Audio technology and music have always been essential components of Prolight + Sound. This year, the fair emphasized this with a comprehensively expanded ProAudio offering. Among other things, visitors could look forward to a 3000 m² Performance + Production Hub, new attractions, an expanded program and the return of well-known exhibitors.
From 19 to 22 March 2024, the entire product world of professional audio technology awaited the public in Frankfurt. The focus was on live and concert sound reinforcement as well as innovative studio and broadcast solutions.
Renowned companies demonstrated sound reinforcement systems under realistic conditions on the outdoor exhibition area. There was also an extensive supporting program covering a wide range of current and future-oriented topics.
Sonic brilliance: Immersive Audio Dome, Live Sound Arena, Silent Stage
The ProAudio sector at Prolight + Sound 2024 offered a number of highlights. One of these was clearly the newly created Immersive Audio Dome in Hall 11, which was realized in cooperation with Quickspace and United Brands. The latter presented product innovations from Adamson in the impressive installation - combined in an immersive system consisting of a large number of loudspeakers and the Fletcher Machine, a multichannel audio rendering processor. The interior of the 100 m² igloo-shaped dome offered space for around 75 people and was equipped with a full-surface projection screen. This complemented the sound experience with futuristic visuals to create an immersive overall experience for visitors.
Also new was the Audio Bar (Hall 11). Here, high-quality headphones from well-known brands - including AIAIAI, Beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica, Ollo Audio, Tascam, HEDD, Rode and Pioneer - could be tested in a relaxed atmosphere. A range of models from the studio, DJ and wireless sectors were presented to interested visitors at installed sound stations. The relaxed bar atmosphere also invited visitors to talk shop with other trade fair visitors.
This year, a record number of four audio stages awaited the public on the outdoor area in front of Hall 11: In the Live Sound Arena, stage constructions were shown in their ideal form and sound reinforcement systems were demonstrated under realistic conditions. Manufacturers such as Harmonic Design, CELTO, HK Audio, KV2 Audio, Voice-Acoustic, Aura Audio, and audio zenit demonstrated their impressive systems here.
RCF and dbTechnologies returned as exhibitors at the event and each presented their products on their outdoor demo stage, among other things. The area was completed by the DAS Audio demo stage.
The presentation of large PA systems in such a spacious, festival-like setting was unusual in this form. The realization was supported by the companies "Kultour" and "Layer".
Those looking for quieter sounds found what they were looking for at the Silent Stage (Hall 11). The company "InEar" presented its innovative, integrated sound technology solutions there. During the trade fair, the Silent Stage offered a 30-minute program every day in three slots (at 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00 / on the last day of the trade fair only 12:00 and 14:00). In this program, the live band P.A.C.E. presented the effects of using a Silent Stage. The focus was on minimizing the noise level on stage. This effect was achieved through the use of amp simulations, isolation boxes, drum cages, and electronic musical instruments.
Product innovations, Live Acts, Workshops: Performance + Production Hub
The popular Performance + Production Hub (Hall 11) - created in cooperation with the Sample Music Festival - was expanded to 3000 m², making it the largest area for music production and DJing in Europe. At the center of the concept was the combination of product experience, knowledge transfer, and entertainment. From live performances and product presentations to visual showcases and workshops with experts from well-known brands, the area offered creative input for the use of innovative sound tools. The new program was also expanded to include forward-looking topics such as live remixing and looping, controllerism, biohacking, and the latest software and apps, providing an insight into the future of digital sound creation.
A number of top brands presented their innovations in areas such as mixers and controllers, digital audio workstations, samplers and sequencers, synthesizers, groove boxes, and effects units as well as mobile DJ equipment. New products such as the eagerly awaited FGDP controller from Yamaha and the Push 3 controller from Ableton were presented.
In the Music Production Corner, software tools met midi controllers and beat sequencers and the boundaries between studio production and live performance became blurred. Specialized education stations offered knowledge on topics such as field recording, motion sensors, and live sound branding.
In the new 100 m² Live Box, the audience could experience live performances by well-known artists in top sound quality, including DJ Emanuel Satie, guitarist Yasi Hofer, ARKAI, Denise Frey, Dshanna, Escape Kid, Ray-D, Tim Kroker, and many other international artists. In addition, the Swing Flare Club invited visitors to jam sessions during the trade fair, where they could make music together even without any previous musical knowledge.
Other items such as music notation for modular performances (in cooperation with SOMA Synths), live demonstrations in the Hub's broadcast studio, and the Annual Scratch Battle rounded off the extensive program.
Concentrated expertise: ProAudio College and keynotes
Expert knowledge in concentrated form for audio professionals and interested newcomers was offered by the ProAudio College, which was organized jointly with the Association of German Sound Engineers (VDT) and was part of the Prolight + Sound College. After last year's great success, the free offer was expanded at the show and internationalized with a bilingual lecture program (German and English). The audience could also look forward to the ProAudio Lounge with a wide range of networking opportunities.
The focus of the lecture program was on current trends in the sound reinforcement scene, innovations in home studio productions, and exclusive training modules from the SQQ7 educational standard curriculum. Developed by a broad-based working group under the leadership of the VDT, this standard defined learning objectives for further training to become a "certified sound specialist". Other topics included future scenarios and tips for young professionals, the physical principles of room acoustics, methods for transmitting synchronized A/V media data, sound check guides, and frequency management. All participants received written confirmation of the knowledge they had acquired.
First-hand expertise was also provided by a series of keynotes on the subject of sound. For example, Michael Kastner, Head of Product at HOLOPLOT, provided insights into their unique X1 Matrix Array audio solution, which was part of the mega-project Sphere in Las Vegas. In her presentation The Power of Sound, award-winning creative director Genevieve Cleary explored the question of how to increase the well-being of the audience in the age of innovative audio-sensory technology. In Music makes the people, Atelier Markgraph CCO Stefan Weil explored the diverse potential uses of music. Gregor Tresher and Edgar Dirksen (Cocoon Recordings) provided insights into being a producer and running a label.
Participation in all lectures, workshops, and product demos as well as the PLS Community Nights (-only by registration) was free of charge for visitors with a valid ticket.
