Las Vegas was once again the center of the media universe as the 2026 NAB Show welcomed over 58,000 attendees from 18,000+ companies worldwide. This year, the momentum was unmistakable: a 140% increase in “new media” professionals, from podcasters to content creators, amidst an established core of media professionals. With more than 1,100 exhibitors on the floor, the Dale Pro Audio team hit the ground running - scouting the latest innovations, spending valuable time with our trusted partners, and spreading the news about our newly launched Dale Integration Services.
Some of the main recurring themes we found most useful - and important:
SMPTE 2110 Is No Longer “Next”
You’ve been hearing about SMPTE 2110 for a while, and now it’s everywhere. The IP-based standard has long been positioned as the future of networked media, but at this year’s show, it felt much more like the present. From monitoring to mixing to interfaces, more and more products are shipping 2110-ready. The message across the floor was consistent: the transition is happening, and it’s picking up speed.
Wireless Is Getting More Creative
With RF spectrum continuing to tighten, manufacturers are finding smarter and more creative ways to deliver reliable wireless performance. Fiber transport is gaining traction as a way to extend coverage and improve antenna placement. At the same time, technologies like WMAS and narrowband UHF are evolving to keep up with the demands of large-scale productions. Wireless may not be getting easier, but developers are finding new ways to overcome the challenges.
Virtual Intercom: New Ways To Communicate Reliably
Related to the above, one of the most crucial demands for RF space has been under fire lately: production intercom. As RF coordination becomes more challenging, manufacturers are exploring ways to offload comms onto cellular networks. Manufacturers such as Clear-Com, IPS Systems, Pliant Technologies, and RTS introduced systems that rely on cellular signals - either through dedicated beltpacks or even your smartphone.
Sponsoring SVG Audio Roundtable
We were proud to co-sponsor the SVG Audio Forum’s roundtable session once again - our Operations Manager (and resident sports media enthusiast) Ross Lager shares his observations:
"The SVG roundtable brought together leading voices in sports audio and broadcasting to share insights from recent months. Much of the discussion centered on AC-4 and the transition to next-generation standards. While the group acknowledged expected industry hesitation, there was broad agreement that this evolution is both necessary and beneficial.
The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of C2PA and content authenticity, as well as ongoing experimentation with delivering live events in multiple languages—including sign language.
As an SVG sponsor, Dale is proud to support these discussions, which not only reflect where the industry stands today but also help shape its path forward. Despite the natural resistance that accompanies major change, the collective expertise in the room reinforced that progress is already underway and that alignment on future direction is critical.
This forum continues to provide a valuable space for these topics to be explored and understood. Regular in-person conversations remain essential to ensuring informed, forward-looking decisions across the industry".
A Few Standout Finds from the Show Floor:
- Shure partnered with Edge Sound Research on an application for the DCA901 immersive microphone, adding detailed tracking data to the mix.
- Clear-Com introduced FreeSpeak Cell, a beltpack that uses Verizon 5G/4G LTE—ideal when UHF or DECT isn’t viable.
- Tieline showcased the ViA DUO, combining commentary, IP codec, and local video output for streamlined remote production.
- RTW gave us a first in-person look at the TMxCore, bringing their powerful monitoring tools—including speech intelligibility—into a sleek, flexible system.
- Audinate expanded ST 2110-30 support within Dante Controller, simplifying routing and clocking.
- Sennheiser continues to build out Spectera, with new software that unlocks deeper control, bidirectional capabilities, and expanded system integration.
This is just a snapshot of what we saw—there was a lot to take in. For a closer look, check out our full gallery and coverage on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
In closing, Dale’s VP of Sales and Operations, Al Spinelli, reminds us that these shows are just as much about the people as the technology: “The energy and enthusiasm at this year’s NAB Show were undeniable. There’s simply no substitute for face-to-face engagement—events like NAB provide a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships with both our clients and our manufacturer partners.”
