All posts by JenThorpe

The NIKON Z5OII – Master The One-Touch Glow-Up

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Nikon announced the new Z5011, a compact, fully featured mirrorless camera that lets your creativity run free while enabling the effortless capture of amazing photos and video. This camera is the lifestyle accessory for those that seek innovative creative features like film-inspired looks and easy sharing, giving the freedom to capture the feeling of a fleeting moment, or conveying core memories with brilliant colors that are uniquely you.

The Z5011 combines a full range of fun, creativity-enhancing features with the superior performance of Nikon’s latest mirrorless technology. This is the simple to use yet powerful camera that creators will always want to bring along, whether shooting portraits, landscapes, a great night out or an epic trip.

This is the Nikon’s first APS-C/DX format camera to feature the powerful EXPEED 7 processing engine, the same found in the pro-grade Nikon Z8 and Z9. The Z5011 makes it easier than ever to experience immersive image quality, with blazing fast and precise autofocus, fast frame rates up to 30 fps, superb low-light capabilities, advanced audio features and extensive control of colors.

“If you’re ready for the next phase of your creative journey, or even if you have never picked up a camera before, the Z50II is a gateway to a whole new world of expression,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr, Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This camera benefits from some of the best technology from our acclaimed pro-level cameras, but it’s small enough to tag along for anywhere life takes you.”

Discover Color

Relive the warm glow of a summer day at the beach with friends or convey the peacefully somber tones of you favorite spot in the forest. The Z50II is the first Nikon camera to feature a dedicated Picture Control button, opening up new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks.  

In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets, which instantly change the color, tone, and feeling of the scene. Using this camera encourages the user to experiment an play with color settings to develop a truly distinct look and feel to images and video, using tones and color to evoke a feeling like never before.

Imaging Recipes can also be directly downloaded to their camera as Cloud Picture Controls directly through the Nikon Imaging Cloud. These recipes are custom presets with changes to color, brightness, hue and more, which have been developed by notable creators. 

Additionally, users can make their own Imaging Recipes and Flexible Picture Controls for truly limitless creative possibilities. Images can also be sent instantly to a user’s own cloud-based storage using the Nikon Imaging Cloud, or easily share images to a phone with Nikon SnapBridge.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon Z50II will be available in late November 2024 for a suggested retail price of $909.95 for the body only.

Sunn Amps Launches The 1000-Watt DoomBox

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A 1000-watt speaker cabinet crafted for musicians who demand power and precision, Sunn Amps intends to reinvent the standard 4×12 configuration with the introduction of this new cabinet.

The Sunn Amps DoomBox is built to accommodate both guitar and bass, offering an impressive 1000-watt handling capacity — making it the first commercially available 4×12 cabinet with such high power handling. With four specially designed 12” drivers rated at 250 watts each, this cabinet provides clean, unrestrained sound levels that can maintain power integrity across all frequencies, ideal for high-volume performances.

Inspired and developed using feedback from artists and brands, who rely on the depth of lower tunings and high volume genres, the DoomBox was engineered to meet the unique demand of professional musicians looking for a robust, high-efficiency cab that can translate the raw power of their sound without compromise.

Premium Craftsmanship and Materials

The Doom Box cabinet is crafted from solid finger-jointed Baltic Birch plywood, ensuring both durability and tonal clarity. Each cabinet is constructed by hand in the U.S.A. using original 1930’s machinery, the DoomBox reflects Sunn’s historic commitment to quality, contrasting with some of the mass-produced, MDF-based cabinets on the market today. The cabinet’s aluminum basket, ferrite magnet, and custom Sunn weave Tolex with a custom grill design complete its professional-grade build.

Technical Specifications:

Power Handling: 1000W

Inputs: 1 X ¼”

Drivers: 4 X Sunn 12S250

Construction: Marine Grade Baltic Birch

Dimensions: 29.25” X 30” X 14”

Weight: 107 lbs

Price: $2399.00

With clear low-end punch, even sound response, and ample air movement, the Doom Box ensures that every note reaches the audience with clarity and power. This cabinet is a game-changer for musicians who need high-performance, road-ready equipment that enhances their unique sound.

Aguilar Expands Tone Hammer Line

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Aguilar Amp presents a classic reimagined: The New Tone Hammer Preamp – Iconic Aguilar Tone for Stage and Studio.

Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. With its warm, rich, and dynamic sound, the Tone Hammer Preamp is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist.

The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies, in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I., players are set for either studio or stage.

Enhanced for even greater flexibility, the updated Drive circuit now provides an expanded range, allowing for increased gain and a dedicated control to finely tune your sound. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven, and everything in between.

18-volte operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom, and we’ve added a Headphone Out and Aux In, making it the perfect practice companion, whether on the road or at home.

Dial In Signature Warmth And Precision: Experience Aguilar’s signature warmth and character with the Tone Hammer Preamp’s three-band EQ and sweepable midrange. Shape your tone with precision — from punchy mids to deep lows and smooth highs, the Tone Hammer Preamp ensures your sound stays dynamic and under control.

From Clean To Mean In A Single Twist: Add a rich layer of harmonic warmth or gritty edge the Tone Hammer Preamp’s Drive control. With this dedicated Drive control and foot-switch, dialing in anything from subtle, tube-like warmth to raw aggressive punch is more accessible than ever.

Professional Sound, Anywhere You Play: Designed for versatility, the Tone Hammer offers connectivity for any setting. Its balanced DI output integrates seamlessly into live, studio, or recording setups. For practice, the Aux Ilets you play along with tracks, while the Headphone Out, provides silent practice without compromising tone. Perfect for gigs, recording, or home sessions, the Tone Hammer keeps your sound professional and adaptable.

Eventide And Third Man Hardware Announces Knife Drop

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Eventide, in collaboration with Third Man Hardware announces Knife Drop, a commanding new effects pedal that merges aggressive octave fuzz with earth-shaking analog synth tones. This powerful device features presets developed in collaboration with Jack White himself — resulting in bone-rattling distortion and generous heaps of sonic chaos.

Born from the collaborative vision of two pioneering forces in music technology, Knife Drop opens a new chapter in effects processing. The pedal combines Eventide’s decades of digital audio mastery with Third Man Hardware’s innovative vision, resulting in a product that’s as intuitive as it is deep, as fresh as it is familiar.

“The Third Man crew have amazing products design instincts and we learned so much throughout our collaboration. It didn’t feel like work, it felt like Rock ’n Roll,” – Russell Wedelich, Eventide Audio CTO.

“Collaborating with Eventide on the Knife Drop has been an inspiring and exciting experience that expanded into some amazing sonic possibilities. We’re so excited to get Knife Drop into people’s hands, and to make their own sounds and feel the same excitement we had” – Dan Mancini, Third Man Hardware.

Core Features:

Rich Blend of octave fuzz and analog synth capabilities

Dual octave control with dedicated footswitch

Precise filtering options with pre/post distortion routing

Intuitive preset system with instant recall

Stereo I/O switchable guitar/line level inputs

Flexible expression pedal integration for dynamic control

Intuitive Control

The Synth Mix knob allows players to blend between raw guitar signals and bold synthesized tones, while the Drive section delivers everything from a subtle boost to intense, biting distortion. The expressive filter section includes responsive envelope control, adjustable resonance, and switchable routing, putting total tonal flexibility firmly in the user’s hands.

Knife Drop features an LED ladder for precise preset navigation and a secondary function layer that unveils additional sonic territory. The dual I/O configuration supports both mono and stereo operation, while the switchable input accommodates various signal levels for versatile applications, whether onstage or in the studio.

Knife Drop will be available for purchase in the United States through Third Man Records’ website and internationally through Eventide’s authorized distributors, with an MSRP of $299. Additionally, a limited-edition yellow model will be offered exclusively on Third Man Records’ website for $333.

FOXGEAR Introduces Baroni JEVAL

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In the music industry, Baroni means innovation: from classic pedals and amp circuits, to game changing marvels like the astonishing Miniamp line. After years of dedicated R&D, Baroni-Lab is able to offer uncompromising tone, quality and power (up to 200w RMS) in a pedal platform format amp.

Our same attention to quality and details is applied to our line of hand built tube amplifiers. We search the world to bring together the best of components to produce top-of-the line amps without gimmicks; pure innovation, pure quality tone.

The Baroni JEVAL is a true 150 W rms Guitar Hybrid Amplifier that boasts a dual Channel TUBE Preamp section, featuring a hi-voltage ECC82 tube that enriches sound, dynamics and harmonic content, adding warmth and a huge bottom-end response typical of real Tube Amplifiers. 

