AV Technology - Manager's Guide to All things Audio - Sept 2026 by publications

THE TECHNOLOGY MANAGER’S GUIDE

SEPTEMBER 2026

ON AUDIO PLUS: 24 AV/IT THOUGHT LEADERS ON THE SEA CHANGE IN AUDIO 7 AUDIO INSTALLATIONS FILL SPACES WITH CLEAR, PRECISE SOUND 1 AV/IT TEAM DEBUTS AT THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC 31 AUDIO PRODUCTS THAT ARE SURE TO RESONATE

Sachyn Mital

IN THIS ISSUE

AV/IT Team...............................................................................................................06 A new line array system recently made its debut at the home of the New York Philharmonic, bringing an elevated acoustic experience to audiences at one of the world’s most storied performing arts institutions.

Thought Leaders.................................................................................................12

ICONIX

From huddle rooms to boardrooms, classrooms to auditoriums, organizations require scalable solutions that deliver speech intelligibility for in-person and remote participants. 24 AV/IT industry thought leaders shared insights and trends on audio developments for enterprise, higher ed, live events and other markets. Check out what they said.

Case-in-Point .........................................................................................................24 Exceptional Speech Intelligibility and Freedom from Acoustic Feedback | With Invisible AV, The Focus is On the Fitness | Immersive Portable Studio a Crowning Achievement | Beachfront Destination Gets Luxury Audio Upgrade | Two Solutions, ONE Goal: Accessible Audio for All | Acoustic Tiles Give Everyone A Front-Row Seat | Audio Designed for a Historic Space

Riedel Communications

Audio Products That Matter ....................................................................38

38 3

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Ceiling and pendant speakers, IPMX-compliant audio monitor, Dante-enabled in-ceiling loudspeaker, digital UHF wireless system, PoE-powered four-channel audio power amplifier, multilingual translations, portable RF-Over-Fiber box, network-based ecosystem, ceiling array microphone, collaboration bar, AVover-IP platform, active subwoofers, cable connectors, audio control, and so much more! COVER IMAGE Getty Images

FOLLOW US twitter.com/AVTechnologyMag CONTENT Brand and Content Director, Cindy Davis, cindy.davis@futurenet.com Contributing Writer, Macy O’Hearn Graphic Designers, Sam Richwood, Robert Crossland Production Managers Heather Tatrow, Nicole Schilling

EDITOR’S NOTE

AUDIO RULES by Cindy Davis

ADVERTISING SALES Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0473 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE To subscribe to AV Technology or Future’s other AV industry

ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME KNOWS THAT

ware driven, remotely manageable, and easier to

I am a stickler for high-quality audio. These days,

scale across many spaces.

there’s no reason for less. Whether in a living

Steve Bogart, Pro AV product manager at Hall

room home theater, a home office, a conference

Research said, “Looking ahead, the convergence

call, a huddle space, a conference room, an

of AI, cloud management, and IP-based audio

auditorium, a classroom, or an outdoor venue,

networking will continue to drive innovation.

there’s no excuse for subpar audio. Period.

Organizations are prioritizing solutions that are

We asked 24 AV/IT industry thought leaders

simpler to operate, easier to scale, and capable

brands, go to https://www.smartbrief.com/subscribe

to share insights and trends on audio devel-

of delivering great-quality experiences regard-

LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS

opments for enterprise, higher education, live

less of room size or participant location.”

AVTechnology is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing

events, and other markets. Below is a snapshot

team to discuss partnership opportunities. licensing@futurenet.com

of what a few said.

Suzana Brady, senior vice president of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Cobalt

“A microphone in a meeting room is not just

Digital added, “Audio is no longer a standalone

SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Darman-Allen

covering what was said; it enables real commu-

discipline attached to a video system. As Pro

VP, Market Lead, Carmel King

nication and collaboration among teams,” said

AV applications increasingly demand broadcast

MD, Content, AV, Anthony Savona

MANAGEMENT

Susy Liem, vice president of Collaboration and

quality, IPMX is becoming the common language

VP, Global Head of Sales, B2B, Dena Malouf

Conferencing at Shure. “It also empowers AI

making it possible—allowing systems to evolve

Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein

tools to better understand the context of the

from legacy baseband workflows toward fully

meetings, so companies can use that data to

networked architectures.”

VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert, VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban FUTURE US, INC. 130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor New York NY 10036

All contents ©2026 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

drive better business decisions and outcomes.” Joe Andrulis, executive vice president of

“For AV/IT managers, the goal should be to make audio almost invisible to the user,” said

Corporate Development at Biamp added, “We

Sarah Chauvin, director of Sales Engineering and

are seeing a fundamental shift of intelligence and

Training at SoundTube Entertainment. “People

configuration, in both hardware and software,

shouldn’t have to think about where the loud-

across installations from the corporate huddle

speakers are or struggle to understand what

room to auditorium spaces. In a software-de-

is being said. Whether it’s a six-person hybrid

fined architecture, much of what traditionally

meeting or a company-wide presentation, a

required physical presence and hardware

well-designed audio system simply allows every-

manipulation can now be done virtually.” When it

one to hear clearly and participate equally.”

comes to large venues, Andrulis said, “Tradition-

Randall Lee, vice president of Marketing and

ally, large venue loudspeaker installations require

Product Management at Bogen Communications

a tremendous investment of on-site resources

said, “Regardless of application, speech intelli-

for installation and tuning, but now, AV and IT

gibility is an important consideration. Whether

experts can produce a configurable experience

supporting participants in a hybrid meeting,

so that the loudspeakers never need moving.”

delivering presentations in an auditorium, or

“The biggest change happening in enterprise

broadcasting announcements across a corpo-

audio isn’t simply better sound; it’s the shift from

rate campus, the objective remains to ensure

systems designed for one room or purpose to

every message is heard and understood. Speech

audio environments that can adapt to different

intelligibility is driving broader adoption of

people, spaces, and applications,” said Elena Syl-

distributed audio architectures, flexible zoning,

vester, product marketing manager for Commer-

and centralized management, allowing organi-

cial Installation Solutions at Yamaha. “For AV/IT

zations to optimize performance across spaces

teams, that means audio is increasingly becom-

Integration is also becoming an important

ing part of the IT infrastructure: networked, soft-

requirement.”

AV/IT TEAM

State-of-the-Art(s) Sound A new line array system recently made its debut at the home of the New York Philharmonic, bringing an elevated acoustic experience to audiences at one of the world’s most storied performing arts institutions. By AV Technology Staff

Photo: Sachyn Mital

A range of Meyer Sound products supplement the TIGRA line array loudspeakers, including UP-4slim front fills, which sit on the deck and are repositioned as the stage extends.

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quidis parupiet vellit a quiatio et fugitat ioriamet evella dicilloris exerror epudipsusam harciis senimet dolupta nos sim volenimentur ratur alitet doloreprae natiorporum faciend ebisque dese num sin prae eturestore quiaero derum nulpa velit dolupta simusdae. Namuscipsa illorernam as senda esequidis evenis aut eum esed molum ex et volorem aut lantis aut alitiorerro mo cus dolland ellatemoles ex eat. David Geffen Hall is owned and operated by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the New York Philharmonic. The oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, the Philharmonic is resident in the hall and one of 11 arts organizations on Lincoln Center’s 16-acre campus. The venue serves as a cultural hub for music, film, dance, opera, and theater from around the world, accommodating orchestral repertoire, choral performances, recitals, semi-staged opera, dance, film premieres, and amplified pop and rock concerts. Among the busiest stages in New York City, it can convert from one presentation to the next in the same day. Recently, Darren Robertson, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Matías Tarnopolsky, president and chief executive officer of the New York Philharmonic acknowledged that David Geffen Hall needed a new sound system—one that could live up to audiences’ demands for superior sound quality and coverage. The team eventually decided upon a TIGRA line array system by Meyer Sound.

Photo: Sachyn Mital

Successive test hangs prior to installation reduced arrays from 13 to 12 loudspeakers per side and identified seats with blocked coverage, prompting the addition of ULTRA-X40 loudspeak-

In addition to cementing Meyer Sound’s status as the venue’s Official Sound Partner, this installation gave David Geffen Hall the distinction of being the first concert hall in the world to order TIGRA. NEW TECHNOLOGY, SAME STANDARD Renovated in 2022 to serve the New York community and its resident orchestra, David Geffen Hall set out to bring the same elevated standard to amplified sound. “We had real challenges in reaching a rich amplified audio experience to every seat in the hall,” Robertson said. After Robertson and Tarnopolsky opened conversations with John and Helen Meyer, a Lincoln Center delegation traveled to Berkeley, California. The team was already familiar with Meyer Sound, with systems in place at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the visit began with a demonstration of the LEOPARD line array. Under a black sheet was something the visitors

did not know existed: an early prototype cabinet for a line array still in development. TIGRA entered the conversation from that point. “It was about making an upgrade with state-of-theart technology and showcasing the artistry of these phenomenal musicians for every seat in the hall,” Robertson said. COMPETING DEMANDS SHAPE SYSTEM DESIGN Live orchestral performance to film is a major component of the hall’s programming, with a large retractable screen influencing sound system design. Arrays have to clear the screen completely, which pushes them high and well off stage. Stacked seating tiers wrap all the way around the room, and the farther out an array hangs, the more each tier blocks the one below it. TIGRA answered several requirements at once. Its output allowed the design team to cover the hall with fewer loudspeakers than the LEOPARD proof of concept had

Matías Tarnopolsky is the president and chief executive officer for the New York Philharmonic. Photo: Todd Rosenberg

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Photo: Sachyn Mital

ANSWERING TO THE ORCHESTRA AND THE HALL A concert hall is built to let an orchestra be heard at its quietest and its fullest, which is why noise floor sits alongside reverberation time among the benchmarks that define the room. Great halls are distinguished by how they handle that dynamic range, and a sound reinforcement system has to work within it without flattening it. While the New York Philharmonic performs acoustically and without amplification, certain performances and events in David Geffen Hall require sound reinforcement, including spokenword presentations; film screenings; amplified contemporary works; and pop, rock, and other non-orchestral programming. The new Meyer Sound system provides high-quality sound reinforcement for these and other amplified events presented in the hall. “The one thing that I found with TIGRA is that when you’re at extremely low levels and you do have to reinforce something, it’ll maintain that sound,” Sound Associates executive vice president Domonic Sack, who has deployed many sound systems at Lincoln Center over the past 30 years, said. That capability matters for where the repertoire is going. “The new young composers are writing for orchestra and electronics and sounds we haven’t heard yet,” Sack explained.

Photo: Lawrence Sumulong

required. The system’s resolution at low levels suits an orchestra’s dynamic range, where a pianissimo has to carry as clearly as a fortissimo. And its narrow horizontal profile allowed the arrays to move closer to the stage, reaching seats the earlier position could not. Successive test hangs before the permanent installation reduced arrays from 13 loudspeakers per side to 12 and identified seats where lighting fixtures blocked coverage, prompting the addition of ULTRA-X40 loudspeakers to serve those seats. “I literally sat in every seat with a Sharpie and marked every single seat for sight line and for sound line,” Bob McCarthy, director of system design optimization at Meyer Sound said. New York integrator Sound Associates installed the system, drawing on three decades of work with the New York Philharmonic and other Lincoln Center organizations. The team designed a custom rigging solution that carries the arrays, tier-fill loudspeakers, and lowfrequency control elements.

