Innovation in Home Theater Speakers from Niles – Custom installation specialist Niles Audio Corporation has launched their StageFront Home Theater Solutions – a line of voice-matched dedicated and in-wall HT speakers that can be mixed and matched to achieve consistent uniform sound quality, regardless of speaker types. Other features include 12v triggering to switch between bi-pole and dipole, pivoting midrange/tweeter pods, and resonance-controlling cabinets for precise imaging. The In-Wall series includes four L-C-R models and two dedicated surround effects speakers, and the Pro series has four L-C-R models, two on-wall surround effects’ models and a high-performance box subwoofer.
Freeware Solution to Testing Effects on Audio Signal of Various Tweaks – Bill Waslo of Liberty Instruments offers a simple new A/B comparison application he calls Audio DiffMaker, for PCs only. The process requires recording the output of your system playing any piece of music or a test signal. Then you change or add the item in question – a cable, tube, amp, disc mat, special feet, etc. – and make a similar recording with all settings identical. You then use Audio DiffMaker to perfectly align the two tracks you recorded to the same level and timing. You then subtract one from the other and listen to the difference recording. If the track is silent, the change made no difference. If you hear a sound, a difference has been been made and further investigation is warranted. Here’s the download URL.
Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C. – The 3rd annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival takes place in the nation’s capital September 9 thru 17. Paquito D’Rivera is the artistic director and some of the artists lined up are Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, David Sanchez, Steve Turre, Airto Moreira & Flora Purim, Nnenna Freelon, The United Nations Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Orchestra. Dizzy’s 90th Birthday will be celebrated and a new feature film on him will be shown. The festival includes one all-day free Jazz on The Mall event on September 16.
