Pro Audio Trends 2025: The Good, The Smart, and The Acoustically Ugly

As we continue to barrel through 2025 (how is it the middle of August already?!?), I wanted to take a second to look at some of the trends that are shaping pro audio in our current landscape. We are seeing a steady march of technological breakthroughs – particularly in the conferencing space – which make our lives as audio professionals easier and our solutions more effective. However, as they say – physics is physics – and the spaces in which we are having to implement these solutions are making our success harder and harder to come by.

Let’s take a look at the pro audio landscape in 2025 – the good and the not-so-good.

All 1s and 0s – Networked Audio

In my opinion, we can declare the networked audio wars over, and Dante has emerged the victor (for better or for worse). Although many networked audio protocols still exist and see limited, niche use (AVB, I’m looking in your direction…), Dante now sees the most widespread use and adoption across the pro audio industry. Dante has become so popular and inexpensive that we are now seeing it at almost every price point – from budget mixers to entry-level speakers, and even some in the consumer audio world.

Networked audio is such a revolution that it deserves its own blog post, but put simply, it maximizes installation convenience and flexibility by routing all audio channels through a digital, networked backbone of Cat cables and network switches. For example, an event that used to require 32 individual input cables run from the front to the back of the room can now be handled by one Cat6 cable.

Not only is networked audio convenient, but it is also incredibly flexible. Routing one input to multiple outputs can now be done with a few mouse clicks. Changes can be made on the fly without even having to touch a physical cable.

Will Dante be the ultimate networked audio solution into the future? Due to its channel count limitations, likely not. But for now, its ease of use, flexibility, widespread adoption, and low cost, Dante is the go-to solution for 2025 and at least the next few years.

Audio-Technica beamforming ceiling micCeiling and Wall Microphone Arrays

We all work in the conferencing space extensively these days, and most of these spaces have the same needs: effective and professional-sounding audio which is as aesthetically unobtrusive as possible. Into this breech have stepped most of the major audio manufacturers – Shure, Yamaha, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica – with ceiling- or wall-mounted beamforming array microphones.

The amount of choices here is dizzying, but the technology in all of them is similar. They use sophisticated beamforming algorithms to isolate individual speakers, suppress background noise, and automatically adjust pickup patterns based on who is talking. Typically these are mounted on the ceiling, which eliminates the paper-shuffling noise of a table microphone, and the inconvenience and limited durability of gooseneck microphones.

Are beamforming microphones the correct solution for all conference rooms? Of course not. Most are limited to a maximum 25’x25’ coverage area, and audio at the edges of these coverage zones can sound thin. Locating microphones as close as possible to the speaker is always best practice, and some room configurations may not lend themselves to a ceiling mic array. Beamforming mics can also tend to be on the expensive side, so some situations may be better served by a more traditional solution.

The Challenge: Did Architects Forget About Sound?

modern conference roomFinally, for the trend that is assuredly NOT one that I hope sticks around, is the continued assault on acoustics that is modern conference room design. The aesthetics of modern conference room design seem to be engineered to be in direct opposition to what makes a room sound good.

Take a look at pretty much any conference room designed in the last 5-8 years: floor-to-ceiling glass walls and polished concrete floors that reflect every minute sound, exposed HVAC duct work that creates a continuous low-frequency rumble, open, cavernous ceiling spaces – it’s a miracle that we can hear anything intelligible in these spaces.

Although current mic and DSP technology can work miracles to overcome some of these challenges, the frustrating part of this is that with proper acoustic design choices, we wouldn’t need as many of these work-arounds. We are spending thousands of dollars on sophisticated signal processing to compensate for poor design choices.

These trends tend to come and go, so my fingers are firmly crossed that the open-ceiling, glass wall, concrete floor trends of this era go away – and quickly!

Wrapping Up

The professional audio industry has always been about solving problems and making communication clearer. We are seeing the promise of networked audio and advanced processing in action on a daily basis to make projects successful.

The future of pro audio is networked, intelligent, and unfortunately, still dealing with some questionable architectural choices.

If you need help finding the right technology for your next project, or have a difficult audio problem that needs solving, reach out to the audio team at Almo ProAV at [email protected]!

Audio enthusiast? Check out “Visiting the JBL Experience Center“.
John Rossman - headshot-frame

About the Author

John Rossman | CTS

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Harman ProfessionalAKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

AV Ecosystems: Because ‘Just Plug It In’ Never Works Out That Way

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me “We just need a screen and maybe a speaker,” I could retire early and start an LED ministry on the beach. Let’s be honest. AV is not a bunch of parts you slap on a quote to check a box. It’s an ecosystem. Everything has to work together or nothing works at all. When you get it right, the tech fades into the background and the experience takes the lead.

