Fosi Audio debuted the C3 AI Gaming Sound Card at CanJam NYC 2026, marking its first AI-trained processor targeting competitive FPS gamers seeking precise positional audio.

Built on Fosi’s Spider S AI model, the C3 analyzes game audio in real time to isolate footsteps and movement cues without artificial EQ-based volume boosting.

The C3 uses an XMOS XU316 processor, CS43131 DAC, dedicated headphone amp, and supports hardware-level 7.1 spatial audio and AI microphone noise reduction.

Jamie Dunn is appointed CEO of Lawo AG, succeeding Philipp Lawo, reinforcing leadership continuity and the company’s long-term strategic focus.

Dunn joined Lawo in 2011, previously serving as Head of Global Sales, CCO, and Deputy CEO, bringing over a decade of internal leadership experience.

His career includes roles at Studer for 10+ years, including Studer US Sales Manager at Harman Pro, and four years at LSB Broadcast Technologies.

Sennheiser will relocate its Americas regional headquarters from Old Lyme, Connecticut, to the Rock Nashville campus, located about 10 minutes from downtown Nashville.

Rock Nashville opened January 2026, spanning over 600,000 square feet across 55 acres, featuring three buildings, 15 rehearsal studios, and 30 on-site vendors.

The move supports Sennheiser’s post-2022 focus on professional audio, following the sale of its consumer business to Sonova, accelerating North American growth.

Leak TruStream combines modern network audio streaming and a high-quality DAC inside a retro-inspired walnut veneer chassis reminiscent of classic 1970s hi-fi gear.

The minimalist front panel hides extensive modern connectivity on the rear, emphasizing vintage aesthetics without sacrificing contemporary audio functionality.

Network features include dual-band Wi‑Fi and gigabit Ethernet, supporting stable high-resolution streaming from major music services and local network sources.

Meze Audio unveiled ASTRU, a $899 flagship single dynamic driver IEM, debuting publicly at CanJam NYC 2026 before global release on March 20.

ASTRU uses a custom 10 mm multilayer dynamic driver with over 80 ultra-thin gold layers applied via 48-hour DC magnetron sputtering for rigidity and low mass.

The gold-coated diaphragm bonds to titanium and mounts on a PEEK base, targeting fast transients, extended treble, and controlled, full-bodied bass response.

Soulnote celebrates its 20th anniversary with Serie 1 Ver.2, introducing upgraded integrated amplifier, DAC, and phono preamp, all designed and manufactured in Japan.

The Serie 1 Ver.2 philosophy avoids negative feedback and digital correction, using discrete non-NFB circuits, short signal paths, and mechanically optimized chassis for unaltered signal purity.

Soulnote A-1 Ver.2 integrated amplifier delivers 2×80 W at 4 ohms, featuring a single-push-pull output stage with TO-3P transistors and an unpotted toroidal transformer.

Grell OAE2 open-back headphones debut in the U.S. at CanJam NYC 2026 (March 7–8), priced $599, following an initial German release.

Designed by veteran engineer Axel Grell, OAE2 refines the OAE1 concept with a newly optimized dynamic driver and acoustically improved open-back housing.

Forward-projecting driver placement interacts with the outer ear to reduce the “in-head” effect, creating a speaker-like soundstage with depth and stable imaging.

Fraunhofer IIS and Airoha unveiled a multichannel spatial audio reference system at MWC 2026, targeting next-generation wireless headsets, XR devices, and premium mobile applications.

The solution integrates Fraunhofer’s LC3plus codec and Cingo spatial audio with Airoha’s AB1595 Bluetooth SoC, enabling high-definition, low-latency, resilient multichannel wireless audio.

Airoha AB1595 SoC features an ARM Cortex-M33F CPU, dual Cadence HiFi5 DSPs, AiroHAP processor, and supports Bluetooth LE Audio, dual mode, and upcoming Bluetooth HDT.

Nothing launches its second over-ear model, Headphone (a), as a budget-focused alternative to Headphone (1) with a €159 MSRP, targeting the midrange market.

Headphone (a) uses 40 mm titanium-coated drivers, drops the KEF tuning partnership, yet adds premium features like Spatial Audio and Sony’s LDAC codec.

Battery life stands out with up to 75 hours with ANC enabled and 135 hours without ANC, surpassing rivals like the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.

Qobuz announced a proprietary AI detection system to identify and tag 100% AI-generated tracks across new releases and its entire existing catalog.

Following its AI Charter, Qobuz pledges never to generate music for its catalog or promote fraudulent or fully AI-created content.

