Over the past few weeks, you might be seeing hints at a new collaboration project between See Audio, HiFiGo, and another mysterious faceless entity. Naturally, everyone has been dying to know who the collaborator is and what exactly this project is. Today, we shall put an end to all the speculations, though quite frankly the answer should be pretty obvious by now. We are excited to finally announce the See Audio X Crinacle Yume:Midnight, an IEM collaboration project exclusive to HiFiGO.

See Audio entered the international market with the Yume, a triple driver hybrid in-ear monitor that received critical acclaim and widely well-received by happy owners all over the world. Crinacle, a world-renowned audio reviewer then also shared his valuable feedback with the See Audio team, upon which the foundations of "Project Midnight" was built. "Project Midnight" eventually manifested as the Yume:Midnight, a Yume taken to the next level.

ZVOX Audio, the industry leader in dialogue clarification technology, introduced the latest addition to its AccuVoice line of Noise Cancelling Headphones today, the ZVOX AV52. ZVOX is the only company designing headphones for baby boomers. All ZVOX headphones feature AccuVoice, the company's proprietary dialogue clarification technology, which uses hearing aid technology to make voices crystal-clear, even at low volumes. The advanced algorithms used by AccuVoice lift voices out of the background sounds to bring them forward.

In addition to AccuVoice, the new ZVOX AV52 shares some of the same characteristics as its best-selling sibling, the AV50, including high-quality audio performance and exceptional comfort for long stretches of uninterrupted listening. However, the AV52s also deliver significantly improved noise cancellation and battery life, offering a whole new level of performance and convenience for everything from gaming to videoconferencing. They are available at ZVOX.com in four colors, including Black, White, Blue and Rose Pink, for a suggested retail price of $69.99.

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and e-sports, today announced the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset blackout edition is shipping now across Europe. Designed to deliver the ultimate comfort for hours of extended gameplay, Cloud Alpha leverages premium HyperX signature memory foam, an expanded headband with softer, more pliable leatherette and a durable, lightweight aluminium frame design. The headset features a detachable cable with in-line audio control allowing console gamers to adjust volume and mute microphone right on the cable.

Cloud Alpha features HyperX dual chamber technology to deliver an accurate game sound with incredible range and tone. With 50 mm drivers, the dual chambers allow HyperX to tune and separate the bass from the mids and highs, creating a dynamic sound that makes gaming, music and movies more immersive.

SteelSeries, today announced the launch of the Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless gaming headsets. The newest editions to the Arctis lineup build on the award-winning design and heritage of the SteelSeries Arctis franchise and evolve the break-through technology that changed the game in sound and audio for next-gen consoles and PC gaming.

The fans spoke. SteelSeries listened. The Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ wireless gaming headsets deliver new features that gamers want, including 30+ hours of battery life, plus a 15-minute quick charge feature for 3 hours of gameplay, USB-C connectivity with play-and-charge functionality for seamless multi-platform compatibility, and SteelSeries signature Arctis sound.

Although we're going to try and cover all the newly launched Intel Z690 based motherboards more thoroughly before the retail availability date, we had a quick look already on what's on offer and we were struck by something rather odd when it comes to Gigabyte, most of their new boards only have two 3.5 mm audio jacks around the back. This is not limited to their cheaper SKUs, but is found through the entire product stack.

We're not entirely sure what's going on here and will check with Gigabyte once someone is awake that we can talk to about it, but we're fairly certain that this is going to cause a bit of a backlash from their customers. This was actually something we kind of saw in the leaked image of one of the Aero boards, as it didn't look like it had any audio jacks at all, but that wasn't the case. Instead, it seems to have something to do with Gigabyte's move away from the Realtek ALC1220 Intel HD audio based codecs that the company have been using for the past few generations of boards.

Razer today announced the launch of two new entries into its award-winning family of broadcaster microphones, the Seiren V2 Pro and Seiren V2 X. The new Seiren V2 family of products are bound to become the essential centerpiece of any streamer's setup, offering premium feature sets within dynamic and condenser microphones to deliver true to life, natural audio capture.

The Seiren V2 Pro offers best-in-class rich, powerful vocals allowing streamers to showcase depth and timber in their voices, with radio-DJ tonal quality. High pass filters and analog gain limiters make sure that the microphone only captures what you want it to, naturally filtering out accidental bumps and background noises. The Seiren V2 Pro is a must-have for any streamer or digital entertainer looking to up their audio quality and showmanship.

