
USB 3.0 Promoter Group Defines Authentication Protocol for USB Type-C
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the USB Type-C Authentication specification, defining cryptographic-based authentication for USB Type-C chargers and devices. USB Type-C Authentication empowers host systems to protect against non-compliant USB Chargers and to mitigate risks from maliciously embedded hardware or software in USB devices attempting to exploit a USB connection.

Boulder Amplifiers Announces New Reference-Level 2120 D/A Converter
Boulder Amplifiers announced the release of its new 2120 D/A Converter and Stereo Amplifier system, offering a reference-level updated digital music source with multiple options. The company says its 2100 Series “marks a substantial increase in performance over the previous 2000 Series, moving the game on from what has long been considered the benchmark in high-performance audio.”

Logitech to Acquire Jaybird, Expanding Into the Fast-Growing Wireless Audio Wearables Market
Logitech International, also the owner of Ultimate Ears, announced it will acquire Jaybird, the wireless and active lifestyle consumer electronics specialists. With this strategic acquisition, Logitech will leverage its worldwide distribution network to bring Jaybird range of premium Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, sport wearables and wireless software solutions to the global market.
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MQA Hardware and Software Players Become Available Via Upgrades
Following the recent announcement by Meridian Audio of a firmware update enabling MQA playback in its own range of products, Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) is now also playable directly on the Pioneer XDP-100R and Onkyo DP-X1 portable devices. MQA-encoded music content is finally available for first adopters to download and hear on their own devices.

d&b audiotechnik Launches NoizCalc Far Field Immission Modeling Software Tool
In recent years the prediction and control of far field noise immission from live open air events has become a serious topic. Gaining permission and licensing to stage such productions often requires an official statement, predicting how the noise will impact on surrounding areas. The introduction of the far field noise immission modeling software, d&b NoizCalc, addresses this issue.

Apogee Introduces New ONE Audio Interface/Microphone for Mac
Apogee Electronics introduced a new member of their ONE audio interface family, ONE for Mac. ONE for Mac is an affordable 2 In x 2 Out USB audio interface/microphone solution for musicians and podcasters writing, recording and mixing music on a Mac computer. The third generation in the Apogee ONE family, ONE for Mac features the same sound quality and essential functionality as the Apogee ONE for iPad & Mac.

AKG Debuts New Closed-Back K872 Reference Headphones at Prolight+Sound 2016
Just when you thought the AKG professional headphone catalogue was extensive enough, the Austrian company surprised us with the announcement of a new flagship reference model, which the company says it embodies its “70 years of expertise” and sets their “new benchmark for performance and comfort.” The new K872 master reference headphones features the largest transducer AKG has ever built.

Solid State Logic Announces Sigma δelta Version 2 Availability
Solid State Logic released a Version 2 software package for its Sigma remote controlled analogue summing mixer, which is effectively the closest thing to actually having an SSL SuperAnalogue mixer in a studio, with the advantage that the solution now allows extra control from any DAW, including automation and full hands-on support from control surfaces.

Genelec Expands New Generation of Smart Active Monitoring Systems at Prolight+Sound 2016
Among the product introductions at Prolight+Sound 2016, Frankfurt, Germany, the Finish monitoring specialists managed to grab the headlines with the largest number of products launched simultaneously. Genelec not only expanded its range of new generation Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) systems with five additions to the series, but also celebrated 10 years of the technology.

Eventide Unveils T-Verb Dynamic Reverb Plug-In Based On Bowie Session Techniques
T-Verb is a unique dynamic stereo reverb effect plug-in using a unique technique legendary engineer Tony Visconti employed in the original Hansa Studios, Berlin, during the recording of David Bowie’s Heroes. Eventide unveiled the new plug-in at Musikmesse 2016, which was developed directly in collaboration with the legendary producer, engineer and musician.