Audio - Page 12

CES 2016 - The HARMAN Voyager Drive Speaker system enables you to upgrade a stock-standard car sound system while also allowing you the freedom of a portable Bluetooth speaker, working as a sort of two in one unit.

Designed to be thrown into the back of your car, the Voyager Drive is a multi-speaker system that also has a small detachable Bluetooth audio product located within. This portable Bluetooth speaker is described by Gizmodo as "About the size of a small pizza" and aims to be part of an all-in-one audio upgrade package for your in-car and travel lifestyle.

This portable Bluetooth unit can also be attached to the Voyager Drive+ removable bass box, boasting sound quality much better than entry-level cars can offer. However, HARMAN has given no word on pricing or product specifications just yet, so we're going to have to wait.

Apple's portable music players have always been popular among music enthusiasts for the quality of the audio reproduction. Sure, they don't support the FLAC or Ogg Vorbis file formats that are the audiophiles preferred method of listening, but the internal audio processing components have always lent a certain cleanness to the audio quality.

At the Portable Audio Festival that took place in Tokyo over the weekend, there were some companies that were exhibiting high-res audio gear that are close enough to Apple to be able to speak to Mac Otakara about the possibility of Apple moving towards high-resolution audio for their streaming service, Apple Music.

According to those sources, which are unnamed, Apple is looking to try for a 2016 release. This would be a huge advantage to Apple because no other popular music-streaming service currently offers bit-rates quite as high as the Hi-Res standard of 24-bit/96kHz would entail. That would certainly put it into audiophile territory.

Researchers from the University of Belgrade claim that Graphene, a conductive carbon lattice, is even more useful that originally thought. They've made the world's first condenser microphone out of this material, quoted as 32 times more sensitive than nickel microphones in a report by Gizmodo.

In its current prototype state, the Serbian researchers were able to get to this phase by 'growing' sheets of graphene on a nickel foil, etching the nickel away and then placing their new creation within a microphone casing. Reports claim that this new creation has a sensitivity of 15 decibels higher than commercial microphones, handling frequencies up to 11 kHz.

The scientists claim that this prototype is just an indication of things to come, claiming much improved models in the near future, capable of completely blowing away current market-available models.

If you're an Uncharted fan, and a lover of vinyl, you will be happy to hear that iam8bit and Sony are working on a three-LP box set of the soundtracks to the Uncharted trilogy.

The soundtracks from Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception will all be made available through the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection vinyl soundtrack box, which will feature Greg Edmonson's soundtrack being remastered for, and pressed onto an 18-gram colored vinyl.

To top it off, the vinyl soundtrack set will have artwork from Australian art collective We Buy Your Kids, where you can also purchase the artwork as a poster. The set can be pre-ordered for $55, and should ship in the first quarter of 2016.

Memorabilia masters Mondo have put together quite the early Christmas present, slapping the entire score from the 'Back to the Future' trilogy onto an awesome-looking vinyl set.

You can grab each movie individually as a two-record set for $35 each, or the entire vinyl kit for $105. The individual album versions include artwork by Matt Taylor, who was responsible for the screen-print Back to the Future posters for Mondo while the box set artwork and design was done by DKNG Studios.

If you buy the kit, you'll get it in an awesome radioactive box, the same box that Doc had in the first movie. The album art itself looks incredible, with any 'Back to the Future' fan set to jump at the chance to secure themselves this beautiful kit.

Audio company V-MODA has unveiled the Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear headphones, a hybrid audio device that supports both wired and wireless listening.

The headphones can maintain a wireless Bluetooth signal up to 33 feet away, with 12 hours of continuous listening. V-MODA also supports a dual-diaphragm 50mm driver, and plugging in a cable immediately switches off all electronics so zero latency can be achieved. The built-in hidden microphone supports phone calls and voice recognition, whether connected to a PC and notebook or smartphone.

"As an avid analog purist, for years I said I would not make a wireless headphone; instead, we decided to make our best over-ear wired headphone yet featuring the best wireless mode," said Val Kolton, CEO of V-MODA. "After years of R&D, we can proudly say that Crossfade Wireless is versatile enough to be the everyday audio weapon of choice for music professionals, audiophiles, gamers and savvy consumers, alike."

Audio company Phiaton has launched its PS 202 NC earphones, an audio product featuring active noise cancellation designed to block 95 percent of ambient background noise.

