Examination of Cambridge Sound Technologies’ CXU Equipment

Cambridge Audio CXU Review

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cambridge audio is gaining more and more popularity these days. It is a recently launched CX series line that is well equipped with CXN music streamer, CXA60 amplifier and CXC CD transport and ensures awesome performance. Cambridge CXU is a multi talented advanced disc player that has gained five star rating among competitors. This product is well packed with all impressive features, unique connection options and superb layer of music and films. Spending just £900 would not be a big deal if you get such a quality product that isn’t just Blu-ray player rather it offers services as a CD player, DVD player, DAC as well as network streamer. You will be able to stream high resolution audio on this device and you can charge it easily via smartphone. In simple words, it is a worth investment for quality.

Pros:

Impressive picture quality.
Support towards high resolution audio content.
Stunning music performance.
Comes with extensive set of features.
Elegant and sleek design.
Build quality is highly reliable.
Offers darbee video processing.
Rated as best 3D Blu-ray device.
It extends support to SACD and DVD audio playback.
Can be used with Picassa and YouTube app.
Cons:
It doesn’t support Netflix application.
Wi-Fi facility is not available; users need to make connections via dongle.
It lacks in music streaming app feature.
There is no dedicated application for control.
Display is less informative.

Features and Specs

This latest CXU model is designed by Cambridge Audio with all impressive features and the most noticeable one is its Blu-ray player capability. This device is well designed to serve users with superior audio and video performance while ensuring great connectivity to be used as central solution for home cinema needs. If you talk about its disc handling abilities then CXU is capable enough to support wide range of playbacks like BD-R/RE, DVD+-R DL, DVD+-/RW, CD-R/RW, Kodak Picture CD, HDCD, CD, SACD, AVCHD, DVD-A, DVD, BD-3D and BD etc.

You can also enjoy video processing over CXU and content upscaling can go as high as up to 4K resolution level where 2D can also be converted into 3D. You can avail output up to two uniquely configurable HDMI ports. The best thing to know about this latest product is that it supports Darbee Visual Presence Technology that makes it highly adjustable to specific needs of users. In order to enhance this flexibility you can further prefer Darbee Mode for every video input separately.

With all new and advanced features, it is also possible to use CXU like all in one digital hub solution with HDMI input availability. Users can also transfer signals via three USB inputs, Coaxial audio inputs, digital optical etc that makes all connections possible with external world. Users can enjoy effective up-sampling for content to ensure impressive audio-video experience during playbacks. Its front HDMI input also extends support to MHL so this CXU is proven to be best solution for all kind of audio-video entertainment needs. When users connect this device with Pure audio mode active then all video processing is automatically stopped so that audio signal may not find any disturbance.

Check at Amazon

Design

CXU works on the footsteps of CX family with its sleek appearance, high quality design and floating built. This device possesses robust yet elegant chassis and the aluminium finish make it look more impressive. Manufacturers have added real care while designing buttons for this design as they allow perfect operations without making things messy during playbacks. Disc loading tray is designed to produce minimal noise. You will observe little whisper whenever machinery starts working inside for CD or Blu-ray playbacks. The sad truth is that this device does not reflect any information related to track being played.

The control unit is designed with highly durable material and you will find its controls pretty fine with nice hold. The soft finish makes its handling easier and buttons always offer satisfying operation as they respond to every swift with ease. You will be glad to know that this device also possesses backlit feature that leads to awesome performance in darkened cinema room.

Connections and Control

CXU is well known for its large selection range for audio and video files as it acts like a hub in your system. First of all, here you will find two HDMI inputs and outputs; these ports can support HDMI 1.4a compliant while extending support to ARC, CEC and 3D signalling. You will also find 3 well designed USB 2.0 ports on this device out of which one is connected at front side and other on rear portion. However, you have to connect wireless dongle to access one of these two USB ports. You will also find one Ethernet port on this device that can be used with a wired connection or using a RS 232 serial interface.

