Test Bench: BDNC’s BGF-46166-18-4-003 Glass-Composite Flat Diaphragm Woofer
This article characterizes a cutting-edge product from BDNC, a patented “race track” shaped driver, and the first of its kind to use a glass diaphragm composite made up of two layers of “Schott AS87 Glass” with an internal layer of viscoelastomic damping material and aluminum alloy foil. The motor structure uses two neodymium bar magnets driving a two-layer race track-shaped voice coil wound with round copper wire on an aluminum former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.
Smart Speaker Shipments Surged to Record Levels
The smart speaker market in the second quarter of 2021 surged to new heights as consumers and brands adapt to the ongoing pandemic, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Even with the looming specters of supply chain challenges, component shortages, and the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus hanging over the market, global shipments of smart speakers and smart displays in Q2 2021 grew 34.8% from Q2 2020 to 39.5 million units, a record for a second calendar quarter.
Harman Introduces AKG Ara Two-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone
Harman Professional Solutions introduced the AKG Ara, a two-pattern USB condenser microphone that expands on the global success of the AKG Lyra Multimode USB microphone. The AKG Ara follows the same design fundamentals of the Lyra - at once contemporary and reminiscent of the AKG legacy - with a more streamlined format for two basic pickup patterns that make sense for tabletop use in webcasting and podcasts. It is also much more affordable, at just $99 US.
Former HDMI Executive Team Joins WiSA Standard Promotion Effort
Summit Wireless Technologies, a leading provider of immersive, wireless sound technology for intelligent devices and next-generation home entertainment systems, hired three industry veterans to increase the proliferation of the WiSA standard. The team, comprised of Eric Almgren, Steve Venuti, and Roger Isaac, will focus on strategies to expand the market applications and to increase the global use of WiSA's high-definition wireless audio technology and promote wireless audio interoperability.
SPARK Microsystems Advances UWB Adoption with Industry Standards Organizations
SPARK Microsystems, a leading company in UWB technology for consumer and connected devices, joined the UWB Alliance and the FiRa Consortium to help accelerate adoption of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. SPARK's low power, low latency UWB technology enables real-time wireless sensor data and faster wireless peripherals. SPARK is also the company that believes in UWB for high-quality audio applications, since the technology enables 10X more data throughput than Bluetooth.
Sonos Unveils Second Generation Beam Compact Soundbar with Support for Dolby Atmos and New Audio Formats
The soundbar segment continues heating up with more sophisticated designs getting to market with updated wireless technology, amplifiers, better speaker drivers and support for Dolby Atmos rendering. The new Sonos Beam (Gen 2) sets a new standard for compact soundbars with a richer, more immersive sound and planned support for Dolby Atmos Music streaming services.
Zoom Introduces Whiteboard Collaboration and Events Conference Tools
During its Zoomtopia 2021 update event, Zoom Video Communications announced ambitious plans to grow its online communications scope. Zoom unveiled a new ecosystem of apps to empower hybrid workforces, and promises to expand its market with new B2B tools, including Zoom Video Engagement Center (VEC) and Zoom Events Conference. The company also unveiled its new Zoom Whiteboard collaboration tool and promised to boost real time, automated translation, and expand its existing live transcription.
RCF Expands Flagship TT+ Speaker Series With Compact Satellite and Subwoofer System
Italian audio company RCF introduced two powered portable speakers to its flagship TT+ Series of sound reinforcement systems. Flexibility, power, and small footprint make the TT 515-A speaker and TT 808-AS subwoofer ideal for high-powered portable and installed professional applications where size and weight are critical factors. This approach combines the advantages of RCF TT+ technology such as controlled dispersion, high-power, multiple rigging accessories, weather protection, and RDNET software connection for real-time management with recallable presets.
Audio Engineering Society Reconnects in 2021 with Virtual Event Series
The Audio Engineering Society AES announced the preliminary program and highlights for its AES Fall Online Events in October 2021. The planned AES Show Vegas 2021 to be held October 11 – 13 and collocated with the NAB Show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The AES Show Fall 2021 International Convention, a fully online program, will be streamcasted October 20 – 23.
Ed Okorn Joins Scantek as President
Scantek, a leading company in sound and vibration measuring equipment sales, service and calibration, announced the appointment of Ed Okorn as President, assuming the responsibilities of president from Steve Marshall who has held the position for the past nine years. Marshall has agreed to continue his tenure by overseeing the re-accreditation of the Scantek Calibration Lab. Ed Okorn moves to Scantek from GRAS-Sound & Vibration where he was General Manager for North America since 2017.