Photo: Sachyn Mital

One of the most in-demand performing arts venues in New York City, David Geffen Hall needed a sound system capable of accommodating orchestral and choral events, amplified concerts, dance, film premieres, and more.

“Now the hall can keep up with them.” The Meyer Sound system centers around 24 TIGRA line array loudspeakers in left/ right arrays, supported by six 2100-LFC lowfrequency control elements along with ULTRA-X40, ULTRA-X22, and ULTRA-X42 point source loudspeakers serving fill and delay positions throughout the tiers and gallery and UP-4slim front fills that sit on the deck and are repositioned as the stage extends. TIGRA is the first Meyer Sound line array to incorporate GEN-1, which moves Galileo GALAXY processing into the loudspeakers themselves. The remaining loudspeakers are processed through Galileo GALAXY Network Platforms. Control and monitoring run through the Nebra software platform. A SOUND PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE For David Geffen Hall, success is measured row by row. “The goal is to provide an excellent

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experience and a uniform experience in every seat,” Robertson said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in the second row of the orchestra or you’re in the third row of the third tier; you are deserving of the same experience.” “We have supported the arts for as long as we have made loudspeakers, because the institutions that sustain live performance are worth standing behind,” Helen Meyer, executive vice president of Meyer Sound said. “This is the kind of work Meyer Sound exists to do, and Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are the kind of partners who make it possible.” “Meyer Sound represents the gold standard in sound amplification,” Tarnopolsky said. “It is thrilling for us to begin a new era of amplified sound quality in David Geffen Hall with a custom-built new system using the latest technology from Meyer Sound. We look forward to years of beautiful-sounding amplified performances in our hall.”

Darren Robertson is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Dan Gomes

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR By Cindy Davis & Macy O’Hearn

nterprise-level audio is undergoing a transition toward software-defined architectures, networked systems, and cloud-connected IT infrastructure. From huddle rooms to boardrooms, classrooms to auditoriums, organizations require scalable solutions that deliver speech intelligibility for in-person and remote participants. Twenty-four AV/IT industry thought leaders shared insights and trends on audio developments for enterprise, higher ed, live events and other markets. Here’s what they said.

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Photo: Getty Images

THOUGHT LEADERS

JOE ANDRULIS Executive Vice President of Corporate Development Biamp We are seeing a fundamental shift of intelligence and configuration, in both hardware and software, across installations from the corporate huddle room to auditorium spaces. In a softwaredefined architecture, much of what traditionally required physical presence and hardware manipulation can now be done virtually. Reusable design frameworks are particularly powerful. Instead of starting from scratch on every project, AV and IT pros can develop standardized templates for common room types or applications. Think about a typical huddle room or medium conference room: The core requirements are remarkably consistent across deployments. With reusable frameworks, AV and IT experts can take a room designed once and deploy that framework many times, with minor customizations. Key to this trend is the ability to simulate and test configurations in the cloud before installation. Experts can build out an entire system virtually, test signal flows, verify configurations, and identify potential issues— all virtually. This dramatically reduces the unknowns on site. Instead of spending days commissioning and troubleshooting, the pros can essentially validate a known-good configuration. Looking at auditorium spaces, traditionally, large venue loudspeaker installations require a tremendous investment of on-site resources for installation and tuning, but now, AV and IT experts can produce a configurable experience so that the loudspeakers never need moving. They can also redefine coverage patterns depending on how that space is to be used, such as a performance, a sporting event, or a public address opportunity. However, as AV systems become more networked and cloud connected, they face similar security challenges as traditional IT infrastructure. By adopting IT security best practices—encryption, authentication, regular updates, vulnerability management— organizations can better protect these systems once installed.

SUSY LIEM Vice President of Collaboration and Conferencing Shure A microphone in a meeting room is not just covering what was said; it enables real communication and collaboration among teams. It also empowers AI tools to better understand the context of the meetings, so companies can use that data to drive better business decisions and outcomes. That matters in today’s modern workplace because most of the time, half of the participants aren’t in the meeting space or know what’s happening in the room. The transcript is their only record of what was said and who was speaking. Cameras provide vital real-time non-verbal cues during a given meeting, but a reliable audio signal is the essential key to driving transcription and speaker attribution accuracy. In a fixed-seating conference room, people mostly sit in predictable places, but participants can still get blocked from a good camera view as they move around. Auditoriums pose an even greater challenge in viewing and transcribing the active talkers. In both cases, high-quality mics are essential for leveraging today’s AI tools. The cost of getting this wrong compounds. People in the room must go back and check AI’s work, and the time the tool was supposed to save gets spent verifying it. For example, a decision can get attributed to the wrong person and follow them to the next meeting. Organizations see the greatest value when they invest in technology that people trust and use with confidence. The benefits show up every day in faster decisions, stronger productivity, and less time spent validating results. Speaker attribution sits underneath everything AI does with a meeting so it’s worth engineering that ahead of time. The next generation of intelligent collaboration will depend on systems that combine accurate audio with meaningful visual context. This will provide reliable inputs that allow people and AI to understand the meeting, act confidently on its outcomes, and move work forward.

ELENA SYLVESTER Product Marketing Manager for Commercial Installation Solutions Yamaha The biggest change happening in enterprise audio isn’t simply better sound; it’s the shift from systems designed for one room or purpose to audio environments that can adapt to different people, spaces, and applications. A corporate space today might host a small hybrid meeting in the morning, a company-wide town hall in the afternoon, and a presentation later that day. But users expect the same thing every time: walk in, connect, speak naturally, and be heard clearly without having to think about the technology. For AV/IT teams, that means audio is increasingly becoming part of the IT infrastructure: networked, software driven, remotely manageable, and easier to scale across many spaces. AI and automation will accelerate this shift, but their real value isn’t adding more features; it’s removing complexity and making systems easier to configure, helping them adapt to changing conditions, and identifying problems before users notice them. Ultimately, sophisticated audio should feel simple. The technology should fade into the background for users while giving AV/IT teams more visibility and control behind the scenes. That balance—better experiences with less complexity—is where enterprise audio is headed.

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STEVE BOGART Pro AV Product Manager Hall Research Audio technology is evolving rapidly as organizations demand seamless experiences across hybrid meeting rooms, corporate spaces, and large auditoriums. One of the biggest trends is the adoption of AI-enhanced audio systems that automatically optimize sound quality through noise reduction, echo cancellation, speaker tracking, and intelligent gain control. These technologies improve meeting equity by ensuring remote participants hear conversations as clearly as those in the room. For hybrid meeting spaces, ceiling array microphones and beamforming technology have become the preferred solutions. Rather than relying on tabletop microphones, these systems capture voices from anywhere in the room while maintaining a clean, cable-free environment. AI-powered voice tracking and digital signal processing further improve speech intelligibility and reduce background noise, creating a more natural collaboration experience. Corporate spaces are increasingly leveraging networked AV infrastructures built around AV-over-IP technologies such as Dante. By transporting audio, video, and control signals over standard IT networks, organizations gain greater scalability, centralized management, and simplified deployment across multiple rooms and campuses. This approach also supports hybrid events where in-person and remote audiences participate simultaneously. In large presentation venues, the demand is for highly intelligible sound reinforcement. Modern systems combine advanced loudspeaker design, digital signal processing, and networked audio distribution to deliver consistent coverage throughout the venue. Integration with AI-driven cameras and automated production systems allows presenters to move freely while maintaining professional-quality audio and video for both live and streamed audiences. Looking ahead, the convergence of AI, cloud management, and IP-based audio networking will continue to drive innovation. Organizations are prioritizing solutions that are simpler to operate, easier to scale, and capable of delivering greatquality experiences regardless of room size or participant location.

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SUZANA BRADY Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing Cobalt Digital Audio has become a defining challenge in modern AV. Environments differ—a hybrid meeting space, a corporate town hall, a 2,000-seat auditorium—but each demand pristine, low-latency sound, alongside audio monitoring, signal processing, and streaming protocols working together. This is where IPMX (Internet Protocol Media Experience) changes the conversation. IPMX, a suite of open standards and specifications adapting SMPTE ST 2110 broadcast technology for Pro-AV, creates an open playing field where closed, proprietary solutions once dominated, by simplifying and democratizing the technology. As broadcast and Pro AV converge, IPMX is becoming an important common framework connecting these worlds. Audio can’t live on an island anymore. Engineered separately from video and control, audio inherits sync drift, integration headaches, and systems becoming obsolete as requirements shift. IPMX, built on the open standards underpinning ST 2110 and NMOS, extends professional AV-over-IP practices to commercial AV. IPMX enables audio, video and control to operate over a common IP infrastructure, with synchronization and discovery mechanisms. Interoperability is replacing vendor lock-in. On an IPMX network AV teams can mix best-ofbreed solutions from different manufacturers rather than being locked to a single vendor’s audio ecosystem. Monitoring is catching up to the network. As audio moves onto IP, audio monitoring needs to support the same workflows. IPMX makes it possible to monitor audio quality and signal integrity over the same network carrying the media. Cobalt Digital has addressed this by bringing the first IPMX-certified audio monitor to market. Audio is no longer a standalone discipline attached to a video system. As Pro AV applications increasingly demand broadcast quality, IPMX is becoming the common language making it possible—allowing systems to evolve from legacy baseband workflows toward fully networked architectures.

SARAH CHAUVIN Director of Sales Engineering and Training SoundTube Entertainment One of the biggest developments in audio isn’t a single technology; it’s the expectation that every listener should have a consistent, intelligible experience, regardless of where they are in the room or whether they’re participating remotely. In hybrid meeting spaces, that means ensuring people on both sides of the meeting can hear and be heard clearly. As spaces become larger, from corporate town halls to auditoriums, the challenge grows. Coverage, intelligibility, zoning, acoustics, and appropriate sound pressure levels all become critical to creating an effective experience. Networked audio has given AV/IT teams much greater flexibility in how these systems are designed, deployed, and managed. Audio can be routed over the network, zones can be independently controlled, and systems can more easily adapt as spaces and organizational needs change. However, technology alone doesn’t guarantee good sound. The fundamentals of audio design still matter. Loudspeaker type, placement, and coverage patterns need to match the room, its acoustics, and how the space will actually be used. Modeling coverage and SPL before installation can identify potential gaps or excessive overlap and help teams make better design decisions before equipment ever reaches the jobsite. For AV/IT managers, the goal should be to make audio almost invisible to the user. People shouldn’t have to think about where the loudspeakers are or struggle to understand what is being said. Whether it’s a six-person hybrid meeting or a company-wide presentation, a well-designed audio system simply allows everyone to hear clearly and participate equally.

