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Author Archives: David Bergmann

Ed Thorne trusts in PSI Audio A23-M and commends their “most neutral, transparent sound”

March 20, 2024 at 10:03 am

Ed Thorne is serious about sound, which his subscribers on YouTube appreciate. Not willing to compromise on his monitoring system, the London-based music producer tested a number of popular studio speakers and eventually picked his favourites: PSI Audio A23-M. 

Ed Thorne: drummer, producer, YouTuber

For Ed Thorne, music really was his first love – more specifically, the drums. Starting to play at 11 years old, he broke into the professional music scene in London in his early twenties, regularly playing five gigs per week. He soon found himself taking care of the tech the bands needed, and consequently started his own full-time sound company. Over time, he gravitated more towards studio work, and eventually focussed on recording and mixing music. “And that is where YouTube came in,” Ed Thorne explains. “I wanted to document the process of writing, recording and producing an album, just to give people an idea of exactly what is involved in production.” Success was not immediate, as Thorne remembers: “I did a couple of videos documenting the first song that I fully recorded, engineered and mixed myself. No one cared. So I pivoted and did some educational content, like how EQs worked. Things I knew from my live days. Again, no one cared.” Then came the pandemic, and things changed. “I made a video comparing audio interfaces, and just so happened to release them in April 2020 when everyone was looking for content like that. The video took off and somewhat defined the YouTube channel.” 

Extensive shoot-outs to find the perfect speakers

Like with his content, Ed Thorne also tried different monitoring systems. “It was an interesting journey because I really had to figure out what was going to work for me,” he says. His studio room in Western London is quite small, which always poses a challenge in terms of acoustics. So he tried very different speakers: the popular ones, the obvious ones, some more exotic ones. After time-consuming and elaborate listening tests, Ed Thorne had collected a lot more experience with speakers. And he had formed an opinion that governed his choice – the Swiss-precision three-way speakers A23-M by PSI Audio.

Analogue precision and natural depth

One major reason for Ed Thorne to pick PSI Audio over all other brands is the all-analogue approach. “I tried a lot of speakers,” he explains, “and some were really good, but they used DSPs and I felt like I could hear when the DSP was interfering and correcting. Almost as if they were trying to trick my ears. With PSI Audio, I immediately recognized that they are 100 percent analogue. They sound so natural. They’re the most neutral, transparent speakers I could find.” When asked to elaborate on the analogue sound, Thorne replies: “The most spacious top and the deepest depth. It’s like with preamps. Preamp modelling can sound quite good, but it is relatively flat, it lacks depth and richness. There is a three-dimensionality with analogue gear. That was something I heard with the PSI Audio speakers – others could come close, but something just doesn’t feel right with them. It does with PSI Audio.” 

PSI Audio takes the guesswork out of mixing

Professionals need to be able to rely on the sound image they are presented by their speaker systems, and Ed Thorne stresses this fact with an anecdote. “I like running my guitars through a Wes Audio Rhea for its THD circuit. It creates some tube harmonics and saturation with the THD on medium at one percent and on high at 2.5 percent. On my previous speakers, I would notice the 2.5 percent when I would switch it on and off. On the PSI Audio speakers, even at only one percent, I was like: Oh! We will have to be careful with that!” Before, Thorne needed to double-check his mixes on different systems, even on his phone. With his PSI Audio A23-M, he always gets an accurate representation of the audio he is working on. “Things like overcompression are glaringly obvious,” he says. “The PSI Audio speakers are a joy to work on.”

Products and more information

Ed Thorne uses PSI Audio A23-M all-analogue three-way studio monitors. He can be found online at www.edthorne.com. 

Velodyne Acoustics MiniVee X: Compact Bass Multi-Talent Soon Available

March 20, 2024 at 9:39 am

The MiniVee X subwoofer from Velodyne Acoustics will be available in larger quantities at specialist retailers from the second quarter of 2024. The manufacturer’s latest development was first introduced at this year’s ISE in Barcelona, can be conveniently controlled via app, and offers reliable DSP room adaptation. Furthermore, the model features a wide range of connections with one passive and one active driver in a force-cancelling design: XLR, RCA, and speaker terminals are on board. As usual, Velodyne Acoustics has gone to great lengths to achieve maximum bass with minimal resonance reproduction, using cabinet bracing, a double-vented voice coil, and generously dimensioned components.

