Here for You: Voice Coil May 2020 is Now Available

In this very strong edition of Voice Coil, focused on up-to-date topics for loudspeaker professionals, we discuss the industry's Asian supply chain, how a new carbon composite dome compares with Beryllium and Titanium products, and James Croft reviews a recent electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL) patent. Vance Dickason focuses his attention on two innovations coming from Eminence, in two extreme product categories. The new Eminence NSW4018-8 18" Tour Grade Woofer, and the new N314X 1.4" compression driver, which is the first to use TeXtreme composite material for the diaphragm. Download your copy now!

Lavoce Italiana announced the appointment of Tom James as the company's new Business Development Manager for The Americas. The appointment follows a period of significant expansion, including the release of multiple high-quality drivers to the company's already comprehensive transducer catalog. Tom’s practical experience includes over 30 years in positions conducting loudspeaker development, enabling Lavoce to reinforce its contacts with strategic OEM and distribution partners in the region.

Futuresource Consulting unveiled its latest Home Audio Worldwide Loudspeaker Report which demonstrates that the market is showing resilience despite shifting listening habits, as consumers look beyond traditional audio products, fixing their sights on smart speakers and headphones. The recent changes in loudspeaker preferences means trade value is faring better than volume, according to the new worldwide loudspeaker report from Futuresource.

The annual ALMA International Symposium & Expo (AISE) 2019, took place June 9–10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Orlando, just prior to InfoComm 2019. Once again, it was the strongest event ever for anyone in the loudspeaker and electroacoustic development in general. This was the first event since the association decided to move away from Las Vegas and CES, and leverage the opportunities of working closer with the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) and its annual trade show, InfoComm.

This key event for the audio industry is the ALMA International Symposium & Expo (AISE), promoted by the Association of Loudspeaker Manufacturing & Acoustics (ALMA) International. The two-day event traditionally happened just before CES. Now, the industry gathering is going to become less of a secret, since this year's AISE is expanding and moving to June 9–10, 2019, just prior to and in affiliation with InfoComm in Orlando, FL. It’s important for everyone to learn more about AISE 2019 and why they need to be there.

The Association of Loudspeaker Manufacturing & Acoustics (ALMA) International will promote its ALMA International Symposium & Expo (AISE) June 9–10, 2019, just prior to and in affiliation with InfoComm in Orlando, FL. The event will be a unique opportunity to expand the scope of ALMA's activities, bringing loudspeaker industry members together. ALMA has been working hard for AISE 2019 and confirmed activities include the first Speaker Builders Workshop. There are still opportunities for content and taking space available at the exhibition. Registration is now available.

The Loudspeaker Sourcing Show is gearing up for its fourth edition. An annual one-stop solution for loudspeaker brand buyers, engineers, and their decision-makers to meet directly with qualified loudspeaker factories all under one roof, The Loudspeaker Sourcing Show is all set to return to the Nansha Grand Hotel Guangzhou in Guangzhou, China as a three-day industry-only event hosting more attendees and exhibitors than ever before between October 16-18, 2018.

Over the years, audioXpress and Voice Coil magazines have published several company profiles on speaker manufacturers. In 2015, a book was published to celebrate 100 years of the loudspeaker and, in particular, the remarkable contributions of the Danish loudspeaker industry (audio and electronics industry in general is the fourth largest exporting industry in Denmark). This is a valuable book that anyone interested about the loudspeaker industry needs to read.

B&C Speakers formalized a binding offer for the acquisition of 100% of share capital of Eighteen Sound from Landi Renzo Group. The announcement confirms an operation anticipated by the Landi Renzo Group of focusing on its core automotive business, divesting from non-strategic assets and "return to profitability" in 2018. For B&C Speakers this represents a formidable expansion of its business to new loudspeaker market segments.

ALMA International will promote the 2018 edition of its annual International Symposium & Expo 2018 (AISE), in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 6 – 7. The theme for AISE 2018 will be "The Revolution of the Audio Signal Chain," and ALMA is already picking up steam with its most dynamic seminar program ever. This two-day gathering, just prior to the largest consumer electronics industry trade show (CES), has to be high on the priorities for any loudspeaker industry professional.