Bang & Olufsen Introduces New Edition of Beoplay Portal Headphones Upgraded for Gaming
Bang & Olufsen launched a new edition of its successful wireless gaming headphones, Beoplay Portal. This updated edition of Beoplay Portal is now fully compatible with PC and PlayStation consoles, alongside mobile device gaming, adding a critical expansion in connectivity across platforms - as required for gaming headphones. Not that there was anything wrong with the original Beoplay Portal introduced in 2021, which remains one of the best, and best looking headphones in the market currently.
KEF Launches Updated Blade Meta and The Reference Meta Loudspeakers
Capitalizing on successful research and significant improvements demonstrated by the KEF LS50 Meta speakers, the British hifi brand has officially launched the latest updates to their high-end loudspeaker offerings – Blade and The Reference. The two ranges have been updated with KEF’s latest acoustic innovations, including a new, high-end 12th Generation Uni-Q with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). The Blade Meta and Reference Meta loudspeakers are now available.
Premium Monolith Belt-Drive Turntables From Monoprice and Audio-Technica
Featuring state of the art Audio‑Technica cartridges, aluminum platters, carbon fiber tonearms, adjustable counterweight and anti-skating adjustments, line level outputs, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the new Monolith turntables are the sensible choice for anyone willing to express dedication to playing LPs and 45s in the digital age. Monolith, the high-performance audio brand from Monoprice, announced three new Belt Drive Turntables at an affordable price.
Patent Review: Virtual Height Filter for Reflected Sound Rendering Using Upward Firing Drivers
This review discusses a patent that applies to speakers designed for new immersive audio formats in home applications and Dolby Atmos, in particular. Not surprisingly, the patent was awarded to Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp. As the patent was granted, Voice Coil provided an extensive and informative review - recommended reading for anyone considering entering this important home-theater market segment. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, February 2016.
QSC Launches First Network Microphone and New Loudspeakers Native to Q-SYS
While the industry yearns for a return to large scale trade-shows, QSC promoted an online event to introduce new products and solutions powered by Q-SYS OS. Among 15 completely new products, the Costa Mesa, CA company announced the Q-SYS NM Series NM-T1 tabletop PoE microphone, the NL Series of network PoE loudspeakers, new Q-SYS QIO Series Network I/O Expanders, and new AcousticDesign outdoor loudspeakers. To consolidate its Q-SYS ecosystem, the company also launched new scaling licenses for the Core Nano and Core 8 Flex processors.
Fresh From the Bench: SPL Phonitor One d Headphone Amplifier System
Stuart Yaniger shares his impressions and measurements of the Phonitor One d Headphone Amplifier System, designed by SPL of Germany. This product uses the company’s unique 120V circuitry, and also features an acclaimed AKM premium USB DAC and balanced stereo line output, effectively enabling it to function as a combination DAC and preamp. An interesting design also because of its Phonitor Matrix, a unique feature designed to electronically create a crosstalk signal and generate something similar to the effect of acoustic crosstalk around our head when listening through headphones. This article was originally published in audioXpress, November 2021.
Crestron Announces DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier and In-Wall Subwoofer
Crestron Electronics announced the launch of two new residential audio products, the Ultimate In-Wall Subwoofer, developed in partnership with Origin Acoustics, and the DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier for high-performance Audio-over-IP (AoIP). Native to Crestron Home, Crestron’s new subwoofer and new DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier will both play major roles in filling out the company's increasingly comprehensive suite of residential audio solutions.
McIntosh Announces MX180 AV Processor with RoomPerfect
McIntosh Labs just announced its latest MX180 A/V Processor, delivering everything needed for the home theater of today and tomorrow. This MX180 is basically the ultimate home theater hub which is able to accommodate all formats, standards and services, from 8K UHD image content with HDR and Dolby Vision, all the way to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D immersive audio. For the best results, McIntosh even added RoomPerfect room correction technology licensed from Lyngdorf.
Sony Announces Collaboration in Audio Augmented Reality with Niantic
Sony has signed an agreement with Niantic, the gaming company that developed the massively popular online game Pokemon GO, creating a global phenomenon (and a business). The collaboration targets the Niantic's development of augmented reality (AR) mobile games expanded with AR for headphones, such as the just announced new Sony LinkBuds. For users to be able to add audio augmented reality, they need personal audio solutions that deliver spatial audio in sync with the game on-screen, while maintaining environment awareness for safety.
Sony Electronics Introduces LinkBuds TWS Ring Design with Audio Transparency
Sony Electronics is exploring new avenues in earbud design with its latest LinkBuds, allowing users to enjoy music, content, and experiences – all at once. With the LinkBuds, Sony introduces an open diaphragm ring design that delivers improved audio transparency, ultra-small super fit, and crystal-clear sound and call quality. By leveraging this unique design, sensors, and spatial sound technologies, Sony says the LinkBuds will be also a new platform for augmented reality (AR) content, navigation, and work-from-home.