RANDALL LEE Vice President of Marketing and Product Management Bogen Communications Communication systems are no longer designed around a single room or application. The same platform may support an executive meeting in the morning, a companywide all-hands in the afternoon, and routine paging or emergency notifications throughout the day. As a result, organizations are placing emphasis on audio platforms that can scale across multiple environments while integrating with broader IT infrastructure. Regardless of application, speech intelligibility is an important consideration. Whether supporting participants in a hybrid meeting, delivering presentations in an auditorium, or broadcasting announcements across a corporate campus, the objective remains to ensure every message is heard and understood. Speech intelligibility is driving broader adoption of distributed audio architectures, flexible zoning, and centralized

“Organizations are placing emphasis on audio platforms that can scale across multiple environments while integrating with broader IT infrastructure.” — Randall Lee, VP of Marketing and Product Management at Bogen Communications management, allowing organizations to optimize performance across spaces Integration is also becoming an important requirement. Audio platforms are expected to connect with conferencing, building management, and security systems. Open APIs and standards-based architectures allow organizations to automate communications, simplify administration, and coordinate messaging during everyday operations and emergency situations. Many organizations are taking a phased approach to modernization. When existing analog infrastructure remains reliable and functional, wholesale replacement is often impractical. Hybrid architectures that support both legacy

and IP-based technologies allow organizations to modernize while protecting previous investments. This approach continues to guide Nyquist system development. Recent additions, including paging control devices, visual messaging displays, localized volume controls, and IP audio endpoints, expand system control and audio coverage while supporting higher zone counts and distributed operation. We recognize the future of professional audio will be shaped by platforms that support multiple applications rather than isolated systems. Organizations will continue to prioritize solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure and support changing communication requirements.

JOE DA SILVA Vice President of Marketing Extron As networked audio has become the preferred architecture for hybrid meeting spaces due to its flexibility and ease of deployment, it was inevitable that Power Over Ethernet (PoE) would follow closely behind. The simplicity of a single cable per endpoint carrying both full-duplex audio and power is undeniable. The evolution of PoE has taken it from humble beginnings of approximately 15W to the current PoE++ specification, delivering up to 90W and unlocking the potential for high-performance PoE audio power amplifiers and powered speakers. Even at modest loudspeaker sensitivity ratings, 90W of power is capable of delivering substantial SPL for larger meeting spaces. Considering reasonable SPL requirements for such a space, it quickly becomes possible to drive parallel speaker pairs from a single amplifier channel, with headroom to spare. In terms of flexibility, a networked audio system powered by PoE enables users to instantly reconfigure source to destination routing in support of changing needs, including the use of divisible room setups. At Extron, we’ve noted the upward trend in requests for networked audio products supporting PoE and we’ve already begun providing solutions in support of that need. We will continue listening to input from the field to provide best-in-class solutions that leverage technologies meant to streamline installation and operation of AV systems.

TOM LUREMAN Director of Engineering and Product Management AtlasIED Commercial audio is evolving as organizations seek systems that support a wider range of applications while remaining scalable, flexible, and easy to manage. From reverberant houses of worship to large outdoor community spaces, demand is growing for audio solutions that can adapt to different environments and requirements. Networked and intelligent audio is playing an increasingly important role in that evolution. AtlasIED’s new Atmosphere AZP Smart Amplifiers combine onboard DSP, flexible matrix mixing, loudspeaker management, and paging and sound masking capabilities with Dante-enabled models providing networked audio connectivity. This provides organizations greater flexibility to build systems around a space’s specific needs while simplifying monitoring and management. This connectivity also makes it easier to address the makings of a successful audio system: consistent coverage and clear intelligibility. While supporting a corporate town hall, classroom, healthcare environment, or auditorium, audio needs to serve the people using the space while minimizing distractions and protecting conversations when necessary. The future of commercial audio is moving toward systems that can deliver high-quality sound and adapt as spaces and their needs change. Cloud connectivity, interoperability, and intelligent management will help make that flexibility possible while giving integrators and end users greater control over the audio experience.

MITCH RAUCH U.S. Sales Director Powersoft Audio expectations are converging across hybrid meeting spaces, corporate town halls, and auditoriums. Regardless of room size, users expect speech to remain intelligible, remote participants to hear and be heard clearly, and systems to operate without constant technical intervention. The challenge is that these environments require different approaches to achieve a consistent experience. In smaller hybrid rooms, audio systems must fit within limited physical space and integrate cleanly with the existing network infrastructure. In response, integrators are increasingly turning to compact, PoE-powered amplifiers such as Powersoft’s Nota 142 to create simplified architectures that provide only the capabilities each application requires. As systems scale to town halls and auditoriums, even coverage, headroom, and longterm reliability become more critical. To support the added complexity, many system designs now incorporate networked amplification platforms such as Powersoft’s Unica, which combines redundant network connectivity with cloud monitoring and integrated diagnostics. The added capabilities can help technical teams manage larger systems more efficiently and identify issues before they interrupt an event. Across all three applications, the trend is moving toward audio systems that are easier to deploy, monitor, and scale, with the goal of creating infrastructure that delivers consistent intelligibility while matching the operational and architectural requirements of each space.

“A networked audio system powered by PoE enables users to instantly reconfigure source to destination routing in support of changing needs.” — Joe da Silva, Vice President of Marketing, Extron

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JOEL MULPETER Senior Director of Product Marketing Crestron Earlier this year, Crestron introduced a new intelligent audio solution for hybrid meeting spaces. Having found success with intelligent video technologies, for those deployments we then leveraged our existing DM NAX Audioover-IP platform, which has established itself as a best-in-class audio solution. The latest step in the evolution of Crestron’s audio technology is the DM NAX Intelligent Audio Processor, an ecosystem that delivers crystal-clear audio for collaboration spaces. When that DM NAX AP-100 intelligent audio device is paired with Crestron’s new Mic + Speaker Pods, Saros PoE speakers, or through our partnership with Sennheiser, everyone can hear and be heard. Speaker tracking and outstanding signal processing don’t just help the audio at either end of the connection; they also provide the

“Once it’s on the network, users can immediately take advantage of the system’s features.” — Joel Mulpeter, Senior Director of Product Marketing Crestron

quality sound that’s needed for third-party AI summarization, translation, and transcription software. The concept here is truly network-first architecture that can go live on an audio-overIP system in just minutes. To that end, DM NAX Intelligent Audio uses PoE and AES67 compatibility to connect both Crestron and third-party peripherals. A single cable provides both power and network connection, making the solution quick to install. Auto-discovery

further simplifies deployment. Once it’s on the network, users can immediately take advantage of the system’s features. The solution includes Direction of Arrival Audio—tracking the location of each speaker as they talk for natural collaboration and intelligent video integration—in addition to advanced DSP, AEC, AGC, noise reduction, and auto-mixing. To truly leverage the tools of modern work, the system is specifically designed to integrate with Microsoft Copilot software.

ALYSSA ADNANI Senior Product Manager, Power and Furniture Legrand Integrated AV For years, upgrading a meeting room meant better microphones, speakers, and cameras. The audio trend getting attention now is the room itself. As hybrid work turns nearly every conference room into a broadcast environment, even strong DSP and beamforming mics can’t fully correct for a room that bounces sound around. That gap shows up hardest for people who aren’t physically in the room. In-person attendees can lean in or ask someone to repeat themselves; remote participants on a laptop speaker can’t. The same principle scales up. Town halls need clear audio reaching a mixed live and remote audience, and auditoriums face it at greater distances across harder, more reflective surfaces. The practical shift is that acoustic treatment is moving from afterthought to standard scope in room refreshes, largely because it’s one of the few upgrades that doesn’t require construction, downtime, or touching the AV stack itself. Wall tiles and ceiling tiles can measurably cut reverberation and improve speech clarity for everyone on the call. Design expectations have shifted too. Acoustic treatment used to mean visible, beige panels; now it’s expected to read as a finish choice in color, pattern, and texture that suits the space—not a retrofit bolted on top of it. At Legrand | AV, we treat wall and ceiling treatment as one system rather than separate fixes, with options like TruTile and Nivo designed to work together so a room absorbs sound at multiple surfaces and still looks designed on purpose. As meeting spaces keep evolving, acoustics belong on every integrator’s checklist right alongside displays and microphones, because none of it matters if the room won’t let every voice come through clearly.

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BOB TAMBURRI Product Manager, Pro Audio Panasonic The biggest development we’re seeing in audio is a growing recognition that an AV ecosystem only works when all of its pieces work together. As more organizations move toward IP-based AV, audio can no longer be treated as a standalone component. It needs to integrate seamlessly with video, control, and IT infrastructure while remaining simple enough for teams to manage day to day. That shift is playing out across applications. In hybrid meeting spaces, teams need audio and video to work together seamlessly so remote participants can hear and be heard clearly. In corporate town halls, connected systems give teams more flexibility to manage microphones, presentations, and streaming across larger spaces. In auditoriums and live production environments, networked audio makes it easier to route and manage content while scaling systems to meet changing needs. We’re also seeing organizations take a more practical approach to upgrading these environments. Rather than replacing every piece of equipment, AV teams are looking for solutions that can work alongside legacy hardware and connect with newer networked systems. The result is a more flexible ecosystem that can evolve over time without forcing teams to completely rethink their workflows. At the same time, intelligent capabilities are making these increasingly sophisticated environments easier to operate. Features such as automatic mixing, acoustic echo cancellation, and digital noise reduction can take repetitive tasks off an AV technician’s plate. To me, that’s where the industry is headed: building more capable, connected audio systems without making them more complicated to use.

GARRISON PARKIN Western Regional Sales Manager Renkus-Heinz Increasingly, professional spaces are expected to serve more than one purpose, becoming more multifunctional as the needs of their users change. A meeting room may need to support a small hybrid call in the morning, a presentation in the afternoon, and a larger event later in the day. In larger corporate spaces and auditoriums, the same system may need to accommodate everything from spoken-word presentations to streamed content and live events. This shift is changing how audio systems are designed. Rather than optimizing for one fixed configuration, integrators increasingly need to consider how coverage and performance can respond to different room layouts, audience sizes, and applications. Technologies such as beam-steering, DSP, and networked audio are helping make this possible. Coverage can be adjusted through system configuration and software, reducing the need to treat every change in room use as a physical change to the installation. This also creates greater scope to fine-tune systems during commissioning and as requirements evolve. However, greater flexibility alone cannot replace good acoustic and system design. Understanding the acoustics of a space, controlling directivity, and achieving consistent intelligibility remain essential. The difference is that modern systems give designers more tools with which to address those challenges. Looking ahead, the most effective audio systems will be those that can evolve alongside the spaces they serve, rather than becoming fixed infrastructure that limits how a room can be used. For integrators, this means designing systems not just for how a space is used today, but for how its requirements may change over time. The future of professional audio is not simply about greater capability, but also greater adaptability.

