Bose Introduces New-Generation QuietComfort Earbuds
As a pioneer in the active noise cancellation (ANC) field, Bose is highly recognized for the quality of its products with that feature. And yet, the company has struggled to find an edge in the ultra-competitive true wireless earbuds segment even with its ANC technology. With these new QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose attempts to find a sweet spot, with an updated Bluetooth platform, a much improved design, a lower price... and its legendary noise cancellation.
Cadence Tensilica HiFi 5 DSPs Power NXP's Next-Gen Audio DSP Family
Cadence's Tensilica HiFi 5 Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) are a key component in NXP Semiconductors' latest SAF9xxx family of automotive audio DSPs, enabling advanced audio capabilities for next-generation software-defined vehicles. According to Cadence, this development is a significant achievement for the automotive industry, addressing the growing need for sophisticated audio processing to support traditional DSP tasks, artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI/ML) applications.
Test Bench: The Faital Pro 5HX140 5" Pro Sound Coaxial Driver
The 5HX140 5" coaxial driver from Faital Pro is built on a cast-aluminum frame, with a water-resistant coated paper cone and pleated M-type fabric surround, and an acoustically transparent cloth dust cap over the compression driver conical horn. The high-frequency compression driver has its own neodymium ring magnet motor system that drives the 25mm Kapton dome shaped diaphragm, with a voice coil also wound with aluminum wire on a Kapton former. This diaphragm fires into a short 90° aluminum conical-shaped horn.
Fresh From the Bench: WiiM Amp Integrated Amplifier and Multiroom Audio Streamer
In 2023, audioXpress had the chance to review the "low cost and feature packed" WiiM Pro music streamer and was positively impressed. Never one to sit on their hands, this year the folks at Linkplay have gone one step further with an integrated power amplifier. Expanding its series of best-selling audio streamers, the WiiM Amp is a still-affordable design that combines a TI 3255 Class-D audio amplifier and ESS Sabre premium 32-bit DAC and simplifies the whole audio system setup.
Apogee Launches Symphony Studio USB Audio Interface Series
A reference in professional audio converters and studio interfaces, Apogee Electronics unveiled its new Symphony Studio Series, a new line of improved USB-C high-fidelity recording and mixing interfaces designed for today's music production needs. With three models offering 8x8, 2x12, and 8x16 configurations for up to 24-bit/192kHz recording, the Symphony Studio Series adds monitor calibration and control up to 9.1.6, with built-in input and output DSP.
AntennaWare and Raycom Show Innovative Antenna for Body Worn UHF Wireless Microphone Transmitters
Causing genuine excitment at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, AntennaWare and Raycom have presented the very first Sub-GHz BodyWave antenna that maintains a robust wireless audio link in environments where current solutions struggle. The innovative antenna, designed specifically for body worn UHF wireless microphone transmitters, enables unprecedented uses for film and TV production.
WiiM Launches Installation Products and Adds Soundtrack Commercial Music Streaming
Following the announcement a year ago that WiiM was partnering with Origin Acoustics to bring to market a dedicated range of installation-oriented solutions, at CEDIA Expo 2024 the Linkplay brand now delivered with actual products. Completely new is the WiiM CI MOD S streamer DAC and the WiiM CI MOD A80, a streaming amplifier model. WiiM also confirmed that they’ve partnered with Soundtrack Your Brand to add a streaming service for commercial use to all its devices.
L-Acoustics Introduces HYRISS Hyperreal Immersive Sound System
L-Acoustics unveiled HYRISS (Hyperreal Immersive Sound Space), a new audio solution that the French manufacturer says is "set to redefine how we experience spaces through sound." In-wall architectural speakers, active acoustics, and advanced L-ISA spatial audio processing, are the core of the new system. Intended to bring sound to the center of spaces designed for living and gathering, HYRISS combines audio with visual aesthetics in a new speaker topology that was designed for immersive environments.
Digigram Releases Cost-Effective ALP-DANTE-LE PCIe Soundcard
Digigram announced the release of a new Dante soundcard as part of its ALP-X range, launched in 2022. Available from Digigram's network of distributors early October 2024, the new ALP-DANTE-LE soundcard is the eighth addition to the French company's fast growing range of PCIe audio interface solutions. The ALP-DANTE-LE offers the same audio quality and optimized functionalities of the original ALP-DANTE card, for cost-effective projects.
Schoeps Introduces KMIT Shotgun Microphone Capsule for Modular Colette Series
Launched at IBC 2024, the new KMIT Shotgun Capsule is an exciting addition to Schoeps' modular Colette series. A new standard in high-quality, modular shotgun microphones from the leading microphone manufacturer from Karlsruhe, Germany - celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The KMIT represents the next evolution in Schoeps’ renowned design, seamlessly integrating with the Colette series amplifiers, and retaining the signature sound characteristics of the acclaimed CMIT series.