For a while, if we keep an eye on audio connections then CXU has specialized optical digital input as well as one coaxial digital input. Similarly, you will also find one optical digital output over here with coaxial digital output. Further, it possesses 7. Channel analogue outputs that follow Phono/RCA based connections. One thing that is missing in this product is balanced XLR stereo output. Besides all these basic controls, you will also find a well designed front panel on this player. It can be easily controlled via remote connectivity. The controller is well designed with soft rubber back and a brushed metal effect of black colour is also created to make it more attractive. Users find this remote comfortable to handle as positioning of buttons is perfect over it. In simple words, Cambridge Audio system has all great features that users demand from a Blu-ray player.

Video Performance

If you want to play videos on this Blu-ray player then you will definitely avail gorgeous picture quality along with natural looks and crystal clear details. All colours create perfect blend on screen and skin tones as well as day light scenes are well adjusted. It is well known for that crisp and vibrant detailing ability for every content.

Lights and shadows are well adjusted everywhere as if sunshines as well gradient shadows all are presented equally good. Dark scenes appear impressively deep but they never swallow finer details from scenes. All motion effects are handled with care so that users can enjoy fast action scenes as well as slow panning details with equal performance. Color mixtures can provide you finest contrast, rich details and punchy colours on every scene. All objects are drawn crisply but they never cause over sharp appearance or nothing seems unnatural over this device.

If you want to play DVDs on this device then also it offers natural color balance along with punchy contrast. Noise is well eliminated from scenes and details use to be highly stable and crisp. This device falls in the category of classic Blu-ray players with all outstanding features and lively as well as natural picture elements. Cambridge is stunningly crisper and subtler with deep details on every aspect.

Audio Performance

As we have already discussed the picture or video performance of CXU so it is essential to talk about audio abilities too. Same as the flying colours on video quality, the sound system of CXU is also appreciable. It offers well times rhythms, musical presentation, and fluid that can make film soundtracks outstanding. Audio quality of Cambridge CXU is simply stunning with full impact if every deep detail. It works with two channel music so talents are obvious, that is why CXU is observed to provide melodic, spacious and bouncy performance with every content. The top portion of player is designed to serve users with disturbance free sound, all vocals are clear as well as expressive.

The best thing to know about Cambridge Audio CXU is its ability to create finer details so that every instrument can be uniquely identified by listener with spacious sound effect. All notes use to start and stop with higher synchronization and cohesiveness is always ensured.

Verdict

This well designed Cambridge Audio CXU works like a universal disc spinner that trends for Blu-ray decks. It provides mind-blowing performance for high resolution audio inputs as well as for High definition images. If you are looking for all in one package for your home cinema then CXU can be added to the list but only if you can satisfied without Netflix.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Pros:

Impressive picture quality.
Support towards high resolution audio content.
Stunning music performance.
Comes with extensive set of features.
Elegant and sleek design.
Build quality is highly reliable.
Offers darbee video processing.
Rated as best 3D Blu-ray device.
It extends support to SACD and DVD audio playback.
Can be used with Picassa and YouTube app.
Cons:
It doesn’t support Netflix application.
Wi-Fi facility is not available; users need to make connections via dongle.
It lacks in music streaming app feature.
There is no dedicated application for control.
Display is less informative.

Features and Specs

Check at Amazon

Design

Connections and Control

Video Performance

Audio Performance

Verdict

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Pros:

Impressive picture quality.
Support towards high resolution audio content.
Stunning music performance.
Comes with extensive set of features.
Elegant and sleek design.
Build quality is highly reliable.
Offers darbee video processing.
Rated as best 3D Blu-ray device.
It extends support to SACD and DVD audio playback.
Can be used with Picassa and YouTube app.
Cons:
It doesn’t support Netflix application.
Wi-Fi facility is not available; users need to make connections via dongle.
It lacks in music streaming app feature.
There is no dedicated application for control.
Display is less informative.

Features and Specs

Check at Amazon

Design

Connections and Control

Video Performance

Audio Performance

Verdict

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Pros:

Impressive picture quality.
Support towards high resolution audio content.
Stunning music performance.
Comes with extensive set of features.
Elegant and sleek design.
Build quality is highly reliable.
Offers darbee video processing.
Rated as best 3D Blu-ray device.
It extends support to SACD and DVD audio playback.
Can be used with Picassa and YouTube app.
Cons:
It doesn’t support Netflix application.
Wi-Fi facility is not available; users need to make connections via dongle.
It lacks in music streaming app feature.
There is no dedicated application for control.
Display is less informative.