BILL BENNETT Product Design and Solutions Manager ENCO Have you ever noticed how more booths at InfoComm look like they came directly from the NAB Show? That’s because broadcast is influencing how audio and video media is used and experienced in corporate, government, and academic environments, but without the resources of professional broadcast technical talent. The majority of meetings in offices or town halls don’t have audio engineers in the room or even on staff, which places the burden squarely on proper design for all potential needs remote and in-room guests may have, and to automate the proper configurations for each application— from signal routing to audio processing coming in and going out. Today’s modern software-defined audio infrastructure enables more opportunity for customization and varied workflows than

“Today’s modern software-defined audio infrastructure enables more opportunity for customization and varied workflows than ever before.” — Bill Bennett, Product Design and Solutions Manager ENCO ever before. Like any disruptive technological transformation, it requires learning new skills and considering new possibilities. With this new level of flexibility and complexity comes the benefits of automation, easily saving different routing configurations along with all manner of signal processing for each channel. If you consider that any word spoken is “content” then there’s much more to accommodate. With such a varied multilingual population today, as well as people who are hard of hearing, we’re seeing a proliferation of AI-based re-speaking options with smooth and natural-

sounding voices. With multichannel audio routing and automation, users can send the translated languages into other parts of a room, venue, assistive listening system, or mobile app to reach those who speak and understand them. Next, multiple languages inbound via dedicated audio paths into a central translation and re-speaking hub are automatically sent out as a collection of other translations, respoken in real-time and attuned to the languages needed for that meeting. Another key to this highly flexible, softwaredefined future is to embrace open standards that maximize interoperability.

JENS PILZ Spectrum and Innovation Manager Sennheiser In the world of audio for integrated solutions, we see multiple developments. The first development is in contactless audio. The concept behind it is based on devices capturing audio without any user interaction, such as holding a microphone or wearing a lavalier. Wall- and ceilingmounted devices with multiple audio sensors (capsules) and signal processing (beamforming) give speakers on stage the ability to move and talk naturally—the same way they would in a smaller setting. This enables more authentic performance and audience interaction. In addition, audience questions could be captured clearly and automatically—much more quickly than is possible today. Standardized technology will also be an important development, especially in the domain of wireless connectivity and the transport of audio. New technologies, either as regulatory schema (WMAS) or new implementations (DECT NR+), will shape the new generation of devices for audio in professional settings. While wireless technology defines the air interface, additional standardized interfaces for audio (audio over IP) are becoming increasingly important for interfacing with other devices in the signal and production chain. Alongside this need for standardized solutions in the technology domain, customers demand customizable solutions for their needs.

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PETER HARTMANN Head of Personal Audio Innovation and AI Experiences Jabra The modern workplace has fundamentally shifted. Today’s knowledge workers operate across more locations, and with more distractions, than ever before. In fact, more than three out of four knowledge workers now work across multiple locations. As a result, headsets have gone from a nice-to-have accessory to a business necessity for staying connected wherever you work. Yet, nearly half still use their consumer headsets to work in these noisy environments—even though the devices weren’t built for it. The consumerization of workplace technology has reshaped expectations. Employees want professional audio that delivers the same comfort, style, and intuitive experience as personal devices. Headsets must fit naturally into hybrid work life rather than adding complexity. This means premium sound quality and all-day battery life, combined with seamless connectivity and sleek design suitable from the coffee shop to the office. At the same time, AI is reinforcing the importance of audio quality. Voice is becoming the gateway to AI productivity. In the next three years, most of us will be talking to Generative AI in our daily workflows. Yet, most consumer earbuds miss one in three words, making voice prompts inaccurate and unproductive. As hybrid work and AI converge, crystalclear audio becomes non-negotiable. Headsets that deliver clarity and reliability will enable employees to work seamlessly with AI agents, while ensuring more consistent meeting quality across distributed teams. The organizations recognizing this shift, and investing in professional audio that addresses these needs, will see measurable gains in both employee satisfaction and productivity. In the age of AI and hybrid work, premium audio is no longer an afterthought; it’s a competitive advantage.

NICK MOURN Applications Engineering and Consultant Relations Manager LEA Professional With significant time, effort, and money going into today’s AV installations, organizations need to trust that their systems do more than work; they need to work without a hitch and sound exceptional. To make this happen, integrators are turning to brands with comprehensive offerings that address multiple aspects of the installation. An exceptional audio experience comes from a technology portfolio designed with the customer experience in mind. LEA Professional prides itself on offering a comprehensive audio solution featuring advanced processing, intelligent tools, and streamlined workflows. The company is committed to addressing potential issues before they begin, helping ensure high-quality performance without adding unnecessary complexity for the integrator or end user. That same intentional engineering extends to sound quality. Connect Series amplifiers are engineered for optimal sound, pairing 96kHz DSP and proprietary output filters with studiograde analog-to-digital conversion and ultra-low THD to preserve accuracy and clarity. The result is higher-fidelity sound from a compact platform built to perform consistently in demanding environments. Additionally, tools like LEA Cloud, WebUI, and SharkWare make systems easier to configure, monitor, and manage long after installation, creating new possibilities for how commercial audio is deployed and maintained. These technologies ultimately serve the same goal of optimizing the listening experience. At its best, audio can go unnoticed because it simply sounds as expected, or it can become memorable because it sounds exceptional. As technology continues to evolve, great sound should remain the bottom line. Each piece of the puzzle matters, and when each is top quality, the result is an audio experience that delivers both exactly what the listener needs, and, ideally, something they remember long after they leave.

CHRIS BISHOP National Sales Director LynTec With its continued evolution, one of the most significant trends in audio, as in many other AV sectors, is convergence. With audio, networking, and IT infrastructure becoming more intertwined—from wireless microphones and DSPs to networked audio consoles and AV-over-IP platforms—today’s audio environments are creating new demands for reliability, scalability, and centralized management. With this rise in system complexity comes a critical need for power management in audio system design. Modern audio devices often require specific startup and shutdown sequences to ensure proper communication between components and to prevent performance issues or equipment damage. As a result, many integrators are incorporating customizable power sequencing into their framework, allowing devices to initialize in the

“With the rise in system complexity comes a critical need for power management in audio system design.” — Chris Bishop, National Sales Director LynTec proper order to ensure consistent performance across a range of applications. Another factor is the demand for centralized monitoring and remote management. Whether supporting a university campus, corporate headquarters, or multi-room event facility, operators want the ability to troubleshoot issues without dispatching personnel on-site. Network-enabled power management tools allow support teams to respond quickly when devices become unresponsive, reducing downtime and simplifying operations. Power continuity is also gaining importance as organizations become more dependent on digital and networked audio workflows.

Uninterruptible power systems are being deployed not only to protect hardware from outages and surges, but also to preserve programming, maintain connectivity, and prevent disruptions to mission-critical events. Ultimately, the industry is moving toward a more holistic approach where power sequencing, remote control, monitoring, and backup power are considered foundational elements of audio system design rather than a bolt-on package from an integration firm. By employing these strategies, installers and IT teams can help future-proof deployments, improve reliability, and ensure that technology performs as expected when users need it most.

NANCY KNOWLTON Chief Executive Officer Nureva For decades, wireless mics have been the standard solution when people have needed to be heard in larger spaces. But what if the best wireless mic isn’t a mic you can see? At Nureva, we’ve spent years developing and refining our patented Microphone Mist technology, which fills a room with thousands of virtual microphones. Rather than relying on people to wear, carry, or pass around a mic, the system continuously detects and picks up voices throughout the space, regardless of where participants are seated or how they move. This creates a virtual wireless mic for every person in the room. One of the most compelling applications of this approach is Adaptive Voice Lift in extralarge spaces. Voice lift is intended to subtly improve audibility within a room so everyone can be heard more clearly without their voices sounding amplified. While the concept is attractive, conventional voice lift systems often require extensive setup and ongoing adjustment. Microphone Mist technology enables a different approach to voice lift. By automatically understanding the locations of talkers, virtual mics, and loudspeakers, the system adapts voice lift dynamically without specialized programming or room tuning. It improves the audibility of discussions with a gentle volume increase across an extra-large space while maintaining a natural listening experience. Perhaps most importantly, Adaptive Voice Lift can work alongside other audio functions in collaborative rooms, including conferencing, voice amplification, and media playback. With its simple deployment and operation, Microphone Mist technology delivers real benefits for both room users and the AV/IT teams that support them. Virtual mics may well represent the next evolution in largespace audio.

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FLYNN KELLY Senior Design Engineer PCD Audio Visual System Integration For audio technology the goal hasn’t changed: People need to hear clearly, communicate naturally, and use the space without fighting the technology. What has changed is the range of environments we’re being asked to support. A corporate meeting room may need to accommodate a handful of people in the room and participants joining remotely; a town hall might need to reach hundreds of employees across multiple locations; an auditorium may need to support lectures, presentations, performances, and special events—all with very different audio requirements. That versatility is driving greater adoption of networked audio, beamforming microphones, intelligent DSP, automated mixing, and increasingly sophisticated room control. We’re also seeing audio, video, and unified communications become much more interconnected. The challenge for integrators is to make all of that complexity invisible to the end user. For hybrid environments, the expectations for microphone coverage and intelligibility have increased. It’s no longer enough for audio to sound good inside the room; remote participants need to hear every person clearly and without echoes, distracting background noise, or dramatic changes in volume as different people speak. At the same time, we can’t overlook fundamentals like acoustics, loudspeaker placement, and proper system commissioning. Even the most advanced technology can’t completely compensate for a space that wasn’t designed with audio in mind. Ultimately, the best audio systems are the ones users barely notice. Whether it’s a boardroom, training space, corporate town hall, or auditorium, great audio should feel natural, consistent, and effortless while the technology behind it does all the heavy lifting.

KEVIN JEWKES Senior Vice President of Global Revenue Ampetronic | Listen Technologies It’s apparent now, more than ever, that audio and clear communication are vital in sharing knowledge, opinions, and information. For years, the focus has been on pushing audio out into remote listening with beamforming ceiling mics, noise suppression, and more. However, that did little to overcome the physical limitations of a space with in-room noise from HVAC, people talking, a reverberant auditorium, or in enabling a person with hearing loss to sit where they’d like in the space. New technologies make it easier to provide better experiences for people with hearing loss, and for anyone who wants to hear better. Wi-Fi leads the way with multi-channel audio distribution allowing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) as well as state-of-the-art receivers that pair with beacons to make sure venue patrons are getting the right audio in the right space at the right time. With one in five people living with some degree of hearing loss and Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids increasingly ubiquitous, Wi-Fibased systems present a solution. Going forward, as more Auracast broadcast-audioenabled hearing aids come to market, Auracast will become a standard for these meeting spaces. The transition to Wi-Fi- and Auracast-based assistive listening continues to coexist with hearing loops, RF, and IR, as those technologies still have a large install base, and hearing aids depending on telecoil will be around for years to come. The evolution of new technologies that focus on high-quality audio for the end user experience is additive. When designing audio, whether for hybrid meeting spaces, corporate town hall meetings, or auditoriums, it’s important to not just focus on the far-end audio, but also the inroom audio, to ensure the positive listening experiences.

