Don Miggs’ Canyon Studios East has recently renovated its facility featuring the PhantomFocus System (PFS) monitor tuning protocol and ATC monitors in both its A & B PhantomFocus MixRooms.

Studio B has a redesigned front wall to accommodate the soffit-mounted ATC SCM45A Pro monitors, while Studio A has a free-standing PFS/ATC SCM45A Pro system utilizing PhantomFocus Monitor Stands by Sound Anchors, both enhanced with a PFS implementation.

A refurbished Electodyne console with additional racks of gear and a spectacular dual-path stomp-box console array, new fabric, carpet, and a newly envisioned kitchenette and machine room, round out the facilitiy’s upgrades.

“We’re delighted to help Don enhance his already stunning MixRoom Studio that we originally designed for founding member of country super group Rascal Flatts, Jay DeMarcus over a decade ago. It’s always gratifying when you can over-deliver to a client and The PhantomFocus System is a silver bullet when it comes to that goal.

Although CTD is noted for it’s PFM line of near-field monitors, the larger ATC SCM45A Pro monitors are in a different class altogether and frankly, one of my favorite speakers to implement in a PhantomFocus System which can be quite breathtaking.” stated PhantomFocus MixRoom Studio designer, Carl Tatz.

Don Miggs, Canyon Studios East owner, producer, engineer, musician and artist shares:  “I loved my studio. I loved how it sounded. I was wrong. I couldn’t even imagine how much the audio performance could be enhanced until Carl installed his PhantomFocus System with my excellent existing ATC SCM45A Pro monitors.” Miggs continues, “What stands out about this system is its sheer transparency, it captures the source exactly as it is. The sound is remarkably clean, for lack of a better word, and it maintains that clarity whether I’m working at high or low volumes, which is crucial for me. I also notice significantly less ear fatigue, which isn’t always the case with other systems. Whatever Carlhas done here truly feels like a magic trick.

Mark Needham, a regular client and multi award-winning record producer and engineer who makes Canyon Studio B his second studio home in Nashville comments: “I want to sit down in front of my speakers and know that every choice I make is correct.  Carl Tatz’s PhantomFocus System with the ATC SCM45A Pro monitors gives me that confidence.”

Canyon Studios East long-time house engineer Nick Lane explains his PFS/ATC experience this way:  “I’ve loved working on ATCs for years but the PhantomFocus System has recently been a game changer at Canyon. All the neutral, revealing nature I’ve come to expect from ATC but now perfected for the room. It’s not like other room tuning software or hardware that drastically changes how the speakers sound, none of the “too pretty” or “too hyped” thing that engineers dread.

Everything just gets subtly more defined and more immersive. Getting sounds for the first time on the ATC SCM45A Pros with the PFS was the easiest it’s ever been in that space. Just crystal-clear audio that let’s me make engineering decisions instinctually instead of wondering how the room was impacting what I was hearing.”

The post PhantomFocus and ATC at Nashville’s Canyon Studios East appeared first on Audio Media International.

New XR facility in Bari positions Southern Italy as a rising hub for immersive media, education, and innovation.

In a significant development for the European virtual production landscape, Spanish LED display manufacturer Alfalite has unveiled its latest high-impact project: a cutting-edge XR studio built at the Apulia Digital Lab, part of the ITS Apulia Foundation’s forward-thinking digital campus in Bari, Southern Italy.

The new Virtual Production Studio, located at the Fiera del Levante, is already being hailed as one of the most technologically advanced XR environments in Southern Europe. Built in collaboration with Broadcast Digital Service (BDS), Alfalite’s regional integration partner, the facility is designed to serve as both a creative engine and educational powerhouse—targeting content creators, audiovisual professionals, and students alike.

At its core is a custom-built LED volume comprising 48 square metres of Alfalite Modularpix Pro 1.9 ORIM VP XR panels, arranged in a 12x4m curved formation, paired with a 10m² LEDSky ceiling using Modularpix Pro 3.9 HB VP XR panels. This immersive display setup is fully synchronised with RED digital cinema cameras, MOSYS camera tracking systems, and MOVELLA motion capture technology. Rendering is handled in real time via Unreal Engine 5, offering a comprehensive platform for extended reality, virtual sets, and real-time VFX workflows.

