Category: Audio

July 16, 2025
Edifier MR5 Studio Monitors: Tri-Amplified & High-Res Audio
Key Takeaways
1. Launch and Pricing: The Edifier MR5 studio monitor speakers were released on July 1, 2025, priced at $349.99 for a pair.
2. Tri-Amplified Design: The MR5 features a three-way, tri-amped system with a 5-inch woofer, a 3.75-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch tweeter, improving audio clarity and frequency management.
3. Enhanced Frequency Response: The speakers have a frequency response range of 46 Hz to 40 kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 101 dB, making them suitable for home studios and nearfield listening.
4. Improved Connectivity: Connectivity options include balanced XLR/TRS inputs, RCA/AUX, Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC support, and a headphone output, along with onboard tuning controls and app-based EQ customization.
5. Competitive Advantage: The MR5’s tri-amped design and extensive input/output options provide a competitive edge over similar models like Kali Audio LP-6 V2 and Presonus Eris E5 XT.
Edifier has recently introduced the MR5 studio monitor speakers, bringing a new high-quality choice to its range of affordable audio equipment. The speakers became available at select retailers on June 24, 2025, and had a broader release starting on July 1. The MR5 is priced at $349.99 for a pair and is a three-way, tri-amped system that builds on the earlier MR4 monitor series.
Features and Specifications
The MR5 is equipped with a 5-inch woofer, a 3.75-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, with each component powered by its own Class-D amplifier. This tri-amped design allows for clearer crossover transitions and improved frequency management throughout the audio spectrum. The frequency response is specified to range from 46 Hz to 40 kHz, and it can achieve a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 101 dB at one meter.
In contrast to the MR4, which uses a two-way system, the MR5 distinguishes its mid frequencies to prevent any overlap between the bass and treble sounds. With larger drivers and greater total output power of 110 W RMS per pair, the MR5 is ideal for home studios or nearfield listening situations that require additional headroom and clarity.
Enhanced Connectivity
The connectivity options are also improved. The MR5 comes with balanced XLR/TRS inputs, RCA/AUX, Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC support, and a headphone output, making it versatile for various setups. Users can also access onboard tuning controls and benefit from app-based EQ customization through Edifier’s ConneX app, enabling them to tailor the sound to fit different environments or mixes.
Despite their relatively small size, each speaker weighs more than 5 kg. The product has been certified for Hi-Res Audio, allowing for playback of up to 24-bit/96 kHz.
Competitive Edge
When comparing with the MR4, the MR5 brings several enhancements:
At this price point, competing options like the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 and Presonus Eris E5 XT generally do not offer a tri-amped design with such a comprehensive range of inputs and outputs. This gives the Edifier MR5 a clear advantage over those models.
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July 16, 2025
Reimagine Co-Producer Plugin: AI Music Sample Variations
Key Takeaways
1. AI Remixing Feature: The Co-Producer plugin’s Re-imagine feature uses AI to remix sound samples, generating new, royalty-free audio.
2. Streamlined Music Creation: Musicians can create sound samples from AI text prompts, simplifying the process of finding suitable audio.
3. Endless Variations: The plugin generates numerous variations of original samples, promoting creativity and reducing the risk of copyright issues.
4. Compatibility with DAWs: Works with various DAWs supporting 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, including Ableton, Cubase, and Logic Pro.
5. Subscription Pricing: Available for $9.99 per month, with a $14.99 plan that includes additional audio products.
Output Co-Producer plugin for DAWs has introduced a new feature called Re-imagine that allows music producers to remix sound samples using AI technology. The newly generated samples are completely royalty-free, and the AI does not rely on any illegally sourced music samples for its training or audio production.
Streamlined Music Creation
This plugin can create sound samples based on AI text prompts, which helps musicians avoid the hassle of sifting through online libraries to find suitable audio for their projects. Additionally, it can provide sample ideas to accompany any track it listens to within a DAW.