BRANDON WHITE Director of Product Development Vanco International Streaming content sources have become inescapable. Even in commercial environments, streaming media has become more common, frequently displacing traditional media as the dominant mode. This has had an interesting side effect for audio systems: We’ve seen eARC rise to prominence in commercial projects. Once upon a time, HDMI was rarely considered for audio delivery in commercial applications. The landscape has shifted, however, and HDMI and eARC now enjoy broad support from professional equipment. Integrators can leverage eARC to create highly effective spaces with very simple architecture. For example, I’ve seen eARC used in divisible conference room setups. When the space is divided, the speakers in each segment automatically play the content showing on their screens. When it is combined, every speaker automatically gets the same content. The signal flow couldn’t be simpler—and you can apply the same approach to rental and staging applications, esports arenas, or hospitality settings, which often employ several simultaneous streaming sources. In my experience, simple usually wins. Using eARC for audio distribution takes less gear, fewer cables, and less installation time, and often results in a system that is easier for end users to navigate. Vanco has led the way on eARC support in Pro AV gear, and the rise in demand for eARC capabilities has deepened my conviction in that call.

“We’ve seen eARC rise to prominence in commercial projects.” — Brandon White Director of Product Development Vanco International

“This is the generation after the matrix: agile, distributed, and built for modern production.” — Marc Johnson Product Manager Pliant Technologies

MARC JOHNSON Product Manager Pliant Technologies Walk into any modern broadcast facility or corporate auditorium and you’ll see cutting-edge AV everywhere—from 4K laser projection to beamforming microphones and AV-over-IP routing. But peel back the curtain on the intercom and you often find technology still built around a 1990s idea: a bigger central frame. For nearly forty years, professional intercoms revolved around one hardware matrix that processed every crosspoint. It worked then. Today, when productions span buildings, campuses, and cities, it’s a bottleneck and a single point of failure. Pliant’s Technologies’ new CrewCom Flex is the world’s first frameless-matrix IP intercom platform, built on a different question: What do you actually want to create? The architecture comes from Pliant’s mission-critical wireless background, where systems must survive Super Bowls and other high-stakes environments. The insight was simple: unify wired, wireless, and virtual communication on one IP backbone with no central frame. Flex separates transport from control, delivering standards-based AES67 audio with true per-endpoint matrix functionality. Every panel and beltpack is an intelligent node, creating a self-healing communications fabric. Operators get tactile, stress-proof controls like the four-way Compass button; linear scaling with expansion panels; and efficient, daisychained beltpacks. Remote production is native. AES67 compliance makes any compatible device a first-class citizen, and the CXD-32CF interface bridges existing CrewCom Wireless systems seamlessly. The Virtual Platform turns phones, tablets, and browsers into full intercom stations with a ten-second QR onboarding moment. Flex also delivers SMPTE ST 2022-7 hitless switching for true redundancy and centralizes management through CrewWare 2.0 and the Flex Console. Houses of worship, stadiums, and REMI workflows gain scalable, resilient communication without the limitations of a frame. This is the generation after the matrix: agile, distributed, and built for modern production.

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CASE IN-POINT 24

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Photographs courtesy of Biamp

EXCEPTIONAL SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY AND FREEDOM FROM ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK Biamp recently enabled River Valley Church to successfully transform an unopened 38,000-squarefoot casino in Grants Pass, OR into an 800-seat worship facility. Working closely with the Biamp design team, systems integration firm Arrow+Jay deployed Community loudspeakers with Biamp VenuePolar technology within the Ease Focus 3 software to overcome significant acoustic challenges and deliver exceptional sound quality throughout the expansive sanctuary. Brian Engle, systems designer, Arrow+Jay, noted that the combination of reflective surfaces and architectural constraints were a challenge, and that the church needed precise control over every aspect of the sound field. “VenuePolar technology gave us the tools to model, predict, and optimize the system before installation, ensuring we could deliver pristine audio quality while preserving the visual aesthetics the church required,” he explained. The conversion project presented unique obstacles, including extensive glass surfaces, highly reflective materials, limited mounting height, and critical sightlines that restricted loudspeaker placement options. At the heart of the system are four Community LVH-906/APB and two LVH-909/APB steerable venue horns, strategically positioned to provide comprehensive coverage across the sanctuary. These advanced loudspeakers leverage Biamp proprietary steerable array technology to deliver focused, uniform sound distribution throughout the worship space. The system is complemented by Community IP8-1122/66B and IC6-1082/96B point source loudspeakers to provide supplemental coverage throughout the facility, while Community IS8-218B

subwoofers deliver the low-frequency impact required for contemporary worship services and special events. Arrow+Jay also utilized the VenuePolar plugin for EASE Focus 3, from Biamp, which allows consultants and integrators to design fully custom asymmetric coverage patterns for the LVH-900 through an intuitive, guided software experience. VenuePolar automatically determines the number of LVH cabinets required, splay between them, and array aiming angles. FIRmaker allows designers to create an unlimited number of coverage variations, then VenuePolar automatically applies equalization and creates custom speaker files for deployment in Biamp ALC amplifiers. The system also includes an avoidance zone targeting the stage area in the FIR steering algorithm, preventing sound energy emanating from the main loudspeaker system to reach the stage. This innovative approach results in enhanced gain-before-feedback (GBF) performance, empowering worship leaders and musicians to perform with confidence and clarity without interference from the house system. “River Valley Church now enjoys exceptional speech intelligibility, even coverage throughout the sanctuary, and remarkable freedom from acoustic feedback on stage,” said Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development, Biamp. “The system delivers consistent sound quality to every seat while maintaining the clean, unobtrusive aesthetic the church envisioned. The scalable Biamp ecosystem also ensures River Valley Church can expand and adapt its audio capabilities as needs evolve.”

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WITH INVISIBLE AV, THE FOCUS IS ON THE FITNESS When ICONIX Fitness set out to create its flagship Nashville location, the goal was more ambitious than building another fitness center. Located in the heart of Music City, the 25,000-square-foot facility was designed to deliver a premium member experience where architecture, lighting, technology, and music work together seamlessly. For integrator JAG Warner Productions, that meant designing an audio system capable of delivering the energy and clarity expected in a high-end fitness environment without competing with the building’s modern aesthetic. “The gym was being built in Music City and had to reflect that accordingly,” said Zac Bender of JAG Warner Productions. “The speakers needed to disappear into the architecture while delivering the kind of sound quality people expect in a premium fitness environment.” The building presented significant acoustic challenges. Nearly 360 degrees of exterior glass, combined with white treated ceilings and large open workout areas, created a highly reflective environment where excessive playback levels could compromise intelligibility and increase listener fatigue. Rather than relying on fewer high-output loudspeakers, JAG Warner Productions took a distributed approach, positioning more sound sources closer to listeners. This allowed the system to operate at lower overall levels while

maintaining consistent coverage and reducing the impact of reflections. “It might seem like a high speaker count,” Bender explained, “but every single one played an important role.” The completed system includes 154 SoundTube loudspeakers across 14 independently controlled audio zones. The open-ceiling workout areas feature 74 RS800i pendant loudspeakers and 19 RS1201 openceiling subwoofers. Another 56 IPD-CM82-BGM Dante in-ceiling loudspeakers serve offices, wellness areas, and locker rooms, while five weather-resistant CM62 ceiling loudspeakers were installed in saunas and shower areas. SoundTube’s BroadBeam technology in the RS800i provides wide, uniform dispersion, helping maintain consistent coverage and intelligibility throughout the open spaces. The RS1201 subwoofers incorporate SoundTube’s SuperT Low-Loss Transformer, allowing distributed low-frequency reinforcement over the 70V/100V infrastructure without requiring separate low-impedance amplifier channels. Networked audio also played an important role. With Dante integrated directly into the IPD-CM82-BGM loudspeakers, the system provides centralized routing and the flexibility to assign virtually any audio source to any of the facility’s 14 zones. Spaces can be combined or separated as programming

Photographs courtesy of ICONIX

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changes throughout the day. SoundTube Design Services supported the project with complimentary application engineering, loudspeaker layout assistance, and product selection. The service provides direct and relative SPL modeling to help integrators evaluate coverage before installation, select appropriate loudspeaker models, and determine optimal placement. “Projects like ICONIX Fitness demonstrate the value of designing the system before a single loudspeaker is installed,” Sarah Chauvin, CTS, director of Sales Engineering and Training at SoundTube said. “Our complimentary Design Services provide direct and relative SPL modeling that helps integrators select the right loudspeaker models, determine optimal placement, and achieve consistent coverage throughout the space. By validating the design in advance, we remove much of the guesswork and help ensure the finished system performs exactly as intended.” Installation efficiency was another priority.

SoundTube’s rigging hardware was shipped with the loudspeakers, allowing JAG Warner Productions to pre-rig the system before the project reached its final construction stages. The team spent approximately one week preparing the suspension hardware, repacking the loudspeakers and returning months later for final installation. “The pre-rig process made the final installation seamless,” Bender said. “We spent about a week pre-rigging everything, then returned months later and mounted the entire system in less than three days.” The result is an audio system designed to be heard rather than seen. Members experience consistent music and intelligible communication throughout the facility, while staff have the zoning and routing flexibility required to support changing classes and activities. For ICONIX Fitness, the technology ultimately succeeds by staying out of the way, allowing the architecture, programming, and music to create the experience.

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IMMERSIVE PORTABLE STUDIO A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT Waterloo Sound, an extension of Austin’s Waterloo Records creative ecosystem, has opened a portable 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos studio featuring JBL Professional studio monitors powered by Crown amplifiers. Built within the modular Nu•Studio System, the installation surrounds engineers and artists with fullrange JBL Professional 708 monitors while concealing the technology behind acoustically transparent surfaces, creating a critical listening environment designed for immersive mixing, vinyl mastering, and other creative applications. The project grew from Waterloo Sound’s plans to establish a vinyl mastering operation with partner Jon Niess, whose work spans both vinyl mastering and Dolby Atmos mixing. Niess was already using JBL Professional monitors in his own mastering and Atmos studio and was working with Nu•Studio founder and chief executive officer Chad Franscoviak on the company’s modular studio concept. After Niess invited the Waterloo team to Bozeman, Montana, to experience the Nu•Studio prototype Waterloo Sound decided to become

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the system’s first customer after being blown away by both the sound and visual experience. The concept brings together immersive audio and visual content within a portable, modular structure engineered to provide a repeatable acoustic environment. Rather than building the technology visibly into the room, the 9.1.4 Atmos system is integrated behind acoustically transparent wall screens alongside acoustic treatment positioned around the perimeter. Ultra-short-throw projectors mounted overhead complete the visual environment, allowing visitors to be surrounded by sound and imagery without loudspeakers and other technology becoming the focus of the space. At the center of the studio are JBL Professional 708 studio monitors, powered by Crown amplifiers and deployed at every ear-level and overhead position in the 9.1.4 configuration. Using the same monitor throughout the system was important to Waterloo Sound because an immersive mix can move individual audio objects between the front, side, rear, and overhead

channels. Maintaining full-range capability and headroom at every position helps preserve the tonal character and impact of those objects as they travel through the three-dimensional sound field. “We chose JBL 708s throughout the entire 9.1.4 system because we wanted a truly consistent, full-range monitoring environment in every direction,” Niess said. “I’ve become a big believer in having real low-end capability and headroom in every channel—including the surrounds and overheads—so an Atmos object maintains the same tonal character and impact wherever it moves in the room.” That consistency also serves the studio’s second critical listening application: vinyl mastering. The accuracy, detail, and lowfrequency performance required to evaluate an immersive mix are equally important when making mastering decisions, allowing the JBL Professional 708 studio monitor system to support both workflows within the same environment. Creating a portable immersive studio also

