A2B Audio Bus: Ten Years and Three Generations

In this article, Brewster LaMacchia explores the release of the latest A2B AD2437 chip from Analog Devices. He explains how A2B has been evolving to support many applications in home cinema, studio, stage, musical instruments and much more, with support for up to 16 nodes, transmitting 32 channels of 24-bit/48kHz digital audio and optional data with the lowest latency (50μsec) at up to 30 meters.

A pioneer in mixing control surfaces for digital audio with a strong tradition in the radio market, DHD announced an addition to its range of broadcast-quality audio equipment with the introduction of the new RM1 audio interface. A complete audio production system in a compact, lightweight desktop unit capable of operating from a wall outlet or USB power, DHD’s new RM1 audio interface combines multichannel audio mixing and processing and is ready to meet the needs of podcasters or broadcasters.

Analog Devices continues to expand its A2B digital audio connectivity technology with new transceiver devices and updating the specification that enables powerful multichannel audio applications. Originally developed by Analog Devices for audio data transmission in automotive applications, A2B has been adopted also as a new data transmission technology for professional audio by multiple brands. And it has now been commercially adopted even in synthesizers.

Since 1996, MARIAN GmbH has been developing systems for computer audio of the highest performance, gradually allowing the Leipzig-based manufacturer to gain recognition beyond its roots in Saxony, Germany. Specializing in PCIe interface products, MARIAN products are in use around the globe and its technology is adopted by well-established brands and system integrators. The company now launched the Clara E PCIe audio solution, enabling large channel-count applications from audio computers in Dante networks.

British audio company Audient announces the launch of the latest product in its EVO by Audient range, until now available in two-, and four-channel USB-C audio interfaces. The new EVO 16 is a 24 inputs and 24 outputs audio interface, featuring eight EVO preamplifiers, advanced converter technology, as well as the company's Smartgain feature which can be used on all 8 channels simultaneously, and is a basic feature of EVO interfaces to ‘make recording easy’.

SoundCheck 19, the new release of Listen's flagship audio test and measurement system, offers powerful advancements for users making multichannel measurements, including a new Multi-channel RTA and WASAPI-exclusive mode. The inclusion of room acoustics measurements offers increased capability for those looking to evaluate devices in real-world situations. The SoundCheck 19 announcement also coincides with the availability of Listen's new high resolution multichannel interface, AmpConnect 621.