this season's soundtrack alongside...
05/09/2025
Rohde & Schwarz UK awarded Silver Award under Defence Employer Recognition Schem...
05/09/2025
Back to All News
Two Desperate Souls and One Desperate Choice: As You Stood By...
05/09/2025
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils New BAKI-DOU' Anime and First Look at BE...
05/09/2025
This weekend sees another feast in store for all sport fans as RT airs a jam-packed schedule of live, free-to-air sport.
The Amgen Irish Open continues all we...
04/09/2025
(Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones appear in Train Dreams by Clint Bentley, an of...
04/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup2026 , premium drama...
04/09/2025
Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...
04/09/2025
WALTHAM, Mass. Zixi, a provider of video-delivery-over-IP technology, has named Sue Mitchell as director of account management, EMEA....
04/09/2025
NEW YORK In news that highlights the importance of the NFL and sports for the TV and streaming industry, NBCUniversal is reporting record revenue for its 20th s...
04/09/2025
OTTAWA Ross Video has acquired LAMA, a Dutch-based developer of advanced audio production software known for its innovative live mixing solutions. The acquisiti...
04/09/2025
CINCINNATI GatesAir will bring its 5G passthrough demo to IBC audiences once again as interest in the technology's value for broadcast-to-mobile delivery gr...
04/09/2025
BURY ST. EDMUNDS, England Autoscript and Autocue will showcase their newly launched PTZ prompter system during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam Convent...
04/09/2025
Watch the Benn Family Band Perform I Wont Give Up on Americas Got Talent Assistant Professor Loren Benn and her family gave an emotional live performance of t...