Category: Audio

  • FiiO FP3 Planar Earbuds: Bass-Boosting Tesla Valve & Wood Faceplates

    FiiO FP3 Planar Earbuds: Bass-Boosting Tesla Valve & Wood Faceplates

    FiiO has introduced their newest in-ear monitors, the FP3 planars, available in natural black walnut or rosewood finishes. Unlike traditional earbuds that utilize cone drivers, the FP3 employs planar drivers which provide a sound that is more natural and expressive.

    Sound Quality Comparison

    Full-sized headphones using planar drivers, like those from Audeze, can deliver an incredibly warm and natural sound when paired with strong amplifiers. On the other hand, conventional cone drivers might distort when pushed hard, as the outer edge of the cone does not move in sync with the center, even with stiffer materials.

    Advanced Diaphragm Design

    The FiiO FP3 features an ultra-light diaphragm that is just 1 μm thick, coated in aluminum and titanium for added stiffness. This diaphragm is produced using a 0.28 nm process, which forms 0.055 mm conductive traces on its surface. The diaphragm is driven uniformly from both sides by 14 strong magnets, resulting in a powerful and responsive sound.

    Impressive Specifications

    The FP3 is Hi-Res Audio certified, boasting a frequency response range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz. With an impedance of 36 ohms and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW at 1 kHz, sound is transmitted through 392 silver-plated copper wires bundled into four strands. Each earbud connects via a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin connector, leading to a gold-plated 3.5mm stereo jack.

    The FiiO FP3 in rosewood or black walnut is priced at an MSRP of $92.85, available at FiiO’s stores on AliExpress and Amazon. For those looking for compatible devices, the FiiO CP13 portable cassette player or the FiiO R7 desktop digital audio player (with a 5-inch display) can be purchased on Amazon.

    Custom Driver Development

    The FP3 boasts FiiO’s second generation, self-developed 14.5mm in-ear planar driver. Every aspect, from the diaphragm to the patented dual-coating, conductive trace width, and magnetic circuit fine-tuning, has been designed by FiiO. This customization allows for a sophisticated acoustic system, resulting in notable improvements in sound quality compared to standard off-the-shelf drivers.

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  • Philips Launches Budget TWS Earbuds and Headphones in India

    Philips Launches Budget TWS Earbuds and Headphones in India

    Philips has rolled out a fresh selection of audio devices for the Indian consumer, presenting a range of choices that cater to various tastes and price points. This latest collection features four True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and a single on-ear headphone, all crafted to enhance sound experience, comfort, and user-friendliness.

    Philips TAT1108 – Budget-Friendly and Sleek

    The TAT1108 model, priced at INR 3,599, delivers a solid performance with its 6mm dynamic drivers that provide rich audio and decent bass. These earbuds cater to those looking for a compact and straightforward alternative, ensuring clear call quality thanks to the AI-driven microphone. With an IPX4 water-resistant rating, they can handle splashes or light rain, making them suitable for active lifestyles. Users can enjoy a total of 15 hours of playback time (5 hours on a single charge and 10 hours from the case), and they come in black, white, and blue color options.

    Philips TAT1179 – Extended Battery with Noise-Canceling Feature

    At a price of INR 3,099, the TAT1179 is notable for its impressive battery longevity, offering over 45 hours of total playtime. It incorporates larger 10mm drivers for enhanced sound quality, along with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology supported by four microphones to boost call clarity. With an IPX4 water-resistant design, it can endure light water exposure, while touch controls and fast charging provide added ease of use. The TAT1179 is available in four shades: Deep Black, Bright White, Red Mahogany, and Beluga Summer.

    Philips TAT1209 – Enhanced Bass Experience

    For bass lovers, the TAT1209, available for INR 2,999, is designed to deliver a powerful bass experience thanks to its 10mm drivers and dynamic bass boost feature. These earbuds cater to those who prefer a bass-heavy sound profile and offer 18 hours of total playtime. They also come with interchangeable silicone ear tips for a personalized fit, touch controls, and compatibility with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. The TAT1209 can be found in pink, white, and black.