Here’s a real one from a client in Raleigh. High-end financial firm, fancy chairs, gorgeous space, zero tech harmony. Meetings were starting late, execs were sharing content through personal hotspots, and the poor IT guy was one coffee away from quitting.

We stepped in and flipped the script.

We gave them a Sony Pro BRAVIA 98 inch display that actually made spreadsheets look exciting. Dropped in an AVer CAM570 with smart AI framing so no one had to babysit the camera. Ran Legrand Wiremold cable management to keep the conference table looking sharp. Deployed a Netgear M4250 AV Line switch to handle bandwidth like a pro. Then added a Nureva HDL410 audio system that made the whole room sound like everyone had a mic, even the quiet ones in the back. Everything was integrated clean with Chief and Middle Atlantic gear.

Now their meetings start on time, nobody’s crawling under the table with a USB-C adapter, and the CEO stopped cursing during video calls. Progress.

Let’s hop down to Myrtle Beach. A boutique hotel wanted to upgrade their banquet space. They do weddings on Saturdays and corporate meetings Monday through Friday. One mic system wasn’t cutting it and the projector looked like it came from a garage sale.

We gave them an LG 136 inch All-in-One LED that stole the show. Installed a Shure MXA910 ceiling mic that catches every “I do” and every quarterly forecast. Added an Absenicon display in the lobby running BrightSign XT5 for customized welcome messages and event branding. Listen Technologies handled their ADA audio compliance. And they’re running everything off Atlona’s Velocity platform. It’s simple enough for the front desk to use, but powerful enough for back-to-back events.

Now they’re booking more events, charging more per room, and the tech just works. Imagine that.

Down in Guatemala City, a university needed hybrid learning across multiple classrooms. What they had was a mess. Different brands in every room, spotty audio, and teachers wasting half their class time setting up.

We standardized the setup. Epson PowerLite projectors. Sharp interactive displays. PTZOptics cameras with AI-powered tracking so teachers can walk and teach without losing the shot. BrightSign controls their content campus-wide. Netgear handles the network backbone. One ecosystem, one support path, one happy IT team.

And let’s talk about AI. If your system isn’t leveraging AI today, you’re already behind. From auto-framing cameras to predictive audio leveling, AI is the new teammate in the room. It doesn’t just make things smarter. It makes things smoother. Faster. Simpler. That’s the real win.

The truth is, when AV is done right, people don’t talk about the tech. They talk about how great the space feels. That’s the goal. And we get there by building real ecosystems, not tech Frankensteins.

So whether you’re designing a boardroom in Raleigh, a venue in Myrtle Beach, or a classroom in Bogotá, stop cobbling. Start connecting.

You bring the vision. We’ll bring the brands and the brains to make it all work.

Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

Why Your Church Clients Struggle with Sound – and How You Can Help

Have you ever walked into a worship service and the sound was bad? You’re not alone. “Sound” in and of itself isn’t bad. It’s a combination of musicians, instruments, sound equipment, acoustics and whoever has been tasked with mixing the sound.

That’s a lot of things in the sound pathway to the listeners and with an amazing number of variables in each step.

I’ve been involved in church sound for almost four decades and historically, at least for me, my main struggles don’t normally involve the musicians or their instruments.

That leaves the sound equipment, acoustics and the sound person – and fixing any of these can be costly.

The Sound Equipment:

The cost of sound equipment, especially for small or struggling congregations, can be a challenge. Complicating that – and often setting unrealistic expectations – is equipment that can be found cheaply online. It’s often an off-brand name sporting ridiculously low prices. (A hint here: If it says, “Professional” in the name or description, it usually isn’t, and that applies to many more things than sound gear.)

When an equipment upgrade or renovation is evident, the research usually starts with an online post that begins with, “What can I get for $xx?” If the cost and not the application is always paramount, you’re probably headed down the path of substandard, throwaway and unsupported equipment with a side dish of questionable sound quality.

I get it. Dollars can be hard to come by. I faced it every time I needed equipment for the sound business I used to run. However, I never once regretted putting off a purchase so I could afford better equipment the first time. I did -multiple times -regret buying the ever-so-popular inexpensive substitutes because it was “all I could afford”.

The Room:

The big questions here are, “Is this room suitable for the particular worship style and can the spoken word be heard intelligibly?”

