Siemens Acquires DownStream Technologies to Expand PCB Design-to-Manufacturing Flow
Siemens Digital Industries Software announced today that it has completed the acquisition of DownStream Technologies, a leading provider of manufacturing data preparation solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) design. This acquisition strengthens Siemens’ PCB design portfolio and expands its footprint in the electronics small and medium-sized business (SMB) market, and enables greater process coverage, from design to manufacturing preparation.
CEDAR Audio Renowned Audio Processing and Forensic Tools Now Available as Plugins
For more than 36 years, CEDAR has been renowned for its groundbreaking audio processing, whether in hardware, software, dedicated systems, or through 3rd-party collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. Now, the British company announced a rethinking of its software products as CEDAR icons, a series of more affordable VST3/AU/AAX compatible plug-ins that will be available for download from CEDAR’s new online shop.
Duomondi Appoints Robert Winterhoff as General Manager of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships
Duomondi, a new Italian-German venture entering the market with a unique range of wireless speakers, announced the appointment of Robert Winterhoff as General Manager of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. Winterhoff brings over 30 years of experience with storied names such as Harman International, Beyerdynamic, IAH, and Ultrasone AG. His appointment signals a defining moment in Duomondi’s ambition to redefine a category in architectural audio.
Arnold Magnetics Technologies Announces Matthew Blake as New CEO
Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance magnets, announced that industry veteran Matthew Blake has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer effective March 31, 2025. Arnold Magnetic, headquartered in Rochester, NY, celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025. As a subsidiary of Compass Diversified Holdings, Arnold recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in Woodstock, IL, and launched a new production site in Thailand, underscoring the company’s commitment to the industry, its employees, and the environment.
Sennheiser Launches MKH 8018 Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser has launched the new MKH 8018, a compact stereo shotgun microphone designed for broadcasting and filming applications. Climate-proof and rugged, the MKH 8018 is a high-class short microphone that completes the company’s MKH 8000 range of RF condenser microphones, all of which excel in the field due to their ability to capture natural sound with virtually no off-axis coloration. Providing further flexibility, the lightweight MKH 8018 features three switchable stereo modes: MS stereo, wide XY stereo, and narrow XY stereo.
Victrola Now Owns Legendary Audio Brand KLH Audio
Victrola, a leading brand in audio since 1906, and the original manufacturer of the first in-home record player in the US, is now connected to another legendary American brand: KLH Audio. A revered name in high-fidelity loudspeakers, KLH was the company established in 1957 by audio pioneers Henry Kloss, Malcolm S. Low, and Josef Anton Hofmann. Today, Victrola is actually Innovative Technology Electronics, LLC, a Denver-based company that carries on the venerable legacy of the brand in modern turntables, and which now intends to do the same with KLH.
Audio-Technica Launches ATH-R30x Open-Back Headphones
Audio-Technica expanded its brand-new R-Series line of professional open-back headphones with the introduction of the ATH-R30x Open-Back Reference Headphones. First previewed in January 2025 at the NAMM show, this more affordable model joins the ATH-R50x and updated flagship ATH-R70xa, launched earlier. The new Audio-Technica R-Series of open-back headphones offers a more natural, spacious listening experience, ideal for mixing and mastering in a studio or other private space.
Scan-Speak Moves to New Modern Facilities in Herning
After 34 years in Videbæk, speaker manufacturer Scan-Speak is relocating to new modern facilities in Herning, Central Denmark. A move focused on the future, according to sales director Jann U. Evers, the new facilities located approximately half an hour’s drive from the historical headquarters will meet the company’s increasing need for optimized production and logistics. “The time has come to move to more suitable premises!,” says Jann Evers.
Hear the Future. Global Audio Summit 2025, Shanghai, China
Over a period of 10 days, at the end of March 2025, I have visited the vibrant Shanghai region of China following an invitation by the China Audio Industry Association (CAIA) to attend the organization's Global Audio Summit 2025. I have often participated in events promoted by national and international audio industry associations, mostly oriented by scientific, academic, engineering, or trading charters. But this one was one of the most vibrant product development conferences I have ever attended. Here is my report.
Speaker Box Alignments from Numerical Optimization - The Quasi-Chebyshev Alignment
After seeing many speaker designers returning to trial-and-error approaches that seem to forget the historical work and analytical approach, Lars Risbo decided to explore numerical optimization to synthesize attractive alignments both for reflex and passive radiator box types. This reference article basically expands on Claus Futtrup's "Loudspeaker Bass Reflex Alignments" article series published in audioXpress, and expanded with dedicated articles in Voice Coil.