MiniVee X: a Multi-Talent for Precise Bass

The MiniVee X subwoofer has a sealed MDF cabinet and is finished with high-gloss lacquer. Despite its compact dimensions, the manufacturer has deliberately chosen to add additional bracing inside to make the construction even more torsionally rigid. This allows the subwoofer to achieve the best possible bass performance with superior precision. The two completely newly designed 8-inch drivers also contribute significantly to the extraordinarily low-resonance reproduction. One passive and one active driver are arranged opposite each other in a force-cancelling design, and a 2-inch voice coil with four-layer winding enables powerful and extremely precise membrane excursion. To ensure optimal heat dissipation despite the impressive power of 350 watts RMS, the drive is double-vented.

Wide Range of Connections

Thanks to excellent connectivity, the new subwoofer’s application possibilities are nearly unlimited: The RCA connections for the left and right channels and the LFE input allow for easy installation in HiFi and home theater systems. Additionally, speaker terminals are available to connect amplifier electronics without suitable RCA outputs. Many high-end enthusiasts prefer the parallel wiring of subwoofer and main speakers using the high-level input. Moreover, Velodyne Acoustics has also installed XLR connections to enable truly the full range of wiring options.

Convenient Control and Automatic Room Correction

For Velodyne Acoustics, automatic room correction has long been an important feature of their subwoofers. With the new Velodyne Acoustics Auto EQ App, users can optimally harmonize the MiniVee X with the room and their listening preferences. Numerous DSP functions can be controlled intuitively via the software for Android or iOS smartphones. Settings such as volume, crossover frequency, and phase, as well as the Auto-EQ function, can be quickly and easily adjusted with the app. Another highlight is included in the delivery: The MiniVee X comes with a specially tuned measurement microphone.

Prices and Availability

The MiniVee X subwoofer is expected to be available from authorized dealers from Q2 2024. The recommended retail price including VAT is 999.00 euros.

IsoAcoustics and Sonus faber cooperate on the new high-end Suprema sound system

March 19, 2024 at 10:36 am

Sonus faber and IsoAcoustics have worked together to optimize the decoupling of the new Sonus faber Suprema flagship speaker system retailing for US$750,000. This 2.2 system consists of two main speaker columns, two subwoofers, an active crossover and employs IsoAcoustics GAIA-Capsule isolators in its base to mitigate vibrations. The patented IsoAcoustics technology helps the exquisite components of Suprema to develop their full potential without interference from vibrations in the room or reflections back into the cabinet.

Absolute sonic excellence: Sonus faber Suprema

Sonus faber is a name synonymous with immaculate sound. The Italian manufacturer does not compromise when developing its sophisticated systems, and the new Suprema is a testament to that philosophy. Priced at US$750,000, the Suprema system includes two main columns, and two subwoofers, along with an electronic crossover, all delicately crafted from exquisite materials. Ten drivers per main column, two of which are mounted in the back, are complemented by two powerful low-frequency drivers per subwoofer to generate the natural, immensely detailed sound Sonus faber is famous for. 

Get the sound off the ground: IsoAcoustics isolators in Suprema

The Sonus faber Suprema is a real full-range system, reaching from 16 Hz all the way up to 40 kHz. The engineers at Sonus faber would not let such a wide-ranging and finely tuned system simply connect to the floor and create resonances to interfere with the purity of its sound – so they got IsoAcoustics on board. A multi-level suspension system between the cabinet and the baseplate in both the tower speakers and the subwoofers ensures the Suprema can exploit its full potential. The tuned set of IsoAcoustics GAIA-Capsule isolators keep vibrations from reaching the supporting surface and mitigate their reflection back into the cabinet, allowing Suprema to shine in all its brilliance and glorious depth. “We used to have a decoupling system outside of the main body, but that solution with exposed springs or elastomers was always a compromise for us,” says Chief Design Officer Livio Cucuzza. “With Suprema we wanted to keep the design cleaner and more integrated. We had the opportunity to develop a system with IsoAcoustics that is part of the main structure.”

Instant upgrade for every speaker: IsoAcoustics technology

The patented IsoAcoustics technology is designed to decouple devices such as speakers, turntables and other audio equipment from their respective supporting structures. This acoustic isolation results in two major effects: firstly, vibrations are not transferred to the supporting structure, and hence do not resonate in the room. The sound in the room is clearer and is not disturbed by interference. Secondly, vibrations are also not conducted back into the speaker cabinet, where they could smear the sound image and impede everything from the frequency response to transients, and ultimately blurring the sound. Using IsoAcoustics isolators improves speaker performance, resulting in a more transparent and detailed sound. So much so, that even a high-end system like the Sonus faber Suprema benefits from this integration.

