Category Archives: Information

Monument Stores and Organizes Your Photos

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MonumentMonument is the world’s smartest photo storage and management device. It was created to make managing photos and videos as easy as taking them. It also provides plenty of space to store photos in, something professional photographers will appreciate. Monument has been fully funded on Kickstarter.

Monument is a personal cloud device for photos and videos. It effortlessly syncs and organizes your content from smartphones and cameras. You won’t have to worry about storing, organizing, and backing up your content.

The Monument app on iOS and Android automatically transfers photos and videos from your phone to Monument. By default, syncing starts upon connecting to your home Wi-Fi network. This is to provide a faster transfer rate and to relieve stress on your smartphone battery. When you are away from home, you can sync your photos and videos by enabling remote syncing in the app settings.

The SD card slot on Monument accepts standard SD cards. It is possible to view your photos and videos on a big screen. Monument offers direct HDMI connections to your TV.

Monument gives you several different ways to view your photos:

* Time Machine – A look back on your memories from years ago.

* Favorites – You can select your favorite photos and choose to view only that selection

* Faces – Quickly view photos of any specific person

* World Map – Monument displays all of your photos on a map. Zoom and pan around to find your most memorable destinations

* Cameras – Have more than one camera? You can choose to see photos that were taken from a specific camera.

Monument uses external USB drives for storage to give you complete flexibility.
1 Disk (1TB) – Stores up to 150,000 photos or 70 hours of video

2 Disks (2x 1TB) – Stores up to 300,000 photos or 140 hours of video

2 Disks (2x 2TB – Stores up to 600,000 photos or 280 hours of video

Those calculations are based on photos taken by an entry level DSLR camera (using JPEG Fine settings) and videos recorded by an iPhone 6 (1080p at 60fps). Actual figures may vary. If you find that you need more space, you can increase Monument’s capacity by adding another drive or replacing one with a larger model. Monument does not require monthly storage fees.

Rane Introduces the MP2014 Two-Channel Rotary Mixer

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Rane mp2014Rane believes that quality is in the details. They are confident that you will derive as much personal satisfaction in using their products as they have from creating it. Rane has introduced a two-channel mixer designed for the most discerning perfectionist DJ.

The MP2014 was built for DJs who love the classic rotary mixer experience yet refuse to compromise cutting edge features. Like its four-channel big brother, this definitive mixing instrument is realized through a combination of powerful and unique features, classic elegance, rugged design, and intuitive simplicity.

The two-channel MP2014 uses the same platform as Rane’s MP2015, which is the worldwide standard for four-channel rotary mixers. It was designed for high-end, hi-res audio systems. Control, sound, reliability, durability, and portability differentiate the MP2014 from all other rotary mixers.

Some features include:
* 2-deck mixing, with additional USB aux / session input

* 2 aux line inputs, with 1 on each channel

* 3 stereo playback and 5 stereo record channels on each USB port

* Mic input has FX loop assign switch

* Internal power supply accommodates line voltages from 100 to 240 VAC and either 60Hz or 50Hz

* Detachable universal IEC-320-C13 power cord

* Dual USB ports for simultaneous connection of two computers

* Control panel app for Mac and Windows

* Each port supports six playback and ten record channels

* Each port can stream 16 channels of low-latency 24-bit audio at 44.1, 48, or 96 kHZ

* The USB ports are 100% class compliant, allowing hook-up to any Mac OS X device without the need for an additional driver

* High performance ASIO drive runs most Windows DAW and DJ software

* MIDI end points are class compliant with both OS X and Windows devices

Yamaha Unveiled MONTAGE at NAMM 2016

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Yamaha logoYamaha, creator of the industry-changing DX and the popular Motif, welcomes you to the new era of synthesizers with the MONTAGE. It sets the next milestone with sophisticated dynamic control, massive sound creation and streamlined workflow all combined in a powerful keyboard designed to inspire your creativity. Yamaha unveiled MONTAGE at NAMM 2016.

Some features include:
* Motion Control Synthesis Engine – Unifies and controls two Sound Engines: AWM2 and FM-X

* AWM2 Sound Engine – 128-Note Stereo polyphony, a waveform of 10 times the capacity of the MOTIF XF, and 1.75 GB of user flash memory with high speed reading/writing

* FM-X Sound Engine – features an 8-operator FM architecture

* Super Knob – Can be used to control multiple parameters simultaneously. It can also be assigned to a second FC7 foot controller.

