Rotel Unveils Upgraded A14MKII, RA-1572MKII, and RA-1592MKII Integrated Amplifiers
Rotel announced acoustic and performance upgrades to three of the company’s integrated amplifier models in the 14 and 15 Series product lines. The upgrades include circuit design innovations and component level changes in key circuit locations, leveraging the design elements from the acclaimed Rotel Michi Series. The A14MKII, RA-1572MKII and RA-1592MKII integrated amplifiers received these upgrades built from the Michi engineering efforts that were 3 years in the making.
Infineon Introduces First AEC-Q103 Qualified High-Performance XENSIV MEMS Microphone for Automotive Applications
Infineon Technologies AG announced the launch of the XENSIV IM67D130A MEMS microphone. The high acoustic overload point (AOP) of 130 dB SPL allows the IM67130A to capture distortion-free audio signals in loud environments, whether in- or outside a vehicle. The microphone also has an increased operating temperature range from -40°C to +105°C to enable various use cases in harsh automotive environments, enabling advanced driver assistance systems and predictive maintenance applications.
Bang & Olufsen Introduces Beosound Emerge Slim Home Speaker
Bang & Olufsen introduced a new home speaker, which the Danish company describes as “an interior object combined with the technical performance of a speaker, built for longevity”. The Beosound Emerge was designed by Benjamin Hubert of Design Agency LAYER and it surprises immediately for its slim silhouette, but even more for its powerful, full-range sound with Active Room Compensation, which makes it a suitable home speaker for any placement. It’s also one of B&O’s most affordable home designs.
ROHM Semiconductor Launches 32-bit MUS-IC Series DAC for Reference-Class Audio Equipment
Japanese electronic component manufacturer ROHM Semiconductor has a strong connection with music and audio, being the source for a wide range of audio converters, amplifiers, and processors. Recently, ROHM started a new development project for a variety of new high fidelity solutions supporting high resolution audio. First in the new MUS-IC range and now available is the ROHM BD34301EKV, a 32-bit D/A converter designed for high-end audio designs. ROHM also launched the BD34301EKV-EVK-001 evaluation board available via distributor channels.
AES Audio Product Education Institute Invites Product Development Houses to Discuss Turning Ideas Into Actual Products
The Audio Product Education Institute (APEI) initiative launched by the Audio Engineering Society (AES), will host its seventh online event addressing Supply Chain & Sourcing on Wednesday, April 21 (12:00pm EDT). In this new webinar, moderated once again by supply chain and sourcing experts David Lindberg (DB Enterprises) and Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific), two Silicon Valley product development firms will discuss their role and contributions in bringing new audio products to market.
Urbanista Introduces Los Angeles Solar Powered ANC Headphones Using Exeger Powerfoyle Technology
Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand and STRAX subsidiary, announced Urbanista Los Angeles, the world's first self-charging, wireless active noise cancelling headphones, powered by Powerfoyle solar cell material. This advanced green technology developed by Exeger was first implemented in headphones in a partnership with Harman (JBL). The new Los Angeles ANC headphones are the first ANC design that will use a Powerfoyle headband surface to convert all forms of light, outdoor and indoor, into energy to deliver virtually infinite playtime.
Ams Adaptive Noise Cancellation Technology Powers JBL Over-Ear Headphones
Announced earlier in January and scheduled to be available May 2021, the new JBL Tour ONE headphones will feature Harman's first adoption of Adaptive Leakage Compensation (ALC) technology from ams AG. ALC technology has already been deployed in various types of earbuds, including loose-fit earbuds, to provide consistently high noise attenuation as the earbud shifts position in the ear. Now Harman has deployed ams ALC technology in the JBL Tour One to provide the same consistency and high noise attenuation in over-ear headphones.
Amazon Introduces All-New True Wireless Echo Buds With Custom ANC
Amazon introduced the next-generation of Echo Buds, featuring an all-new design, premium audio architecture for crisp, balanced sound, custom-designed Active Noise Cancellation technology, wireless charging capabilities, improved microphones for better call quality, and hands-free access to Alexa. Not many bought the first model anyway, so the announcement of the all-new second-generation Echo Buds is not that surprising, considering Amazon considers hardware as a pure extension of its services ecosystem.
Spotify Unveils Car Thing Dedicated Smart Player for the Car
In a effort to expand its reach in the lucrative automotive sector, Swedish streaming audio company Spotify has launched its very first hardware product. With free and widely available radio stations still dominating the space, car audio remains the last frontier to be conquered by streaming services. Spotify seems determined to cover that market, even if it requires launching a proof-of-concept product. Spotify Car Thing is basically a dedicated Spotify player with voice controls for Premium subscribers, cutting the ties to the smartphone.
Røde Introduces Røde Connect Software for Podcasting and Streaming With NT-USB Mini Microphones
Røde is a step ahead of global connectivity and media trends. Complementing its NT-USB Mini microphones, and inspired by the success of its Rødecaster Pro hardware console, Røde released Røde Connect, a simple and powerful software solution for podcasting and streaming with the NT-USB Mini, acting as a fully featured recording interface, with the ability to connect up to four NT-USB Minis to a single computer via USB-C, and with seamless integration with video call, streaming applications, and much more.