Wherever milestones in audio technology have been laid, the AES has been intimately involved as a perennial driving force by providing the forum for new ideas to be shared and refined as the foundation for next generation products. From the introduction of the large-hole 45 rpm 7-inch record at its first Convention through the debut of surround sound (in 1953!), “Sel-Sync” overdubbing, tape-based noise reduction, the MIDI standard, and the CD and MP3, to evolving digital interconnectivity protocols such as AES10 (MADI), audio distribution by broadcast and physical media and file based distribution, and then digital streaming, the AES is where professionals join together to push boundaries ever further. That drastically compressed list highlights just a few of the milestones being constantly augmented by the AES as technology progresses. The latest areas of advancement include immersive audio technologies, audio for virtual and augmented reality, and the audio applications of artificial intelligence.
The AES provides continuity and drives innovation through local section and regional events, international conferences and conventions, and its online and searchable technical archives – the world’s most comprehensive collection of audio knowledge which includes an ever-growing E-Library housing more than 20,000 technical documents and peer-reviewed papers, the archived Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, AES Standards and Technical Documents, and hundreds of educational and inspirational videos.
The AES sets Standards and defines best practices that create a foundation for new audio technologies to take root and flourish, ensure the interoperability of equipment, improve performance and productivity for audio professionals and enhance the end-user experience. The Society’s heavy emphasis on student education promotes its mission, nurturing successive generations of audio professionals.
"The AES is most noticeably a member-led organization," says Olson. "Our Society relies on the motivation of shared interest and the benefits of group effort to draw together top audio researchers and engineers, academics, system designers, students and manufacturers. I never cease to be amazed at the fruits of our membership’s labors. Our members generously sharing their time, knowledge and experience is what’s made the AES the world’s preeminent audio organization."
In 2023 the Audio Engineering Society will continue its mission with events planned around the world throughout the year, culminating in the 155th AES International Convention in New York in October:
AES Europe 2023 Convention, being held at Aalto University, Espoo, near Helsinki, Finland, May 13 – 15.
AES Conference on Audio Archiving, Preservation and Restoration at the U.S. Library of Congress National Audiovisual Center in Culpeper, Virginia, U.S.A, June 1 – 3.
AES International Conference on Spatial and Immersive Audio at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom, August 23 – 25.
AES International Conference on Audio Education taking place at PXL-Music in Hasselt, Belgium, September 6 – 8.
AES New York 2023 Convention at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, October 25 – 27.
The Audio Engineering Society celebrates 75 years of audio excellence in 2023. Serving as the pivotal force in fostering the development and dissemination of technical information for the audio community, its members are affiliated with 90 AES professional sections and more than 120 AES student sections around the world where activities include guest speakers, technical tours, demonstrations, online events and social functions. Through Conventions, Conferences, Training and Development, Member Events and peer-reviewed Publications, as well as the Society’s vast online technical document, Standards and video resources, members experience valuable opportunities for professional networking and personal growth.
www.aes.org