Crown DCi Network Display Amplifiers go AVB

Crown Audio expanded its DriveCore Install (DCi) Series amplifier range with the introduction of its DCi Network Display 8|600ND and 4|1250ND power amplifiers, featuring front-panel status displays and AVB (Audio Video Bridging) connectivity. The new eight- and four-channel DCi Network Display amplifiers combine DriveCore technology with AVB and are compatible with Harman’s HiQnet Audio Architect system setup and control software. Both offer direct drive “constant voltage” capabilities for 70Vrms and 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up transformer.

Like many technology companies in Silicon Valley, OPPO Digital is continuously working on bringing new ideas and new products to customers. Over the past 8 years, OPPO has developed and released a series of award-winning universal DVD and Blu-ray players. But just as video has entered the Ultra HD era, OPPO Digital acknowledges audio is evolving with the rise of high-resolution music and a renewed interest in personal audio. Aiming at demanding customers in the personal audio space OPPO has announced the new PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphone and HA-1 Headphone Amplifier. The PM-1's became available middle April and the HA-1 one month later.

Soundcraft released updates for its Si Expression, Performer and Compact digital mixer series, introducing BSS Soundweb London Control and other new features. The focus of the upgrades was on improving performance for networked audio and monitoring applications.

New England Audio Resource (N.E.A.R., which was originally called New England Audio Research) was founded in 1988 by Bill Kieltyka. Interestingly, the company purchased a lot of the transducer tooling from Rudy Bozak, and its line was always based, as with Bozak, on aluminum cone woofers and tweeters. (For a period of time, I designed the networks for the entire N.E.A.R. line of two-channel and home-theater speakers).

At Prolight+Sound 2014, Harman’s Soundcraft introduced its brand new Vi3000 ‘all-in-one’ digital live sound console, offering a host of state-of-the-art features including the groundbreaking internal DSP Soundcraft SpiderCore, a new industrial design, 96 channels to mix, onboard Dante network compatibility and much more in a very compact footprint.

Liverpool based Adlib Audio launches a new specialist division – Adlib Speakers – to manufacture and market its AA brand of speakers, which are very proudly made in Liverpool, England. Hand-crafted and designed to perfection by a dedicated team of individuals who know their audio, using quality components, precision engineering and innovation, the AA series intends to be the ultimate ‘boutique’ brand for those who understand that their sound really matters.

NTi Audio confirmed the release of Data Explorer, a new PC reporting software for precision-grade noise measurements. With a design inspired by users of the XL2 Acoustic Analyzer, the Data Explorer is an ideal sound level meter companion offering clear visualization, fast data analysis and professional reporting of environmental noise measurements.

At Prolight+Sound 2014 in Frankfurt, Italian manufacturer Powersoft launched the Powersoft X amplifier Series, which the company describes as “a real evolution in pro-audio amplification, much as the seminal K Series did back in 1995 when technologies such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) and switch-mode amplification were introduced for the first time into the professional audio industry”.

Shure’s award-winning SE earphone line expands with an affordable $49 solution, ideal for musicians and music/audio enthusiasts. The new SE112 earphones will be commercially available in spring 2014 and provide a combination of great sound, noise isolation, and quality in …

Audiofly added the AF180 to the Audiofly Performance Series of In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). The AF180 offers four expertly tuned balanced armature drivers, and adds crossover circuitry for a sound experience that, according to the company, “redefines the in-ear monitor market”.