ADCx Copenhagen 2026

Human-Centered Approaches to Audio Development

ADCx Copenhagen 2026 takes place at Aalborg University's Copenhagen campus on April 28, 2026. Created by engineers and researchers across the Danish audio and software space in collaboration with the international Audio Developer Conference network, it is a focused technical meeting point for everyone working with digital audio technology.

This first edition puts a strong emphasis on human-centered approaches to audio software development.

Our speakers will explore both the algorithms themselves - real-time raytraced acoustics, neural voice effects, polyBLEP anti-aliasing, granular synthesis - as well as everything that has to be built around them: visual and interaction design, distribution, patent strategy, and the collaborative infrastructure that connects audio developers to the people they build for - and to each other.

Implementation-wise, the program spans a wide range of technologies - from traditional workhorses like C++ with JUCE, to Rust with Tauri, Pharo Smalltalk, Web Audio, and Max/MSP, as well as hardware platforms such as ESP32 and FPGA - a reminder of just how diverse the audio technology landscape has become.

Underneath all of this runs a single conviction: DSP and algorithms are where audio software starts, but for it to matter to the people who use it, it has to extend further - into design, accessibility, ethics, craft, and community. A human-centered approach can take many forms: software inspired by human musical practice, tools designed with end users in mind rather than around them, interfaces that invite play rather than demand expertise, granular instruments built around the performer's attention rather than parameter exposure, plug-in GUIs treated as the first three seconds of a musical encounter, or community protocols built natively into the tools people already use. The keynote - Designing Musical Interactions through Performance-led Inquiry and Accessibility - anchors this direction by drawing on co-creation with disabled artists and makers, proposing the body itself as both interface and site of knowledge.

Throughout the day, there will also be opportunities for networking, a guided visit of AAU's Wave Field Synthesis Lab, and a dedicated Q&A session with the JUCE Team.

Evening event

But wait! There's more...

After the talks, we continue the discussions at a local wine bar within walking distance of the venue. Dinner, drinks, informal demos, music, and plenty of time to actually talk to people.

The evening is meant to be fun and more than a standard conference dinner. If you'd like to contribute a short demo, performance, or other fun stuff, get in touch.

Separate ticket required: Dinner party tickets here!

Note on ticket prices
Indie/Academia tickets are reserved for attendees in organizations with 3 or fewer members and for full-time researchers/educators at academic institutions.
Student tickets are reserved for full-time students with a valid student identity card.