It’s almost here—the annual AES Convention in New York City when audio pros of all shapes, sizes and talents come together to learn, network and see the latest toys and tools. To help you maximize your time there, we’ve sifted through all the pre-show materials and scoped out some highlights that you may want to add to your schedule.
NEW PRODUCTS
Let’s get right to the gear! Many exhibitors keep their cards close to their chest and reveal nothing prior to the show, but we’ve got some insider information to share with you.
Genelec Expands ‘The Ones’ Family
Genelec is presenting its newly expanded “The Ones” series of Ultimate Point Source Monitors at booth 322. The new 8351B and 8361A coaxial three-way monitors, alongside the complementary W371A Adaptive Woofer System, deliver The Ones’ uncolored and neutral reference monitoring performance to a much wider range of room sizes, listening distances and SPL requirements.
Featuring two newly designed Acoustically Concealed Woofers that generate low distortion and feature brand-new MCC coaxial and midrange drivers, the new 8361A three-way coaxial monitor offers extremely high dynamic range, solid directivity and imaging and a short-term SPL of 118 dB with peak levels even higher — at any listening distance up to five meters.
DPA Showcases 4097 Choir Mic
DPA Microphones is unveiling its new 4097 CORE supercardioid choir mic at booth 633. Intended specifically for capturing dynamic choir sound, it has the same sonic qualities as the brand’s 4098 supercardioid microphones. The 4097 features DPA’s flat off-axis supercardioid pattern, with a very high gain-before-feedback that makes the entire choir sound natural from all angles. This sets the possibility for multiple mics to be used on the choir without having to fight the artifacts created from uneven mic pattern pick-up, simplifying the process for a sound engineer.
Configured with a MicroDot connector and a DPA adapter for wired or wireless applications, the 4097 Choir Mic allows the user to go wireless, increasing flexibility on stages where there are multiple uses of the same space. Featuring CORE by DPA amplifier technology, a clear sound is achieved as it lowers the distortion and expands the dynamic range.
Sound Devices Adds Dugan Automixing to Scorpio
Sound Devices, LLC (booth 530) is adding Dugan (booth 833) automixing to its new Scorpio premium portable mixer-recorder. The Dugan Speech System algorithm incorporated in the Scorpio gives users maximum flexibility for management of multiple live microphones in the field. Sixteen channels of Dugan automixing are supported in the Scorpio, which offers 32 channels, 12 busses and 36 tracks of recording and incorporates 16 ultra low-noise Scorpio microphone preamplifiers.
The announcement follows earlier additions of Dugan automixing to Sound Devices’ 688 mixer-recorder and the 633 mixer-recorder. Sound Devices’ field mixers and recorders have an exclusive license for Dugan technology.
DiGiCo Puts Mustard on The Market
This year’s AES show sees DiGiCo (booth 629) reveal Mustard, a new set of algorithms and options for SD7 Quantum channel strip processing that offer enhanced flexibility and choice when extra control and creative adjustment is needed within a mix. Making full use of the Quantum engine’s new seventh-generation FPGA infrastructure, the Mustard channel can be used in conjunction with the standard SD processing to add preamps, filters, EQ, gate and a selection of compressor types to any existing channel strip.
The Mustard Tube options include a fully controllable Pre-Amp Modeler, which gives users access to every aspect of their frontend drive, while the Mustard Dynamics include Vintage VCA and Optical compressor types that emulate some of the best-known devices available.
DiGiCo will also be introducing the Spice Rack, which delivers additional new processors that can be freely inserted on any channel type in any position.
L-Acoustics Unveils New AVB Switch
LS10 is L-Acoustics’ new plug-and-play, Avnu-certified AVB switch that integrates seamlessly within the L-Acoustics ecosystem to further simplify connectivity, binding audio and control distribution together. LS10 runs AVB out of the box to provide users with a simple and reliable network solution, and you can experience it at demo room 1E02.
With front and rear connectivity, the LS10 can be mounted in the LA-RAK II, distributing audio and control to amplified controllers or other LA-RAK II through eight Ethernet connectors and two SFP cages for fiber optic transceivers. Two units can be coupled side by side in a 1U rack space for effortless redundancy.
Its five-second power-up time provides a short recovery time in case of power loss, and, for even greater reliability, an auxiliary DC input (24V) takes over in case of a mains failure. Furthermore, a GPO can trigger external devices in the event of a fault detection.