“This project is a clear demonstration of how LED technology can empower education, creativity, and innovation,” said Silvia C. Natal, International Sales Manager at Alfalite. “We’re proud that our Modularpix Pro LED panels were selected for such a visionary initiative, which brings virtual production within the reach of students and professionals alike.”

Building the Future of Media Training

The Apulia Digital Lab’s Virtual Studio is part of an ambitious €8 million investment into next-generation digital infrastructure by the ITS Apulia Foundation, which also includes AI computing clusters, cybersecurity labs, and smart classrooms. What sets this initiative apart is its close collaboration with industry players, ensuring that training is not only theoretical but directly aligned with real-world demands.

With an employment rate nearing 87%, the ITS Apulia Academy has become a model for vocational training across Europe. The new XR studio strengthens this reputation, offering students hands-on experience with technologies that are becoming standard in today’s high-end media productions.

“We believe this kind of studio, powered by robust and reliable LED technology, will set a new benchmark for vocational training and virtual content creation in Europe,” Natal added. “It’s an honour for Alfalite to contribute to such a meaningful transformation.”

Technology Highlights: ORIM and Beyond

Alfalite’s Modularpix Pro VP XR panels are built with the company’s proprietary ORIM (Optical Resin Injection Module) technology. ORIM enhances both performance and durability, offering seamless module precision (<0.5mm), improved thermal dissipation, and strong resistance to environmental stressors such as impacts, liquids, chemicals, and fire (UL94 certified). The technology also allows for a wider 175° viewing angle, vital for camera tracking and virtual environment realism.

In operational terms, ORIM also enables faster maintenance—critical for studios operating on tight production timelines. These advantages have made Alfalite a go-to brand in high-performance LED environments, from broadcast and live events to fixed installations in educational and corporate settings.

Local Integration, Global Standards

Alfalite partnered with Italian firm Broadcast Digital Service (BDS) to bring the Bari studio to life. BDS was responsible for local system integration, supply, and commissioning.

“We are thrilled to have contributed to such a forward-looking project,” said Sacha Virgilio, General Manager of BDS. “The ITS Apulia Foundation’s studio combines the best in XR technology, and the Modularpix Pro panels offer outstanding performance in terms of image quality, reliability, and flexibility. This installation is a major milestone for the virtual production ecosystem in Italy.”

A Platform for Innovation

Now fully operational, the studio is ready to support a broad range of projects—from film and television to advertising, animation, and immersive media. It also opens new possibilities for remote production, hybrid learning, and creative experimentation across industries.

As virtual production becomes more accessible, Alfalite’s role in the European LED market continues to grow. By aligning with education, innovation, and regional development, the company is proving that high-spec technology can—and should—be part of the learning journey.

The Apulia Digital Lab installation is a strategic step not just for Alfalite, but for Italy’s broader digital ambitions. With demand for immersive content on the rise, the foundation laid in Bari may well become a blueprint for similar initiatives across Europe.

About Alfalite
Headquartered in Spain, Alfalite is the only LED screen manufacturer based in Europe, specializing in premium LED displays for broadcast, events, education, and fixed installations. The company combines proprietary technologies with European manufacturing precision to deliver market-leading performance and reliability.

For more information, visit: www.alfalite.com

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In the historic Bad Cannstatt district of Stuttgart, Tonstudio Gress is setting new benchmarks for immersive audio production. The facility, founded by brothers Alexander and Raymond Gress in 1989, has unveiled a state-of-the-art 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos control room built around Genelec’s acclaimed 8000 Series monitors, delivering precise localisation, clarity, and creative flexibility for a diverse range of projects.

From its humble beginnings as a local studio, Tonstudio Gress has evolved into a multifaceted audio powerhouse specialising in cinematic sound design, spatial mixing, and high-end voice production. Over the decades, the studio has built a reputation for meticulously crafted audio for both national and international clients, spanning feature films, television, museum installations, and music.

“Whether you’re a solo artist or a major institution, we approach every project with the same dedication,” says co-founder Raymond Gress. “The new Atmos room is a continuation of that ethos – it allows us to deliver truly immersive, emotionally engaging soundscapes with confidence.”

