THD Podcast

Hosted by David Lindberg

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137

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May 2026

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About the show

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio, headphone and other technologies technologies and the people who bring the technology to market. Hosted by Dave Lindberg, CEO of dB Enterprises Hong Kong, and Simon Weston, CEO of ZUMI Systems Japan. Please LiKE, Share and Subscribe. Contact us if you would like to be considered for a guest!

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May 12, 2026Episode 13741 min

THD Podcast 137 - THD 137 Triad Semiconductor 156dB Range Current-Conveyor AFE Handles Mic & +28dBu Ln Signals w/o Pads

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 137 of the THD Podcast, Tony Doy and Phillip Muehring from Triad Semiconductor join to introduce the Universal Audio Analog Front End (AFE) TS5510.The TS5510 is a two-channel, high-performance Universal Analog Front End (AFE) developed by Triad Semiconductor. It is designed to bridge the gap between high-level line signals and low-level microphone inputs for modern audio systems, particularly professional mixing consoles and recording equipment. Basically, you can run mics directly into a mixer without a preamp. The TS5510 is a dual-channel analog front end that simplifies audio hardware design by replacing traditional, complex input stages with a "universal" signal path. Its unique current-conveyor architecture allows a single input to handle everything from low-level microphones to high-output instruments without needing mechanical switches or pads, while its massive 156 dB capture range makes it the ideal partner for 32-bit float recording systems to eliminate clipping. By integrating high-precision digital gain control and superior noise rejection into a compact chip, it enables manufacturers to build smaller, more reliable professional mixers, field recorders, and audio interfaces with a significantly reduced part count. Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #SignalProcessing #AnalogFrontEnd #Studio #studiorecording Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.triadsemi.comlinkedin.com/company/triad-semiconductorwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

May 5, 2026Episode 13631 min

THD Podcast 136 - Hearing Health and Auracast: The Mission to Overcome the 10% Global Market Penetration

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 136 of the THD Podcast, Andrew Bellavia, founder of AuraFuturity, highlights a massive gap in the hearing health market: of the 1.5 billion people worldwide living with hearing loss, only about 10 million are fitted with hearing aids annually. He views this low penetration as a massively underserved market. He further advocates for a shift toward consumer-centric products such as OTC hearing devices and the Bluetooth SIG's Auracast a to bridge the divideCheck out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #hearinghealth #HearingLoss #HearingAids #audiology #betterhearing #HearWell #hearingcare Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.aurafuturity.comlinkedin.com/in/abellaviawww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

April 28, 2026Episode 13524 min

THD Podcast 135 - Remora Is a Headphone 3.0 Platform Enabling Customization w/ Apps for Headphones, Hearing AI

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 135 of the THD Podcast, Gary Spittle from Sonical joins to tell us about his Remora project. Remora PRO is a first-of-its-kind "head-worn computing platform" designed by Sonical to transform existing headphones into intelligent, programmable devices—a concept the company calls Headphone 3.0. It is primarily an external wireless accessory that adds high-fidelity, ultra-low-latency connectivity and app-based customization to traditional wired or wireless headphones. Core TechnologyUltra-Wideband (UWB) Wireless: Unlike standard Bluetooth, Remora PRO uses UWB to deliver uncompressed, lossless audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) with imperceptible latency of less than 5ms.CosmOS Operating System: It runs on Sonical's CosmOS, a dedicated "operating system for the ear" that allows users to download third-party plugins and apps directly onto the hardware.Audio Hardware: The device features a THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) for ultra-low distortion, an ESS Sabre DAC, and an XMOS USB interface.BodyWave™ Antenna: To prevent the signal dropouts common with wearable UWB tech, it incorporates AntennaWare's BodyWave technology, ensuring a stable link even when blocked by the user's body. Key Features & Use CasesCustomizable Audio: Through the CosmOS platform, users can add features like personalized EQ profiles, spatial audio rendering, and hearing protection.Health & Wellness: It supports advanced health algorithms, including tinnitus sound therapy (developed with Newcastle University) and HearAngel smart hearing safeguarding.Universal Compatibility: It can attach to any pair of headphones and connect to sources via analog, USB, or Bluetooth.Professional Focus: Targeted at DJs, audio engineers, and gamers who require the reliability of a wired connection with the freedom of wireless. Availability & PricingEstimated Price: Approximately USD $949 / £759 / €890 for the complete system (wearable unit and UWB dongle). Status: As of early 2026, the product is in trial manufacturing at the Sony UK Technology Centre in Wales to prepare for large-scale productionCheck out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #simulation Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.sonical.ailinkedin.com/company/sonical-incwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

April 21, 2026Episode 13445 min

THD Podcast 134 - Cloud-Native Simulation for Room & Product Acoustics Using Wave-Based and Geometric Engines

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 134 of the THD Podcast, Finnur Pind, CEO of Treble Technologies, joins a second time to refresh us on the Treble simulation suite and the progress that they have been making.Treble Technologies is an Icelandic startup revolutionizing acoustic design through the world’s first cloud-native sound simulation platform. Using a proprietary hybrid engine that combines wave-based and geometrical acoustics, Treble delivers simulations up to 1,000x faster than traditional methods while maintaining high physical accuracy. Their suite enables architects and engineers to "hear" designs via real-time auralizations, reducing reliance on expensive physical prototypes. Beyond the built environment, Treble’s SDK generates high-fidelity synthetic audio data to train AI models for speech enhancement and automotive noise control.Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #MEMS #microphone #opticalmodule Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.treble.techlinkedin.com/company/treble-technologieswww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

