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Industry & Product News
Devialet Designs Headrest Speaker Systems for First Class Seats
Safran Seats has unveiled Euphony, an innovative passenger experience solution for Business and First Class seats that provides passengers with a headset-free and high-quality individual sound experience. The solution, revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Exhibition in Germany, has been developed in partnership with French audio manufacturer Devialet, contributing its electroacoustic engineering expertise to this joint effort. Read More
Creative Technology Introduces Smart Bluetooth 5.2 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive
The very slow response from the Bluetooth SIG to fast-evolving consumer technologies and products has created a situation where companies need to design work-around solutions that include increasingly dedicated non-standard transmitters and Bluetooth dongles. Creative Technology just launched Creative BT-W4, its latest Bluetooth audio transmitter to enable seamless connectivity and bring support for Qualcomm's latest aptX Adaptive high-resolution audio technology. Read More
Bowers & Wilkins Introduces Px7 S2 Over-Ear Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned British hi-fi audio brand, launched the new Px7 S2 active noise cancelling wireless headphones, an updated design that reflects advancements achieved over the past two years in the category. Leveraging the most advanced Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 platform with aptX Adaptive, the Px7 S2 adds all new drivers fine-tuned for high-resolution audio, in a refined design that is lower in weight and even more comfortable. Read More
ArkX Laboratories and Sensory Launch Custom Wake-Word and Command Sets for Brand Voice Experience
ArkX Laboratories announced the launch of EveryWord Voice Control featuring the Sensory TrulyHandsfree SDK technology suite. The combination of the two companies' advanced far-field voice capture and speech recognition technologies, enable OEMs to create custom wake-words, small to medium command sets (21 dialects), and speaker verification models for voice interfaces when integrated with the production-ready EveryWord Audio Front End (AFE) or Voice Module. Read More
GRAS Adds TEDS Functionality to Couplers, Ear Simulators, and Head-and-Torso Systems
GRAS Sound & Vibration, now part of Axiometrix Solutions, has confirmed that all its ear simulator test platforms now include Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) calibration functionality. GRAS, together with sister company Audio Precision, has long focused on incorporating TEDS in all systems to ensure reliable data and to ease all aspects of installation and test platform setup. Read More
Nordic Semiconductor Showcases Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast Development Solutions
Nordic Semiconductor has used the latest trade shows to globally showcase its latest low-power wireless solutions, and introduced a series of new development solutions targeting Bluetooth LE Audio. At the Embedded World Exhibition that took place in Nuremberg, Germany, Nordic offered demonstrations of its new nRF5340 Audio Development Kit (DK), a design platform for rapid development of LE Audio products, and the Nordic Thingy:53 a rapid prototyping solution, both based on Nordic’s nRF5340 SoC. Read More
How to Overcome Technical Limitations in Automated Production of Loudspeakers and Headphones
Audio system and loudspeaker manufacturers depend upon semi- or fully automatic production to be able to meet the quality and consistency standards required by automotive audio and advanced consumer electronics applications. preeflow branded solutions - powered by ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH - ensure precise, purely volumetric dispensing of liquids in the smallest of quantities, and ensure low total cost of ownership due to maintenance-free operation. Read More
AES New York 2022 Convention Reconnects the Audio Industry, October 18-21
The Audio Engineering Society (AES) announced registration is now open for the 153rd AES New York 2022 Convention, taking place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from October 19–20, with pre-and post-show activities on the 18th and 21st, followed by an online component, October 26–27. The first in-person AES convention in the US will be co-located with the NAB Show New York. Read More
Fender Announces All-New Lifestyle Range of Fender Audio Products
Reviving the original strategy that motivated the acquisition of in-ear monitor manufacturer Aurisonics and taking lessons from the very successful playbook of Swedish design house Zound Industries with guitar amplifier brand Marshall, Fender announces an all-new range of consumer Fender Audio products. From true wireless earbuds designed like musicians IEMs, to portable Bluetooth speakers that look like miniature Fender guitar amps. Read More
Guest Editorial
Barry Vogel
(ALTI Executive Director)
Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International
A Reasserted Commitment to the Audio Industry
Occasional self-examination is a useful exercise to continually evaluate one’s mission, and goals, and relevance to those we serve or lead. At Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI), we make this an annual practice immediately after ALTI Expo while member conversations and comments are fresh in our minds. The ALTI Executive Advisory Board is deeply involved and all ideas are discussed.