The Atmos room

At the heart of the new 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos room lies a carefully configured Genelec monitoring system: 8040B models for LCR channels, 8030C monitors for surrounds, and 8020D units for the height array. This system, powered by an AVID MTRX interface and DADman software, provides a hybrid workflow that combines the reliability of analogue with the flexibility of modern immersive formats.

“We’ve been working with immersive audio for years, so the transition to Dolby Atmos was a natural step,” explains Gress. “The Genelec monitors immediately gave us enhanced localisation, greater detail, and significantly reduced listening fatigue. It’s exactly the level of precision we need for critical mixing sessions.”

The upgrade reflects Tonstudio Gress’ ongoing commitment to cutting-edge audio. Their original Genelec 5.1 setup, featuring five 1030A monitors and a 1092A subwoofer, is still in regular use – a testament to the brand’s reliability and longevity. “Our 5.1 Genelecs have been trusted reference points for countless TV mixes,” adds Gress. “With the new Atmos suite, we now have a future-ready system that complements that legacy.”

The project benefited from the expertise of Dolby’s David Ziegler and German reseller SMM Munich, who provided critical guidance on designing a balanced and cost-effective room. Final calibration was handled by renowned acoustician Roger Baltensperger, who optimised the space for consistent, fatigue-free monitoring across all positions.

“It’s a setup that just works – day in, day out,” says Gress. “We were able to achieve exactly the results we envisioned while staying within our budget.”

Since completing the upgrade, Tonstudio Gress has expanded its Dolby Atmos Music services, taking on projects for major streaming platforms alongside film and television post-production. The studio’s expertise in immersive sound has also found applications in museum and exhibition installations, where precisely sculpted soundscapes help bring narratives to life.

“This new room opens up fascinating creative possibilities,” says Gress. “We can now craft experiences that go beyond traditional stereo or surround formats – something audiences don’t just hear but genuinely feel.”

Tonstudio Gress has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to immersive formats. Their early experiments included binaural radio plays recorded deep in the forests of southern Germany, followed by years of refining 5.1 mixing workflows. This foundation made the transition to Dolby Atmos both seamless and inspiring.

Looking ahead, the studio remains focused on delivering quality, care, and creativity, with Genelec monitors providing the foundation for every project. “Genelec has always given us a sound we can trust,” says Gress. “This new Atmos room simply takes that trust to the next level.”

For more information about Tonstudio Gress, visit www.tonstudio-gress.de. To learn more about Genelec’s range of professional monitors, visit www.genelec.com.

Review: Genelec 8381A

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German boutique microphone manufacturer WeissKlang has unveiled the L1 Plus, an enhanced successor to the acclaimed L1 condenser microphone. Building on the original’s sonic character while introducing new levels of versatility, the L1 Plus is designed to become an essential tool for recording engineers, producers, and content creators seeking top-tier performance in a sleek, modern package.

At the heart of the L1 Plus is the newly developed dual-diaphragm WMK‑1D capsule, a refined evolution of the original WMK‑1. It maintains the L1’s signature openness, airy high-end, and subtle presence boost around 10–11 kHz, while introducing true multipattern capabilities. Users can now select between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure‑8 polar patterns, opening up a wealth of recording possibilities—from intimate vocal takes to room ambience and advanced stereo techniques.

WeissKlang has addressed common pitfalls associated with dual-diaphragm microphones, such as phase inconsistencies and tonal coloration, ensuring that the L1 Plus maintains a coherent and balanced sound across all pickup patterns. The new polar pattern switch is robust, intuitive, and engineered for minimal handling noise, with an integrated decoupled mount design that enhances usability during live or studio sessions.

The L1 Plus doesn’t just deliver flexibility—it also sets a high bar for technical specifications. A transformerless discrete transistor circuit ensures exceptional clarity and ultra-clean amplification. With an impressively low self-noise rating of just 4 dB(A), the microphone excels at capturing quiet, nuanced sources such as acoustic instruments or delicate vocal performances without introducing unwanted noise.

