audioXpress July 2018 is Now Online and You Don't Want to Miss This One!
audioXpress July 2018 is one of those editions that we are certain our readers will read, revisit, and keep for reference again and again. Start with the Editor's notes about the search for a sound reference standard, read our review of Sonarworks Studio Monitor and Headphone Calibration Solution, Reference 4, and learn more about microphone choices. Next up, we interview the new owners of Creative Sound Solutions, a DIY-oriented company, and we follow up with the AXPONA 2018 show report. Gerhard Haas concludes his series on audio transformers for tube amplifiers, and Andy Lewis continues his fascinating exploration of Back EMF.
InfoComm 2018 Sets New Records for Size, Attendance in Las Vegas
The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association lowered the curtain on its first InfoComm show in North America as AVIXA. The InfoComm 2018 event kicked off with a record-setting TIDE conference and concluded with a trade show exhibition that attracted nearly 43,000 registered attendees, 10 percent more than the last time InfoComm was held in Las Vegas, in 2016. A promising prelude to next year's edition in Orlando, Florida.
Fraunhofer’s xHE-AAC Audio Codec Software Extends Native AAC Support In Android P For Better Quality At Low Bitrates
With the release of the Android P beta 3 preview, Fraunhofer IIS announces a new version of the popular FDK library which has been a part of Android since 2012. The FDK2 version will bring several new technologies to Android OEMs, service providers and developers, including xHE-AAC for video and music delivery down to 12kbit/s for stereo sound and MPEG-D DRC dynamic range control for better listening in noisy environments. An important update for a very fragmented platform.
AKM Releases AK1574 Fractional-N PLL Synthesizer with VCO Capable to Replace Variable Capacitance Diode Configurations
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) launched the AK1574, a fractional-N PLL synthesizer with a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) for frequency modulation, able to replace variable capacitance diode configurations. Targeting professional, portable, radio transmission systems, the built-in VCO supports from 46.875 to 1682.5MHz, saves space, has low-phase noise, and low-power consumption. Uses include two-way radios in the VCO configuration with a variable capacitance diode and a winding coil, with support for diversity receivers.
Sennheiser Wireless Now Dante Domain Manager Ready
At InfoComm 2018, Sennheiser has announced that its industry-standard wireless microphone systems such as the new evolution wireless G4, SpeechLine Digital Wireless, Digital 6000 and Digital 9000 are now compatible with Audinate’s Dante Domain Manager (DDM) for a fully integrated audio networking solution. The upgrade is provided free of charge via firmware updates to Sennheiser’s SL DI 4 XLR Dante interface, the EM 6000 DANTE microphone receiver and EM 9046 DAN Dante card for the Digital 9000 wireless microphone system.
Avid Delivers Live Immersive Audio Solutions for Avid Venue S6L at InfoComm 2018
At InfoComm 2018, the immersive audio, 3D audio, spatial audio demonstrations - call it what you will - where certainly one of the highlights. At the Las Vegas show, Avid announced that development partners Flux::, d&b audiotechnik, and L-Acoustics have each integrated their immersive sound processing solutions with the company's Venue S6L live sound system. All were part of the demonstrations, which obviously demand a tight integration with mixing automation.
Allen & Heath Goes Large With SQ-7 96kHz SQ Series Digital Mixing Console
During InfoComm 2018, Allen & Heath has unveiled SQ-7, the new 33 fader flagship console in its 96kHz SQ series. Following hot on the heels of the hit launch of SQ-5 and SQ-6, the new SQ-7 takes the same powerful XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine and adds extended control and I/O in a larger format, boasting 33 faders, 32 onboard preamps, 16 custom soft keys and 8 user-definable soft rotary controls, as well as advanced automatic mic mixers (AMM’s) fully integrated in the mixer, with no extra latency. The console also features a robust all metal chassis, with an extruded aluminum light bar, ready for touring.
CloviFi WiFi Audio Transmitter Impresses at InfoComm 2018
The CloviFi WiFi Audio Transmitter that streams audio directly to any headphones/speakers for multiple users at the same time, debuted at InfoComm 2018 causing a positive impression among commercial integrators. Following the company's successful debut at CES 2018, receiving a CES Innovations Award, Clovitek demonstrated again in Las Vegas how its patented plug-and-play device is the simplest way for AV professionals and OEM partners to solve the most common home and business TV listening requests.
Solid State Logic Launches New L100 Live Compact Console
Solid State Logic had a big announcement to make at InfoComm 2018, in Las Vegas. The release of the new SSL L100 live console - the newest member of the SSL Live console range - now provides a physically smaller premium solution for applications who prioritize maximum sonic performance in space restricted installations, for sub-mix positions or corporate production. This significantly increases the market reach for the Oxford-based brand.
Yamaha Introduces the YVC-200 for On-the-Go Conferencing
Yamaha has announced the debut of its YVC-200 portable USB + Bluetooth speakerphone designed to provide users with ample, clear sound no matter where they work. Building on the benefits of its market-leading portfolio of conference phones, the YVC-200 portable conferencing unit leverages superior audio technology to boost productivity when meeting remotely. The new, portable conferencing solution accelerates remote work Movement with high-quality conversations anytime, anywhere.