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the new SRS-NS7 wireless neckband speaker, the latest addition to its wearable speaker lineup, and the WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter. The SRS-NS7 provides an immersive home theater experience and when paired with the supplied wireless transmitter, customers can experience tailored sound for a new way of listening. The WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter is also sold separately so customers can enjoy the same cinematic audio when using select Sony headphones.

The SRS-NS7 transforms the way customers experience their favorite Dolby Atmos movies thanks to Sony's unique 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer," said Tyler Ishida, Deputy President for Consumer Business Group, Sony Electronics Inc. "With powerful audio, long-lasting battery and an extremely comfortable design, this product is made for non-stop entertainment."

Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. today continued to demonstrate its vision and leadership in the wireless audio space with the introduction of Qualcomm aptX Lossless audio technology to its already extensive audio portfolio. aptX Lossless is a new capability of the proven aptX Adaptive technology and a new feature of Snapdragon Sound Technology that is designed to deliver CD quality 16-bit 44.1kHz lossless audio quality over Bluetooth wireless technology. Qualcomm Technologies has taken a systems level approach and optimized a number of core wireless connectivity and audio technologies, including aptX Adaptive, which work together to auto detect and scale-up and are designed to deliver CD lossless audio when a user is listening to a lossless music file and the RF conditions are suitable.

"At Qualcomm Technologies we're excited about the future of sound, and we're continually looking for ways to help our customers deliver new and exciting listening experiences. Lossless audio means mathematically bit-for-bit exact, with no loss of the audio file and up to now the necessary bit rate to deliver this over Bluetooth has not been available. With many leading music streaming services now offering extensive lossless music libraries, and consumer demand for lossless audio growing, we're pleased to announce this new support for CD lossless audio streaming for Bluetooth earbuds and headsets which we plan to make available to customers later this year," said James Chapman, vice president and general manager, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

Apos Audio is an audio retailer based out of California, and got in touch with us to let us know of the Caspian—the brand's first set of headphones. It came about as a collaboration with Soundnews and Kennerton Audio. Using the ~$1000 Kennerton Vali as the base, the Caspian gets a tweaked sound signature and different design while managing to cut down the price by half. It uses a 50 mm dynamic driver, natural oak ear cups, and oval-shaped ergonomic sheepskin ear pads. Pre-orders are now up for those interested, and further information straight from the company is seen past the break. I especially like the "How it's made" page, but that may just be the engineer in me speaking.

Hyland Headphones, a boutique manufacturer of headphones based in Watford, on the outskirts of London, UK, has introduced their newest headphones: the Eclipse—the first closed-back model in the firm's line-up—and the Venus, the latest step up in the open-back range. The new headphones are the latest products of Hyland Headphones' research and development and feature the firm's widely applauded approach to building their products with care, and in small quantities, from beautiful, ethically sourced hardwoods.

The closed-back Eclipse (priced at £850) uses a complex cup design machined from separate pieces of wood in a two-step, two-day process, to give a sound quality that is the equal of their open-backed designs, but with the advantage of the passive noise cancelling that makes a closed-back design so appealing. The cup features an inner and outer chamber, with sound-absorbent damping in the outer chamber to ensure no stray reflections colour or distort the sound that reaches the listener's ear. The multi-wood design of the Eclipse also allows for additional customisation options: "...how about a creamy white Maple cup with a deep red Padauk top? Or a dark, gold flecked Panga Panga cup combined with the beautiful figuring of rippled Ash?"

[Editor's note: Our review can be found here for those interested.]

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today launched the new CORSAIR HS80 RGB WIRELESS Gaming Headset, offering gamers industry-leading SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS technology, an exceedingly comfortable new design, durable construction, and refined style. Multiple connection options make the HS80 RGB WIRELESS a great choice for both PC and console gamers. Connecting to your PC using CORSAIR SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS technology, the HS80 RGB WIRELESS boasts 24bit audio along with a strong, unwavering signal that lets you play completely untethered from anywhere in the room with a range of up to 60ft. For unrivaled convenience, connect up to three SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS-compatible CORSAIR devices - headset, keyboard, and mouse - with a single USB receiver, making a full wireless setup easy, simple, and hassle-free.

If you're looking for the highest quality sound, plug in via USB to enable true high-fidelity 24bit/96kHz audio and hear the minute details in games, films, or music that you've been missing. The HS80 RGB WIRELESS also connects to PS5 / PS4 consoles with the included USB wireless adapter, and is fully compatible with PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech for couch-ready high-quality gaming audio. A new floating headband design offers a stress-free listening experience, paired with memory foam ear pads for comfort that lasts all day - with 20 hours of wireless battery life to match. The HS80 RGB WIRELESS is durably constructed, featuring a modern new design that's reinforced by lightweight aluminium.

