Product Design | Audio Electronics | Acoustics | DIY | Audio Innovations
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Technics Announces SL-1200 Series 50-Year Anniversary SL-1200M7L Turntable Model |
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Technics SL-1200 Series, a limited number of special edition SL-1200M7L direct drive turntables will be released by the Japanese brand. This is a special edition model based on the SL-1200MK7, which was released in 2019. The 50th anniversary model will be available in seven limited-edition colors to reflect the street culture that continues to inspire generations of DJs. Read More
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ADAM Audio Announces A Series of Studio Monitors with Built-In Sonarworks Room Correction |
ADAM Audio, the studio monitor company that is now part of the British conglomerate Focusrite Group, announced the launch of a completely new range of studio monitors, with a total of five models. The new A Series is the successor of the original and most popular designs from the Berlin, Germany-based company, now adding rotatable HPS waveguides for the company's X-ART tweeter, DSP-based room correction and voicing with remote control software. The most significant innovation is the DSP-integration of automated room correction in partnership with Sonarworks. Read More
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CEDIA Reveals Home Technology Industry Now Exceeds $20 Billion |
CEDIA, the global trade association for the home technology industry, released the “2021 Integrated Home Market Analysis.” The results highlight the strength and stability of the estimated $20.1B integrated home market. In partnership with market research firm Ancrage Consulting, the survey's findings reveal promising insights on products, trends, and growth opportunities from business leaders and integrators in the home technology sector. Read More
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NXP Speeds Development for Voice Applications with Voice Intelligent Technology and New Training Tools |
NXP Semiconductors has announced Voice Intelligent Technology (VIT), a comprehensive, local voice control software package with online training tools, free for developers and manufacturers, regardless of end application production volumes. Based on advanced deep learning, VIT is a ready-to-use library that provides a far-field audio front end supporting up to three microphones, an always-on wake word engine, and a voice command engine. NXP’s free online tools supports custom wake words and voice commands, using simple text entry without the need for voice recordings. Read More
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RCF Sponsors PAcalculate App Update with Subwoofer Array Modeling |
A long-term effort by José Brusi, the principal of Brusi Acoustics consulting firm and an independent laboratory for loudspeaker testing based in Valencia, Spain, PAcalculate is a very useful mobile app for audio professionals working in sound reinforcement. The latest PAcalculate v1.3.2 release was recently described by Brusi as "the most exciting update to date for the calculator app that tens of thousands of pro audio professionals keep installed in their mobile phones." Read More
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USound Unveils Development Efforts of MEMS-Based MRI-Compatible Headphones |
USound announced its entrance into the health technology industry with the introduction of MEMS speakers that are fully compliant for MRI-compatible headphones and accessories. The Austrian developer of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) loudspeakers and drivers, announced a collaboration with NordicNeuroLab to develop headphones fitted with USound MEMS drivers, which are suitable to protect patients from loud noises and relax them while inside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, due to its non-magnetic properties. Read More
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Alcons Audio Announces First Installation-Specific Pro-Ribbon Line Array |
Alcons Audio announced its new LR18i pro-ribbon line array for fixed installations as the answer for installers who seek the high quality of the LR18 for applications where mobility and quick setup are of less relevance. This three-way, “compact-mid-size” format line-source sound system, maintains very high SPL capabilities and throw. By implementing Alcons’ pro-ribbon technology for mid and high frequencies, the design offers a super-fast impulse response with up-to-90% less distortion, with perfect intelligibility and non-compressed identical tonal balance at any SPL. Read More
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Devialet Introduces All-in-One Dolby Atmos Soundbar |
French audio manufacturer Devialet announced a new product that explores all the technologies and engineering expertise from its previous cutting-edge designs, now applied to home cinema. The Devialet Dione soundbar is an all-in-one Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 home-entertainment system that is able to generate 101dB SPL at 1 meter, using 17 autonomous high-end drivers that fire from all sides, including eight long-throw subwoofers. Its advanced sound processing generates a full immersive soundfield with elevation channels, adaptive sound levels, and room compensation . Read More
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Schiit Audio Introduces Tyr Differential Monoblock Power Amplifier |
After multiple subtle hints and not-so-subtle teases, Schiit Audio confirmed availability of the Tyr differential monoblock power amplifier, the top of its amplifier line. Featuring a choke-input power supply, it brings "old-skool" techniques to a modern power amp that also includes unique topologies and intelligent oversight and protection. Delivering 200W per channel into 8 ohms and 350W per channel into 4 ohms, Tyr provides plenty of power for almost any speaker and sells for $1599 each. And as with all monoblocks, it takes two for stereo. Read More
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Editor's Desk
J. Martins
(Editor-in-Chief)
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2022 Audio Industry Calendar
The Big, Crazy Trade Show Rush
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As expected — or not — the year 2022 is now about to become a bit too hectic for anyone working in the audio industry. And I'm not talking about more webinars, with which hardly anyone still feels compelled to engage, unless absolutely necessary. I'm talking about actual physical, in-person trade shows that apparently are about to resume in full force - COVID-19 allowing, of course.
