Test Bench: Celestion CDX1-1412 Compact 1" Pro Sound Compression Driver
The Celestion CDX1-1412 Compression Driver is a compact 1" unit intended for professional audio applications, a traditional segment for the UK-based OEM manufacturer. This compression driver features a FEA-optimized neodymium ring magnet motor structure, a nominal power handling of 35W, a 2kHz recommended crossover frequency (with a minimum 12dB/octave high-pass network), and 106dB sensitivity (1W/1m) measured with its own 1" H1-9050 90°x50° constant directivity horn. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2022.
AKM AK4499EX and AK4191 Flagship D/A Converter Solution Enters Production
As anticipated, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has released to production the new flagship stereo D/A converter (DAC), the Velvet Sound Verita AK4499EX, showcased at the High End Munich show in May 2022. Alongside the AK4499EX, AKM has also released the AK4191 Digital Filter and ΔΣ Modulator, completing a two-chip solution that makes it easy to improve performance with completely independent digital and analog circuitry.
Meze Audio Releases 109 Pro Dynamic Open-Back Headphones
After many years of designing products using planar magnetic drivers, Meze Audio, the high-end headphone manufacturer from Baia Mare, Romania, announced its first dynamic open-back headphone design. The new headphones are the 109 PRO and, apart from the newly-designed dynamic driver, are built using responsibly sourced materials, including walnut wood, zinc, manganese steel and vegan leather. The result, in line with the best-selling Meze 99 Classics, are comfortable, lightweight, yet highly durable headphones.
Ubilite Introduces Wi-Fi SoC With Less-Than-Bluetooth Power Consumption
Ubilite announced the immediate availability of its UBI206 platform and SoC, targeted specifically for ultra-low power wireless applications. The UBI206 is a highly integrated single device that enables a vast number of connected products with a minimal number of external components. Although originally designed targeting industrial IoT applications, the chip enables truly ultra-low power Wi-Fi audio streaming solutions with a 10-fold improvement in power consumption.
Sonos Introduces Sub Mini Subwoofer for Smaller Rooms
Essentially, Sonos' users have always been divided into two groups. Those who have a Sonos Sub (currently in its third generation) to expand Sonos speakers, and those who just have Sonos speakers. The sound impact is substantially higher for those who have the Sub, helping to reinforce their emotional connection with the brand. Now, Sonos announced the Sonos Sub Mini, a more compact wireless subwoofer that should appeal to those users with smaller home or smaller budgets
GRAS Begins Trade-In Campaign on Measurement Microphones
GRAS Sound & Vibration, part of Axiometrix Solutions, is implementing a trade-in offer to replace old measurement microphones with new high-quality GRAS microphones. For a limited time, any measurement microphones can be traded-in to GRAS 46AE range microphones with a 35% discount. This includes the GRAS 246AE with SysCheck2, which is a perfect combination with an Audio Precision analyzer such as APx517, or the APx1701 test interface.
Sony and WS Audiology Sign Partnership Agreement for Over-the-Counter Self-Fitting Hearing Aids
Following the recently issued rule establishing Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sony Corporation and WS Audiology Denmark A/S have entered into a partnership agreement and various ancillary agreements with the aim of jointly developing and supplying new products and services in the OTC self-fitting hearing aid market, beginning with the United States. US consumers will be the first to be able to buy Sony-branded hearing assistive products.
Earthworks Audio Slashes Price for Its Flagship Broadcasting and Streaming Microphone
There's a lot to be considered when defining the right product strategy and marketing mix. Rarely we can get the four pillars aligned. After launch, you can adjust product, promotion and even distribution. Very rarely you can adjust the pricing. Earthworks Audio realized its flagship broadcasting and streaming microphone, Ethos, was very appealing to streamers, gamers, and podcasters. But the price of $699 was just too high for the segment. Now, the New Hampshire company repositioned the Ethos for just $399.
Platin Audio Debuts World’s First Wireless Dolby Atmos Enabled WiSA Certified Speaker System
Finally! 30 months after the original announcement that the technology promoted by the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association would be able to support Dolby Atmos height channels, WiSA Technologies confirms that the new Monaco 5.1.2 speaker system from Platin Audio will be the first fully immersive, multichannel, separates-based home theater system on the market to be WiSA HT Certified and Dolby Atmos enabled.
Universal Audio Releases New 4-Channel Volt USB-C Audio Interfaces
Nearly a year past since Universal Audio introduced its fresh range of desktop USB-C audio interfaces with the launch of the Volt series, the company now introduced the Volt 476P and Volt 4 models. Now shipping worldwide, the new 4-in/4-out interfaces offer expanded audio connections with onboard tone shaping, 48V phantom power, Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording, a suite of audio software, and iPad/iPhone connectivity.