Riedel Issues BOLERO in Standalone/AES67 Mode
In addition to the Integrated/Artist system mode and the Standalone/Link system mode, Riedel’s Bolero now has a Standalone/AES67 mode. While Standalone/Link mode uses a configuration-free, proprietary ring topology with optional power distribution, Standalone/AES67 mode relies on standard Gigabit Ethernet connections and switches between the antennas. This allows Bolero antennas to be distributed over new or existing AES67 IP networks.
Other new features include DECT Master selection that gives users more control over which antenna takes over should the designated master antenna go offline, the maximum number of supported Beltpacks in Integrated/Artist mode has been raised to 250, and the E Ink display on the entennas includes several improvements, including the ability to be inverted, the display of far more detailed information and the ability to perform configurations from scratch without need for the web interface.
See it at booth 969.
Waves Issues Abbey Road Studio 3 Plug-in
The Waves Audio (booth 640) Abbey Road Studio 3 plug-in brings the impeccable acoustics of the legendary Abbey Road Studio 3 control room to any set of headphones. For the first time ever, thanks to Waves’ Nx technology, the complete acoustic response of Abbey Road Studio 3 has been captured for immersive use on headphones.
The Studio 3 control room is Abbey Road’s flagship mix room. Now, users can produce and mix as if they were inside Abbey Road Studio 3, producing and mixing with greater confidence with:
● The same supreme clarity of stereo and surround image.
● The same acoustic response that unveils every detail in your sessions.
● The same combination of impeccable room acoustics and state-of-the-art near-field, mid-field and far-field speakers.
● The same well-balanced sustain across the entire frequency spectrum the hallmark of expertly treated rooms.
● The same accurate low-end sustain–notoriously difficult to achieve on headphones.
In addition, this plug-in also delivers full 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, modeled after the studio’s original surround setup.
Focusrite Offers ‘Something for Everyone’ at AES
With the AES Show attendees ranging from seasoned audio professionals to just-startingout music students, the Focusrite Group (booth 632) is primed to offer “something for everyone” at its booth.
With the third generation of its Scarlett USB interfaces having launched this past summer, AES will be the first major public exhibition showing the full range. The third generation improves upon its predecessor with upgraded audio performance specs, low-latency rock-solid USB drivers, the addition of Focusrite’s unique “Air” mode, type-C connectivity and an interactive online setup process.
Also on display: Focusrite’s Clarett range of USB-C interfaces, now including access to the free exclusive Brainworx bx_console plug-in (a $350 value), which faithfully captures the sound, feel and styling of Focusrite’s original ISA 110 and ISA 130.
Additionally, Focusrite Pro is highlighting its Red and RedNet ranges and their compatibility with the new Dante Domain Manager software. Dante Domain Manager and AES67/AES 70 compatibility will be demonstrated in the new version 2.4 update to the RedNet Control software.
The Focusrite Group also recently announced the acquisition of ADAM Audio, and ADAM speakers and the STUDIO PRO SP-5 headphones are being showcased at the booth alongside Focusrite and Focusrite Pro products.
A-T Marks 25th Anniversary of AT4050 Microphone
Audio-Technica is celebrating the 25th anniversary of one of its most acclaimed and ubiquitous microphones, the AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone at booth 422.
Since its introduction 25 years ago, the AT4050 has been a go-to tool for professional and aspiring recording engineers worldwide. It was designed for the studio, but due to its consistency and durability, it was quickly adopted by live engineers as well and continues to be employed for all manner of live applications. For many engineers, the AT4050 makes the shortlist of “desert island mics,” or the very top essential tools that they need in order to do their work.
With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. The AT4050 is ideal for studio use and live sound productions.
Hardware and Software Key Eventide AES Presence
The presentation of market-leading processing solutions at AES NY 2019 by Eventide can’t be contained by a single exhibition space, with DSP hardware and software at booth 222 and plug-ins also featured at booth 504C in the Avid Partner Pavilion.
Anchoring Eventide’s AES booth is its H9000 Network Effects Platform, joined by predecessor hardware and plug-ins. The H9000 features a full front-panel interface, with a familiar-to-Eventide-users jog wheel and a large, crisp, color display. Also being demonstrated is the H9000R, which has a blank front panel. Both the H9000 and H9000R can be controlled by Eventide’s Emote control software app for Mac and PC, available as a standalone app or as an AAX, VST or AU plug-in.
