Maxim Integrated Introduces MAX98390 Smart Amplifier with Dynamic Speaker Management

Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX98390 smart amplifier with integrated Dynamic Speaker Management (DSM) algorithm to efficiently deliver louder, clearer, richer sound at the lowest quiescent power in the market. The boosted, digital Class D DSM smart amplifier unleashes a system's full audio potential by safely driving higher power levels (up to 5.1W) into tiny speakers typically rated for much lower power between 1 to 3W.

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.

For developers working on industrial robots, drones and all sorts of connected or smart home devices, the new Intel Neural Compute Stick (NCS) 2 offers what's needed to prototype faster and smarter, runs on a standard USB 3.0 port and requires no additional hardware. The NCS 2 was introduced at Intel's first artificial intelligence (AI) developer conference in Beijing (Nov. 14-15, 2018), an event were the company promoted its vision for building smarter AI algorithms and intelligent devices at the network edge.

Creating a new high-fidelity legacy in audio innovation for playback on mobile devices. SmartHIFI™ describes Cirrus Logic's highest-standard codecs with embedded software and DSP algorithms to deliver excellence in audio playback in new generations of mobile devices. Cirrus Logic SmartHIFI codecs deliver the very best performance in sound clarity and pure, euphoric audio listening just like the artist intended.

During an event in London to celebrate its 70th anniversary year, Sennheiser teased the industry with the forthcoming launch of a new flagship headphone and amplifier and previewed a new 9.1 immersive audio technology, developed for both recording and playback, both on hi-fi systems and as an algorithm for headphones.

The K-array KH8 line array loudspeaker system has been purpose-designed for steering and coverage optimization by AFMG’s FIRmaker Technology. With this implementation, the Ahnert Feistel Media Group (AFMG) sees an ideal combination of his revolutionary sound optimization tool with the innovative K-array fully digital concept.

Why is it so easy to find an audio enthusiast claiming that his new headphones, DAC, preamplifier, or pair of speakers “completely changed his perception of the music” and “made it possible to hear things in a totally new way,” and yet so many consumers cannot actually hear the difference when listening to high-resolution audio?

During the IBC 2014 show, TC Electronic introduced a new aNorm algorithm and loudness processing meter – the Butterfly Meter – as part of the new LoudnessWizard II license for the DB6 Broadcast Audio Processor. aNorm is a hi-resolution loudness adjustment technology that TC says it represents an advance over first generation streaming correction which relied on heavy processing to achieve a desired loudness target value, or to soften transitions between programs.

Flux has completed the migration to IRCAM SPAT v3 adding support for AVID AAX and 64 bit systems. Spat v3 introduces state of the art algorithms for room acoustics simulation utilizing advanced perceptive models, allowing for intuitive user interaction capabilities in stereo and surround configurations.

German company Fiedler Audio launched the first dedicated professional reverb effect app for iOS devices. Providing a unique set of tuning parameters and vast sonic spectrum, the AD 480 Reverb app is a valuable tool on any live or studio situation, with the added advantage of portability on the iPad and iPhone.