Explore the latest innovations and trends from the AES 2025 Convention in Long Beach through this comprehensive 48-minute video walkthrough. Discover cutting-edge audio equipment and technologies including Eric Valentine's new pulse-width modulation compressor and Undertone Audio EQ plug-in with unique "shape" control blending bell and shelf curves. Learn about Audeze's new LCD-S20 headphones designed specifically for tracking with magnetic pads and studio-friendly features. Examine the resurgence of analog tape recording with Recording The Masters, exploring how engineers are returning to real-time recording as a response to AI perfectionism and digital over-correction. Investigate Audioscape's BA-6A compressor featuring vintage tubes and transformers with modern flexibility, described as "dipping your vocals in chocolate." Review Austrian Audio's flagship microphone with innovative foamed aluminum pop filter and dual-output design for post-pattern control. Understand the philosophical shift toward human performance and collaboration in music production, emphasizing the importance of pre-production, band rehearsal, and capturing authentic moments rather than relying on post-production fixes. Gain insights into the balance between technological advancement and preserving the human element in audio engineering, with discussions on taste, feel, and creative intuition in modern music production.

Syllabus

00:00 – Welcome to the AES 2025 Convention in Long Beach
00:12 – Opening keynote reflections and first impressions
00:21 – Panel highlights with Shelby Logan Warne, Marc Daniel Nelson, Eric Boulanger, and Stefan Brown
00:53 – Meeting Eric Valentine and introduction to his new compressor
01:10 – The magic of subtle dynamics and mix movement
02:00 – Eric Valentine explains his new pulse-width modulation compressor
03:20 – What makes PWM compression unique
05:00 – Demonstrating the smoothness of the compressor on vocals
07:05 – Discussion of vintage PYE inspiration and modern controls
09:37 – Eric introduces his new Undertone Audio EQ plug-in
11:02 – Unique “shape” control blending bell and shelf curves
13:39 – Adding harmonic colour and using AI for true analogue tone
15:04 – Spectrum analysis and workflow design in the new EQ
17:25 – Visiting Audeze for the new LCD-S20 headphones
18:00 – Designed for tracking with isolation and accuracy
18:38 – Magnetic pads and quick cleaning for studio use
19:25 – Visit to Recording The Masters
19:50 – Engineers returning to tape and real-time recording
20:18 – Tape as a response to AI perfectionism
21:00 – Listening to The Yes Album – “Perpetual Change” on LPR90
22:09 – Cassette duplication, Walkmans, and growing sales
23:10 – Why tape encourages human performance and collaboration
25:00 – The importance of pre-production and band rehearsal
27:00 – The difference between rehearsed and “fixed later” sessions
28:20 – The romance of live tracking and capturing the moment
29:30 – Audioscape with Chris and Marc Daniel Nelson
30:10 – Revisiting the BA-6A – the smoothest vocal and bass compressor
31:20 – Vintage tubes and transformers with modern flexibility
33:00 – “Like dipping your vocals in chocolate” – the BA-6A sound
33:50 – Austrian Audio flagship microphone reveal
34:10 – The clever foamed aluminium pop filter
35:00 – Dual-output mic design for post-pattern control
36:10 – Perfect for stereo drum miking and vocal work
37:00 – Closing thoughts: staying inspired and following your passion
40:00 – The importance of taste, feel, and human creativity