Infineon Expands CoolGaN Portfolio with New Device Tailored for Premium Audio Systems
Infineon Technologies broadened its CoolGaN series with two new devices: the CoolGaN 400 V and the CoolGaN 600 V. Gallium nitride (GaN) offers fundamental advantages over silicon, with outstanding specific dynamic on-state resistance and smaller capacitances compared to silicon MOSFETs. The new CoolGaN 400 V device will appeal to audio product designers looking for a premium solution for home or professional Class D amplifiers.
TDK Expands PiezoListen Lineup of Ultra-Thin Piezo Speakers with a Wider Dynamic Range
TDK Corporation has expanded its lineup of ultra-thin PiezoListen speakers with new types featuring a wider dynamic range and higher sound pressure level (SPL) in the low frequency range, even at voltages up to 24 VP-P. The PiezoListen series of piezo speakers now includes the PHUA6630 wide dynamic range speaker with an operating frequency range of 400 Hz to 20 kHz. Also new in the series are two new sound positioning speakers with an operating frequency range of 1000 Hz to 20 kHz.
XMOS VocalFusion 2-Mic Dev Kit for Alexa Voice Service Qualified by Amazon
Amazon has qualified the VocalFusion 2-mic dev kit for Alexa Voice Services launched by XMOS for smart TVs and set-top boxes in July 2019. The qualification highlights the opportunity for manufacturers to build Amazon Alexa voice capabilities into their products more easily and cost effectively than ever before. Amazon highlights the product’s engineering innovation, enabling lower cost voice capabilities with all the performance of a 4-mic solution, and paving the way for mass market implementation of far-field applications.
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Apple Reveals new AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation
In another product announcement that didn't go as planned, following a lot of rumors and leaks coming from China, Apple was forced to unveil its latest addition to the AirPods family. As widely anticipated, the AirPods Pro have a new improved design, combining a slightly similar shape to the original loose-fit design, but slightly twisted to support a silicon in-ear tip, in order to make Active Noise Cancellation effective. The all-new lightweight design is now available.
New Q B12 Subwoofer for Immersive Home Cinema Sound from Q Acoustics
Q Acoustics announced its most powerful subwoofer to date, the Q B12, designed to pair with Q Acoustics’ 3000i and Concept 5.1 speaker ranges in 2.1 or home theater setups and offering an adjustable crossover frequency range from 70 Hz to 225 Hz (12dB/octave). Featuring matching finishes, the Q B12 will be available alongside speakers in three home cinema packages including the 3010i 5.1 PLUS (compact), 3050i 5.1 PLUS (tower), and Concept 5.1 Plus (mid-sized) – or it can be purchased individually for those seeking to expand their existing home systems.
Axiim LINK USB Wireless Audio Transmitter for WiSA Ready TVs and Xbox One Now Available
Axiim, a company that specializes in wireless home audio/video products, announced that its highly anticipated Axiim LINK USB transmitter for WiSA Ready products is now available. The Axiim Link USB wireless audio transmitter is the essential component connecting 2019 LG OLED and NanoCell WiSA Ready TVs as well as the Xbox One gaming console to WiSA certified speakers. LINK is WiSA multi-channel wireless USB audio transmitter and is available now for $229 USD.
Sound Devices Announces New 888 Portable Production Mixer-Recorder
Sound Devices announced the third mixer-recorder in their new 8-Series: the 888 Portable Production Mixer-Recorder. The 888 is the smallest location mixer-recorder available that offers Dante for sending and receiving audio over Ethernet. Featuring also 8 ultra low-noise, 8-Series microphone preamplifiers, 16 channels, 20 tracks, multiple powering methods, and support for multiple USB control surfaces, the 888 can be easily tailored to any sound professional’s workflow.
Auralex Acoustics Offers Step-by-Step Tutorial on Improving Podcast Audio
Auralex Acoustics acoustical treatment products are being employed by more and more podcasters in the generation of professional-quality audio for their shows. Auralex offers a complete range of products to help tame the acoustics of any podcast recording/editing space, as well as diagnostic tools to help dial-in the sound and point toward the proper solutions. To better support those applications, Auralex created a step-by-step tutorial on how to optimize podcast audio and vocal booth acoustics.
Immersive Music Streaming: A Fistful of Nothing?
On Tuesday, October 15, in New York, Sony, together with four music streaming services and an important number of music industry partners promoted a press event to announce the new 360 Reality Audio music ecosystem. This follows the presentations made early at CES 2019 and a repeat of the demonstrations at IFA 2019 in Berlin. At this event, Sony announced the upcoming commercial availability of 360 Reality Audio, an immersive audio experience utilizing object-based spatial audio technology.
Inspiration Abounds at AES New York 2019
The 147th Audio Engineering Society International Pro Audio Convention rocked the Javits Center with four days of everything audio. Under the banner Inspire, the association's annual family reunion returned to New York City’s Javits Center, where inspiration was abundant as leading audio innovators shared their knowledge and experience alongside gear designed to spark creativity and imagination while enhancing productivity.