Category Archives: Information

Progo is a Revolutionary Backpack Designed for Cameras

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Progo bagTraveling with photo gear can be a real challenge. You need something that’s as rugged as it is portable. This can be a difficult balance to achieve. Fortunately, the designers of a new backpack called Progo (not to be confused of course with GoPro) have stepped in to try and solve this problem.

Progo is billed as a carryon backpack that’s specially designed to haul and protect your sensitive (and expensive) photography gear. It also doubles as an efficient way to carry personal items like clothing and other essentials onto an airplane without having to check the bag. Progo comes packed with some cool high-tech features. It has a Bluetooth anti-loss device that’ll warn if it gets too far away from a paired device. Progo also has a built-in power bar you can use for charging all of your devices. Simply plug them into the power bar and then connect Progo’s power cord to an A/C outlet. Imagine not having to unpack all of your accessories in order to charge them! Progo also comes with a removable “camera divider” for camera accessories and a removable shelf. The shelf can be expanded when you arrive at your destination to store things in a closet or on a counter top.

Progo is being launched thru Indiegogo. The campaign has already reached 368% of its initial goal. A pledge of $239 plus shipping will get you your own Progo bag after they go into production.

NEMAL to Debut Two New Versions of SMPTE Cable at NAB 2016

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NEML SMPTE CableNEMAL Electronics is a manufacturer of electronic cable, connectors, cable assemblies, SMPTE 311 fiber camera cables, and patch panels used in HDTV broadcast, RF, data, and electronic control applications. NEMAL will debut two new versions of its lightweight, flexible, SMPTE 311 hybrid fiber-copper camera cables at NAB 2016.

NEMAL Electronics, a member of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will debut the two new versions that it has added to its comprehensive line of SMPTE standard Camera Cable at NAB. Part number FOCC24S7 is ideal for use in applications where size, weight, and flexibility are critical. Part number FOCC24S7U offers the same size advantage with an extra rugged polyurethane jacket for harsh outdoor environments.

With a diameter 30% smaller than standard SMPTE cable, these cables are suitable for use up to 300 meters, depending on camera model, and easily fits on standard NEMAL reelers. Corning bend tolerant fiber guarantees optimum performance with a small bend radius.

Features include:

* Compliant with SMPTE 311 Standards

* 2 single mode Corning 9/125 (blue and yellow), 900 micron tight buffered, bend tolerant fibers

* Copper conductors
– 4X24 awg stranded tinned copper
– Steel strength member
– Aramid strength members
– Overall tinned copper braid
– Flex PVC jacket 0.275” (7mm) outer diameter.

* Available in bulk in assorted colors as well as in custom terminated lengths with Lemo connectors.

ZOOM Featured Its ARQ Aero RhythmTrak at SXSW

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ZOOM ARQ Aero RhythmTrakZOOM produces a wide array of recording devices, including a line of portable “handy” recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines and samplers. Over the past 30 years, ZOOM has established a solid reputation as a manufacturer of innovative yet affordable products which are based on original microchip designs. They featured their new ARQ Aero RhythmTrak at SXSW.

The ZOOM ARQ Aero RhythmTrak is an all-in-one production and live performance instrument which includes an integrated drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer. With its wireless Bluetooth Ring Controller, you can escape the booth, move the music, and get in front of the crowd.

The ARQ Aero RhythmTrak consists of two components – the Base Station (AR-96) and the detachable Ring Controller (AR-96c).

The Base Station houses 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4” line-level audio inputs enable phrase recording and looping. There are also stereo 1/4” line-level outputs, as well as a dedicated 1/4” headphone jack with its own volume control.

A USB port allows connection to your computer. An SD card slot lets you save patterns and loops, import prerecorded audio, and update firmware.

The detatchable Ring Controller communicates with the Base Station, as well as DAWs, via wireless Bluetooth. It offers 96 velocity-and pressure-sensitive pads for clip launching and playing drum sounds, instrument sounds, and sequences. Phrases and sounds can be played chromatically, or you can choose from dozens of preset scales in any way.

Its unique Grip Detection automatically prevents accidental triggering of the pads under your hand. There are dedicated buttons at the top and bottom of the Ring for REC/PLAY/STOP, as well as Filter/Delay/Reverb/MASTER FX on/off. An onboard 3-axis accelerometer generates MIDI control messages to alter sounds and effects in real time. Its internal Lithium-Ion battery automatically charges when the Ring is placed on the Base Station.

The ZOOM ARQ RhythmTrak comes with a Base Station, a Ring Controller, an AC adapter and an Operation Manual. It will be in stores in June of 2016.

Namba Gear Brings Gear Wrap to SXSW

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Namba Gear Gear Wrap bagNamba Gear is a Portland, Oregon based bag and accessories company that designs premium, high performance solutions for the working musician. The essence of the brand is defined by the working musicians and DJ’s at Namba Gear who are dedicated to creating and delivering exceptional, high performance based carrying solutions that will stand up to the unique and rigorous workload of professional musicians.