A Board Member asked a simple question: “Who are we?” I thought this was rather obvious! I was wrong. ALTI has been dedicated to the loudspeaker industry since its creation in 1961. In recent years, it was decided that while ALTI will always be loudspeaker centric, it is important to address other parts of the signal chain that would exert profound influence on how loudspeakers are designed, built, and how they go to market now and in the future. ALTI will continue to promote this philosophy, which is a major reason why we changed our name in 2018 from ALMA (Association of Loudspeaker Manufacturing and Acoustics) to ALTI (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International). However, it is important to never lose sight of who we are, and where our focus lies.
ALTI Association has refreshed all social media pages and groups on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a consistent look and better reflect the Association's renewed mission. Like, Follow and Comment regularly.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, ALTI will be introducing a fresh look and feel to our social media channels - the process has already started and you can check it out on any of our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram pages, or join our Groups, including ALTI's Student Chapter on Facebook and LinkedIn. A new website is also in the works, aiming to better serve our members but also enable more involvement. The newsletter will also undergo some changes and upgrades. The purpose of all of this is really simple: to reinforce the Association's Mission and Vision.

ALTI Association’s mission is "to promote and advance the interests of the loudspeaker and related audio technologies industry for the benefit of our members and the industry at large." But we have also refreshed the association's vision.

“ALTI Association’s goal is to be the hub of the global loudspeaker and related technologies industry by providing representation, create networking opportunities, promote new technologies, and bring the industry together with a common goal of contributing to continuous growth and to uphold our industry at the center of the audio world.”

The two statements above encapsulate who we are, and where we are going. They also address in a small way, the reason why ALTI is an essential association for the entire loudspeaker industry. No other association has the singular focus on the loudspeaker industry while encompassing the entire industry. ALTI does not focus exclusively on the pro industry, or the consumer industry, or OEM/ODM. ALTI members include pure transducer and speaker component manufacturers, all the way to finished product headphones and audio test and measurement solution providers. If it makes sound or participates in making sound; ALTI is the trade association for you!

While lighting and video are important and exciting technologies, they are well represented elsewhere. ALTI is the Audio & Loudspeaker Association. Not an audio engineering or an audio experts’ organization, but truly an industry association that encompasses all individuals and organizations working in the sector, promoting inclusivity and professional development.
ALTI Association celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021 and the landmark moment was acknowledged during ALTI Expo 2022, after two years of global pandemic. And the celebration was an important reminder of the importance of keeping the industry together for everyone that attended the event. ALTI Expo was named the Audio industry’s Best Kept Secret, but those who know about it will always come back.
One of the key pillars for an association are the support and promotion of business opportunities and trade shows. ALTI Expo and Conference takes place in June annually, just before InfoComm, in Las Vegas, NV, on even years, and Orlando, FL, on odd years. It is a focused show that boasts big advantages. Every exhibitor is relevant. Every attendee is a prospective client. Every presentation by the industry’s best is important and instructive. Because of the focus and smaller footprint, face-to-face business gets done! Contacts are made. Careers move forward. It happens every year. This is a productive annual event.

In addition to ALTI Expo, ALTI is investigating the possibility of hosting a hospitality suite during CES 2023, January 4-8, in Las Vegas, which will act as a hub for ALTI member companies for private meetings and meet-and-greet events. While still in the planning stages, the vision is to have an open area where sponsor ALTI members will be able to secure a business table, with private meeting rooms available for booking. ALTI members will be able to set up an agile representation, organize meetings, relax and reorganize between meetings - and network effectively with other key audio companies during the show. For a lower cost than booking a private suite in Las Vegas, the ALTI Hospitality Suite at CES will offer even more business opportunities and better logistics. Places will be limited, so interested companies should reach out now.
Given the expected low attendance - which turned out to be way better that everyone predicted - the ALMA Awards will make its much anticipated return in 2023 (much more to be revealed). Still, ALTI was pleased to recognize the long-term and on-going contributions for the benefit of the association. Volunteers, such as industry consultant Mark Beach, are essential to the success of ALTI and deservedly received recognition for their longstanding contributions.
Following a successful edition of our ALTI Expo under challenging conditions this year, we are fully focused on building the Association's scope and multiplying our efforts for next year, with better promotion, more initiatives, and even better value for our members. Further hospitality suites and ALTI booths are being considered for other industry trade shows.

