Røde Wireless Micro Receives Direct Connect Bluetooth Upgrade
Røde announced a major firmware update for its relatively recent Wireless Micro solution, introducing Direct Connect – a new Bluetooth feature that allows users to connect Wireless Micro transmitters directly to iOS devices without the need for a physical receiver. The Røde Wireless Micro was launched in November 2024 to offer a pocket-sized dual microphone system for smartphone users that do not require and don’t care about professional features.
Comply Foam Unveils New Patented SmartSkin Foam Technology
Comply Foam, the pioneer and the largest supplier of foam tips for earbuds, announced the launch of SmartSkin, a patented foam technology that provides maximum durability and increased lifespan over traditional options. This product puts Comply Foam even further ahead in the market, as it becomes the first to offer a durable, hygienic, moisture-resistant high-performance product that will transform the listening experience of consumers worldwide.
Synaptics Names Rahul Patel as President and Chief Executive Officer
Synaptics announced that Rahul Patel has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of the company. The semiconductor industry executive with experience at Qualcomm and Broadcom will drive the company’s next chapter of innovation and growth in Processing, Connectivity, and Sensing. Patel succeeds Synaptics CFO Ken Rizvi, who has served as the company’s Interim CEO since February 2025, and will continue to serve as the company’s CFO.
Dirac Live Active Room Treatment Available to Select Denon and Marantz AVRs
Dirac announced that its Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART) solution, introduced in 2023, will be made available in select Denon and Marantz devices beginning in the second half of 2025. According to the Swedish digital audio processing company, the Denon and Marantz AVRs that currently already support Dirac Live Bass Control will be able to unlock the next-generation room correction capabilities.
SAE Noise & Vibration Conference and Exhibition
Every two years the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) holds a noise and vibration conference in Grand Rapids, MI, that is of great interest for anyone working with automotive audio. This year’s SAE Noise & Vibration Conference and Exhibition, May 12-15, proved to be equally appealing. A great content program, great discussions with the experts and valuable perspectives from noise and vibration experts.
Focusrite Announces RedNet TNX Thunderbolt and Dante Interface
Focusrite announced a new flexible Dante interface that delivers high channel counts, ultra-low latency, and powerful audio workflows to any PC or Mac with an available Thunderbolt connection. The release marks the first new offering in Focusrite’s RedNet range since RedNet PCIeNX in 2023. The new RedNet TNX, however, enables users to pass audio via Dante to and from a computer without having to install a PCIe card.
Outboard DSP: miniDSP Flex
The fourth in a series of product reviews of outboard DSP hardware, this article explores the miniDSP Flex digital signal processing (DSP) unit. The Flex is a two channels in/four channels out, Sharc-based audio processor that offers a more cost-effective model than the previously featured miniDSP processors in the series, with a retail price of $570 for the TRS balanced IO model. Besides the competitive price, the review confirms how the miniDSP Flex manages to measure and impress.
Audioscenic Amphi High-Dimensional Sound with BeClear Technology Licensed from Philips
Audioscenic announced a technology collaboration with Philips and NXP Semiconductors to demonstrate the world’s first reference design for gaming soundbars. This breakthrough combines Audioscenic Amphi Hi-D spatial audio featuring AI position sensing with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) from Philips BeClear. Product designers, product managers, and engineers can experience the reference design in person at Computex Taipei 2025.
Pascal Returns to OEM/ODM Amplifier Technology Business
Pascal has announced the strategic divestiture from its Blaze Audio finished products business, and a return to its core position as a designer and manufacturer of audio amplifier modules, which it used to supply to multiple manufacturers in the audio industry. With the strategic sale of Blaze Audio to Sonance, headquartered in San Clemente, California, effective July 1st, 2025, Pascal hopes to rebuild the company’s reputation that once made it one of the most successful professional audio amplifier companies.
Cirrus Logic and Compal Electronics Join Forces to Pioneer AI-Powered Audio Enhancement for Laptops
Cirrus Logic announced a strategic collaboration with Compal Electronics from Taiwan to develop AI technology aimed at solving persistent audio quality challenges in laptop computers. The partnership will leverage Cirrus Logic's expertise in audio processing and Compal's design and manufacturing experience to address mechanical rattle and audio distortion issues that have long plagued the PC industry. This initiative represents Cirrus Logic's first AI audio technology designed specifically for the PC market.