SoundTube Releases Surface Mount Subwoofer With Versatile Mounting Options
SoundTube, an MSE Audio brand and creator of the original Pendant Speaker, announced the release of the SM1001 Surface-Mount Subwoofer, a versatile 10” subwoofer that uses a downward-firing passive radiator and is ideal for rapid installation in retail environments and restaurants. The new subwoofer design comes with surface mount and corner mount brackets, allowing the cabinet to stay detached from the floor, or even positioned from a ceiling corner.
Beyerdynamic Introduces Free BYRD True Wireless ANC Earbuds
Beyerdynamic's long-anticipated debut into the world of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds pairs modern product design with the brand's audio signature, superior voice quality, aptX Adaptive, and digital active noise cancellation. The German brand is finally entering the TWS category with the release of Free BYRD, featuring a unique design, reminiscent of the classic guitar pick and the classic beyerdynamic headphones.
Patent Review: An Orthogonal Ergonomic Speaker
This review looks at an independently patent submitted in 2013 and awarded in 2016 to Jack Nilsson (Canton, OH), describing a system and method for an audio system including a first speaker that reproduces sounds in a first frequency range and a second speaker that reproduces sounds in second frequency range. As James Croft comments, the patent is interesting in its purposeful application of breaking currently established rules and may be useful in certain applications or environments. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, August 2016.
GaN Technology in Audio Power Amplification
In this review of the GaN Systems amplifier evaluation kit, Stuart Yaniger shares his explorations of the features and benefits of GaN (gallium nitride) power semiconductors, and explains why the technology is not only enabling great sounding audio amplifiers but is also bound to completely disrupt the Class-D segment in high power ratings. This article was originally published in audioXpress, April 2022.
AES Audio Product Education Institute Webinar Helps Demystify Beamforming for Voice Applications
The Audio Product Education Institute (APEI), an Audio Engineering Society initiative, is promoting a webinar exploring application and optimization of microphone beamforming techniques, and the latest optimizations for voice recognition platforms. The knowledge-sharing online session features presentations from DSP Concepts, Soundskrit, and Fluent.ai, with presentation by Dave Lindberg from DB Enterprises in Hong Kong.
Yamaha Launches TW-E7B True Wireless ANC Earbuds Featuring Large 10mm Drivers
Yamaha Corporation announced the launch of the new TW-E7B true wireless earbuds, sitting atop the brand's already extensive true wireless offering. Adopting Yamaha’s True Sound philosophy at the forefront of their design, with large 10mm drivers and acoustically optimized housings, the TW-E7B earbuds are for users wanting to truly immerse themselves in their favorite music, demanding superior sound quality while not compromising on the latest technology and convenient features.
Sennheiser Acquires Merging Technologies to Reinforce its Growth Strategy for Neumann
Sennheiser announced the acquisition of Swiss company Merging Technologies - one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-resolution digital audio recording systems and a leading innovator in audio networking technology. According to the announcement, Merging Technologies will be working under the umbrella of the Sennheiser group to enlarge the Neumann range of products. A new Neumann audio recording interface will be the first visible product of the combination.
Schiit Introduces Limited Edition, 10-Tube, DC-Coupled, OTL Tube Amplifier
Schiit Audio is promoting the 10-tube Folkvangr, its first limited-edition headphone amplifier. The first DC-coupled, output transformerless (OTL) and output capacitorless (OCL) headphone amp, Folkvangr also includes an 8X impedance multiplier to increase versatility with low-impedance headphones. Limited to a 250-piece run, the Folkvangr headphone amp is priced at $1799, including a full complement of input and output tubes.
Mycroft Ai Launches Mimic 3 Text-to-Speech Software for Voice Assistants
Mycroft AI, the startup company from Kansas City, MO that created a privacy-driven, open-source voice interface technology platform, announced the release of its latest text-to-speech (TTS) engine, Mimic 3. The open-source and fully customizable neural TTS software was designed to provide a natural sounding voice, with over two dozen languages and more than 100 different voice sets. It can run completely offline on low-end systems, including Raspberry Pi 4.
AHead Simulations Releases Audio CARL Manikin for Hearing Healthcare
AHead Simulations, a young company from Canada, released CARL, an advanced universal, multi-functional head manikin designed for a wide variety of tasks within hearing healthcare including training, research, and product demonstrations. Following years of research, validation, and multiple iterations, AHead Simulations arrived to its current Audio CARL manikin, made directly from patient scans, with easily replaceable realistic soft ears.