Amplifier Series: Powersoft OEM Power Amplifier Modules

In this article in the Amplifier Series, where audioXpress explores the history, technological developments, and new generation products from some of the most innovative amplifier platform companies serving all segments of the audio industry, Ward Maas writes about Italian company Powersoft, focusing specifically on the brand’s OEM amplifier modules. This article was originally published in audioxpress, July 2019.

The PCB team of acoustic experts and mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineers shared over 35 years of their collective microphone design and manufacturing experience in this brand new microphone handbook. This technical resource is beneficial for a variety of entry level to intermediate research and design acoustic engineers. Download the free PDF version of the Microphone Handbook now.

Klippel's software dB-Lab version 210, the unified framework for R&D and QC audio testing, diagnostics and simulation, has received a free maintenance update. The update includes bug fixes and minor feature updates for released modules and beta test products like the Live Audio Analyzer (LAA). dB-Lab is a project-oriented Windows application that also features all sorts of templates for common test setups.

Swiss company u‑blox, a global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies, announced it acquired Rigado’s Bluetooth modules business in an Asset Purchase Agreement. Rigado is an Oregon-based provider of Edge‑as‑a-Service gateway solutions for Commercial IoT applications, and began offering certified wireless modules in 2015, implementing Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) SoC.

The recent return of Gibson is one of those great case-studies for any marketing professional and a story that I am certain will be taught for years in marketing schools. How to “Clean Up Your Act” and restore the value of a brand that has been on a slow-burning destructive process for decades. Gibson is a legendary company, an American icon, and possibly one of the world's most valuable brands. I mean, it is hard to accept that someone could possible break a valuable business and a valuable brand like Gibson.

An interesting research was unveiled last week by Valve, an entertainment software and gaming technology company founded in 1996 and based in Bellevue, WA. In 2016, Valve launched SteamVR, a platform for distribution of virtual reality (VR) products, which lead the company to develop its own VR headset - the Valve Index. In the development process leading to the company's new VR headset, Valve has made significant progress not only in the display, lens, and field of view aspect of VR goggles, but also on the aural side. Emily Ridgway, audio researcher at Valve Software, describes the company's take on what they call "off-ear headphones" or "ear-speakers."

Leader Electronics Corporation, a manufacturer of high-end Test and Measurement solutions established in Japan since 1954, announced it has acquired PHABRIX Ltd, a manufacturer of video and audio broadcast Test and Measurement instruments. PHABRIX has established itself as a leading manufacturer of innovative, cost effective, test and measurement instruments since it was formed in 2005. The UK-based company gain recognition with its range of solutions supporting advanced UHD video standards and hybrid IP/SDI environments.

Announced by CA Global Partners and scheduled for August 7, 2019, Peavey Electronics is clearing up a massive inventory of over 12 million USD of new and used equipment, together with all sorts of manufacturing parts for professional audio and musical instruments products, as well as machinery and large quantities of raw materials. The auction, as Peavey explains, is the result of the company's closing and consolidation of manufacturing locations in the United States.

Shown for the first time during the 2019 CanJam London Show, Rupert Neve Designs introduced Fidelice, a new product range for the high-fidelity audio market. The initial Fidelice product lineup includes the Precision Headphone Amplifier, Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier, and Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter. The Fidelice range was designed specifically as a response to the attention generated in the high-end segment by products such as the RNHP Precision Headphone Amplifier.

Røde Microphones today announced the launch and immediate shipping of the new Lavalier GO, a high-quality, professional-grade lavalier microphone designed to pair perfectly with the company's Wireless GO transmitter and most recording devices with a 3.5mm TRS microphone input. The new 4.5mm miniature lapel microphone attaches with a mounting clip and includes a foam pop filter to minimize wind noise and vocal plosives. It also features a Kevlar reinforced cable, designed to withstand the rigors of any shoot.