Its transient response, clocking in at a remarkable 14 microseconds, captures every detail of a performance, from the subtle attack of a finger-picked guitar to the crisp articulation of a snare drum. Meanwhile, a high SPL handling capacity of 140 dB ensures that even loud sound sources, such as brass instruments or close-miked drums, can be recorded without distortion.

The L1 Plus remains compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 414 grams. It ships with the custom MA‑L shockmount, which offers up to 20 dB of mechanical noise isolation, depending on the polar pattern selected. This combination of low weight and effective damping makes the L1 Plus ideal for both fixed studio setups and mobile recording environments.

Additional design elements include an integrated pop filter within the microphone grille to reduce plosives, replaceable rubber components in the mount for long-term durability, and an adjustable tilt mechanism for flexible positioning. The microphone is fully compatible with standard 48 V phantom power and connects via a high-quality XLR interface.

The L1 Plus is currently available for pre-order at a special launch price of €299, which includes VAT and worldwide shipping. This introductory offer runs until 31 July 2025, with deliveries expected to begin on 16 August 2025. After this period, the microphone will return to its standard retail price.

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Renowned for its audiophile-grade DACs and personal audio gear, FiiO is stepping firmly into the realm of professional sound with the introduction of its SP5 active speaker system. This new venture signals the company’s first foray into nearfield monitoring and desktop audio precision, offering a high-end feature set at an accessible price point of $749 / £709.

Aimed at both music creators and serious listeners, the SP5 system is the result of a ground-up engineering effort by FiiO. It features a host of audio innovations that position it squarely between pro-grade monitor speakers and refined lifestyle audio products.

A cornerstone of the SP5’s design is its dual power supply architecture. Each speaker unit is individually powered by a dedicated 120-watt supply, a configuration more commonly found in high-end component systems. This ensures consistent power delivery while minimising crosstalk and interference between channels — a detail that reflects FiiO’s commitment to sonic clarity and channel separation.

Internally, the SP5 boasts a four-channel amplification setup, delivering 60 watts to the woofer and 20 watts to the tweeter per speaker. This discrete amplification allows each driver to operate with greater efficiency and accuracy. The speaker’s 5.25-inch Rohacell-cone woofer — a material found in high-end speaker designs provides fast, distortion-free low-end performance. Meanwhile, the 1-inch silk dome tweeter, enhanced with a rear acoustic cavity and internal magnet structure, contributes a smooth, extended high-frequency response.

Flexibility is a key part of the SP5’s appeal. The speakers come equipped with a three-band bass and treble adjustment system, including dual-frequency bass extension controls. Whether positioned on a studio desk, workstation, or bookshelf in a listening lounge, users can fine-tune the frequency response to suit the room or task at hand.

In terms of I/O, the SP5 doesn’t disappoint. It supports a full range of input options — including AUX, RCA, XLR, and USB-C — giving it seamless compatibility with both analogue and digital sources. Each input benefits from independent volume memory, allowing users to retain custom level settings per source.

The unit’s front-mounted volume control is handled via a low-noise, high-precision encoder. This stepless electronic volume system promises accurate level adjustments with zero loss of resolution, delivering transparency across the frequency spectrum. Recognising the need for wireless flexibility, FiiO has integrated support for high-definition Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX Adaptive. This allows users to stream lossless audio with minimal latency, making the SP5 equally viable for casual media consumption or reference monitoring in home studio environments.

Users can take advantage of the FiiO Control App (available for iOS and Android), which unlocks 10-band PEQ tuning, speaker configuration, and input selection — all from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. An IR remote is also included for traditional hands-on control, while RGB LED indicators provide quick visual feedback on input status.

For users working in home recording environments, the SP5 includes 12V trigger input support, allowing the speakers to power on in sync with connected gear. This makes them a compelling option for professional studio workflows, music production setups, or media editing suites. Further enhancing performance is the inclusion of two Furukawa oxygen-free copper power cables.

Scheduled for release in September 2025, the FiiO SP5 launches at $749 / £709, positioning it as a serious contender in the desktop monitoring and lifestyle audio space. With its combination of high-spec engineering, flexible connectivity, and user-centric tuning, the SP5 represents a significant expansion of FiiO’s ambitions beyond personal audio — and into the heart of the modern studio and lounge.