This quote is from Jun Lim, an AV Designer and Instructor in the Philippines:
“No matter how excellent an audio system is, it cannot surpass the limitations imposed by the acoustic environment.”

Read that again and take it in. That quote is worth plastering everywhere.

The late John Murray said, “Once the sound leaves the loudspeakers, it’s out in the wild.”

They are both saying the same thing. The room matters. If the room sucks, the sound is going to suck. If you’re wanting a contemporary worship style in a cathedral that was designed for Gregorian chants, it’s not going to work. The reverse is true as well – Gregorian chants won’t work in a drywall box.

Sadly, acoustical analysis and treatment is the most oft-neglected aspect in all of Pro AV – including House of Worship (HoW). It seems easier to justify purchasing a loudspeaker or a screen because you can better see that tangible asset. Where did the congregation’s money go? You can see it hanging right there!

Spending money on acoustical analysis and treatment can sometimes be a harder sell as sometimes we think technology can fix everything. If we adhere to that mentality, we end up in a constant cycle of buying the latest, greatest most updatest mic, console, loudspeaker, processor, etc. while never addressing the core problem: the acoustic environment.

It’s also amazing how well you can make lower-end equipment sound in a good room.

The Sound Person:

The Tech Team (if you’re fortunate enough to have a team) is usually all volunteer and not often a sound professional. They only get to practice their craft about eight hours a month if they’re the only one doing it and if that’s the only band and room they know, it’s hard to develop increasing skills. Sadly, without proper training, learning may only come through tribal knowledge, and misconceptions about how to run sound and how to tune a sound system run rampant.

Where to Spend the Congregants’ Money:
Dollars are not unlimited so you will need to make choices. My recommendation is to forget the gear and first consider the acoustic environment. Ask the question, “Is this room properly suited for what we are trying to accomplish?” If not, fix it. After the room is fixed, consider equipment but not until then.

While I can buy wireless microphones online for as little as $25.00 per channel, don’t let temptation get the best of you. You should know better. While a budget wireless system might run you a bit over $300.00 per channel, consider for around $500.00 the increased sound quality of a hardwired mic by the same well-known microphone manufacturer as an alternative. (Who would not want to sing into a Shure KSM or a Sennheiser MD 431 II?)

The same philosophy should be used for every aspect of your sound system. What’s popular may not always be the best. Upgrades and replacements may have to be done over time. Another overlooked practice is the establishment of a budget for maintenance and upgrades.

It’s also probably going to be more expensive than you think.

How Can Almo Pro AV help?

We are here to assist integrators in a variety of ways when needed. We can cover it all, from contacts for acoustical treatments and recommendations to full-blown paid engineering services through our LinkLab services division.

Your Almo salesperson can provide direction and can loop in any of us on the audio or product teams as needed. We carry well-known, reputable and respected brands like JBL, Crown, Electro-Voice, Dynacord, Bose Professional, Sennheiser, Shure, Audio-Technica, Ashly, LEA Professional, Allen & Heath and many, many more.

Need audio training? Synergetic Audio Concepts has the best online technical training on the planet. Need more than the technical skills, check out Curt Taipale’s Church Sound Check.

Tom Kehr
About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

Smart Signage, Real Strategy: What AV Pros Should Be Pitching

Let’s talk about digital signage, but not in the tired way. I’m not here to pitch “content on a screen” and call it a day. This is about real strategy, real control, and solutions that actually scale. The industry’s evolving, and as CTS-certified AV pros, we need to lead with options that aren’t just flashy. They need to be functional, intuitive, and built to handle the chaos behind the curtain.

Now, if you haven’t looked into Autora, it’s time. It’s our own platform and yes, I’m biased, but also right. It’s been flying under the radar, and that’s exactly why it’s such a smart play. Autora DSM is clean, cloud-native, and built for teams who want control without needing an IT translator every time they schedule a slide. The platform recently powered a full digital signage rollout across Texas A&M University. We’re talking hundreds of displays across campuses with centralized scheduling, emergency override capability, and branded content templates that even non-designers can update without breaking something. It’s signage that respects both the tech and the people using it. The feedback has been strong. IT teams love it. End users adopt it. Everyone wins.

Now for the usual suspects.

BrightSign is still the MVP when you want a rock-solid player that just gets it done. A retail chain in Puerto Rico used BrightSign players triggered by motion sensors for in-store promos. Ads played when customers reached for a product. No extra clicks, no wasted airtime, just smart, reactive content that helped move inventory.