Namba Gear brought their line of laptop and gear bags to SXSW, including their new Gear Wrap. It is a unique looking bag that is designed to protect a variety of sensitive audio gear. Gear Wrap bags are made of padded, hook and loop knit with a non-scratch nylon backing. These squares can be wrapped around audio devices, microphones, or anything else that will fit inside.

Namba Gear’s Japanese distributor, MI7, told the company that Gear Wraps are a perfect example of the Furoshiki Culture (which has been embraced for several hundred years in Japan). Furoshiki is a traditional cloth that is used to help achieve the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Hook and loop tabs are on all four corners let you wrap and stick them in any shape. There are three sizes to choose from: 14”, 19”, and 25”. Gear Wrap can be wrapped around hard drives, headphones, audio interfaces, microphones, laptops, iPad or notebooks, control surfaces, DJ controllers, and more.

Electro-Harmonix Introduces the MEL9 Tape Replay Machine

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Electro Harmonix Mel9 guitar pedalElectro-Harmonix has been contributing to many of the most famous recordings of the past 40 years. Back in 1968, guitar amps were intentionally engineered to keep players from experimenting with distorted sounds. Electro-Harmonix changed all that. They are the creators of the Big Muff Pi, POG, Memory Man, and other iconic guitar effects pedals.

The Electro-Harmonix new MEL9 Tape Replay Machine emulates vintage Mellotron ® sounds and uses the same groundbreaking technology that powers the award-winning B9 and C9 Organ Machines plus the KEY9 Electric Piano Machine.

Features include:

* Pays homage to nine of the coolest Mellotron ® sounds: Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Claranet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir and High Choir

* Works on guitar without modifications, special pickups or MIDI implementation and track bends, slides, even whammy dive bombs

* Also works with bass guitar down to the open A string as well as keyboards

* Includes independent Effect and Dry volume controls so you can create the perfect mix at the Effects output

* Dry Output jack outputs your input signal at unity gain

* Attack control sets the volume swell speed

* Sustain control adjusts the release time after a sound is stopped

* Comes with a standard EHX 9.6DC200mA PSU

* Dimensions in inches: 4.0 (w) x 4.75 (l) x 2.25 (h)

* Dimensions in mm 102 (w) x 121 (l) x 89 (h)

* Mellotron is a registered trademark of David Kean, M. Resch AB and Markus Resch.

PRS Private Stock Singlecut Archtop is March Guitar of the Month

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PRS Guitars march2016Paul Reed Smith Guitars has brought back its Private Stock Guitar of the Month in 2016 as a way to try out some new ideas for their 20th Anniversary year. The March 2016 Guitar of the Month is the Private Stock Maple Top Singlecut Archtop. It has been released in a limited production of six.

The original Guitars of the Month were cased between December 1994 and March of 1996. They provided Paul Reed Smith Guitars the opportunity to experiment with new ideas. The program led directly to the Private Stock and to the creation of the Private Stock program with the first “official” Private Stock instrument casing on April 19, 1996.

The Private Stock Maple Top Singlecut Archtop is the third instrument in Paul Reed Smith Studios 2016 Guitar of the Month project. The Private Stock Archtop was released in the fall as part of the 2016 model year. It delivers tone, playability, and elegance to pro-level players and collectors alike. The addition of a maple top adds a new aesthetic and tone to the instrument while keeping exceptional resonance and articulation.

Some features include:

* Top Wood – Curly Maple with Integral Bracing

* Back Wood – Curly Maple

* Side Wood – Mahogany

* Scale Length – 25”

* Neck Wood – Curly Maple Neck

* Neck Shape – Pattern Regular

* Fretboard Wood – Ebony with Mother of Pearl Purfling on the Fingerboard

* Headstock Veneer – Ebony Headstock Veneer with “J” Private Stock Eagle and Mother of Pearl Purfling

*Inlays – Solid Mother of Pearl “J” Birds with Paua Heart Center and Green Ripple Abalone and Paua Heart Vine

* Truss Rod Cover – Ebony with Mother of Pearl Purfling

* Hardware – Gold

* Bridge – Private Stock Aluminum Bronze Archtop Bridge with Brass Saddles and Solid Ebony Tailpiece

* Finish – Laguna Smoked Burst High-Gloss Nitro Finish

* Case – Private Stock 20th Anniversary Brown Gator Tolex Hardshell Case

TELEFUNKEN Expands its Stage Series Cable Line

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TELEFUNKEN Stage Series Cables SXSWTELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik has expanded its popular Stage Series line of microphone cables. The new cables were introduced at the SXSW Gear Expo (in the Austin Convention Center).

Three new cable lengths are now available, including 1m, 2m, and 5m cables: SGMC-1, SGMC-2, and SGMC-5. These new cables join the previous three cables from the Stage Series line: SMGC-5R, SGMC-10, and SGMC-10R.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s Stage Series microphone cable has been specially engineered for use on live sound stages, as well as in recording studios. Featuring cable made from 100% Copper wire, Stage Series cable is ideal for lower profile applications around the drum set and percussion rig, as well as on vocals and instruments.

Features of the SGMC Stage Series Cables include:
* 100% copper conductors for excellent signal transfer

* Copper braid shield for maximum RMI and EMI noise rejection

* Low capacitance for detailed, transparent sound quality

* Silver solder joints for maximum conductivity and strength

* TELEFUNKEN cable tie wrap included

* Right Angle Female XLR conductors (5R and 10R only)

Neumann U 47 Fet is Back!