Sonus faber and IsoAcoustics – acoustic delight

While the IsoAcoustics effect can help any speaker sound its best, Sonus faber has gone to the next level by integrating the new GAIA-Capsule version of the renowned IsoAcoustics isolators into the Suprema system. By considering the speaker within its environmental context, Sonus faber enhances the auditory experience, taking it to a superior level with this innovative integration. “IsoAcoustics achieve this great performance in the mid-high frequencies where everything becomes clearer without losing dynamics on bass,” Livio explains. “IsoAcoustics is more precise, more refined, and everything in the soundstage is more clearly localized. We are really happy with the results.” Sonus faber and IsoAcoustics – a cooperation for absolute sonic perfection.

Further information

For more information on the Sonus faber Suprema please visit www.sonusfaber.com.

Violectric HPA V281-LE: a modern legend returns in a Limited Edition

March 13, 2024 at 11:58 am

Photograph showing the the headphone amplifier HPA V281 in the foreground. The background shows an exhibition floor

Violectric brings back the headphone amplifier HPA V281 in a Limited Edition. Even years after its discontinuation, demand for the true balanced amplifier remained high, particularly in the USA, so Violectric introduced the new V281-LE at CanJam in New York. It features one balanced XLR input, two unbalanced RCA inputs, one balanced XLR output, one unbalanced RCA output and headphone outs as 4-pin XLR (balanced), 4.4-mm Pentaconn (balanced) and 6.3-mm jack (unbalanced). The famous Pre Gain feature makes the V281-LE the perfect amp for almost every type of headphones. The volume control is realized as a 128-step reed relay circuit, providing unparalleled channel matching and transparency.

Due to popular demand: V281 returns as Limited Edition

The Violectric HPA V281-LE is a limited re-run of the famous V281. The original high-quality headphone amplifier with switchable line outs for integration into sophisticated listening environments enjoys unbroken popularity despite not being produced since 2020. The continued demand for the excellent head amp motivated Violectric to bring it back – as a Limited Edition, targeted exclusively at the US-American market. The “Limited Edition” badge is the only change of design, however – in every other aspect, the V281-LE is just the V281, exactly as it should be.

Balanced in, balanced out

Like the original, the Violectric HPA V281-LE is a true balanced amplifier, boasting four built-in amps. The fully balanced design also shows in the connections: XLR connectors as line inputs and outputs on the one side, 4-pin XLR and 4.4-mm Pentaconn connectors for balanced headphones on the other. For the sake of flexibility and compatibility, unbalanced connections are also possible. Two RCA inputs accept additional line sources and a standard 6.3-mm output jack drives conventional headphones. Experience shows, however: once you tried balanced headphones, you do not go back. 

Flexible integration and adaptable settings

The connectors are but one feature of the Violectric HPA V281-LE that promotes versatility. The device can also be adapted to suit the needs of its environment. Possibly the most prominent example of this devotion to customizability is the famous Pre Gain feature: a set of switches allows for the adjustment of the headphone level to compensate for different headphone types. This feature ensures optimal travel for the volume control, no matter what type or impedance the headphones of choice are. A similar gain adjustment can be applied to the line outputs. They can also be switched to be affected or not affected by the central volume control, depending on whether the connected device has its own volume control. This outstanding adaptability makes the V281-LE ideal for pretty much any listening setup.

High-quality parts and exquisite craftsmanship

Violectric products are designed, developed and built in the company’s own manufacture in southern Germany. Well-trained specialists immaculately marry top-tier components for that true “Made in Germany” feel – and sound! All inputs and outputs are gold-plated, the black anodized aluminum enclosure is topped by a solid, laser-engraved aluminum front panel. The absolute highlight is the volume control: the 128-step reed relay circuit ensures utmost channel matching, clarity and precision at 0.8 dB per step. There simply is no better way to set audio volume. Peak quality, peak performance – the Violectric HPA V281-LE delivers.

Price and availability

The limited edition Violectric HPA V281-LE is available immediately from US retailers. The MSRP is 2,699.95 USD. 

PSI Audio introduces white AVAA C214 at HIGH END 2024

March 2, 2024 at 10:16 am

PSI Audio introduces the new white AVAA C214 at HIGH END 2024. The new version retains all the acoustic qualities of the C214, but can be easier to integrate visually, depending on the room design. The PSI Audio booth R09 in hall 3 of the MOC Munich will feature a listening room equipped with AVAA C214 and Héritage3 high-end speakers for visitors to experience the effect of the AVAA. There will also be a special demo box to illustrate its principle outside the listening room.

