Dr. Michael Santucci Receives NHCA Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Hearing Conservation and Music Audiology
The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has honored Dr. Michael Santucci, Au.D., Sensaphonics founder and president, with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to hearing conservation and music audiology. Recognizing a breadth of extraordinary accomplishments in hearing loss prevention and in service to the NHCA, this rarely bestowed award was presented to Dr. Santucci during the NHCA 2025 Conference in Charleston, SC, at a ceremony held on February 8, 2025.
xMEMS Introduces Amplifier-Less MEMS Tweeter for 2-Way Wireless Earbuds
xMEMS unveiled Lassen, the company’s latest member of its growing µFidelity range of MEMS drivers, and the first “amplifier-less” MEMS tweeter optimized for 2-way True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds. According to xMEMS, Lassen brings a number of advantages with no need for a piezo amplifier, reducing cost, size, and power consumption while maintaining exceptional sound performance with up to 115dB SPL in the 6kHz–20kHz range. For manufacturers, Lassen lowers integration costs by 25% making room for other advanced features, and allowing consistent sound quality in mass production.
Cinemo Expands User Experience with New CARS Connect Suite
Cinemo announced an expansion of its CARS suite of in-car integrations with new Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) functionalities for Android Automotive OS (AAOS), now adding video-on-demand, multi-screen sharing, immersive audio, and Apple CarPlay support. Seamlessly integrating passenger devices into the in-car infotainment experience, the new CARS Connect Suite transforms AAOS into a hub of connected experiences, supporting multiple built-in displays whether on one single or multiple SOCs.
Coastal Source Appoints Ravi Raghunandan as Chief Operating Officer
Strengthening its senior leadership team during a period of rapid growth and expansion, Coastal Source, the leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance outdoor audio and lighting solutions has named Ravi Raghunandan Chief Operating Officer. Raghunandan assumes responsibility for managing and overseeing areas such as Customer Experience/Technical Support, Supply Chain, Production & Warehouse, and Human Resources.
Siemens Completes Acquisition of Altair Engineering
Altair Engineering, headquartered in Troy, Michigan is a leading name in CAE Software and product design and development solutions, also as a result of a series of key strategic acquisitions allowing the company to expand into high performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, Siemens announced the intention to acquire Altair to create the “most complete AI-powered portfolio of industrial software”.
SiliconIntervention Announces Availability of Silicon-Based Fractal-D Audio Amplifier Evaluation Board
SiliconIntervention announced the availability of an evaluation board, demonstrating the high efficiency operation of its Fractal-D audio amplifier aimed at wearable applications such as earbuds and smart glasses as well as mobile products that demand extended battery life. SiliconIntervention is the company exploring a new type of bridge configuration that improves the efficiency at lower power levels while maximizing efficiency over a wide range of power levels.
Focal Bathys MG Headphones: Testing Wireless Luxury
In October 2022, Focal made its entry into the competitive wireless headphones segment with its first “Bluetooth hi-fi” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) design, named Bathys. Short after, it relaunched the design with new finishes and added support for Mimi personalization. More importantly, Focal understood that it needed to sell it as a “luxury” product considering the asking price of US $799 USD. It didn’t work very well. Now, Focal is introducing the Bathys MG, doubling down on the strategy, with an updated model priced at $1,299 USD.
ICEpower Updates Existing Amplifier Modules with New Technology
The Danish purveyor of high-performance Class-D amplifiers, ICEpower, announced it will be progressively updating its amplifier modules with the full benefits of its new Conductor topology and integrated gate driver ICC5 chips, combined with refined design and functionality. The integration, ICEpower says, takes audio quality to the next level and redefines the company’s already renowned amplifier technology. First products to receive the updates are the 50ASX2, 125ASX2, 700AS1, and 700AS2 modules.
Schiit Announces Two New Digitally Controlled Phono Preamps
Schiit Audio continues to expand on its vision to design sensible hifi with innovative features. That includes expanding its Forkbeard complete control products with the announcement of the Stjarna and Skoll F phono preamps. Stjarna is an all-out, limited-production, all-tube design that offers top-of-class performance, while Skoll F adds Forkbeard to the company’s existing all-discrete, zero-feedback, high-voltage-rail phono preamp.
Speakerbench Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Significant Updates
Speakerbench, the web-based application for loudspeaker design with an emphasis on an advanced transducer model, has been officially available since March 2020. Created by Claus Futtrup and Jeff Candy, the online tool celebrates its fifth anniversary with a significant update that introduces new valuable features, plus comprehensive documentation. Originally intended to support the loudspeaker DIY community, Speakerbench is increasingly recognized by global speaker designers at all levels.