
xMEMS Labs Showcases Sleep Buds Reference Design with Active Venting at CES 2024
During CES 2024, xMEMS Labs unveiled an innovative reference design for the fast-growing sleep buds product segment. The MEMS pioneer had a lot to show at CES and the creation of reference designs using the companies new MEMS drivers speaks volumes as to the way the market is enthusiastically embracing the technology. The new reference design leverages xMEMS' solid-state Cowell drivers and Skyline DynamicVent technologies to deliver a trifecta of noise blocking, noise-masking sound, and an industry-first vented mode for improved comfort.

KEF Launches LSX II LT Wireless Hifi Speakers
KEF launched the newest addition to its popular LS Wireless Collection with the new LSX II LT Wireless. These hifi speakers are a streamlined version of KEF's existing LSX II speakers, featuring the same key technological innovations - 11th Generation Uni-Q driver, Music Integrity Engine, W2 wireless platform, easy connectivity, etc. - found in the LSX II, at an even lower price point. The key difference is that the LSX II LT only requires a single power cord, as the primary speaker powers the secondary one via an interconnect cable.

Test Bench: Fountek NeoCD2.0 High-End Ribbon Tweeter
The Fountek brand is now being manufactured by Shanghai Nada Technology (formerly Fountek Electronics), updating a large portfolio of high-end range of transducers (woofers, midbass drivers, full-range drivers, and ribbons high-frequency devices). The device that was sent to Voice Coil is the company’s current iteration of its Fountek NeoCD 2.0 ribbon tweeter. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, September 2023.
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Fresh From the Bench: Improving GaN with Digital Control
The AX5689 is an eight-channel audio amplifier controller IC with digital inputs and CMOS level PWM outputs, enabling high-order digital control loops with post-filter feedback. This article, originally published in audioXpress, December 2023, reviews the Axign and GaN Systems Class-D audio amplifier reference design board, intended to demonstrate the benefits of Axign's digital controllers and its unique approach.

Mackie Introduces MobileMix USB-Powerable Mixer
In the incredible mix of new product announcements unleashed before the company's presence at NAMM 2024, the new Mackie MobileMix revitalizes an interesting category in portable live production and content creation. The Mackie MobileMix is a fully featured small audio mixer designed to work with tablets and smartphone in live sound, video production, and streaming setups.

Kardome and Panasonic Automotive Enhance In-Car Voice User Experience
Kardome, the innovative voice front-end technology company from Israel has partnered with Panasonic Automotive Systems of America at CES 2024 to showcase Kardome Mobility's integration into Panasonic Automotive's SkipGen2 In-Vehicle Infotainment System. Kardome's integrated Spatial Hearing technology enhances in-car voice user interfaces and the integration with Kardome Mobility is the only solution to individually capture up to six voices over three rows with a single mic array in the overhead cabin compartment.

Røde Announces Dual Transmitter Version of the Wireless ME
Røde has announced a dual transmitter version of the Wireless ME, the grab-and-go, entry level wireless mic for content creators. This announcement expands the possibilities of the original Wireless ME system launched in 2023 together with a free iOS video app. The ultra-compact wireless microphone system shares the same form factor of the Wireless GO and GO II, creating a simpler to use option with less features, while adding automatic gain control and a mic on the receiver.

Synopsys Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Ansys
The world of simulation and analysis software is about to be turned on its head with Synopsys announcing the intention to acquire Ansys. According to the Californian semiconductor technology company, the acquisition of the American multinational, a leader in CAE/multiphysics engineering simulation software for product design, testing and operation meets a growing need to accelerate Synopsys' Silicon to Systems strategy.

Gibson Returns to Guitar Amplifiers with New Falcon Combos
Gibson continues its remarkable journey to rebuild the company, leveraging its North-American resources to create a new generation of unique products that speak to all those who admire its original products. Now, it announced the new Gibson Falcon Amplifiers, two low-wattage, compact tube combos that reimagine vintage tones for the modern player. The two new amplifiers are the work of Randall Smith, the founder of Mesa Boogie, and his Gibson Amps Design Team in Petaluma, CA.

Mackie Unveils New ProFXv3+ Compact Mixer Series
Anticipating its presence at NAMM 2024, where Mackie will share a booth with Røde, following the recently announced acquisition, the Washington state company has unveiled a surprising number of new products. Among those are three new additions to the acclaimed ProFXv3 mixer series, expanding the lineup with creator-friendly technologies and features, such as USB recording modes, upgraded effects and Bluetooth.