Endless Possibilities
The Co-Producer Re-imagine feature produces countless variations of original samples, assisting creators in generating fresh takes on their music. This helps to reduce redundancy, steer clear of copyrighted material, and spark innovative ideas for their compositions.
Compatibility and Pricing
Co-Producer is a software solution that functions in DAWs compatible with 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST3 plugin types, including Ableton (available for purchase on Amazon), Cubase, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro (version 11.1 or higher), Pro Tools, Reason, Reaper, and Studio One, on both Mac and PC systems.
To use the software, a subscription costs $9.99 per month. The $14.99 Output One monthly plan also provides access to the company’s other audio products.
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July 14, 2025
Google Now Playing May Soon Display Album Artwork
Key Takeaways
1. The Google Pixel’s Now Playing feature identifies songs playing nearby and displays the title and artist on the lock screen.
2. A future update may allow the display of album artwork alongside song information on the lock screen.
3. Users can tap on the song title to unlock their phone and view more details, including a history of previously identified songs.
4. An upcoming feature includes a heart-shaped button for favoriting or removing songs from the favorites list.
5. The release date for the updated Now Playing feature is still uncertain.
The Google Pixel’s Now Playing feature may soon include album artwork. Right now, when a Pixel phone detects music playing nearby, this feature smartly identifies the song, displaying the title and artist on the lock screen. Users can tap the song title and unlock their phone to see more details. Additionally, the Now Playing history can be found in the phone’s settings, allowing users to favorite songs.
Update on Album Artwork
A recent report from Android Authority states that Google is developing the option to show the corresponding album artwork on the lock screen. This potential update to the Now Playing feature was found in a recent Android System Intelligence update. It appears that while the main layout will stay the same, users of Pixel phones will have the ability to tap on the song to expand the notification and see the album art displayed on the lock screen.
New Features Coming Soon
Moreover, it looks like tapping on the track will also show a heart-shaped favorite button, which can be used to add or remove a song from your favorites list. Users are expected to double-tap to view their Now Playing history. It is still unclear when or if Google will roll out this updated version of the Now Playing feature to Pixel phone users. Back in July 2025, Google surprised everyone with a Pixel Drop that introduced new Circle to Search features for the US and India, along with a complimentary one-year subscription to Google AI Pro for owners of the Pixel 9 Pro (Obsidian, 128 GB, unlocked, curr. $999 at Amazon).
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Tags: Google Pixel
July 14, 2025
Sony WH-1000XM6 Hinge Issues Persist, User Reports Highlight Problems
Key Takeaways
1. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are designed with metal parts to improve hinge strength, addressing issues from the previous model.
2. A customer has reported a broken hinge, indicating potential ongoing durability concerns despite improvements.
3. The lower hinge assembly is still primarily plastic, raising questions about its long-term reliability.
4. Replacement parts for the WH-1000XM6, including hinges, are listed but currently out of stock, limiting repair options.
5. Affected headphones are under warranty and can be repaired at no cost, but it’s unclear if hinge issues will be widespread like with the previous model.
According to Sony, the WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones are built to be stronger than before. To fix the common hinge problems seen in the last model, Sony has used some metal parts. However, just a few weeks after the official launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6 (starting at $448 on Amazon), a customer has posted a picture showing a broken hinge on the new version.
Hinge Issues
To be specific, the metal hinge has come apart from the plastic frame, possibly because of a break in the plastic base of the headphones. The Walkman Blog points out that the bottom part of the hinge assembly is completely made of plastic, lacking any metal to support its strength. This is where the Sony logo can be found.
Repair Options
As shown in the iFixit teardown video below, this part can be changed individually, which means it can be fixed, but Sony has not yet made these spare parts available for purchase. Encompass, a supplier of replacement parts, has already listed 53 different spare parts for the Sony WH-1000XM6, including hinges, but those parts are currently out of stock.
For now, any headphones that are affected should still be under the manufacturer’s warranty, which means they can be repaired without cost. It remains uncertain if the Sony WH-1000XM6 will face widespread hinge issues due to a design flaw, like the previous WH-1000XM5 model. This might just be a one-time occurrence, and it took months for the last model’s defect to become well-known.
