Ok here goes,
these are my show highlights in the gear category
Cranesong Avocet - Dave Hill (aside from being a cool MF) has thought this box out so well. I got a demo from him and loved everything about it. Obviously I couldn't check out the D/A section on the show floor but if the D/A section matches or beats my DAC-1 for quality I'll be purchasing one of these puppies I fear. Also heard the Phoenix plug, gotta have that too.
Chandler stuff - Again the show floor is obviously not the place to check out mic pres and eqs but this stuff sounded great to me. Definitely worth further investigation. Wade is also a very cool guy.
Princeton Digital Reverb 2016 - Man this is one sweet reverb. I spent maybe 10 minutes flicking through a cd of dry demo material (vox, acoustic gtr, kits etc.) and dialling up suitable reverbs. It is so warm sounding and intuitive to use. I loved it. I'm not sure if I could afford the hardware but I will definitely get the plug. I worry that one of the best things about it is the instant access via the knobs though. Apparently George is a fan of this box too.
Brauner VMA - I repeat myself. The show floor is no place to demo a mic of this quality but this is a serous piece. The VM1 is an amazing mic anyhow but the new "vintage" mode is super sweet. I listened on Sony cans which I know well and I can honestly say I have never ever liked the sound of my own voice as much
. Got to hang with Dirk Brauner at the Gearslutz party and his passion for mics just comes through in every word he says.
Digidesign D Control - this appears to be everything that was promised. As a hardcore PT user this unit would do so much for my workflow. It will have its critics (many of whom will never use one in real life) but for me and the way I work it would be an absolute dream come true. Unfortunately it is outside my price range, I could stretch to maybe 30k but 60k is just too much (for now at least).
GML 2032 - I had a great chat with Geoffrey from GML about this unit. It is definitely on my shopping list for later this year. GML pre and 4 Band EQ for 3k, sign me up.
As for people, highlights included
Surround workshops with Nathaniel Kunkel - I found his can do attitude very inspiring.
John Le Grou - had 2 glasses of very fine Californian wine and a great chat with John. A great guy.
Rod from Sony Oxford - I have forgotten his surname but Rod heads up the Oxford division. He demoed the Transient Modulator for me and we chatted about the other plugs which I own, he was very interested in real user feedback.
Jeffrey from GML - I met him last year in Amsterdam and he is just great fun to chat with regardless of subject matter. He also knows a thing or two about circuit design.
George - it was great to meet George again this year, however briefly. He definitely wins the prize for busiest AES attendee. I particularly enjoyed his participation in the Mic Pre discussion.
Dave, Klaus, Kerstin and Katrin from ADAM - these have got to be the coolest people in pro audio right now. Dave's enthusiasm is just infectious, Klaus is about as layed back as they get and Kerstin is just super sweet.
The Gearslutz crew - we had a dinner and drinks session for the Gearslutz crew on Monday night and attendees included Fletcher, Eve Anna, Hutch, Dave Derr, Jonathan Little, Dirk Brauner, Jules Standen, Ruphus, Alan Tomlinson, Klaus and Dave from ADAM, Shamen and a big bunch of others. I ended up leaving very late after one too many with Mick from Thermionic Labs (known as Thermionic around here) - top bloke. I had great conversations with most present especially Hutch, Jonathan Little and the ADAM dudes.
Just like last year I came home from the AES charged with ideas and full of enthusiasm for my work. I will be making the trip to San Francisco in October for my first U.S A.E.S. See you there I guess,
cheers,
Ruairi