#audioelectronics

TLV320DAC3100 take 2 🎧🔊

After much wrasslin’ with the TLV320DAC3100, we finally have a library that properly configures the PLL and sets up both the headphone and speaker output well enough. However, we made a mistake with the headphone wiring, accidentally swapping ground and mic, and we’re experiencing some noise in the headphones when the Class D speaker output is active.

We’re rerouting the board to separate the speaker outputs from the TRRS jack to address this. While at it, we’re also exposing the MICDET and bias pins—interestingly, the mic detects can double as a potentiometer input for volume control. The board grew by 50 mils, but we believe this version is the one. After testing, it should be ready for sale.

PCM1840 Quad Input Microphone I2S ADC with Hardware Pin Configuration 🔊🎤🛠️

We looked up this chip in 2021, right before we got smacked with a chip shortage and couldn't get any to prototype with - but we're back in biz and respinning a prototype up. While looking up the TLV320ADC quad microphone I2S ADC, we also bumped into the PCM1840. These chips are similar (almost identical pinout) but have analog-only inputs and no I2C or SPI configuration. Yep, it's completely hardware pin bootstrapped, which makes setup much easier because you can use any I2S driver. It can act as an I2S controller (it clocks all I2S pins out) or the I2S peripheral (I2S clocks input and data is output). We whipped together a breakout to figure out how to get TDM I2S input working without dealing with the I2C setup. Looks awesome for spatial audio algorithms and voice recognition projects. You can pick up the PCM1840 ADC on DigiKey - lots are in stock!

TPA6130 is an I2C-controlled Stereo Headphone Amp 🎧🔊📻

$329 is asking a lot for a headset, especially for an active noise canceling headset that doesn’t come from the likes of Apple or Sony. But the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset lives up to its name by offering a clean look that gives it universal appeal, but also dedicated gaming features that other ANC competitors… Read more…

The only things guaranteed in life are death, taxes, and kids being reliably entertained by something incredibly loud and annoying. For this generation, it’s a tablet, but instead of taking away their tech for some peace and quiet, you can just give them more, because Logitech’s new Zone Learn headphones are… Read more…

The Detachable Surround Sound Speakers on This Soundbar Can Also Be Used as Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

The smartphone came along and singlehandedly replaced countless devices we used to fill our pockets with—cellphones, cameras, MP3 players, and more. So why shouldn’t we be demanding the same level of multi-tasking from other devices? JBL’s Bar 1300X soundbar seems like a good start. It will replace a surround sound… Read more…

Devialet’s $790 Portable Speaker Will Automatically Optimize Its Sound Based on Where You’re Using It

Although priced well out of our meager budgets, we can’t say we haven’t drooled over Devialet’s audio gear, including the company’s $2,200+ wireless Phantom 1 speakers that manage to both look good and sound even better. They weren’t completely wireless, however: an issue that Devialet is addressing with its first… Read more…