audioXpress April 2021 Looks Ahead at the Evolution in Voice, Communication and True Wireless
The April 2021 issue of audioXpress is now available in print and online and it addresses a convergence of technologies in two of the most exciting product segments at the moment: True Wireless Earbuds and Voice & Communication. George Ntanavaras explores vibration measurements using piezoelectric sensors, Jens Tybo Jensen describes a highly efficient hybrid bass amplification design, and Richard Honeycutt discusses how horns have evolved to address sound directionality. And much more top-level audio electronics from top experts in the field. Get Your Copy Now!
MAAT Announces Universal Monitor Controller and Visualizer Plug-In for High Resolution Audio Files and Streams
MAAT Incorporated announced the release of a cross platform plug-in and native application for routing, matrixing and visualization of digital audio. The new MAATgo Plug-in represents the debut of MAAT’s first product designed specifically for hi-fi enthusiasts and high resolution audio (HRA) music playback from computers. Available for all major plug-in formats for macOS and Windows, MAATgo delivers complete "preamp" channel routing, plus a software goniometer that authentically replicates an analog oscilloscope experience.
Merging Technologies Announces Updated Hapi MKII Modular Audio Interface
Merging Technologies just announced a new updated MKII version of its popular Hapi networked audio interface and converter. Hapi was instrumental in introducing the world to Ravenna/AES67 audio-over-IP, and its economical form factor made it the ideal local stagebox or studio interface for demanding applications, benefiting from a modular interface card architecture, common with the Merging Horus flagship interface. Now, Merging launched the Hapi MKII with updated technology, making it an ideal extension for any DAW, regardless of OS.
Sonos Introduces New Ultra-Portable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Speaker
Sonos introduced Sonos Roam, an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker built to deliver the best possible sound for its size, both at home and outdoors with adaptable features. It can be fully connected to Sonos system on Wi-Fi at home and automatically switching to Bluetooth when the user is on the go. As Sonos highlights, the Roam was designed to be effortless to set-up and control, using new smart features that make it easier to enjoy music and more from anywhere. Roam is available starting April 20 for $169.
Cambridge Audio Reveals Updated Melomania 1+ True Wireless with USB-C and Enhanced User Experience
Currently the strongest growth product segment in consumer electronics, true wireless technology is advancing fast but the category remains a crowded and highly competitive space. Short after the announcement of its flagship Melomania Touch earbuds, British audio brand Cambridge Audio updated its first TWS design, launched originally in June 2019. The new Melomania 1+ true wireless earbuds keep the compact form factor and a competitive price, and gained updated technology and app control features.
New Klippel SCN Near Field Add-On (SCN-NF) Now Available
Announced earlier in 2020, Klippel now confirmed availability of its new SCN Near-Field Add On (SCN-NF), a new solution that accurately enables all the most relevant transducer measurements using a single hardware setup in a non-anechoic room. This new powerful addition to the Klippel Scanning Vibrometer is a smart alternative to using an anechoic chamber, and the fastest way to get full directivity holographic measurements, extrapolate SPL to any point in 3D half-space and obtain balloon, contour, polar and sound power plots.
Raspberry Pi Relaunches Four IQAudio HATs Following Acquisition
Raspberry Pi has relaunched four IQaudio HATs as official Pi audio add-on boards with lower prices ranging from $20 to $30: the IQaudio DAC+, DAC Pro, DigiAMP+ and Codec Zero. In December 2020, Raspberry Pi Trading announced it had acquired IQAudio and would be relaunching their Raspberry Pi audio HATs at lower prices. Now, IQAudio’s four most popular HATs have been relaunched as official Pi accessories and are available via the usual Pi resellers.
Tube Amp Doctor Launches Brand New TAD 6L6GCM-STR REDBASE Premium Selected Tubes
A brand new series of tubes was launched and the first model is now ready to ship worldwide! The new 6L6GCM-STR is the first model from a new high quality premium tube series named REBASE, from Tube Amp Doctor (TAD). As the German company explains, the 6L6GCM-STR REDBASE is an entirely new TAD development, recommended for lively clean sounds as well as powerful broadband multi-channel amps, an ideal upgrade for any guitar or high-end amplifier that uses 6L6GC or 5881 tubes.
Neutrik AG Acquires Connectivity Solutions Company Connex GmbH
The Neutrik Group, with headquarters in the Principality of Liechtenstein, confirmed the acquisition of connectivity solutions company Connex Gmbh, headquartered in Oldenburg, Germany. The acquisition intends to strengthen Nuetrik's expertise in professional solutions. Connex produces and develops high-quality components for the professional event industry, including audio distribution, stage boxes, multicore systems, audio splitters, power distribution, and networking.
Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon Sound End-To-End Audio System
Following previous announcements in development platforms and solutions for wireless audio, Qualcomm announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, a new end-to-end approach to promote high resolution digital audio and enhanced voice communications across devices. The approach combines and optimizes multiple Qualcomm technologies for mobile platforms, processing, connectivity, plus the latest aptX Adaptive audio technologies needed to improve the sound experience for consumers.