Edifier, the award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems, bookshelf speakers and personal audio devices, is introducing its newest audio product, the NeoBuds Pro, which is available to pre-order on IndieGoGo. "With the ever-changing landscape and need of consumers, Edifier continues to expand on its innovation to ensure that the best and most cost-effective products are given to our customers while remaining at the forefront of personal audio innovation," said Stanley Wen, Edifier's CTO.

Distinct from other noise cancellation earphones on the market, the Neobuds Pro are the first Hi-Res certified, noise canceling, truly wireless earphones in the market that boast a dynamic driver, Knowles balanced armature, and LHDC+ACC codec. Edifier's innovative research team conducted hundreds of tests that led to electronic-acoustic technology breakthroughs in the development of the NeoBuds Pro. The earbuds bring premium audio quality traditionally found in speakers and over-ear headphones to a more convenient, compact and wireless package. Its bi-amping with DSP-based active crossover technology ensures the dynamic driver and the armature driver are working in tandem to provide users with premium sound quality, deep bass, and crisp treble frequencies all with truly unique technological advancements.

As the market becomes saturated with commoditized headphone offerings that often put convenience-oriented features ahead of sound quality, Campfire Audio encourages music lovers to experience their music as it was meant to be heard: in full-bodied, no-compromise high fidelity audio. The company's new wired IEMs—which feature unique, hand-crafted designs in two sonically tailored variations, Satsuma and Honeydew—offer listeners an audiophile-grade soundstage and spectacular clarity at an affordable price.

As the quality and sophistication of consumer playback systems and streaming technologies continue to advance rapidly, Campfire Audio believes that many consumers are seeking a 'back to basics' approach with their audio—favoring features such as customized acoustic chambers, full-range balanced armature drivers, and quality cabling over convenient add-ons such as voice command and wireless capabilities. Both the 'orange-fizz' colored Satsuma and the 'mellow-yellow' colored Honeydew earphones are characterized by their superior acoustic performance and instantly recognizable design aesthetic.

Mad Catz Global Limited, the leading innovator in gaming hardware, is excited to announce two DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) products - F.R.E.Q. DAC and DAC-L. Portable for mobile and laptops F.R.E.Q. DAC and DAC-L provide excellent convenience and immersive audio to gamers. Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. DAC is a complete Digital-to-Analog Converter with a convenient USB Type-C port that supports the latest mobile devices with exceptional portability. It features 4 EQ modes with an outstanding 7.1 surround sound to ensure an immersive musical experience. The user can enjoy the depth of music with a better gaming experience.

The built-in Hi-Res chip ensures high-quality sound performance. Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz lossless output maximizes the original sound quality of your mobile phones or gaming laptops. Moreover, the native 7.1 surround sound channel assures accurate positional audio while gaming. The ultra-immersive surround sound engages the gamers in playing for longer hours. Also, the intelligent EQ Modes allow you to switch to 4 different modes: Gaming/Music/Movie/Stereo by just clicking the button or sliding the touch bar.

Sonarworks—the company behind precision audio software used by Grammy Award-winning engineers and recording artists like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, Adele, Coldplay, and Kanye West—announces its partnership with Drop: the data-driven product design company built by and for enthusiasts. Together, Sonarworks is integrating its SoundID personalized audio technology into the Drop + THX Panda Wireless Headphones, the company's groundbreaking audiophile headphones offering audio at its purest, free of distortion and wires. They are also the first to feature SoundID's Advanced Parametric EQ feature, allowing listeners to create their own custom preset—giving them ultimate control over the sound they really want.

SoundID represents a paradigm shift in audio quality, moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, to personalizing sound for individuals. SoundID unlocks the full potential of your Panda Headphones so you can rediscover your favorite songs with unprecedented audio clarity. Your individual sound profile is as unique as your fingerprint—but even more advanced, thanks to smart algorithms and machine learning that evolve with you over time. The free profile can be set up in minutes with a simple app test to identify your SoundID, based on your unique hearing ability and listening preferences, and is automatically saved directly on your Panda headphones. With SoundID's Advanced Parametric EQ built-in, there are infinite ways to create your own custom preset or reset your frequency response curve to its flat state. Intuitive adjustments are tailored for even the most demanding audiophiles for an unmatched level of personalization, detail, and clarity.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), today announced the Razer Anzu Smart Glasses, its first ever eyewear product. Razer Anzu combines the valuable protection of 35% blue light filtering lenses, 99% UVA/UVB protective polarized sunglasses, touch controls, and open-ear audio for a one-of-a-kind wearable. Razer Anzu seamlessly enhances the experience of working from home, and makes digital entertainment or outdoor activities another opportunity to demonstrate your style.

