Salk Sound Introduces SS9.5 High Performance 3-Way Loudspeaker Design
Salk Signature Sound announced the introduction of its SS9.5 high fidelity loudspeakers, auditioned for the first time at the AXPONA 2019 hi-fi show in Chicago. Incorporating SB Acoustics Satori drivers and other top shelf components, the newest addition to the company's product line is an affordable, high performance 3-way acoustic suspension loudspeaker design that improves fidelity with linear phase response, lower distortion and wider bandwidth, extending the bottom octave.
Wireless Speaker and Audio Association Confirms Certification for System Audio and Platin Speakers
The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WiSA) continues to announce the certification of new speakers. Immediately following the High End 2019 show in Munich, Germany, WiSA announced the certification of the Legend Silverback speakers from Danish manufacturer System Audio. Following that announcement, WiSA confirmed the certification of the Monaco 5.1 Wireless Home Theater speaker system from Platin, a division of Hansong Technology.
Zoom Launches New F6 32-bit MultiTrack Field Recorder
First unveiled at the NAB 2019 show in Las Vegas, Zoom confirmed the final specifications and shipping schedule for its new F6 multitrack field recorder and mixer. In this compact but extremely powerful design, Zoom combined the latest 32-bit recording technology with the most popular features of its pro-grade Zoom F8n recorder. This allows incredible possibilities for any production that needs a very compact solution in the field and recording audio with very high quality.
Martin Audio Adds Power to Its Fastest-Selling Portable Speaker Range with BlacklineX Powered
Designed to set a new benchmark for full-bandwidth, high definition portable audio at a user-friendly price point, Martin Audio has announced BlacklineX Powered, bringing new active options to its BlacklineX family of portable sound reinforcement solutions. The new self-powered portable range from the British brand, was launched in a special event in London, anticipating its presentation at InfoComm 2019.
Fraunhofer IIS Licenses MPEG-H Audio Patents to LG Electronics
Fraunhofer IIS, one of 72 institutes and research units of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization, announced the licensing of its MPEG-H Audio patents to LG Electronics, allowing the Korean consumer electronics giant to produce products which feature MPEG-H object-based Audio. In South Korea, terrestrial ATSC 3.0 broadcasting with MPEG-H Audio is already on air, making MPEG-H the world’s first commercialized next-generation TV-audio technology.
Chord Electronics Introduces Advanced Microprocessor-Controlled Phono Preamp
As part of its ongoing 30th-anniversary celebrations in 2019, Chord Electronics has unveiled Huei, an all-new phono preamp that distills three decades of amplifier development and audio engineering expertise into a high-performance yet space-saving chassis. Entirely conceived, engineered and manufactured in Great Britain, the new microprocessor-controlled Chord Huei has been carefully designed to provide turntables with the same high standards of amplification the company has become known for over the past 30 years.
China Smart Speaker Sales Surge Puts Baidu, Alibaba, Xiaomi In Reach of Amazon and Google
Sales of Chinese language smart speakers in the first quarter of 2019 grew by more than 500% year-on-year, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. This lifted global Q1 sales to 25.9 million, a 168% increase on the same period in 2018. The global market shares of Chinese brands therefore rose much closer to Amazon and Google, although the US giants remained in first and second place respectively. Strategy Analytics has now increased its forecast for full-year 2019 global shipments by 10% to 147.7 million units.
RHA Announces Lightning Compatible Refresh to its Popular MA650i In-ears
Always offering excellent design and the best price-to-quality ratio in every segment, RHA has been expanding its catalog of personal audio products with reassuring consistency. Sometimes with announcements of really cutting-edge or high-end products. Other times, a simple, but welcome refresh. This time, RHA introduced a new version to its popular MA650 lineup - a wired, in-ear headphone with a Lightning connection for Apple devices: the MA650i with Lightning. No more dongles needed!
Sonitus Technologies Extends Molar Mic Two-Way Comms Platform and Bone-Conduction Speaker to New Commercial Applications
While the audio industry has focused on hearables, some companies are exploring embedded wearables. Sonitus Technologies has been focusing on military communication NFMI applications, trying to embed the same features of a two-way wireless communications system that can be used undetected, even under the most harsh environments. The company's “Molar Mic” fits a miniaturized headset into a device that clips to a user’s back teeth, and is now available as a Bluetooth-compatible solution for high-noise commercial markets.
Arcam Launches SA30 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Featuring AirPlay 2, MQA, and Dirac Live
The Cambridgeshire manufacturer that is now part of Harman, announced the SA30, a new flagship integrated stereo amplifier from its HDA product range. Designed around Class G amplification, the new Arcam models its maker’s latest casework and fascia, housing an extensive features list, including AirPlay 2 wireless and MQA support and custom install-friendly technologies. The inclusion of Dirac Live, the state-of-the-art room correction technology, helps ensure the SA30 will always offer the very best performance, individually optimized to its acoustic surroundings.