MIPI Alliance Releases I3C Basic Interface Specification for Widespread Implementation in Mobile and Beyond
The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, today released MIPI I3C Basic v1.0, a subset of the MIPI I3C specification that bundles the most commonly needed I3C features for developers and other standards organizations. Released under royalty-free terms, MIPI I3C Basic provides a streamlined upgrade path from the ubiquitous I2C, with the most commonly needed developer capabilities for smartphones, IoT devices, connected vehicles and more.
Welcome to 2019 and Start Strong with audioXpress!
The January 2019 (CES) edition of audioXpress has arrived. Read our Microphone Market Update, addressing the latest cutting-edge microphone technologies, and learn how Zylia created its ZM-1 spherical microphone array. Also in this edition, Joe D’Appolito explains how to address the equalization of closed-box subwoofers, Hans W. Gierlich writes about testing Smart Home Devices, David Logvin reviews the Lepai LP40PA plate amplifier, and George Ntanavaras describes a stereo analog preamplifier DIY project. Oh, and read Erik Owen's unique take on Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) 2018.
RCF Group Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of DPA Microphones
RCF Group, the same Italian group that recently expanded into the US market with the acquisition of Eastern Acoustics Works (EAW), is now expanding its presence even more into the global production market with the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of DPA Microphones A/S from private equity firm The Riverside Company. Based in Reggio Emilia, RCF is one of the fastest growing organizations in the professional audio market, and microphones was one of the few product segments missing in its portfolio.
L-Acoustics to Promote New Era of Immersive Live Sound at NAMM 2019
L-Acoustics will return to NAMM 2019 with an enhanced booth and demo space, ready to promote one of the most exciting developments in sound reinforcement for live performances since the inception of the line array. Following a series of historical performances where L-Acoustics was praised for its L-ISA Immersive technology debuting in shows across all continents, the French manufacturer will use the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim to further promote the revolutionary concept, powered by its latest range of high-quality speaker designs.
New QCon Pro G2 Universal Control Surface and QCon EX G2 Extender from iCON Pro Audio
iCON Pro Audio's products not only are affordable but they look good and always bring a nice level of innovation. Now the company announced the availability of its QCon Pro G2 USB-MIDI Controller Station and QCon EX G2 USB-MIDI Controller Expansion, next-generation versions of its full-featured, eight-channel universal control surface with Mackie Control and HUI emulation to support most major DAWs. The range now allows the control surface to be expanded to 32 channels with three extenders.
D5 Wireless Speaker from 0W1 Audio Wants to Offer Smart HiFi Experiences
Among the many new speaker designs that deserve a close look at CES 2019 (January 8-11) there is one that is the first product ever from a startup company, 0W1 Audio, and was already awarded a CES 2019 Innovation Awards nomination on the Wireless Devices, Accessories and Services category. The 0W1 Smart HiFi Audio Speaker is described as "the first truly High-End Connected Portable Audio system," and is said to offer "much more than just another wireless speaker," focusing on the emotional side of the hi-fidelity experience.
ZYLIA ZM-1 360-Degree Sound Recording System Now Available for Sale in the United States
Zylia, the Poland-based manufacturer of multitrack audio recording technologies, announced that its acclaimed ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone array is now available for sale in the United States. Designed for bands and musical ensembles, sound engineers, podcasters, and audio creatives working in 3D audio, Ambisonics, and virtual reality, the new ZYLIA ZM-1 is an incredibly light, compact, and beautifully designed recording solution capable of delivering 48 kilohertz/24-bit resolution while capturing the full spatial sound scene.
Studio Technologies Introduces New Dante-Compliant Audio Interfaces
Previewed at the 145th AES convention in New York, Studio Technologies, has now launched the Model 5412 Audio Interface and the Model 5418 Mic/Line Interface, two new Dante-compliant solutions for applications that use Audio-over-Ethernet (AoE) network connectivity. Both offer excellent audio performance along with unique features that support efficient installation and simple, reliable operation.
Speechmatics Improves Language Recognition Accuracy with Next Generation Update
Following the announcement in February 2018 of the launch of Global English, a single English language pack supporting all major English accents for use in speech-to-text transcription, speech recognition technology specialists Speechmatics have now announced its Next Generation languages update, which the company says brings an improved accuracy of up to 16% across many of its core languages, thanks to the use of new machine learning algorithms.
New Axia iQx AoIP Radio Console Offers Surface and Mixing Engine All-in-One
It's good to see radio technology evolving consistently in the audio-over-IP age and companies offering ever more affordable and complete solutions. AoIP pioneers Axia, part of the Telos group of companies, launched its new iQx AoIP console, and it's a beauty with all the right tools. It looks like a traditional console, but it’s actually a surface and mix engine rolled into one. And Axia dove deep with the AES67 interoperability standard, giving users access to every source, anywhere on the network with nearly limitless connection possibilities.