Pico Technology Launches Its First 1 GHz Mixed-Signal Scope With Active Probes

Pico Technology announced a further development of its PicoScope 6000E Series mixed-signal oscilloscopes (MSOs) with the launch of four new 4-channel models, each of which can be configured with 16 optional digital channels. With bandwidths of 750 MHz or 1 GHz, 8-bit or 8/10/12-bit Flexible Resolution and up to 4 GS deep capture memory, these products enhance the existing PicoScope 6000E portfolio, adding to the 350 MHz and 500 MHz models that were introduced in 2020.

1More, a globally distributed consumer audio company, announced what they call their new "AirPods Pro" wannabe in the form of the ComfoBuds Pro true wireless earbuds. The company, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, with offices in San Diego, CA, is throwing its own customer base a serious dilemma in choosing what pair of wireless earbuds are right for them, as this is one many TWS designs offered by the company, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $199.99. The new ComfoBuds Pro cost just $94.99.

Nureva's Microphone Mist technology is a patented concept of generating thousands of virtual microphones in a 3D space. This article explains why this can be the alternative approach to the status quo of physical microphones and beamformer systems to create perfect audio conferencing solutions in any type of room and with multiple users. This article was originally published in audioXpress, February 2021.

Hearing aid manufacturer Oticon is challenging once again the conventions of hearing aid technology and looking at ways to leverage the latest advancements in edge-processing. The company launched Oticon More, the first-ever hearing aid built with an on-board deep neural network (DNN), to give people with mild-to-severe hearing loss a fuller, more balanced and more effortless hearing experience. The goal is to enhance hearing with an AI engine trained on real-life sounds.

German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin introduced the MA 1, an integrated hard/software tool for monitor alignment, acoustic calibration and room correction, tailor-made for Neumann studio monitors. Calibration algorithms, jointly developed with Fraunhofer IIS, the world’s leading institute for audio signal processing, ensure best possible monitoring quality in any environment – from acoustically untreated bedroom studios to professional control rooms.

Following up on the two Communication articles published in audioXpress October 2020, Hans W. Gierlich, from HEAD acoustics GmbH, a top expert in his field, contributed this great overview article. With most company employees working from home and the trend toward decentralized organizations and remote collaborations, where webinar and conferencing services are the new way of communication, this a timely topic. This article was originally published in audioXpress, November 2020.

Synopsys announced that DSP Group selected Synopsys DesignWare ARC EM5D Processor IP for its high-efficiency control and signal processing capabilities to enable development of its DBMC2-TWS advanced adaptive processing audio codec for true wireless stereo (TWS) headsets. To dynamically configure settings and filter parameters on-the-fly, the DBMC2-TWS integrates an ARC EM5D processor, abundant internal memory and numerous digital interfaces.

We probably listen to more music and podcasts in our cars than anywhere else. Which means this is where we’re pushing the boundaries of audio experience — less noise, personalized sound zones, and control. And we’re more aware of the safety implications, not distracting or tiring the driver. This article was published in audioXpress, June 2020.

Is it an understatement to say that echo cancellation has been a kind of “holy grail” ever since the first conference call? Nureva’s patented Microphone Mist technology rethinks that quest in innovative ways. In this article, Erica Yorga shares how the development process of a real-time calibration method for acoustic echo cancellation awarded surprising results. This article was originally published in AudioXpress, June 2020. This article was originally published in AudioXpress, June 2020.

audioXpress July 2020 is now available, and there's a quiet revolution happening in audio amplification. Essentially it is the direct result of strong innovation in Class-D technology, with incremental improvements introduced on multiple fronts. In this month's Market Update, J. Martins details a few of the "Class-D Products Getting Smarter" and then Stuart Yaniger discusses Class-D amplifiers from two of those companies: Purifi Audio and Orchard Audio. Also, Ward Maas details his visit to Purifi Audio. Dimitri Danyuk shares his "Fully Balanced Transconductance Preamplifier" project, Roger Russell is "Hunting the Elusive Transient," and Ed Simon concludes his "Powering Your Circuits" series. And there's much more valuable content in this edition. Download or view your issue online now.