All items in category Magazine Articles
Advances in Measurement Microphones for Automotive Testing
by Santiago Rayes

Advances in Measurement Microphones for Automotive Testing

This article offers a timely update about the evolution of measurement microphones and the reasons for common choices for automotive measurement applications. The article also expands on current discussions about standard approaches for automotive in-cabin acoustic measurements, including the recent AES TC-AA proposed measurement techniques for automotive audio. A great overview of how measurement microphones can meet new requirements, given the emergence of new technologies, new infotainment options, improved calls, active noise cancellation, and rising consumer expectations.
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The Rise of Hybrid True Wireless Stereo Earbuds: Exploring Dual-Driver Innovations
by Mehul Kochar

The Rise of Hybrid True Wireless Stereo Earbuds: Exploring Dual-Driver Innovations

The market for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds has seen significant growth driven by advancements in technology and increasing consumer demand for high-quality audio experiences. Hybrid designs, which incorporate two types of drivers, are steadily entering the market as an option that allows OEMs to deliver superior sound quality. This article explores how different hybrid driver configurations enhance audio quality, user experience, and acoustic precision.
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Development & Design: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of an Unusually Shaped Horn
by Joerg Panzer and Patrick Macey

Development & Design: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of an Unusually Shaped Horn

In another example of cutting-edge experiments that deserve recognition, Joerg Panzer (R&D TEAM, Germany) and Patrick Macey (PACSYS, UK) detail an investigation of the sound pressure response and radiation impedance of a loudspeaker horn driven by an electro-dynamic transducer. The two authors (and creators of the respective software tools) combined measurements with simulation software using finite and boundary element methods and explored the associated issues with meshing for each method.
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Speaker Builder: Open-Baffle Subwoofer Simulation with Akabak
by George Ntanavaras

Speaker Builder: Open-Baffle Subwoofer Simulation with Akabak

Confronted with the impossibility to conduct reliable measurements in the low-frequency domain for his DIY speaker project, George Ntanavaras explores the alternative of relying solely on simulation software. To validate the design of an open-baffle subwoofer using the AKABAK software, created by German company R&D Team, he also explores the transition from measurements to simulation. His experiments contrast the near-field response measurements of his loudspeaker with the accuracy of the simulation using AKABAK.
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Book Review: Bob Cordell’s Designing Audio Circuits and Systems
by Jan Didden

Book Review: Bob Cordell’s Designing Audio Circuits and Systems

Designing Audio Circuits and Systems is a surprising effort by the author and one that deserves careful exploration. A true compendium of lessons in audio that reflects Bob Cordell’s long-standing track record of designing audio equipment as well as advanced test equipment. The vast content contained in this book makes it an essential reference for anyone designing audio circuits, including excellent “hands-on” material for anyone starting to experiment in audio electronics.
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Simulation Techniques: Double Bass Arrays
by René Christensen

Simulation Techniques: Double Bass Arrays

Although the sound field in a room at low frequencies is one of the most discussed topics, approaches to dealing with room modes are typically treated as an optimization problem, and not correctly defined. This article explores a different strategy: the so-called Double Bass Array layout, using several subwoofers placed in a pattern, on the front and rear walls. Using advanced simulation techniques in order to understand what truly happens in the resulting room mode behavior, sound pressure levels, and resonances, this article builds upon existing research (Geddes, Welti, Devantier, et al.)
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Voice Coil Focus: New Materials and Technologies for Voice Coils
by Mike Klasco

Voice Coil Focus: New Materials and Technologies for Voice Coils

In this article Mike Klasco shares his extensive knowledge about voice coils, and how this critical part of loudspeaker technology has evolved - the result of decades of walking factory floors all over the world . As noted in his introduction, "Winding some wire into a coil should be simple enough and after a century of loudspeaker manufacturing, there shouldn’t be any new surprises. But voice coil materials, process control, and topology continue to evolve and here we discuss half a dozen noteworthy new tricks."
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A2B Audio Bus: Two Alternative Power Schemes
by Brewster LaMacchia

A2B Audio Bus: Two Alternative Power Schemes

In the second article about the latest generation A2B technology from Analog Devices - expanded with the release of the AD2437 chip - Brewster LaMacchia explores the latest possibilities for audio applications in many other areas other than automotive audio. After reviewing the three generations of A2B technology, LaMacchia expands on the alternative power schemes that deserve some investigation for multichannel digital audio applications. This article was originally published in audioXpress, August 2024.
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A2B Audio Bus: Ten Years and Three Generations
by Brewster LaMacchia

A2B Audio Bus: Ten Years and Three Generations

In this article, Brewster LaMacchia explores the release of the latest A2B AD2437 chip from Analog Devices. He explains how A2B has been evolving to support many applications in home cinema, studio, stage, musical instruments and much more, with support for up to 16 nodes, transmitting 32 channels of 24-bit/48kHz digital audio and optional data with the lowest latency (50μsec) at up to 30 meters.
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Fresh From the Bench: Dayton Audio iMM-6C USB-C Calibrated Test Microphone
by Stuart Yaniger

Fresh From the Bench: Dayton Audio iMM-6C USB-C Calibrated Test Microphone

As mobile devices embrace USB-C, the options for audio measurements expand significantly, making it more reliable, universal and convenient. The Dayton Audio iMM-6C offers a calibrated condenser measurement microphone for Apple and Android tablets and smartphones at an unbelievable low price. This article was originally published in audioXpress, September 2024.
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