Naim Introduces a World of High-Quality Radio for All Naim Streaming Systems
Naim Audio, the British specialist with almost 50 years of hi-fi expertise, announced new and higher-quality streaming radio options for users of its streaming speakers, systems and separates – all freely available. Dedicated Naim Jazz HD and Naim Classical HD stations will join a revamped Naim Radio HD stream; all three available in up to CD quality. These will join a dedicated HD Radio category to browse and enjoy from the Naim App.
Sennheiser Unveils New MD 445 and MD 435 Vocal Microphones
Vocal microphone capsules used with Sennheiser's top wireless series were always praised by the professionals who had the opportunity to use them in daily work. Now, Sennheiser decided to expand its top vocal options available to more users by leveraging on those designs. On one hand, it released the MD 435 wired microphone, based on its popular MD 9235 cardioi dynamic capsule, normally used with the SKM 9000 and 6000 Series handheld transmitters, while also introducing the new MD 445, a supercardioid microphone for situations demanding maximum presence and feedback rejection.
Klippel Analyzer System Receives Software Updates for Testing DSP-Based Audio Devices
Klippel has been keeping busy in the last months, continuously improving their measurement technology for loudspeakers and audio systems. With the dB-Lab 210.918 and QC 6.7 software updates, Klippel introduced new tools for testing DSP-enhanced speakers, headphones and connected audio systems, first with and hardware add-on for the SCN Scanning Vibrometer, and second with an extension for automatic testing at multiple excitation levels using the TRF module.
High End Munich Show with Reinforced B2B Focus Moves From May to September 2021
In reaction to the worsening situation related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and given the predictable timetable for a vaccine being distributed around April 2021, the High End Society Service Gmbh, promoters of the High End show in Munich have decided to move the dates from May to September, for added reassurance. High End 2021 and the newly announced International Parts+Supply (IPS) expansion will now take place September 9-12, 2021.
Focal Unveils Revamped and Unique Aria K2 936 Loudspeaker
Since 2013, Focal Aria has been a leading loudspeaker range for the French brand. With its natural flax cone and sleek style, Aria marked a decisive point in Focal’s history. And the story continues. As part of its process of constant renewal, Focal engineers and designers have revamped the Aria 936 flagship model to present the new Aria K2 936, featuring an updated version of the iconic K2 cone - used in JMLab Vega and Antea high-fidelity speakers since 1986 - combined with an Ash Grey exclusive finish.
Tidal Expands MQA Catalog Available for Tidal Masters Streaming
Music and entertainment streaming platform Tidal announced that it added millions of tracks in MQA from Warner Music Group to its Tidal Masters catalog. According to Tidal, MQA users have doubled since 2019 and its Tidal HiFi subscribers are now streaming 40% more tracks in Master Quality than last year. Originally created mostly with music from Universal Music Group, the now expanded MQA catalog required an update on Tidal's servers to better support continuous streaming of music in the highest quality level.
SoundHound's Houndify Voice AI Powers Dynamic Voice Recognition System in 2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid
Voice AI developer SoundHound confirmed the integration of its Houndify Voice AI platform into the all-new 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid models from the Korean manufacturer, now available for sale in North America. Hyundai's new Dynamic Voice Recognition System is powered by Houndify's Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies, providing drivers with voice access to cloud-based information and services hands-free.
InfoComm 2021 Scheduled for June 2021 in Orlando, Florida
InfoComm 2020, originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in June, was cancelled and quickly converted into an online happening like so many other important industry trade shows affected by the global pandemic. Produced by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), InfoComm is the largest technology exhibition and conference in North America focused on the pro AV industry. The show is now scheduled to take place June 16-18, 2021 (Saturday-Friday) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Avid Pro Tools Carbon Audio Interface Is a Dead End
With competition in the studio recording and particularly in the music production market segments heating up while computer interfaces and network technologies continue to evolve at a fast pace, Avid finds itself increasingly in a hot spot. The industry standard Pro Tools software is facing aggressive competition from all directions, while Avid's hardware days are now long gone. The company needed to do something for the project/small studio market, which they are loosing fast, and so they launched Pro Tools Carbon, a new audio interface.
ArkX Labs EveryWord Far-Field Reference Design Kit Receives Amazon AVS Qualification
ArkX Laboratories, a joint venture between hardware design and development firm Surfaceink and consumer electronics manufacturing company Ark USA, announced its EveryWord Ultra Far-Field Reference Design Kit has been qualified by Amazon AVS. The advanced far-field development kit features Cirrus Logic SoundClear Technology and NXP i.MX 8 host processor technology and is a powerful solution for manufacturers dealing with noisy environments, different mic array geometry challenges, and the need to support 3 or 5 channels for surround use cases.