Ferguson Hill Updates Jetstream Transparent Loudspeaker System

British loudspeaker designer Ferguson Hill announced that its Jetstream Loudspeaker System is now available and shipping as a complete system. The Jetstream, two decades in the making, builds on the seminal FH001 sound system. Twenty years after unveiling its debut system, Ferguson Hill's latest generation of the Jetstream maintains the extraordinary, transparent visuals; however, the Kent-based maker upgraded practically every single component of the original Jetstream Loudspeaker System.

Nanusens, the innovative research venture working on nano-sensors built inside CMOS devices, recently received significant funding that will enable it to expand its operations and hire new staff. Nanusens is also a finalist for the Design Team of the Year in the prestigious Elektra Awards 2020. The company, headquartered in the United Kingdom, with R&D centers in Barcelona, Spain and Shenzen, China, has designed a novel way to enable the higher frequency bands needed by 5G mobile phones, something that presents a challenge with current technology.

Music Tribe, the expat manufacturing and distribution organization created by Uli Behringer in China to assemble all the brands that have resulted from his multiple past acquisitions, has now confirmed the addition of Aston Microphones, a studio microphone brand founded in the United Kingdom. The partnership with Music Tribes adds Aston studio microphones to Behringer's pro audio portfolio, which was never particularly strong in that product segment.

UK-based PMC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of ‘Best of British’ loudspeaker design and manufacture for both the international professional music production and audiophile markets. From a modest start as two men in a garage to 30 years of the biggest movie soundtracks and albums in the world, the Professional Monitor Company Limited, had a remarkable trajectory grounded on a common devotion for transmission line designs and a fundamental belief in fidelity.

PMC’s founder and CEO Peter Thomas, whose inventions have helped push the boundaries of modern loudspeaker design, has been awarded a Fellowship by the Institute of Professional Sound (IPS) and awarded a coveted IPS trophy in recognition of his contribution to the professional audio industry. The Institute recognizes Peter Thomas transformative work, and significant impact on the audio industry through pushing the boundaries of monitor design to achieve more accuracy, particularly at higher volumes.

The exploding popularity of smart speakers in China is confirmed by findings from the latest Strategy Analytics consumer survey. The report, 2019 Smart Speaker User Survey – China Results, found that 63% of people who do not currently use a smart speaker plan to buy one within the next year. Another 22% say they will purchase a smart speaker later on, suggesting that smart speakers overall should reach at least another 85% of the population.

The parent company of leading audio brands Mackie and EAW, LOUD Audio, confirmed it has concluded the sale of the renowned Martin Audio brand to LDC, a private equity firm from the United Kingdom. In what was a long-expected move, following the acquisition of all Loud brands by the Transom Capital Group in October 2017, and the recent sale of Ampeg to Yamaha, now Martin Loud gets back to an independent position for the second time in its history.

DPA Microphones announced that it has acquired Sound Network, its UK pro audio distributor with whom it has had a close relationship for more than 20 years. By investing in its valued partner, the Danish company secures its position as a key player in the British market. At the same time, DPA announced the decision to establish a dedicated German sales force, which will allow the brand to get closer to Europe's largest market.