Yamaha Family of Communication Products Adapts to Hybrid Workplaces

Following the introduction of the Yamaha YVC-200 Portable USB + Bluetooth Speakerphone in 2018, Yamaha Unified Communications gradually increased its range of professional-quality portable conference solutions, including new YVC Speakerphone models, the CS-700 Video Soundbar and further conference room speaker and microphone solutions. Since 2020, Yamaha refocused this powerful range of communication products to respond to the more diverse needs of work from home and remote collaboration.

audioXpress February 2021 explains why Microphones have gained Essential Status, and how microphones have a foundational contribution to voice front-ends. Erica Yorga details how Thousands of Virtual Microphones can solve audio conferencing challenges, and Mike Meechan explains how to design high-performance microphone preamplifiers. Brent Butterworth reviews the Widex Moment mRIC RD hearing aids to understand the differences and similarities in the critical sound experience. Michael Steffes explains how to increase the output current for an audio op-amp, and Andrew C. Russell details the X-Altra, a high-performance MC/MM phono equalizer DIY project. Now available in print and digital.

Reacting to the exploding demand for microphone that can be used at home for web meetings, podcasting, voiceovers, or general home studio use, PreSonus is the latest company to announce a new entry in the USB microphone category. The new PreSonus Revelator microphone makes it easy to get polished, professional-sounding results with selectable polar patterns, preset configurations and loopback audio. Better still, it's an affordable option that looks like a big, expensive studio microphone that offers that delivers the desired "Radio Sound."

After promoting its latest MV7 hybrid XLR/USB microphone, which clearly appealed to users who recognize the similitude with the famous SM7B, Shure also launched a new member to its MOTIV range of USB microphones, with the new MV5C design, focusing on improving voice audio quality and making video conferencing from home more effective. This microphone evokes the classical Shure Unidyne (unidirectional) series, in a USB compatible microphone that connects directly to any Mac or Windows laptop or computer.

Bose Professional has announced that their much anticipated Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 UC are now shipping in the U.S. and Latin America, and will also be available in Asia and Europe in September and October 2020 respectively. Certified for Microsoft Teams and compatible with both Zoom and Google Meet, the NCH 700 UC headphones improve collaboration in the workplace, whether in the home office, working remote and everywhere in between.

Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Growth Opportunities in the Global Professional Headset Market, Forecast to 2026, predicts that the professional headset market will witness robust growth due to the increased popularity of cloud meeting services and remote working practices. In 2020, in particular, the demand for professional PC USB and UC&C headsets has surged to unprecedented levels to enhance software communications experiences.

The coronavirus pandemic created a cultural shift in enterprise headset use, particularly in the office, as workers chose their own equipment and incorporated Bluetooth connectivity into their routine, according to the latest report by SAR Insight & Consulting. Research by the market analyst firm found that the lockdown that most countries implemented following the pandemic had other unforeseen knock-on effects.

Otter.ai, a well funded startup active in the audio transcription market introduced today the availability of Live Video Meeting Notes, which enables English-speaking participants to open a secure, live interactive transcript directly from a video conference, or after a meeting. Otter.ai Live Video Meeting Notes enables users to access some of the same real-time features available in Otter Voice Meeting Notes, launched directly from a video conferencing platform.