
New PAcalculate Mobile App Sponsored by Powersoft
Powersoft has announced that it is sponsoring the multi-platform PAcalculate app, which runs on mobile devices such as Android, iOS, Windows-Phone, and Blackberry — including smartphones and tablets. Developed by Brusi Acoustics, a consulting firm for electroacoustic and an independent laboratory for loudspeaker directivity testing, it is marketed by Doctor Pro Audio, a leading Spanish-speaking web portal.

3D Sound Labs Launches Spatial Audio SDK High-Order-Ambisonics Solution for Mobile 360° VR Player
3D/VR audio specialists, 3D Sound Labs, announced the availability of the latest version of its VR Audio Kit, an Ambisonics SDK optimized for 360° mobile players. This technology has been jointly presented in September at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam together with solution provider for content delivery Viaccess Orca. The demo of a 360° VR mobile video player with High-Order Ambisonics (HOA) audio, running on a smartphone, was playing a 4K 360° video along with a compressed 3rd order Ambisonics audio stream.

Microsoft Introduces Surface Studio for Creative Professionals Ignoring USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
On Wednesday, October 26, Microsoft made a series of impressive announcements, revealing ambitious plans to make its Windows 10 ecosystem more attractive to creative professionals, announcing the Windows 10 Creators Update and a series of impressive new hardware options. Microsoft introduced the new Surface Studio all-in-one desktop PC, designed to turn the desk into a creative studio, with an impressive 28” 4K touch-screen display, working in tandem with the also-new Surface Dial programmable knob.

Audionamix Releases Speech Volume Control (SVC) Speech-Specific Separation Plug-in
Audionamix, renowned audio source separation experts, and creators of ADX TRAX Pro software and the ADX VVC plug-in, released its new Speech Volume Control (SVC) plug-in, paving the way for new advancements in the field of post production audio. The new plug-in is an evolution of Audionamix’ state of the art technology, which automatically separates a master recording’s vocal track from its accompanying music track. With a simple interface, the new SVC plug-in focuses on speech volume control over background elements in mono or stereo recordings.

Amazon Alexa Can Control the Complete Room Entertainment System With Logitech Harmony Remotes
Logitech announced a new Amazon Alexa skill that enables voice control of the entire living room entertainment experience using a Logitech Harmony Hub remote control with Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. When the skill is enabled on Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot, users can start and stop Harmony Activities, control entertainment devices, or even select favorite channels, using only their voice.

Texas Instruments Introduces Improved USB Type-C and Power Delivery 3.0 Devices
Texas Instruments continues to expand its portfolio of USB-compliant integrated circuits (ICs) - already one of the most comprehensive in the industry - with USB Type-C and Power Delivery 3.0 devices that improve power and data transfer, signal quality, and circuit protection. According to TI, the new devices allow developers to optimize system performance with the industry’s first USB Type-C overvoltage port protector and the only redriver supporting 10G USB data and video transfer.

New Shure SE215M+ Special Edition Sound Isolating Earphones
Shure introduced the SE215m+ Special Edition (SE215m+SPE) Sound Isolating Earphones, now molded with a white and gray finish, with integrated mobile communications capability and supporting Apple iOS devices. The new SE215m+SPE earphones feature a three-button communication pod that enables users to control device playback, volume, and the sending/receiving of calls. It also includes a microphone for phone calls and voice control apps.

Focusrite Introduces Clarett OctoPre Featuring Eight “Air”-Enabled Microphone Preamps Plus 192kHz A-D/D-A
Focusrite has announced the launch of a new eight-channel microphone preamp and A-D/D-A converter, the Clarett OctoPre, designed to allow the rapid addition of eight mic/line inputs and line outputs to the company’s successful Clarett Thunderbolt range of audio interfaces, or other interfaces that include ADAT optical I/O. The eight specially-designed Clarett mic preamps include a switchable analogue ‘Air’ effect that imparts the sonic signature of the classic Focusrite ISA mic pre.

Klark Teknik Introduces “Homage” 1176-KT Classic Compressor
The Music Group, Uli Behringer’s conglomerate now combining world-recognized brands such as Behringer, Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Bugera, DDA and Eurocom is slowly making a comeback. Basically, Music is moving all production to their state-of-the-art factory in China and is reintroducing products from the brand’s existing portfolio as well as promised new designs. The Klark Teknik 1176-KT compressor, now announced is a sort of a surprise.

Texas Instruments Expands Portfolio of Wireless Connectivity Modules with SimpleLink Bluetooth LE
Texas Instruments (TI) announced an expansion of its wireless connectivity module portfolio with the availability of new SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy certified modules with integrated antenna which provide the longest range with ultra-low power consumption. Wireless connectivity modules have become increasingly popular among developers because advanced integration helps lower development costs, eases burden on RF design, reduces time to market and simplifies procurement and certification.