Members that might be interested in participating are invited to contact barryv@altiassoc.org. ALTI is committed to work tirelessly to expand the Association and fully achieve our renewed vision and mission as stated above. Once we do achieve them, we will aim ever higher. It is what ALTI members and the vibrant industry we serve deserves. Thank to all those who support and attended ALTI Expo 2022!
At ALTI Expo, visitors are invited to bring their own loudspeakers and get them measured in front of a highly qualified audience if they so wish. Where else would you find a complete suite of test and measurement systems, including the full suite of Klippel systems, operated by the Warkwyn experts, an acoustic R&D company that offers the most sophisticated independent acoustic measurement lab in North America and is Klippel's exclusive North American sales and support agent.
Steve Temme, the CEO and founder of Listen, talks to Andrew Bellavia, director of market development at Knowles Corp., both of whom provided great presentations during the conference. Steve Temme introduced his latest Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz Measurement algorithm for Production Line Use, which is now a fundamental part of the latest SoundCheck 20 software. Andrew Bellavia was this year's ALTI Keynote Speaker, and also presented on the topic of hearing personalization.
ALTI Expo 2022 was a small intimate affair that still managed to provide great returns for all the association members who exhibited and attended. Including startup companies with cutting-edge loudspeaker technologies such as Resonado Labs and Dinaburg Technology. Because there's no better way to get business done. Next time, no one wants to be left out.
For some first-time exhibitors, such as Echo Test and Measurement - showing its modular AIO Test System - ALTI Expo means a unique opportunity to attend an event where virtually every visitor (and even other exhibitors) are potential clients.
Very happy ALTI Expo exhibitors (from left to right) Ferrotec, Composite Sound, and NTi Audio. Pictured J.Martins, audioXpress editor-in-chief talks to Vanessa Rene, Ferrofluid Product Specialist at Ferrotec (USA); Amanda Glaser, Operations and Quality Supervisor with Martin Turesson, Head of TPCD at Composite Sound; Rick Stillmaker US Sales, and Gregor Schmidle Product Manager at NTi Audio.
JL Mag Rare Earth and Yunsheng USA were two magnet supplier companies attending ALTI Expo and looking to reinforce their connections to the loudspeaker industry. While efforts to rebuild supply resilience of rare earth minerals used for permanent magnets and supply the speaker industry are underway, neodymium magnet fabrication is still predominately dependent on China and that's not going to change very quickly. It’s important for speaker companies to establish solid supply chain roadmaps with existing suppliers and ALTI Association can play an important role in creating those connections. For ALTI Expo 2023, a special session on the topic is being planned and magnet companies are invited to reach out.
Hearables in Focus
The Acoustical Challenges of Designing True Wireless Earphones
By Andrew Bellavia (Knowles Corp.)
Expanding the perspective on the evolution toward hearables, this article explores the current trends as well as the acoustical challenges and solutions for designing true wireless earphones. The article explains the enabling technologies currently converging as the TWS market continues to grow and use cases multiply, with more consumers using wireless earbuds for a diverse and varied set of applications, from listening to podcasts and audiobooks to Internet meetings and interacting with voice assistants. This article was originally published in audioXpress, April 2022. Read the Full Article Now Available Here
Voice Coil Patent Review
Improved Speaker Structure by Jazz Hipster
By James Croft
This article reviews a patent application submitted in 2010 by to two inventors, on behalf of Jazz Hipster Corp. (Taiwan), regarding an improved structure of a speaker where a circumference of the diaphragm is sealed to an edge of an opening of the cone frame, a container portion is disposed on an inner side of the opening of the cone frame and the surround is disposed between the diaphragm and the container portion of the cone frame, allowing for both expanding the effective diaphragm surface area, for a given loudspeaker chassis diameter, and to provide a suspension that is more linear and arranged for reduced audibility of any nonlinearities that are generated during large diaphragm/suspension excursions. The invention provides an improved speaker structure using the surround to reduce the resistance of the diaphragm excursion, which helps to generate a more linear diaphragm movement, with less resistance, and reduced distortion. As James Croft noted, the approach had been used in the past, but its use decreased due to the high-performance achieved with well-designed roll-surrounds, at a lower cost. Not surprisingly this patent was subsequently abandoned. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2016.  Read the Full Article Now Available Here
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