AES Europe 2026

Loudspeaker monitoring is the reference when audio
professionals evaluate content. Headphones are also
important quality-checking tools; and many consumers enjoy
music using “close-fitting listening devices”, as all
different flavours of headphones are known in recent
standards writing.

We discuss the two reproduction methods from perceptual,
recording and mastering perspectives; especially
differences in timbre, imaging and auditory envelopment
when listening to stereo. Applications of headphones in
recording, when setting up and trimming stereo or 3D
microphone arrays, are also practically detailed.

In the last part of the workshop, attendees are invited to
personally compare the two domains on the qualities and
applications discussed; with guided listening to audio
examples between a pair of precision nearfield monitors,
Genelec 8351B, and a pair of excellent headphones, Audeze
CRBN2.

Virtual acoustics and active acoustic systems are
increasingly used in architectural acoustics to extend the
acoustic response of performance spaces. While these
technologies have traditionally been associated with
concert halls, theaters, and multipurpose venues, their
application has recently expanded to more controlled
environments such as recording studios and music production
spaces.

This tutorial introduces the fundamental principles of
virtual acoustics implemented through active acoustic
systems, starting from their role in architectural
acoustics and room acoustics enhancement. Basic concepts
such as room impulse responses, acoustical parameters,
system architectures, and feedback control strategies are
presented at an introductory level, with emphasis on common
practices and practical limitations. The discussion then
progressively narrows to the specific case of recording
studios, where virtual acoustics are used not only to
simulate performance spaces, but also to influence musical
performance, comfort, and interaction during recording
sessions, including the use of immersive microphone
techniques.

Through practical examples and listening demonstrations
developed at the Immersive Medial Laboratory in the
Department of Music Research of McGill University, the
tutorial illustrates how different virtual acoustic
conditions can be designed and applied in studio contexts,
highlighting their perceptual effects and implications for
musicians, recording engineers, and producers. The tutorial
aims to provide attendees with a clear conceptual framework
and practical insight into how virtual acoustics and active
sound reinforcement systems can be effectively employed
across architectural and studio applications, preparing the
audience for more advanced technical discussions on these
topics.

Obsidian Neural is a novel, open-source VST3 plugin that
addresses the technical challenges of integrating
generative AI models directly into a low-latency digital
audio workstation (DAW) environment. This workshop will
provide a deep dive into the architecture designed to use
AI as a real-time performance instrument. We will cover the
C++/DSP strategies necessary for minimizing latency during
the asynchronous generation of audio loops via models like
Stable Audio Open. Crucially, we will detail the system's
ability to maintain musical coherence during a live mix,
achieved through an internal LLM "Brain" that processes
contextual session data (BPM, key, existing tracks) to
enrich generation prompts. Furthermore, we will explore the
technical solutions implemented for seamless integration
with the live mixing paradigm: quantized MIDI triggering,
multi-output routing, and the novel "Draw-to-Sound"
feature, which employs a Vision Language Model (VLM) to
translate visual input into musical parameters. This work
demonstrates a robust framework for generative AI to
function as an instantaneous, adaptable partner within
professional audio engineering workflows.

Speech intelligibility is a key factor in successful
communication across various domains, including research,
post-production for film and television, live sound
reinforcement, and audio production. Traditional assessment
methods often lack objectivity or fail to capture the
listener’s experience in real-world scenarios. In this
workshop, we introduce an innovative approach to measuring
speech intelligibility based on the concept of “Listening
Effort.” We will present the underlying technology, share
practical examples from different application areas, and
demonstrate how this method can be integrated into
workflows to optimize intelligibility. Attendees will have
the opportunity to participate in a hands-on demonstration
and discuss potential use cases relevant to their own work.
This session is designed for professionals and researchers
seeking reliable and actionable tools for evaluating and
improving speech intelligibility in diverse environments.
In this workshop, we present a new technology for measuring
speech intelligibility (“Listening Effort”). The method is
used in research, post-production (film/TV), live sound,
and audio production. The session is aimed at professionals
from both academia and industry who are interested in
objectively assessing and optimizing speech intelligibility.

Participants will be able to join a short demo/exercise and
ask questions.

Introduction & Relevance: Overview of the importance of
speech intelligibility across different fields
Technology & Methodology: Presentation of the measurement
method and underlying concepts
Practical Examples: Case studies from research,
post-production (film/TV), live sound, and production
Live Demo / Interactive Exercise: Practical demonstration
and opportunity for active participation
Discussion & Outlook: Q&A, exchange of ideas, and future
perspectives