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Tags: sony, WH-1000XM6
July 13, 2025
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Headphones at Lowest Price on Amazon
Key Takeaways
1. Shokz is a leading brand in bone-conduction earphones, known for their innovative technology and high-quality products like the OpenRun Pro 2.
2. The OpenRun Pro 2 features a new hybrid driver system called DualPitch, enhancing sound quality by combining bone conduction and air conduction drivers.
3. Weighing only 30 grams, the headphones are lightweight and durable, with an IP55 rating for resistance to dust, sweat, and water.
4. The OpenRun Pro 2 has a 12-hour battery life and charges via USB-C, simplifying the charging process.
5. While Shokz models are highly rated, they face competition from brands like Sony and Bose, which do not offer a dual-driver configuration.
While earphones that allow you to hear your surroundings have become more popular, Shokz remains a top brand that not only started this trend with their unique bone-conduction technology, but also continues to provide some of the finest options available. Their flagship product for runners and fitness lovers, the OpenRun Pro 2, was introduced last year and is currently priced at $125 in orange, down from $180.
New Hybrid Driver Setup
The latest model brings an improved hybrid driver system, which includes both bone conduction and air-conduction drivers, a feature that Shokz refers to as DualPitch technology. This new setup handles the frequency range more efficiently compared to using only the bone-conduction driver, which often has trouble with lower frequencies. It also minimizes physical vibrations when the volume is higher.
Lightweight and Durable Design
These headphones are primarily designed for exercise, weighing only 30 grams. They also have an IP55 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water. Shokz additionally claims that a new AI noise reduction feature enhances microphone quality in difficult conditions.
The battery lasts for 12 hours, and you can charge the headphones through USB-C, eliminating the need for a special magnetic charging cable.
Competing Models in the Market
Even though both the OpenRun and OpenRun Pro models have consistently ranked highly on many reviewers’ lists in this category, they do encounter competition from other brands. This includes the everyday-focused Sony LinkBuds Open earbuds and Bose Ultra Open earbuds, along with the sportier Soundcore AeroFit Pro and Suunto Wing. It’s important to mention that none of these alternatives feature a dual-driver configuration—while the first three utilize air-conduction drivers, the Suunto relies on bone conduction.
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Tags: bone conduction headphones, fitness earbuds, SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2
July 12, 2025
Affordable ANC Headphones with Removable Display
Key Takeaways
1. The Siindoo JH-ANC930Plus features a detachable display that can be used as a remote control for playback and settings.
2. The headphones offer active noise cancellation, making them suitable for use in loud environments like airplanes.
3. They are equipped with 40-millimeter drivers that reproduce sound frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz for quality audio.
4. Connectivity options include a 3.5mm audio jack, along with physical buttons for noise cancellation and volume control.
5. The display allows for customization of wallpaper and includes a small video game feature.
Headphones with displays on their charging cases are not entirely rare, like the JBL Tour Pro 3. Nonetheless, the Siindoo JH-ANC930Plus takes a unique approach by featuring a detachable display that can snap into one of the ear cups. This display functions like a remote control, allowing users to manage playback and tweak various settings. Users can also customize the wallpaper and even play a small video game.
Noise Cancellation Features
This model includes active noise reduction, which can be advantageous in loud places like airplanes. Consistent with typical over-ear headphones, it is equipped with 40-millimeter drivers intended to reproduce sound frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz, ensuring a quality listening experience.
Connectivity and Controls
The Siindoo JH-ANC930Plus headphones offer connectivity through a 3.5mm audio jack. Besides the display, they come with buttons to activate or deactivate noise cancellation, along with controls for volume adjustments. More information about the headphones is available here, where they can be purchased as a direct import for the price of $66.