KRK unveils entry level Kreate Series Studio Monitors with Bluetooth from $179 a pair

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Celebrated producer and engineer Sean Genockey has taken his mission of instinct-driven music-making to a new level with the unveiling of ReKognition Sound — a bespoke hybrid studio located in London’s legendary Metropolis Studios. Outfitted with a pair of Genelec 8351B three-way coaxial monitors, the studio is not only the operational hub for the ReKognition Sound label — co-founded with longtime collaborator Jesse Wood — but a refined sonic space that Genockey calls “a sanctuary for capturing magic without hesitation.”

Best known for his decades-spanning work with rock stalwarts like the Manic Street Preachers, Suede, and Ronnie Wood, Genockey has shaped his craft through years of live performance, extensive touring with his band Moke, and a formative apprenticeship with producer Dave Eringa. At ReKognition, all that experience converges in a studio designed to serve the music — and never get in its way.

“Engineering should be invisible,” says Genockey. “Your job is to facilitate greatness, not hold it up.”

That ethos has informed every detail of ReKognition’s design. Located adjacent to Metropolis’s famed Studio B — where Genockey often tracks live sessions — the studio functions as a high-precision mix and overdub suite. Its gear selection is minimalist by intention: high-quality microphones, Neve-style preamps, a few choice compressors, and an array of trusted vintage pedals. “The magic isn’t in the plugins,” he notes. “It’s in the players. My job is to get it right at source, fast, and then not get in the way.”

Central to that philosophy is the decision to install Genelec 8351B monitors, part of the Finnish manufacturer’s acclaimed ‘The Ones’ series. The monitors bring main-monitor scale and sonic accuracy into Genockey’s compact control room — a game-changer in how he approaches mixing and decision-making.

“These little speakers give me the same confidence I had working on big full-range mains,” Genockey explains. “They’re forensic but still feel like music. You’re not distracted by dips or harshness — you can focus on the emotional core.”

The 8351Bs were calibrated on-site by Genelec’s Andy Bensley using the brand’s proprietary GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) software, which ensures that the speakers are perfectly tuned to the acoustic environment. The results have transformed how Genockey trusts his room. “Once Andy did the full GLM sweep, I wasn’t second-guessing myself anymore. I can make big decisions fast and know they’ll hold up anywhere — whether the track’s being finished in Nashville or played back on a festival stage.”

That trust is especially crucial given the range of artists Genockey works with. From emerging acts like NewDad to legacy names like Ronnie Wood, every session demands the ability to move quickly and stay connected to instinct. “Ronnie’s amazing, full of energy,” Genockey shares. “We’ve done all his recent solo records here. This space lets you react fast and keep the magic alive. The moment you stall an artist, the take’s gone.”

In an era where digital perfection and over-editing can smother a performance, Genockey sees his role as a counterbalance — a guardian of feel, vibe, and musical truth. He’s critical of modern workflows that rely too heavily on post-production fixes. “So many multitracks I get now are rescue jobs,” he says. “Nothing’s phase-aligned, the fundamentals aren’t there. People are hoarding knowledge too — mic techniques, signal chains, like it’s all a secret. But I came up in a world where everyone shared what they knew. That’s how we got better.”

By choosing tools that enhance transparency and working methods that prioritise immediacy, Genockey’s ReKognition Sound stands out as a throwback to a more organic style of record-making — one grounded in trust, simplicity, and emotional connection.

“The artist walks in, we talk about what we’re trying to capture, and we just go,” he says. “No fiddling, no fuss. Just music.”

With the Genelec 8351Bs now forming the sonic foundation of ReKognition, Genockey is more confident than ever in the integrity of his output. “Whether I’m handing off stems to someone like Craig Silvey or finishing a record here, I know it’s solid,” he says. “What I hear is what they’ll hear.”

For more information, visit www.genelec.com.

Review: Genelec 8381A

KRK unveils entry level Kreate Series Studio Monitors with Bluetooth from $179 a pair

The post Sean Genockey Builds a Sonic Sanctuary at Metropolis Studios with Genelec 8351B Monitors appeared first on Audio Media International.

