NAB 2026 Audio Technology Roundup: Immersive Sound Goes Mainstream
From object-based audio to AI-powered mixing tools, NAB 2026 confirmed that immersive audio has crossed the threshold from emerging technology to broadcast standard.
Audio Technology Editor
NAB 2026 delivered a clear verdict on the state of immersive audio in broadcast: it's no longer a premium option reserved for the most ambitious productions. Object-based audio, Dolby Atmos, and MPEG-H Audio are now mainstream technologies that broadcasters of all sizes are implementing across their operations.
Object-Based Audio Comes of Age
The most significant development in broadcast audio at NAB 2026 is the maturation of object-based audio workflows. What was once a complex, expensive technology requiring specialized expertise is now accessible to a much broader range of broadcasters, thanks to improved tools, better integration with existing workflows, and a growing ecosystem of compatible equipment.
Multiple vendors at the show demonstrated complete object-based audio production chains, from capture through mixing to delivery, that can be implemented without the specialized expertise that was previously required. This democratization of object-based audio is expected to accelerate adoption significantly over the next 12-18 months.
AI-Powered Audio Tools
Artificial intelligence is making significant inroads into broadcast audio production, with several vendors demonstrating AI-powered tools that can automate aspects of the mixing process that previously required skilled human operators. Automatic dialogue enhancement, AI-driven noise reduction, and intelligent loudness management are among the capabilities being demonstrated.
These tools are not designed to replace skilled audio engineers, but rather to handle the routine, repetitive aspects of audio production, freeing engineers to focus on the creative decisions that require human judgment and expertise.
Spatial Audio for Sports
Sports broadcasting is emerging as one of the most compelling use cases for immersive audio. Several major sports broadcasters demonstrated immersive audio productions at NAB 2026, showcasing how spatial audio can dramatically enhance the viewer experience for live sports events.
Tags