Audio Technology
Ongoing coverage on Audio Technology.
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HyperX is expanding its catalog with the new Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headset that packs a mighty 80-hour battery for just…
HyperX has announced two new gaming headsets, the Cloud Stinger 3 and CloudX Stinger 3, with a notable 80-hour battery life. Both wired and wireless models are available, with the wireless versions featuring Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz support. The CloudX Stinger 3 is specifically compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles, while both models offer noise-cancelling microphones and 50mm audio drivers.
Elgato's new Wave 3 Mk2 combines the best parts of dynamic and condenser microphones into one excellent package
The Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is an impressive USB condenser microphone that blends dynamic and condenser qualities for high-quality, balanced vocals with minimal effort. It features onboard DSP effects, an improved anti-clipping solution, and the ability to store settings, making it a strong contender for streamers and podcasters seeking studio-quality audio.
JAPAN’S LAST LIVING NINJA GOES UP AGAINST THE TURTLE BEACH STEALTH PRO II
Turtle Beach has partnered with Jinichi Kawakami, the last living heir to a centuries-old ninjutsu tradition, for a marketing campaign for their new Stealth Pro II headset. The campaign aims to showcase the headset's advanced audio capabilities by pitting them against the master of stealth himself. The Stealth Pro II is set to launch on May 17, 2026.
Sunday Audio Files
The article discusses a shift in audio design trends within the industry, suggesting that a previously avoided amplifier design is becoming dominant in flagship products by 2026. This trend is noted as a significant development in audio technology.
Anker's 'Thus' chip brings AI to its headphones and other products
Anker has unveiled its proprietary 'Thus' chip, designed to integrate Artificial Intelligence capabilities directly into wearable devices like headphones. This Compute-in-Memory (CIM) AI audio chip utilizes neural networks and runs AI functions locally, promising enhanced features such as advanced noise cancellation for calls. Anker plans to deploy the Thus chip in other mobile accessories and IoT devices following its debut on a new headphone model.
Gaming Headset vs. Regular Headphones: What Casual Gamers Actually Need
This article analyzes whether casual gamers truly need dedicated gaming headsets, suggesting that regular headphones often offer superior audio technology for the same price. Gaming headsets primarily provide convenience through integrated microphones and low-latency wireless connectivity, which are particularly beneficial for console gaming due to platform limitations. For PC gamers, a combination of quality headphones and a separate USB microphone is recommended for better overall audio and mic performance.
RIG R5 SPEAR PRO-SERIES GAMING HEADSETS LAUNCH IN NORTH AMERICA
NACON, parent company of the RIG audio brand, has announced the North American availability of its new RIG R5 SPEAR PRO Series gaming headsets. The R5 PRO HX, R5 PRO HC, and a white R5 PRO HS are officially licensed for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, featuring 40mm graphene drivers and a new SNAP+LOCK mod system for customization. The headsets are tuned for first-person shooters and include features like Dolby Atmos for Headphones on select models.
In a post-pricey console world, this new budget GXTrust Forta PS5 headset is a sight to behold
GXTrust has released the Forta Wireless headset for PlayStation 5 in the UK, priced at £69.99. The headset features 50mm audio drivers, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, and supports 3D audio. It is available in multiple colorways, including an Amazon exclusive.
TURTLE BEACH UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW STEALTH PRO II WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET -- FLAGSHIP SOUND, COMFORT, AND FLEXIBILITY- WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Turtle Beach Corporation has unveiled the Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset, featuring Hi-Res Wireless Audio, Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, and a CrossPlay 2.0 system for seamless switching between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The headset boasts a unidirectional 9mm microphone with AI-based noise reduction and dual 40-hour swappable batteries, aiming to set a new standard for premium audio versatility in gaming.
A new contender for my favorite headset has been revealed as Turtle Beach unveils the new Stealth Pro II
Turtle Beach has unveiled the premium Stealth Pro II gaming headset, featuring Hi-Res audio support and hot-swappable batteries for $349.99. It is compatible with PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S, with an Xbox-specific version also available. The headset boasts 60mm Eclipse Dual audio drivers, active noise canceling, and Dolby Atmos support.