Features and Specs

Check at Amazon

Design

Connections and Control

Video Performance

Audio Performance

Verdict

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Essential Audio Sources: Where to Obtain Soundscapes for Podcasting

When people hear podcasting, they assume that it involves long speeches, but it is not so. For many creators, the concern for how to write podcast scripts that attract listeners involves adding sound effects. Doing so improves the quality of the audio content and appeals to listeners.

The dynamic sound effects for podcasts can help highlight specific moments/reactions/information, add to the atmospheric feel of the show, or prepare a unique intro tune. Different tools are useful for inserting the best sound effects into such shows. Let’s learn which ones they are and how they work.

Benefits of Adding Sound Effects in Podcasts

Before discussing what tools can help editors add sound effects to podcast episodes, we should refresh on why it is vital. Here are some of the best benefits you can expect from inserting sound effects for podcasts:

Thematic or mood setting

With a sound effect, you can portray a specific theme for your podcast that gives the users an instant feel of your brand/channel. For example, if a podcaster is creating a podcast show for the True Crime genre, spooky and moody background sound effects set the mood. Comedy or commentary podcasts can use mood-based sound effects like a laugh track with their content.

Point emphasis

Many podcasters utilize sound effects at pivotal moments of their content, e.g., to emphasize a cliffhanger in story-form podcast episodes. Like the boding and italicizing methods are useful in text documents to emphasize parts, you can adjust sound effects to do the same for your audio-based content. These can accentuate the dialogue and evoke specific emotional responses from the audience.

Transition points

Most podcasters utilize the best sound effects for podcast shows to act as a transition between conversational segments. For example, some use these effects as outros or intros.

Now that you are clear about the expected benefits, which platform should you turn to for many quality sound effects? Here are some of the best solutions you can trust, starting with the most useful- Filmora.

1.Wondershare Filmora [Most Recommended Platform]

If you want the best sound effects for podcast episodes, Wondershare Filmora is one notable solution to try out. You can use this software to record your audio, trim it, and add royalty-free sound effects in - all in one editor.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Users can utilize Filmora to further enhance the sound quality using audio editing features like Denoise and Equalizer. Remove long silent parts with the Silence Detection mechanism, and sync the beats with voiceover using Auto Beat Sync. Plus, it has a simple UI with drag-and-drop functionality for an easier method of adding effects to specific sections.

Top Features to Try for Podcasters on Filmora:

Optimize sound quality with audio editing tools like silence detection, audio synchronization, etc.
Make your narration clear-sounding using the one-click Audio Ducking feature.
Add AI-made voiceover if you want to avoid using your voice by adding text into the Text-to-Speech feature, which produces accurate voice narration.
Utilize Speech-to-Text to transcribe your speech into text format in different languages, and add subtitles for your global listeners to read if you add a video version.

How to add Sound and Edit your Voiceovers for Podcasts with Filmora?

Step1 Download and launch the Wondershare Filmora 11 software on your PC or Mac device.

Step2 Plug a stable microphone you will use on the computer when you start. For the best voice quality during recording, it is best to utilize a high-grade external microphone model for professional-level sound capture.

Step3 Access the Filmora software after you launch it beforehand. On the homepage, click on the New Project option.

Step4 When the editor program opens, tap on the drop-down menu below the top-most toolbar for Record. From the options, select the “Record a Voiceover” choice.

Step5 The recording pop-up window will open. Click on the big red record button after the input microphone/speaker settings, and start speaking. When you are done, click the square red stop button. Press OK to save.

Alternatively, you can click on the Microphone icon. Please wait 3 seconds and then start speaking into the microphone and click it again after you are done speaking. The newly recorded file will automatically come in the audio track timeline.

Step6 Click the audio track in the timeline. Among the settings, make changes as you prefer in Pitch, Volume, and Speed. Cut the sections of your voiceover recording you want to remove and add fade-in/fade-out effects. After making all changes, click OK.

Step7 If you have the recording of the narration already available in other locations, like your phone or device, import it into the software.

Step8 Add transitions, effects, and titles from the respective tabs on the top toolbar.

Step9 To add sound effects, go to Media and acquire the new audio clip or effect to add. Go to Effects > choose Audio Effects. Download the sound effect you want to insert and drag it onto the clip in the timeline.

