All posts by JenThorpe

Yamaha Introduced P-37ERD Red Pianica

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Yamaha introduced P-37ERD Red Pianica, the newest addition to the company’s Pianica lineup. It joins the company’s previously released P-37EBK and P-37EBR models and offers the same impeccable turning and quality for which these instruments are known, in an attention-grabbing red body.

The Pianica is a breath-powered, or small keyboard that is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece. The sound of the instrument is best described as between a harmonica and an accordion, but with more body and depth than other melodica-type instruments.

Performers looking for a professional-level Pianica that provides a strong presence on stage and during instrumental solos will be very pleased with the P-37ERD, which has a brilliant sound that carries and easily cuts through live accompaniment. The new sound was achieved through internal modifications and ABS plastic used on the underside of the body, rather than Ecodear plastic used in the P-37EBK and P-37EBR, which provided a warmer tone.

“The Red Pianica is the perfect addition to our family of Pianicas, giving live musicians the tonal quality for which Yamaha is known, with a brand-new look and sound,” said Matt Kerns, accessories marketing manager, Yamaha Winds & Strings. “While other P-37E Pianica models are great for musicians seeking a mellow sound for intimate jam sessions or playing at home, professional-level players will love the Red Pianica’s rich, bright sound and bold red body that commands the attention of a crowd.”

The Red Pianica P-37ERD features a three-octave note range beginning with F below middle C. The instrument comes with a mouthpiece extension tube and a soft carrying case.

The Yamaha Red Pianica P-37ERD (MSRP: $151.99) is expected to ship in December 2020.

Canon Introduces Two RF Lenses and PIXMA Pro Printer

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Canon introduced the compact and lightweight RF70-200mm F4 IS USM and the RF50mm F1.8 STM, two completely re-designed RF mount lenses with bloodlines to immensely popular EF models that feature new lens formulas and enhanced elements. Canon is also producing the PIXMA PRO-200 printer, which is ideal for photography students and graphic designers.

The Canon RF70-200mm F4 IS USM lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts ranging from advanced amateur to professional skill levels. The compact and lightweight nature of it makes it Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm F4 zoom lens to date. This RF lens is approximately 32 percent shorter and 11 percent lighter than EF counterpart with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body.

This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at the zoom range’s telephoto end. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to more easily be stowed away in a camera bag when not in use.

The RF70-200mm F4 IS USM features two independent NanoUSM motors, providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still images shooting as well as quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control that drives the two lens groups individually while using two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens the focusing distance and helps reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.

Creatives love using a 50mm lens because it is similar to the natural viewpoint of the human field of vision. This perspective allows for the lens to be used in a wide variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and food photography. What’s more, Canon 50mm f/1.8 lenses have long been a popular tool for both photographers and creators due to their budget-friendly price point, extremely compact and lightweight form factor, and versatility.

The tradition continues with the RF50mm F1.8 STM that, in many ways, is improved over its EF counterpart. The first visually noticeable improvement is the customizable control ring that has become synonymous with RF lenses. The control ring allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, or ISO and with a flip of the side switch can adjust focus. The inclusion of a PMo aspherical lens helps to reduce chromatic aberration and provides high-image quality even at the periphery of the image. Additionally, the combination of the lens shape and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) helps to minimize ghosting and flaring.

Continuing a long history of high-quality input to output digital imaging equipment, the PIXMA PRO-200 printer is 15% smaller than its predecessor, the PIXMA PRO-100. With the ability to print up to 13 inches x 19 inches and featuring improved ChromaLife 100+ dye-based ink, the latest PRO printer helps to create prints that are more representative of the original digital file.

The Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM, and RF50mm F1.8 STM lenses are scheduled to be available in early and mid-December 2020 for a suggested retail price of $1,599.00 and $199.99, respectively. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 printer is scheduled to be available later in November 2020 for a suggested retail price of $599.99.

Eventide Released Pro Tools HD-HDX Expansion Card

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Eventide has released the Pro Tools HD/HDX Expansion Card for H9000 products. The H9000 is the most powerful effects processor available with up to 128 channels of simultaneous signal processing, thousands of effects, and a generous complement of analog and digital audio I/O.

