ORLANDO, FL – From June 7-13, some 39,000 attendees from 97 countries made the trek to InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, which showcased the latest audio technology for live and installed sound. Here are some highlights.
Consoles
Allen & Heath launched updated versions of its Qu series, incorporating 96kHz FPGA, with DEEP processing and Dante options. The redesigned user interface maintains the user-friendly Qu concept, adding scribble strips, flexible patching, four customizable layers and hardware upgrades. Three frame sizes (Qu-5, -6, -7) offer different numbers of onboard preamps and fader strips, let users choose the size that meets their needs. www.allen-heath.com
DiGiCo’s version 20 software for its Quantum and SD-range consoles adds a new Mustard Source Expander, along with worksurface integration for Fourier Audio transform engine and Sound Devices Astral wireless systems. An optional Theatre-software extension is now offered for the Quantum 225, while new additions to the DiGiCo DQ-racks include Dante-DQ and MADI-DQ versions. www.digico.biz
Lawo showed flexible IP-based infrastructures for performing arts venues, stadiums, arenas and churches, along with new apps for Lawo’s HOME platform, enabling powerful on-site and remote workflows. Meanwhile, Lawo’s mc²36 audio production console has been upgraded to 384 DSP channels. www.lawo.com
Solid State Logic showed SSL Live V6 Software for its L650 and L350 Plus consoles along with SSL Live Bundles, which are turnkey Dante- or MADI-based packages for touring or installs, including the console, I/O package and interface. SSL’s System T TCA Flypack Plus offers a new Desktop Fader Tile Plus, along with the Desktop Master Tile Plus for a compact, portable IP-native scalable solution. www.solidstatelogic.com
Waves showcased its eMotion LV1 Classic console. This compact console with 16 onboard preamps supports 64 stereo channels with 44 stereo buses. An internal low-latency SoundGrid DSP engine handles processing for the included Waves plug-ins. Designed for expandability, more than 160 additional Waves plug-ins are optional. www.waves.com
Yamaha demoed its DM7 series and the larger RIVAGE PM mixers. The updated DM7 Editor (V1.7.2) and DM3 Editor (V3.0.0) offer online console control and offline setup / editing. The DM7 Editor facilitates patch list editing, scene data management, channel editing and more. They also demoed converting existing CL/QL show files to the DM7 file format. www.yamaha.io/dm7series
Loudspeakers
1 Sound’s SUB210 compact subwoofer has two 10” woofers rated for 1,200 watts. Capable of developing up to 128 dB SPLs, it provides deep bass to 35 Hz. Only 12” wide, the SUB210 is designed for positioning parallel or perpendicular to walls, or in low-profile 12-inch-tall deployment. www.1-sound.com
BassBoss shook the walls with its 10+ foot tall Stackatoa, consisting of a Krakatoa quintuple-18” point-source full range top paired with a dual 21” Makara-MK3 and a quad 21” Kraken-MK3 rounding out the bottom. www.bassboss.com
Harmonic Design’s BS10 battery-operated speaker weighs 24 pounds,yet its 10” woofer and 1” HF provide 126 dB max SPLs with 90°x60° dispersion and 50 – 20k Hz response. Two hot-swappable 18 VDC batteries provide up to nine hours of operation. www.harmonic-design.com
K-array USA’s KX12 I and KXT18P additions to its Dragon Series speakers use advanced tri-axial technology to deliver high SPLs with clarity for clubs, sports venues and DJ monitoring. Also new are the Dolomite KDR202P full-range tower speakers with a 10” woofer and 12 2” drivers. www.k-arrayusa.com
Nexo’s Alpha+ Hybrid Source Sound System is a quick and easy-to-stack three-box system that includes M210 Main, B218 Bass and L20 Sub-bass modules. Tailored for mid- to large-scale applications, the Alpha+ can where a line array won’t, including theaters and venues without hanging points. www.nexo-sa.com
PK Sound’s new TX14 and Tx26 point-source modules complement PK sound’s Trinity range of robotic line source systems. Configured and controlled via PK.dynamics software, the TX14 and TX26 offer premium standalone performance with onboard DSP, AVB networking and high SPLs. www.pksound.live
RCF’s new subwoofers (RCF S 29 WP and S 19 WP) feature a weatherproof design with IP67 connectors and rugged polyurea-coated multi-ply cabinet. Using RCF’s latest transducer innovations, these deliver high-performance sound in any environment, with up to 143 dB max SPLs for powerful LF reproduction. www.rcf.it