Acoustic black hole – now in white!


PSI Audio introduced the AVAA C214 last year, expanding the AVAA family with a device that takes the principle established by the original AVAA C20 and adapts it to cater specifically to home audio users. Initially, the C214 was only available in black. At HIGH END, however, PSI Audio introduces the new white version that can visually integrate even better into accordingly designed listening spaces. The functionality remains unaltered.

No more room modes: the AVAA principle

The PSI Audio AVAA C214 tackles the biggest challenge in acoustic room treatment: low-frequency room modes. These resonant frequencies are different for every room and require individual treatment in traditional acoustics. The AVAA system eliminates the problem by eliminating the resonances. Replacing massive porous absorbers up to 45 times its size, the AVAA C214 automatically detects low-frequency waves between 15 and 150 Hz and acts like a hole in the wall, effectively removing those waves from the room. The result is a clearer, more transparent and authentic low end in the entire room, as AVAA only affects the room modes without changing anything about the direct sound from the source.

Experience AVAA C214 at HIGH END 2024

Visitors of HIGH END 2024 can find PSI Audio at booth R09 in hall 3 and experience the incredible efficiency of the AVAA C214 for themselves. The booth will feature its own, AVAA optimized listening room, with the company’s Héritage3 high-end speakers acting as the source. Outside the listening room there will be a special box to demonstrate the active bass trap. There will also be a get-together on Friday 10th at 6 pm, right after the show ends.

Velodyne Acoustics Presents New Subwoofer MiniVee X and In-Wall Solutions at ISE 2024

January 29, 2024 at 9:40 am

The bass specialist Velodyne Acoustics will be exhibiting at Integrated Systems Europe in Barcelona from January 30 to February 2, 2024. At stand 4G420, the new MiniVee X subwoofer will be presented for the first time, which can be controlled via app and offers convenient, reliable DSP room adaptation. In addition, visitors to the trade fair can see the current installation solutions for subwoofers and amplifiers, which were still shown as prototypes last year. A special highlight is also the legendary SC IW DVR subwoofer with the T-shaped driver chassis.

MiniVee X: a Multi-Talent for Precise Bass

The MiniVee X is a subwoofer with a sealed MDF enclosure and high-gloss lacquer, including many additional internal braces. This design, preferred by Velodyne Acoustics, achieves the best possible bass precision. The two completely newly designed 8-inch drivers also contribute greatly to exceptional, low-resonance reproduction. A passive and an active driver are arranged opposite each other in a force-cancelling design to allow maximum bass reproduction while keeping the enclosure still. A 2-inch voice coil with four-layer winding enables powerful and extremely precise membrane movement. To ensure optimal heat dissipation at the high power of 350W RMS, the drive is double-ventilated for maximum performance. Thanks to very good connectivity, the applications of the new subwoofer are almost unlimited: The RCA connections for the left and right channels and the LFE input enable easy installation. In addition, speaker terminals are available to connect amplifiers or AV receivers without a suitable RCA output. Especially the parallel wiring of subwoofer and main speakers with the high-level input is preferred by many high-end enthusiasts. But Velodyne Acoustics has also installed XLR connections to really enable the full range of wiring.

For Velodyne Acoustics, automatic room correction has been an important feature of subwoofers for many years. With the new Velodyne Acoustics Auto EQ App, users now have a completely new way to optimally harmonize the MiniVee X with the room and their respective listening preferences. Numerous DSP functions can be controlled intuitively via the software for Android or iOS smartphones. A real highlight is also included in the delivery: The MiniVee X comes with a suitably tuned measurement microphone in the package.

In-Wall Subwoofers SC IW-600 X and IW-800 X with Matching Amplifiers

The completely revised SubContractor series, with the two subwoofer models IW-600 X and IW-800 X along with the separate amplifiers SC 1500 and 750, is a guarantee for precise, powerful bass in an in-wall installation. This allows the home theater or even a living room to be optimally supplied with full bass performance – completely installed and inconspicuous. At the trade fair, the IW-600 X, the successor to Velodyne Acoustics’ best-selling installation speaker, is at the stand. It features two 6.5-inch drivers and uses proven passive radiator technology along with lightweight carbon fiber membranes for its unique bass performance. The IW 800 X is equipped with two 8-inch drivers and the same membrane material and is sealed. Both share a revised front design with magnetic driver covers.