Open-ear wireless sound and the use of Razer's low-latency Bluetooth technology offer consumers greater immersion and convenience to enjoy work-play lifestyles. A less-than 48 g light weight and ergonomic design delivers a comfortable fit for extended use, particularly during work-from-home sessions. Razer Anzu will be available from Best Buy and Razer.com in fashionable rectangular or round frame designs, each in two sizes with subtle branding adorning the durable and flexible frame hinges meant for easy storage.

When we were designing Xbox Series X|S, we wanted to ensure that games feel true-to-life, load incredibly fast, and sound as if you were dropped in the middle of the action. We embraced spatial sound processing by including custom audio hardware to offload audio processing from the CPU, dramatically improving the accessibility, quality, and performance of these experiences. Having a high-quality set of headphones at an affordable price for your new console or existing Xbox One will help you feel immersed, react faster to the action, and connect further with your gaming worlds.

With each new generation of our Xbox accessories, we've raised the bar for innovation by focusing on performance, stand-out features, quality, and accessibility to deliver immersive experiences across console, PC, and mobile devices. We are excited to build on this legacy with the latest accessory to join the family: the new Xbox Wireless Headset.

Swedish audio technology maker Dirac partnered with Fujitsu to debut a new audio technology that claims to enable clearer voice in video-conferences, without needing a messy software setup, or use of discrete GPUs. This is one of Dirac's first deployments on a commercial notebook, it's makers claim that over 500 million smartphones use Dirac technology for clearer voice in phone-calls. Among the notebooks integrating Dirac technology are the Lifebook U9311 and U9311X.

At its core, Dirac is an audio DSP that works on top of your audio codec driver. It gives users three audio modes, namely Voice Mode, Music Mode, and Movie Mode. Dirac claims that the Voice Mode in particular, significantly improves the quality of speech audio in video calls. "Dirac's patented impulse and frequency response correction digitally upgrades the sound performance of laptop speakers, and creates an expanded, natural soundscape from small speakers placed adjacent to each other. Taken together, Dirac's sound technologies enable a richer sound experience from laptops - all without any expensive hardware upgrades," the company said.

Cleer Audio is pleased to announce its award-winning Crescent Smart Home Speaker will begin shipping in early January 2021. Crescent's sleek shape and modern design are an interior designer's dream and make this speaker something worth hearing and seeing. With a linear array of eight custom 40mm full-range drivers and two 3.3" subwoofers, the Crescent performs like no speaker of its size or class. Its use of beamforming technology marries exceptional industrial design and engineering with the latest technology for a customizable listening experience. For an immersive listening experience, Wide Stereo Mode mimics a the sonic ambiance of a large orchestral performance, creating a soundstage from the stereo for far field and near field listening, like sitting in a room with hi-fi audio setup; Room Filling Mode evenly disperses sound throughout a room, perfect for a party situation; and most intimately, 3D Immersive Mode, uses cutting edge beamforming technology to focus the sound toward a single location, creating the ultimate sweet spot and allowing for the best possible sound experience, like being in the movie or gaming scene.

Powered by Google Assistant, the Crescent incorporates an optimized mic array with noise-rejection technology for superior far-field voice recognition. The Crescent also supports Hi-Res digital audio formats and streaming from Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, AAC, FLAC, WMA and Apple Lossless, and Chromecast. With Wifi, a 3.5mm Aux, RJ25 and optical inputs, it also easily supports additional audio sources. Crescent's showstopping design was intended to harmonize with its surroundings, whether it is placed in a non-traditional or traditional spot in the home. A speaker grille with an acoustic constructed structure and a reinforced speaker cabinet with glass fiber ribs for reduced vibrations and sonic resonance. (Crescent U.S. MSRP: $699.99, available in Champagne. Shipping late January 2021)

Cleer Audio, industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer introduces two new True Wireless Headphones with noise cancellation, the Ally Plus II (two) and Roam NC models for early 2021 that are certain to shake the competition with new technologies, features and lower True Wireless pricing.

