AKM Announces New Premium DAC and DSP Solutions for Premium Portable Audio Applications

Targeting portable audio applications (smartphones, tablets, portable music players, headphones, etc.) Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has developed the AK4962, a new advanced 2-channel 32-bit Advanced Audio DAC with DSP, featuring 32-bit 4ch ADC with microphone/headphone receivers, line-amplifier, audio/voice DSP, asynchronous SRC and microcontroller interface. AKM also announced its AK4490EN 32-bit stereo premium D/A converter and dedicated clock generator, AK8157A, are now available.

CEntrance’s campaign to launch its DACportable USB DAC on crowdfunding website Indiegogo received an amazing response and quickly surpassed its funding goal. The DACportable is a battery operated, powerful, palm-sized USB DAC designed to convert the average audio of any smartphone, tablet or computer into a high-quality, high-resolution, listening experience.

COBBLE is a new audio project currently being promoted on Kickstarter, promising the world’s first battery-free, ultra-light, and iPhone-mic-compatible portable audio amplifier and DAC for the iPhone. Weighing less than an ounce, PEBBLE can be used anywhere, supports 24-bit 192kHz audio and features an interesting “pebble-shaped” design.

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced the newest addition to the company’s Burr-Brown Audio line, a next generation of the widely adopted OPA1612 audio operational amplifier (op amp). The new OPA1622 delivers lowest distortion and noise, high linear output current, and low power, enabling the highest performance for professional and portable audio applications.

While the wireless audio industry is heading in a more durable and waterproof direction, Connor Moelmann believed the next big step in speakers would be about improving portability and created Stigmount, currently campaigning on Kickstarter. The Chicago, Illinois-based company wants people to be able to carry their portable Bluetooth speakers everywhere, with a quick-mounting system that works on any surface from backpacks to surfboards.

High Resolution Technologies (HRT) is now shipping its new nano series dSp and i-dSp digital Sound processors, two accessories that provide improved headphone sound quality for smartphones, tablets and portable devices. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, HRT was able to start production runs of the nano dSp and i-dSp.