RH Consulting Networked AV Report 2025 Edition Reveals Growing Fragmentation in the Industry
Built upon 13 years of audio research and four years of video data, the 2025 edition of the RH Consulting (RHC) Networked AV Report provides a detailed analysis of the adoption of audio and video networking protocols into manufacturer products. Compiled by leading audio consultants and engineers at RHC and considered a benchmark document by industry professionals, the report contains an analysis of 6942 networked AV products across 676 brands.
Sennheiser Unveils New HD 550 Headphones That Are Actually Very Good but Look Exactly Like Other Sennheiser Headphones
Sennheiser launched new headphones that could easily be confused with other existing designs from the brand. But the new HD 550 headphones are supposed to be a decent product that should hit the sweet spot between a solid performer and an ultra-light build at an affordable price. Sonova, the company now responsible for Sennheiser’s consumer products, says the new HD 550 could even be compelling for gamers seeking superior sound reproduction that outshines its price tag. We have a few questions.
GPU Audio Releases SDK and Opens Access to GPU Processing to All
GPU Audio released their long-awaited SDK, now available for free - offering developers and programmers the opportunity to unlock GPU acceleration for audio projects, productions, and software development needs. The use of these development tools allows implementing software ideas with access to the immense power of GPU processing, and build the next generation of audio experiences independently of the application verticals.
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imc Test & Measurement Expands Availability of FAMOS Data Analysis Software
imc Test & Measurement, the manufacturer of data acquisition systems, sensors, and software that is part of Axiometrix Solutions, together with Audio Precision and GRAS, is making its FAMOS software available to the global market. Only available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for over two decades, FAMOS is a trusted solution in the automotive and aerospace industries, recognized for its advanced capabilities in handling, analyzing, and visualizing complex measurement data.
Fresh From the Bench: Purifi 1ET9040BA Balanced Class-D Amplifier Module
The Purifi 1ET9040BA balanced Class-D amplifier module, a Bridge-tied-load (BTL) output stage, is the second product in the company's Eigentakt range. Following a conversation with members of Purifi about the amplifier's audio performance being hard to measure even with the best available test equipment, Jan Didden, in collaboration with Rens Tellers, took up the challenge, with invaluable support from Audio Precision's parent corporation Axiometrix.
Outboard DSP: Marani Pro MIR260A
The third of a series of product reviews of outboard DSP hardware, this article explores the MIR260A DSP processor from Marani Pro Audio. Supported with expert measurements performed by Charlene Chow on a flagship APx555B analyzer (courtesy of Audio Precision), Vance Dickason looks at this professional DSP processor with two inputs and six outputs, and a more cost-effective model from Marani.
New Widex Allure Hearing Aid Platform Combines Advanced Processing with First Cloud-Based Fitting Solution
Underscoring its commitment to helping hearing aid wearers, Widex, a part of WS Audiology, announced Widex Allure, the company’s newest platform, designed to deliver the most natural hearing experience in any environment. Allure features the all-new W1 chip for advanced processing and are the first RIC RD hearing aids to be fitted through Widex Compass Cloud, the world's first cloud-based fitting software.
Universal Audio Apollo E Series Expands Dante Networking Possibilities
Responding to the popularity of audio networking solutions for studios and stage, Universal Audio announced the Apollo E Series of PoE peripherals for Dante‑networked audio systems and the Apollo x16D audio interface. The new Apollo e1x adds remote-controllable Unison mic/line preamps to the Apollo x16D, while the Apollo e2m expands Dante networked systems with I/O and monitor control, enabling acclaimed UAD plug‑ins to work directly over Dante.
Neurochrome Launches Universal Purifi Input Buffer
Neurochrome, the Canadian audio electronics company created by Tom Christiansen, just announced an interesting new upcoming product for builders and all DIY enthusiasts. A new universal input buffer board, designed to extract the best possible performance from Purifi and Hypex Class-D amplifier modules. Improving on the Purifi EVAL1 and the Hypex NC500 evaluation board, the new universal single-channel (mono) design provides a differential output for the amplifier, even if the input to the buffer is single-ended.
Tariffs and Risks to Global Supply Chains Webinar, March 27
The Audio and Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI) Association is promoting the free webinar "Using Tariffs As A Geopolitical Weapon – The Uncertainty and Risk to Global Supply Chains," presented by Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute. Another online session of interest for the overall audio industry. Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Noon Pacific Time.