This new user-installable expansion card allows Pro Tools HDX and HD Native users to connect their H9000 or H9000R via its Primary DigiLink port – adding up to 32 channels. It can alternatively be daisy-chained with other Pro Tools interfaces via the Secondary DigiLink port with the included 12′ mini-Diglink cable.

Eventide’s flagship multi-effects processor, the H9000, continues their unbroken tradition of delivering industry-leading signal processing power to the pro audio community. The culmination of nearly fifty years of R&D, the H9000 comes loaded with over 1600 unique algorithms from recreations of beloved classics to Eventide’s latest and greatest effects. The wealth of included effects will offer users many years of exploration and inspiration.

The H9000 offers optional network audio I/0 via 3 expansion card slots with up to 32 channels of bidirectional audio each.

The new Pro-Tools Expansion Card allows Pro Tools HDX or HD Native users to connect the H9000 directly for up to 32 channels of direct I/O with Pro Tools HD via its Primary DigiLink port. It can alternately be daisy-chained with other Pro Tools interfaces via the Secondary DigiLink port with the included 12′ mini-Digilink cable. The H9000 can provide the master clock. Concurrent with the release of the Pro Tools HD Expansion Card is the release of version 1.3 operating software for the H9000.

Dante Expansion Card Features:

  • Audinate Brooklyn II Dante Module based design
  • Supports 32 in / 32 out operation at all supported H9000 sample rates
  • Sample Rate Clock Sources: Brooklyn II Module, Dante network, H9000
  • AES67 Support
  • Either 2 Primary and 2 Redundant Networks Connections or 4 Primary Network Connections
  • Can reside in any H9000 Option Slot

MADI Expansion Card Features:

  • Supports full AES5 compatibility
  • Sample Rate Clock Sources: H9000 or the selected MADI RX Stream
  • 32 In/32 Out operation at 48kHz
  • Optical, Coax or ExpressCard (RME proprietary) connections

Antlion Audio is Now an Official Reseller of Beyerdymanic

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The Beyerdynamic DT series has been a long time favorite of Antlion Audio and their customers. That’s why Antlion Audio is particularly excited to announce that they are now official resellers of the incredible Beyerdynamic DT 990 & 770 Pro headphones! The DT Series has commonly placed in the top 3 headphones used with ModMics based on Antlion Audio’s survey results and commonly appears in their yearly headphone roundups, including the DT 770 taking the #1 spot in 2017.

Antlion Audio is thrilled to become an official reseller of Beyerdynamic and can now offer them for sale from their website, including the creation of two new bundle offers.

They are starting with the two most popular models, the DT 770 and DT 990. Both are extremely comfortable. They are both extraordinarily durable as well, with lifespans often measured in decades as opposed to years.

The DT 770 is closed back and Antlion Audio is offering the 80 omh version. This is an easier to drive headphone, which means it will work on basically anything you plug it into. Because it is closed back it offers great noise isolation and is simply fantastic for cinema sounds with a strong “V” shaped sound signature.

The DT 990 by comparison is open back and Antlion Audio is offering the 250 ohm version. This may require an amp for some applications and motherboards, but the additional clarity and sound stage you get from the differences is well worth it in Antlion Audio’s opinion.

No matter if you need closed back for noisy environments or want the advantage of a precise and wide sound stage, neither model will let you down, especially when you pair them with a ModMic.

Nikon Delivers New Z 711 and Z 611 Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

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Nikon unveiled the next chapter of the Z series with the arrival of two new full-frame mirrorless cameras that significantly improve upon the previous generation by adding more power, more features and more of what users want.

The ultra-high-resolution of Z 711 is for those with an eye for impeccable details, offering professionals and advanced photographers a powerful took to capture immense resolution in every shot. For dynamic creators who need a device as versatile as they are, the Z 611 balances powerful performance and an expert-level multimedia feature set to bring any creative vision to life. Together, the Z 711 and Z 611, along with new accessories, expand the Z series into a more robust mirrorless platform, incorporating many performance and design upgrades while maintaining the most popular features of their award-wining predecessors.

Nikon Z 7II: Absolute Immersive Masterpiece

The Z 7II promises high-resolution stills and video for discerning users who need ultimate performance to achieve exceptional image quality in every shot. A powerful upgrade to the Nikon Z 7, the Z 7II is the ideal camera for capturing highly detailed portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, and commercial photography when there is no compromise on image quality.