    Philips TAT1169 – Outstanding Battery Longevity

    The TAT1169 model, priced at INR 2,399, boasts a remarkable total playtime of 55 hours, making it a standout in battery performance. With 12mm drivers that produce rich sound, AI-enabled ENC for clearer voice calls, and IPX4 water resistance, these earbuds are ideal for prolonged use. The TAT1169 also features fast charging and a low latency of 60ms, making it perfect for gaming or watching videos. This model is available in Deep Black, Sun Iron, and Real Teal Champagne, catering to users who prioritize extended battery life.

    On-Ear Headphones: Merging Comfort and Audio Quality

    For those who like over-ear headphones, Philips has introduced the TAH4209 wireless headphones. With a price tag of INR 4,999, these headphones focus on comfort, featuring memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband. The 32mm neodymium drivers offer dynamic sound with a bass boost feature, while the 55-hour playtime allows for extended listening sessions. A standout capability of the TAH4209 is its multipoint pairing, enabling users to connect with multiple devices at once without needing to disconnect. It also supports fast charging, where just 15 minutes of charging yields up to 2 hours of playback. The TAH4209 is available in matte pink, black, blue, and white.

    Where to Buy

    All these newly launched audio devices from Philips can now be purchased through major online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, in addition to authorized retail stores throughout India.

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  • Bose Launches Ultra Earbuds in Dune Gray and Glitter Graphite Blue

    Bose Launches Ultra Earbuds in Dune Gray and Glitter Graphite Blue

    Bose has introduced its Ultra open-back earbuds in exciting new colors for the Chinese market. These earbuds are now available for pre-order on JD.com, featuring two fresh shades: Dune Gray and Glitter Graphite Blue. They are priced at 2,299 yuan (around $323 USD). To ensure their purchase, customers need to finalize their orders by November 10th at 8:00 PM PST.

    Features of the Bose Ultra Earbuds

    These earbuds come equipped with Bose’s OpenAudio technology, which enables users to be aware of their surroundings while enjoying their music. Unlike typical headphones that block out external sounds, the Ultra headphones utilize directed audio technology to deliver a more balanced audio experience.

    Adaptive Volume and Spatial Audio

    One of the standout features of the Bose Ultra headphones is their adaptive volume function. This feature automatically modifies the sound based on the listener’s environment, providing comfort whether they are in a tranquil space or a bustling area. Additionally, the headphones include spatial audio technology, enhanced by the Qualcomm S5 audio platform, along with support for Snapdragon Unlimited Audio. This combination promises a richer and more immersive sound experience.

    User-Friendly Design

    For convenience, the Bose Ultra headphones have intuitive controls for managing music playback, answering phone calls, and toggling between stereo and immersive audio modes. Users can enjoy up to 7 hours of listening on a single charge, plus an extra 19.5 hours with the supplied charging case, making them ideal for extended use.

    In other updates, Amazfit has rolled out the Amazfit Up open-ear earbuds, aimed at fitness enthusiasts and everyday users. Their clip-on style maintains an open ear canal for comfort and awareness of surroundings. Notable features include an AI noise reduction algorithm for clearer calls, real-time workout updates, and navigation when connected to an Amazfit smartwatch, along with a lightweight design that weighs just 5 grams per earbud.

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  • Moondrop Discdream 2: Ultra High-Fidelity Portable CD Player

    Moondrop Discdream 2: Ultra High-Fidelity Portable CD Player

    Moondrop has revealed their new CD players, the Discdream 2 Ultra and Discdream 2, which are successors to the original Discdream model that was introduced earlier this year. These devices are designed for serious music lovers and have been developed with the expertise of a former Sony engineer, boasting thirty years of experience in the Discman sector, aiming to deliver a warm and refined audio experience.

