All items in category Magazine Articles
Linearizing Microphones: CORE+ by DPA
by Eddy Bøgh Brixen and Toni Torras Rosell

Linearizing Microphones: CORE+ by DPA

This article is an exclusive report on the development of the DPA CORE+ technology at the heart of DPA's miniature microphones. Evolving over the previous CORE technology that dramatically enhanced the dynamic range of the microphones, the patent-pending CORE+ by DPA eliminates the non-linearities typically generated by the membrane and electronic components, removing any trace of distortion from the microphone output, and improving even on the already extremely high standards of the Danish manufacturer.
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Simulation Techniques: Acoustical Engineering via Various Expansion Techniques
by René Christensen

Simulation Techniques: Acoustical Engineering via Various Expansion Techniques

This article is one of those reference readings that reflects René Christensen's unique ability to clarify underlying problems before trying to engineer broader-level solutions. When dealing with design decisions in acoustics, one should consider analytical approaches, he explains. The so-called “Expansion Techniques” shown in this article have a focus on circuit implementations of physical problems in microacoustics and electromagnetics.
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Outboard DSP: miniDSP Flex HTx Audio Processor
by Vance Dickason

Outboard DSP: miniDSP Flex HTx Audio Processor

Expanding on Voice Coil's series of explorations in the world of outboard DSP, this article reviews the Flex HTx, one of the most interesting rack units from Hong Kong-based miniDSP. The 8 in 8 out miniDSP SHARC chip-based HTx processor is primarily intended to support home theater applications and has both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs. It is a more cost-effective model than the previously featured DSP processors mentioned in this series, with a retail price of $570 for the TRS balanced IO model.
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Automotive Audio: Car Cabin Sound Personalization
by Alexander Goldin

Automotive Audio: Car Cabin Sound Personalization

Millions of dollars are invested to create the best possible sound experience inside cars. With increasingly sophisticated automotive audio systems allowing immersive audio and different experiences for each seat, sound personalization is a natural extension for audio enhancement solutions. This article describes a way to address hearing loss as a foundation for personalization inside vehicles.
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Practical Test & Measurement: Measuring HDMI Audio
by Steve Temme

Practical Test & Measurement: Measuring HDMI Audio

From its origins in 2002 as a new, smaller connector for HDTV, improving upon DVI and adding audio capability and consumer electronics control functions, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) continuously evolved over the years to become one of the most widely adopted interfaces. Not surprisingly, testing audio over HDMI, given its multiple options and configurations, still induces many questions when it comes to measurements. This article provides practical answers to those questions.
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Enhancing Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with Virtual Voice Coil, Part 2
by Dario Cinanni

Enhancing Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with Virtual Voice Coil, Part 2

This is the second article detailing the design and simulation possibilities of the SpeakerLAB software and its Virtual Voice Coil (VVC) module for speaker designers. This simulation includes complete temperature management involved in loudspeaker calculus. The article also expands on audio transducer parameter prediction such as maximum SPL, analyzes key design components such as the magnetic circuit, and analyses the resulting simulated metrics that could help determine the highest efficiency.
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Enhancing Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with Virtual Voice Coil, Part 1
by Dario Cinanni

Enhancing Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with Virtual Voice Coil, Part 1

This first article in a two-part series details the design and simulation possibilities of the SpeakerLAB software for speaker designers. In this article, the author explores its Virtual Voice Coil (VVC) module, for designing voice coils and predicting audio transducer parameters with maximum accuracy. The detailed analysis also explains one of the keys that allow the accuracy of VVC prediction, given by a complete temperature management involved in loudspeaker calculus.
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Unlocking the Future of Wireless Audio: An In-Depth Look at WMAS
by Nick Wood

Unlocking the Future of Wireless Audio: An In-Depth Look at WMAS

Meeting the pressing needs for professional wireless microphone applications, struggling with RF challenges, regulatory constraints, and the scarcity of frequency spectrum, 2024 was the year of the first product announcements leveraging Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) technology. In this article Nick Wood (Shure) provides a unique perspective of the WMAS technology, its future in the industry, and its regulatory framework for professional audio applications.
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Outboard DSP: miniDSP Flex
by Vance Dickason

Outboard DSP: miniDSP Flex

The fourth in a series of product reviews of outboard DSP hardware, this article explores the miniDSP Flex digital signal processing (DSP) unit. The Flex is a two channels in/four channels out, Sharc-based audio processor that offers a more cost-effective model than the previously featured miniDSP processors in the series, with a retail price of $570 for the TRS balanced IO model. Besides the competitive price, the review confirms how the miniDSP Flex manages to measure and impress.
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Fresh From the Bench: mh acoustics Eigenmike em64, Sixth-Order Ambisonics Microphone and Software Suite
by Philipp Paul Klose

Fresh From the Bench: mh acoustics Eigenmike em64, Sixth-Order Ambisonics Microphone and Software Suite

A unique insight into the future of microphone technology, this article reviews the Eigenmike em64, a sixth-order Ambisonics microphone with Dante connectivity, extended with a comprehensive recording and decoding software suite. Updating its previous Eigenmike em32 model, the company introduced a state-of-the-art higher order Ambisonics capture tool to the market. The patented design combines microphone programmable gain preamplifiers, 24-bit A/D conversion and microphone calibration, all integrated.
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