The CALM channel is designed to recreate the warmth and brilliance of Vintage Amps “blackface” era, and it’s the perfect companion to your pedalboard. The RAGE Channel is designed after our award wining GURUS NINJA preamp pedal, which recreates the classic sound of ANGRIEST higain amplifiers. 

We have fully recreated the behavior of a tube high-gain preamp section using a tube and a series of FETs configured to recreate up to Six gain stages to obtain a huge amount of gain.

Both channels have separate tone stacks. Separate Gain and Volume for each channels, plus Master Volume and master Presence complete the palette of colors available to create your perfect sound. 

Regarding the amp format, Baroni thought let’s do something different… Let’s make a Desktop/Cab Top amplifier. The JEVAL can fit on hoe studio’s desk, ready and waiting for you when you’re ready to record that killer guitar track. Also the JEVAL looks right on stage on top of your speaker cabinet.

The wooden sides are easy detachable and let you use your JEVAL on your pedalboard a a pedal, featuring a classic footswitch on its top panel to switch between the channels. 

A Remote Switching socket on the rear panel will work with any standard latching type footswitch, and let you change channels when using it as a desktop/cab-top unit. 

John Mayor Silver Silky Signature Electric Guitar Strings 3-Pack

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John Mayor Silver Slinky Strings feature a unique 10.5-47 gauge combination, crafted to meet John’s standards for tone and tension. 

“I’ve always said that I don’t play the guitar, I play the strings. Having a feeling of fluidity is so important in my playing, and Ernie Ball strings have always given me that ability. With the creation of the Silver Slinky set, I have found an even higher level of expression, and I’m excited to share it with guitar players everywhere.” – John Mayor.

These signature sets feature John’s previously unavailable 10.5-47 gauge combination, perfectly tailored to his unique playing style and technique. Each string has been meticulously crafted with specific gauges and core-to-wrap ratios that meet John’s exacting standards, delivering the ideal balance of tone and tension.

The new Silver Slinky Strings are available in a collectable 3-pack tin, a 6-pack box, and as individual sets, offered at retailers worldwide.

“Very few guitarists in the history of popular music have influenced a generation of players like John Mayer. For over 25 years, John has not only been a remarkable artist but also a dear friend to the Ernie Ball family. This partnership represents our shared passion for music and innovation, and we can’t wait to see how John’s signature Silver Slinky strings continue to inspire guitarists around the world.” — Brian Ball, CEO of Ernie Ball.

Product Features

Unique gage combination: 10.5, 13.5, 17.5, 27, 37, 47

John’s signature gauge for an optimal balance of tone, tension, and feel

Reinforced Plain Strings (RPS) for enhanced tuning stability and durability

Custom Slinky recipes tailored to John’s personal preferences

Panasonic Announces New Firmware Updates For Its LUMIX S and G Series

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Panasonic has announced a host of new firmware updates for its full frame mirrorless LUMIX S9, S511, S511X cameras and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless G911 camera that improve the shooting experience and enhance functionality. 

In line with LUMIX’s continuous commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 9th October 2024. Firmware updates include:

LUMIX S9 Firmware Version 1.1

A recording time limit menu has been added with a new option to record without time limitation.

A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, which now allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously. This adds further versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions, further enhancing the unrivaled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.

The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.

Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter remote control, and the ability to transfer images selected on the camera. 

Operational stability has been improved.

LUMIX S511 Firmware Version 3.1 and LUMIX S5IIX Firmware Version 2.1

LEICA Monochrome is now available as a Photo Style, providing a strong and dynamic monochrome shooting option.

Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported.

The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.

5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.

Real Time LUT can now be assigned to the Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic or bespoke color styles in-camera.

LUMIX G9II Firmware Version 2.2

Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported.

The latest Panasonic XLR Microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.

5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.

Real Time LUT can now be assigned to the Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic, or bespoke color styles in-camera.

Operational stability has been improved.

 

Roland Announces V-Drums Quiet Design

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Roland announces V-Drums Quiet Design, an all-new addition to the company’s award-winning V-Drums product lineup. V-Drums Quiet Design is a revolutionary development in home drumming, delivering the lowest playing noise in the history of electronic drums. 