* Directly compatible with Motive XF Voices

* A huge range of incredible sounds (including a brand new Yamaha CFX Premium Grand Piano)

* Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects

* Pure Analog Circuit (PCM)

* Connect MONTAGE to your computer with a single USB cable

* The USB connection also features full MIDI support of 16 channels

* MONTAGE supports the sampling rate up to 192 kHz

* Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) – available for Performances that have a maximum of 8 parts

* A/D input – possesses external audio sources with your instrument’s DSP

* Color Touch Screen – allows you to select and change parameters directly

* Eight Rotary Encoders and Faders with Stepladder LED

* Three configurations of keyboard action

* Direct Control Assignment at the touch of a button

* Cubase AI bundle

The Yamaha MONTAGE is expected to be out in May of 2016.

Chairman of Shure Incorporated has Passed Away

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Shure_LogoRose L. Shure Chairman of Shure Incorporated, has passed away. For over 60 years, Mrs. Shure served as an inspiration to Shure Associates and was a role model for Shure’s Core Values and basic principles. Mrs. Shure was 95 years old.

Shure Inc. is a maker of audio electronic products renowned for the quality and durability of its cutting-edge microphones. Their mics have been used in memorable and historic presentations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used a Shure mic when he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Shure microphones are on the lectern at presidential addresses.

The U.S. Post Office created its first Elvis Presley stamp, in which Elvis holds a Shure 55SH mic in his hand. Lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltry, has spun a Shure SM58 in the air. Lou Reed was featured in an advertisement for the Shure SM58.

Nikon Enters Action Camera Market with KeyMission 360

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Nikon KeyMission 360Nikon announced its entry into the action camera market at CES 2016 with the Nikon KeyMission 360. It is the first in a lineup of products that build on Nikon’s legendary excellence in optical technology and imaging innovation. The KeyMission 360 will officially be released in Spring of 2016, along with a variety of dedicated accessories.

The Nikon KeyMission 360 is a rugged camera capable of recording in true 360-degree video in 4K UHD. It features an image sensor and lenses on opposite sides of the device, with images from each combining to create a single immersive, ultra-high-definition 360-degree video and still image.

The camera is designed to withstand the elements. It is waterproof (approx. 100ft./30 m.), and able to stand up to dust, shock, and low temperatures. The KeyMission 360 also features electronic Vibration Reduction (VR), enabled through applications during playback, that reduces the effects of camera shake to help produce sharp and crisp video quality.

Nikon D5 DSLR Camera Available in March

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Todd Cochrane reports that Nikon D5Nikon announced its new D5 DSLR camera at CES 2016. It is the upgrade to Nikon’s popular D4 DSLR camera. The D5 can be preordered right now and will be available in March of 2016.

The D5 is Nikon’s full-frame flagship camera. It is an FX-format DSLR that makes the impossible possible. Huge advancements in sensor design, autofocus, metering, and image processing have resulted in new capabilities – and therefore, the release of the D5. Nikon decided to replace the D4 with the new D5 because technological innovation demanded it.

The D5 has the following stats:
* Image Sensor Format: FX
* 20.8 million megapixels
* 12 FPS continuous shooting (or 14 FPS with mirror up) at full resolution
* 100-102,400 ISO (expandable to 3,280,000 ISO)
* 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 at 30/25/24p)
* Sensor size: 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm
* Storage Media: CompactFlash (CF) (Type 1, compliant with UDMA)
* XQD Type Memory

The D5 is engineered to reduce the stress factors of shooting all day. Improved ergonomics and an expanded illuminated button layout puts key controls at your fingertips. A high resolution XGA Touchscreen LCD with a smartphone-like interface makes it easy to select AF points or Spot White Balance in Live View, swipe through shots, pinch to zoom, edit file names and more.

It has new double XQD card slots, which is a new modular design for memory. It lets you select a model with either dual XQD slots or dual high-speed CF slots.The body of the camera is light and made of a durable magnesium-alloy body with extensive weather sealing.

Val Turns Your Smartphone into a Professional Studio

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Val portable studioVal is an easily portable device that can be used with any smartphone and with most tablets. It turns your device into an all-in-one mobile studio and gives your videos a professional look that is not possible with your device all by itself. Val is on Indiegogo and has 13 days left (at the time I am writing this blog) to reach its goal.

