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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for the loudspeaker industry. Covering Audio and Video technology for more than 30 years - Broadcast, Film, Computer Graphics, and Music - as founder and editor of several leading publications in Portuguese and Spanish languages, (he's also fluent in French!), he benefits from a broad and rich perspective of those sectors and its multiple verticals. Marketing and Communication Specialist working at the intersection of media and technology for over three decades, Joao Martins started as a musician and studied visual arts and cinema before founding its own (short-lived) advertising agency. After a career in marketing and sales in film, television, radio and pro audio systems, transitioned full time to magazine publishing, founding new

All items written by Joao Martins
Driven by Function: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Wireless Powered Speakers
May 5, 2017 by Joao Martins

Driven by Function: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Wireless Powered Speakers

Recently introduced at AXPONA 2017, the new Vanatoo Transparent Zero active speakers ($299.00 /pair) have caused quite a stir at the Chicago show. Not only for the extremely affordable price but for its "convincing punch, far out of its weight class," as audioXpress author Stuart Yaniger noted. Assuming a daring approach to their designs, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero active speakers feature built-in analog and digital inputs, Bluetooth wireless with aptX and USB, providing a convincing all-in-one solution.
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CEntrance Announces BlueDAC Wired and Wireless Portable DAC/Amp
April 27, 2017 by Joao Martins

CEntrance Announces BlueDAC Wired and Wireless Portable DAC/Amp

Promoted on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, the new BlueDAC by CEntrance combines the top-notch audio quality audio that the company is known for, in a portable device ideal for smartphone users looking for the most convenient and complete, wired or wireless, personal audio solution. Promoted as CEntrance's most advanced portable DAC/Amp, the battery-powered BlueDAC surpassed the campaign goal after just one day and will now benefit from new stretch goals.
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Beyma Rocks Prolight+Sound 2017 with New 18LEX1600Nd High Performance Subwoofer and Complete Range of New Drivers
April 12, 2017 by Joao Martins

Beyma Rocks Prolight+Sound 2017 with New 18LEX1600Nd High Performance Subwoofer and Complete Range of New Drivers

Spanish renowned pro audio transducer manufacturer Acustica Beyma introduced several new products at this year's Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt, including new high performance subwoofers, woofers and full range drivers as well as new compact compression drivers. The company literally rocked the show with the introduction of its new 18LEX1600Nd 18" subwoofer, celebrated in big style with a live performance featuring Beyma's own rock band!
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Hypex Electronics Introduces New NCAS500MP Active Speaker Amplifier Module
April 12, 2017 by Joao Martins

Hypex Electronics Introduces New NCAS500MP Active Speaker Amplifier Module

Dutch power amplifier and DSP specialist Hypex Electronics has been updating its vast product range at such an impressive pace that's hard to keep track. Among the many new modules in its Class D NCore amplifier range, Hypex introduced the new NCAS500MP module, high efficiency two-channel (400W and 100Wrms at 4 Ohm) solution for active speakers. This module will be soon joined by the new NCAS1000MP with two 800Wrms and 200Wrms channels.
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Focal Professional Introduces Shape Monitor Series
April 12, 2017 by Joao Martins

Focal Professional Introduces Shape Monitor Series

Surprising visitors at Musikmesse 2017, French manufacturer Focal introduced a completely new monitor series as part of its expanding Focal Professional catalogue. Comprising three progressive sized nearfield monitors - Shape 40, Shape 50 and Shape 65 - the series is placed above the affordable CMS and Alpha series, introducing interesting component and design choices, including passive radiators, in the best tradition of its SM series monitors.
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Bluetooth 5 Audio Update - An Interview with Mark Powell, Executive Director, Bluetooth SIG
March 23, 2017 by Joao Martins

Bluetooth 5 Audio Update - An Interview with Mark Powell, Executive Director, Bluetooth SIG

Ahead of the Bluetooth World 2017 meeting (March 28-29 2017), which will bring together more than 1,000 developers, executives, and start-ups on a busy exhibition floor to promote Bluetooth development and applications, we thought it would be appropriate to share part of the interview we had with Mark Powell, Executive Director, Bluetooth SIG, at CES 2017, where we discussed the Bluetooth 5 roadmap.
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Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Adopts AS Acoustic Shell from JOCAVI Acoustic Panels
March 23, 2017 by Joao Martins

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Adopts AS Acoustic Shell from JOCAVI Acoustic Panels

Highly specialized acoustic shells designed by Portuguese company JOCAVI Acoustic Panels have been commissioned for use by the prestigious Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered in a recent concert of Beethoven's Eroica in the historical Republic Hall, part of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. The WoodFoil Acoustic Shell portable panels have dramatically improved sound diffusion during the performance with results praised by the orchestra and the public.
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Gracenote Unveils New Much-Improved Connected Music Metadata Databases
February 24, 2017 by Joao Martins

Gracenote Unveils New Much-Improved Connected Music Metadata Databases

As previewed at CES 2017, Gracenote, now a Nielsen company, announced its new generation of advanced connected metadata databases to enable new possibilities in search and discovery of digital entertainment across platforms and services. Spanning Video, Music and Sports, the all-new connected databases enable services like Apple Music, Tidal and Deezer with a whole new range of possibilities, including advanced audio personalization.
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Relaunch of Legendary Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Tube Amplifier Scheduled for Spring 2017
February 21, 2017 by Joao Martins

Relaunch of Legendary Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Tube Amplifier Scheduled for Spring 2017

Following a preview at the 2016 High End show, in Munich, the relaunch of the Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 tube amplifier is now confirmed for Spring 2017, with the official launch already scheduled for High End 2017. Since acquiring the legendary brands Hafler and Dynaco in earlier 2014, Radial Engineering has been carefully working on the project, considering all the options to create a truly worthy successor of one of the most successful tube amplifiers of all times.
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Architettura Sonora - A New Territory for Speakers
February 16, 2017 by Joao Martins

Architettura Sonora - A New Territory for Speakers

Among the many audio exhibitors at ISE 2017, there were several interesting proposals in terms of speaker design for the commercial and residential integration market. One of the highlights was the presentation of a new company and brand. Architettura Sonora (AS) is part of the B&C Speakers Group, one of the most prestigious professional transducer manufacturers in the world. Now targeting, new horizons in installation sound, combining architectural materials with cutting-edge designs.
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