Carousel deserves a nod too, especially when design flexibility matters. One municipality used it to manage content across multiple public buildings and gave each department the ability to manage its own screens. It kept things decentralized without going rogue, and the admin team didn’t need to babysit anyone through the process.

When you need to impress, tvONE steps in. We used CORIOmaster for a luxury hotel video wall that needed multiple inputs, layout changes, and scheduled zones without losing quality or giving the tech team a heart attack. No fuss, no delays, just a stunning lobby experience that made a serious first impression.

And of course, behind every great signage setup is clean distribution.

That’s where Atlona and WyreStorm come in. A client in Brazil needed signage throughout their HQ along with meeting room scheduling and VC integration. We tied everything together with WyreStorm handling signage feeds and Atlona managing signal control across the rooms. It worked, looked good, and stayed future-proof.

Here’s the takeaway.

Digital signage isn’t a “nice to have” anymore. It’s a key part of AV ecosystems. If you’re not leading with flexible, scalable options, someone else will. Autora DSM gives us a major advantage in that conversation and it’s the one I’m bringing to the front of the line.

Let me know if you want to dive deeper or see how these platforms play in real-world installs. I’ve got examples, and I’ve got time.

Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

Golfing In All Climates: A Closer Look at Golf Simulation Technology

My interest was recently sparked at a family event back in January. My daughter-in-law threw my son a surprise “for-tee” (get it — 40!) birthday celebration at local venue here in Florida. The space was perfect for our group of about 20 guests, and the theme couldn’t have been more fitting for his big 4-0!

This is the ultimate “Cheesy Proud Mom embarrasses her kid” opportunity – and I’m taking full advantage! Happy 40th, Rick Greene! Mom loves you! Haha. Thank you all for letting me have that moment.

Now, back to the story. We arrived early to set up the decorations, which gave me the chance to see the existing patrons enjoying the venue’s golf simulators. I was amazed – many people brought their own clubs! Some were there for a casual night out, while others were clearly focused on improving specific aspects of their game. The vibe was laid-back and fun, complete with drinks from a bar area.

That special evening piqued my curiosity, so I decided to dig deeper and learn how this emerging market is leveraging our Pro AV tools. From event spaces to private homes, golf simulators are rapidly gaining popularity. Let’s explore the benefits of golf simulators and how this technology is transforming the way we learn and play the game.

The Rising Popularity of Golf Simulators

The market size of golf simulators was approximately 1.7 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach nearly 1.9 billion in 2025, as detailed in this report.

Additionally, the National Golf Foundation reported that 6.2 million Americans used golf simulators from 2022-2023, with pre-pandemic levels just under 4 million.

golf simulation PanasonicHow Do Golf Simulators Work?

A golf simulator is comprised of a screen or net, along with analytic software and usually short throw projector. The golfer can project the visuals on a screen designed to withstand the impact of a golf ball or view the data on a separate display.

The Benefits

Year-Round Golfing: Since most golf simulators are installed inside, this technology allows users to golf throughout the year – no matter the weather conditions. The outdoor golf seasons traditional occurs from the spring through the fall, so users can practice their hobby throughout the year with the help of these indoor simulators.

At-Home Practice: Along with year-round golfing, golf simulators provide golfers with the opportunity to practice their skills at home, rather than commuting to a golf course or driving range. Plus, golf simulators are an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment in the comfort of their own home.

Additional Info: Golf simulators are an excellent choice for golfers looking to improve their swing. There are a variety of golf simulator programs to choose from, each with an assortment of statistics and various courses designed to help users enhance their skills. Including information about speed, club path, face angle, and more, using golf simulator software is an efficient way for users to analyze data and make adjustments.

Applications

Residential Spaces: For those looking to dedicate their time to practice, golf simulators are a common choice for a user to install within their home. It’s definitely a new expansion on the man cave or fun family experience.

Restaurants and Event Spaces: Although many golfers use the technology as a method of improving their swing, golf simulators are growing in popularity in bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Why? It’s like Axe Throwing or Escape Rooms it’s a new experience that everyone wants to get out to do.

Cruise Ships: Golf simulators are an up-and-coming source of entertainment for cruise guests, as the technology provides a relaxed, fun-filled environment for practicing golf while on vacation. It’s used to be shooting golf balls off the back of the boat which, ummm not’s so good for the environment they can now offer a new fun activity to appeal to the first timer golfer or the seasoned enthusiast.

Transforming How Golfers Learn

In fact, simulation technology is used in a variety of training applications, allowing for a safer environment with greater accessibility and repeatability.

