Latest Updates and Getting Ready for AES New York 2019
With a complimentary Exhibits-Plus registration, this year’s AES New York Convention offers more ways than ever to listen, learn and connect with the biggest names in audio science, technology and techniques including Bob Ludwig, George Massenburg, Hank Shocklee, Danny Kortchmar, Just Blaze, Prince Charles Alexander, Chris and Tom Lord-Alge, Larrance Dopson and James Fauntleroy (1500 or Nothin’) and a special opening-day keynote address by the legendary Grandmaster Flash.
XMOS Secures $19M Funding to Accelerate Global Growth and Support Development in Voice Interfaces
XMOS, a Bristol-based technology company, specialising in voice-processing, edge-AI and connected devices, announced the completion of a new $19 million financing round — fueling the company’s global growth, consolidating its technical leadership in far-field voice interfaces and developing a new product roadmap for the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). The funds will also enable an expanded global footprint — including new staff in its Hong Kong office.
L-Acoustics Inaugurates AES Dr. Christian Heil Future of Sound Scholarship
To mark the 35th anniversary of its founding, L-Acoustics announced the creation of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Dr. Christian Heil Future of Sound scholarship. A stipend of $5,000 offered annually to graduate students in the field of audio engineering who are members of the AES, the Dr. Christian Heil Future of Sound scholarship, the first of which has been granted to McGill University student Ben Creelman, who is pursuing a Master of Music degree in the field of sound recording, will be granted yearly to students who demonstrate curiosity and dedication to shaping the future of sound.
Acoustic Geometry Begins Shipping Starfield Acoustic Treatment Ceiling Tiles
Acoustic Geometry announced the immediate availability of its StarField Ceiling Tiles, an acoustical ceiling panel with a realistic starry sky effect. This innovative, sound management product is ideal for home theaters, media rooms, studios, retail spaces, restaurants/bars and commercial businesses looking to inspire a “wow” factor. Simple installation and acoustical functionality are key features of the tiles, along with improvement of both sonic and visual quality in nearly any environment.
Steinberg New UR-C Audio Interfaces with USB Type-C for Music Production
It's taking a while , but finally we are seeing a consistent transition to more USB-C audio solutions. Steinberg announced the immediate availability of its new range of audio interfaces, comprising the UR22C, the UR44C and the UR22C Recording Pack. An additional UR816C rackmount interface is scheduled for release in November 2019. Each model in the new range features different input/output capabilities, sharing the same overall robust build quality, Yamaha D-PRE audio preamps and a comprehensive software bundle.
Celestion Introduces the Laney Cabinets Collection of Impulse Responses
Celestion teamed up with iconic British amplifier manufacturer Laney Amplification to create the Laney Cabinets Collection of Impulse Responses. The new Laney Cabinets Collection is the newest addition to the Backline Heroes IR Range of complete guitar cabinet impulse responses, along with the growing collection of authentic Celestion guitar speaker tones. All available for audition and download at CelestionPlus.
In Perspective: Dolby Partners with Amazon Music HD to Promote Dolby Atmos Music Streaming
When Amazon recently announced its latest Echo Studio smart speaker, focusing on audio quality and promising an "immersive" and "3D Audio" experience, the partnership with Dolby Laboratories was highlighted. The same day, Dolby confirmed that its Dolby Atmos Music format will be supported directly on the Echo Studio with content in the new object-based format being streamed through Amazon Music HD. Dolby states, "listening to music in Dolby Atmos on Echo Studio will unleash every detail as it was meant to be heard, completely immersing fans in a whole new way."
TIDAL Now Available on the Roku Platform with High Resolution Audio Support
TIDAL announced its launch on the Roku platform, including support for TIDAL HiFi tiers — which includes Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) recordings. Members of the music streaming service can enjoy a custom TIDAL interface while searching for videos, albums, playlists, and exclusive content to stream directly on their Roku devices. The service allows access to more than music streaming, with premiere access to high-profile original content including music videos, documentaries, concert live streams, and more.
Kii Audio Answers US Demand with Expansion in North America
Kii Audio has announced a new US office to deliver greater level of accessibility and service. This development is in response to growing demand for Kii Audio products from US audio professionals and recording studios. The new initiative is headed up by industry veteran Tony Cariddi. Until recently Cariddi was Integrated Marketing Leader for Content Solutions, Industry Relations and Cinema Products at Dolby Laboratories and previously held marketing positions at Avid, Digidesign, and Apogee Electronics.
Amazon Introduces New 2019 Echo Devices Including the Company's First True Wireless Earbuds
During a special event promoted to announce a new generation of Amazon Alexa products, technologies and solutions, Amazon introduced an all-new line-up of Echo devices to expand its Alexa voice assistant ecosystem in the home and now also on-the-go. The all-new Echo Buds, using ANC technology licensed from Bose, join the Echo Auto as another option to take Alexa outside the home. The new Echo speakers also include the Echo Studio, engineered in collaboration with Dolby and supporting HRA and immersive audio reproduction.