Cutting-Edge Audio Technologies and Trends in audioXpress December 2019

audioXpress December 2019 dives into the latest wireless audio and DSP platforms and solutions in a dedicated Market Update, followed by a review of the latest Audio Precision APx555 B Series audio analyzer. David Logvin shares his experience with the xCORE VocalFusion development platform by XMOS, while Michael Steffes re-confirms a theory that cascaded amplifier + ADC harmonic distortion combine as voltage swings. Christopher Paul explores alternative approaches to the design of a linear current regulator for audio tube amplifiers, Menno van der Veen details an 18 W single-ended valve amplifier using Trans technology, and Richard Honeycutt investigates whether or not swapping out comparable tubes makes any audible difference in a guitar amplifier’s sound. Download your own copy now!

Waves Audio is a leading developer of professional audio signal processing technologies and audio plug-ins for music production, broadcast, post-production and live sound. The company now announced the availability of V11, a new major upgrade for Waves plug-ins that will ensure compatibility with future operating systems and DAW systems. Wave also announced that is now shipping Waves SuperRack, the next generation of plug-in processing software for live sound and broadcast applications.

Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of Qualcomm, announced a new development kit based on the Qualcomm QCA4020 multimode SoC that is qualified by Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service (AVS) for AWS IoT Core connected devices. The new Qualcomm Home Hub 100 kit supports Alexa Voice Service using a microcontroller (MCU) and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) with Multimode Connectivity and adds to Qualcomm's’ line up of voice enabling products including kits that can allow OEMs to easily integrate Alexa into smart speakers and hearables.

It's taking a while , but finally we are seeing a consistent transition to more USB-C audio solutions. Steinberg announced the immediate availability of its new range of audio interfaces, comprising the UR22C, the UR44C and the UR22C Recording Pack. An additional UR816C rackmount interface is scheduled for release in November 2019. Each model in the new range features different input/output capabilities, sharing the same overall robust build quality, Yamaha D-PRE audio preamps and a comprehensive software bundle.

The October 2019 edition of Voice Coil is packed full of essential reading material. Vance Dickason discusses Zero Phase in Studio Monitors with commentary from industry experts. In Acoustic Patents, a new Speaker Structure design patented by Yamaha, and a new Passive Acoustic Radiator Module, invented by Joseph Sahyoun are under review. And Test Bench characterizes a new high power coaxial compression driver and horn from B&C Speakers, and a 28 mm silk dome tweeter from Trueanalog. Now available to download!

Earthquake Sound is now shipping its new range of powered MiniMe DSP subwoofers, combining 600-watts of high efficiency Class D power in two models, with 10- or 12-inch long throw high-quality drivers, combined respectively with a 10- or 12-inch Mass Tuned SLAPS patented passive radiator system. Both the MiniMe DSP P10 and MiniMe DSP P12 offer full mobile app control of the built-in DSP features, including Auto Room Correction, SHS (Sub-harmonic Synthesizer), Selective Variable Crossover and operation switch for different ranges.

Dynaudio’s extremely versatile and great-value Core series studio monitor range has grown to twice its size with a new, compact three-way monitor and a powerful subwoofer designed to extend the low-end perfectly for Core 7, 47 and 59 monitors. The legendary Danish studio-monitor manufacturer from Skanderborg, Denmark, added this two new models to the Core reference series, originally introduced at the 2019 NAMM show.

Kanto is a Canadian audio company specializing in colorful powered bookshelf and desktop speakers, designed for modern lifestyles. These compact speakers are not only good sounding and affordable, but they have all-in-one features such as an integrated USB DAC, phono preamp, Bluetooth and optical TOSLINK inputs, and can be connected with one of the Kanto powered subwoofers. But Kanto also wants to promote high end sound quality in the same form factor, and that’s why they launched the Kanto TUK speakers and had a dedicated demo room at RMAF 2019.

Theory Audio Design is a new loudspeaker and electronics manufacturer from Lake Forest, California, dedicated to combine acoustic performance and aesthetics in new audio products for the modern home. Founded by Paul Hales, 30-year loudspeaker engineer, AV industry veteran, and owner of highly-regarded audio manufacturer Pro Audio Technology (PRO), Theory products marry PRO’s acoustic performance and professional features with sophisticated contemporary design at a much lower cost.

The DSP501 / DSP502 are two new state of the art Digital Signal Processors from Swiss company Weiss Engineering, founded in 1985 by Daniel Weiss. The two new processors, featuring exclusive algorithms developed by the company, that the company describes as "the essence of our experiences." The implementation in the two new hardware units intends to "enhance or adapt the audio signal to the room acoustics or speakers at hand," and combines some rather unique features.