Step10 Choose sound effects like Echo, Small Room, Big Rooms, Lobby, etc. Download and drag the sound effect to the clip or press the Add icon. Play a preview to see how it worked.

Step11 After completing all the edits, click on the Export button at the top. In the next window, choose the file format and additional customizations through Settings. After everything is done, press the Export button to save offline.

Watch this video for a more detailed visual guide to podcast editing using Filmora.

2.YouTube Audio Library

One of the most user-friendly places online where you can find a wide range of high-quality sound effects is the YouTube Audio Library under YouTube Studio. Here, you can find genre-based sound effect choices useful for adding to YouTube videos. In terms of podcasting, you can also download the options offline and use them on your show.

Price: Free

Features:

Simple and fast downloading process.
Clear and crisp sound quality.
Various sizes of sound effects.
Well-organized UI with liked songs under the starred section for easier access.

Pros

Easy to browse through diverse sound effects.
Directly filter the sound effect options by different components like length or genre to select.
Directly search for sound clips with relevant keywords.

Cons

You need to have a YouTube Studio account to get access to multiple free sound effects.
Mainly for YouTube users.

3.Podcastle

Another top-level for podcasters for podcast effects is Podcastle. With this software, you can get AI support for intuitive editing of your episodes and even easily record interviews with up to 10 different speakers. Then, easily combine the different tracks with the editor here and add transition sound effects for optimized sound enhancement.

Price: Basic- Free, Storyteller- USD 3 per month, Pro- USD 8 per month

Features:

Enhance speed in podcasts.
AI features automatically remove broken sounds, unwanted noise, or silent parts.
Use voice skins for text-to-speech benefits.
Record your voiceover directly through this one platform.

Pros

Royalty-free sound effects and music are available.
Multi-track editing.
Remoted interviewing benefits with the AI-powered app.

Cons

Sound quality is not the best for free plan users.
You have to upgrade to paid plans for more extensive free sound effects and music.

4.Freesound

If you want good free sound effects options, this is one of the oldest but most useful websites to trust for good-quality packs. The creators also edit and post their sound effects packs, which you can access easily. However, the learning curve of this site is slightly complicated, and it will take some time to learn how it works well.

Price: Free

Features:

The information is available to explain the sound packs.
Various types of sound effects are available.
Read comments and participate in forums with other creators.
Register and download different packs of sound effects.

Pros

Generate a random sound effect.
Easily find sound effects packages from the list.
Find song clips and effects via tags.

Cons

Hard to navigate in the confusing interface.
Strict licensing regulations are in place.

5.SoundBible

Another top-grade platform for sound effects that many podcasters trust is SoundBible. There are many types of suitable packs available that visitors can open and download. Previewing the sound effects first before downloading is easy to avoid choosing the wrong one.

Price: Free

Features:

Various styles of sound packs are available.
Many royalty-free music options are available.
Preview the sound clips before downloading.
Fast downloading process.

Pros

Download packs of sound effects based on type.
Browse sound effects by tags or categories.
Download sound effects in WAV and MP3 formats.

Cons

Limited variety of options.
Not the easiest browsing process to find relevant sound effects if you want genre-based choices.

6.Storyblocks

While trying out different apps and sites for dynamic music effect options, you should also give Storyblocks a chance. The platform offers different types of sound effects in its unlimited library. It is easy to search for them and preview the sound effect in your content with this app as well.

Price: Starter- USD 12.14 per month, Unlimited All Access- USD 24.29 per month, Pro- USD 29.35 per month

Features:

Simple audio editor available.
Preview what effects you will use and how they will work.
Optimize sound quality and enhance sound.
Get new content to choose from monthly.

Pros

Fully stocked library of royalty-free sound clips.
Diverse sound effects to choose from.
Easily search for the type of effect you want to use in the app.

Cons

No free version.
Sound effects are available under higher-priced Pro and Unlimited All Access plans.

7.Music Radio Creative

If you want creative and customized voiceovers and intros for your podcast show, you will find many options in Music Radio Creative. Top creators, DJs, and music producers have created and distributed a variety of jingles and effects for users to try out and use for their podcasts. Plus, you will get AI-powered voiceover choices as well.

Price: Priced collections start at USD 40.