    Enhancements in the Ultra Model

    The Discdream 2 Ultra CD player takes the original Discdream and the Discdream 2 to the next level by incorporating a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output powered by dual digital-to-analog converters (DACs). In contrast, the Discdream 2 features just a single DAC. The balanced output provides 222 mW at 32 Ω, reaching a maximum voltage of 2 Vrms. While playing CD music, the Ultra achieves a dynamic range of 93 dB and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.00177% at 1 kHz via the balanced headphone jack.

    Versatile USB Sound Card Functionality

    All Discdream models are capable of functioning as USB sound cards when linked to computers, whether they are PCs or Macs. In this configuration, they can handle PCM audio from 44.1 kHz up to 384 kHz, as well as DSD formats ranging from 2.8224 MHz to 11.2896 MHz. When utilized as a sound card, the Ultra delivers an impressive dynamic range of 131 dB, accompanied by a THD of 0.00058% at 1 kHz through the balanced headphone output.

    Features and Pricing Details

    Each Discdream 2 model is equipped with a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack and a combined 3.5 mm line out and optical line out jack, although they’ve omitted the microSD card slot and digital audio player (DAP) features found in the original Discdream. The 3.5 mm headphone output provides 112 mW for the Ultra and 123 mW for the Discdream 2 at 32 Ω, maintaining a maximum voltage of 2 Vrms.

    The Moondrop Discdream 2 Ultra is priced at $289.99 (available on Amazon), while the Moondrop Discdream is listed at $149.99 (also on Amazon). Both models are anticipated to ship within a timeframe of 2-4 weeks. Meanwhile, those eagerly awaiting their Moondrop deliveries can enjoy some classic music on cassette tapes using the FiiO CP13 portable cassette player (found on Amazon).

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  • New DJI Mic Mini Leak: Compact, Affordable, Two Colors

    New DJI Mic Mini Leak: Compact, Affordable, Two Colors

    DJI’s new Mic Mini is making waves as fresh leaks reveal its design and expected pricing. The images, shared by @quadro_news and @JasperEllens on X/Twitter, highlight the Mic Mini’s sleek appearance available in two colors: Arctic White and Infinity Black.

    Design Features

    The Mic Mini will come in these two stylish colors and will have a convenient clip-on design. It boasts two buttons—one for turning it on and another likely for connecting—and a simple indicator light on the side. This suggests that DJI is aiming for a user-friendly experience. The anticipated price is around 69 Australian dollars (about $45.3), indicating that DJI is targeting a more wallet-friendly option with this model.

    Target Audience

    This recent leak builds on the information shared earlier in October. While earlier reports hinted that this could be a smaller version of the DJI Mic series, the current design and pricing suggest that the Mic Mini is specifically designed for creators looking for a portable and straightforward audio solution.

    Conclusion

    For those who have appreciated the audio quality of DJI’s products but found previous models a bit too pricey, the Mic Mini could be the answer. More details, like battery life and specific features, are yet to be revealed, but with these leaks, it seems DJI’s official announcement might be coming soon.

    @Quadro_News (1) (2) and @JasperEllens via X/Twitter

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  • Beyerdynamic Amiron 300: LDAC & ANC Headphones for Superior Sound

    Beyerdynamic Amiron 300: LDAC & ANC Headphones for Superior Sound

    Besides their traditional over-ear headphones, Beyerdynamic is now introducing smaller wireless headphones. The latest addition to their lineup is the Amiron 300 headphones, priced at $279.99 on Amazon, which are said to deliver exceptional sound quality. It’s important to mention that this new model comes with a hefty price tag.

    Unique Driver Design

    These headphones feature a single 10-millimeter driver, setting them apart from many of the latest models that come with dual drivers. The company claims that the sound quality remains top-notch, even with a wireless connection. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio codecs, and utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity. Additionally, the Bluetooth Multipoint function allows users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making daily usage more convenient without the hassle of constant pairing.

