A Look Back at the Early Days of AES
As I rummaged through an old box of vintage audio magazines and books in my office, I stumbled upon a collection of Journal of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) publications from the early 1980s. Among these, I found the July/August 1985 issue, which had a report from that year’s Anaheim AES Convention – the first AES Convention I attended. The memories of that show are still vivid, and it’s interesting to reflect on how the AES Convention has evolved over the years.
- Driving down to Anaheim, staying at a cheap hotel, and eating Mexican food
- The convention was held at the small Disneyland Hotel, with mostly small vendors and table-top booth displays
- The excitement was palpable, especially for a 21-year-old kid working his first studio gig
Those were the days when digital recording, digital reverbs, and digital delays were the buzzwords, but hard disc recording and Digidesign’s Sound Tools were still in their infancy. As a young engineer, I was thrilled to attend the convention and witness the growth of the industry. Fast forward to the present, and I’ve become an integral part of the pro audio industry, thanks to my connections and experiences.
A Reflection on NAMM and AES
When I hear people complaining about AES Convention, it’s often in comparison to the NAMM Show. They argue that NAMM has more traffic and exhibitors, but I’d argue that AES has its own unique charm. AES feels like a party at a small, knowledgeable audio dealership, whereas NAMM feels like going to Costco on a weekend.
| Advantages of AES | Free attendance, easy access to exhibits and educational events |
| Disadvantages of NAMM | Difficult to get a badge, more focused on music merchandise |
While NAMM is undeniably a great show, AES is essential for the pro audio industry. It’s where we come together to learn, share ideas, and discuss the latest trends and technologies. AES has always been more about education and standards, whereas NAMM is primarily focused on commerce.
Supporting AES Convention
I urge everyone in the pro audio industry to support AES Convention for years to come. It’s our show, our people, and our time to come together. The 1985 AES Convention had 140 exhibitors, and the 2016 AES Convention had 211 exhibitors – a healthy growth curve for a mature industry.
“I’m not into nostalgia, but I love the energy and excitement of AES. It’s where I meet up with colleagues and friends, and it’s where I discover new ideas and innovations.” – AES Convention attendee
In conclusion, I sincerely hope that we can all support AES Convention for many years to come. It’s the only time we come together as a community, and it’s essential for our growth and development. Let’s make sure to preserve the essence of AES Convention and continue to make it a vibrant and dynamic event. The AES Convention has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1980s. From a small convention with 140 exhibitors to a thriving event with 211 exhibitors, AES has proven itself to be a vital part of the pro audio industry.
Examples of AES Convention’s Growth
- 1985: 140 exhibitors
- 2016: 211 exhibitors
- 2020: 220 exhibitors
In the long term, AES Convention has demonstrated its ability to adapt and grow with the industry.
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