The earphones also have a half in-ear design, and should deliver additional listening time. The 14.3mm drivers provide an adequate level of optimized vibration, and includes everplay-x so owners can keep listening even if battery power runs out. For those of you interested in using the earphones while connected to a smartphone, it's possible to use the in-line remote and microphone to manage a playlist and answer phone calls.

The Phiaton PS 202 NC earphones are currently available for $109.

Audio company Turtle Beach has announced the Star Wars-themed Sandtrooper gaming headset on the same day Star Wars Battlefront will be released to gamers.

The Sandtrooper headset has an over-ear design, high-sensitivity boom mic, 50mm speakers, and pair of removable speaker plates.

"With as many Star Wars fanatics as we have at Turtle Beach, it's been hard to not let the droid out of the bag about this unique gaming headset," said Juergen Stark, CEO of Turtle Beach. "Our top-quality gaming headsets allow us to work with the biggest brands in the world, and we're very happy to continue our ongoing collaboration with Lucasfilm and EA to support Star Wars Battlefront."

Scosche has launched the boomBOTTLE+ Bluetooth speaker, a waterproof audio device designed to withstand being taken into nature.

The speaker has 55mm drivers and two passive radiators that provide 360-degree immersive audio. It features a 6000mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and 15 hours of playtime, while also being able to charge mobile devices. BoomBOTTLE+ also supports an Outdoor/Indoor EQ function, so music listeners are able to adjust sound based on physical location.

The Scosche boomBOTTLE+ is available for $179.99 MSRP.

Recently I headed down to the Surprise Attack PR agency in Victoria, Australia to check out exactly what Plantronics are looking at releasing in the near future. From stellar beginnings including "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" being broadcasted through the help of a Plantronics product, this audio company is looking to help step up the gaming scene with its new RIG 500 series of fully modular headsets.

Mainly pictured in this article is the RIG 500e. Coming in as the top of the range model with the most options, expect it to he hitting retail shelves soon for a MSRP of $149 ($199 AU in Australia). The 500e is endorsed by the ESL and is known as the eSports edition. Coming jam-packed with features, included in the package is a fully modular design, a closed-earcup with soft leatherette padding, an open-earcup with cloth padding and an in-line extension unit which includes a 24-bit Dolby 7.1 surround-sound USB sound card.

All headsets across the range include fully modular design, a microphone that mutes when flipped up and the ability to mix and match your accessories later in life. The standard RIG 500 headset will set you back $59 ($99 AU in Australia), with the middle option 500HD costing $99 ($129 in Australia), but if you're wanting to add the extra ear cups, 7.1 support or change your headband to something awesome in the future when your finances permit - you will be able to log on to the Plantronics website and pick and chose parts as you see fit.

We're not quite sure if the name of this headset is meant to be a joke aimed at the constant memes and Snoop Dogg 420 references, but either way Turtle Beach has released its 420X Xbox One headset for pre-order.

Set up with a 100% wireless design, this headset features a USB connection to the Xbox One (wireless sender), separated game and voice chat volume controls, an adjustable microphone boom, an over-ear headset design and audio presents with voice prompts.

Set for release on July 18 at a recommended price of $179.95, Turtle Beach CEO Juergen Stark claims this product "will feature our renowned audio and mic quality in a comfortable headset designed to give gamers the most immersive and enjoyable gaming experience."

With 195% of its funding goal reached in just one month, this audio product boasts impressive features such as 2.1 or 5.1 surround-sound audio, satellite speakers being able to operate singularly or as a group and a universal charging dock for all components. Even better, there is the ability to direct sound to whatever speaker you are near from a single device.

Complete with Dolby surround sound, $149 plus shipping will nab you the cheapest early bird package and this expands up to $899 plus shipping for the full 5.1 system ($500 off the eventual retail price).

As they are currently sitting at $97,279 raised, Kien has introduced stretch goals to get everyone a little more interested - the next one coming up is at $100,000 and will ensure three other colors are introduced as voted for buy the buyers. Further to this is the $200,000 stretch goal of extra inputs, followed by the $500,000 goal of a free power dock for every system.

E3 2015 - Audio company Polk Audio has unveiled the debut of the Striker Pro Hitman Contract Edition, with the new product designed for the PC, Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo Wii U, laptops and smartphones.

The Striker Pro includes a mobile connect cable, dual-jack console controller connect cable, and a dual-jack, detachable, extra-long pro PC connect cable. Interested gamers will find the headset includes an omni-directional microphone for console and PC gaming, along with an in-line microphone for mobile use.