Renkus-Heinz’ third-generation RHAON III (Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network) remote loudspeaker control and monitoring incorporates OmniBeam advanced beam steering control of R-H’s flagship ICONYX series speakers, including Iconyx Gen5, IC Live Gen5 and IC Live X Series arrays. Using a “Snap to Audience” feature, OmniBeam generates custom tailored sound in seconds. www.renkus-heinz.com
TT+ Audio’s GTX 7C compact cardioid line array module features active DSP optimization via the XPS 16K amplifier platform. Averaging 22 dB rear attenuation up to 600 Hz, the GTX 7C ensures consistent, high-fidelity performance. A flyable GTS 16C cardioid subwoofer is optional. www.ttaudio.com
Mics and Wireless Technologies
Danley Sound Labs’ Wireless Link System (WLS) enables high-fidelity, uncompressed low-latency audio to be sent across long distances (up to 2,800 ft). Operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band, this point-to-point system is ideal for stadiums, arenas, large-scale outdoor events or any location where pulling cable is a challenge. www.danleysoundlabs.com
DPA’s updated 4099 CORE+ instrument microphone includes a redesigned mounting solution. Using DPA’s advanced distortion-reduction technology, CORE+ delivers a wide dynamic range, with enhanced sonic transparency. The new Gooseneck Mount (G-MOUNT) utilizes a two-step locking mechanism for precise mic placement with just one hand. dpamicrophones.com
RF Venue’s CP Stage antenna is a compact ruggedized circularly polarized antenna designed to boost signal quality for UHF 470-928 MHz in-ear monitors and microphones. The flat low-profile ip44-rated weather resistant antenna is ideal for touring and band fly packs as well as fixed outdoor installation. www.rfvenue.com
Sennheiser’s Spectera wideband wireless ecosystem offers up to 64 channels (32 in/32 out) over two wideband carriers. Spectera is bi-directional, with wireless mics, IEMs and control data operating in the same RF channel with a single bodypack. A LinkDesk application unlocks the Base Station with the correct region-specific license and turns a Mac or PC into a comprehensive remote control / monitoring center. www.sennheiser.com
Shure’s ANX4 Scalable Wireless Receiver uses channel licenses to support up to 16 channels of Shure Axient Digital or 24 channels of ULX-D in a single rackspace. A ShureCloud account manages licenses, enabling them to be activated in one ANX4 and later removed and activated in a different ANX4 as needs change. Shure also announced enhancements for its Axient Digital PSM system, including channel expansion and a new transmission mode. www.shure.com
Sound Devices showed its A20-HH Digital Wireless Handheld Microphone for the Nexus wireless system. Offering worldwide 470 – 1,525 MHz tuning, the A20-HH uses 100% digital modulation for exceptionally long transmission range. The mic’s internal RocketAntenna design is unaffected by wherever the performer grips it, and the mic’s universal mounting system is compatible with Shure or Sennheiser capsule threads. www.sounddevices.com
Amplification
Adamson’s new “smart” XG Integration Amplifier series offers up to 16 kW of Class-D amplification. Each of the four models incorporate Milan and analog inputs, integrated DSP, comprehensive GPIO, interactive touch display and open-source control protocols. www.adamson.ai
Crown’s ComTech D Series amps are built for installs, with built-in DSP, Lo-Z / Hi-Z switching, Dante, load monitoring and an easy-to-use web configuration interface – all in 2-, 4-and 8-channel configurations, with 125W per channel. www.crownaudio.com
d&b audiotechnik’s D25 and 25D amps are optimized for mid-sized sound reinforcement requirements. Based on its amplifier DSP platform, both integrate Milan networking for easy configuration and enhanced interoperability. Compatible with the full suite of d&b software tools, the D25 and 25D complement d&b loudspeakers including the new CCL system. www.dbaudio.com
L-Acoustics’ LA1.16i single RU 16-channel amplified controller is designed for lower-SPL near-field applications, such as hospitality venues, retail environments, cultural spaces and residential installs. The compact unit has built-in speaker and amplifier management controlled via L-Acoustics remote control software. www.l-acoustics.com
Powersoft’s UNICA T is a new touring-focused amp platform designed for demanding live sound applications. Available in 4-channel (4 x 5,200 W) or 8-channel (8 x 1,250 W) configurations, the 1 RU amps feature ruggedized Euroblock connectors, and a dedicated front-panel user interface optimized for live events. www.powersoft.com
Interfaces & Processors
