Category Archives: Information

iZotope Offers Limited-Time Deals on Plugins

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iZotope logoiZotope, the developer of popular high-end audio plugins like RX and Nectar, is running a special on some of its standalone products. The sale was launched as a way for iZotope to celebrate its Facebook page receiving 100,000 likes. The company is offering up to an 80% discount on some items. All of the plugins are priced at $100 each. Here’s a list of what’s available thru this special offer:

Insight Metering Suite: “Insight provides an extensive set of audio analysis and metering tools, perfect for visualizing changes made during mixing and mastering, troubleshooting problematic mixes, and ensuring compliance with broadcast loudness standards. Fully customizable and scalable, Insight allows you to visually monitor all relevant information from your mono, stereo or surround mix in a convenient floating window.”

BreakTweaker Expanded: “Make beats you’ve never heard before with BreakTweaker, a drum sculpting and beat sequencing instrument that blurs the line between rhythm and melody. Give your beats an ever-evolving depth that gets better the longer they play. Use rhythmic slicing to drive everything from pitched melodic lines to sweeping rhythmic overtures. BreakTweaker Expanded includes 4 Expansions including Modern Grooves by Black Octopus and Kicks & Snares by Beatport Sounds.”

Nectar 2 Standard: “Bring your vocal tracks to life with Nectar 2. Explore 11 powerful vocal production tools in one plug-in: Plate Reverb, FX, Pitch, Delay, De-Esser, Saturation, Compressors, Gate, Harmony, EQ, and Limiter. Whether you’re tracking or you’re mixing, Nectar 2 delivers professional vocals in an instant.”

Iris 2: “An inspiring sample-based synthesizer, Iris 2 combines the power of a sampler, the flexibility of a modular synth, and the fun of spectral filtering. Get started with 350+ expertly crafted Bass, Keys, Leads, Pads, and Rhythmic patches. Iris 2 comes with an 11 GB library of audio samples, a modern modulation system, classic filters, evocative effects, and more.”

The plugin sale can be found here. It currently has 9 days to go before it expires.

 

The eCam is the Camera for Everyone

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eCam 4KThe eCam is described as the best ever 4K camera with class leading features. The eCam is priced at $79 – a fraction of the price of a GoPro. This tiny, yet mighty, camera is currently on Indiegogo with a month left to go. It has been fully funded.

The eCam is an extremely light weight and compact camera. It weighs around 54 grams and has dimensions of 29.8×59.2×41.1mm. It comes with all the accessories that you might need on your adventures. This includes all the mounts and straps needed to record various activities ranging from scuba diving to sky diving and virtually any other adventure/activity sport you can think of.

It is easy to use and comes with an intuitive user interface that includes 13 different languages. The eCam has a two inch built-in LCD display on the back of the camera.

The eCam comes equipped with 16MP Sony IMX Sensor combined with a 7 layered 173 degree HD wide angle fish eye lens with F2.1 Aperture. It is the first 16MP camera with that type of lens in its category that is capable of recording 4K videos at a frame rate of 30FPS. It can capture photos in 4K. It supports capturing photos and videos in other resolutions like 2.7K, Full HD (1080p) and HD (720p). It can do time lapse, slow-motion, and loop recording.

It supports Micro SD Memory Cards of up to 64GB memory capacity. The eCam comes with a built in HDMI port and a micro-USB port and also supports Wi-Fi.

The eCam comes with a replaceable battery that can support up to 2 hours of full HD video recording. It has been built using high strength plastic that makes it extremely durable. It is waterproof up to 30 meters depth (when it is used along with its waterproof case). You can operate the eCam by remote using the eCam Mobile application which is available for Android and iOS.

KOMBOS is a Modular Keyboard for Musicians

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KOMBOS logoMusicians that need to travel, or would like an easier way to carry their keyboard to the studio, may want to check out the KOMBOS modular keyboard. It is the world’s first fully modular keyboard that lets you bring music anywhere you go. KOMBOS is on Kickstarter and, at the time I am writing this blog, has 32 days to go.

The KOMBOS keyboard was designed to prevent a problem that musicians were facing. They had to choose between a large, bulky, keyboard that was impractical for travel, or a portable keyboard that was unable to deliver the professional quality of the bulkier version.

KOMBOS gives musicians the same quality as a professional set of keys, and also allows them to work with as many sets of keys as they need at any given time. The keyboard literally comes in pieces that can be put together to work in sets of 25, 37, 49, and 61 keys. KOMBOS has a proprietary Easy Lock Mechanism that keeps the pieces together. The audio quality is comparable to professional grade keyboards used in a studio setting.

KOMBOS is bluetooth enabled. This eliminates the problem of having to deal with cords. It has bluetooth 4.0 MIDI capabilities. It is compatible with iOS, Android, and any program that supports MIDI. Mac devices require Yosemite 10.10 or higher, and iPhone and iPad require iOS 8.x or higher.

