R&D Stories: The Neurochrome Story
A personal account of a professional journey that led to the creation of Neurochrome, a company successfully serving audio enthusiasts all over the world with a complete range of power amplifiers kits and circuits, all well-engineered, thoroughly tested, and well-documented. Neurochrome is a small, highly dedicated audio company, providing inspiration, or perhaps a forewarning, for those wishing to venture into the audio business.
Test Bench: The UF 295 CBS Ultra-Thin 10” Subwoofer from Neotera
Another exciting driver from Neotera, the UF 295 CBS is a new ultra-thin 10" subwoofer primarily intended for high-quality applications in home audio or automotive systems. The UF 295 CBS impresses immediately with its single piece black anodized concave cone assembly suspended by two large rubber surrounds, one on each side, not using a spider for compliance. The cone is driven at its perimeter by a large aluminum voice coil and a unique motor structure of 72 neodymium bar magnets, covered by no less than 10 international patents. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, April 2024.
Radial Launches Nuance Select Studio Monitor Controller
Radial Engineering continues to create products that are unique problem solvers for musicians and studio owners. The company is now shipping its new Nuance Select Studio Monitor Controller featuring a patent pending Clarity Circuit low distortion design. This new monitor controller has a simple but professional-looking surface with a central volume knob and an intuitive layout, offering two monitor and two headphone outputs from only two sources. The big differentiator is the complete transparency of the audio line-level pass-through.
Particle Unveils Tachyon, a Qualcomm Snapdragon-Powered, 5G, AI-Enabled Single-Board Computer
Particle, a company from San Francisco focused on edge-to-cloud connectivity and platforms, has launched Tachyon, its first Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered single-board computer (SBC), comprising a powerful NPU for AI/ML workloads, built-in high-bandwidth cellular 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and a Linux-powered Ubuntu operating system. The board is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter starting at $149.
Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Meets Simple Needs for Japanese Hifi Quality
Rotel announced the new A8 Integrated Amplifier, the latest entry-level model in its growing 14 Series family of hifi components. The A8 leverages Rotel's 60+ year heritage and experience in engineering and manufacturing high-performance, high-value hifi audio components, delivering a very basic, 2x 40 Watts @4 Ohms, Class AB amplifier, with a Moving Magnet phono preamp plus three more line level inputs.
Harman Signs Strategic Partnership with Aqipa Group to Distribute and Market AKG Consumer Headphones in Europe
Harman International, an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, announced a strategic distribution and marketing partnership with Aqipa for its AKG consumer headphones in Europe. The partnership with the consumer products logistics and marketing experts at Aqipa reflects Harman's plans to restore AKG's market position in headphones, with new products scheduled to be presented at IFA 2024.
The NAMM Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Julia Rubio
NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, has announced Julia Rubio as the new NAMM Foundation executive director to help fulfill its mission of strengthening the music products industry and promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music. Julia Rubio will report directly to NAMM President and CEO, and NAMM Foundation President, John Mlynczak.
Speechmatics Introduces Flow API for Advanced Speech Interactions
Speechmatics, a pioneer in speech recognition and currently a leader in multilanguage transcription technology, has announced the launch of an API that will enable developers to build voice interactions into any product, including AI assistants and agents. Flow combines Speechmatics' real-time automatic speech recognition (ASR) with large language models (LLMs) and text-to-speech capabilities, offering a complete solution for voice-based interactions that are accurate, responsive, and secure.
Vicoustic Launches New VicPattern Ultra Beat XL Absorber Acoustic Panels
A new addition to the VicPattern family of acoustic panels from Vicoustic is now available for studios, listening rooms, and home cinemas, offering a combination of effective absorption in critical frequencies and improved aesthetics. The new VicPattern Ultra Beat XL is an extra-large panel drawn with a seamless pattern design inspired by musical rhythms, and available in seven distinct finishes including five natural woods. Each panel uses VicPet Wool in a MDF and High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) frame.
Yellowtec Expands m!ka System with New Table Stand for More Flexible Microphone Arrangements
The latest addition to the Yellowtec m!ka microphone arm series, the new m!ka Table Stand offers a much needed option for microphone placement in broadcasting, podcasting, streaming, and studio recording. Providing stability and versatility for small workspaces and microphone setups for guests these Table Stands are able to accommodate a wide range of microphone models with standard XLR cables or USB.