Digital Audio Denmark’s Thunder | Core Series feature the flagship AX64 Modular Audio Interface / A-D and D-A converter, router and monitoring system offering 256 Thunderbolt 3 channels; 256 Dante I/O channels; 64 MADI channels; 16 ADAT or S/PDIF dual-TosLink ports; 512×64 channel summing, 64-channel speaker EQ processing and Control|Pack and eight expansion slots. www.digitalaudio.dk
DirectOut’s new Dual Network Modules for its PRODIGY and MAVEN devices, offer expanded audio networking and bi-directional sample rate conversion. Users can either double the channel capacity of a Dante.SRC.IO, or interface with two different audio network protocols. www.directout.eu
Fourier Audio launched a v1.4 update for its transform.engine, a Dante-connected server designed to run VST3-native software plug-ins in a live environment. With v1.4, DiGiCo Quantum console users can view and control plug-ins from the desk’s touchscreens and console snapshots and sessions can be synchronized to the transform.engine. www.fourieraudio.com
Q-SYS announced a portfolio expansion for its full stack AV program. This forward-looking technology approach is based on well-established IT architecture including multimodal I/O, a cognitive cloud and an intelligent platform OS. The singular Q-SYS Intelligent Platform OS now drives three new Q-SYS Core processors, to optimize configurations for every application. www.qsys.com
Stagetec’s Nexus Compact audio interface in a rugged, space-saving format is built around Stagetec’s TrueMatch converters, delivering pristine audio with a wide 158 dB dynamic range. Incorporating mic preamps, AES3, analog outs, Dante/AES67 and integrated DSP for EQ, dynamics and auto mixing, its browser-based user interface controls the onboard DSP mixer functions for seamless, user-friendly operation. www.stagetec.com
Production Essentials
Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak Icon beltpack offers eight channel buttons, a configurable reply key, and Bluetooth 5.3 support, delivering the convenience of a wireless panel in a compact, portable form factor, ideal for productions requiring high mobility and control. Clear-Com also debuted new Arcadia updates that support the V-series Iris-X panels. www.clearcom.com
Hosa’s PatchPal Audio Connectivity kit contains a selection of commonly used audio adapters including XLR to Phoenix, AC tri-tap and a universal 12V DC power supply. The compartmented plastic case is labeled as to its contents to help keep things organized. www.hosatech.com
JH Audio demoed the Pearl Tri-Amp IEM Management System. When paired with the new RUBY 2 or ROSIE 2 custom-molded in-ears, the Pearl system’s active functions let users precisely control gain, phase, time and EQ of an in-ear monitor. Using the Mac or PC Pearl Control software, users can shape the audio and program the Pearl with instantaneously recallable user-defined presets. www.jhaudio.com
Listen Technologies’ AURI assistive listening system uses the new Auracast standard for Bluetooth Low Energy audio. AURI can broadcast high-quality, low-latency audio simultaneously to an unlimited number of Auracast-compatible devices in public places, including receivers, hearing aids, earbuds and smartphones. www.listentech.com
Neutrik’s NE8MXR-B-TOP etherCON Cable Connector has a retracting shell feature. Fully compatible with etherCON Cat-5 and Cat-6A receptacles, the NE8MXR-B-TOP can also be mated to standard, non-rugged RJ-45 receptacles simply by pushing down and sliding back the shell on the cable to expose the RJ-45 cable connector. www.neutrikgroup.com
Riedel’s DSP-1216HL Desktop Smart Panel has an ergonomic desktop form factor that lets users adapt its functionality to their workflows by leveraging various apps instead of multiple single-purpose panels. The DSP-1216HL offers 16 hybrid lever keys, along with high-resolution, full-color multitouch displays and customizable LED rings for clear signalization. www.riedel.net
Upstage Creations unveiled Pro versions of its Lyrics Prompters. Resembling standard-size stage wedge monitors, they enclose a high-res flat panel 24-, 27- or 32-inch video display at an optimal angle for viewing. The rugged, low-profile prompters are equipped with HDMI and SDI video inputs along with PowerCON TRUE 1 duplex AC power. www.lyricsprompter.com
More to Come!
This was just a sampling of the hot new technology shown at InfoComm 2025. For more coverage, check out fohonline.com and upcoming print issues of FRONT of HOUSE. InfoComm returns to Las Vegas next year from June 13-19, 2026 (exhibits June 17-19). See you there!
