Creative Introduces High Performance Sound Blaster X5 USB DAC and Amplifier
With the launch of the new Sound Blaster X5, a desktop USB DAC and amplifier design, Creative targets the more demanding requirements of music enthusiasts looking for a companion interface to their music streaming sources, with enough power to match the most demanding headphones. Using class-leading components, latest audio technologies, and comprehensive connectivity options, the Creative Sound Blaster X5 is a compelling audio solution that sets a new standard in the range.
Speaker Measurements: Replacing IEC 60268-5 (Part 2) - The Importance of Measurements
This article concludes the examination by Geoff Hill of the work taking place on loudspeaker measurement standards, and the progress the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has made with its update efforts, also resulting from the work of the Audio Engineering Society's Standards Committee. We learn how these new standards apply to measurements of sound in 3D space and in production environments, SPL using voltage sensitivity, and the measurements of microspeakers. This article was originally published in audioXpress, October 2022.
Test Bench-The 6CXN36 Coaxial 6.5" Pro Sound Driver from B&C Speakers
This Test Bench characterizes the 6CXN36 6.5" coincident coax transducer, a professional audio driver from Italian manufacturer B&C Speakers and fairly similar to the company's 5.25” 5CXN44 reviewed in Voice Coil, August 2021, which uses a nearly identical compression driver. The cooling for the 6CXN36 is exclusively provided by the motor mass, which is substantial, and no vents are required for the impressive 200W continuous power handling rating in a small diameter driver such as this.
New EQset Microphone Technology From GRAS Sound & Vibration
GRAS introduced a new technology aimed at increasing efficiency and improving test accuracy in the consumer audio and telecom space. The new GRAS EQset Microphone technology is a new advancement that guarantees fixed sensitivity and a flat response curve across all frequencies in every EQset-enabled microphone. Essentially the new EQset technology introduces an equalized microphone, with a flat response curve and uniform fixed gain out of the box, vastly reducing the risk of measurement errors.
Røde Releases NTH-100M Professional Headset Edition of NTH-100 Headphones
Røde has released a headset edition of its NTH-100 headphones, the NTH-100M. Released in 2022 to widespread acclaim, the NTH-100s marked Røde’s highly anticipated debut into the headphone market and have since been recognized for its original design, sound quality, innovative features for superior comfort, and rugged build quality. A design effort that is now expanded with the addition of a broadcast-grade headset microphone.
CODA Audio Introduces 70mm Deep SPACE Loudspeaker Panels
In what promised to be one of the most exciting launches at ISE 2023, iconic electronic musician and composer, Jean-Michel Jarre, and contemporary French artist Eric Decastro have teamed up with German-based CODA Audio to unveil the new SPACE by CODA system concept. As the company describes it, "Art & Music Meets Technology." The really interesting part of the integrated concept is the new 70mm deep, SPACE Panels, which can offer sound quality and performance that rival conventional PA cabinets.
Amadeus Unveils New Holophonix Immersive Processors at ISE 2023
Immersive and spatial applications dominate the conversations and are predominantly featured inside the sound demo rooms at ISE 2023 in Barcelona. Appropriately, Amadeus has debuted a new 2.1 software version for its immersive platforms – Holophonix Servers, and the Holophonix Native app for macOS – plus two new configurations for its hardware processor offering 128 outputs and 64 outputs. The new 2.1 software update version is free for all users.
Powersoft UNICA Next-Generation Cloud-Based Amplifier Platform Unveiled at ISE 2023
Several years in the making, answering all the core industry requirements and feedback from users, and creating a next-generation, advanced audio amplifier platform that reinforces Powersoft's leading role in the industry, UNICA is the new market reference. Introduced at ISE 2023 in Barcelona, the future-facing, cloud-based UNICA platform offers simple integration, straightforward configuration and low maintenance costs in one easily upgradable, future-proof package.
McIntosh Launches MHT300 7.2 Home Theater Receiver
McIntosh announced the launch of its new MHT300 Home Theater Receiver, an uncompromising 7.2 channel home theater powerhouse, able to offer 120 – 150 Watts of power to every speaker with all seven channels being driven. For every explosion, car chase, or high-speed fighter jet flyby, the MHT300 will faithfully reproduce the action with full power on every speaker. It also supports breathtaking 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video on all 4 of its HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output so the image will feel as realistic as the sound.
BluOS Announces 4.0 Mobile Application Update and Interface Redesign
BluOS, the premium multiroom music management platform by Lenbrook International, announced a new and improved BluOS 4.0 update to its mobile application platform. A preview demonstration of BluOS 4.0 will take place at the ISE conference in Barcelona (January 31 – February 3), ahead of its public launch in the spring of 2023. The BluOS 4.0 update brings a fresh perspective to the whole multiroom app experience.