April 14, 2026Episode 13336 min

THD Podcast 133 - Absolute Audio Labs Creates Software for Hearing Aids and Earbuds, Enhancing Sound Clarity

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 133 of the THD Podcast, Mark Kaal from Absolute Audio Labs joins to provide an update on their technology. Absolute Audio Labs (AAL) has developed software-based hearing enhancement technology that transforms standard, generic Bluetooth System-on-Chip (SoC) hardware into high-performance hearing aids and hearables. Their flagship PYOUR Audio software suite focuses on improving speech intelligibility in noisy environments and restoring music enjoyment for the hearing impaired, bridging the gap between traditional hearing aids and consumer audio devicesCheck out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #audio #dsp #AI #DSP #voiceclarity Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.absoluteaudiolabs.comlinkedin.com/company/absolute-audio-labswww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

April 8, 2026Episode 13248 min

THD Podcast 132 - Sensibel Optical MEMS Microphones Using Lasers for Studio-Quality Sound

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 132 of the THD Podcast, Tom Hazlett and Michael Tuttle from SensiBel join us for a chat. Sensibel is a Norwegian company that has developed a breakthrough optical MEMS microphone technology designed using mini-lasers to bring professional studio-quality audio to compact consumer and industrial devices. This technology replaces traditional capacitive components with precision optical sensing, using a laser to measure membrane movement with femtometer accuracy to eliminate air-damping noise. The resulting SBM100B flagship model offers a 132 dB dynamic range and 80 dB SNR, providing 24-bit digital output suitable for high-end consumer and industrial applications, including ANC headphones and professional audio systems.Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #MEMS #microphone #opticalmodule Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.sensibel.comlinkedin.com/company/sensibelwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

April 2, 2026Episode 13154 min

THD Podcast 131 - XMOS GenSOC Configure Physical ICs Using Natural Language Prompts Instead of Complex Code

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 131 of the THD Podcast Mark Lippett, CEO of XMOS, joins to tell us about their fabless semiconductor company that specializes in high-performance multicore microcontrollers designed to bridge the gap between traditional hardware (like FPGAs) and software-defined solutions. Their unique xCORE architecture allows developers to implement complex functions—such as digital signal processing (DSP), artificial intelligence (AI), and custom I/O—entirely in software with deterministic, real-time performance. The parts can be architected using a natural language GUI, so any device that requires real-time processing (AKA Audio) but doesnt have a volume to support custom ICs or have the budget for extensive FW development can benefit from such a device.Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #audio #dsp #AI #silicon #integratedcircuitPlease like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.xmos.comlinkedin.com/company/xmoswww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

March 17, 2026Episode 13034 min

THD Podcast 130 Neurable AI-Powered Non-Invasive EEG to Track Brain Activity to Improve Focus, Productivity

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 130 of the THD Podcast, Dr. Ramses Alcaide joins to explain Neurable. Neurable develops non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) designed to integrate into daily life through products like the Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro headphones. The company utilizes proprietary AI and EEG sensors to analyze cognitive health, tracking metrics such as focus and stress levels to help users manage burnout. With a long-term goal of enabling device control through thought, Neurable is moving beyond traditional, medical-grade, and, in some cases, military-focused, neurotechnology.Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #audio #dsp #bluetoothlowenergy #bluetoothtechnology #bluetooth Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.neurable.comlinkedin.com/company/neurable@neurablewww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

March 10, 2026Episode 12937 min

THD Podcast 129 - Dirac ART is Advanced Room Treatment That Uses Speakers to Actively Cancel Bass Resonances

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 129 of the THD Podcast, Nilo Casimiro Ericsson, product manager for home and pro plus, is one of the founders of the firm, so we went to the horse's mouth to get the details on the DIRAC ART product. Dirac Live Active Room Treatment or ART) is an advanced software-based room correction technology that uses a home theater's existing speaker system to manage bass and eliminate room resonance, eliminating the need for physical, passive acoustic panels. It acts like "noise-canceling headphones" for the entire room, utilizing MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology to create a cleaner, tighter, and more balanced soundstage.You basically use a measurement microphone and software on a computer to calibrate your room. The calibration process for Dirac Live ART involves using a measurement microphone and software on a computer to create a digital model of your room. While standard room correction systems treat each speaker individually, Dirac ART uses these measurements to treat your entire speaker system as a unified network. It's a very cool piece of kit to deal with the infinite living spaces and conditions that we subject our audio experiences.Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #audio #dsp #bluetoothlowenergy #bluetoothtechnology #bluetooth Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.dirac.comlinkedin.com/company/dirac-research-abwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

March 3, 2026Episode 12834 min

THD Podcast 128 - Renesas launches a dualmode BT 20hr battery for Assisted Hearing – LE Audio Auracast Classic

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 128 of the THD Podcast, Adrie Van Meijeren, the product marketing director for audio & voice at Renesas Electronics, joins to present their new dual-mode Bluetooth IC, the DA14870.This new BT chip can enable hearing assist devices by providing ultra-low power consumption and high-quality audio streaming through support for Bluetooth 6.0 and LE Audio, Auracast and BT Classic. These chips are critical for both Over-the-Counter (OTC) and clinical audiology devices because they allow for miniaturised form factors and extended battery life, even during continuous audio streaming.This means that the same hearing aid or hearing assist devices can adjust between use for assisted hearing and high-quality audio playback on the same device. At least from the BT link perspective ;)Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #audio #dsp #bluetoothlowenergy #bluetoothtechnology #bluetooth Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg@dlindberg11discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.renesas.comlinkedin.com/company/renesas@RenesasGlobalwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com