Photographs courtesy of Waterloo Records

introduced a different design philosophy from a conventional permanent control room. The Nu•Studio System is constructed according to consistent dimensions, materials, and acoustic specifications, minimizing acoustic variables between installations. Combining that standardized environment with JBL Professional 708 monitors and Crown amplifiers gives engineers a setup that behaves the same way every time it’s deployed rather than requiring an entirely new acoustic approach each time. “One of the advantages of the Nu•Studio approach is that there are actually very few acoustic surprises,” Franscoviak said. “Each room is built to the same dimensions, materials, and acoustic specifications, so the environment is highly consistent and predictable from one installation to the next. Pairing that with the JBL 708s and Crown amplifiers gives us a monitoring system whose performance we knew would produce exceptional results.” Early responses from engineers working in the space have reinforced Waterloo Sound’s emphasis on creating an immersive environment that remains natural rather than drawing attention to individual loudspeakers. Mix engineers have particularly noted the room’s controlled low-frequency response and the cohesiveness of the immersive sound field. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Emily Gianopoulos, managing partner at Waterloo Sound reported. “Several mix engineers have told us it’s one of the best-sounding Atmos rooms they’ve ever heard; the room has a sense of calm the moment you walk in, with a very tight, responsive low end and an immersive sound field that feels very natural.” As Nu•Studio’s first customer, Waterloo Sound brings together immersive mixing and vinyl mastering within a modular environment built around consistent monitoring in every direction. It’s a working example of what the platform is designed to deliver: a full-range acoustic environment that’s portable and adaptable enough to move and reconfigure as Waterloo Sound’s needs change, without giving up any of the performance a permanent room would offer. JBL Professional 708 studio monitors and Crown amplifiers are central to that performance, giving Waterloo Sound fullrange headroom at every position in the room.

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BEACHFRONT DESTINATION GETS LUXURY AUDIO UPGRADE Nestled on Bali’s spectacular southwest coastline, Morabito Art Villa has earned an international reputation as one of the island’s most distinctive luxury hospitality and entertainment destinations. Blending boutique accommodation, fine dining, exclusive private events, and vibrant nightlife, the oceanfront venue attracts guests from across the world seeking an experience that is every bit as memorable as its setting. Whether hosting internationally renowned DJs, live performers, private celebrations, or sophisticated sunset gatherings, every event revolves around atmosphere. Music plays a central role in shaping that experience, creating the energy that seamlessly carries guests from relaxed afternoons into vibrant evenings. As the venue continued to evolve, management recognized the need for an audio system capable of delivering exceptional performance across its diverse indoor and outdoor spaces, while standing up to the demanding environmental conditions of a beachfront location.

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Creating a world-class sound experience at Morabito Art Villa required far more than simply increasing volume; the venue needed concert-quality performance for headline entertainment while maintaining the warmth, detail, and musicality expected within a premium hospitality environment. Audio also needed to transition effortlessly between lounge sessions, private functions, live performances, and high-energy DJ sets—all while providing consistent coverage across multiple entertainment zones. Adding to the challenge was the venue’s location just meters from the Indian Ocean. Salt air, humidity, and changing weather conditions create an unforgiving environment for professional AV systems, demanding equipment capable of delivering reliable performance night after night. To meet these requirements, Morabito Art Villa deployed a complete professional audio solution centered around Crest Audio technologies. The installation combines Crest Audio Versarray Pro line array systems with powerful CA 218 subwoofers to produce impressive low-

Photographs courtesy of Peavey

frequency impact alongside smooth, detailed fullrange reproduction. Additional Crest Audio CPL+ loudspeakers and Peavey SP4 loudspeakers provide flexible coverage throughout the venue, allowing the system to adapt effortlessly to everything from intimate lounge sessions to large-scale entertainment events. Crest Audio Pro-LITE amplifiers and PCX digital loudspeaker management processors complete the installation, providing advanced DSP processing, crossover management, equalization, time alignment, and system protection. Together, the technologies create a fully optimized system that delivers consistent tonal balance, exceptional clarity, and reliable performance throughout every part of the venue. For Akshay Vaidya, director of Asia Pacific

at Peavey Commercial Audio, the project demonstrates Crest Audio’s ability to deliver premium sound in one of the industry’s most challenging environments. “Morabito is an exceptional venue, located in an exceptional setting right by the ocean,” he said. “We’re thrilled to see Crest Audio systems powering such an iconic destination and delivering a premium audio experience for guests in a demanding outdoor environment just meters from the ocean. The ribbon tweeters really shine through, providing exceptional clarity and power that perfectly complements the venue’s atmosphere.” Since the installation, Morabito Art Villa has further strengthened the immersive atmosphere that has become synonymous with its brand. Guests now enjoy powerful,

crystal-clear audio that enhances every performance while preserving the sophisticated ambience expected of a luxury beachfront destination. Consistent coverage throughout the property ensures music remains engaging without becoming intrusive, allowing visitors to move effortlessly between dining, socializing and dancing while experiencing the same premium sound quality wherever they are. According to the Villa’s general manager, Tony Moutran, the difference has been immediate. “Since upgrading to Crest Audio, the vibe and atmosphere have significantly improved,” he said. “The sound is crystal clear, and we’ve received many compliments from guests about the performance of the system. e’re very happy with our choice.”

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TWO SOLUTIONS, ONE GOAL: ACCESSIBLE AUDIO FOR ALL St. Mauritius Church in Berg, Switzerland is a historic place of worship with medieval origins and a strong commitment to welcoming all members of its community. To strengthen accessibility while respecting the building’s character, the parish implemented a dualtechnology assistive listening solution that serves telecoil users today and prepares the venue for Auracast audio in the future. The church needed an assistive listening system that delivers consistent speech clarity throughout the seating area for visitors using telecoil enabled hearing aids, while also creating a future-ready path for people using Auracast-enabled hearing aids and listening devices. The solution had to integrate discreetly in a heritage environment and be designed for long-term reliability, straightforward maintenance, and dependable support. The installation combined an Ampetronic C10 1N hearing loop driver with an Auri TX2N Auracast broadcast transmitter, powered by Ampetronic | Listen Technologies. This approach provides two complementary accessibility options: induction loop coverage for telecoil users, delivering clear audio directly into hearing aids and cochlear implant processors with a T coil; and Auracast broadcast audio to support emerging compatible hearing devices and receivers, helping the venue remain accessible as listening preferences evolve. During installation, the team carried out precise measurements and verification to achieve uniform magnetic field strength and strong speech intelligibility across the listening area. The system was installed by muribaer sa with close coordination between the installer, the project lead, and Ampetronic

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engineering support to ensure the solution was commissioned, tested, and documented for lasting performance. The final setup also ensures the equipment remains readily accessible for routine checks, maintenance, and ongoing support. “From commissioning to handover, our support team worked closely with the installer to ensure the system was configured, tested, and fully documented,” Rob Bartlam, customer support manager at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies said. “Pairing the Ampetronic C10-1N with the Auri TX2N allows the system to deliver inclusive audio access for all users.” The completed installation is a benchmark of audio inclusivity: It delivers immediate benefit for telecoil users via the hearing loop and provides a clear path to Auracast assistive listening as more hearing aids and listening devices adopt Auracast broadcast audio. With commissioning verification and documentation in place, the church now has a robust, standards-aligned assistive listening system that is reliable in daily operation, in addition to being easy to maintain and support.

Photographs courtesy of St. Mauritius Church

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ACOUSTIC TILES GIVE EVERYONE A FRONT-ROW SEAT At NC State University, the Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) department treats every classroom like a broadcast studio. For the hundreds of students who never set foot on campus, the recording is the class. When DELTA identified Park Shops 130, an 88-seat tiered lecture hall inside one of the university’s oldest and most celebrated buildings, as its next full technology upgrade, AV and network infrastructure manager Tim Hinds saw a chance to raise the bar for what a hybrid classroom could deliver. The move to dual LED video walls gave DELTA a reason to rebuild the room from the surfaces up, and sound became the priority the team couldn’t design around. Large-tiered halls are notoriously hard on speech: Hard, parallel surfaces bounce sound back across rows of seating, and what plays as a minor echo to someone sitting in the room becomes a real intelligibility problem for a microphone picking up the whole space, or for a remote student listening through a laptop speaker after the fact. The fix worked both planes at once. Middle Atlantic TruTile Acoustic Wall Tiles went up across the walls, with Nivo Acoustic Ceiling Tiles overhead, so sound now gets absorbed at two surfaces instead of one. “Sound is the most important thing in these spaces, and the Middle Atlantic acoustic solutions completely changed the room,” Hinds said. “The echo is gone, the recordings sound professional, and we didn’t have to compromise the look of the space to get there.” That last point matters as much as the acoustic performance itself. Each DELTA classroom runs a minimum of four cameras and extensive microphone coverage, and that footprint had to be supported without turning the room into a padded box. TruTile’s tile-based finish and Nivo’s grid-mounted ceiling tiles let the acoustic upgrade read as an intentional design choice rather than a retrofit, keeping pace with the new video walls and the Forum Lectern at the front of the room. “There are students who never come to campus. Their entire education depends on what we capture in these rooms,” Hinds said.

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“The Middle Atlantic acoustic panels, the Forum Lectern, the rack and cable management— those components are what make broadcastquality capture possible for every single class.” ClarkPowell, the regional AV integrator that designed and installed the system, saw the acoustic upgrade as the piece that had eluded the room for years. “The TruTile panels transformed the acoustics in a room that was always a challenge,” Randy Lane, account manager at ClarkPowell said. “When a client needs broadcast-grade reliability in a learning space, Legrand is where we start.” The result has become one of the most-toured spaces on campus. When NC State hosted the Educational Technology Collaborative conference, Park Shops 130 was a stop on the facilities tour, and attendees asked specifically about the acoustic system. Calls have since come in from peer institutions asking to visit, and DELTA is now carrying the same standards—acoustic treatment included—into a new hybrid classroom conversion on Centennial Campus. “Other universities walk in and immediately ask about the TruTile panels and the Forum Lectern,” Hinds said. “We’ve had schools call just to come see the room. When the equipment is generating that kind of attention on its own, you know it was the right choice.”