Turtle Beach Unveils the Stealth Pro II With Hi-Res Audio and CrossPlay 2.0
Turtle Beach has unveiled its new flagship gaming headset, the Stealth Pro II, featuring Hi-Res wireless audio and CrossPlay 2.0 technology. The headset offers features like active noise cancelling and swappable batteries, with separate versions available for Xbox and PlayStation/PC. CEO Cris Keirn stated it sets a new standard for gaming audio.
Turtle Beach’s New Stealth Pro 2 Headset Is So Precise It Was Tested Against A Real Ninja
Turtle Beach has launched its new flagship wireless headset, the Stealth Pro 2, for PC and consoles on May 17 for $350. The headset features 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, high-resolution audio support, and multiplatform functionality, with PC and Xbox versions available. It also includes advanced features like adaptable noise cancellation and a 40-hour battery life with interchangeable packs.
Sony is copying SteelSeries homework with the launch of its new retro-inspired 'Glass Purple' Inzone Buds, and…
Sony has launched a new 'Glass Purple' color variant of its Inzone Buds, featuring a retro-inspired translucent design. The earbuds maintain the same hardware as the original model, including Sony Dynamic Driver X audio drivers and support for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and smartphones. They are priced at $239.99 in the US and will be available in the UK for £180 on May 1.
Sony is adding a breath of literal fresh air to its Inzone line
Sony has announced the Inzone H6 Air, a new open-back gaming headset featuring tuned 40mm audio drivers for more natural sound reproduction. Designed with single-player and RPG/Adventure game enthusiasts in mind, it weighs only 199g and is available for $199.99. The headset also includes an "RPG/Adventure" EQ profile developed with PlayStation Studios sound designers.
BEACN Creates A Voice-First Headset, Releasing Spring 2026
BEACN has announced its new premium wireless headset, the BEACN Headset, set to release in Spring 2026 for $349. The headset features broadcast-grade voice processing with real-time tuning options for noise reduction and voice clarity, alongside high-quality headphones. It supports multiple connection types including low-latency wireless, USB, Bluetooth, and analog, and offers advanced customization via the BEACN App on PC.
This new open-back Sony gaming headset has drivers from an acclaimed studio pair at a fraction of the price
Sony has expanded its Inzone gaming hardware line with the new Inzone H6 Air wired headset and an updated Inzone M10S 2 gaming monitor. The lightweight H6 Air headset features open-back drivers from Sony's acclaimed MDR-MV1 studio headphones, while the M10S 2 monitor boasts a 540Hz refresh rate and a 0.02ms GtG response time.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 review: A basic TV sound booster
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 is an entry-level soundbar priced at $350, offering a basic audio boost for TVs with a wireless subwoofer. It delivers clear sound and strong bass performance, making it suitable for smaller spaces and users who don't require advanced features. However, its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtualization is limited, and it lacks onboard controls and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Samsung's Music Studio speakers and two of its 2026 soundbars are available now
Samsung has announced pricing and availability for its new Music Studio speakers and several 2026 soundbars. The Music Studio 7 and 5 speakers, along with the Q990H and Q800H soundbars, are available now, while the Q930H and QS90H soundbars are listed as 'coming soon'. The new audio products feature technologies like AI sound customization, room calibration, and enhanced dialogue clarity.
Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Better late than never
The Apple AirPods Max 2 receives a significant upgrade with the H2 audio chip, bringing features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation previously found in the AirPods Pro 3. While the design remains unchanged and the price is still $549, the new chip enhances sound quality, active noise cancellation, and call performance. Despite lacking some hearing health features and offering the same 20-hour battery life as its predecessor, the AirPods Max 2 is a worthy update for Apple ecosystem users.
WiiM Sound Lite review: an unusually flexible WiFi speaker that shines
The WiiM Sound Lite is a versatile and feature-rich WiFi speaker that offers excellent audio quality and flexibility for its price. It can function as a standalone unit, a stereo pair, or integrate into a multi-room system, making it a strong contender for desktop setups, movies, and general listening.
