AKM Announces New Low-Power 32-Bit Stereo DAC with 32% Smaller Footprint

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has started mass production of the AK4333ECB, a 32-bit stereo audio D/A converter (DAC) with built-in headphone amplifier. While the mounting area has been significantly reduced by 32% compared to AKM's previous products, it features Velvet Sound technology for high sound quality. The new low power DAC was developed to enhance mobile and portable wireless designs, such as wireless headphones and VR/AR headsets.

As anticipated, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has released to production the new flagship stereo D/A converter (DAC), the Velvet Sound Verita AK4499EX, showcased at the High End Munich show in May 2022. Alongside the AK4499EX, AKM has also released the AK4191 Digital Filter and ΔΣ Modulator, completing a two-chip solution that makes it easy to improve performance with completely independent digital and analog circuitry.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has resumed sample shipments of 13 Velvet Sound D/A converters (DAC) and A/D converters (ADC) products - all part of a new generation of improved devices. The samples start shipping in January 2022. Mass production is scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. The new range of devices include new 115dB and 768kHz 32-bit DACs in 2, 4, 6, and 8-channel models, plus nine new 32-bit ADCs in 2, 4, and 8 channel models including the AK5522 ADC, ideal for bus-powered USB audio interfaces.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has expanded its lineup of premium audio Digital-to-Analog converters (DACs) with the development of a two-chip solution that separates the digital aspect from the analog. While conventional DACs use a single chip to convert signals from digital to analog, the new AKM approach splits the conversion process between the AK4191 delta-sigma modulator and the AK4498 DAC. This results in an improvement in sound quality that is easily perceptible while listening to music, the company states.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) made two new product announcements focusing on 4-channel applications. The AK5704EN 4-channel 32-bit A/D audio converter was developed for high-quality low-power multi-microphone recording applications. Its built-in microphone amplifier and power supply make it an ideal solution for conference systems, microphone array systems or smart speakers. The also new AK7739VQ/AK7737VQ audio and voice processors are multicore units, designed for car audio, car navigation systems, and wireless speakers applications.