ESS Introduces Crescendo VII Audio Processing SoC for Soundbars and Wireless Speakers
ESS Technology announced today it’s 7th-generation of audio processors for soundbars and wireless speakers. The Crescendo VII is a highly integrated solution for consumer audio products that provides a multicore platform for system control and signal processing with a range of inputs and interfaces. Combining audio processing and signal routing with DTS Virtual:X certification, the Crescendo VII enables compact, power-efficient, and cost-effective designs for soundbars, wireless speakers, and active subwoofers.
WiSA Announces Certification of Savant’s Smart Audio Family of Entertainment Products
WiSA, the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association, comprised of over 60 leading consumer electronics brands, and founded by SummitWireless Technologies, announced it has certified Savant’s Smart Audio family of entertainment products. This premium WiSA Certified product line, available now, includes a high-performance, powered 55-inch 3-channel L/C/R soundbar, optional Smart Audio wireless powered surround speakers and the Smart Audio Nano 1X subwoofer.
Tidal and Dolby Announce Dolby Atmos Music Available on Smartphones and Tablets
Tidal members subscribing to the Tidal HiFi tier, with compatible Android smartphones or tablets, now have access to a growing library of music available in Dolby Atmos from Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. This currently includes tracks from some of the world’s biggest artists such as Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Blondie, and more. Tidal is also working closely with its artist-owners, including Jay-Z, to mix their catalogs in Dolby Atmos – which are expected to become available in 2020.
08
Sensory Updates TrulyHandsfree Wake Word AI to Support Cross-Platform and Multiple Voice Assistants
Sensory announced new capabilities for TrulyHandsfree, the company’s widely-deployed wake word engine for voice assistants, adding support for multiple wake words from any combination of leading platforms, custom branded wake words, small vocabulary command sets or even user defined wake words where the end user can create their own phrase. This technology supports Amazon's Voice Interoperability Initiative (VII) announced in September 2019.
Futuresource Updates Headphones Market Report for 2020
The aftermarket headphones segment continues to attract consumer spend, with 2019 shaping up to be another industry high point, according to the new Headphones Market report from Futuresource Consulting. The headphones market continues its recent trend of solid growth in volumes - 5% year-on-year - and substantial growth in revenue (14%). True wireless and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) are the main engines of growth in the total value of the headphones market accompanied by the rising ASP's, as consumers demand for new premium features remains strong.
Eminence Launches Tour Grade Family of Professional Audio Woofers
It was hardly a secret that Eminence was planning to shake up the pro audio industry with its new Tour Grade - American Muscle subwoofer series. After months of teasing the market and receiving a lot of market feedback, Eminence introduces the company's first pro audio high power woofer family since the 1999 release of the Eminence Kilomax series. But this time, the Tour Grade series woofers are a much more ambitious undertaking, representing an effort from the Kentucky company to define new standards in efficient low frequency reproduction.
Kick Off Another Exciting Year for Audio Technology with audioXpress!
audioXpress January 2020 is now available in print and download! To start 2020 in the best possible way, this edition includes a Market Update about Speakers and Transducers, followed by a report of the COMSOL Boston Conference where the latest Multiphysics 5.5 Release was unveiled, a great review of the Cambridge Audio Edge W amplifier, and an in-depth article in which Steve Temme discusses tools and techniques to accurately measure voice-controlled and connected devices. Plus many more great theory articles and practical knowledge shared by audioXpress experts.
McIntosh Announces MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier for Bi-Amped Speakers
McIntosh Labs has been perfecting vacuum tube amplifiers since the 1940s and solid-state amplifiers since the 1960s. From that heritage, McIntosh now announced the MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier, a truly one-of-a-kind monoblock that is also two amplifiers combined into one, with each amplifier boasting differing design philosophies including a 300-Watt vacuum tube amplifier attached to a 600-Watt solid state amplifier on one unified chassis.
Denon Announces New High-Res Wireless Multiroom Speaker Series with HEOS Built-in, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth
Denon announced a new suite of high-fidelity wireless multiroom speakers, available for purchase in early 2020. Comprised of three models, the new Denon Home focus on its high-resolution streaming capability, as well as the support for AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth sources. Using the HEOS app, the Denon Home speakers can be easily connected and expanded throughout the home to other HEOS Built-in products, including Denon’s industry-leading lineup of AVRs, soundbars and Hi-Fi equipment.
Meyer Sound Back in Full Force at NAMM 2020
Recognizing the importance of the annual event to audio professionals, Meyer Sound has booked its largest-ever exhibit space for the 2020 NAMM Show, scheduled for the Anaheim Convention Center from January 16th to 19th. The floor booth (17219) fronts an adjacent, spacious demo room (17218) that will be fully stocked with the latest additions to Meyer Sound’s definitive line of self-powered loudspeakers. The demo room, in turn, opens directly onto an outdoor terrace which will provide fresh, open-air ambience for the conviviality of the Sonic Lounge.