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Neumann U 47 fetNeumann is the creator of the U 47 fet microphone. It was first manufactured from 1972 to 1986, and has recently returned to production in a new edition. The Neumann U 47 fet won a Technical Achievement award in the category of “Microphones – Recording” at NAMM 2016.

Neumann notes that although we are presently in the age of digitization, we are also experiencing a renaissance of the analog realm. When it comes to music production, the retro sound of the 1960s and 1970s is being rediscovered, especially by young musicians. The U 47 fet was an essential contributor to that time.

Today, considerable efforts have been made to imitate the sound signature of the U 47 fet. It was a top microphone for soloists, affected the spatial dimension of sound and the tonal depth of countless productions. The extremely high sound pressure levels of the U 47 fet, combined with the capsule sound derived from its famous tube-based predecessor, made U 47 highly desirable.

Now, the U 47 fet, made by Neumann, is back! The U 47 fet Collectors Edition is a new edition of the classic version. The new edition was released in 2014 and is an award winner.

The U 47 fet is a condenser microphone with a cardioid directional characteristic and fet 80 circuit technology. That technology is characterized by a wide dynamic range. The K47 double large-diaphragm capsule was already employed in the U 47, the legendary tube-based predecessor of the U 47 fet.

Some features include:

* Acoustical operating principle – pressure gradient transducer

* Directional pattern – cardoid

* Frequency range – 40 Hz … 16 kHz

* Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm – 8 mV/Pa

* Rated impedance – 150 ohms

* Rated load impedance – 1 kohms

* Equivalent noise level, CCIR – 25 dB

* Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR – 69 dB

* Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted – 76 dB

* Power supply (IEC 61938) – P48

* Required connector – XLR 3 F

* Weight – 710 g

* Diameter -63 mm

* Length – 160 mm

SpaceTime Now Available for All Eventide H9 Models

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Eventide SpaceTimeEventide has been developing and manufacturing digital and audio processing products for recording, broadcast, and live performance since 1971. It is the creator of the H9 pedal. The H9 Max won an award for Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects at NAMM 2016.

The Eventide H9 has been described as “one pedal to rule them all”. It is every guitar pedal you need in just one pedal. The H9 Harmonizer is full of Eventide’s iconic reverb, chorus, delay, modification, and pitch-shifting effects. The award-winning design of the H9 Harmonizer features a simple, one-knob user interface which allows easy effect editing and preset selection. Two onboard footswitches let you change presets, tap temp, and bypass with your feet during live performances.

All H9 models have the same hardware. The difference between the models is the number of effect algorithms that come with the device. Choose from the H9, the H9 Core, or the H9 Max. SpaceTime is now available for all H9 models.

SpaceTime is a multi-effect algorithm, featuring modulation, two delays, and reverb in one great sounding, easy to use effect. The Delays are based on Eventide’s Vintage Delay algorithm from the TimeFactor pedal and the Reverb section draws from both the Plate algorithm in the SPACE pedal, as well as Eventide’s UltraReverb plug-in. Unique to SpaceTime is the ability to route Delays and Reverb in series or parallel after Modulation, further adding to it’s versatility and creative applications.

SpaceTime features:

* Twin Delays with controls for level and feedback

* Modulation with controls for amount and rate

* Reverb with controls for decay, level, and color.

It comes with 22 different SpaceTime Presets, with names like “HUBBLE”, “IntaStella”, “EventHorizon”, and “Voyage”. SpaceTime also includes standard H9 features like mix, tap tempo, expression pedal support, and output level control. SpaceTime is now available as a $20 in-app purchase in H9 Control for H9 standard and H9 Core owners, and is free for H9 Max owners.

Satori High-End Monitoring Controller Delivers an Epiphany

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satoriAntelope Audio has introduced Satori, a high-end, next generation, monitoring controller. It combines true analog monitoring and summing capabilities. The Satori monitoring controller was the Technical Achievement winner for Amplification Hardware – Studio & Sound Reinforcement at NAMM 2016.

The word “satori” is a Japanese Buddhist term that refers to enlightenment. Satori is designed to deliver an “epiphany” experience to the sound engineer. Antelope’s renowned relay-controlled stepped attenuator, the extremely versatile connectivity options, and the great selection of stereo effects such as mid-side monitoring, place the Satori among the most advanced monitoring controllers in the world, equally suited to both commercial and project studios.

Satori expands upon the acclaimed design architecture of the Eclipse 384 – Antelope’s award-winning mastering AD/DA and monitoring controller. Carefully designed analog circuits and fast, transparent relay attenuators ensure the audio integrity throughout the whole signal path. The 0.05 dB platinum relays provide supremely accurate volume control and L/R balance, even at the lowest levels.

Features include:

* A complete palette of inputs and outputs

* Precise stepped relay volume control

* Four independent headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls

* Analog Summing allowing easy mixing

* Extremely flexible routing

* Analog sound with digital control

* A user friendly desktop application available for both Windows and OS X