CES 2024 Lasting Impressions: The Highlights
CES2024 was the best in a long time. I said that in my First Impressions article, and as we distance ourselves from the whirlwind of those hectic six show days, the stronger that feeling grows. And one of the reasons has to do with the fact that important technologies are already making a difference in the audio products that we will soon see in the market - while many others are about to. And there are clearly companies that left us with very positive, lasting impressions that we can and need to share.
Audinate Launches Versatile Dante Pro S1 System-on-a-Chip
Audinate, the developer of Dante professional audio networking technology, announced Dante Pro S1, a compact and cost-effective system-on-a-chip (SoC) for professional equipment manufacturers. The compact and power-efficient SoC solution was designed to integrate Dante audio in low channel count devices such as microphones, conferencing systems, powered speakers, or AV plates, with scalability for future feature enhancements.
Shure Launches New Axient Digital ADX3 Plug-On Transmitter With Showlink Technology at NAMM 2024
Shure has introduced the Axient Digital ADX3 plug-on transmitter, the latest addition to the Emmy Award-winning Shure Axient Digital Wireless System. The new ADX3 transmitter, compatible with any XLR microphone, is ideal for audio professionals in broadcast television and location sound who are seeking a ShowLink-enabled industry-standard transmitter that enables real-time remote control of key parameters.
Waves Audio Showcases AI-Driven Innovations Making Voice Calls Crystal-Clear In Any Noisy Environment
At CES 2024, Waves Audio demonstrated its latest DSP solutions applied to multiple consumer electronics and mobile products categories, now reinforced with AI/ML, adaptive and perceptual algorithms. An outstanding example of how Waves is leveraging AI-enhanced technologies is delivered in the new SoloMode audio filtering software, which makes the user's voice crystal-clear in smartphone audio or video calls, even in the presence of noise from multiple voices in the background.
Orchard Audio to Debut Two New Products at the 2024 Florida International Audio Expo
Orchard Audio, the boutique audio company founded by Leonid (Leo) Ayzenshtat, will showcase two new products at the 2024 Florida Audio Expo. Expanding its popular range of ultra-high-performance DACs, streamers, and amplifiers will showcase new Premium models of the PecanPi+ Streamer with much improved specifications, and the Starkrimson Mono, a 150W gallium nitride (GaN) monoblock audio amplifier.
Meyer Sound Celebrates 45 Years with New Logo and Reaffirmed Investment in the Future of Sound
A pioneer in professional sound reinforcement since 1979, Meyer Sound celebrates 45 years of innovation in 2024. The company signaled the occasion with a new logo that underscores its commitment to the future of sound. The rebranding initiative highlights Meyer Sound's continuous dedication to pushing boundaries, advancing technologies, and shaping the industry for the next generation.
Cardinal Peak and Audinate Announce Strategic Partnership Dante Networked Audio and Video Solutions
Cardinal Peak, the recognized product design and engineering services provider, and Audinate, the developer of Dante audio networking technology, have announced a strategic development partnership aimed at reducing time to market and development costs for new Dante-enabled pro audio and video products. With more manufacturers interested in Dante integration in a growing number of products, Cardinal Peak will support product engineering efforts.
Test Bench: SB Acoustics’ WO24TX-4 Satori 9.5” Midbass Woofer
This midbass woofer is the latest product from SB Acoustics to feature a Composite Sound Thin-ply Carbon Diaphragm (TPCD) cone and another significant product from its Satori Line of high end drivers. The SB Acoustics WO24TX-4 Satori features a curvilinear inverted single piece “bowl” shaped TPCD cone. Clearly a material choice that is starting to conquer a growing number of speaker manufacturers in all application segments. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, September 2023.
New Ways to Measure Noise Cancelling, Transparency, and Other Modes in Headphones and Earphones
Now that headphones and earphones are adding situational awareness, hearing protection and hearing enhancement features, HEAD acoustics created new test methods to evaluate these functions, faithfully simulating environments that a consumer might typically encounter when using products with these features. As an experienced reviewer in this category, Brent Butterworth was invited to visit HEAD acoustics' US headquarters in Brighton, MI, to learn about all the solutions the company has developed for this purpose, based on measurement techniques outlined in ETSI standards.
ESS Technology Introduces New Stereo High Performance CODEC
With market demand for encoder/decoder solutions on the rise, ESS Technology introduced a new SABRE CODEC that integrates its newest generation high performance stereo analog and digital channels in a single chip. The new ESS ES9290 is a synchronous CODEC incorporating both stereo ADCs and DACs that provide ultra-low noise conversion with a dynamic range (DNR) of +116dB/+116dB, and with THD+N rated at -108dB/-110dB (ADC/DAC respectively) per channel.