You have only until next Friday, July 11 to enter your products for the 41st Annual NAMM TEC Awards. Make it count! Grab your chance to claim the highest recognition in the pro audio and sound recording industry.

To be in the running for this prestigious award, make sure your products and projects were released and in commercial use between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Enter here.

FROM THE VAULT: Moby talks music and making landmark album play in 1999

KRK unveils entry level Kreate Series Studio Monitors with Bluetooth from $179 a pair

The post 41st Annual NAMM TEC Awards: entry deadline July 11th appeared first on Audio Media International.

The Audio Engineering Society (AES) is returning to the U.S. West Coast for its flagship event, announcing that the 159th AES International Convention will take place in Long Beach, California, from October 23–25, 2025. The show will bring together global audio professionals for three days of immersive programming, gear showcases, and expert insight – with this year’s keynote delivered by multi-platinum producer and YouTube educator Warren Huart of Produce Like A Pro.

Set against the backdrop of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, this marks AES’s first convention in the city, promising a robust lineup that blends the society’s rich technical tradition with hands-on learning and industry networking. Early Bird registration is now open through August 27.

Known for its expansive and meticulously curated Technical Program, the AES Show 2025 will once again feature a broad mix of workshops, tutorials, and research papers. Complementing the core sessions are pre-show Tech Tours of notable local facilities and Skill Building Workshops scheduled for October 22.

Highlighting the convention’s opening day, Warren Huart will deliver the keynote address titled “From Cassette Decks to Platinum Discs.” A GRAMMY-nominated producer and founder of the Produce Like A Pro YouTube channel, now boasting over 800,000 subscribers – Huart will chart his path from DIY recordings in rural England to producing and mixing for the likes of Aerosmith, The Fray, and James Blunt.

“The AES Show has always been a cornerstone of our audio community,” said Huart. “It’s more than just sessions—it’s where friendships are made, ideas exchanged, and inspiration reignited. I’m thrilled to contribute this year and to share space with others passionate about audio.”

In addition to his keynote, Huart will host two special sessions, including a tribute to Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson. That session will feature long-time Wilson collaborator and multi-GRAMMY winner Mark Linett, who is widely recognized for his work remastering the Beach Boys’ catalog.

Exhibitors at AES Show 2025 will include leading audio hardware and software developers showcasing the latest innovations in pro audio technology. Attendees can expect a dynamic show floor featuring everything from analog gear and immersive audio tools to advancements in broadcast and spatial audio production.

AES’s decision to bring the show to Long Beach reflects both a logistical shift and a renewed focus on West Coast participation. “With such a vibrant music and media community across California, Long Beach offers a compelling new venue to re-engage with our West Coast audience,” said an AES spokesperson.

Huart’s selection as keynote speaker underscores AES’s continued push toward accessible, community-driven education. Beyond his production credentials, Huart is celebrated for his mentorship through online platforms like Pro Mix Academy, Rate My Mix, and Lancaster Audio, all of which provide aspiring producers with practical, career-oriented instruction.

Huart’s ethos—“helping musicians and engineers turn passion into profession”—mirrors AES’s own mission of nurturing the global audio community. With over 75 years of history, AES now supports more than 90 professional sections and 120 student sections worldwide, offering resources such as conferences, standards development, and a comprehensive archive of technical papers and videos.

Registration is available now at AESShow.com, with discounted rates for members and students. Additional details on workshops, technical tours, and daily programming will be released in the coming weeks.

The post AES Show 2025 Heads to Long Beach with Warren Huart appeared first on Audio Media International.

Korg has expanded its digital piano lineup with the release of the new B2+ and B2+SP models, offering a fresh take on its popular entry-level series. Combining expressive acoustic piano realism with modern digital enhancements, the B2+ line is aimed at beginners, hobbyists, and returning players seeking an intuitive and inspiring instrument.

Announced on June 30th from Korg’s Melville, NY headquarters, the B2+ series builds on the original B2 design, bringing upgraded features for a richer playing experience.