The Z 7II features a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor to help capture intense detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and clarity that overwhelms. The exceptionally clean native ISO range from ISO 64 to 25,600 offers the functional freedom to shoot at wide apertures in bright light or in-studio with minimal noise.

With up to 10 fps maximum shooting speed at full resolution in Continuous H (extended)3, the Z 7II can handle fast burst rates with more than triple (3.3x)4 the buffer capacity of the Z 7 (in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW).

The Z 7II’s 493 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points cover 90 percent of the frame, quickly and accurately acquiring subjects, even at its far edges. The Z 7II is capable of acquiring focus in half the light (as low as -3 EV5), making it the reliable tool for low-light scenes such as weddings and indoor events.

Nikon Z 6II: True Multimedia Powerhouse

The Z 6II is the most versatile Z series camera yet, balancing speed, power, low-light ability, and advanced video features for dynamic creators who need pro-level performance and reliability.

Building on the vast pro-caliber video capabilities of the Z 6, the Z 6II is capable of recording 4K UHD video quality with full pixel readout, demonstrating the advantages of mirrorless technology. The camera is capable of a variety of frame rates, including 4K UHD 60p with full pixel readout, which is planned to be available in February 2021 via a firmware update. It is also capable of 4K 30p, as well as Full HD 120p for slow motion.

Built with videographers in mind, the Z 6II’s AF speed and tracking sensitivity is adjustable to meet creative needs, while the focus ring is also reversible. Useful indicators for focus peaking, zebra stripes and timecodes help capture the best possible footage in-camera and simplify workflow.

For both models, 10-bit output to an external recorder with N-Log is possible as well as the capture of new HDR (HLG) video and output in 12-bit ProRes RAW with the optional upgrade. For upgrade customers, additional support will also be included for Blackmagic RAW when using the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR recorder. This upgrade will also be provided for existing customers who have already purchased a ProRes RAW upgrade for the Nikon Z 6 or Z 7.

The Z 6II and Z 7II are the first Nikon cameras to support Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF with video recording, enabling continuous focus on the eyes of humans, dogs, and cats.

The Z 6II features a 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for crisp stills and video capture with impressive detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and impressive low light performance. To confidently shoot in challenging light, the camera has an impressive ISO range from ISO 100–51,200, expandable up to ISO 204,800 equivalent.

Thanks to the addition of dual EXPEED 6 Processors, the Z 6II boasts a fast 14 fps3 continuous shooting speed, providing quick performance for capturing action, with more than 5x the buffer capacity of the Z 64.

The Z 6II’s enhanced AF system features 273 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points for easy subject acquisition and tracking throughout the frame, including at the edges. Capable of focusing in half the light (down to -4.5 EV5), the Z 6II easily acquires focus in extreme low light scenarios, making it an ideal option for capturing nightscapes and events.

Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z 7II will be available in December 2020 in two configurations, body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,999.95 and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $3,599.95. The Nikon Z 6II will be available in November 2020 and will also be available in two configurations, body-only for an SRP of $1,999.95, and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $2,599.95.

Roland Adds Three New Models to TR Drum Machine Series

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Roland welcomes three new instruments to the famous TR drum machine family. Based on the flagship TR-8S, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer delivers the next-generation TR performance in a compact and affordable package. The TR-06 Drumatix is the latest addition to the Roland Boutique series, blending the sounds and workflow of the ’80s-era TR-606 hardware with modern enhancements. Also based on the TR-606, the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer expands Roland Cloud’s Legendary series with another renowned TR instrument.

TR-6S Rhythm Performer

The TR-6S delivers the same speaker-pummeling, window-rattling, body-moving sound of its bigger sibling. It features a six-track sequencer and the most iconic rhythm sounds in music history—all in a battery-powered box that fits just about anywhere. Authentic recreations of legendary Roland drum machines like the 808, 909, 707, 606, and more are included, and users can mix and match them with preset and custom samples and futuristic FM tones to create exotic hybrid kits.

The sound of modern music owes a lot to the classic step sequencer—and the “TR-REC” variety found in early Roland drum machines in particular. The TR-6S employs the same tried-and-true approach, elevated with real-time recording and modern enhancements. And with an array of expressive effects, users can take their rhythm tracks to new levels. The TR-6S is a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface too, perfect for mobile or minimal production setups.