Born of decades of Roland testing and development, the V-Drums Quiet Design pads, stand, and pedal bases work together to keep the in-home playing sounds and vibration transfer in check without sacrificing feel and response. The VQD 106 kit comes ready to play with the TD-07 module, while the VQD106PADS kit allows users to add the V-Drums module of their choice. V-Drums Quiet Design components are also available separately for pad expansion and upgrading other V-Drums kits.

Roland V-Drums are already some of the quietist electronic drums available, thanks to years of research and development, precision engineering, and the ability to monitor with headphones. Yet even standard V-Drums can sometimes be too loud to enjoy. The physical noise of striking pads can be bothersome for others, and pedals transfer low-end thumps and vibrations that resonate through the structure to create noise in other rooms.

Purposely engineered for maximum noise reduction, V-Drums Quiet Design allows drummers to play without restraint at any time, day or night. Newly developed pads and hardware dramatically lower the in-room volume, while sound-absorbing materials isolate drumming energy to prevent its escape into adjoining spaces.

Detailed testing in special facilities has revealed that V-Drums Quiet Design kits reduce noice by an astonishing 75 percent compared with V-Drums. The kick and hi-hat are incredibly smooth and quiet, and stick hits on the pads produce in-room sound levels similar to an average conversation.

Despite all their advanced noise-reducing features, the V-Drums Quiet Design snare and toms deliver the great stick feel and natural rebound that V-Drums pads are famous for. The PDQ-8S snare and three PDQ-8 tom pads are built with a noise-absorbing honeycomb rubber insert covered with a mesh head. Specially placed vents on the underside of the playing surface allow air pressure to dissipate, further reducing noise. The PDQ-8S snare provides independent head and rim triggering, plus a soft rubber covering on the rim for quiet rimshots.

Each V-Drums Quiet Design kit includes three versatile CYQ-12 cymbal pads built with honeycomb rubber, mesh covering, and venting like the snare and tom pads. In the crash and ride positions, the CYQ-12 provides independent bow and edge triggers, natural swinging motion, and support for cymbal chokes. In the hi-hat position, the pad is paired with the FD-9 control pedal for detailed response and ultra-quiet operation.

The KDQ-8 kick pad delivers the satisfying “thud” every drummer wants — while keeping the sound confined in the headphones. The eight-inch playing surface supports single and double kick pedals and features a dense triple-layer cushion covered in a doubly-ply mesh material. This is housed in a floating frame to reduce vibration and a noise transfer. Four rubber feet provide stability and further isolation, while the included KDB-Q quiet beater has a special round head that minimizes contact noise.

An innovative stand and two pedal bases complete the V-Drums Quiet Design experience, keeping the remaining clicks, thumps and vibrations from transferring to the floor and other rooms. Special hemispheric rubber feet on the stand isolate pad noise, while the NEQ-K and NEQ-H bases for kick and hi-hat pedals also have special rubber foot designs to keep foot stomps contained.

The TD-07 module included with the VQD106 kit features high-quality acoustic and electronic drum sounds captured in pro studios and powered by advanced V-Drums technology. Users can personalize kits by swapping drums, adjusting tunings, adding dampening, and using EQ. 

Built-in Bluetooth supports audio streaming from a mobile device for jamming and following video lessens. USB connectivity is also available to record audio and MIDI in a DAW, trigger computer-based instruments, and integrate with Melodics coaching software for V-Drums.

Nikon Releases New Stabilized Binocular Series

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Nikon Inc. announced the release of the new STABILIZED  binocular series with two new models that feature a compact, portable design while incorporating on original STABILIZED function to provide a clear and stable image. 

This original stabilization system in the 10x and 12x models reduces vibrations caused by hand movement by approx. 80%, letting users view distant objects such as birds and other wildlife, sporting events, concerts, and even landmarks clearly and comfortably.

These new STABILIZED binoculars weigh only 13.9 oz (STABILIZED 12×25 S model), making it comfortable and easy to track and view subjects for long periods with minimal fatigue of the eyes or arms. For extended viewing, they are powered by 2xAA batteries, providing up to an impressive 12 hours of battery life.

“Recently there has been a surge in popularity for stabilized binoculars, and Nikon’s expertise in optics uniquely positions us to give all types of customers and extremely appealing option,” said Jeff Abler, VP of Sales and NPS, Nikon Inc.

Primary Features of the Nikon STABILIZED Binocular Series

Stylish, compact and comfortable designs is extremely small and lightweight, while also having the ability to fold for maximum portability and easy packing.