Photographs courtesy of DELTA

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AUDIO DESIGNED FOR A HISTORIC SPACE Inside Boston’s historic Old South Meeting House, visitors can step directly into the debates, defiance, and upheaval that helped ignite the American Revolution through Ruckus!, an experiential exhibit from Revolutionary Spaces. Combining dynamic multichannel experiential sound, lighting, and projected animations throughout the historic space, the experience places visitors at the center of the story, surrounding them with the voices and actions of the people who helped shape a pivotal moment in American history. Electrosonic worked with 1 SOUND to develop a system that could deliver presence and intimacy throughout the audience seating while remaining visually discreet within the space. From the floorboards to the balconies, Ruckus! uses the architecture of Old South Meeting House as part of the storytelling. Projected animations bring revolutionaries, determined citizens, and unlikely troublemakers into the story, while recorded voices, sound effects, and music bring the narrative to life. With so many visual and storytelling elements working simultaneously, the audio system needed to provide clear, consistent coverage throughout the historic building without competing with the architecture. Working within a historic building presented unique considerations for loudspeaker placement and mounting. The system needed to provide wide coverage and sufficient throw while preserving the visual character of Old South Meeting House. Electrosonic utilized 1 SOUND Tower cardioid line array columns to address these requirements. The Tower system provides the necessary throw and wide dispersion for the space while maintaining a discreet footprint. A combination of mains, delays, and fills helps create consistent coverage and a sense of presence throughout the seating areas. The main system uses Tower LCC84 loudspeakers, with Tower LCC44 loudspeakers providing side fills. Flush-

mounted Level L35 loudspeakers are deployed as surround fills throughout the room and toward the back, while C4 loudspeakers provide additional coverage for the balcony. For low-frequency reinforcement, SUB28 subwoofers are positioned at the front left and right of the space, adding depth to the music and sound effects that accompany the projections and storytelling. Ruckus! relies on a combination of projected animation, lighting, recorded voices, sound effects, and music to tell its story. The audio system therefore needed to do more than provide background sound. It needed to make sure every element of the multichannel immersive soundtrack could be heard clearly throughout the space and accurately to the designed creative storytelling, while being unobtrusive to the visual content. The distributed multichannel design approach maintains consistency from the main floor through the surrounding seating areas and balconies, supporting the experience wherever visitors are positioned. The result is an audio system that guides the audience’s attention and provides the clarity and presence required for the experience while allowing the historic architecture to remain central to the experience. “Solving sound for a space like ours—a space that needs to maintain its architectural and historical integrity, and that is not designed for modern sound—is a tall order,” said Matthew Wilding, senior director of interpretation and future projects, Revolutionary Spaces. “1 SOUND worked with us to craft a state-of-the-art, multi-channel system that sounds absolutely incredible and is practically invisible. With our old system, there were parts of the building where you’d struggle to hear someone speaking clearly because of the reverberation. Now, every seat is a good seat, whether it’s for our new immersive show, a forum, a theater production, or a concert. 1 SOUND completely transformed the audio experience in our historic site.”

Photographs courtesy of RLMG

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PRODUCTS THAT MATTER

PRO AV PRODUCTS THAT RESONATE

VenuePolar Plugin and Community LVH-900

Biamp’s Community LVH-900 pairs fully steerable line array performance with elegant point source simplicity. Custom asymmetric vertical coverage directs sound exactly where the audience sits while steering it away from reflective rear walls, balconies, and stages. With the redesigned Biamp VenuePolar Plugin for EASE Focus 3, that capability is now self-service: Designers define audience and avoidance zones, and VenuePolar handles cabinet count, aiming, splay angles, EQ, and beam optimization in minutes. Two simplified models, the LVH-906 with 60-degree horizontal coverage and the LVH-909 with 90-degree coverage, install at any ceiling height, while fixed 6ms latency enables live performance and broadcast use.

biamp.com

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Tone Ceiling and Pendant Speakers

As open office environments, hybrid collaboration spaces, and multipurpose venues continue to evolve, there is growing demand for loudspeaker solutions that deliver exceptional speech intelligibility, consistent coverage, and architectural appeal. Tone Ceiling and Pendant Speakers are designed specifically for these applications, providing high-quality audio while blending seamlessly into modern interiors. Ceiling models offer discreet installation for conference rooms, classrooms, and retail environments, while pendant versions excel in spaces with exposed ceilings and higher mounting heights. Together, they create a scalable audio ecosystem for background music, paging, and voice reinforcement. With broad coverage patterns, efficient installation options, and aesthetically pleasing designs, Tone speakers help integrators and end users achieve professional performance without compromising design.

ARIA Audio Series

Cobalt Digital’s ARIA Audio Series provides an easy way to incorporate professional audio confidence monitoring and a path forward for AV professionals migrating to IP-based operations. The series includes the industry’s only fully IPMX-compliant audio monitor, supporting 16 SDI or 64 MADI channels in a compact rackmount form factor. An efficient Class-D amplifier, DSP, and specially selected speaker components deliver clear, accurate sound monitoring. The customizable touchscreen enables intuitive operation with eight individual volume controls for mixing, and a PIP view of incoming video while remote control is available through a web interface, making ARIA ideal for demanding AV applications.

VXC Series

Yamaha’s VXC Series delivers the clear, natural Yamaha sound customers expect in a discreet, installation-friendly design. With multiple sizes, flexible installation options, and paintable finishes, VXC makes it easier for integrators to achieve consistent coverage without compromising the look of the space. It’s a versatile solution for retail, hospitality, education, corporate, and other commercial environments where performance and aesthetics matter equally.

usa.yamaha.com

cobaltdigital.com

hallresearch.com

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7 6

IPD-CM62-BGM-II-US

SoundTube’s IPD-CM62-BGM-II-US combines networked audio flexibility with U.S. manufacturing for commercial AV applications. The Dante-enabled in-ceiling loudspeaker simplifies audio distribution over standard networks while delivering the consistent performance required for corporate, education, government, and other installed environments. Manufactured at SoundTube’s Lenexa, Kansas facility, the IPD-CM62-BGM-II-US is TAA and BAA compliant, making it well suited for projects with federal procurement requirements. A passive version, the CM62-BGM-II-US, is also available, giving AV/IT teams and system designers greater flexibility when specifying systems for a range of applications.

soundtube.com

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D50 Digital UHF Wireless System

Audio-Technica’s D50 Digital UHF Wireless System, drawing on decades of digital wireless expertise, is purpose-built to meet the true needs of integrators and users. We held nothing back in designing this system, combining the best aspects of our existing models with useful technological advances to create a multichannel wireless system that leads its class in sound quality, RF stability, operational versatility, and value. Boasting an expansive bandwidth (up to 244MHz, depending on region) in the all-important TV broadcast range, D50 wireless allows for secure, flexible channel planning wherever the system is deployed—even in the most complex RF environments.

audio-technica.com

NetPA 204 POE

Extron’s NetPA 204 POE is a Dante-enabled, PoE-powered four-channel audio power amplifier delivering up to 20W per channel. Plenum rated and designed for above-ceiling installation near speakers, it receives audio and power over a single cable and automatically detects PoE, PoE+, or PoE++ to provide the corresponding output power. Its integrated DSP offers essential signal processing for complex decentralized systems, while Dante Domain Manager and AES67 support ensure broad compatibility with enterprise networks and other audio devices. The fanless amplifier is housed in a compact half-rack, 1U enclosure for silent, out-of-sight operation.

extron.com

8 9 8

enTranslate Mobile

ENCO’s enTranslate Mobile, developed for use in public spaces, offers direct access to multilingual translations through QR codes that redirect users to a mobile-friendly website where captions immediately populate. Users can choose from the enTranslate Language Selector to access the text stream of what’s being said on their personal devices. enTranslate Mobile solves the problem of how to reasonably caption and translate what’s being said in the room without having to occupy large video screens with a multitude of translations. enTranslate Mobile further simplifies the user experience by providing this service without forcing people to download or install an app.

PFL Portable RF-Over-Fiber Box

Wisycom’s PFL Portable RF-Over-Fiber Box extends antenna placement from 330 feet to several miles, carrying RF signals over fiber wherever coaxial cable falls short. Built for broadcast, OB, and live production, it’s available in versions that receive RF signals for diversity pickup or transmit for IEM/IFB. It can run on mains with a secondary power V-Lock battery mount as backup or as a standalone application without mains. Via a Gigabit Ethernet connection over fiber, it is possible to transport data such as Dante, Showlink, or Nexlink. The fiber systems work with third-party wireless systems as well.

wisycom.com

DM NAX Intelligent

10 Audio

Crestron’s DM NAX Intelligent Audio delivers crystal-clear collaboration through a flexible, network-based ecosystem designed to support every type of meeting space. Built on the powerful DM NAX Audio Processor, this scalable platform combines AI-ready audio processing to ensure exceptional sound quality across today’s hybrid work environments. From single-device huddle rooms to large-scale enterprise deployments, DM NAX Intelligent Audio simplifies audio design and deployment while maintaining consistent, professional-grade performance.

crestron.com

enco.com

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11 12

TeamConnect Ceiling

RoomSuite

IP300 AV-over-IP

11 Medium Plus

12 Collaboration Bar

13 Platform

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling Medium Plus (TCC M Plus) is a next-generation ceiling array microphone engineered for medium and large flexible collaboration and learning spaces. TCC M Plus introduces PartnerLink, a scalable integration framework that brings TCC M Plus natively into partner platform workflows, eliminating separate plugins and Dante configuration. An optimized dynamic beamformer delivers enhanced speech intelligibility and improved camera tracking accuracy at distance, while enhanced exclusion zones give integrators precise control over unwanted audio sources. Dante encryption secures the audio stream end to end. Compatibility with Sennheiser’s DeviceHub cloud management platform and a local web-based UI enable fast commissioning and scalable remote management. Configurable standby modes support sustainability goals.

The Q-SYS RoomSuite Collaboration Bar and expansion devices provide a scalable AV solution for standard small-to-large meeting spaces. This Windows-based solution features built-in audio, video, and supports Microsoft Teams Rooms and bring-your-own-meeting conferencing. Includes a touch panel for control and allows for optional table microphones for extended audio coverage.

Blustream’s IP300 AV-over-IP Platform is a scalable multicast AV-over-IP platform for distributing visually lossless 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI across standard 1Gb managed networks. Offering virtually latency-free, one-frame performance, it carries 18Gbps video, audio, bidirectional IR, RS-232, and USB/KVM over copper runs up to 328 feet (100m), with built-in SFP connectivity extending reach over fiber. The transmitter and receiver support PoE, HDR—including Dolby Vision LLM—and independent signal routing. The IP300 platform also interoperates with Dante-enabled IP350 products, enabling networked audio integration. Supporting matrix, video-wall, one-to-one, and one-to-many configurations, the platform gives residential and commercial integrators flexibility, scalability, and control for complex AV distribution projects.

sennheiser.com

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qsys.com

blustream-us.com

StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control

NT119S and NT219S

15 Active Subwoofers

16 TPI Movement

Studio Technologies’ StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control is a compact, self-contained stereo monitor controller engineered for Dante Audio-over-IP applications. The StudioComm Model 762 allows users to monitor two stereo (2-channel) Dante audio sources by way of one or two Dante-based stereo loudspeaker systems. A configuration option supports implementation of a headphone cue system by using the unit’s second stereo output. Powered by PoE and built around Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology, the all-digital Model 762 also supports AES67 interoperability. The tabletop unit is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager (DDM) application, allowing integration into contemporary media and enterprise network environments.