In the middle of all those Skype calls (I only speak about Skype because it is my favorite online call and conference tool, it still works great, it is much, much, much better than Teams, and because I know it annoys Microsoft), I've been looking at the calendar, reading the announcements, visiting the trade show and association websites, and I realized it was time to book hotels and flights.
No matter where we are regarding COVID-19, it is clear that trade shows are about to make a strong comeback. Because... basically, everybody is anxious about getting back to in-person business, companies have a lot of products to showcase, and also because there's a lot that changed and a lot of opportunities are available.
Just a few days away from the AXPONA and NAB Show 2022, it looks that - at least in terms of exhibitors - the places will be full. For Audio Expo North America (AXPONA), happening April 22-24 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL, it looks like everyone is going to be there. JD Events, the AXPONA promoter, reports more than 500 exhibitors and brands, 130+ interactive listening rooms, an expanded Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Live Concerts, Seminars, and much more.
In February there were already 20 new manufacturers listed that had never been at the show, some of which are from Europe (and remember that restrictions for entry in the US from Europe and elsewhere remain in place, requiring COVID testing in the previous 24 hours before boarding a flight, etc.) Our own Oliver Masciarotte, who will just need a few hours driving is determined to be there. He will check out and report on all the new products that will be premiered at the show. Hopefully, he will save some of the AXPONA Swag for me, including 2022 collectors pins, because I cannot be there. |
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Shortly after (April 23-27 - Exhibits 24-27), NAB Show 2022 will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Las Vegas, NV, and promises to be packed. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) reports having surpassed 900 exhibitors confirmed, as the broadcast, media, and entertainment industries prepare to once again fill a convention floor featuring some of the world’s leading brands and companies. The show will welcome about 160 first-time exhibitors including lots of companies working in the podcasting and online hybrid production, Everything-Over-IP, not to mention immersive audio and production (aka spatial audio, at NAB called Next-Generation Audio or NGA).
Not to be missed at NAB 2022, the ATSC 3.0 Pavilion will showcase deployments, consumer products, and services, and the opportunity for broadcasters as ATSC 3.0 continues its expansion across the US and the world. The Connected Media|IP showcase will show all solutions for IPTV, OTT, mobile, social, and the cloud. And not forgetting the Future of Delivery zone, showing 5G, mobile video, streaming, satelliteIP, and any other technology impacting the future of distribution and delivery in the media broadcast space.
The Audio Engineering Society (AES), Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), and other industry associations will support the IP Showcase to promote the evolution of AES67, SMPTE ST 2110 standards and technology, and everything that relates to audio and media over IP. audioXpress is an official media partner of AIMS and the IP Showcase at NAB 2022. |
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Some audio folks, particularly those committed to live sound and touring, are likely to be in Europe and attend the Prolight+Sound 2022 show in Frankfurt, Germany (April 26-29), promoted by Messe Frankfurt. After two years of absence, the show returns to the modernized halls of the Messe, but this time without Musikmesse. In fact, after looking at the exhibitors list for 2022, I noticed it was mainly lighting and truss companies, and very few audio companies are confirmed.
Prolight+Sound, which always attracted all the major speaker companies, is now a show lighting exhibition. Even the leading Italian and German speaker driver manufacturers are not attending. And the reason is obvious. Just a few days later, there are two very strong shows coming to Europe and US; which have effectively annihilated Messe Frankfurt's attempt for a strong return.
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And shortly after (May 10-13), there is the mega-trade show Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2022, which will finally be able to show what it will be like in the future, now that it will take place in Barcelona. The show map is looking very strong, and I've learned that new exhibiting companies are joining every day, including everyone in professional audio, installation, and residential integration. All the companies that I expected to meet at Prolight+Sound are now listed for this integration technology show, where audio is just one component. Apparently, the decision to delay the show from the scheduled date in February to May, has paid off big time.
Also, remember that ISE is a joint-venture that includes InfoComm (AVIXA), and CEDIA. But now that the show has moved to Barcelona, the gigantic complex of the Fira de Barcelona will also be filled with other organizations related with systems integration, from luxury yachts to security, office furniture, and digital signage. Fortunately, most audio companies are located conveniently in just two of the halls (which are huge, compared to the Amsterdam show).
Even though it will be half what the Mobile World Congress occupies in the same Fira space, I expect ISE 2022 to be a very strong trade show. And that’s even with visitors from the North and Eastern regions of Europe not likely to attend this year. I have checked the local calendars in Scandinavian countries, and they are full of local events. And Eastern countries are more worried about Ukraine and Russia than anything else. So, I don't know about that yacht show, but there are probably great deals for pre-owned oligarch luxury vessels.
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And just after the Barcelona show will be over, Munich, Germany will welcome a very strong edition of the High End Show (May 19-22). Returning to the MOC Event Centre in Munich, there will be again a record number of exhibitors (many of which will be located also all over Munich), since the High End Society has long confirmed that the place was sold out. Plus, for the first time, there will be a dedicated B2B area called International Parts + Supply (IPS), which means that many more hi-fi and high-end luxury audio brands were forced to go somewhere else in town. In return, our friends from the Audio and Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI) association will have a booth, and we are hoping to have magazines to give away (actual printed paper!) at the show. And given that this is Munich, ALTI is also promoting a series of conferences related to Automotive Audio at the show ( details available here)
Already confirmed for High End Munich, there are more than 500 different companies and brands from around 40 different countries. I expect that the level of the presentations is going to be very high, with many world premieres and especially a lot of unique technology presentations that have been kept away in the lab. As the promoters say, although the COVID-19 pandemic currently seems to be calming down, there are plans to keep a limited capacity, with larger minimum sizes for exhibition stands, wider aisles, and clearly marked routes through the halls.
