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.)

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."

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.

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.

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.

The Orange Valve Tester MKII is a new microprocessor-controlled testing system from the famous British guitar amplification manufacturer. Featuring greatly improved algorithms with an updated database containing the test results of literally hundreds of new, used, and faulty valves, this MKII tester requires no knowledge of valve theory. A user simply inserts a valve into the correct socket, selects the valve type from the list, and presses the ‘OK’ button. The status of the valve under test is quickly revealed.

In 2023, audioXpress had the chance to review the "low cost and feature packed" WiiM Pro music streamer and was positively impressed. Never one to sit on their hands, this year the folks at Linkplay have gone one step further with an integrated power amplifier. Expanding its series of best-selling audio streamers, the WiiM Amp is a still-affordable design that combines a TI 3255 Class-D audio amplifier and ESS Sabre premium 32-bit DAC and simplifies the whole audio system setup.

With the ARC Studio, IK Multimedia introduced a new DSP market contender for room and speaker correction. The solution combines a processor bundled with the company's ARC MEMS microphone and new ARC 4 software. Although ARC Studio was designed essentially for the home studio, the market served by the Italian company, this review also explores the possibilities for stereo system users, seeking playback chain improvements.

Europe’s Nordic countries have long been the birthplace for high-quality and innovative audio products, particularly excelling at speakers and amplifiers. Located near Copenhagen, ICEpower has traditionally been known as a purveyor of high-performance Class-D amplifiers and associated switch-mode power supplies. The company continues to provide innovative Class-D solutions today, but its scope is now much broader than that, as this report discloses.

This article explores a fascinating topic that is recurrent in the loudspeaker industry: diamond coatings. As speaker designers look to refine their products' sound quality through diaphragm treatments, there are benefits to be explored from diamond coatings, or more specifically diamond-like-coatings (DLC), which is a process that matured over the last half-century. The industry has now reached a stage where this technology becomes available and viable, particularly for microspeakers.