This subject is detailed in a recent article from Panasonic Connect, which explains the benefits of simulation technology for pilots in training. As the demand for pilots has grown since the pandemic, the airlines used flight simulation technology as a method of training the new generation.
Along with creating a safer environment for those in flight training, simulation technology eliminates the worry of poor weather and facilitates a more consistent, reliable schedule for practice. This same appeal applies to golf simulators as well, ensuring that golfers can practice their skills at any time.

Learn more about the benefits of simulation technology and its impact on our learning process: 3 Ways Simulation Technology Revolutionizes the Way People Learn Panasonic North America – United States.

PT-VMZ6STU7An Ideal Staple of a Golf Simulator Setup

Designed to reduce shadows and enhance flexibility, the PTVMZ6ST LCD Projector series from Panasonic is an innovative staple of a golf simulator setup. With stress-free installation, clear projection, and eco-friendly construction, the series prioritizes bright and efficient performance. Explore the series here.

Golf simulation locations are popping up all over the country. Take a look around your area – you might be surprised at how many have opened up nearby.

These venues need projectors, screens, audio systems, and displays – and that’s where you come in. From immersive visuals inside the simulation bays to engaging AV setups throughout the space, there’s a growing demand for the tools you provide.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or just want to practice your swing or plan a fun date night, check out a local golf simulator near you.

For more information on golf simulation technology, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

The Next Big Shift in Wearables: Electrophoretic Clothing Could Change Everything

display 80'sDisplays and Fashion Have Evolved

From dynamic displays to real-time health data, your clothes are about to become the smartest thing in your closet. Here’s what you need to know about the tech that’s turning fashion into function.

display fabricWhat Is Electrophoretic Flexible Clothing?

This emerging tech integrates electrophoretic displays (think Kindle screens) into flexible fabrics. These displays change color and pattern by manipulating micro-pigments in response to electrical charges—all while being thin, energy-efficient, and now, bendable enough to wear. It’s the start of dynamic, programmable fashion with real-world impact.

Electrophoretic Clothing Digital Marketing Applications

Advertising That Walks

Electrophoretic flexible clothing opens an entirely new ad channel—one that moves through crowds, adapts in real-time, and interacts on a human level.

Here’s how this technology could shift digital advertising:

signage on clothingReal-Time Updates
Just like online banners, the content on clothing can be scheduled or triggered—weather-based, event-based, or trend-reactive. This creates ultra-dynamic messaging with zero physical reprint costs.

Influencer Marketing, Leveled Up
Brand ambassadors can display live campaigns as they walk through events, festivals, or high-footfall zones. One piece of smart clothing could carry multiple brands in a single day.

Interactive Content
When paired with smartphones or AR, viewers could scan or tap to interact with the display—think discounts, QR codes, or even polls displayed right on someone’s back.

In addition to the benefits of wearing digital marketing it can revolutionize healthcare.

Electrophoretic Clothing Healthcare Applications

health monitoringPatient Monitoring
Hospitals could use display-embedded gowns that show vitals or medication reminders.

Home Health & Elder Care
Smart clothing could display biometric data for remote caregivers—heart rate, hydration, or movement warnings.

Mental Health
Color-shifting garments might visually reflect mood or stress levels using biometric input, helping wearers self-monitor or communicate nonverbally.

Electrophoretic clothing future potential has unlimited possibilities and can become a substantial new tech. But like all breakthrough tech, electrophoretic clothing has some caveats that need “ironed out”.

Power Needs
Displays are low-power, but still need energy. Will we be charging jackets like phones? Possibly—though future iterations may solve this with body heat or kinetic energy harvesting.

Privacy & Hacking
Connected clothes open the door to new vulnerabilities—tracking, spoofing, or unauthorized display changes. Security will need to be built into the fabric, literally.

E-Waste Concerns
Even as they reduce textile use, e-textiles bring electronic waste challenges. Recycling flexible circuitry and displays is still an open issue.

Final Thoughts: Style Meets Silicon

Electrophoretic flexible clothing is more than fashion—it’s infrastructure for the body. It can inform, advertise, express, protect, and connect—all while being wearable, sustainable, and stunning.

Whether you’re syncing it to your smartphone, monitoring a patient’s vitals, or streaming a campaign message across your chest, this technology offers a powerful promise: that what we wear can finally keep up with how we live.

Oshiana Lindsley

About the Author

Oshiana Lindsley​​​​​​ | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sony

Want to know more about innovative LED technologies?
Check out this blog, “How Transparent LED Film is Revolutionizing Display Technology“.

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