Loudspeaker Enclosures and Technologies. Voice Coil March 2025 is Now Available
in this issue, Mike Klasco offers a renewed perspective about speaker cabinets and enclosures. Nora Wong compiled a highly sought-after Speaker Enclosure Vendors Directory for 2025. In Part 2 of his article, Dario Cinanni concludes his exploration of the SpeakerLAB software to simulate and predict speaker efficiency. In Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the Dayton Audio Ultimax II 8-22 8" subwoofer and the very unique GAIT BGD-D72-64-4-0A1 glass diaphragm super tweeter.
Infineon Expands Support for Apple Find My Network Connected Devices
Infineon Technologies announced the availability of its Apple Find My network accessory support for the AIROC CYW20829, PSOC 63 Bluetooth microcontroller (MCU), AIROC CYW5591x Wi-Fi/BT connected MCU, and AIROC CYW5551x devices within its ModusToolbox development ecosystem. This enables developers to easily build Find My network capable Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) devices, connected to this increasingly popular application.
Outboard DSP: An Introduction
In this article, Vance Dickason explores the use of digital signal processing, and specifically Outboard DSP, an increasingly viable solution to create a complete active crossover design, contained in a programmable unit that can be delivered with multiple presets for different usage scenarios or even configured by the user, according to the system in place. This inspired Vance Dickason to begin a series of product reviews of multiple outboard DSP processors, and this article is a preamble for the project.
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Amazon Introduces Alexa+ Next Generation Voice Assistant Powered by Generative AI
Amazon unveiled its new voice assistant Alexa+, now fully enabled by artificial intelligence. This is the predictable next step to bring back voice interfaces and personal assistants, directly interfacing and powered by generative AI engines, which helps explain why Amazon called Alexa+ its new personal AI assistant. The promotion shows a more conversational and more capable natural language voice interface. Time for the audio industry to start looking again at voice front-ends and smart speakers?
Fresh From the Bench: QuantAsylum QA403 32-bit Audio Analyzer
The QuantAsylum QA403, the 4th generation audio analyzer from the company founded by Matt Taylor in 2012, has a lot to offer. In particular when a user gets tips and guidance from someone like Bob Cordell, no less. The QuantAsylum QA403 Analyzer was the result of a complete redesign imposed by the silicon shortages and supply chain disruptions, pre- and post-pandemic. It appears that the efforts made were well worth it. Jan Didden shares his impressions.
Celestion TSQ2145 and TSQ1845 Low-Frequency Pro Audio Drivers Now Available
Engineered for applications in subwoofers or as bass drivers in two- or three-way loudspeaker designs and large-format arrays for sound reinforcement, Celestion's Ten Squared (TSQ) Series launched in 2024 is now expanded with two large-sized woofers. Celestion announced the availability of both the 21" TSQ2145 and 18" TSQ1845 models of aluminum-chassis neodymium magnet low-frequency loudspeakers.
BOSS Announces Katana:Go Ultra-Compact Guitar and Bass Headphone Amp with Bluetooth
Expanding on the popularity of the existing range of Katana mini-amplifiers for guitar and bass, BOSS now launched a new ultra-compact headphone amplifier for those who want to play (and practice) using wireless headphones. The updated Katana:Go is a great amp sound emulator, paired with Bluetooth wireless music streaming and an app for sound editing, learning tools, and spatial audio from the user’s smartphone.
High End 2025 International Audio Show, May 15-18, MOC Munich
The 42nd edition of the High End will mark a milestone in the long history of the international audio trade show. The High End will take place in Munich, Germany once again before moving from the MOC to the Austria Center Vienna next year. But before that will happen, it's time to say “Welcome to Munich” once again! With every corner of the MOC Event Center sold out, the 2025 High End promises to be another major moment for the audio industry.
Edifier Announces LolliClip Open-Ear True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Edifier announced LolliClip, a bold new open-ear design that the company claims is able to offer effective adaptive active noise cancellation to block out unwanted noise. The interchangeable true wireless earbuds feature an innovative ear-clip design that enhances compatibility, providing a comfortable and secure fit. Edifier also added other premium features to the LolliClip, including spatial audio with head-tracking, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio.
Frontier Reports High Demand for its Auracast-Ready AURIA Audio Platform
Frontier is celebrating being first to market with its AURIA FS2345 module, which allowed the company to gain multiple design-ins over the past few months since its launch. Originally presented at IFA 2023, the AURIA module featuring a 5th generation Realtek Ameba SoC was launched in 2024 and allowed the company to be ahead in making available a Bluetooth LE Audio and Wi-Fi 6 module with support for Auracast.