World’s First Sure-Fi Radio Technology Offers Robust Alternative for Low Data Rate Transmission
Based in Provo, Utah, Sure-Fi has developed the world’s first radio that the new company says is able to “leap” signals through tall buildings of metal, brick, concrete and anything else preventing typical signals from getting through. Able to save time, money and avoid trenching to connect impenetrable places in extremely harsh environments, the patented technology can be installed in minutes and is being used in construction, mining, factories and congested areas like apartment complexes and stadiums.
Sennheiser Acquires Majority Stake in VR/AR Audio Software Company Dear Reality
Sennheiser has taken a majority sharehold in Dear Reality GmbH. The German company specialized in spatial audio algorithms and VR/AR audio software will continue to operate as a separate company based in Düsseldorf and Dear Reality confirms that its existing customers will be able to rely on existing dearVR products, while looking forward to new joint VR/AR workflows developed in collaboration with Sennheiser. Uwe Cremering, responsible for AMBEO Immersive Audio at Sennheiser, will support the company as a third CEO alongside founders Achim Fell and Christian Sander.
AKM Launches New 4-Channel 32-bit A/D Converter and Two New Multicore DSP Audio Processors
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) made two new product announcements focusing on 4-channel applications. The AK5704EN 4-channel 32-bit A/D audio converter was developed for high-quality low-power multi-microphone recording applications. Its built-in microphone amplifier and power supply make it an ideal solution for conference systems, microphone array systems or smart speakers. The also new AK7739VQ/AK7737VQ audio and voice processors are multicore units, designed for car audio, car navigation systems, and wireless speakers applications.
AudioControl Showcases New Studio Six Digital Audio Test and Measurement Solutions at InfoComm 2019
Certainly one of the most interesting displays at InfoComm 2019 was the Studio Six Digital side of the AudioControl booth, now that the companies are effectively united, following the acquisition in 2018 of part of the capital of the company founded by Andrew Smith. It was great to see important updates on the Studio Six audio test and measurement systems for the iOS platform, but also an exciting new product, the dBPod Smart Sound Monitor.
Yamaha Launches New 4K UHD Surround Home Theater Integrated Packages
Yamaha unveiled the latest updates to its popular line of home-theater-in-a-box packages with the introduction of the YHT-4950U and YHT-5950U home theater systems. Featuring the most recent in 4K video and dynamic audio capabilities, the YHT-4950U and YHT-5950U can transform living rooms into an immersive, 5.1-channel surround sound experience. The new YHT-5950U model supports Yamaha MusicCast technology and the latest streaming services with multi-room capabilities, as well as voice control from Siri, Google or Alexa.
Sony Introduces New WF-1000XM3 Noise-Canceling True Wireless Headphones Featuring Dedicated Processor
The race to lead the true wireless earbud market category is heating up, with the major brands introducing updated specifications and focusing on key selling points. The whole market recognizes that Apple has a clear lead due to its tight hardware integration and dedicated wireless chip, already in its second-generation. Now Sony enters the market with the new and improved WF-1000XM3 model - $229.99 - featuring also its own HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1e processor, new Bluetooth chip and optimized antenna design.
PreSonus Introduces Eris XT Monitors with Improved Frequency Response and Wider Dispersion
Suitable for both home recording studios and professional environments, PreSonus' Eris studio monitors are very affordable options with respectable specifications. Now, the company introduced two new Eris XT models with improved features, new drivers, a larger ported enclosure, and a new Elliptical Boundary Modeled (EBM) waveguide design, the work of Hugh Sarvis (WorxAudio). The Eris XT monitors are a substantial update, offering superior high-frequency response and wider 100-degree horizontal dispersion to create a broader sweet spot.
Renkus-Heinz Now Shipping Advanced ICLive X Steerable Array Loudspeakers
During InfoComm 2019, Renkus-Heinz launched the all-new ICLive X series of high-powered steerable arrays, based on the new ICL-X and ICL-XS modules, both using Renkus-Heinz’s exclusive Acoustic Source Multiplier (ASM) waveguide. With greater power density, higher output, simple integrated hardware, and its unique coaxially mounted driver arrangement, the new ICLive X series is a new flexible solution for integrators, contractors, and production/rental houses.
Zylia Expands Technical and Operations Teams to Address 360-Degree Audio Recording Solutions
Zylia, the Polish company that developed the successful ZM-1 spherical microphone array, is expanding across technical and operational areas to address rapidly rising demand for the company’s innovative 3D audio recording and production solutions. Zylia has hired Maurizio Barausse as key account manager, Marek Kabacinski and Krzysztof Klos as software testers, Michal Huflejt as a research engineer, Wojtek Blachowiak as a technical customer service expert, and Lidia Wojciechowska as office manager.
Steinberg SpectraLayers Pro 6 Now Available with New Interface and More Spectral Editing Features
Steinberg announced the immediate availability of SpectraLayers Pro 6. First distributed by Sony Creative Software and then by Magix Software, the developers behind SpectraLayers have now joined forces with Steinberg to release its sixth iteration. Now as part of the comprehensive Steinberg software portfolio, SpectraLayers Pro 6 comes with exciting new features and workflow integrations, providing an innovative way to edit audio in the spectral domain.