Uses 2x convenient and ready available AA-size batteries, for approx. 12 hours of battery life.

STABILIZED Technology reduces vibrations caused by hand movements by approx. 80%, making it easy to track and view subjects.

Bright and clear field of view, with a Multilayer Coating applied to all lenses and prisms while high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating is applied on the reflective surface of the auxiliary prism for maximum brightness.

Auto-power shut-off function prevents unnecessary battery consumption if left powered on. This function is engaged after approximately 60 minutes, letting the user focus on the view,  while minimizing the need to press a button repeatedly to activate the stabilization.

Ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand with a large focusing ring that enables quick focusing.

Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click facilitate easy positioning of the eyes at the correct eyepoint.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon STABILIZED 10×25 S and STABILIZED 12×25 models will be available starting in early November, with an SRP of $639.95 and $649.95, respectively. For more information about Nikon Sport optics and other models, please visit Nikonsusa.com.

PreSonus Introduces “The DAW for All” Studio One Pro 7

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PreSonus Audio Electronics Inc., is introducing the most innovative version of its digital audio workstation to date: STUDIO ONE PRO 7. Bridging the gap between loop-based music production, mixing, mastering and live performance, PreSonus’ DAW offers all the essential tools within a single platform.

Version 7 provides creators with new, advanced production tools, workflow improvements, and extensive sound libraries designed to drive creativity. With over 30 new features, within the DAW, the highly anticipated features include AI-powered Stem Separation, first-of-its-kind Splice Integration, a dynamic Integrated Launcher, a new virtual instrument named Deep Flight One, and improvements on the DAW’s go-to-drum machine, Impact.

Crafted for producers, beat makers, and musicians, Studio One Pro 7 provides the tools to create inspiring music with exceptional speed and convenience, setting a new standard for music production.

“For 15 years, we have worked hand-in-hand with our incredible community of talented Studio One creators. At PreSonus, our mission is to fuel creativity with innovative tools and intuitive workflows,” said Arnie Kaiser, General Manager, Software at PreSonus. “Studio One Pro 7 is the culmination of years of research, development, and collaboration with the musicians and audio pros who bring our software to life.”

FIRST-TO-MARKET INTEGRATION WITH SPLICE:

Studio One Pro 7 includes a FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND INTEGRATION with music creation platform Splice. Splice empowers creators to use samples, and AI sound discovery as the building blocks of creativity. Directly integrated into Studio One Pro 7, users can search and preview millions of samples and ‘Search With Sound’ to find sounds that match, harmonically and rhythmically.

“Putting Splice directly into the creative workflow has been a goal of ours;  so to see the Splice experience seamlessly integrated in Studio One Pro, with our AI driving creativity and sound discovery, has been incredible,” said Kakula Srivastava, CEO of Splice. “We’ll continue to work closely with our community to build new Splice experiences that directly address their creative needs.”

NEW STUDIO ONE PRO 7 FEATURES:

AI-POWERED STEM SEPARATION: One of the most in-demand features, AI-powered Stem Separation allows creators to un-mix audio into four separate tracks which ultimately isolates stems from existing audio tracks. The separated audio events can be bounced again into a single file allowing for quick creation of instrumentals.

SPLICE INTEGRATION: PreSonus has partnered with Splice — the industry-leading catalog of royalty-free sounds and producer tools, to provide the company’s very first in-DAW experience. Using “Search with Sound,” creators can drop in audio or capture a selection within a track and instantly discover compatible sounds from Splice that sync to he project’s key and tempo. While existing Splice users will enjoy this powerful integration, users new to Splice will have access to thousands of Splice samples — hand picked and made free for Studio One Pro 7 users, regardless of whether they are subscribed to Splice or not.

INTEGRATED LAUNCHER: Quickly craft new arrangements with ease using a dynamic grid of audio or MIDI loops and patterns that can be triggered and edited in real time. Now, creators can record or import audio and MIDI directly into cells, edit the contents, create scenes and playlists, and capture Launcher live performances directly on the timeline. Musicians can enjoy effortless drag-and-drop functionality and direct control via Studio One Remote or ATOM/SQ. Best yet, the view is integrated into the arrangement allowing producers to view both the arrange and launch windows at the same time, so users can move content quickly and intuitively between both sections of the arrangement.