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Tags: Noise Cancellation
July 12, 2025
DJI Mic 3 Leaks: New Details and Official Accessories Revealed
Key Takeaways
1. Design Similarities: The Mic 3 features subtle design changes from the Mic 2, maintaining key elements like the 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen display and large dial.
2. Dual Audio Outputs: The receiver supports dual audio outputs, allowing simultaneous connections to cameras and headphones.
3. Mic 3 Transmitter Size: The Mic 3 transmitter is expected to be similar in size to the Mic Mini, measuring 14 x 28 x 29 mm.
4. New Windscreen Colors: DJI plans to offer Mic 3 Windscreens in a variety of new colors.
5. Anticipated Release Date: The Mic 3 is expected to launch on July 29, alongside the Osmo 360, but pricing and color options remain undisclosed.
Leaker Igor Bogdanov has shared new details about DJI’s upcoming wireless microphone, just a few days after Jasper Ellens and DroneXL revealed pictures and specs of the same product. While the latter two focused on technical information, Bogdanov has treated his followers with over a dozen pictures showcasing the Mic 3 and its different accessories.
Design Updates
From the latest images, it appears that DJI has made only subtle changes to the design of the receiver compared to the previous Mic 2 model (currently priced at $349 on Amazon). For example, the small display, which measures 1.1 inches on the Mic 2 and features OLED technology with touchscreen capabilities, remains intact. Additionally, the large dial is still present, though it lacks the ‘Mic RX’ label found on the Mic 2.
Functional Features
Furthermore, the receiver includes dual audio outputs, allowing users to connect the device to both cameras and headphones at the same time. The Mic 3 transmitter is anticipated to be similar in size to the Mic Mini, with dimensions of 14 x 28 x 29 mm. Interestingly, it seems that DJI will also offer Mic 3 Windscreens in a variety of new colors, as indicated by the evidence we included above.
Anticipated Release
At this moment, DJI is reportedly aiming for July 29 as the launch date for its new wireless microphone. If the latest leaks hold true, we could see the Mic 3 debuting alongside the highly anticipated Osmo 360. Unfortunately, details about the pricing of the Mic 3 have yet to be disclosed, nor is it clear if the wireless microphone will be available in multiple colors like the Mic 2.
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Tags: DJI Mic 3, Igor Bogdanov, Wireless Microphone
July 11, 2025
Affordable Lenovo Wireless Earbuds Now Available from $7
Key Takeaways
1. Lenovo offers a wider range of products, especially accessories, in China compared to other markets.
2. Prices for Lenovo XT60 Pro and XT88 Pro earbuds are low at $7 and $8 on Aliexpress, but warranty issues may arise with imports.
3. Shipping to the US is free, but import fees are not included in the listed prices.
4. Both models lack high-end features like active noise cancellation and advanced audio codecs.
5. The XT60 Pro has a battery life of up to 6.5 hours (24 hours with the case), while the XT88 Pro lasts up to four hours with larger drivers.
PC giant Lenovo has a much bigger range of products in China, especially when it comes to accessories. While some Lenovo headphones can be found at third-party sellers on Amazon, others can also be imported directly. Buying these products might create issues about warranty rights, but the risk of spending money on the new Lenovo XT60 Pro or XT88 Pro earbuds is quite low, as they are currently priced at $7 and $8 on Aliexpress, respectively.
Shipping and Pricing Details
For customers in the US, shipping is free, but any potential import fees aren’t included in these prices. Despite the “Pro” label in their names, these wireless headphones aren’t high-end options. Therefore, buyers will not get some of the more advanced features like active noise cancellation or better quality codecs such as LDAC or even lossless codecs.
Design and Battery Life
Nonetheless, the Lenovo Erazer XT60 Pro are wireless headphones designed with an open style. These earbuds fit around the ears and should stay in place even during intense workouts, possibly making them more comfortable than standard in-ear models. They reportedly have a battery life of up to 6.5 hours, which can be extended to 24 hours with the included charging case. In contrast, the Lenovo Erazer XT88 Pro are classic in-ear headphones with a battery life of up to four hours and come with larger 13mm drivers, compared to the 10mm drivers found in the XT60 Pro.
