New Professional Power Amp Market Report from Futuresource Consulting
Despite a raft of rising challenges, the professional audio power amplifier market continues to grow, achieving a global market value of $658 million in 2017, according to a new industry report from Futuresource Consulting. The report tracks the five key power amplifier verticals, namely rental, portable sound, installed leisure, installed commercial and cinema sound. The two install categories are currently the highest growth application areas.
Master & Dynamic Introduces MW07 True Wireless Earphones with Elevated Design and Materials
Master & Dynamic has entered the true wireless earbuds category, demonstrating how the segment is maturing and how product differentiation is getting harder. The New York-based lifestyle brand approached the challenge with an aesthetically refined product, combining handcrafted acetate and stainless steel in a well-designed package with average features. Betting on the combination of sound quality and design, the new Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless Earphones cost $299.
Roku to Offer New Voice Control, Search and Volume Leveling Features
TV streaming service pioneer Roku has announced its Roku OS 8.2, a software update for Roku TVs that enables new features for compatibility with upcoming Roku TV Wireless Speakers; and Roku OS 9, an upcoming new software release with a variety of enhancements to provide new easy ways to search and control the entertainment experience. Roku will soon enable the ability to use Google Assistant devices to control Roku streaming. In addition, premium music services Spotify and Pandora Premium support are also coming to Roku devices.
Voice Coil October 2018 Is Here and Ready for the 145th AES NY Convention!
This edition of Voice Coil highlights all the 145th Audio Engineering Society (AES) International Convention events and sessions of interest for the loudspeaker industry. Mike Klasco offers a unique perspective on Soundbar Audio Signal Processing and provides an updated directory of OEM/ODM contract manufacturers in this field. James Croft reviews a new Controlled Passive Radiator patent awarded to Sonos and Vance Dickason characterizes a 10.75” high-end home audio subwoofer from Wavecor and a new 12” NBR pro sound woofer from B&C Speakers. Now available in print and digital!
Musikmesse and Prolight+Sound 2019 Together Again!
Musikmesse and Prolight+Sound 2019: Stronger together! This is the slogan used by Frankfurt Messe to promote the 2019 edition of those two prestigious shows, which could risk being the last ones if the new adopted model doesn't work. After many years of forced separation, the Frankfurt show complex will finally open the brand new Halls 12 (two levels), enabling Prolight+Sound to grow into a modern space, while Musikmesse returns to the much appreciated Halls 3. More important, both shows will take place again concurrently!
Electro-Voice Adds Bluetooth Audio Streaming to Its ZLX Best-Selling Speaker Family
Yes. Wireless convenience is now highly recognized even by professionals for some applications. That's why Electro-Voice decided to combine the sound quality of its popular ZLX powered PA speakers - ZLX-12BT and ZLX-15BT - and build on its feature set by adding Bluetooth audio streaming. This means the Electro-Voice ZLX series now also includes two new models, the ZLX-12BT (12-inch 2-way) and ZLX-15BT (15-inch 2-way), both Bluetooth-equipped for audio streaming from any mobile device.
Crazybaby Launches Crazybaby Air 1S True Wireless Earbuds
Following the introduction of Air, its popular flagship wireless earbuds, Crazybaby now wants to offer supreme acoustics, connectivity and 3D surround sound, and a reliable Bluetooth connection to music on-the-go with its new Air 1S true wireless model. Coming with a streamlined and ergonomic design, Crazybaby Air 1S aims to offer a comfortable fit, and a robust solution for sport athletes and users with active lifestyles.
Ross Introduces IGGY AoIP AES67 to MADI Converter at IBC 2018
Following the introduction of the new NEWT IP Gear series of products at NAB 2018, where Ross offers a simple SMPTE ST2110 compliant IP gateway with audio and video crossbars for I/O routing and more, at the IBC 2018 show in Amsterdam Ross expanded the possibilities on audio-over-IP (AoIP) connectivity with the introduction of IGGY, a clever and very useful AES67 / ST2110 to MADI audio converter box, which is powered over Ethernet and supports for NMOS, EmBER+, Dante/SAP, Livewire+ and DashBoard environments.
SiriusXM and Pandora Get Together to Create the Largest Audio Entertainment Company in US
Sirius XM Holdings and Pandora Media announced a definitive agreement under which SiriusXM will acquire Pandora in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $3.5 billion. The combination creates the largest audio entertainment company in the US (both services are only available in the US market), with more than $7 billion in expected pro-forma revenue in 2018 and strong, long-term growth opportunities. According to the announcement, both SiriusXM and Pandora brands, products, and services will continue independently.
Sennheiser and Magic Leap Partner For Spatial Computing Applications
Extending its engagement in VR/AR applications, Sennheiser has partnered with spatial computing and mixed reality specialist Magic Leap and joined the “Works with Magic Leap” certification program. This partnership consolidates Sennheiser’s presence and thought leadership in spatial audio as it continues to develop innovative audio tools for spatial audio visionaries and content creators.