The approach to installation audio and the integration of MILAN network functions in some products were the main themes of the ISE by d&b audiotechnik’s, which confirms itself as a brand of excellence for the live world… with a look at other applications
The participation of d&b audiotechnik at ISE is never banal, and it always brings interesting news. First and foremost, the announced integration of MILAN network functionality into some key products, so that installers and customers have the option to choose between Dante and Audio Video Bridging (AVB) technology. Furthermore, a beautiful demo room allowed visitors to attend demonstration sessions of the company’s latest product ranges, with speakers both in person and online.
In Barcelona, we spoke with Alessandro Bertoni, Sales Manager Italy of d&b audiotechnik, who gave us an overall picture of the strategies and main innovations presented at the fair.
“This year” – began Alessandro – “the objective was to focus on some peculiar elements of d&b’s approach to installation, aspects that differentiate us from other manufacturers. Before the pandemic, 65% of our turnover came from products for live events, and only 35% was related to installation. During the pandemic there was a reversal, but since 2022 the mobile part has recovered and we are more or less back to before the pandemic. The objective is to equalize, or at least bring the two turnover items closer together. We would also like to launch programs to further empower integrators on less demanding installation projects. The installation business should become more continuous and independent.”
C – Do you think that d&b’s fame, which is an excellence in live performances, can be spent on installations with added value?
AB – It’s about focusing on the skills of integrators to carry forward our requests, because often end users don’t know the products, and simply describe the effects they want to create. It is system integrators who propose brands and products, and those who offer premium audio systems, like us, need to establish themselves as a preferential brand. d&b is undoubtedly less well-known for installation than other brands, but the integrator it offers us in one of its projects knows that it can count on quality. We are trying to establish a network of installation partners, at a local level, to have a group of professionals who will convincingly carry forward our requests on the market, and at the same time be able to learn from them the needs of this sector.
C – What can you tell us about the new products you will present here at ISE?
AB – There is a strong focus on the world of hospitality and catering, it is a very promising market that needs to be developed, the growth margin is very high. The world of sports facilities is also becoming important. The new products we present are EN-54 certified, and allow us to work in terms of cost optimization with systems that cover both high performance and emergency messages. Furthermore, in collaboration with L Acoustics, we are developing software for managing MILAN networks.
C – And the so-called “immersive sound”? What role does it play in your proposal?
AB – It continues to be one of the main development objectives of our strategy, even if it is a very specific application for different countries and markets. In the United States, for example, several very large churches have chosen Soundscape systems for their ability to create engagement. The traveling live applications are also interesting. Immersive sound remains one of our main focuses.