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Tags: Lenovo
July 11, 2025
Hisense Launches 13-Speaker Dolby Atmos Surround System, 720W
Key Takeaways
1. Hisense HT Saturn surround sound system launched globally, with online retailers listing it.
2. Priced at €999, it features Dolby Atmos and a 4.1.2 channel setup with 13 speakers.
3. The system includes up-firing speakers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer, certified “tuned by Devialet.”
4. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI In, eARC, and optical inputs, with stable wireless transmission.
5. EzPlay feature allows control via a Hisense TV remote for easy sound management.
Back in April, Hisense introduced a new surround sound system named the HT Saturn. At that time, the company mentioned that it would be available globally soon. June was suggested as the launch month for several countries, but it has not yet appeared in many European regions. However, the wait seems to be nearly over, as some online retailers have already started to list the home theater system.
Pricing and Specs
The official price tag for the Hisense HT Saturn is €999. For this price, customers receive a surround sound system featuring Dolby Atmos and 4.1.2 channels. It includes a total of 13 speakers spread across four satellite units and a subwoofer.
Each satellite comes with an up-firing speaker, a tweeter, and a full-range speaker. Furthermore, there is a subwoofer that has a 6.5-inch driver. The outcome is a 4.1.2-channel surround sound setup that boasts an exclusive “tuned by Devialet” certification, which reportedly merges Hisense’s advanced Hi-Concerto architecture with Devialet’s acoustic innovations.
Connectivity and Features
The Hisense HT Saturn can be effortlessly synchronized with compatible Hisense TV speakers. It is compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, promising to deliver a sound that fills the room. The Chinese brand also claims to offer an impressive 7.1.2-channel 3D audio experience when all the outputs are functioning together.
Wireless transmission utilizes 2.4, 5.2, and 5.8GHz frequencies to ensure stable connections with minimal latency. The new Hisense speaker system also supports Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI In, HDMI eARC, and optical inputs. Lastly, Hisense’s EzPlay feature lets users manage the sound system using a standard Hisense TV remote control to modify volume, sound modes (like standard, movie, music, game, and sport), and more.
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Tags: Dolby Atmos
July 11, 2025
Ultimea Skywave F30 Boom: Preorder New 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Key Takeaways
1. Ultimea has introduced the Skywave F30 Boom, a Dolby Atmos soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer, priced at $185.
2. The soundbar features a 3.1.2-channel audio configuration with multiple drivers, including upward-firing speakers for enhanced audio experience.
3. It delivers a peak audio output of 360 watts and supports various audio input methods including HDMI (eARC) and optical input.
4. The system allows playback from USB drives with up to 128GB capacity and includes Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
5. Users can control and personalize the soundbar through a dedicated smartphone application.
Ultimea has started to make a name for itself, especially in areas like projectors and soundbars. Recently, the Skywave F30 Boom has been added to their collection of home theater devices, and it includes a special subwoofer. In the US, customers can now place preorders for this Dolby Atmos soundbar priced at $185 on the brand’s official website, but shipping won’t begin until late August.
Features and Design
The soundbar comes equipped with several individual drivers. It has left and right drivers, a central speaker, and two upward-firing speakers. The sound produced by these upward speakers is meant to bounce off the ceiling, aiming to create a richer audio experience without needing extra satellite speakers. Ultimea has also included a dedicated subwoofer to enhance the bass, resulting in a 3.1.2-channel audio configuration.
Performance Specs
The audio output is rated at 360 watts, which refers to its peak power. This home theater system supports Dolby Atmos and can accept audio signals through HDMI (eARC), optical input, and various audio formats that can be played directly from an external USB drive with a capacity of up to 128GB. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.4, and the Ultimea soundbar comes with a remote control in the package. Finally, the Skywave F30 Boom can be personalized and managed using a special smartphone application.
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Tags: Dolby Atmos, Ultimea