Exploring AirPods 4 ANC: This Changes Everything
With the launch of the latest AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple just proved that Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio can be done effectively in an open design. Thanks to the H2 chip, now both the AirPods 4 ANC and the existing AirPods Pro 2 in-ears support the same level features. This is a big deal and it changes everything in this competitive product segment, about to enter the age of hearables.
HEDD Audio Unveils High End Version of its HEDDphone for Enthusiasts
It's called HEDDphone TWO GT and is the latest design from the Berlin-based manufacturer that surprised the professional market with its bold AMT headphones launched in 2019. Originally a large, heavy design, the HEDDphone was further refined in 2023 and is now transformed into a specific model that was custom tuned for headphone enthusiasts. The new open-back, over-ear design takes the latest full-range AMT driver with its multi-layered Kapton polyimide film and adds a lightweight magnesium chassis and carbon fiber headband.
Focusrite Announces Three New Scarlett Interfaces for Project Studios
Focusrite announced a much anticipated expansion to its 4th generation Scarlett range of USB audio interfaces. Launched in 2023 with the smaller Scarlett Solo, 2i2, Solo Studio, and 4i4 interfaces, the Scarlett range is now expanded with the 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20 models, adding greater connectivity to meet the demands of the modern project studio. The new Scarlett 4th Gen interfaces feature improved audio circuits, professional-grade converters and mic preamps and new custom-designed headphone amplifiers.
KEF Introduces Q Series MAT Speaker Family
Since 1961, KEF helped redefine home audio with a stream of innovations from the early adoption of synthetic materials to the world's first coincident-source speaker driver, Uni-Q. Introduced in 1988, Uni-Q has been present in nearly every KEF design ever since. To make high-fidelity audio experiences more accessible and versatile, KEF now introduced the successor to its Q Series family, updated with the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
New Lake People HPA G103-D-4 DANTE Headphone Amplifier
Lake People unveiled a series of new products that meet growing market needs, including the new G103-D-4 DANTE headphone amplifier. The new concept reflects well the mainstream adoption of Audinate's Dante as the de facto audio networking standard. The HPA G103-D-4 with Dante integration is a versatile solution for professional audio, combining extremely useful features, such as 4/4 network inputs with two independent signal output paths, robust Alps volume controls, PoE, and USB-C.
Test Bench: Wavecor’s New WF211PA01 8.25" PA Woofer
The driver characterized in this Test Bench is a new 8.25" paper cone woofer, which is only the second pro audio design from the Wavecor, renowned for its high-end home hi-fi drivers. The company decided to expand its catalog with new OEM pro audio woofers, and the WF211PA01 is basically a smaller version of the WF259PA01 10" woofer explicated in the February 2024 issue of Voice Coil. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2024.
Hollow-State Electronics: The Orange Valve Tester MKII
The Orange Valve Tester MKII is a new microprocessor-controlled testing system from the famous British guitar amplification manufacturer. Featuring greatly improved algorithms with an updated database containing the test results of literally hundreds of new, used, and faulty valves, this MKII tester requires no knowledge of valve theory. A user simply inserts a valve into the correct socket, selects the valve type from the list, and presses the ‘OK’ button. The status of the valve under test is quickly revealed.
Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC Takes CD Audio To New Levels
Michi is a flagship series of high-end audio products built on the history and heritage of Rotel, designed in Tokyo, Japan. The lineup was now expanded with the launch of the Michi Q5 Transport DAC, intended to redefine the CD player experience with state-of-the-art technology and sound quality to please the most demanding audio enthusiasts. The new Michi Q5 merges the popular 32-bit Dual-DAC architecture from ESS Technology with the company's most refined top-loading CD mechanism.
Schurter Launches Upgraded TA35 and TA36 Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers
Schurter has a long tradition with circuit breakers. In addition to their thermal release (bimetal), the classic TA35 and TA36 are now optionally equipped with an additional magnetic module, which promises reliable protection within milliseconds in the event of very high overcurrent (short circuit). The new TA35 / TA36 circuit breakers now offer thermal and magnetic tripping for protection against overcurrent in accordance with IEC 60934 standard, with a wide range of design options and finely graduated rated currents.
IK Multimedia Releases iLoud Micro Monitor Pro Desktop Monitoring System
The iLoud Micro Monitor was where everything started for IK Multimedia in 2016. An extraordinary achievement, proving that it was possible to design really affordable, "super-nearfield" desktop monitors, with reference listening characteristics. The iLoud series gradually expanded to four different models, and now the company announced the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro monitoring system, adding the same ARC room calibration and control software as the iLoud MTM MKII and Precision models.