The Uncompromising Amplifier Solution

The associated amplifiers SC 1500 and 750 were still prototypes at the last ISE stand and are now displayed as series products in Barcelona. Like their predecessors, the new amplifiers offer automatic room correction, which is now operated with a completely newly developed Auto EQ App. The effective Class-D amplifier boards of SC 1500 and 750 were developed primarily with a focus on high performance while maintaining precision. Thus, they deliver the best possible performance even at higher impedances and work optimally with Velodyne Acoustics’ passive subwoofers. With high-quality RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, all connection wishes are fulfilled. Like all Velodyne Acoustics subwoofers and amplifiers in the SC series, the new models also feature anti-clipping and overheating circuits to prevent distortion from amplifier clipping.

Prices and General Information

The MiniVee X subwoofer is expected to be available from authorized dealers in February. The recommended retail price including VAT is 999.00 euros.
The RRP for the in-wall subwoofers and amplifiers of the SubContractor series is:

  • SC IW 600 X: 1299.00 Euros
  • SC IW 800 X: 1099.00 Euros
  • SC IW DVR + BB: 3468.00 Euros
  • SC 750: 1799.00 Euros
  • SC 1500: 2199.00 Euros

Availability:

  • Available now (SC IW-600 800X)
  • From February 2024 (MiniVee X)
  • From April 2024 (SC 1500 and 750)

IsoAcoustics and HEDD announce specially designed isolation brackets for immersive speaker setups

January 23, 2024 at 9:49 am

Close-up photograph of a ceiling-mounted loudspeaker

Renowned studio monitor manufacturer HEDD and speaker isolation specialist IsoAcoustics announce a series of products developed in cooperation. The mounting solutions M05, M07, M20 and M30 are specially designed to decouple HEDD speakers TYPE 05, TYPE 07, TYPE 20 and TYPE 30 when mounted to ceilings or walls in immersive setups. The sonic prowess of the German speaker company meets the innovative engineering of the Canadian isolation experts to provide the ultimate immersive sound experience. Visitors of NAMM Show 2024 can find HEDD showcasing the new solution at booth 14502 and in their own demo room (TKAB, Hall A), IsoAcoustics is located at booth 14822.

Next-level immersive audio: IsoAcoustics and HEDD

Immersive audio introduces new challenges to speaker setups, in particular when it comes to mounting the ceiling speakers. As the information provided by these speakers is often crucial to the sense of space, and contains very minute details and acoustic cues, immaculate playback quality is paramount. Berlin-based speaker manufacturer HEDD is teaming up with IsoAcoustics, the leading innovators in speaker isolation, to present a tailor-fitted solution for ceiling- or wall-mounting the TYPE series monitor speakers. The results are special brackets in combination with the V120 mount from IsoAcoustics – a combination that competently achieves next-level immersive audio playback.

Just my TYPE: HEDD studio monitor speakers

Since 2015, Heinz Electrodynamic Design or HEDD supplies the audio production industry with highly accurate monitor speakers that aim to recreate sound as lifelike as possible. The real history behind HEDD is a lot longer, though: founder and namesake Klaus Heinz has been an integral part of the industry for decades, with his most famous contribution being the air motion transformer or AMT introduced by his previous company ADAM back in 1999. If there is an AMT in a speaker, chances are its design relates back to Klaus Heinz’s work. Today, HEDD offers a comprehensive portfolio of studio monitor speakers across all size categories and integrating more innovative, proprietary technology like CoP, which allows users to decide and switch between ported and closed speakers, and the HEDD Lineariser, which optimizes phase coherence in systems with subwoofers. HEDD speakers are used in studios around the world, the company has equipped Dolby Atmos rooms in Germany, France, the UK, Korea and the USA. Its commitment to sound and material quality has earned the manufacturer a reputation of great esteem among professionals.

Upgrade for every speaker: IsoAcoustics isolation technology

Even the best speakers can be improved by mitigating unwanted resonance – exactly that is what IsoAcoustics has been doing since 2012. With patented technology, vibration from the speakers is dampened before it can cause disturbing resonances in the room, or even get reflected into the cabinet itself, impeding the speaker’s performance. While IsoAcoustics speaker isolation and its astonishing effect on playback clarity has been well established, the recent development of the V120 Mount has made this ground-breaking technology available for wall- and ceiling-mounted speakers as well. Whether mounted directly to the ceiling or to truss-structures, the V120 Mount makes sure that no resonances smear the sound image in the room. Perfect clarity and transparency – and just the ideal upgrade for already outstanding speakers like the HEDD studio monitors.

