NAB 2025 Preview: Audio To Be a Major Presence Across the Show Conferences, vendor exhibits cover a wide range of issues and products By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - 7:00 am
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The NAB Show, which begins this week in Las Vegas, is one of the world's biggest trade shows and certainly the largest for pro audio, which is interspersed throughout the massive Las Vegas Convention Center and the show's comprehensive program. It's a great combination of sonic gear and information. Here's a look at some of what you can experience there.
In the Conference Rooms: Nuts and Bolts of Audio Production Radio's Resilience and Opportunities in Today's Audio Landscape (Sunday, April 6, 3:00-3:40 p.m., W231-W232: TV and Radio HQ) - Edison Research Director of Research Laura Ivey will present the latest findings from Share of Ear data, including information on Gen Z radio listening and radio's role in the car. Considering how much sports is still heard on radio, a worthwhile 40 minutes to hear what the generation is listening to.
Budget Powered Production for Audio (Thursday, April 3, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., S219) - In this workshop, attendees will experience various microphones and learn where and how to use them. It will cover best practices for the various types of microphones and their specific use cases, including challenges with wireless systems. Useful for small streamers and podcasters.
Is WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio System) the Future for Wireless Mics? (Sunday, April 6, 2:00-3:00 p.m., W222-W223) - Spectrum for wireless microphones has been disappearing over the past decade. What's left is becoming more and more crowded as use of wireless mics proliferates. The new WMAS technology uses spectrum more efficiently, but does it have all the answers? Presented by the North American Broadcasters Association, this panel will explore its pros and cons.
Ultra-Low Latency Audio Over Bluetooth: A New Benchmark (Tuesday, April 8, 10:00-10:30 a.m., W222-W223) - The panel will cover how ultra-low latency can be achieved using standards-based transceivers and low-power links. The discussion begins with an explanation of the limitations of Bluetooth Classic, the vast improvements delivered with Bluetooth LE Audio, and the current situation for live sound. Keep in mind: more field-of-play audio is being transported by Bluetooth.
Using AI in Your Audio Postproduction (Tuesday, April 8, 10:45-11:45 a.m.) Topics will include using AI for noise reduction, AI dialogue editing: sound design, mastering, and generating multiple languages.
On the Exhibit Floor: Products To Boost Flexibility, Connectivity Audio-Technica (Booth N1631) will show its expanded R-Series line of professional open-back headphones, with the introduction of the ATH-R30x reference models. They join the ATH-R50x and flagship ATH-R70xa, both of which launched to rave reviews earlier this year. ATH-R30x headphones offer the natural R-Series open-back listening experience at an affordable price. They provide extremely accurate audio reproduction with a spacious soundstage that emulates live performance.
Calrec Argo M compact IP broadcast-audio console
Calrec (Booth N1813) will introduce a suite of interconnected products and updates intended to help broadcasters meet a variety of challenges. Increasing the company's portfolio with True Control 2.0, an expanded second-generation remote-production capability, ImPulseV cloud-based DSP processing core, and the Argo M compact IP broadcast-audio console, Calrec enables broadcasters to create more-flexible workflow combinations to increase content while reducing costs.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Icon beltpack
Clear-Com (Booth N2147) will highlight various solutions designed to streamline workflows across broadcast, live events, and more. The FreeSpeak Icon beltpack is the latest addition and combines powerful RF capabilities on 1.9 GHz (DECT), nine configurable buttons, four individual-channel volume controls, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for powerful, high-performance communication. Arcadia Central Station is a scalable, all-in-one intercom solution that connects wired and wireless communication workflows. Gen-IC, Agent-IC mobile app, and Station-IC virtual desktop client will be showcased with new updates. Attendees will also get a preview of the EHX v14 software release, which introduces features that simplify complex system setups and enhances IP capabilities with FreeSpeak Icon connectivity.
Lawo crystal broadcast console
Lawo (Booth N623) will highlight the latest iteration of its crystal broadcast console, engineered to deliver professional-grade performance in space-constrained environments. Built on the RAVENNA/AES67 networking standards, crystal ensures seamless integration into modern IP-based workflows while offering full compliance with SMPTE ST 2110-30/-31 for audio and ST 2022-7 for redundancy, guaranteeing reliable, high-quality operation. Lawo's renowned mc 36 audio-production console will also be featured, offering 384 processing channels (when upgraded to the new 12.0.0 software version), ST 2110, AES67, RAVENNA, and Ember+ compatibility, as well as an expansive I/O capacity of 864 channels. Software Version 10.12 will introduce a Strip Assign page that significantly improves channel management, making it easier to assign, swap, and duplicate channels with a user-friendly interface. Enhanced Waves integration via ProLink streamlines plug-in workflows, and new security features aligned with EBU R.143 guidelines strengthen system protection.
Pliant Technologies CrewCom CB2 Version 1.2
Pliant Technologies (Booth N2769) will showcase the CrewCom CB2 full-duplex, install-friendly, and feature-packed solution for small to midsize applications requiring a reliable, great-sounding wireless intercom with excel
