Control4 Launches Triad Multi-Room Audio Line and Expanded Music Service Integrations with iHeartRadio and Spotify
At CEDIA 2017, Control4 Launched its new Triad Multi-Room Audio Line, bringing high-resolution multi-room audio to the home. The new range includes the Triad AMS-24 and AMS-8 Audio Matrix Switches, Triad 8-Zone Power Amplifier, and Triad One Streaming Amplifier, which can be coupled with Triad’s comprehensive range of build-to-order premium speakers for home theaters, family rooms, whole-home or multi-room audio, and outdoor environments.
Fraunhofer IIS and Analog Devices showcase MPEG-H Audio and Fraunhofer upHear Immersive Soundbar Virtualizer at CEDIA 2017
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS and Analog Devices, unveiled software technology at CEDIA 2017 designed to significantly improve the immersive sound reproduction capabilities of consumer playback devices. The new offering is a reference implementation of Fraunhofer upHear soundbar processing with MPEG-H decoding and rendering on an Analog Devices’ digital signal processor (DSP).
Blackmagic Design new DaVinci Resolve 14 Software with Fairlight Audio Tools is Now Shipping
As previously announced at NAB 2017 back in April, Blackmagic Design has now released DaVinci Resolve 14, integrating three high end applications in one, for professional editing, color correction and new Fairlight audio tools. All it takes is a single click to switch between editing, color... and audio. By adding the new professional audio tools, the new DaVinci Resolve 14 software becomes a very attractive proposition for just $299.
Let's Talk about Headphones
I know that the current trend is all about smart speakers, but since we have discussed that topic extensively in recent editorials, I thought the time was ripe to discuss what is happening with headphones, a still-growing market segment showing some signs that deserve attention. In this article I wrote for The Audio Voice newsletter, I address ongoing trends in design choices, user preferences, frequency response curves, and personalization.
iZotope Launches Spire Studio Complete Portable Recording System for Musicians
In a surprising move, audio technology software and processing algorithm experts iZotope have announced a new hardware product. Spire Studio is a versatile, wireless system that enables songwriters and musicians to capture, edit, and collaborate seamlessly – at home, or on the road. Inspired by the recognition that great music can come from anywhere, iZotope designed Spire to go everywhere, offering portable, professional-quality multi-track recording in a sleek, powerful device.
Libratone Adds Amazon Alexa Voice Integration and Airplay2 to its ZIPP Speaker Range
Libratone is a brand that prides itself on staying ahead of the curve, and now joined the smart home revolution by adding Amazon Alexa skill and voice integration to its award-winning ZIPP speaker range. Apart from the Amazon Alexa integration, the brand also announced that its ZIPP range of wireless and home speakers will be among the first in the market to support Apple's recently updated AirPlay 2 technology, which will be implemented with the availability of iOS 11.
Philips Expands on Wireless with new Bass+ Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds
With Bluetooth wireless headphone announcements abounding at the IFA 2017 show in Berlin, one of the leading players in the segment announcement an improved generation of products. Philips, now a Gibson brand, announced its new Philips Bass+ headphone range with new simple but sturdy designs, targeting the young, mobile generation, including the Bass+ True Wireless in-ears. The range is called Bass+ because it features specially tuned drivers and bass vents to produce ultra low-end frequencies.
Nordic Semiconductor-Powered Bluetooth Low Energy Remote Module Provides High Quality Audio Streaming Solution for OEMs
Nordic Semiconductor announced that Shanghai, China-based RFsen has selected Nordic’s Bluetooth 5-compatible low energy nRF52832 System-on-Chip (SoC) for its ‘BT5 Bi-Direction Audio Remote Module’. The module allows OEM manufacturers to provide bi-directional wireless audio streaming between, for example, a smart TV, set-top box, sound box or sound bar, and a user’s Bluetooth 4.0 (and later) Android smartphone or tablet.
IFA 2017 Consumer Electronics and Appliances Trade Show Delivers
IFA 2017 has attracted more than 253,000 visitors to Berlin, as the power of innovation and brands yet again turned the event into the world’s most important tradeshow for consumer electronics and home appliances. With more than half of all trade visitors coming from abroad, IFA Berlin provided a huge boost for both manufacturers and retailers in the crucial run-up to the holiday period, which runs from Thanksgiving in the United States all the way to Christmas and the New Year.
Libre Wireless Technologies Introduces Mic-to-Cloud Voice Module with Integrated Far Field Voice Interface/Control Based on DSP Group’s SmartVoice Technology
Libre Wireless Technologies announced the launch of their new LS5BV LibreSync module featuring fully integrated and optimized far field voice interface capabilities as well as extensive music streaming and multiroom audio features. This small and low power mic-to-cloud module uses DSP Group’s SmartVoice technology and HDClear SoC with sophisticated algorithms for detecting and processing far field voice, including advanced noise reduction, echo cancellation, music barge-in and audio processing features.