Annex Pro went to New York City to attend AES 2024 from October 8-10, 2024 at Javits Center.
Unfortunately, the biggest news at AES this year was that it raised questions about its own future. Traditionally a specialized, smaller show, AES announced it will move from NYC to Long Beach, CA, in 2025. This change places it just three months before NAMM 2026—a larger event only a half-hour drive away that offers everything AES does (and more). Many industry partners hinted that they may opt out of AES 2025 in favor of NAMM 2026, raising concerns that AES could struggle to maintain its relevance.
For our customers, this may signal a shift in where audio professionals will gather for networking, product releases, and technology previews. The potential decline of AES means customers may need to look to larger, more comprehensive shows like NAMM to keep up with the latest in audio engineering technologies. If you are thinking about attending NAMM 2026 (or January 2025 for that matter) in Anaheim, CA, please message your account rep now and we’ll put your name beside a free exhibits badge. (Do this even if you’re unsure—we can always confirm closer to the date.)
That said, at the AES 2024 convention in New York, leading names in the professional audio industry unveiled exciting advancements shaping the future of audio production. Here’s a quick recap of the latest news from our key partners:
Avid
Avid showed some exciting technology previews incorporating AI-powered features for Pro Tools, including speech-to-text (that allows scanning audio for speech information to be displayed as text), EUCON integration, Dolby Atmos renderer improvements, and new features from Native Instruments aimed specifically at music users. Here’s a great article from our good friends at Production Expert that gives a comprehensive overview: https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/avid-preview-new-pro-tools-features-at-aes-2024
Also, while not exactly related to professional audio, Finale recently announced it was discontinuing its popular notation software. With Finale Notation sunsetting, Avid is offering a sweet cross-grade discount to move to its also-popular Sibelius notation software. Contact your account rep for details.
Dolby
Dolby Professional showcased its continued focus on delivering immersive audio and video experiences through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the quality of music, post-production audio, game audio, and live sports. Learn more at https://professional.dolby.com/.
SSL
SSL highlighted the System T for Music (ST4M) digital production platform, designed to bridge the gap between commonly found DAW and controller setups and what is possible when working on a real console. Its digital audio technology and production workflows, including Dolby Atmos, are complemented by SSL processing tools optimized for immersive music production, providing multi-format immersive and object signal paths. SSL also featured its ORIGIN 16 console alongside an integrated UF8 controller, combining SSL analog sound and in-line workflow with DAW control in an integrated package for hybrid workflows. Learn more https://solidstatelogic.com/
Digital Audio Denmark (DAD)
DAD introduced Control | Pack and updates to the Thunder | Core range of products. DAD caters to both music production and large-scale post-production needs, emphasizing flexibility and control over vast audio setups. Learn more at https://www.globalbroadcastindustry.news/ntp-chooses-aes-new-york-2024-as-launch-venue-for-new-live-music-functionality-in-dad-thunder-core-audio-interfaces/.
Genelec
The leader in studio monitors showed its new UNIO concept, seamlessly bridging in-room and personal headphone monitoring. It also highlighted its smart active monitoring systems, with innovations that allow for room calibration and optimized sound performance in a variety of production environments, from small studios to large post-production facilities. Learn more at https://www.genelec.com/-/event/aes-new-york-2024.
With these innovations, the professional audio landscape is evolving to meet the demands of both traditional and new media workflows. Annex Pro is committed to offering the latest from these key partners and many more, ensuring our customers can access cutting-edge tools for music production, post-production, house of worship, higher education, sports and live events, esports, broadcast-style workflows, and beyond.
Let us know if you have questions or want more information here.
