ROUND TABLE
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Kai Detlefsen We expect a continuing rise of immersive audio solutions across the whole audio chain. As businesses and consumers seek more immersive experiences, solutions with immersive soundscapes that tell stories and evoke emotions will gain more traction. Secondly, the growth of virtual and, especially, augmented reality is sure to continue as both technologies mature and require solutions to match the visual experience. Immersive audio solutions that can deliver 3D sound for VR and AR will see increased demand. Artificial intelligence will further impact future hardware and software solutions to enhance various aspects – from audio quality and customisation to overall user experience. Finally, the adoption of audio over IP is projected to rise, especially in professional environments, and pave the way for new cost-efficient solutions and production workflows. Filip Van Vlem One of the biggest trends is a shift toward multi-functional speaker solutions that offer higher ROI, flexibility and efficiency. Companies are moving away from single-use, specialised audio systems and toward modular set-ups like our Flex6, Solid15 and Solid28, which adapt to different applications seamlessly. Additionally, the shared economy keeps growing – rental houses and AV companies are increasingly prioritising equipment utilisation over ownership. Sustainability is another key factor – there’s more emphasis on energy- efficient, durable and eco-friendly speaker systems. Lastly, digital networking and software-driven enhancements will keep improving efficiency, making remote management, automated optimisation and cloud-based audio control more common in professional AV set-ups. Pieter van Hoogdalem Immersive or spatial audio is developing at a high rate. You could argue it is still in its infancy and there is a learning curve, especially for live situations, with a completely different approach by object-based mixing. We’ll see this being adopted throughout the industry in the next and following years.
and multi-use capabilities all contribute to a system’s long-term value. Also, the industry is shifting towards rental and shared economy models, ensuring higher equipment utilisation and less financial strain. Companies should be mindful of compatibility with modern digital networking solutions and the sustainability of investment to ensure they’re future-proof in a shifting market. Pieter van Hoogdalem Be mindful of your ROI before considering a brand: it’s a longtime relationship you’re starting. Investments in high-end professional audio equipment are costly and you need to look beyond the lifespan of your current rigs. Will this brand still be around? Do they invest in technological advancements, and will they be able to stay ahead of the curve? Kai Detlefsen Creating a comprehensive audio offering isn’t just about selecting equipment; it’s a strategic process that should align with the customers’ needs and wants. This understanding shapes all decisions, driving choices toward solutions that fulfil present needs, all while anticipating future developments. Compatibility with existing audio infrastructure is a deciding factor. Products conforming to established audio standards will likely offer seamless integration with your current set-up and ensure your system remains flexible and scalable in a competitive market. Beyond the scope of the kit, technical support and after-sales service becomes decisive for the long-term performance of a system. Reliable customer service ensures peace of mind.
it manufacturers acquiring others or mergers within the integration or rental sectors. Economic and structural factors are at play here. Post-Covid, certain companies had found themselves in a position where they were attractive to new owners, but additionally structural complications around tariffs and new trading conditions have meant that companies are revising strategies to adapt to the new environment. This might mean operating out of mainland Europe in the case of a UK-based company, post-Brexit, or perhaps moving manufacturing facilities to optimise the supply chain. But from a purely audio perspective, I can certainly see immersive experiences continue to grow, both in the live context but also in home applications. A pleasing trend seen within my own family is renewed appreciation for higher audio quality – even if, in the case of my son for example, it means moving away from low-bit-rate streamed audio to vinyl. Vinyl sales will continue to grow over 2025 and, while I do not buy into the ‘it’s the best audio quality’ argument, I do see the value in the better-than-MP3 audio quality. Plus, most importantly, the revival is providing an increased – and much-needed – income stream for retailers, artists and labels. Kalle Hvidt Nielsen The revenue coming from live performances will continue to be of high importance for artists, which will further drive the need for the highest-quality audio and visual technologies. To make live experiences better, immersive audio will become more common. In the coming years, we will see more use of AI to process the audio and assist in executing live shows. Many high-end PA providers, such as D&B, L-Acoustics, Meyer Sound and others, already have immersive PA solutions – and sound processors and wireless transmitters with geopositioning have since been announced. Incorporating these new technologies into live performances will enable unique experiences which were previously only available in formats like cinemas or more advanced home video settings. AI will create surprising and impressive audio experiences that have not even been thought about yet.
hat trends can we expect to see in the sector this year? Andy Rigler At a high level, I see scope for more consolidation in the industry, be
The revenue coming from live performances will continue to be of high importance for artists, which will further drive the need for the highest-quality audio-visual tech”
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