Special mounting adapters for HEDD speakers

While the IsoAcoustics V120 is generally available independent of speaker manufacturer, the cooperation between IsoAcoustics and HEDD has led to specially designed adapters and mounting brackets for the HEDD models TYPE 05 MK2, TYPE 07 MK2, TYPE 20 MK2 and TYPE 30 MK2. The innovative U brackets are shaped in a way that allows for installing the brackets first and then lifting the monitor into place. The bolt threads slide into place in the slotted holes of the U brackets and can then be fixed into position to ensure perfect sound direction. To compensate for the speaker’s weight, the TYPE 30 MK2 solution uses two V120 isolators. Brilliant speakers perfectly mounted and positioned – the cooperation between IsoAcoustics and HEDD is a serious upgrade for anyone considering an immersive audio setup.

Experience IsoAcoustics and HEDD at NAMM 2024

Visitors of NAMM 2024 in Anaheim, California, can find HEDD showcasing the new custom solution at the RAD Distribution booth 14502 and in their own demo space (TKAB, Hall A). IsoAcoustics can be found at booth 14822. The NAMM Show takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center from 25th to 28th January 2024.

Prices and availability

All specially designed HEDD isolation ceiling mounts by IsoAcoustics are available immediately. They are available as adapters to connect to the V120 system, and as bundles including everything required to set up the speakers. The MSRP are:

  • M05 Custom adapter for TYPE 05 MK2: 29.99 EUR
  • M07 Custom adapter for TYPE 07 MK2): 29.99 EUR
  • M20 Custom adapter for TYPE 20 MK2): 99.99 EUR
  • M30 Custom adapter for TYPE 30 MK2): 139.99 EUR
  • M05 Bundle (incl. C-Bracket / V120 for ceiling mount): 249.99 EUR
  • M05 Bundle (incl. L-Bracket / V120 for ceiling mount): 274.99 EUR
  • M07 Bundle (incl. C-Bracket / V120 for ceiling mount): 249.99 EUR
  • M07 Bundle (incl. L-Bracket / V120 for ceiling mount): 274.99 EUR
  • M20 Bundle (incl. U-Bracket / V120): 274.99 EUR
  • M30 Bundle (incl. U-Bracket / V120): 439.99 EUR

PSI Audio showcases Swiss precision studio monitors and active bass traps at NAMM 2024

January 16, 2024 at 1:53 pm

PSI Audio will present innovative speakers and active bass traps at NAMM 2024. From 25th to 28th January 2024, the Swiss manufacturer will be available for demonstrations and tech chats at Eleven Dimensions Media booth 15302.

Swiss precision speakers from PSI Audio

PSI Audio has long been known for its exceptional speakers. Even back when the company was still developing speakers for the Studer brand, the products were recognized for their uncompromising commitment to absolute sonic fidelity. Achieving clarity and precision in fully analogue music playback systems for professional applications has remained the Swiss manufacturer’s mission, and the means have been refined and redesigned over the years. Today, PSI Audio offers large three-way speakers with a rotatable baffle for horizontal or vertical use like the A25-M; mid-sized high-precision nearfield monitors like the A21-M; and impressive compact monitors like the A14-M. Floor-standing speakers like the A215-M, a centre-speaker solution A214-M, and two subwoofers A125-M and A225-M complete the speaker portfolio.

Tight bass in a tight space: the AVAA system

The deep knowledge of speakers, membranes, and their behaviour in an acoustic space has further led to one of the most innovative developments from PSI Audio, or in the industry: the Active Velocity Acoustic Absorber, or AVAA for short. Functioning as an acoustic hole in the wall, the initial AVAA C20 has improved studio spaces – and entirely non-musical places like boiler rooms – by eliminating resonant low frequencies from the room. The recently added AVAA C214 employs the same concept in a more compact, DSP-driven form, mainly for home audio use. Both iterations of the AVAA are equally stunning: room modes simply disappear, clearing up the acoustic impression of a room, especially in the time domain. An AVAA system can replace passive acoustic material up to 45 times its size, and it works for the entire room, not just a small sweet spot. At NAMM, PSI Audio will be able to demonstrate the system’s efficiency with a special demo box.

Proprietary technology for absolute fidelity

While the AVAA is possibly the most prominent innovation from PSI Audio, it is far from the only one. A number of clever designs ensure the outstanding fidelity of every PSI Audio speaker. CPR (Compensated Phase Response) aligns the different drivers in the time domain, making sure every part of the spectrum reaches the ear in phase with every other part. AOI (Adaptive Output Impedance) constantly monitors the movement of the membrane and feeds this information back into the amplifier to optimize transients and accuracy. PSI Audio even creates proprietary drivers like the Extended Dome Driver (EXD) that combines the strengths of dome and cone constructions while mitigating its respective weaknesses. All these innovations make sure that working with PSI Audio speakers is unparalleled – it’s the real thing.