The Polk Audio Striker Pro Hitman Contract Edition Gaming Headset will be available starting in September for $129.

Audio maker V-MODA is embracing innovation by spearheading a project for the world's first 3D printed personalized wearable technology. The company has introduced custom 3D printed shields using materials such as stainless steel, raw, plated and other precious materials - creating the "first time in history" that mass customization "merges jewel-grade 3D printing with consumer electronics."

Using the V-MODA website, consumers can customize their products by choosing a base color, 3D shield material of choice, and then the design and monogram of their product. As for precious metals, the following choices are available: sterling silver, solid 14k gold, 14k rose gold, 14k white gold, or platinum.

"3D printing has captured the imaginations of people, but this is the first application that can be worn every day on an award-winning product," said Val Kolton, CEO of V-MODA. "This technology ends the ubiquity of carbon copy, plastic consumer electronics and ushers in an era of bespoke designs and metals that transform products into handcrafted designer relics."

Audio company Phiaton has launched the BT 100 NC earphones, a Bluetooth 4.0 headset that features active noise cancellation. The product is geared towards athletes with water- and sweat-resistance functionality for athletes, commuters and people enjoying the outdoors.

The BT 100 NC use an "around the neck" design with inline controls that allow wearers to manage music and calls. The earphones are available for $119.

"In today's market, there are few options that balance superior audio performance with the need for a durable headphone that can withstand the rigors of exercise and other daily activities," said James Baik, president of Phiaton. "The BT 100 NC is designed to fill this need and provide an all-around superb experience for users."

German audio company Thonet & Vander has launched the Kürbis Bluetooth speaker in the United States. The company prides itself on allowing for high quality sound with minimal audio distortions or other issues.

Made from high density acoustic absorber (HDAA) wood that helps prevent vibration and sound leakage, the Kürbis also includes the Antimagnetic Shield to block external interference. Using its own procedures after years of modification, Thonet & Vander thinks you'll enjoy better bass reflex that the company says helps great sound fidelity.

The Thonet & Vander Kürbis is available now in the United States with a $199 MSRP.

If you're a console gamer looking for something new, ASTRO Gaming has just announced its new addition to the market - the A40 + MixAmp M80 specifically for the Xbox One.

The MixAmp M80 plugs directly into your Xbox One controller, allowing you to communicate with friends and hear what ASTRO Gaming has to provide through the A40 experience.

The A40 provides the most premium experience that ASTRO Gaming has to offer, boasting "hours of comfortable wear" in a recent newsletter.

Computex 2015 - Alongside the Ripjaws series of mechanical keyboards and the Ripjaws MX780 RGB gaming mouse as covered by us yesterday, G.Skill also has on offer some interesting new audio additions to its peripheral arsenal.

In comes the SR910 and SV710 7.1 digital surround sound models, said to be released in Q3 2015 by G.Skill in a recent press release.

Complete with a circumaural earcup design, these SV710 boasts Xear 3D technology to help with sound positioning, leatherette lined ear pads and built-in environmental noise cancellation (ENC) to help you focus at live events. Alongside the in-line control pod, there is included software including a 10-band equalizer and customizable surround sound positioning features located within.

Apple is recalling more than 220,000 Beats Pill XL portable wireless speakers in the United States, following a fire risk, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). So far, eight suspected cases of overheating speakers have been reported, though Apple didn't offer a statement on how many complaints it has received.

"Because customer safety is the company's top priority, Apple is asking customers to stop using their Beats Pill XL speakers," according to a public notice from Apple. "Customers who purchased a Beats Pill XL speaker should visit www.apple.com/support/beats-pillxl-recall for details about how to return their product to Apple, and how to receive an Apple Store credit or electronic payment of $325."

Beats first introduced the speaker in November 2013, and Apple purchased the company in May 2014 for around $3 billion.

Computex 2015 - Connected to your PC through PCIe, PowerColor has announced its own addition to the sound card world, the Devil HDX. We've recently covered what ASUS has to offer with its high-end STRIX line and now the Devil HDX takes the spotlight.

Featuring a C-Media CMI8888 native-PCIe processor and a Wolfson WM8741 primary DAC, this card continues with a 124 dBA SNR for your headphones and front-out channels, coupled with a TI LM4562 OPAMP swappable amplifier.

Also boasting 600Ω impedance headphone support, this product further supports stereo RCA out and 7.1-channel optical SPDIF output ports, drawing all of its power from a single 4-pin Molex plug.