According to Korg Category Manager Luciano Minetti “The B2+ is a strong new addition to our digital piano lineup. It combines the authentic feel players expect with important modern upgrades like USB-C audio and MIDI connectivity. We’ve also made significant improvements in sound quality, offering a clearer and more dynamic playing experience.”

The B2+ is a compact, standalone 88-key digital piano equipped with built-in speakers and a streamlined interface. For those seeking a more traditional setup, the B2+SP package adds a matching stand and three-pedal unit, making it well-suited for home use and teaching environments.

Both models offer 12 high-quality instrument voices, including five deeply sampled acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and a harpsichord. The sound engine meticulously replicates the tonal depth, damper resonance, and sympathetic string vibration of a grand piano, contributing to an immersive and expressive playing experience. These voices are supported by a Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keybed, providing authentic acoustic piano touch with heavier feel in the lower registers and lighter response in the upper octaves.

Connectivity is a key enhancement of the B2+ series. With USB-C audio and MIDI integration, users can easily link the piano to digital devices for recording, virtual instruments, or DAW control. An Audio In jack allows musicians to play along with tracks from smartphones or other devices, while the improved onboard speaker system delivers greater clarity and dynamics than its predecessor.

Korg also bundles valuable software tools with the B2+, including a three-month premium trial of Skoove online piano lessons, the Korg Module app for access to additional pro-quality sounds, and Korg Gadget 2 Le for music production.

U.S. pricing is set at $799.99 for the B2+ and $999.99 for the B2+SP.

For more details, visit korg.com.

FROM THE VAULT: Moby talks music and making landmark album play in 1999

Kitting Out Your Home Studio on a Budget

The post Korg Unveils B2+ and B2+SP Digital Pianos appeared first on Audio Media International.

Cirrus Logic has announced its most ambitious expansion of the Pro Audio family yet, unveiling four new converters—including two analog-to-digital (ADC) and two digital-to-analog (DAC) chips—engineered to bring world-class sound to mid-tier audio products.

“These new additions reflect our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that balance performance and affordability,” said Jonathan Taylor, Pro Audio Product Marketing Manager at Cirrus Logic. “By broadening our portfolio, we’re giving customers access to our technology not only for high‑end products but also for mid‑tier devices—ensuring consistent, outstanding quality across all levels of audio equipment.”

The flagship ADC, CS5308S, packs a 32‑bit, 8‑channel design, supporting up to 768 kHz sampling and delivering a dynamic range exceeding 118 dB with THD+N below –105 dB—all while consuming just 25 mW per channel. It accommodates differential inputs and offers flexible control.\\

Its sibling, the CS5304S, shares the same core architecture but in a 4‑channel format, catering to applications where a full 8‑channel design isn’t required. High channel density without compromising fidelity is a key selling point for audio interfaces and digital mixers looking to scale cost‑effectively.

All four converters include Cirrus Logic’s “Hybrid Gain Control,” empowering precise gain staging, and offer differentiated digital filters—letting developers tailor a converter’s sonic character to their application’s needs. The combo of high efficiency and low power consumption aligns well with modern, compact audio gear.

Industry experts sing their praises

Grammy‑winning engineer and inventor George Massenburg, renowned for spearheading the parametric EQ, participated in blind listening assessments pitting these converters against top-tier studio-grade designs. 

“In a recent series of critical listening tests, Cirrus Logic’s Pro Audio technology stood out conclusively against high-end, industry-recognized studio converters,” said George Massenburg, Grammy Award-winning recording engineer, producer, designer, inventor, educator, and CEO and founder of George Massenburg Labs. “Cirrus Logic’s dynamic range, transparency, and fine detail converge brilliantly with their relative ease of implementation — these are no less than the future of converters for professional audio applications.”

“It’s inspiring to see Cirrus Logic continue to explore the boundaries of converter art and science with enthusiasm, and with innovations that promote the art of music and sound recording,” Massenburg continued. “Knowing that the new ADCs and DACs are based on the same extraordinary IP, I’m confident they will charm hearts and souls of listeners, critical and casual, with their musicality.”

FROM THE VAULT: Moby talks music and making landmark album play in 1999

KRK unveils entry level Kreate Series Studio Monitors with Bluetooth from $179 a pair

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