Eastern Acoustic Works’ NT119S and NT219S Active Subwoofers, expanding upon EAW’s Newport Series, deliver unprecedented low-frequency output, extension, and control for modern production environments. The single-driver NT119S offers 4000W of power, 25 percent more displacement than traditional 18-inch subs, and extension to 25Hz, while the dual-driver NT219S delivers 8000W, 142dB Max SPL, and arena-level VLF performance. Both models integrate seamlessly with Newport line arrays for fast, predictable deployment. The brand also released a significant update to its Online Array Assist, OAA v1.1, adding extended throw capability, array weight reporting, and a new sub array guide for more accurate, streamlined system design.

TPI Movement by TPI Aerospace solves a key challenge of dvLED video walls: delivering reference-quality audio without relying on reflected soundwaves. At the heart of the system is the patent-pending DVC Movement Controller, a fully discrete Class A processor that manipulates timing, gain, and wavefronts to create a phantom audio image adjustable in height and perfectly aligned with on-screen action. Loudspeaker arrays mounted above and below the display combine with proprietary signal processing to create an acoustically accurate wavefront. The result is a category-defining luxury audio solution that finally matches the visual grandeur of premium dvLED installations.

studio-tech.com

eaw.com

apex-tech.us

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17 XLR Cable Connectors

18 QIP Series

19 Era 100 Pro

Neutrik’s XLR Cable Connectors deliver professional-grade performance and reliability for demanding pro-audio applications. Designed for microphones, mixers, amps, stage boxes, and more—you name it, and there’s a Neutrik XLR behind the connection. Offered in a range of finishes, configurations, and contact options, the lineup supports diverse installation and cable-assembly requirements. Robust construction and a secure locking mechanism ensure dependable connections built to withstand the wear and tear of touring, broadcast, studio work, and live entertainment. Trusted by audio professionals worldwide, Neutrik XLR connectors are all about one thing: audio.

Quam Speakers’ QIP Series brings nearly a century of commercial audio expertise to the network. Designed for SIP/Multicast and Singlewire InformaCast platforms, these PoE/PoE+ endpoints deliver clear, intelligible audio for paging, emergency notification, background music, and twoway communication. Integrated Class D amplification, DSP, and digital microphones combine performance with installer-friendly simplicity. Available in multiple form factors, including tile replacement, cut-in ceiling, and wall-mount models. QIP gives integrators the flexibility to match the endpoint to the application. Select models also support a secondary analog loudspeaker, extending coverage while maximizing system flexibility.

As light commercial audio projects demand greater flexibility, Sonos’ Era 100 Pro provides a professional-grade solution engineered for simplicity, scalability, and reliable performance. Designed around Power over Ethernet (PoE+), the speaker enables a wired-first approach, eliminating the need for local AC power while delivering consistent, network-based performance. The dedicated Surface Mount offers precise positioning with pan, tilt, and rotation, while a junction box mounting option supports clean, code-conscious installations with fully concealed cabling. Automatic DSP optimization and Trueplay tuning further simplify setup. Sonos Pro provides centralized management, remote system control, scheduled playback, and access to commercially licensed content from a single dashboard.

neutrik.com

quamspeakers.com

sonos.com

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6388 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone

DPA’s 6388 CORE+ Headset Microphone is a high-performance directional headset designed for demanding live environments where clarity, feedback, and simplicity are critical. Its asymmetrical capsule, shifted acoustical axis, and controlled proximity effect reduce sensitivity to precise placement, delivering consistent, natural sound even when repositioned. Building on the DPA 4088 capsule legacy, the new 6388 CORE+ provides enhanced feedback rejection, voice isolation, and intelligibility for theatre, live performance, broadcast/ sports, worship, and corporate applications. Switchable left/right boom placement; IP58 certification; multiple color, size, and termination options; and compatibility with major wireless systems provide added flexibility, durability, and all-day comfort for professional productions.

dpamicrophones.com

21 DSP-88-DNT

22 Riedel Stage Systems

WyreStorm’s DSP-88-DNT combines 8x8 analog audio with 8x8 Dante/AES67 audio over IP, giving AV and IT teams a central place to process, mix, and route audio across the room or network. Builtin echo cancellation, noise suppression, auto mixing, and level management help keep speech clear as people, sources, and room conditions change. For AV and IT teams, that means fewer separate audio devices to manage, easier integration with Dante-enabled systems, and more flexibility as the room or system grows.

Behind every flawless performance is a complex network of cues, communications, and coordination. Riedel Stage Systems by Riedel Communications simplify that complexity with customizable, integrated solutions built for modern theater production. At the core, SmartPanel interfaces combine intercom, monitoring, and control into a single user-friendly platform, while MediorNet delivers zero-latency video routing, multiviewing, and integrated timing tools. The Artist intercom backbone and Bolero wireless communications keep crews connected and mobile, while the NSA Network Stream Adapter enables seamless third-party and legacy system integration. Supporting PTZ cameras, cue lights, and live video production tools, Riedel Stage Systems streamline backstage workflows and keep creative teams focused on performance.

wyrestorm.com

riedel.net

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SXP Series

23 Evolve3 85

24 Online UPS

25 HDL and HDX Series

Jabra’s Evolve3 85 is a professional headset built for how people work today—in the office, at home, and everywhere in between. It’s the first true crossover headset that delivers enterprise-grade performance in a consumer-friendly form factor. Instead of a traditional boom arm design, it uses a boomless mic powered by Jabra ClearVoice, which isolates speech from background noise and enables seamless voice interaction with GenAI. Adaptive ANC continuously adjusts to your surroundings and works for both calls and music. The headset has fast charge (up to 10 hours of power in 10 minutes) and replaceable batteries.

LynTec’s SXP Series Online UPS line is designed for mission-critical AV and IT environments where zero downtime is the only acceptable standard. Available in 1500VA, 2000VA, and 3000VA models, the units utilize true online double-conversion technology to deliver zero transfer time and a pure sine wave output. Ideal for AVover-IP networks, media servers, audio consoles, and lighting control systems, the SXP Series is available in tower or 1U rackmount configurations, supports extended runtime battery packs, and offers network monitoring capabilities for simplified system management and maintenance.

Nureva’s HDL and HDX Series simplify audio for larger meeting and learning spaces with solutions designed for easy deployment, powerful performance, and IT-friendly management. The HDL series delivers full-room microphone pickup for audio conferencing in Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms, while the new HDX series extends Nureva’s approach with full-range distributed audio, Adaptive Voice Lift, built-in divisible room support, and assistive listening with Auracast broadcast audio. Both series are powered by patented Microphone Mist technology, which provides consistent pickup as people move throughout the room. Nureva Console and the Nureva App add intuitive setup, monitoring, and management tools, helping IT teams standardize high-performance audio without the complexity of traditional systems that require DSPs.

jabra.com

lyntec.com

nureva.com

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28 26

HP Poly’s Focus 6 Series

26 CrewCom CXD-32CF

Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom CXD-32CF 32x32 Dante/AES67 Digital Audio Network Interface is a powerful connectivity solution designed to expand routing flexibility across the brand’s CrewCom Wireless and the new CrewCom Flex platform. This halfrack device delivers seamless AoIP integration, supports copper or fiber connectivity, and offers redundant network ports for reliable, distributed workflows. Designed for broadcast, live production, and large-scale installations, it provides a streamlined path to standards-based AES67/SMPTE ST 2110 communication systems while simplifying configuration and monitoring through upcoming CrewWare 2.0 software.

HP Poly’s Focus 6 Series is our new headset designed for professionals who need premium audio performance and flexibility throughout the workday. Featuring a modern design with a hideaway boom for a cleaner on-camera appearance, the headset delivers enhanced comfort and mobility for hybrid workers moving between locations and meeting types. Advanced immersive audio, including HP Poly Acoustic Fence 2.0, hybrid active noise cancellation and spatial audio, help users stay focused and communicate clearly in any environment. Plus, a foldable version improves portability, while replaceable batteries and ear cushions support longer product lifecycles and HP’s broader sustainability goals.

Vanco’s Beale Street Audio W65V-BSC and W80V-BSC Surface-Mount Speakers deliver rugged, full-range audio for indoor and outdoor commercial environments, including hospitality venues, retail spaces, education facilities, and public areas. Designed for reliable sound reinforcement in demanding settings, both models feature IP66-rated weather-resistant enclosures with rear covers, 1-inch silk dome tweeters, curved aluminum brackets, and flexible mounting systems for precise installation angles. The W65V-BSC includes a 6.25-inch polypropylene woofer and 45W RMS power, while the W80V-BSC features an 8-inch polypropylene woofer and 90W power. Both support 4/8-ohm and 70V/100V operation.

hp.com

vanco1.com

plianttechnologies.com

Beale Street Audio Surface-Mount Indoor/ Outdoor Speakers

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TruTile Acoustic

TIGRA Line Array

29 Auri

30 Wall Tiles

31 Loudspeaker

Ampetronic and Listen Technologies’ Auri is the world’s first Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening solution. Designed for venues and end users, Auri leverages Auracast broadcast audio technology to deliver high-quality, low-latency, multi-channel audio to an unlimited number of dedicated receivers and Auracast-compatible devices such as hearing aids, earbuds, and headphones. Auri features network-installed transmitters, dedicated receivers, docking stations, Auri Manager software, and a complete line of accessories, including the Auri Neck Loop. Auri meets global compliance requirements for assistive listening. Auri overcomes the challenges of hearing loss, noise, distance, and language so everyone can hear and be included.

Legrand | AV’s TruTile Acoustic Wall Tiles by Middle Atlantic turn a bare wall into both a design feature and a sound solution. The 2x2-foot PET felt tiles mount directly to existing walls—no construction required—delivering an NRC of 0.30 while cutting the echo that undermines calls and recordings. Seven designs, four textures, and three organic shapes combine with more than 20 colors, including four wood-look Naturals finishes, letting IT and facilities teams match any interior instead of settling for visible acoustic foam. TruTile shares its material palette with Legrand’s ceiling tile options, so a room’s walls and ceiling read as one finish.

With the introduction of Meyer Sound’s TIGRA Line Array Loudspeaker and the 1800-LFC low-frequency control element, Meyer Sound is expanding its next generation of self-powered professional loudspeakers. Together, they bring tour-class performance, GEN-1 intelligent onboard signal processing, Milan connectivity, and broad deployment flexibility into compact form factors, making big-system capabilities accessible for a greater range of productions and venues. This new tier offers the performance and deployment flexibility required for venues such as performing arts centers, music venues, houses of worship, and corporate environments—and integrates seamlessly into larger Meyer Sound systems.

listentech.com ampetronic.com

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legrandav.com

meyersound.com

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