    Advanced Features

    The Amiron 300 headphones come with promises of active noise canceling and a transparency mode that helps users hear their surroundings, such as traffic sounds. There are six microphones designed to ensure excellent audio quality during calls, benefiting the person on the other end. Furthermore, the headphones feature wearing detection, which can automatically pause and resume audio playback. The Beyerdynamic app provides a variety of settings for customization.

    Long Battery Life

    The maximum battery life is claimed to be up to 38 hours, which includes several charges when using the charging case. This case is compatible with wireless charging according to the Qi standard. A quick 10-minute charge is said to offer an additional 2 hours of listening time. Touch controls on the headphones allow users to manage playback, summon a voice assistant, or activate the transparency mode easily.

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  • OpenAI’s Whisper Tool: Researchers Claim It Generates False Info

    OpenAI’s Whisper Tool: Researchers Claim It Generates False Info

    According to a recent report from ABC News (as mentioned by Engadget), OpenAI’s audio transcription tool, Whisper, has a tendency to create transcriptions that are not actually present in the original audio recordings.

    Concerns in Various Industries

    This raises serious concerns since Whisper is being utilized across multiple sectors, including healthcare facilities that depend on the tool to document consultations. This is happening even though OpenAI has made it clear that the tool should not be employed in "high-risk domains."

    Issues Found in Transcriptions

    A machine learning engineer identified hallucinations in about 50% of over 100 hours of transcriptions. In addition, another developer reported finding them in all 26,000 transcriptions he reviewed. Researchers express that this situation could result in inaccurate transcriptions in millions of recordings globally. An OpenAI representative informed ABC News that the company is looking into these claims and will take the feedback into account for future model updates. The tool is used within Oracle and Microsoft Cloud, which serve thousands of clients around the world, amplifying the potential for risk.

    Harmful Results from Research

    Professors Allison Koenecke and Mona Sloane analyzed thousands of short segments from TalkBank and discovered that 40% of the hallucinations they found were harmful. For instance, in one recording, a speaker mentioned, "He, the boy, was going to, I’m not sure exactly, take the umbrella." However, the tool transcribed this as, "He took a big piece of the cross, a teeny, small piece…I’m sure he didn’t have a terror knife so he killed a number of people."

    Engadget, ABC News’

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  • Hatch Restore 2 Sleep Clock with Kentucky Fried Chicken ASMR

    Hatch Restore 2 Sleep Clock with Kentucky Fried Chicken ASMR

    Hatch has partnered with KFC to bring the calming sounds of fried chicken cooking to the Restore 2 smart sleep clock, which is accessible through a Hatch+ subscription. This unique ASMR audio is just one of many options offered to help users build a tranquil atmosphere for better sleep.

    Light’s Influence on Sleep

    The human retina responds to light, which causes various reactions in the brain and body. Notably, specific light colors, particularly blue light that we see during bright days, promote wakefulness. The shift from light to darkness throughout the day also plays a pivotal role in our circadian rhythm. This rhythm governs essential functions in our brain, organs, and immune system, such as sleep and cell repair. However, the increased use of screens from computers, TVs, tablets, and smartphones raises exposure to blue light, making it difficult for some individuals to enjoy quality sleep.

    Features of the Restore 2

    The Restore 2 smart clock merges the functions of a clock, alarm, and light, while also providing Wi-Fi downloadable audio content. This includes channels featuring dreamscapes, relaxation exercises, curated music, and sleep stories designed to enhance the sleep experience. The clock’s light gradually dims during the night, emitting a warm glow that doesn’t disrupt the circadian rhythm. Its alarm gently awakens users with soft sounds and a warm light that mimics a sunrise. Two large buttons on the top allow users to silence the alarm and start the night’s calming sounds.

    The Hatch Restore 2 is priced at $169.99 and is currently available on Amazon. For $4.99 per month, the Hatch+ subscription gives users access to a variety of sounds, including the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain’ recording, across all Hatch sleep devices in their homes. The Restore 2 has dimensions of 7.24 x 2.43 x 5.31 inches (18.4 x 6.1 x 13.5 cm) and weighs 1.27 pounds (0.58 kg).

