THD Podcast

David Lindberg

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!

  1. 6d ago

    THD Podcast 142 - AIZIP Compressing Huge Neural Networks Into Efficient TinyML for Small Edge Devices

    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 142 of the THD Podcast, Nathan Francis from AIZIP steps in to introduce their product. Aizip is a Silicon Valley outfit that's been putting in some serious work since 2020. Now, if you've been following the show, you know everyone and their brother is talking about massive, power-hungry AI running in the cloud. But these guys? They’re doing something way more practical. They specialize in building ultra-efficient, production-grade AI models built specifically for edge and endpoint devices. Think about the massive gap between high-power AI and low-resource hardware. Aizip is essentially bridging that chasm by squeezing maximum performance out of tight silicon using Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML). The kicker here is that their tech runs entirely on-device. No calling back to the cloud. By keeping everything local, you’re looking at three massive wins: you absolutely slash your API costs, you drop latency down to basically nothing, and you get ironclad data privacy right out of the box. It’s a beautifully elegant way to handle intelligence on the edge. Also, Tom Hazlett from Sensibel is hanging out to tell about the AIZIP + Sensibel cooperation and the new part coming soon from Sensibel as well. Check out the podcast on YouTube Spotify Amazon Music Rumble iHeartRadio Apple Google Thanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support Thanks to audioXpress for their support on this episode as well! Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast! Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcast www.db-ent.com linkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg @dlindberg11 discord.gg/HF6NF3fc www.aizip.ai linkedin.com/company/aizip www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

    THD Podcast 142 - AIZIP Compressing Huge Neural Networks Into Efficient TinyML for Small Edge Devices
  2. Sep 22

    THD Podcast 141 - HEAD Acoustics: What Happens When Audio Systems Outsmart Your Test Signals?

    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 141 of the THD Podcast, episode 141 of the THD Podcast, Jacob Soendergaard joins from HEAD acoustics GmbH to talk about ETSI's new Speech-Based Distortion Measure may be the industry's answer to confused Automated Speech Recognition (ASR's).Standardized as ETSI TS 104 063. As audio systems become increasingly optimized to handle speech and powered by AI, traditional distortion metrics are reaching their limits. This new framework is the first metric designed to quantify distortion using natural human voice signals instead of artificial tones. It came about because modern smart speakers, ANC headphones, and smartphones rely on complex, non-linear AI processing and noise-cancellation algorithms. Generic sine waves just don't produce a reliable test to learn what happens and whether the ASR will hallucinate as to what you are saying. An interesting and timely discussion so we hope you enjoy it. Check out the podcast on YouTube  Spotify⁩  Amazon Music Rumble  iHeartRadio⁩ Apple Google Thanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their supportThanks to audioXpress for their support on this episode as well! #audioengineering #acoustics #ETSITS104063 #etsi #HEADacoustics #ETSISTQ #NonlinearityMeasure #SpeechQuality #voicequality #AudioTesting #AcousticTesting #SignalProcessing #Electroacoustics #HATS #ACQUA #LabCore 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 @dlindberg11 discord.gg/HF6NF3fchttps://www.head-acoustics.com/www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com0:00 Introduction to audio testing0:24 Podcast opening and context2:13 The problem with pure tones5:46 Introducing nonlinear measurement8:10 The mechanics of NLM analysis11:00 Standardization and metrics12:40 Interpreting NLM output15:11 System-level testing nuances18:51 Handling delay and complexity22:40 Computational efficiency and summary

    THD Podcast 141 - HEAD Acoustics: What Happens When Audio Systems Outsmart Your Test Signals?
  3. Sep 15

    THD Podcast 140 - Bluetooth 5 Chaotic Protocol Rollout is Causing Confusion in the Market