KOMBOS also offers 8 hours of continuous battery life. It is powered by a lithium battery.

https://youtu.be/BuJ0Uxl0394

Nikon Releases the D3400 Digital SLR Camera

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Nikon D3400Nikon has announced the release of its new D3400. It is an all-new entry-level DX-format digital SLR with easy connectivity to smart devices. This camera easily captures visual content for instant sharing to social media.

The D3400 is the first entry-level digital SLR enabled with SnapBridge connectivity. With the D3400’s built-in Bluetooth low energy technology, it is easy to connect the camera and a smart device via the SnapBridge app. All photos taken with the camera are automatically transferred to a smart device with simple, one-step setup. This eliminates the need to manually reconnect the camera to a smart device for each image transfer.

The D3400 offers a number of enhancements over its predecessor, the D3300. The camera’s ISO sensitivity has been expanded to ISO 100 – 25600 for capturing vibrant and clear pictures in low-light environments with less camera shake. Improved battery performance supports capture of approximately 1,200 shots with a fully charged battery.

It is also equipped with Guide Mode, which provides step-by-step instructions. This makes taking pictures and recording movies easy, even for first-time users of a digital SLR camera. It weighs approximately 395g, which makes it handy for users who are constantly on the move.

4K, 8K Test Broadcasts Carried Out By NHK

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NHK LogoTime waits for no one. Nor does the inevitable progress of higher-resolution video. It still feels like true HD video has just barely been normalized here in the United States. And yet the push beyond HD, into 4K and even 8K, has begun. The latest example of the move forward comes from Japanese public broadcasting agency NHK (also known as Japan Broadcasting Corp.) as the company has begun testing both 4K and 8K broadcasts.

Of course, most viewers who can tune into these test broadcasts won’t really be able to see the full depth of the video transmissions, as 4K video is still riding the bleeding edge of consumer technology, and 8K is little more than a pipe dream today. Regardless, NHK will have public displays of the technology available at its broadcast centers across Japan.

NHK is hoping to make 4K and 8K video a regular part of its broadcast set by 2018. The broadcasting company hopes this move will help popularize the new formats in the lead up to the 2020 Olympic Games and Paralympics in Tokyo.

Traditionally, Japan has always been ahead of markets like the U.S. in terms of adoption of new technology. So there’s a good chance NHK will meet its goal in time for the Olympics. 4K TVs are currently available in most markets and are priced affordably. But I couldn’t find any estimates on what an 8K set might cost.

Ecler eSAM603 Installation Analogue Mixer Now Available

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Ecler eSAM 603 Installation Analogue MixerEcler Essentials has been around for 50 years. Their professional audio catalog is focused on innovation and design combined with a user-friendly and ergonomic approach. Ecler is ready to offer you a quality sound system for every audio installation and integration challenge you may face. Their eSAM603 Installation Analogue Mixer is now available.

The eSAM603 is an installation audio mixer in standard rack format. It features 1 MIC input, and 4 MIC/LINE ST inputs, and 1 LINE ST input. It also has 3 outputs that can be configured as 1 stereo couple and 1 mono or 3 independent mono.

Each output can get a dedicated mix from the available inputs and has a 3-band tone control. Talkover (priority) function is assignable to each input from IN1 to IN5 over the mix output buses.

Features include:

* Channels: 6 with independent gain

* Inputs: 4 x MIC / Stereo Line selectable via pushbutton +1 MIC +1 LINE ST

* Outputs: 1 x Stereo (or 2 mono, selectable) + 1 x MONO

* Remote Control: MUTE contact (for external dry contact triggering)

* Tone Control: 2 x 3-band tone control section (A/B and C)

* Dimensions: 482.6x44x120 mm

* Weight: 2.1 Kg

Schroeder Amplification Announces SA9+, SA9-REC, and Formula 20

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Schroeder SA9+ 40 Watt HeadSchroeder Amplification has announced three brand new products for musicians. The SA9+, SA9-REC and Formula 20 guitar amplifier heads are now available.

The SA9+ 40 Watt Head is an evolution of the award winning DB7/DB9/SA9. This high-headroom amp was originally designed with Nels Cline and Wilco. The amp is known for its clean sustain, chime, and clarity. Sonically, the SA9 and SA9+ are very similar and share the same control layout and functionality.

The SA9+ has a newly designed power transformer with additional taps. Additional power supply components in the SA9+ are used to convert and fine tune certain voltages used in the preamp. A Solid State rectifier circuit was developed specifically for the SA9+ model.

Schroeder SA9-REC 20 Watt Head

The SA9-REC 20 Watt Head was originally designed at the request of engineers who wanted the stage sound and feel of the SA9, at a more moderate volume that was better suited for the studio. The SA9-REC and SA9+ are sonically very similar and they share the same control layout and functionality.

