GN Hearing Introduces Custom Made Hearing Aids in a Modern Earbud Design
GN Hearing and its Beltone and ReSound brands, part of GN Group, expanded its product line with the new Custom hearing aids, which are weatherproof, rechargeable, custom earbuds, that last all day on a single battery charge. GN says the new Custom hearing aids are the most advanced rechargeable product available from its brands, restoring natural hearing in a comfortable, Bluetooth-enabled design, available in modern colors. A bridge-product to make hearing-aids closer to consumer TWS earbuds.
Audio-Technica Introduces AT-ART20 High-End Phono Cartridge
Audio-Technica launched its AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge, the latest in the company's ART Series of high-end phono cartridges. The AT-ART20 utilizes Audio-Technica’s magnetic-core design to achieve "superlative" vinyl playback performance with "extraordinary musical realism," as the company describes. The new AT-ART20 cartridge (SRP: US$2,900) also has a striking, distinctive contoured appearance.
New 2022 Smart Audio Report from NPR & Edison Research Shows Slowing Smart Speaker and Voice Assistant Adoption
NPR and Edison Research released its annual Smart Audio Report, showcasing voice technology trends in the US. The 2022 Report highlights the increased usage of voice technology, with 35% of Americans 18+ now owning a smart speaker. In 2022, 62% of Americans 18+ use a voice assistant on any device – smart speakers, smartphones, TV remotes, in-car systems, a computer/laptop, and tablets. While suggesting growth, the report also shows adoption and usage is stalling.
Test Bench: The U80W Air Motion Transformer from Mundorf
As a respected manufacturer of high-quality condensers and crossover components, Mundorf is also capitalizing on the industry's “renaissance” in AMTs and now offers five models in this updated U series, each driver having the same width, but different heights. The U80W AMT model features a 63mm x 19mm pleated proprietary AMT diaphragm, an optimized rear chamber, a flat face plate with an optional secondary aluminum face plate, and is rated for 80W power handling and 94dB sensitivity. The U Series is the fourth in Mundorf's AMT portfolio. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2022.
Biamp Owner, Highlander Partners Announces the Acquisition of McIntosh Group
Highlander Partners, L.P., a private investment firm from Dallas, Texas, announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, through a newly-formed holding company. The investment firm has a plan for the audio market and it might have to do with residential integration, since it also acquired Biamp Systems in 2017, a company in the commercial audio segment that has since pursued an ambitious expansion plan with multiple acquisitions. Highlander states that the McIntosh Group will serve as an anchor for a new Highlander luxury technology platform.
Practical Test & Measurement - Measuring MEMS Microphone Arrays
This article addresses the practical approach to testing and evaluation of multichannel MEMS microphone arrays. The simultaneous acquisition and measurement of signals from a microphone array presents a variety of challenges to developers seeking to evaluate their designs. This article explains the fundamentals to address challenges in smartphones, smart speakers, and all sorts of voice-activated devices, typically using two, and up to seven or more microphones. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2022.
Dirac and Dolby Join Forces to Demonstrate High Quality Immersive Automotive Audio Experiences
Swedish digital audio processing pioneer Dirac and Dolby, the leading provider of immersive entertainment technology and experiences, announced a collaboration to demonstrate a high-quality immersive automotive audio experience. The all-electric NIO ET 7, which will enter the European market in 2022, will be one of the first vehicles to feature Dirac audio optimization algorithms and a Dolby Atmos audio system.
NTi Audio Introduces XL3 Acoustic Analyzer and Sound Level Meter
NTi Audio announced its latest generation handheld measurement solution, the XL3 Acoustic Analyzer. This is a completely new design, evolving from the extremely popular XL2, adding USB-C, wireless web connectivity, a large color touchscreen, and multi-language interface. The XL3 is a complete professional sound level meter and acoustic analyzer dedicated to noise measurements, room acoustics and building acoustics applications, complemented by a range of optional software modules and functions.
Listen SoundCheck 20 Offers Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz
Announced earlier in May 2022, the much anticipated Listen SoundCheck 20 audio analysis software update is now available, and includes Listen’s new state-of-the-art perceptual distortion algorithm for end-of-line testing - Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz. SoundCheck 20 also includes a host of new features for multichannel and communications testing, increasing its capabilities for audio measurement of smart speakers, infotainment systems, headphones and hearables, and other voice-activated and multichannel devices.
Radio Receives Love from McIntosh with New MR89 AM/FM Tuner
Keeping up with a tradition that originated from the brand’s history of designing and manufacturing high quality radio tuners, including the iconic MR78, designed by Richard Modafferi, McIntosh now proudly announced the new MR89 AM/FM Tuner. According to the announcement, the company worked diligently on a multitude of advancements to maximize radio listening, including adjustments to sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion, channel selectivity, and stereo separation.