AEQ to Showcase Forum IP Plus and Systel Max at NAB Show

Why It Matters

The launch showcases AEQ’s push toward fully IP‑driven broadcast infrastructure, giving stations a path to upgrade without overhauling existing workflows. It signals broader industry movement toward modular, network‑centric audio and communications tools.

Key Takeaways

• Forum IP Plus supports 32 mix buses and 10 N‑1 buses
• Modular engine allows up to 24 motorized faders in four‑group blocks
• Systel Max uses SIP VoIP and Dante/AES67 for non‑blocking matrix
• System integrates with IP PBXs, corporate telephony, and service providers
• Both products target scalable, IP‑centric broadcast workflows

Pulse Analysis

The broadcast sector has been accelerating its transition from legacy analog racks to network‑based audio, and AEQ’s Forum IP Plus is a timely addition to that evolution. By marrying AoIP and MADI connectivity with a modular engine that can host up to 24 motorized faders, the console provides engineers with granular control while remaining adaptable to diverse studio layouts. Its optional touchscreen and virtual control surface further reduce hardware footprints, aligning with the space‑saving demands of modern facilities.

Equally significant is the Systel Max platform, which brings VoIP and SIP protocols into the live‑broadcast arena. Its non‑blocking digital matrix, combined with Dante and AES67 support, ensures that multiple callers can be on‑air without audio degradation—a critical requirement for newsrooms and talk shows. Integration with existing IP PBXs and corporate telephony means stations can consolidate communications infrastructure, lowering operational costs and simplifying maintenance.

Presenting these products at the NAB Show underscores AEQ’s strategy to position itself among the leading providers of IP‑centric broadcast solutions. As broadcasters grapple with budget constraints and the need for remote production capabilities, scalable systems like Forum IP Plus and Systel Max offer a clear upgrade path. Competitors are also rolling out similar offerings, making the NAB showcase a bellwether for which technologies will dominate the next wave of radio and television production.