Peter Freedman Acquires Lectrosonics. Announces Røde and Mackie Manufacturing in the US
The Freedman Group, the parent company 100% owned by Peter Freedman, owner of Røde, Mackie, Aphex, SoundField, and Event Electronics, has revealed the acquisition of Lectrosonics, the globally renowned US manufacturer of professional wireless audio systems. Lectrosonics' motto is "Made in the USA by a Bunch of Fanatics" and mirrors the fact that the company manufactures all of its products in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Peter Freedman, wants to expand those operations to also manufacture Mackie products in the US.
PSI Audio Unveils A226-MAIN Three-Way Main Studio Monitor
PSI Audio unveiled its latest A226-MAIN, an active three-way studio monitor, designed for main monitors and mastering applications. Two 10-inch woofers in symmetrical configuration combine with an all-new aluminum coil tweeter and the company’s Extended Dome (EXD) midrange driver. Touted as the pinnacle of PSI Audio speaker development, the Swiss company rates the A226-MAIN to cover the entire 20Hz to 23kHz frequency spectrum with a maximum SPL level of 112dB as per AES 75 standard.
Microsoft Recommends Philips SpeechMike Premium Touch as the Successor to Nuance PowerMic
Speech Processing Solutions, the professional dictation solutions company under the Philips brand, announced that the Philips SpeechMike Premium Touch has been officially recognized by Microsoft as the recommended successor to the soon-to-be-retired Nuance PowerMic series. The Philips microphone is now the recommended hardware to use with the Nuance Dragon range of professional speech recognition solutions.
Innovative Wi-Fi Streaming for High-End Headphones
As digital integration deepens across all aspects of life, consumers increasingly seek audio experiences that blend seamlessly with wireless connectivity. As a leading developer in the audio streaming sector, StreamUnlimited is continuously pushing the boundaries to transform traditional audio systems into smart, connected devices without sacrificing sound quality. Recognizing this trend, StreamUnlimited developed an innovative Wi-Fi solution tailored for both high-end and mainstream headphones, redefining the wireless listening experience.
Voice Coil Test Bench: Scan-Speak’s D3004/666000 Metamodal TPCD Dome AirCirc Motor Tweeter
Vance Dickason has spent some time characterizing the new Scan-Speak D3004/666000 tweeter, the first to combine a metamodal Thin-ply Carbon Diaphragm (TPCD) dome with the company's AirCirc motor. This new Scan-Speak tweeter is not a common "evolutionary" design but a joint manufacturing project with Swedish company Composite Sound to develop new second-generation TPCD diaphragms with the characteristics and able to rival the performance levels of a beryllium dome.
Book Review: Zoran M. Dukic’s High End Tube Amplifiers Designer Tool Box
This extensive, 428-page, self-published hardcover book, is much more than another publication on tube amplifiers. As Jan Didden discovered, this book contains all the knowledge needed to check how an input low-pass filter must be dimensioned, how to investigate the different resistor types and their properties, capacitor types, which tubes to use, how to bias them, and construct the load lines, and even how to design low-noise power supplies. A one-stop resource for tube-based audio power amplifiers, and clearly a work of love!
Analog Devices Launches MAX98425A and MAX98415A 22V Digital Input Stereo High Efficiency Class-D Amplifiers
Analog Devices announced two new medium power stereo Class-D amplifier devices intended to deliver maximum efficiency for battery-powered designs, with ultra-low idle current, and still providing the lowest possible distortion at its loudest levels. The MAX98425A is a low noise, Class-D amplifier with digital PCM inputs and filterless operation. The MAX98415A is a smart amplifier with IV feedback routed through the PCM interface data output and featuring a rich set of protection algorithms.
Audio Engineering Society European Convention in Warsaw, Poland, May 22-24
The Audio Engineering Society has published the full conference schedule for the 158th AES Convention, taking place in Warsaw, Poland, opening on Thursday, May 22, and running through Saturday, May 24. This is the second time that the AES European Convention will be in Warsaw. The selected venue for the event - modern film studios - should be an interesting choice. The conference will offer a wide array of topics, including music production, immersive and automotive audio.
Masimo to Sell Consumer Audio Business to Harman International
Masimo announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Sound United consumer audio business to Harman International, the company that is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, for an aggregate purchase price of $350 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals.
Bang & Olufsen Launches Third-Generation Beosound A1 Portable Speaker
Bang & Olufsen announced the third-generation Beosound A1, a reimagined version of its most affordable portable Bluetooth speaker, now combining enhanced performance with a circular design, extended battery life, and even better sound. Created in collaboration with renowned Danish designer Cecilie Manz, the A1 3rd Gen balances the minimalist lines with advanced acoustics, creating an even more appealing product - the most affordable from Bang & Olufsen.