    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 140 of the THD Podcast, Daniel Knighten from Audio Precision joins the discussion. AP has some new gear to test BT5 products. However, this discussion is mostly about the mass confusion that has been around the BT 5 technology launch. The launch of Bluetooth 5 created widespread confusion because its core features are optional, meaning a device can be certified as "Bluetooth 5" without actually supporting its highly advertised speed or range improvements. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) outlines what is possible with the standard rather than what is mandatory for hardware implementation. This fragmentation left consumers frustrated by unmet expectations and placed the burden on brands to decipher and communicate complex feature checklists.Further, the lack of adoption by Tx devices, namely the iPhone, creates a scenario where end users are buying earbuds but are not getting the performance upgrades promised by BT5. Check out the podcast on  @YouTube   @Spotify   @amazonmusic   @iHeartRadio   @RumbleVideo   @Apple   @Google  Thanks 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 #bluetooth #bluetooth5 #wirelesstech #techgadgets #wirelessaudio #BluetoothSIG #bluetoothtechnology #auracast #BluetoothLE 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 @dlindberg11  discord.gg/HF6NF3fcwww.audioprecision.comlinkedin.com/in/daniel-knighten-b7bb1728 @AudioPrecisionUSA  www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

    THD Podcast 140 - Bluetooth 5 Chaotic Protocol Rollout is Causing Confusion in the Market
  4. Sep 8

    THD Podcast 139 - Holosonics Audio Spotlight Using Directional Ultrasonic Waves to Project Precise Sound Beams

    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 139 of the THD Podcast, Dr F Joseph Pompei, the founder of Holosonics, joins to introduce how they modulate ultrasonic frequencies to create localized 'audio spotlights'.Holosonics is a pioneer in highly targeted sound through its patented Audio Spotlight technology. Unlike traditional speakers that broadcast sound in all directions, Holosonics creates a narrow, flashlight-like beam of audio. The system operates by converting audio into ultrasonic waves, which have wavelengths only a few millimeters long. Because these waves are so small, they naturally travel in a laser-like path. As this silent, modulated ultrasound travels through the air, it interacts with air molecules, naturally demodulating into audible sound precisely along its path. Step one foot outside the beam, and the audio vanishes.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 #Holosonics #AudioSpotlight #DirectionalAudio #DirectionalSound #ParametricSpeaker #FocusedSound #UltrasonicSoundPlease 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.holosonics.comlinkedin.com/company/holosonicslinkedin.com/in/fpompei/@holosonicswww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

    THD Podcast 139 - Holosonics Audio Spotlight Using Directional Ultrasonic Waves to Project Precise Sound Beams
  5. Aug 25

    THD Podcast 138 - VR Tonung Spatial Audio for Headphones from Content Creation to Delivery with Martin Rieger

    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 138 of the THD Podcast, Martin Rieger joins from VR Tonung to give us some perspective and expand our knowledge on this 'hot topic' that is spatial audio. Specifically, how it applies to headphones from content creation thru to content delivery Martin Rieger is a sound engineer working exclusively on immersive 3D audio, for over ten years, across 100+ projects in 15+ countries, from 360° field recordings under extreme conditions to post-production in his Munich studio (VRTonung). As a creative-technical interface, he consults audio manufacturers and startups on spatial audio, from headphone product development and head-tracking to format decisions. He works manufacturer-independent, which makes him both the biggest fan and the harshest critic of the technology. Corporate clients include Mercedes, VW and BMW, as well as OEMs and audio startups. Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @Google Thanks 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 #spatialaudio Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast! Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcast www.db-ent.com linkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg @dlindberg11 discord.gg/HF6NF3fc www.vrtonung.de/en/ Linkedin.com/in/martin-rieger/ www.vrtonung.de/en/blog/ www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

    THD Podcast 138 - VR Tonung Spatial Audio for Headphones from Content Creation to Delivery with Martin Rieger
  6. May 12

    THD Podcast 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 @Google Thanks 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/THDPodcast www.db-ent.com linkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg @dlindberg11 discord.gg/HF6NF3fc www.triadsemi.com linkedin.com/company/triad-semiconductor www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

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

    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 Technology Ultra-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 Cases Customizable 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 & Pricing Estimated 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 production Check out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @Google Thanks 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/THDPodcast www.db-ent.com linkedin.com/in/DavidJLindberg @dlindberg11 discord.gg/HF6NF3fc www.sonical.ai linkedin.com/company/sonical-inc www.totalharmonicdiscussion.com

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

About

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!