TR-06 Drumatix

The TR-06 is a detailed replica of the Roland TR-606 Drumatix from the 1980s—with some major modern upgrades. This new Roland Boutique version captures the distinctive tone and iconic look of the original while reimagining it with bold new sound-crafting potential. Users can control tuning, decay, and pan for each instrument, or crank up the internal gain for each circuit model and push it into warm overdrive or aggressive distortion. An onboard compressor adds fullness and punch, while the tempo delay creates depth and space.

Like the original, the TR-06 has a familiar and straightforward step sequencer. But now it’s been updated with advanced features like sub-steps for ratcheted parts, step-loop for instant pattern slicing, and more. With five trigger outputs and a trigger input, the TR-06 integrates nicely with modular setups. It’s a high-quality USB audio interface too, and features battery operation and a built-in speaker for production on the go.

TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer

With the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer, the underground ‘80s classic is now available as a plug-in for DAW music production. The software version has the same sound and behavior of the original, plus powerful new features that virtually modify the circuitry for more sound choices and faster, more fluid programming.

Like the TR-06 hardware, the TR-606 plug-in offers tuning, decay, and pan on each instrument andthe ability to overdrive the internal circuitry. The step sequencer has been expanded with lanes for each sound, and each pattern has eight variations plus adjustable flams, sub-steps, and soft hits.

Users can pair the TR-8S or TR-06 with the TR-606 and enjoy the benefits of easy hardware and software integration. Patterns can be shared between the TR-8S and TR-606, and the TR-06’s knobs are pre-mapped to the plug-in for intuitive, hands-on workflow.

The TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer, along with all instruments in the Legendary series, is included with the Ultimate membership level of Roland Cloud. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles.

Gretsch Introduced G6136T Rich Robinson Signature Magpie with Bisgby

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Gretsch is proud to honor the immensely talented Rich Robinson with the all-new G6136T Rich Robinson Signature Magpie with Bisgby.

Rich Robinson has been at the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll for nearly three decades, ever since his high school days when he co-founded The Black Crowes. Heralded as one of the best live rock acts, The Black Crowes went on to sell over 35 million albums and churn out several charting singles including “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels,” which Robinson wrote the music for at the tender age of 15. Robinson continued to forge his indelible music legacy as the founder and guitarist for the Magpie Salute, whose 2018 studio album debut High Water I earned instant critical acclaim, while also reuniting with his brother Chris for The Black Crowes Shake Your Money Maker 30th anniversary tour in 2021.

Summoning the light and dark of thundering tones, the G6136T Rich Robinson Signature Magpie with Bigsby pays homage to an artist who commands the utmost respect.

A veritable hollow body cannon, this signature Falcon-style guitar features a highly resonant 3-ply maple body with solid spruce top and 1959-style trestle bracing with a spruce block under the bridge, and oversized F-holes for explosive sonic projection and maximum feedback control. A 12”-radius ebony fingerboard with 22 medium frets and mother of pearl Neo-Classic inlays tops off a maple neck for playability as impressive as its style.

A TV Jones® Classic humbucking bridge pickup provides pristine highs and stout lows with balanced harmonics, while a Broad’Tron™ BT65 neck pickup drives the guitar’s unique voice with a robust and punchy midrange and an uncommonly smooth high-end. The control layout— separate bridge and neck volume knobs, three-way position toggle switch, master tone and master volume with treble bleed circuit—allows for infinite tonal variations.

The G6136T is the epitome of style with a Raven’s Breast Blue gloss lacquer finish, silver pickguard adorned with Magpie logo, silver sparkle body and neck binding and nickel hardware.

Panasonic Announced the LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera

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Panasonic announced the release of the brand’s first box-style LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera DC-BGH1. Based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX BGH1 takes advantage of high-mobility, an extensive interchangeable lens lineup, and even includes technologies Panasonic has acquired through the development of professional cinema cameras, camcorders, and the LUMIX GH series.

Against a background of increasing streaming opportunities in addition to traditional broadcasting, Panasonic offers the LUMIX BGH1, an easy-to-install camera with high expandability allowing multi-camera control. It can be used in a variety of ways from shooting on drones to IP remote control to live streaming and more.

