Soundtheory Introduces Kraftur Focus Plugin for Parallel Processing
Soundtheory announced the release of a new updated plugin called Kraftur Focus, as well as an upgrade to the original Kraftur with new features. Kraftur adds clarity, punch or pleasant warmth to almost any audio material while preserving dynamics, using new, proprietary DSP methods and algorithms to avoid artifacts. Kraftur Focus involves a hybrid approach which realigns the phase of the signal after the saturation stage. This means that Kraftur Focus can be engaged for parallel processing, thus allowing it to be used as a send effect.
H&S HighTech Invests in AONDevices and Becomes Preferred Distributor in Korea and Key Global Markets
AONDevices received a strategic investment from H&S HighTech Corp., a semiconductor manufacturer and electronics distribution company from South Korea. H&S HighTech will also serve as AONDevices' preferred distributor and strategic partner across Korea and select international markets. The two companies want to accelerate adoption of next-gen AI with smarter, ultra-efficient devices powered by AON’s tiny AI chips.
FiiO Unveils K15 Affordable Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Featuring Dual AKM AK4497S Converters
FiiO (FiiO Electronics Technology Company), a Chinese manufacturer from Guangzhou established in 2007 by a team of engineers from OPPO - and one of the rare examples of a decent brand name - announces the launch of its new K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier. This new model, described as a "trickledown" version of the FiiO K17, was carefully engineered to hit a price point which is half the price of any rival, and leverages the latest AK4497S Velvet Sound DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) in a dual configuration.
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New Bela Gem Stereo and Multi Audio Embedded Linux Boards
Bela announced the launch of Bela Gem, a powerful and accessible platform for real-time audio and sensor processing. Available in two versions – Stereo (2-in/2-out) and Multi (10-in/10-out) – Bela Gem transforms the PocketBeagle 2 single-board computer (SBC) into a lightning-fast embedded system for instruments, sound installations, effects units, and more. The two products are available through a Crowd Supply campaign now live, with shipping planned for October 2025.
Ceva RealSpace Software Adds Immersive Spatial Audio to Nothing Headphones and Earbuds
In a move that pushes the boundaries of personal audio, Ceva announced a new collaboration with London-based lifestyle consumer brand Nothing to bring Ceva's RealSpace Spatial Audio Software to its upcoming audio lineup. Ceva will power enhanced listening experiences across the Nothing and CMF sub-brand audio product lines, including the newly announced Nothing Headphone, which is the company’s first entry into the over-ear style audio device, developed in cooperation with KEF.
Renesas Sets New MCU Performance Bar with 1-GHz RA8P1 Devices with AI Acceleration
Renesas Electronics introduced the RA8P1 microcontroller (MCU) Group targeted at Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications, as well as real-time analytics. Designed for running AI on device, the new MCUs establish a new performance level by combining 1GHz Arm Cortex-M85 and 250MHz Cortex-M33 CPU cores with the Arm Ethos-U55 Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This combination delivers the highest CPU performance of over 7300 CoreMarks and AI performance of 256 GOPS at 500MHz.
Test Bench: GAIT BGD-D72-64-4-0A1 Glass Diaphragm 1" Dome Tweeter
Glass Acoustic Innovations Technologies (GAIT) is a company from Taiwan and a renowned specialist in Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) diaphragm technology, quickly gaining recognition in hifi and high-end audio circles. This 1" dome super tweeter uses a unique glass diaphragm formed using a chemical strengthening process, and includes a 1” voice coil and neodymium magnet motor, assembled with an injection-molded plastic faceplate, a phase plug, and a damped rear chamber.
You Can DIY: A New Op-Amp for Phono Preamps Part 1 - The Design
Brian Lowe (Belleson) developed a unique custom designed transconductance amplifier (Bel Amp) with fully differential (balanced) low noise JFET inputs and current output for phono preamps. This article details the requirements and parameter values, while exploring design options. A second article explains the discrete op-amp design, complete with simulations and measurements.
Brandenburg Labs introduces Directivity Transfer Function for Okeanos Pro
Brandenburg Labs has updated its advanced headphone system, Okeanos Pro, intended for music production and scientific research. Starting in August 2025, users will have access to the Directivity Transfer Function (DTF) editor. This new tool enables Okeanos Pro users to adjust the directivity of virtual sound sources. By incorporating DTFs into their workflow, audio professionals will be able to experience a more realistic representation of their studio.
Yamaha Corporation of America Appoints Sotaro Nishida to Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Audio
Sotaro Nishida was appointed to the role of Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Audio at Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA). In this newly created role, Nishida will oversee both the Consumer Audio and Professional Audio departments, expanding the breadth and depth of Yamaha audio solutions available to integrators, audio professionals, and consumers. Sotaro Nishida has a rich and diverse history with Yamaha, having been involved in the company's mobile and content business, as well as various vertical segments in Latin America, Germany, Japan and the US.