Features:

Special offers for sound clips and effects.
Different intro options for podcasts.
Get themed jingles and effects.
Collections of different theme-based options are available.

Pros

Pre-made jingles are available for download.
Free sound effects for different podcast styles.
Pre-made voiceover choices.

Cons

Very costly for complete beginners.
Requires a strong and stable internet connection to download clips.

8.ZapSplat

Another user-friendly platform to try for free podcast sound effects is ZapSplat. The platform includes a wide range of sound effects you can hear and choose for your podcast episodes. The downloading process is simple, and you will get the final files in two commonly accessible audio formats for offline use.

Price: Free

Features:

Free sound effects for podcasts, recording and streaming.
A categorized genre of different sound effect types.
Download files in MP3 or WAV format.
Preview the sound before downloading.

Pros

Countless free sound effects.
Many SFX options are available for free access.
Well-organized list of sound effects for easier access and download.

Cons

Sound effects of using here are only allowed for production-based usage.
You cannot access and enable sound effects on the recorded files on other platforms.

9.Pixabay

If you want a straightforward user experience while choosing free sound effects for your podcast, Pixabay is a good choice. You will find different types of categorized sound effects, many of which are license-free. So, you can use them without worries of plagiarism in your content.

Price: Free

Features:

Users can leave or read comments.
Easily loads a new batch of royalty-free sound effects.
Multiple genre options are available.
Easy downloading process.

Pros

Bookmark those you will download.
Browse by tags.
Play the sound effects to choose from.

Cons

Need to register to get licensed content.
Prompts appear after each download to promote the site.

10.Epidemic Sound

Another top-notch platform where you can find the best podcast transition sound effects is Epidemic Sound. This website has multiple styles of quality thematic and unique sound effects for users to try out. While the website is not free to use, you can easily find the best-quality sound effects for podcasts and publish them without hassle.

Price: Personal- USD 6/month, Commercial- USD 12/month, Enterprise- quoted cost from the brand.

Features:

Monetize content across different social media platforms.
Free trial of all features for 30 days.
Easily publish your content on different sites.
Thirty-five thousand track choices are available.

Pros

Get 90,000 different sound effects to choose from.
Get an unlimited number of downloads.
Fast selection and downloading process.

Cons

Support for music curation only for Enterprise plan users.
The free first month is unavailable for enterprises or professionals using the biggest price plan.

11.Artlist

Another worthy option to trust for high-quality podcast sounds effects is Artlist. Users find it relatively simple to use this software to find different sound effects that will work for their podcast show theme. Plus, the website updates with new options daily, so you will not run out of options.

Price: Social Creator- USD 9.90/month, Creator Pro- USD 16.60/month, Enterprise- quoted cost, Team- USD 28.20/month

Features:

Get new tracks and sound effects per day.
The Pro license for users has a lifetime guarantee.
Users can opt for customized pricing plans with customer team support.
Diverse watermarked content is available for free plan users.

Pros

Free sound effects licensed for different social media platforms.
Podcast sound effects for free download under the Creator Pro plan.
No copyright issues with the sound effects and music available for download here.

Cons

Not possible to use the downloaded assets in multiple projects.
Canceling the subscription and getting a refund are not available after 14 if you already downloaded the SFX options.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Create Your Sound Effects As Last Resort

You will get different types of sound effects through the software and sites mentioned in this post. But do you want something different and more customized to your personal preferences for your podcast? The best solution, in that case, it to create your podcast sound effects.

The process will take a longer time. However, you will get a full license over the sound effects and save costs. Before doing so, you should research different content on creating podcast sound effects and add elements like echo effects online. Then, start the process.

Final Words

Different platforms are available for high-quality sound effects for podcast shows. You can use them to access countless free options or even prepare your own. However, if you want an overall high-grade user experience with one platform to record the podcast and add unique sound effects, Filmora is the best option for you.

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Top Features to Try for Podcasters on Filmora:

Optimize sound quality with audio editing tools like silence detection, audio synchronization, etc.
Make your narration clear-sounding using the one-click Audio Ducking feature.
Add AI-made voiceover if you want to avoid using your voice by adding text into the Text-to-Speech feature, which produces accurate voice narration.
Utilize Speech-to-Text to transcribe your speech into text format in different languages, and add subtitles for your global listeners to read if you add a video version.