Lauten Audio Expands “Series Black” Line with Two New Condenser Microphones
California-based Lauten Audio has announced two new microphones, the LA-220 solid-state large diaphragm vocal condenser, and the LA-120 small diaphragm FET instrument condenser pair, both expanding the brand’s recently announced "Series Black" line of affordable products, aimed at project studios. The LA-220 ($249 US est. street) and the LA-120 ($349 US est. street) are both professional quality products inspired by classic designs and are now available in US, with international shipments scheduled to start in October 2016.
Biamp Systems Opens New Manufacturing Facility and Expands Engineering Team
Networked media systems specialist company, Biamp Systems continues to expand its operations in direct response to its success in the professional AV industry with the opening of a new manufacturing facility and new appointments. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held July 27 at Biamp’s new Cascade Building in Tigard, Oregon. The company also announced new appointments to its global applications engineering team and the expansion of its training program.
Roland Acquires Majority Stake in Headphone Lifestyle Brand V-MODA
In 2015, Roland announced a collaboration with lifestyle and DJ brand V-MODA, targeting fashion-conscious DJs and musicians with the M-100 AIRA headphones, combining the DJ-acclaimed V-MODA Crossfade M-100 over-ear headphones with the brand’s own AIRA range of retro-inspired electronic musical instruments. The alliance was apparently a success because Roland has decided to acquire a majority stake in V-MODA.
Yamaha Nuage Version 1.8 Update Embraces Dolby Atmos With Full Steinberg Nuendo 7.1 Support
Yamaha has released a software upgrade for its Nuage DAW system, featuring enhancements for Dolby Atmos surround and 3D audio production. Since its introduction in 2012, the Nuage integrated solution was adopted for commercial production applications, from audio post-production to music recording and mixing. The update will increase the appeal on film and TV soundtrack mixing by providing full support for the 3D surround MultiPanner included with Steinberg’s Nuendo 7.1 DAW.
New High-Quality Heavy-Duty Neodymium High-Frequency Drivers from MAG Audio
MAG Audio, the professional transducer and speaker systems manufacturer from Ukraine, introduced a new line of lightweight high-performance HF compression drivers. Following the introduction of the new N7000 series at trade shows, including Prolight+Sound 2016 in Frankfurt, MAG Audio now confirms availability of all three 2.8” aluminum voice coil titanium dome based models, with 1.4” , 1.5” and 2” throat diameters for different horn designs.
Audio Precision Releases Updated Android Smartphone Audio Test App
Audio Precision announced availability of the latest version of their Android audio test app, with support for Android versions 4, 5 and 6 (as well as Android N Developer Preview 5). The app allows fast, automated evaluation of new phones and tablets, including hands-free Bluetooth audio test without requiring the initiation of a phone call, saving developers’ time and ensuring that measurement results aren’t impacted by network performance.
New Powersoft Armonía v2.8 Allows Advanced Workspace Customization
Powersoft has announced the latest software release for its Armonía Pro Audio Suite, which brings substantial enhancements for fixed installation customers looking to remote manage and monitor a network audio system intuitively and dynamically. Armonía v2.8 adds a further set of features including Operator View, which brings to the user’s fingertips the ability to customize a new window tab depending on needs.
Worldwide Consumer Electronics Market Looks Challenging but Promising Growth in Emerging New Categories
Wearable technology is a key growth area in a heavily challenged consumer electronics market, reveals the latest round of research into the worldwide consumer electronics market. Futuresource Consulting’s latest review of the long term outlook for the global consumer electronics market highlights the challenges and opportunities that face the industry following a year that saw trade value fall by 1.3% to $676 billion. Other areas of growth include wireless speakers and headphones as well as connected automotive infotainment.
AES Sound Field Control Conference 2016 Explores Innovations in Active Management of Audio Within an Acoustical Environment
Over 90 delegates gathered from July 18–20 at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK, for the second international conference on Sound Field Control presented by the Audio Engineering Society. Chaired by Filippo Maria Fazi and Philip Jackson, the conference broke new ground in the understanding of the active management of audio delivered within an acoustical environment.
MUTEC Releases Firmware V1.10 for MC-3+ Smart Clock USB
German manufacturer of professional and audiophile consumer audio equipment, MUTEC announced firmware V1.10 for its popular MC-3+ Smart Clock USB. The MC-3+USB uniquely combines an audiophile USB interface with an audio re-clocker designed for the demands of high-end consumer audio. Since its introduction in November 2015, MUTEC received feedback from customers and distributors sparking several ideas for improvements. With the update, the MC-3+USB gets optimized re-clocking algorithms, PCM/DSD auto-detection and improved operation.