AI-generated track tags will appear across all Qobuz apps, alongside strengthened anti-fraud tools that can refuse or remove impersonated or manipulated uploads.

TCL unveiled the 27C3A Pro gaming monitor in China for 3,578 yuan (~$518), featuring a 27-inch 4K panel aimed at 2026 gamers.

Its dual-mode system switches between 4K 165Hz and Full HD 320Hz, letting users prioritize resolution clarity or ultra-high esports-level refresh rates.

QD‑Mini LED technology delivers 2,304 local dimming zones, 2,200-nit XDR peak brightness, HDR1400 certification, and a 22,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

TAD introduces its first-ever integrated amplifier, the A1000, merging separate preamp and power-amp technologies into a compact Evolution Series component priced at €26,000.

The 29 kg chassis is divided into four isolated chambers for preamp, power amp, power supply, and control, reducing electromagnetic interference and vibration.

A fully symmetrical internal layout mirrors power supplies, circuits, signal paths, PCB traces, and cable lengths, supported by three specialized feet with integrated spikes.

Grell Audio OAE2 headphones leverage a unique acoustic design that directs sound around the ear, activating natural spatial localisation without relying on artificial DSP effects.

Instead of firing directly into the ear canal, the OAE2 works with ear anatomy to create speaker-like spatial audio, aiming for more realistic, fatigue-free long listening sessions.

German-engineered build emphasizes longevity, featuring a modular, fully replaceable metal frame and 40mm dynamic drivers using a bio-cellulose membrane.

JBL Endurance Run 3 are wired sport earbuds designed for athletes, featuring FlipHook for in-ear or over-ear wear and TwistLock stability.

Soft ear tips combined with ergonomic, lightweight construction ensure secure fit during workouts, resisting sweat and rain without pressure or dropouts.

Audio is delivered by 8 mm dynamic drivers with a 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, balancing punchy bass and clarity for training.

Audio-Technica launched Makuake crowdfunding for portable record player SHARK BURGER, priced from ¥28,050 (15% off), March 5–May 15, shipping late May 2026.

The project fuses SOUND BURGER mechanics with Kesennuma’s Edo-era shark fishing industry, repurposing previously landed shark leather otherwise underutilized.

Each unit uses naturally varied shark leather handles, produced in limited quantities, and includes a metal plate listing capture coordinates and species.

Redmi Buds 8 Pro debuted at MWC 2026 as Xiaomi’s value-focused flagship ANC earbuds, positioned above Buds 8 Active, priced aggressively at €69.99 in Europe.

A new triple-driver coaxial design combines an 11mm titanium dynamic driver, 6.7mm piezo ceramic unit, tuning driver, and dual DACs for Hi-Res Wireless audio.

Smart adaptive ANC reaches up to 55dB with a wider 5kHz cancellation band, including immersive modes optimized for planes, trains, and other noisy environments.

Telegrapher introduces Hippo, an active analog studio subwoofer designed to complement near- and midfield monitors with precise, controlled sub-bass monitoring.

The design pairs a 10-inch woofer with side passive radiators, delivering extended, detailed low frequencies that remain articulate and easy to control.

A 250 W Class D amplifier provides ample studio output, achieving up to 102 dB SPL without sacrificing accuracy.

Motorola unveiled Moto Buds 2 Plus and Moto Buds 2 at MWC 2026, expanding the Moto Things ecosystem with compact Pantone-colored true wireless earbuds.

Moto Buds 2 Plus feature Sound by Bose tuning, 11 mm dynamic drivers, Knowles balanced armatures, Hi-Res Audio via LHDC, and immersive spatial audio support.

Advanced ANC adapts dynamically, while six microphones with CrystalTalk AI deliver clearer calls; battery life reaches 9 hours, or 40 hours with charging case.

UFO announced a deluxe reissue of their acclaimed 1981 ninth studio album, *The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent*, arriving 1 May 2026 via Chrysalis.

The release is available as 2CD and 3LP editions, featuring a 2026 remaster, original Hipgnosis artwork, and expanded archival live material.

CD1 includes the remastered album plus seven-inch edits of ‘Couldn’t Get It Right’ and ‘Lonely Heart’, alongside an unreleased alternate mix of ‘It’s Killing Me’.

OTOTEN2026, organized by the Japan Audio Society, will run for three days from June 19–21, 2026, at Tokyo International Forum, expanding its overall scale.

A new paid “Premium Day” on June 19 limits attendance for smoother booth experiences, with advance tickets priced at ¥1,100, sales starting April 24.

Public days on June 20–21 remain free with prior registration, targeting audio enthusiasts, beginners, younger audiences, and families across multiple generations.