Experience PSI Audio at NAMM 2024

PSI Audio will exhibit speakers and the AVAA system at NAMM 2024 from 25th to 28th January at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Visitors of the show are cordially invited to find PSI Audio at booth 15302 with US distributor Eleven Dimensions Media.

IsoAcoustics provides audio isolation for Massey Hall’s Deane Cameron Recording Studio

January 9, 2024 at 9:44 am

Close-up photograph of a ceiling-mounted loudspeaker

In the course of the extensive renovation of renowned concert venue Massey Hall, a Dolby Atmos studio for capturing live audio and producing music was integrated. Due to a recommendation by Grammy Award winning producer Eddie Kramer, IsoAcoustics provided the audio isolation for the sophisticated speaker system, including custom solutions for the ceiling speakers featuring the innovative V120 mounts. Doug McKendrick, Vice President Production & Technology of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, is impressed with the results and particularly the contribution by IsoAcoustics: “I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it made.”

Massey Hall: a legend reborn

Dating back to 1894, Massey Hall is the oldest concert hall in Canada, but has recently undergone extensive renovations. Doug McKendrick, Vice President Production & Technology of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, describes the scope of the project: “Over the years, the wear and tear had become evident, prompting a monumental renovation project in 2013. This endeavor encompassed a comprehensive restoration of the hall itself and the construction of a new 7-story tower attached to the south side of Massey Hall, named the Allied Music Centre.” The new building houses a venue, a bar, a theatre … and a state-of-the-art recording studio on the 7th floor.

Deane Cameron Recording Studio: content capture in Dolby Atmos

Named after the late President and CEO of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall Deane Cameron, the newly established recording studio is connected to its dedicated recording rooms, but also to all venues in Massey Hall and the Allied Music Centre. “The integration of content capture, encompassing both video and audio, was a significant emphasis during our venue’s renovation,” McKendrick explains. “As part of this effort, we’ve introduced the Deane Cameron Recording Studio, situated on the 7th floor. This studio serves as the central hub for audio capture within the building and is equipped with a cutting-edge 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos mixing and monitoring system.”

Eddie Kramer recommended Dolby Atmos

A marked difference between the Deane Cameron Recording Studio and similar facilities is its versatility. The studio can capture audio from Massey Hall and all venues in the Allied Music Centre via fiber optic connections, allowing for astonishing flexibility when it comes to recording events. But even without the venues, the studio provides a live recording room and multiple isolation booths, giving upcoming artists a chance to record their visions with top-quality equipment. And with its Dolby Atmos setup, Deane Cameron Recording Studio is fully capable of creating immersive audio experiences. “As we considered our studio project, Eddie Kramer’s encouragement to explore the Dolby Atmos technology resonated with us. It felt short-sighted to construct a new studio without the infrastructure to support Dolby Atmos and other immersive formats.” McKendrick very much supports the current trend towards immersive formats. “The inclusion of Dolby Atmos technology adds a new dimension to our capabilities. It opens the door for immersive audio mixing, which has the potential to elevate the listening experience and creativity for artists and audiences alike. We eagerly anticipate the creative possibilities that Dolby Atmos will bring to our work.”

IsoAcoustics audio isolation optimizes the listening environment

The monitoring setup at the Deane Cameron Recording Studio consists of ATC speakers, and the ceiling speakers in particular posed a challenge. McKendrick eventually entrusted IsoAcoustics with finding a solution. “We sought a product capable of supporting the weight, which is substantial at 66 lbs.” The IsoAcoustics V120 was perfect for the job. “We wanted a solution with a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. Dave Morrison and his team at IsoAcoustics exceeded our expectations, delivering an outstanding product that also provides isolation. This combination makes this new product truly remarkable.” The suggestion to work with IsoAcoustics came, once again, from Grammy Award winning engineer and producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones), who acts as an advisor for Massey Hall. “I thought: how are we going to hang these heavy ATC SMC25A speakers from the ceiling?” Kramer reminisces. “We checked everywhere and couldn’t find anything that would give us the swivel and angles we would need for Dolby Atmos. So who could we talk too? I called Dave Morrison at IsoAcoustics and in a short time we had a plan. With their can-do attitude and old-fashioned ingenuity we had our solution. Secure, flexible, and sounding amazing.” 

