Alta Audio Debuts Adam Three-Way Floorstanding Speaker
Just before its presentation at AXPONA 2022, Alta Audio confirmed that it will soon ship Adam, a new floor standing three-way speaker that continues the company’s tradition of creating products with high impact sound reproduction. Alta Audio, is a NY-state company that since 2013 designs home audio loudspeakers using its own advanced technologies, the creation of industry veteran Michael Levy, its president and CEO.
Next-Generation Rare-Earth-Free Magnets Are Coming
When a speaker development project is initiated, one of the first decisions is usually the magnet type — ferrite or neodymium — each one with its associated benefits, and problems. This article introduces the most promising alternative based on Iron Nitride (FeN), soon be available from Niron Magnetics, and offering the best characteristics of neo, without the supply chain drama, at a price point that rests somewhere between ferrite and neodymium. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, January 2022.
Development and Design: Sound Level Evaluation for Raspberry Pi 4
This article proposes a Sound Level Evaluation solution based on the popular Raspberry Pi 4 and the possibilities of using the Sfera Labs' Exo Sense Pi - a compact multi-sensor module - as a sound meter. The Exo Sense Pi combines several environmental sensors and connectivity options, and integrates a digital microphone which can be used to evaluate ambient noise levels or measuring noise sources. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2022.
Meze Audio Reveals ADVAR In-Ear Monitors
Meze Audio, the headphone company based in Baia Mare, Romania, announces the launch of ADVAR, the newest addition to the company’s earphone lineup. Powered by a 10.2 mm single dynamic driver, ADVAR stays true to Meze Audio’s recognizable signature, delivering powerful, smooth, velvet-like sound that matches a variety of listening preferences. As an IEM design, ADVAR is far more subtle than any of the company's over ear headphones, while still remaining true to the brand with a gold and black finish, as an expression of Meze Audio’s Romanian heritage.
Linear Systems Announces 2022 Small-Signal Discrete Semiconductor Data Book
Linear Integrated Systems, the world-class designer and manufacturer of precision, high-performance, small-signal discrete semiconductors, announced the release of its 2022 Small Signal Discrete Data Book. The Data Book provides all Linear Systems’ datasheets in one spot. The Table of Contents includes product category, part number and part description, so users can browse the entire product line with ease. There is also a dedicated section on packages, highlighting the latest package innovations and packing options.
Native Instruments and iZotope Announce Parent Company and Platform Soundwide
Following the announcement in March 2021 that iZotope, the Boston-based audio processing software experts, and Native Instruments, the German music creation company would form a new technology group backed by investors Francisco Partners and EMH Partners, the group now announced a new entity called Soundwide. The new company will promote a complete "audio and music creation ecosystem," will not replace any of the brands and also includes Plugin Alliance, Brainworx, and Sound Stacks as software development and distribution arms.
Audio-Technica Releases Affordable ATH-M20xBT Wireless Headphones
Audio-Technica released the Bluetooth wireless version of its ATH-M20x headphones, the entry-level model in the M-Series, delivering the same over-ear experience with the same sonic signature as the professional wired studio model. Adding wireless convenience benefits to the acclaimed M-Series collection is both an opportunity and a big risk for Audio-Technica, requiring matching the same linear audio response and enhanced bass, while adding best-in-class battery life.
STMicroelectronics’ Integrated Automotive Audio Amplifier Combines High-Resolution Sound with Class-G Efficiency
STMicroelectronics announced its latest TDA7901 single-chip quad-bridge automotive amplifier using the company's advanced BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology, integrates a buck controller for class-G power switching, and supports high-resolution audio. The TDA7901 features a full D/A converter, digital input for direct connection to I2S (or TDM) and powerful MOSFET output stages. A market-unique combination that STMicro says will be ideal for listening and high efficiency.
It's Tube Time! audioXpress May 2022 Glass Audio Special!
It's time for the Glass Audio/Tube Focus edition of audioXpress. In this issue, Michael Boele shares his long-term review of a pair of 2021 new production Western Electric 300Bs, Merlin Blencowe explains how to add Bluetooth to a Tube Amp, and Alan Kimmel introduces us to the possibilities of the Pentriode. There's also a Market Update report on vinyl sales and the latest trends in turntables and cartridges, as well as a review by Stuart Yaniger of the latest Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra GaN-based amplifier.
Sonos Announces Acquisition of Dutch Speaker Company Mayht
Sonos announced the acquisition of Mayht Holding BV, a Netherlands-based company that invented a dual-driver topology speaker design that uses multiple motors, symmetrically distributed across the membrane, allowing for a shallow design. In demonstrations of its technology, dubbed Heartmotion, Mayht frequently compared the performance-to-size ratio with the nearest example from Sonos, and the company's advisory board included two former Sonos technical and sales executives.