Welcome!

Compared to the more sedate European shows held in the spring, the fall Audio Engineering Society conventions on this side of the pond r–o–c–k! True, it's hard to find fault with shows that require attendance in locales such as Amsterdam or Paris, but the Euro version is smaller and more broadcast-oriented. The USA conventions — such as this month's 113th AES in Los Angeles — are hipper, and feature a younger audience, better parties, fewer suits on the show floor and, best of all, a whole lotta exhibition going on.

To be sure, the economy ain't what it was three or four years ago, but it has significantly improved from over a year ago. As one possible indicator, the increased number of companies offering new products on this year's AES show floor is a portent of better times ahead. To give you a preview of some of those debuts, this 2002 AES New Products Guide contains more than 300 products that were announced (or started shipping) at AES 2002 or in the months just prior to the show.

Product launches tend to run in cycles. At last year's AES, the thrust seemed to be on high-performance analog recording products and mic preamps. At this year's, consoles have returned to the center stage, with new live boards from Allen & Heath, Audient, Cadac, Digico, Soundcraft and Yamaha. Upgrades that expand the capacity or feature sets of existing recording mixers have been announced by AMS Neve, Euphonix, SSL, Sony and Studer, while consoles catering to the expanding digital broadcast and post markets include new models from AMS Neve, Calrec, Euphonix, Harrison, SSL, Otari and Soundtracs. Subsets of the main console market are also strong: There are new high-end DJ mixers from Crest, Peavey and Rane; and new compact, DC-powered location ENG/EFP units from Kamesan, Sony and Sound Devices.

As in past years, microphones continue to be an area of considerable interest, with this AES expecting more than two dozen new mic debuts in every variety: large- and small-diaphragm, tube and FET, condensers, dynamics and ribbon models.

We hope this guide gives you a peek at some of what AES has to offer. Complete manufacturer contact information is included with the product listings so that you can visit company Websites or call for more detailed information. And whether or not you made it to the show, look for expanded coverage of AES highlights at www.mixonline.com and in the November issue of Mix.

—The editors of Mix