DHD Celebrates 30th Anniversary with AI Innovations at NAB 2026

DHD marked its 30th anniversary at the NAB Show 2026 by showcasing significant advancements in its IP-based mixing and routing ecosystem. Highlighting the exhibition was the introduction of AI-based audio noise reduction for the XD3 IP core, developed in partnership with ai-coustics to eliminate background noise from field contributions. DHD also debuted the RM1 Pro, a lightweight, studio-quality desktop production unit designed for mobile news and podcasting. Complementing these hardware updates, the new Firmware 10.4 was released, introducing expanded configuration tools and specialized API libraries to enhance integration with third-party software like Bitfocus Companion and the Elgato Stream Deck.

"NAB 2026 confirmed the experience we gained in 2025 that US broadcasters have the same aspirations as their colleagues around the world to maintain their competitive edge in the fast-evolving electronic media marketplace," says Christoph Gottert, DHD international sales manager. The transition from on-air to online audience preferences has created opportunities both for traditional broadcasters and upcoming specialist networks, many of whom look to trade shows such as NAB as opportunities to talk directly with major technology suppliers. The continuing high percentage of first-time visitors to NAB reflects the show's relevance for entrepreneurs exploring new opportunities."

"NAB itself has evolved itself and its exhibitions over the years to embrace the online sector rather than try to protect the monopoly formerly limited to the USA's major commercial networks. The show is massive to the point where Las Vegas is one of the few US cities with enough resources to accommodate it."

"The key trend this year is the ongoing search for reliable, safe and secure applications of AI. Our demonstrations of AI-based audio enhancement attracted strong interest for its ability to remove distracting background noise from incoming feeds such as OB commentaries."

Developed in cooperation with ai-coustics, audio noise reduction created great interest when demonstrated as part of DHD's September 2025 IBC. It is now fully deliverable on a licence basis for new and existing XD3 modules. Processing intensity can be adjusted quickly and easily at a DHD mixing console or remotely. Three instances, each stereo, can be run in parallel on one XD3 core.

Also making its NAB debut, DHD's DHD's RM1 Pro is a complete studio-quality audio production system in an ultra-compact desktop unit weighing just over 2 pounds. Developed from the entry-level RM1, RM1 Pro is designed for use in remote or onsite broadcast contribution, live news production and web radio as well as podcasting. Options such as DHD remote faders allow RM1 Pro channels to be controlled from a remote DHD system or vice versa via a secure IP link.

DHD Firmware 10.4 increases the versatility of DHD audio systems by adding three new configuration tools: Flex Channels, Mic Preamp Control and Channel Categories. Also added are four API-related features: a new control API for DHD AES67 interfaces; a Bitfocus Companion plug-in for the Elgato Stream Deck; a TypeScript Library for DHD Control API on the cores which provides a function set for the integration of DHD control APIs with third-party software; a Go Library for easy integration of DHD Control API in 3rd party software.

"Last but not least, we introduced to the US market the DHD Routing Web App," Christoph Gottert adds. "This allows incoming sources and output ports to be securely assigned, viewed and managed by a nominated operator situated locally or remotely. The Routing Web App expands our range of DHD Web Apps to six, including the Assist App, Labels App, Snapshot App, System App and Views App. Each can be activated on a license basis."

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