Sony Licenses MPEG-H Audio Decoder Software and Joins MPEG-H Trademark Program
Fraunhofer IIS, the primary developer of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, announced that Sony Corporation (Sony) has licensed Fraunhofer’s MPEG-H 3D Audio Baseline Profile Decoder software and joined the MPEG-H Trademark Program. Among many other applications, the announcement allows reinforcing Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H 3D Audio implementations in a wide variety of products from the company.
On-Device Voice Interfaces Driving Growth in MEMS and ECM Microphone Market
According to SAR Insight & Consulting, the market for MEMS and ECM microphones continues to see strong growth, with ten billion units shipped in 2020. This was driven by two main factors: increased use of voice interfaces and multiple microphones per device, according to SAR’s latest report “MEMS Microphones Focus: Market Growth, Mic Type, Input Type, SNR, Volume, Performance Density.” With the emergence of TWS, earbuds and headphones are now the second largest market.
ARCAM Adds Dirac Live Room Correction to New AVR5 Receiver
Swedish digital audio processing pioneer Dirac announced that the new ARCAM AVR5 receiver is “Dirac Ready” to run Dirac Live Room Correction, the company’s state-of-the-art solution to ensure home audio systems deliver the maximum sound performance across all entertainment experiences. The two companies worked together to bring Dirac’s room correction technology to the affordable ARCAM AVR5 Immersive Audio AV Receiver which is now available.
Alcons Audio Introduces QRP20 Pro-Ribbon Column Array
Pro-Ribbon pioneers Alcons Audio unveiled the new QRP20 speaker, a versatile 2-way column array system with increased directivity control, to be used for both permanent and portable applications. Its slim design, with the RBN401 pro-ribbon driver in the middle, delivers natural, dynamic sound reproduction with superior intelligibility and throw. And the QRP20 column can be setup with the QB242 bass extension for portable applications.
LEA Professional Enhances User Experience and Cloud Platform for Connect Amplifiers
LEA Professional, the manufacturer of cloud-connected amplifiers for professional audio applications has unveiled new upgrades to its Cloud and Web UI platforms. With the upgrade to version 3 firmware for LEA’s Connect Series products, the South Bend, Indiana-based company enhances the cloud interface experience based on feedback from actual users of the product - an essential process given this is whole new concept for everyone.
Test Bench: B&C Speakers' 5CXN44 Pro Sound Coaxial Driver
This article characterizes a coaxial driver from B&C Speakers, a 5.25” woofer and 1.4" compression driver combo specifically built primarily for sound reinforcement applications. This driver's cooling is exclusively provided by the motor mass, a substantial neodymium ring magnet that powers both HF and LF units. No other vents are required for the 300W power rating given by B&C Speakers to the 5CXN44, which is impressive. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, August 2021.
R&D Stories: Getting Started with Automotive Audio Bus (Part 4)
In this article, Brewster LaMacchia concludes his series on Automotive Audio Bus (A2B) applications (not just for automotive). After an introduction to the properties of this locally networked audio transport, a look at A2B system design, and A2B data transport and interface, in Part 4, the author looks at systems and tools that are available to speed prototyping and evaluation. This article was originally published in audioXpress, January 2021.
CEDIA Names Daryl Friedman as Global President & CEO
Culminating a year-long search process, CEDIA has named veteran association executive Daryl Friedman as its new Global President and CEO. Friedman is no stranger to CEDIA or the custom installation market. He has spent more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership roles, having overseen membership, advocacy, industry relations, and the technical wing for the 25,000-member Recording Academy.
NFC Forum Wireless Charging Specification 2.0 Allows Charging TWS Earbuds From Smartphones
The NFC Forum latest Wireless Charging Technical Specification 2.0 allows for wireless charging by enabling a single antenna in an NFC-enabled device to manage both communications between the devices and charging. Users who need to charge low-power devices such as wireless earbuds, digital stylus pens, fitness trackers, and other small consumer products can now do so from NFC-enabled smartphones and other devices, just by placing both devices directly in contact.
L-Acoustics Raises Spatial Audio Processing Power With L-ISA Processor II
Live music is slowly making a comeback globally and both entertainment venues and the live sound industry know that immersive sound needs to be the new production standard. L-Acoustics is leading the charge with a complete solution that includes creation and management software, loudspeakers (obviously), and 3D audio processing engines. The company now announced its latest L-ISA Processor II, an updated hardware solution that offers scalable output count and pricing to fit any project’s needs and budget.