KEF Updates Custom Integration Home Theater Options with THX Certified Architectural Speakers
In an effort to elevate home theater entertainment, British home audio innovator KEF has added the new Ci5160REFM-THX and the Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall speakers to its architectural speaker range. The Ci5160REFM-THX is KEF's first THX Certified Dominus speaker, while the Ci3160REFM-THX is THX Certified Ultra for high-impact cinema sound. Both models benefit from KEF's latest speaker innovations introduced in its flagship products, including Uni-Q drivers and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
How Many Bits Would You Like with Your Music? The Case of the SCL6 Scalable Codec
The Case of the SCL6 Scalable Codec. How Much Do You Want Hi-Res Audio? The candidates to become high-quality optional codecs for Bluetooth LE Audio are starting to line up. And SCL6 is leading the charge. This new scalable codec created by MQA was one of the best demonstrations at CES 2023, and is one of the most promising solutions for high-quality wireless audio. Yes, I said MQA.
STMicroelectronics Simplifies Wireless Product Development With Certified STM32WB1MMC Bluetooth LE Module
The new STM32 Bluetooth wireless module from STMicroelectronics lets designers access the advantages of ST’s dual core STM32WB microcontrollers (MCUs), especially in projects intended for low-to-medium production volumes. The module simplifies development and accelerates time to market, combining Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 certification and worldwide radio-equipment approvals with the STM32Cube ecosystem support.
Fresh From the Bench: Arylic Audio Up2Stream Amp V4
The Up2Stream Amp stereo streaming amplifier board from Arylic is a complete, affordable solution that invites integration by DIYers and system integrators for multiroom and wireless audio setups. This board is part of the large Arylic portfolio of audio products produced by Rakoit, a design house and OEM/ODM manufacturer with excellent credentials in digital and wireless audio. Stuart Yaniger attests to how this affordable and versatile solution performs and measures.
Patent Review: Passive Radiator Structure
This article analyzes a patent awarded in March 2017 to Yeh-Feng Chou (Taiwan), on behalf of Meiloon Industrial Co., Ltd., of a new Passive Radiator Structure, which adds some desirable attributes and improved performance. As the abstract details, the passive radiator structure includes a surround suspension, a frame, and a web-like spider having a plurality of suspension arms integrally extended to between the diaphragm and the frame, which together minimize sound distortion, increase compliance and upgrade efficiency.
U-blox IRIS-W1 Tri-Radio Stand-Alone Module Features Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.3 and Matter Support
U-blox has announced IRIS-W1, its first compact stand-alone Wi-Fi module combining dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) 5.3, and Thread including support for Matter. IRIS-W1 comes in four variants, each enabling the user to select among various antennas and software environments. The u-blox IRIS-W1 offers a powerful wireless MCU and delivers high-standard security to support a wide range of market segments.
Mobius Labs Showcases AI-based Visual DNA Solution with Transcripts in 30 Languages and English Translation
Mobius Labs, a developer of Artificial Intelligence-powered metadata technology, will demonstrate at NAB 2023 the latest version of Visual DNA, the company’s unique metadata generation solution. Attendees to the Las Vegas show will also see a new suite of complementary audio tools with state-of-the-art speech-to-text and English translation capabilities, which combined can be used to improve asset management and increase the value of an organization’s content.
Edifier Unveils Integrated QD35 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker with GaN Charger and Light Effects
Edifier unveiled the QD35 – an original tabletop speaker that combines Bluetooth with the LDAC codec and a 24-bit/96kHz-capable USB input, and therefore received both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. The original design, with a show-through front panel that reveals an intricate maze of light tubes - Nixie tube style - is able to change color and generate pulsating, dynamic effects combined with the audio. And because Edfier is a large Chinese audio equipment manufacturer with the necessary resources, the QD35 is also a GaN charger.
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
Sennheiser launched the Profile USB microphone, a cardioid condenser microphone that presents a simple solution for streaming and podcasting. It combines professional sound with direct accessibility of all functions, allowing streamers, podcasters and gamers to fully focus on their content. The side-address microphone is available as a table stand version and as the Profile Streaming Set with a 3-point self-locking boom arm.
Creative Announces Stage SE Under-Monitor Soundbar with Bluetooth 5.3 and USB Digital Audio
Soundbars have originally conquered the living room to compensate for the poor sound in very thin TVs, and evolved in meeting rooms by gaining microphones and conferencing features. At the same time, under-monitor soundbars are gaining popularity for both gaming and working from home. Creative Technology announced the release of Creative Stage SE, the fourth and smallest under-monitor soundbar in this series, designed to amp up the user’s desktop audio experience.