The control room featured a pipe grid structure connected to the ceiling. The isolation brackets were mounted to the metal tube structures using truss clamps. The ceiling tubes allowed the monitors to be positioned correctly and the IsoAcoustics V120 mount isolated the monitors from the structure and allowed the monitors to be rotated and tilted so the position and focus of the monitors could be optimized for the Dolby Atmos setup. Doug McKendrick is excited about the solution: “We were all deeply impressed by the precision and attention to detail displayed by Dave and the IsoAcoustics team. They delivered exactly as promised, precisely when they said they would. The resulting product seamlessly installed on the first attempt. Their dedication and support were truly remarkable, and we are immensely grateful for their help.”

The audible difference

When the studio was built, McKendrick first tried the rooms without audio isolation. “We deliberately began our work without any ISO-PUCKs installed to genuinely experience the room’s characteristics. Then, we began isolating various elements. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it made; it notably cleared up some low mid frequencies and generally improved the overall audio quality.” This led to a considerably better starting point when it came to finalizing the room with room EQ. “In my experience, when it came to fine-tuning the room, the ISO-PUCKs played a crucial role in addressing certain issues even before we resorted to using measurement microphones and equalization. Being able to resolve problems without relying on EQ adjustments is a significant advantage and well worth the effort.” Both the ISO-PUCKs and the V120 mounts that were used for the ceiling speakers mitigate the transfer of vibration into the supporting structure and cavities, reducing the excitation of the supporting structure, the transfer of energy through the structure, and the conduction of vibrations back into the speaker. 

IsoAcoustics Product Selector and mobile app is now available in 7 languages

December 12, 2023 at 9:37 am

Promotional image for the IsoAcoustics Product Selector and mobile app showing the app running on a notebook and smartphones

IsoAcoustics expands the global reach of its Product Selector and the IsoAcoustics mobile app by introducing support for seven languages. Both tools now cater to a diverse international audience. The Product Selector, a well-established web application, seamlessly guides users in identifying the ideal IsoAcoustics product to enhance their speakers and audio devices. The mobile app, launched in January and well-received since, is poised for increased popularity with the latest multilingual update. Now available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Korean, the app not only assists with product selection but also provides detailed explanations for each item and delivers the latest news from IsoAcoustics. This comprehensive language update is set to elevate the user experience for audio enthusiasts worldwide.

7 languages to choose from

While the advantages of acoustic isolation are universal, the same cannot necessarily be said of the English language. Motivated by the positive reception of the IsoAcoustics mobile app, IsoAcoustics has now released an update that will include support for six additional languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Korean. With IsoAcoustics products gaining popularity around the world, proper localization was necessary to ensure accessibility for users everywhere. The translations are not restricted to the user interface but include the entire content of the app with all background information on products, technology, and news updates. Both the mobile app and browser application automatically detect the default language of the device and set themselves accordingly. The web application also features a drop-down menu to freely select the preferred language.

Product Selector Wizard facilitates perfect isolation

IsoAcoustics patented innovations underscore the significant benefits of decoupling audio devices to enhance sound quality. Achieving optimal results necessitates selecting the right products, and to facilitate this process, IsoAcoustics introduces the Product Selector Wizard — an intuitive tool designed to guide users toward their ideal audio solution. Choosing from the vast catalog of over 5,000 speakers and devices yields one or more product suggestions ideal for the application at hand. If a model is not listed in the Product Selector, the Wizard will ask a few questions about the application and then make a matching product recommendation. Aside from recommending the correct IsoAcoustics product, the Product Selector also considers thread sizes for the award-winning GAIA products that replace the speaker’s feet. The users do not need to study technical data for the entire IsoAcoustics portfolio, but instead, they can just pick the devices in their setup and trust the Product Selector Wizard to recommend the most suitable isolators, backed by the expertise of the world’s leading audio isolation specialist.

Audio isolation for professionals and audiophiles

Audio professionals and audiophile enthusiasts often differ markedly in their requirements concerning products and sound. IsoAcoustics acknowledges these differences and caters to each field individually. The underlying working principle is very much the same, though: the energy transfer between a speaker or device and its supporting surface is mitigated in a controlled and directed manner. These resonances cannot excite other surfaces to generate noise, and they cannot reflect back into the device to cause internal interference. As a result, the playback becomes clearer, more transparent and accurate – acoustic isolation is the easiest way to considerably upgrade a good setup.