Modern Op-Amp Distortion Tests: Part 1 - BJT-Input Devices
Douglas Self has been using a tried-and-true palette of op-amps in his designs. Because many new types have appeared in the last decade, he thought it was high time to evaluate those for distortion performance. In Part 1 of this article, he examines BJT-input devices using a similar protocol for five different loads and testing for basic op-amp distortion in favorable circumstances. FET input op-amps are investigated in Part 2.
Celestion Expands Truvox Series with New 0820 Midbass Loudspeaker
Celestion continues to expand its Truvox product family, relaunched in 2024, drawing on Celestion’s long tradition of producing high-performing general-purpose speakers. Celestion announced the availability of the new Truvox 0820 8-inch ferrite magnet midbass driver, designed as a drop-in replacement and upgrade solution for a wide range of 8-inch midbass applications, including automotive aftermarket.
Point Source Audio Debuts Newly Engineered Earmounted Lavalier Microphone for Content Creators
Renowned for professional-grade microphones, Point Source Audio (PSA) unveiled a creator-friendly new over-ear lavalier microphone. The new Embrace Model EO-7, unveiled at NAB 2025, expands on PSA's catalog of broadcast and live performance solutions, offering the same patented earmounted design that ensures pickup stability, color-changeable skins, with a standard 3.5mm termination to connect to leading 2.4 GHz wireless systems used by streamers and content creators.
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Klippel Announces Software Update and New Fast Large Signal Identification Professional (FLSI Pro) Module
As one of the industry leaders in audio measurement and testing technology, any announcements from Klippel regarding new enhanced features and new products are of major importance to the audio industry. The company announced the release of a software update for the R&D (dB-Lab 212) and QC7 systems, introducing several new features and performance optimizations aimed at improving both the speed and precision of acoustic testing. More importantly, the update features the pre-release of the Fast Large Signal Identification (FLSI Pro) module.
Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses Now Available in the US
Ready or not, EssilorLuxottica announced the US launch of Nuance Audio Glasses, a first-of-its-kind invisible open-ear hearing solution for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Combining Nuance’s advanced technology with EssilorLuxottica’s world-class eyewear design, these glasses deliver discreet, all-day hearing support without compromising on style and comfort. Making this first design available through its extensive distribution network is a strategic first step for EssilorLuxottica to promote a category that is just starting.
Siemens Acquires DownStream Technologies to Expand PCB Design-to-Manufacturing Flow
Siemens Digital Industries Software announced today that it has completed the acquisition of DownStream Technologies, a leading provider of manufacturing data preparation solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) design. This acquisition strengthens Siemens’ PCB design portfolio and expands its footprint in the electronics small and medium-sized business (SMB) market, and enables greater process coverage, from design to manufacturing preparation.
CEDAR Audio Renowned Audio Processing and Forensic Tools Now Available as Plugins
For more than 36 years, CEDAR has been renowned for its groundbreaking audio processing, whether in hardware, software, dedicated systems, or through 3rd-party collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. Now, the British company announced a rethinking of its software products as CEDAR icons, a series of more affordable VST3/AU/AAX compatible plug-ins that will be available for download from CEDAR’s new online shop.
Duomondi Appoints Robert Winterhoff as General Manager of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships
Duomondi, a new Italian-German venture entering the market with a unique range of wireless speakers, announced the appointment of Robert Winterhoff as General Manager of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. Winterhoff brings over 30 years of experience with storied names such as Harman International, Beyerdynamic, IAH, and Ultrasone AG. His appointment signals a defining moment in Duomondi’s ambition to redefine a category in architectural audio.
Arnold Magnetics Technologies Announces Matthew Blake as New CEO
Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance magnets, announced that industry veteran Matthew Blake has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer effective March 31, 2025. Arnold Magnetic, headquartered in Rochester, NY, celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025. As a subsidiary of Compass Diversified Holdings, Arnold recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in Woodstock, IL, and launched a new production site in Thailand, underscoring the company’s commitment to the industry, its employees, and the environment.
Sennheiser Launches MKH 8018 Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser has launched the new MKH 8018, a compact stereo shotgun microphone designed for broadcasting and filming applications. Climate-proof and rugged, the MKH 8018 is a high-class short microphone that completes the company’s MKH 8000 range of RF condenser microphones, all of which excel in the field due to their ability to capture natural sound with virtually no off-axis coloration. Providing further flexibility, the lightweight MKH 8018 features three switchable stereo modes: MS stereo, wide XY stereo, and narrow XY stereo.