Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones
Microsoft announced a new raft of hardware products, where it surprised the market with the introduction of its first "premium and smart" headphones. The new Microsoft Surface Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are designed to complement the company's latest range of Surface computers, highlighting the integration with Windows 10 services and experiences. If that strategy will appeal to consumers or not that's a big question, but there's no doubt that the Surface Headphones are well-designed and combine an interesting set of unique features.
RHA Introduces Bluetooth 5 TrueConnect True Wireless Earbuds
Scottish headphone brand RHA has confirmed the launch of its first true wireless earbuds, the TrueConnect. Engineered for high quality sound and call quality with 25-hour battery life (5+20) and IPX5 rating, the new RHA TrueConnect earbuds are designed to deliver wireless audio all day, whatever the weather. With an ergonomic stem design, the RHA earbuds are truly unique, leveraging the combination of the latest Bluetooth 5 technology, a dynamic driver and USB-C charging.
Wi-Fi Alliance Announces Wi-Fi 6. A New Generational Approach to Easily Differentiate Between Wi-Fi Technologies
The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced Wi-Fi 6 as the industry designation for products and networks that support the next generation of Wi-Fi, based on 802.11ax technology. Wi-Fi 6 is part of a new naming approach by Wi-Fi Alliance that provides users with an easy-to-understand designation for both the Wi-Fi technology supported by their device and used in a connection the device makes with a Wi-Fi network. Multiple chip companies already announced enthusiastic support.
M-Audio Introduces M-Track 8x4M USB-C Audio Interface
With 8 inputs, 4 outputs, audiophile-grade Crystal Preamps, Hi-speed USB-C connection, USB/Direct control for zero latency and support for 24-bit/192kHz audio, the new M-Audio M-Track 8X4M is a very nice studio-quality audio interface for an affordable price. Finally, pro audio manufacturers are noticing the advantages of the updated USB-C interface and are making available the technology to home- and project-studios at the most affordable level.
Powersoft Takes Control of Sound Reinforcement with New ArmoníaPlus Software
Already manufacturing the most ‘Green’ amplifiers in terms of carbon footprint, Powersoft is now poised to shred efficiency agendas with the launch of a radical new redesign of its system-centric ArmoníaPlus control software. Uniquely loudspeaker-oriented, the new ArmoníaPlus interface mimics the real-world and the physical process of audio design with a workflow approach that is both simple to use and easy to navigate.
Parasound to Debut New Halo P 6 Audio Preamplifier & DAC at RMAF 2018
Parasound will introduce its new Halo P 6, 2.1-channel Audio Preamplifier and DAC to audio enthusiasts at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, October 5-7. The Parasound Halo P 6, which is now in stock to replace the five-year-old P 5, improves upon its predecessor with a premium ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, ladder-style volume control, many internal audio refinements, and subtle new gold highlights.
Mackie Announces All-New Headphones and Earphones for Musicians and Studio Monitoring
Mackie announced a new range of products targeting its core market of musicians and home studios with the all-new MC Series Professional Headphones and CR-Buds Series High-Performance Earphones. Building on the success of the previous MP Series In-Ear Monitors, these two new series are meant to offer high-quality, affordable solutions for both studio monitoring and personal listening, using designs that will be familiar to its targeted users.
JLab Audio Launches JBuds Air $50 True Wireless Earbud
What can you do when the market gets crowded in a category were sales didn't even take off that much? For a mass-market consumer-oriented brand like JLab Audio there's only one solution: stick to the essential and pack the best possible design and features in the cheapest product possible with decent specifications. The San Diego-based brand launched their JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Earbuds, which feature 14-hour battery life and custom EQ settings and will retail at an M.S.R.P. of only $49.99.
QSC Introduces CP Series Powered Loudspeaker Line
QSC announced the introduction of its CP Series of compact, powered loudspeakers offering what the Costa Mesa company describes as "the best-in-class powered loudspeaker solutions for customers who desire QSC performance, quality and reliability at a value price point." A versatile sound reinforcement solution, the CP Series was designed to offer a light weight and ultra-compact form factor, for effortless transport and deployment in both portable and installed applications.
Sennheiser and Neumann Launch Special Evolution Wireless Bundle
To mark Neumann.Berlin’s 90th company anniversary, Sennheiser and Neumann have unveiled a very special promotional bundle that combines a Sennheiser evolution wireless 500 G4 microphone system with the Neumann KK 205 true condenser capsule. This special edition vocal set makes the acclaimed Neumann sound available to a much wider audience – as until now, Neumann microphone heads had been reserved for Sennheiser’s 2000, 6000 and 9000 wireless series.