Avnet Unveils MaaXBoard for Low-Cost Embedded Computing and Edge AI Development

Avnet is now offering a single board computer which allows developers to focus more on the software side of their projects. The new MaaXBoard is a low-cost, production-ready qualified platform, based on the NXP i.MX 8M applications processor, ideal for embedded computing and applications that leverage AI at the edge. It supports design engineers and end-users seeking to create automation, multimedia, AI and smart home applications with reduced cost and time-to-market.

Schiit Audio announced the immediate availability of a pair of gaming-focused desktop DAC/Amps, Fulla 3 and Hel. Fulla 3 adds a versatile, high quality microphone input to its existing Fulla 2 DAC, while the retail price remains at $99. Hel adds much higher power output — 4x that of Fulla 3 — a stereo mic input with 24-bit ADC and front panel level control, as well as switchable input and gain, for $189. Two new products for a new class os users: high-end audio gamers!

German manufacturer RME Audio introduced improved "FS" versions of its ADI-2 DAC and RME Babyface Pro portable audio interface. FS stands for the improved SteadyClock FS, a new technology for synchronization and jitter suppression in digital audio signals using even more efficient filtering, and a design based on a super low jitter reference clock. The new ADI-2 Pro FS also introduces an AKM AK4493 PCM/DSD 768 kHz DAC converter, in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers.

DSP processing software specialist firm, Alango has been working to port the company's Voice Enhancement Package (VEP) to the NXP i.MX RT600 cross-over processor family, which is optimized for 32-bit immersive audio applications combining a high-performance Cadence Tensilica Hi-Fi 4 audio DSP core with a next-generation Cortex-M33 core. VEP is a set of Alango proprietary far-field voice enhancement technologies developed to improve human to machine interaction in a variety of applications.

Valens, the company behind HDBase-T connectivity, the "de facto" standard adopted in the AV industry, is now pushing the technology for automotive applications since launching its latest VA6000 HDBaseT integrated circuit, combining 1Gbps Ethernet transmission, Audio, Serial Control, and USB over unshielded single twisted pair lower cost cables. The technology was now confirmed a CES 2020 Innovation Awards Honoree.

Headphones manufacturer Audeze has partnered with Embody, an audio lifestyle technology startup dedicated to personalization and immersive sound applications, located in San Mateo, California, with satellite offices in Tokyo and Vancouver. The collaboration between the two companies already resulted in the launch of the Reveal+ personalized spatial plugin for Audeze headphones and the corresponding Aural Map app, which allows creating personal HRTF profiles generated from images of the ear, captured with a smartphone.

By combining Edge AI software from Imagimob, a company specializing in artificial intelligence development, with Pulsed Coherent Radar technology from Acconeer, the radar sensor specialists, the two Swedish companies have created an innovative platform for gesture control that is perfect for consumer electronics products. Scheduled to be demonstrated at CES 2020 (January 7-10) in Las Vegas, the solution will be implemented for application with wireless headphones, trained to recognize five hand gestures with high accuracy and close to zero latency.

CEntrance announced that the MixerFace R4B professional field recording solution is now shipping. The company's mobile recording interface now comes with a pair of XY stereo microphones, PivotMics PM1, and a built-in 24-bit SD card recorder, creating a completely stand-alone, high-end recording device. The new MixerFace R4B retains all the features of parent MixerFace models, including a rechargeable battery, sturdy metal housing, and a tactile user interface, all of which combine to create a perfect mobile solution for remote broadcasting or news gathering, podcasting, and interviews.

audioXpress December 2019 dives into the latest wireless audio and DSP platforms and solutions in a dedicated Market Update, followed by a review of the latest Audio Precision APx555 B Series audio analyzer. David Logvin shares his experience with the xCORE VocalFusion development platform by XMOS, while Michael Steffes re-confirms a theory that cascaded amplifier + ADC harmonic distortion combine as voltage swings. Christopher Paul explores alternative approaches to the design of a linear current regulator for audio tube amplifiers, Menno van der Veen details an 18 W single-ended valve amplifier using Trans technology, and Richard Honeycutt investigates whether or not swapping out comparable tubes makes any audible difference in a guitar amplifier’s sound. Download your own copy now!

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) officially kicked off CES season with traditional CES Unveiled events in New York, Paris and Amsterdam. Attendees to these invitation-only celebrations heard exclusive CES announcements and experienced emerging tech trends that will dominate the CES 2020 show floor Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More importantly, these events kicked off the annual CES 2020 Innovation Awards announcements, which will be expanded and confirmed until the Las Vegas show opens in January.