The SA9-REC has a specially designed cathode bias circuit, power supply and solid state rectifier that assures that the amp has that “cranked amp” sound and feel at lower volumes. Additional power supply components, as in the SA9+, are used to convert and fine tune certain voltages in the preamp. Because of the reduced wattage, the “sweet spot” is easily attainable without exceedingly high SPL.

Schroeder Formula 20 Overdrive Head

The Formula 20 Overdrive Head is known for its ability to sit right on the edge to where a player can use his pick/finger attack to make the amp shift from a chiming, relaxed and shimmering tone to one of full “chunk” grind. It is said to have all the qualities of the finest Marshall amps without the bad ones.

All the internal wiring connections in the Formula 20 Overdrive Head are made using a Litz coated, oxygen free copper wire of extreme purity. Unlike a generic “cloth covered” wire, it will not absorb airborne moisture, oxidize and/or degrade the signal over time. Specific components of the Formula 20 Overdrive Head are cryogenically treated to aid in their transparency.

Facebook Open-Sourced its Surround 360 Camera

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Facebook Surround 360If you’ve ever wanted one of Facebook’s Surround 360 cameras – now is your chance. Chief Product Officer of Facebook, Chris Cox, announced recently that Facebook has open-sourced Facebook Surround 360, the world’s first 360 truly open source VR video capture system. Facebook released the blueprint, source code, design docs, assembly manual, and operational manuals on Github.

Facebook’s Surround 360 camera was first announced in April of 2016 at its F8 developers conference. It has 17 high-resolution cameras that are cased in a full aluminum body. Two aluminum plates sandwich the cameras to ensure stability.

Each of the cameras has 2048×2048 resolution and can capture up to 60 frames per second. The entire array is 41 megapixels and transmits up to 30 gigabits per second. Fourteen cameras are located around the outer ring of the Surround 360’s enclosure, plus one camera on top and two on the bottom. It is held up by a thick pole. When put together, the camera looks like a UFO from an old science fiction movie.

The open-source information released by Facebook is a set of instructions. You will have to come up with all the parts yourself. It has been said that the Surround 360 camera can be built for about $30,000 in parts. If you have the money to spend, and the technical expertise to piece the thing together, you can build your very own Surround 360.

YI Introduces YI 4K Action Camera

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YI 4K Action Camera in Pearl WhiteYI has introduced the new Y1 4K Action Camera. The camera has the most advanced technology to provide maximum fidelity, versatility, and ease of use. It is a professional quality 4K camera.

The YI 4K Action Camera was built with the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, Sony IMX377 image sensor, and 7 layers of all glass lenses. It can record at 4K.30 fps at 60 mbps, 4x the quality of 1080p. The 7 layers of all glass optical lenses combined with F2.8 large aperture increases light intake to capture crisp and detailed footage.

It is customized with a 330ppi high resolution and high sensitivity retina touchscreen for an intuitive experience. It has 2.19 inches of Gorilla Glass that can resist scratches and daily impact. The Y1 Action Camera is viewable from a 160° angle. It has a 640×360 widescreen for quick and easy previewing and shooting.

Features Include:

* Processor: Ambarella A9SE

* Sensor: Sony IMX377 12MP 1 / 2.3”

* Display: Built in 2.19-inch retina widescreen with touch. 640-by-360 pixels at 330 ppi

* Battery Life: 120 minutes of 4K/30 video recording

* Wi-Fi Module: Broadcom BCM43340 dual-band, 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4Ghz/5Ghz, above 3MB/s download speed

* Battery: 38.5V 1400mAh 5.39Wh

* Gyroscope/Accelerometer: Embedded low power high resolution 3-axis accelerometer an 3-axis gyroscope

* Microphone: Dual microphone

* Remote Control: Low power Bluetooth Remote Control

* Lens: 7 glass, 155 degree wide-angle

* Manual Mode: Supports manual setting for shutter/ISO/EV/WB

* Finish: It comes in three colors: Night Black, Pearl White, and Rose Gold

API Announces 512v Microphone Preamp

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API 512v Discrete Mic Line PreampAutomated Processes Inc. API) was formed by engineers and music professionals with a vision in 1968. Today, API is well known for many contributions to the field as well as a long-standing trademark warm sound. API has announced its new 512v Microphone Preamp.

The new 512v Microphone Preamp was built in response to high market demand for built-in signal attenuation. API’s new 512v Microphone Preamp incorporates every feature of the 512c, including API’s proprietary transformers and 2520 op amp. The new 512v also includes a variable output level control designed to meet the needs of audio professionals using DAW’s or other input level-sensitive devices in their workflow.

Features Include:

* Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain

* Variable Output Level Control

* 3:1 Output Transformer Tap Selection

* Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access

* Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain

* Front Panel Combo-style XLR + ¼ inch Line/Instrument Input

* LED VU meter for Gain Level indication

* 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument

* 48v Phantom switchable power

* Traditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op Amp

* Features API’s unique Five Year Warranty

* The 512v has an MSRP of $995. Units are now shipping.