Category: Audio

  • 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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  • OPPO Enco X3 Earbuds: Lossless Audio & Impressive Noise-Cancellation

    OPPO Enco X3 Earbuds: Lossless Audio & Impressive Noise-Cancellation

    Oppo recently introduced its flagship Find X8 series smartphones in a launch event held in China. In addition to these powerful devices that come equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chip, Oppo has also unveiled the Oppo Enco X3 earbuds in the Chinese market.

    Features of Oppo Enco X3

    The Enco X3 is powered by the BES2700 chipset and boasts a dual-driver setup, which includes an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter. This combination ensures a strong bass, clear mid-range sounds, and sharp treble, creating a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.

    With its noise-cancellation technology, the Enco X3 effectively cuts down surrounding noise by as much as 50 dB, allowing users to immerse themselves in their music without interruptions. Additional features like AI Call Noise Reduction, VPU Bone Voiceprint Recognition, and an updated anti-wind noise algorithm significantly improve noise management, ensuring clear calls even in bustling environments.

    Enhanced Audio Quality

    For better voice clarity, the earbuds incorporate real-time human voice detection, which increases noise reduction efficiency by 200%. A dual DAC and a three-microphone system further enhance both audio quality during calls and when listening to music.

    Music lovers will relish the wireless lossless audio transmission that boasts a transfer rate of 1 Mbps. Bluetooth 5.4 and LHDC 5.0 enable playback at 192kHz/24bit, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. The sound is fine-tuned by DYNAUDIO, and the earbuds also offer support for spatial audio for a fully immersive experience.

    User-Friendly Features

    The Enco X3 features gesture controls that let you play or pause music, manage calls, and adjust the volume with simple hand movements. They come with an IP55 rating, making them resistant to both dust and water, so you can use them even in slightly wet conditions.

    Every earbud has a 58mAh battery, while the charging case carries a capacity of 566mAh. Both wired and wireless charging are available, with wireless charging supporting up to 10W.

    Pricing and Availability

    The wired charging version of the Enco X3 earbuds is available for 899 yuan, while the version with wireless charging is priced at 949 yuan.

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  • Tribit StormBox Blast 2: Powerful 200W Portable Speaker Launch

    Tribit StormBox Blast 2: Powerful 200W Portable Speaker Launch

    The StormBox Blast 2, from Tribit, is marketed as more than just your average speaker with a handy handle. It boasts a powerful subwoofer that delivers up to 80W, supported by "large" dual passive radiators to enhance the bass even more.

    Sound Features

    In addition, the speaker comes equipped with dual 15W tweeters and mid-range 45W drivers, creating a "panoramic" sound experience. The Blast 2 is also fitted with "advanced" titanium amplifiers, which provide a "balanced and dynamic" 2.1-channel audio performance.

    Connectivity and Lighting

    Another cool feature is its tunable and dynamic RGB lighting, along with dual 6.35mm jacks for karaoke use. However, keep in mind that you’ll need wired microphones, which may have to be bought separately.

    Power and Availability

    Even with its fantastic specifications, there are a few downsides to the Blast 2’s upgrades, mainly that it must be plugged in to reach its full 200W rating. On battery, it can deliver up to 180W and is said to last for up to 30 hours before needing a recharge. Charging can be done via USB-C or an AC connector, but the USB-C option is reported to be "significantly" slower than the AC method.

    The StormBox Blast 2 is currently available from either Tribit or Amazon, priced at $299.99.

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  • Microsoft Launches Xbox Wireless Headset: Dolby Atmos, 20h Battery

    Microsoft Launches Xbox Wireless Headset: Dolby Atmos, 20h Battery

    The Xbox Wireless Headset has a familiar look, resembling its predecessor (about US$170 on Amazon, Starfield Special Edition), yet it brings several enhancements. Notably, the battery life has extended from 15 hours to 20 hours, and charging through USB-C still requires three hours. While the ear cup dials have lost their green accents, they still allow for separate adjustments for game audio and chat volume.

    Enhanced Microphone Features

    The updated microphone is built to better block out unwanted background noise and can automatically mute itself when folded up. This new headset now supports Bluetooth 5.3, making it compatible not just with Xbox One or Xbox Series X, but also with PCs and smartphones. Additionally, it offers spatial sound capabilities via Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X.

    Consistent Core Features

    Most of the fundamental features remain the same; the Xbox Wireless Headset continues to utilize dynamic drivers with a 40-millimeter diameter, capable of producing a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The ear pads are made of PU synthetic leather combined with foam cushioning, and the headband is padded as well, ensuring comfort despite the headset’s weight of 312 grams.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to the press release, the new Xbox Wireless Headset is available right now for US$109.99, which is the same price listed on the Xbox Store.

    Microsoft (Press release | Product page)

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