Audioengine Announces A2+ Wireless Powered Desktop Speakers with Bluetooth 5
Audioengine continues to expand its range of great sounding compact wireless speakers. The new A2+ Wireless Speakers feature an advanced Bluetooth 5 module and were designed for desktop use but with sufficient power to fill a room when needed. Premium analog power amplifiers are built inside the left speaker, providing a very efficient system, with an auto-standby idle mode included to conserve power when not playing music. There's even USB, analog inputs and a subwoofer output.
Cirrus Logic Introduces Industry’s Smallest, Low-Power Boosted Smart Audio Amplifier to Support Global Shift to Mobile Stereo
To support the growing trend toward stereo audio in smartphones and portable devices, Cirrus Logic announced the new Cirrus Logic CS35L41 boosted smart power amplifier, based on 55nm process design. The new Class D amp delivers on the “big three” OEM requirements for mobile applications: enriched audio sound, efficient low-power management and a space-saving package. Featuring predictive algorithms, the power amp increases the audio volume when in speakerphone mode, while reducing noise and power consumption.
beyerdynamic Introduces Xelento Wireless High-End In-Ear Headphones
Following their success in the high-end circles since their introduction in 2017, beyerdynamic now announced the launch of Xelento Wireless, combining the high-quality in-ear headphone featuring Tesla drivers and aptX HD Bluetooth to create an unparalleled listening experience anywhere. The challenge for the German brand was obviously how to match the same quality experience of the wired Xelento in a wireless product, without compromising the drivers' performance.
Work Pro Widens SoundNut Pendant Speaker Range
AV equipment manufacturer Work Pro Audio is expanding the popular SoundNut range of pendant speakers for installed sound applications. After a preview at the ISE 2019 show, the Spanish company launched four more SoundNut models to complete the range: the SN-3, SN-6, SN-10, which feature three-, six- and 10-inch drivers respectively, and the SN-8SUB, an eight-inch subwoofer for low-frequency enhancement. All use the same basic design concept as the original SN-8 introduced in 2018.
Meyer Sound Updates UPQ Line with New Amplifier and Introduces New ULTRA-X40 Point Source Loudspeaker
Meyer Sound had a series of new product announcements at the ISE 2019 show, including a versatile IntelligentDC power supply and an updated UPQ loudspeaker series, plus the unveiling of an entirely new ULTRA-X40 point source loudspeaker design. These new speakers were also featured in a series of off-site demos, where Meyer Sound offered a glimpse of the company's new Spacemap LIVE spatial mixing platform, the answer from the Californian company to the market trend toward immersive sound, and which the company confirms will be released later in 2019.
NXP Brings Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to the Masses with its New Immersiv3D Audio Solution
Following a showcase at CES 2019, NXP Semiconductors announced its Immersiv3D audio solution, combining NXP software on its i.MX 8M Mini applications processor with support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio technologies. The i.MX 8M Mini SoC also brings smart capabilities like voice control to a broader range of consumer devices including soundbars, smart speakers, and AV receivers with the option for adding additional speakers to distribute smart voice control and immersive audio throughout the home.
Android Things is Now Only for Smart Speakers and Displays
Google announced it is scaling back Android Things as a general-purpose IoT platform. Android Things will now focus solely on OEM-built smart speakers and displays. Google is discontinuing public access to i.MX8M, Snapdragon, and MediaTek based production modules for the OS. The ARM-based production boards from Innocomm, Intrinsyc, and MediaTek that Google was reselling to vendors with pre-loaded Android Things will no longer be publicly supported.
Qobuz Hi-Res Music Streaming and Download Service Now Available in US
Qobuz is now finally available in the US. A hybrid streaming service and download store, Qobuz boasts approximately forty million CD-quality (16-bit) and millions of Hi-Res (24-bit/ 192 kHz) tracks, the largest available selection of Hi-Res streaming tracks anywhere. The service offers four different access tiers, with the Sublime+ ($299.99/year) and Studio ($24.99/month) options allowing access to FLAC Hi-Res streaming, the first of its kind in the world.
Antelope Audio Premieres World’s First USB-C Bus-Powered Modeling Mic
Professional audio manufacturer Antelope Audio is firing on all cylinders with the worldwide premiere of three one-of-a-kind, industry-leading products for modern recording studios. Edge Go is the world’s first USB-C bus-powered modeling microphone, enabling a complete studio experience with circuit-level mic and gear emulations onboard Antelope Audio’s real-time FPGA FX platform. The company also announced new updates for the Orion32+ Gen 3 and Orion32 HD Gen 3 audio interfaces offering improved conversion quality at affordable prices.
SPL of Germany Ships Crescendo 8-Channel Microphone Preamp Featuring 120V Technology
Sound Performance Labs (SPL) of Germany is now shipping their new “Crescendo” 8-channel microphone preamplifier featuring SPL’s unique120V technology. The “Crescendo” is the first microphone preamp operating with an internal voltage of 120V offering increased headroom for a much wider dynamic range to capture every detail in a recording microphone preamplifier that operates with an internal operating voltage of 120V.