Debuting at AES is VSig 3.0, a free visual editor app for creating H9000 custom algorithms. The app lets users add and connect processing building blocks from Eventide’s library—EQs, delays, compressors, reverb, pitch shifters, etc.—to create new effects.
Rotary, an iOS rotating Leslie emulation, will be introduced at AES and shown with three additional recently released iOS plug-ins—the “extraterrestrial” reverb Blackhole; the unique multi-tap effect UltraTap; and the dual-voice pitch shifter MicroPitch.
LynTec Offers New Power Control Options
LynTec (booth 446) is showcasing its robust family of innovative power control, sequencing and management solutions for the company’s inaugural exhibition at AES NY 2019.
During the show, LynTec will have its patented line of RPC panels on display. Designed based on the G3 Powerlink hardware platform by Square D, this cost-effective and open platform can control lighting and AV systems across multiple control zones using multiple control protocols (HTTP, Telnet, sACN, DMX, and RS-232).
At the booth LynTec is showing how its new XPC series of remote relay modules extends beyond the traditional reach of the company’s RPC and RPCR relay panels and motorized circuit breakers. Enclosed in a metal cube, the XPC modules can be placed anywhere imaginable: in the rack, on rigging, behind line arrays or anywhere else equipment is located.
EDUCATION
There are a ton of educational opportunities at the AES Convention (just check out www.aes.org/events/147/calendar/calendar.cfm if you don’t believe us. Here are a few options worth leaving the show floor for.
P&E Wing Focuses on Loudness in Panel Sessions
The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing will be focusing on issues associated with loudness in two informative expert panels at AES NY 2019.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m., the panel “The Loudness War Is Over (If You Want It)” will take place in the Special Events Room. GRAMMY-winning engineer George Massenburg will serve as moderator, with panelists to include acclaimed engineers Serban Ghenea, Gimel “Guru” Keaton, Bob Ludwig, Thomas Lund and Ann Mincieli. Now that streaming dominates the music listening landscape, it’s time to revisit what loudness really is and how to manage it. This conversation will shed light on both the current unhappy state of loudness and what creators can do to make it better.
The following day, Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4-5 p.m., the panel “When Loud is Not Loud: What You Need to Know About Loudness Measurement Today” will take place on the show floor at the Recording Expo Stage. Alex Kosiorek (manager of the award-winning production service Central Sound at Arizona PBS; executive producer of Classical Arizona PBS productions; and current AES vice president—Western Region of USA/Canada) will serve as moderator, with panelists represented from Adobe, iZotope, Nugen and Waves. Whether it is music or spoken word (such as podcasts), care is needed to preserve the artistic intent of the content’s creators. It is critical that producers, recording, mixing and mastering engineers understand what truly is at stake, and how to read, measure and manage the loudness of audio files. Join representatives from four highly regarded audio tech companies who will inform and enlighten about the proper use of today’s loudness meters and measurement tools.
SR Takes Center Stage at AES 2019
Whether perfecting your sound for a one-off event or setting the stage for an international touring act, the Sound Reinforcement Track sessions at the AES Convention offer insights for sound professionals of today and tomorrow. This AES New York Sound Reinforcement Track’s varied and informative series of educational opportunities includes sessions revealing crucial details of sound reinforcement implementation such as “Seven Steps to a Successful Sound System Design” and further ideas and techniques in “A Cookbook Approach to Sound System Optimization with Bob McCarthy.”
Delving further into system specifics, the multi-part RF Super Session will host a discussion of RF spectrum and regulatory changes, an update on the latest compliant equipment and best and advanced RF practices, including filtering techniques and RF over fiber. Another Super Session, “AC Power, Grounding and Shielding,” will cover theory and practice of AC power for small to large sound systems, including multiple transformers and company switches, service types, generator sets, single-to three-phase mains, AC source voltages and more, while mitigating hum and buzz noise problems.
Perception of live audio by the audience, engineers and performers is also of top importance for proper sound reinforcement. The tutorial “Psychoacoustics for Sound Engineers” will present topics such as how we integrate and perceive sounds, perception of frequency and frequency balance, audible effects of latency, IEMs and sound / video synchronization and more. For the larger captive audience, including inadvertent audiences, sound exposure and noise pollution due to outdoor entertainment events are addressed in the session “Your Noise Isn’t My Noise: improving Sound Exposure and Noise Pollution Management at Outdoor Events.”