    Conclusion

    With the collaboration between Hatch and KFC, users can now enjoy a unique auditory experience that aids in relaxation and sleep. This innovative approach to sleep enhancement is part of a broader trend in wellness technology, aiming to improve the quality of rest for many individuals.

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  • Mackie CR Series Monitors: Switch from Desktop to Bookshelf Speakers

    Mackie CR Series Monitors: Switch from Desktop to Bookshelf Speakers

    Search for suggestions on affordable monitor speakers, and you’ll struggle to find a list that doesn’t highlight Mackie’s Creative Reference (CR) series as a top choice. These speakers not only provide a fairly neutral frequency response ideal for tasks such as recording and mixing, but they also come at a very reasonable price. The ability to stream wirelessly via Bluetooth on some models makes them even more appealing.

    Great for Budget Users

    When someone is watching their spending, they likely don’t want to invest in a second pair of speakers just for casual listening, and Mackie clearly gets this. With the introduction of the new CR Series Gen 3, they’ve incorporated some essential features that turn it into a remarkably adaptable product, fitting for multiple uses.

    Enhanced Features

    To start, a new “location switch” on the back lets you toggle between desktop or near-field mode (suitable for gaming, content creation, or music production) and bookshelf or far-field mode (like standard hi-fi speakers placed further from the listener). The latter mode is achieved by gently boosting the mids and highs to achieve better reach.

    Additionally, there’s now a tone-control knob located on the front panel, quite different from the standard one-knob controls that merely shift the sound from bass-heavy to treble-heavy. This control begins with a flat frequency response when turned all the way down and transitions towards a somewhat V-shaped EQ setting that enhances both the bass and treble for a more dynamic sound. This adjustment could be particularly enjoyable for certain music styles or when being used as a party speaker.

    Speaker Lineup and Prices

    The lineup includes six pairs of speakers, with four of them featuring Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The main differences lie in the woofer size (indicated by the model name, in inches) and higher power ratings for the larger units. In terms of connectivity, they are all the same, offering 6.35 mm TRS (balanced/unbalanced), 3.5 mm TRS (unbalanced), RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0 for specific models. A headphone jack is conveniently added to the front for easy access.

    There’s also the CR8SBT subwoofer, which provides Bluetooth connectivity to any powered speaker connected to it. Since subwoofers typically sit on the floor, this model includes a wired remote for desktop use, allowing for volume and bass control.

    Mackie

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  • DVDFab Launches Bookfab AI for Profitable Audiobook Creation

    DVDFab Launches Bookfab AI for Profitable Audiobook Creation

    DVDFab has introduced the BookFab AudioBook Creator, aimed at audiobook producers, with a retail price of $59.99. This software, powered by AI, swiftly transforms text into audio files, offering 20 diverse AI voices in both English and Japanese.

    Accessibility for All

    Many individuals across the globe struggle with reading for various reasons, such as being visually impaired or simply lacking the time to spend long periods on printed text. Take truck drivers, for instance; they often spend over eight hours on the road daily, making it unfeasible to read a book, even when they have ample time to listen to something interesting.

    Growing Popularity of Audiobooks

    Audiobooks have become one of the most popular and profitable forms of audio entertainment worldwide. According to Deloitte, the leading formats for audio entertainment in 2024 are ranked in a specific order, highlighting the growing trend of audiobooks.

    The software is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, including 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. Users need at least 4 GB of RAM and 40 GB of available storage. Moreover, an Internet connection is essential for converting copied text or TXT files into MP3 and OPUS audio formats.

    Customization Options for Creators

    Users can effortlessly adjust pronunciations for tricky words and personalize the reading rules of the text. Additionally, abbreviations can be linked to custom spoken outputs. The 20 available voices can be fine-tuned for expressivity, prosody, pauses, and speed, ensuring an ideal vocal delivery in English or Japanese. Future updates may include the option to clone human voice actors.

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