The new ALLY Plus II noise cancelling true wireless headphone delivers industry leading hybrid noise cancellation, and battery life for up to 11 hrs. of playback. Its strong wireless connectivity, enhanced call quality with dual-microphones and Qualcomm cVc 8th generation noise reduction technology makes these a perfect companion for on-the-go lifestyles. Complemented by the new Cleer+ app, users can customize both the noise cancelling and sound performance of the Ally Plus II. Its small jewel box style charging case offers both USB-C and Qi wireless charging options for an additional 22 hrs. of playback, ¾33 hrs. of total playback. The wireless charging case showcases the earbuds with its see-through window helping confirm that the earbuds are charging when stored.

[Editor's note: This press release is from the Philips US division, regional applicability may vary. Street pricing is already down to $149.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI) today debuts a new pair of premium, true wireless ear buds, the Philips In-Ear True Wireless Headphones TAT8505BKs. The True Wireless version of the popular Philips Wireless Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphone TAPH805BK earbuds feature classic minimalist design and boast Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Awareness Mode for control over what is heard, letting users sink into rich, detailed sound or tune into the world around them. The Philips TAT8505BKs are available on Amazon, for $199.99 USD, starting December 15, 2020 at 12:01 AM PST.

Love What You Hear
The perfectly tuned 13mm neodymium drivers ensure a detailed, expansive sound with rich, powerful bass and thrilling clarity for every track. When an earbud is taken out, the music pauses. Put the earbud back in, and the music starts up again. The Philips TAT8505BKs have a refined geometric design creating a comfortable in-ear fit. The circular earbud housing is tactilely pleasing and is designed to subtly catch the light, creating an elegant, understated look.

final, the Japanese high-end audio specialist, has announced their first step into the world of gaming with the new VR3000 gaming earphones - set to be released on 10/12/20. With the appreciation in high performance gaming equipment on the rise - the final VR3000 brings a fresh approach to delivering the highest audio quality, revolutionizing the gaming experience.

final has been involved in the audio industry for over 50 years, always innovating with cutting edge technology and design. The VR3000 is final's first pair of earphones created specifically for the purpose of gaming. The final VR3000 is an in-ear monitor, designed to be small and extremely lightweight - delivering headphone-like special sound with pinpoint accuracy and clarity. The in-ear design also allows for better mobility and device compatibility when compared to larger, more power-hungry headphones and headsets. Equipped with an in-line microphone and 3 button controller, the final VR3000 has a simple plug-and-play design allowing for in-game voice chat for a complete gaming experience.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX Cloud RevolverTM Gaming Headset + 7.1 with virtual surround sound1 for a cinematic experience. Designed to meet the demands of leading PC and console gamers - or hybrid work and learning listening needs - the Cloud Revolver Gaming Headset + 7.1 features immersive sound and a wide audio range, as well as a studio-grade sound stage with signature HyperX comfort and durability.

Cloud Revolver + 7.1 features a studio-grade sound stage with 50 mm directional drivers to deliver greater depth and width for improved audio precisions in first-person shooter and open environment games. The tuning of the driver, mechanical design of the acoustical chamber, and larger ear cups allow users to hear an opponent clearly and accurately for ultimate competitive advantage while gaming.

A German website, Heise.de, has discovered a bug in HDMI 2.1 chipset that causes black screen issues on specific hardware. On AV chipsets sourced by Panasonic, and used by Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha HDMI 2.1 AV receivers, the chipset experiences a specific issue of a black screen. More specifically, the bug happens once you connect Microsoft's newest console, Xbox Series X, or NVIDIA's Ampere graphics cards. When connecting these sources at resolutions like 4K/120 Hz HDR and 8K/60 Hz HDR to Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipsets, the black screen happens. This represents a major problem for every manufacturer planning to use the Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipset in its AV receivers, meaning that the issue has to be addressed. The Audioholics website has reached out to Sound United and Yamaha to see what their responses were, and you can check them out below.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX wireless Cloud Buds. The new Cloud Buds offers a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection using Qualcomm aptX HD and feature 14 mm drivers that deliver immersive premium HyperX sound for a range of playing and listening applications. Discrete and portable, the new Cloud Buds delivers immersive on-the-go gaming and entertainment with signature HyperX comfort and a multi-functional mic, making them a great fit for today's hybrid work and school environments that require extended hours of digital communication.

The Cloud Buds is designed with signature HyperX comfort, featuring three sizes of HyperX patented silicone ear tips to provide ultimate comfort and sound experiences on-the-go. The Cloud Buds also utilizes a lightweight, flexible neckband that features in-line mic and multi-function buttons that can be used to answer calls, control music tracks, and activate digital assistants with ease.