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Back to the US, any audio professionals involved in acoustics, will note that May 23-27 is time for the 182nd Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) in Denver, CO, followed the week after by the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Not called Winter NAMM since it will take place June 3–5, and also not the Summer NAMM because this is the delayed NAMM Show at the modernized and expanded Anaheim Convention Center. For some reason, the NAMM has decided to do the show for only 3 days, which means it will be a race to say hello to everyone.
And for audioXpress - and the Voice Coil team - that means leaving Anaheim one day earlier, because we will be off to Vegas, for the ALTI Expo (June 5-6) promoted by the Audio and Loudspeaker Technology International (ALTI) Association. This unmissable event for the audio industry will return to the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The reason why ALTI Expo takes place in Vegas is that a few days later (June 8-10), there will be InfoComm 2022, at the LVCC. I am certain that everyone would be happier if the event was in Anaheim, before or after - or during - the NAMM Show. But unfortunately, the booking for Vegas was made two years ago and the NAMM Show was not supposed to take place in June. audioXpress will be supporting ALTI Expo and in particular the renewed ALMA Awards - announcement coming very soon.
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As you have guessed, June will be completely crazy for a publication like ours, which needs to attend these shows when they take place. Of course, we will remain in Vegas for InfoComm 2022, while part of our team is supporting the AES 2022 International Automotive Audio Conference (June 8-10), happening at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, MI.
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And as though it wasn't enough to have two major audio events happening simultaneously in Las Vegas and Detroit, I will be running from Vegas back to LA to attend CineGear 2022 (June 9-12) at the Los Angeles Convention Center where many good friends working in the audio production area will be exhibiting and attending. This year, CineGear 2022 will be also a strong event also for all those interested to understand how immersive audio is changing content production. After all, Hollywood is the place to find all the Dolby Atmos top experts.
And before we leave LA, we are still hopping to have time to visit T.H.E. Show in Long Beach, CA (June 10-12) for another chance to listen to very high-quality home audio in a great California environment. Yes, we love AXPONA, but there's no way for Chicago in April to compete with Long Beach, CA in June!. And I mention this, because a few of us will need to go back to Chicago for the CanJam Chicago show taking place June 18-19 at the Marriott Marquis, Chicago, IL.
After June, it's good to know that no one is intending to promote trade shows for at least two months. The rush then returns in September, starting with IFA 2022 in Berlin!
The one thing I know is that during May and June, I will gladly open this space for Guest Editorials in The Audio Voice, since I will be trying to make the most of meeting everyone in-person. For those intending to stay at home with important things to say about audio, now's your chance - send me an email.
But before the first show, I am planning to go shopping because I need to renew my wardrobe completely to get back on the road. First because nothing fits, and second because I want to celebrate by not looking the same as I did in February 2020. Any tips on post-pandemic fashion etiquette?
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Why Power Tubes Arc
By Edwin G. Pettis
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Much misinformation exists about the cause of arcing in power output tubes. It’s time to clear the air. Tube arcing is not necessarily a result of a "bad" tube or a "bad" design. It is far more likely the result of using the tube longer than you should for the application you’re using it. One thing is abundantly true: arcing is rarely ever seen in amplifiers that are not ridden hard; that is, called upon to supply very high power levels frequently. This interesting article, published in audioXpress, November 2004, remains a great read. At the time it also originated a response from Eric Barbour and Ed. T. Dell regarding their experiences with cathode stripping, which we have included as well. Read the Full Article Now Available Here
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Some Thoughts on Plastics for Speaker Enclosures
By Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific)
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Discussing speaker enclosures, this article examines all the different options for plastic applications and the implications for loudspeaker driver design in general. Enclosure characteristics, construction features, advantage comparisons between wood and wood particle board cabinets, and production techniques are some of the topics explored. The article also discusses the fact that tooling for injection molds for plastic parts can now be done directly from 3D modeling files on remote CNC machines, which can be anywhere in the world, making plastics an increasingly viable option. Various options to meet the challenges in different speaker designs, from conventional injection-molded plastics to composites, and the latest material formulations supporting sustainability and design to manufacturing options, make the use of these materials even more appealing. This article was published in Voice Coil, March 2022. Read the Full Article Now Available Here
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audioXpress features great articles, projects, tips, and techniques for the best in quality audio. It connects manufacturers and distributors with audio engineers and enthusiasts eager for innovative solutions in sound, acoustic, and electronics.
Voice Coil, the periodical for the loudspeaker industry, delivers product reviews, company profiles, industry news, and design tips straight to professional audio engineers and manufacturers who have the authority to make powerful purchasing decisions.
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