Voting for the 34th Annual NAMM TEC Awards Is Now Open!
During the Summer NAMM show in Nashville, pro audio professionals and leading industry brands gathered to recognize and celebrate the announcement of the 34th annual NAMM TEC Award nominees at a special pro audio reception held in the Music City Center. Voting is now open, and winners will be announced during the annual awards ceremony, to honor best in pro audio products at the 2019 NAMM Show, January 26, 2019, at the Anaheim Hilton Pacific Ballroom. Vote now!
Schoeps Introduces Mono Upmix and Double MS Plug-Ins Distributed by Plugin Alliance
German microphone manufacturer Schoeps announced a new set of two software plug-ins which will be an ideal complement for creative microphone use, now available via the online software distributor Plugin Alliance. The first is the Double MS plugin, which decodes a Double MS microphone setup to a stereophonic signal. Available for AAX, VST3 and AU formats, this free plug-in takes 3 microphone signals and provides a 2.0 Stereo or 5.0 Surround output using an algorithm developed by Swiss audio processing specialist Illusonic. The second is the Mono Upmix plugin that turns a mono signal into a pleasantly open sounding stereophonic or LCR signal.
LG and Meridian Audio Debut Smart Display Speaker with Google Assistant
LG Electronics USA has announced its new AI Smart Display with Google Assistant combined with a Meridian Audio designed sound system to create a powerful smart home device. Following the recent trend of combining the features of a voice-assisted speaker with a touch screen for both content viewing, communication and interactions, the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9 is available now at U.S. retailers at a suggested price of $299 with special Black Friday pricing of $199 currently in effect.
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Wi-Charge Unveils Wireless Infrared Light Power Solution for Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini Smart Speakers
Can you imagine having a Bluetooth speaker always working without routing a power cable, or a video doorbell or any other smart home device that does not need frequent battery replacements? Wi-Charge, a provider of long-range wireless power technology from Israel announced its innovative Wireless Power Kit that transforms an existing wired Amazon Echo Dot or Google Home Mini smart speakers into a fully functional, wire-free product that can be placed and used anywhere.
Hammond Announces Extended Rack Mount Unit Family Enclosures with Extra Sizes
Hammond Manufacturing has introduced 4U high versions and added extended 559mm depths to all heights of its RM family of 1U - 4U 19 inch rack mounting and desktop enclosures. 1U to 3U half-width versions are also available. The all-aluminum construction consists of a heavy-duty extruded frame with removable vented or plain top and bottom covers. 19 inch units are supplied with rack mounting angles; both 19 inch and half width variants come complete with self-adhesive rubber feet for when the enclosure is to be used as a desktop unit.
Røde Launches RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio Featuring Aphex Aural Exciter Built-in
Australian pro audio giant, Røde Microphones has launched the RØDECaster Pro, a fully integrated podcast production studio that fits nicely with the brand's microphone portfolio and includes audio processing technology from Aphex, the famous US audio company which the Freedman Group acquired in 2015. This is the first time that assets from Aphex make an appearance since the acquisition and the synergy couldn't be stronger, given the legendary reputation of the Aphex Exciter and Big Bottom patented processing technology for radio applications.
iHeartMedia to Acquire Jelli to Expand SoundPoint Programmatic Advertising Platform
iHeartMedia announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jelli, Inc., the technology company that powers its SoundPoint advertising platform. The Jelli platform is the pioneering technology foundation for programmatic buying and selling of broadcast radio, and this acquisition will enable iHeartMedia to further leverage Jelli’s assets to continue to create a digital-compatible broadcast radio buying platform for brands that includes targeting and creative optimization based on data and attribution tools compatible with the offerings of the major digital players.
Voicera Launches New Voice Collaboration AI Solution Featuring Transcription and Voice-Activated Integrations
Voice applications for business are benefiting from both new technology advances and user's familiarity with voice recognition and interfaces. Voicera, maker of the Enterprise Voice Assistant EVA, unveiled a number of innovations that further separates its voice collaboration platform from transcription apps and note-taking assistants. The new features, which include an Artificial Intelligence (AI) phone dialer, voice-activated reminders, and visual integrations, help increase productivity from workplace conversations.
HELM Audio Announces Studio Planar Headphones, True Wireless Headphones, and Boost In-Line Cable Amplifier Powered by THX AAA Technology
Hong-Kong-based consumer electronics company HELM Audio announced their North American launch, debuting three premium audio products - the HELM Studio Planar Headphones ($349.99), the HELM True Wireless Headphones ($99.99), and the HELM Boost Cable, powered by THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) technology ($99.99). The HELM Studio Planar and Boost Cable bundle is now available as an early bird offer on Indiegogo, and their True Wireless is now available for pre-order at helmaudio.com and Amazon at the end of November 2018.
Bowers & Wilkins Restructures to Invest in Product and Brand
With a vague corporate announcement, Bowers & Wilkins announced a restructuring across the company, confirming organization changes to drive innovation and growth and a refocus of strategic investments. Following the acquisition of the famous British audio brand in 2016 by EVA Automation, an investment firm owned by millionaire Gideon Yu, the recently appointed company Chief Executive Officer Gregory Lee, former CEO of Samsung North America, has confirmed it will change the company structure.