The LUMIX BGH1 is a compact, light-weight box-style camera. Its body is composed of aluminum and magnesium alloy to ensure durability and light weight. The LUMIX BGH1 has a new heat dispersion structure to achieve unlimited video recording. It offers Power over Ethernet + (PoE+), simplifying installations by providing power, signal and control over ethernet.

Control over a maximum of 12 LUMIX BGH1 cameras is available from the Panasonic LUMIX Tether for Multicam application. A future firmware update will support IP streaming over wired ethernet [RTP/RTSP].

The included ethernet port or the USB 3.1 Type-C, 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A terminals can all be used for simultaneous output. Genlock IN and Timecode IN/Out functions simplify multi-angle synchronized video recording and integrate into a scalable system with external monitors, rigs and gimbals supplied from other manufacturers.

The LUMIX BGH1 is equipped with Dual UHS-11 SD Card slots for backup recording or relay recording.

The LUMIX BGH1 will be available at valued channel partners in December for $1,999.99.

BOSS Announces RC-5 and RC-500 Loop Station Pedals

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BOSS announced the RC-5 and RC-500, the latest additions to the long-running Loop Station product family. Filled with next-generation BOSS technologies, these new pedal-based loopers feature class-leading 32-bit AD/DA AND 32-bit floating-point processing, onboard rhythms, phrase memories for storing loops, backlit displays, and much more. The single track RC-5 and dual-track RC-500 both offer 13 hours of stereo recording, plus advanced external control support via footswitches, an expression pedal, or MIDI.

Housed in BOSS’s famous compact series format, the RC-5 features full stereo I/O and the most advanced interface available in any stompbox looper. The LCD’s backlight changes color to indicate recording, overdub, and playback states. And coupled with the multi-function parameter knob, it’s quick and easy to navigate rhythms, system settings, and more in the heat of the moment.

The RC-5’s versatile pedal switch covers all basic looping functions, but deeper control is supported as well. Users can connect up to two external footswitches for direct control of many assignable functions, or an expression pedal for continuous adjustments. The RC-5 also includes MIDI I/O on space-saving TRS jacks – a first for any compact series pedal – providing even deeper control for players with advanced systems.

The RC-500 is ideal for guitarists singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and anyone who wants to take their looping to the next level. Users can connect mono/stereo instruments and pedal effects, plus a mic to the dedicated XLR input – complete with phantom power if needed. The RC-500’s two tracks can be used independently for song-style composition, or together for rick multi-track textures. Like RC-5, the LCD backlight changes color to show the current operation mode, while track faders and a mic level know provide hands-on access to volume control while performing.

The RC-500’s stereo I/O and three built-in footswitches are configured for basic operations by default, but they can be reassigned in a variety of ways. The RC-500 also offers deep external control support, including MIDI I/O on TRS jacks.

Both the RC-5 and RC-500 come loaded with 57 inspiring rhythms – each with A/B variations – to accompany loop adventures. Drum kits can be changed to suit the musical style, with 7 kits available in the RC-5 and 16 kits in the RC-500.

Blue Microphones Introduced Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition

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Blue Microphones introduced the Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition microphone. It is described as the ultimate mic for World of Warcraft. Create a unique audio broadcast and elevate your stream to new levels with Yeti World of Warcraft Edition.

Crafted together with Blizzard Entertainment, Blue’s Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition professional USB mic can change the sound of your voice for a fully immersive streaming experience. Summon the sound of your favorite Warcraft characters using the all-new advanced voice modulation with Warcraft character presets or entertain your audience with hundreds of Shadowlands and Warcraft HD audio samples.

The Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition microphone features a custom World of Warcraft design that combines a matte Battle Grey finish with elegant gold accents, stylized runes engraved along the base and the official World of Warcraft logo, giving your stream a unique and powerful aesthetic.

Show your allegiance using the customizable LED voice meter featuring laser-etched Warcraft runes with color-matched Alliance or Horde faction presets. Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition is plug ‘n’ play on PC and Mac right out of the box, bit it also integrates deeply with Logitech’s G HUB platform for even more control.

With G HUB, you can customize the colors of the Warcraft rune LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetics. And you can use G HUB to customize additional LED color zones on the microphone, including the smart knob LED ring and the pickup pattern icons on the back of the mic. Use the pre-built Warcraft presets for your faction or customize at will.

Blue Microphones Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Microphone is priced at $199.99. It is available at Best Buy, and is coming soon to the Blue Web Store.