Modern PCB Design Practices: Part 2 — Tips and Techniques
The first article from audio expert Ethan Winer about Modern PCB Design Practices, gave a general overview of board design using surface-mounted devices (SMDs). The article examines current practices and methods for designing four-layer printed circuit boards using surface mounted components (SMDs), and this second part explains specific strategies and related issues to deal with the design and production of great quality PCBs. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2023.
Test Bench: The PTT6.5M08-NFA-01 6.5" Midrange from Purifi Audio
The PTT6.5M08-NFA-01 6.5" Midrange is the fourth woofer from Purifi Audio to be examined in Test Bench. This midrange is pretty much identical to the previously examined PTT6.5X and PTT4.0X woofers, and includes the same constant Sd surround, cone edge stiffening ring, and low magnetic hysteresis motor design. However, the PTT6.5M08-NFA-01 is optimized to have higher efficiency (91dB at 2.83V8/1m) for use with multiple woofer three-way design configurations. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, January 2023.
New Renesas RISC-V Voice-Control ASSP Allows Differentiated Applications with Voice Recognition
Renesas extended its RISC-V embedded processing portfolio with the first RISC-V MCU designed for voice-controlled HMI (human-machine interface) systems. The new R9A06G150 32-bit ASSP (Application Specific Signal Processor), developed in collaboration with RISC-V ecosystem partners, provides a complete, cost-effective, production-ready voice-control system solution that eliminates the need for RISC-V tools and upfront software investment.
New Marshall Group Brings Together Marshall Amplification and Zound Industries
The legendary guitar amplification company Marshall Amplification is merging with Zound Industries, the company that created the highly successful consumer electronics products under the licensed Marshall brand. Under the terms of the deal, Zound Industries will acquire Marshall Amplification and the Marshall family will become the largest shareholder of the newly formed Marshall Group with Terry and Victoria Marshall joining the Board of Directors.
USound and Partners to Deliver Next-Generation Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid
Following the announcement of the availability of a fully integrated audio module for its MEMS drivers, USound announced a collaboration with partners to develop and deliver a reference design for a cutting-edge over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid. The reference design will integrate USound’s Kore 4.0 audio module, ASE’s Micro SiP (System-in-Package), and OBO Pro2’s hearing aid design, delivering an advanced hearing aid alternative for the emerging OTC market.
Stratton Acoustics Releases the Elypsis1512 Loudspeaker Furniture
Truly reminding us of those large JBL and Urei speakers and studio monitors, but promising the subtle performance of a pair of Quad electrostatics, the Elypsis1512 loudspeakers, from British brand Stratton Acoustics is a very unusual proposition in current times. According to the company, the Elypsis1512 is a loudspeaker system with high efficiency and wide bandwidth, very low coloration and distortion, and "the ability to paint solid aural images."
Nureva HDL310 Systems Expands Advanced Processing and Coverage For Mid-Size Meeting Rooms and Classrooms
Nureva, the innovative manufacturer of advanced audio solutions from Calgary, Alberta, announced the HDL310 system, the newest addition to Nureva’s next-generation audio conferencing systems. Powered by next-generation Microphone Mist technology, the new HDL310 system delivers audio performance in an IT-friendly solution for spaces up to 30'x30' (9.1x9.1m) and offers 44 percent more coverage area than its flagship HDL300 system.
DTS AutoStage Unleashes the Power of In-Car Audience Analytics for Radio Broadcasters
DTS announced the global launch of DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal — giving radio broadcasters access to data on listener engagement while in the car. The new platform from the Xperi subsidiary brings unprecedented access to in-vehicle listener data matching what has long been possible in TV audience analytics, expanding on the latest personalized, infotainment in-cabin experience solutions that DST has introduced to the market.
Digital Audio Denmark Introduces AX Center ThunderCore Audio Interface
DAD just announced a new Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for studios, location recording setups or touring rigs. The new AX Center is a dedicated Thunderbolt modular audio interface with dual microphone and instrument inputs, dual headphones and monitors outputs, built-in PRO|MON monitor control with speaker EQ, and two slots for DAD expansion cards. It comes with 256 channels via Thunderbolt, 256 Dante I/O channels, up to 192 MADI I/O channels and 16 ADAT channels, as well as onboard summing and processing.
Owl Labs Expand AI-Driven Meetings Ecosystem with Owl Bar Front-of-Room Video Conferencing Solution
Owl Labs, the creators of the first AI-powered speakerphone and 360-degree video conferencing solution, announced the launch of the Owl Bar device, a front-of-room camera, microphone and speaker that pairs with the existing Meeting Owl device and Whiteboard Owl camera to make hybrid meetings even more immersive. Combined, these solutions create an effective multi-camera communications solution that enhances meetings.