Val is like a professional studio that fits into the palm of your hand. It can be useful for people who use FaceTime, Skype, Hangouts, or any other video/streaming to communicate. Val makes you look better, sound better, and always have enough power. It also prevents your selfie arm from tiring.

Val comes with everything you need to make your video look and sound more professional. It works with any smartphone and with any orientation – landscape or portrait.

Features include:
* Spring loaded arm accommodates all Android and iOS phones in both portrait and landscape mode
* Studio-quality front facing LEDs (420 Lumens)
* Studio-quality rear facing LEDs (420 Lumens)
* Built-in microphone
* Stereo speakers
* 6,000 mAh battery
* Bluetooth sync
* Headphone out
* Micro USB (in)
* Phone charging USB (out)
* Tripod mount

Slip Strap by Custom SLR is Versatile

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Custom SLR Slim StrapCustom SLR has created a versatile camera strap with a quick-adjust slider that is made of genuine leather. The Slim Strap is a lightweight strap that makes capturing life’s moments effortless. It is currently on Kickstarter and has 33 days left to go (at the time I am writing this blog). It has been funded.

Slim Strap is made for mirrorless, micro four thirds, and compact cameras. It also works great with DSLRs. Special features of this camera strap include premium leather, low-profile black color, and a unique quick-adjust slider. The genuine top grade leather parts of the strap are on the shoulder pad, strap connectors, and thumb loop. Over time, the leather will conform to the contours of your shoulder.

The Slim Strap keeps your camera cinched securely at your side. When you need to take a photo, just pull the leather loop and slide to quickly bring your camera up for the shot. When the strap is un-cinched, you can glide the camera for that perfect shot any time. The leather shoulder pad never leaves your shoulder. To cinch the camera back at your side, simply pull the leather loop while holding the camera.

Sigma WR Ceramic Protector Filter is Groundbreaking

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Sigma logoSigma has created the world’s first highly shock-resistant and scratch-resistant clear glass ceramic protective filter. It is called the WR Ceramic Protector Filter and it provides serious lens protection.

Chemically strengthened glass is used in conventional high strength protective filters. Only the surface of the glass is strengthened. Clear glass ceramic is made with a special heat treatment that precipitates micro crystals evenly through the lens for consistent strength.

As a result, the WR Ceramic Protector Filter has 10X the strength of a conventional protective filter and 3x the strength of a chemically hardened glass filter.

Optically clear ceramic glass offers extremely high transmittance. The water-repellent (WR) coating reflects only 0.24 percent of visible light, thereby minimizing flare and ghosting. According to the Sigma website, pricing and availability of the WR Ceramic Protector Filter is coming soon.

ToneDexter Makes Amplified Acoustic Guitars Sound Right

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ToneDexterToneDexter is an acoustic guitar preamp made by Audio Sprockets, LLC. It transforms your guitar pickup into the lifelike acoustic sound you’ve been looking for. ToneDexter is on Kickstarter. At the time I am writing this blog, has 13 days left to go.

ToneDexter is an acoustic guitar preamp system that restores the rich, natural, acoustic tone to your instrument by processing the signal coming from your pickup. It can also be used with other stringed instruments. One goal of the Kickstarter is to get help moving ToneDexter from working beta units to full production.

To use ToneDexter, the first thing you need to do is plug your instrument into it and go through a short training session. ToneDexter listens to the two different signals and generates a WaveMap using advanced signal processing technology. Once the WaveMap is generated and stored, all you need to do is plug your guitar (or other instrument) into ToneDexter and then plug ToneDexter into your amplifier. Up to 16 WaveMaps can be stored for the same or different instruments.

The controls include:
* Built in three band parametric equalizer – You sent the center frequency and the boost or cut for the bass, midrange, and treble.

* Tuner with incredible one cent accuracy

* Boost switch to add adjustable gain for your solos

* Built in digital feedback notch filter which is only one semitone wide, so you can knock down the feedback that typically plagues amplified acoustic instruments

* Unique adjustable Character control for a punchier sound.

* Simple three character display easily viewable from a standing position which allows for easy operation

ToneDexter back panel

ToneDexter’s back panel has:
* XLR Mic in (with phantom 48V power supply)

* Send and Return Effects Look 1/4” phone jacks

* 9V-15V non polarity sensitive power input (power supply included)

* Monitor Out 1/4” phone jack

* Headphone Level adjustment

* Headphone output 1/4” phone jack

* Phase switch (shown as Option A/B in the photo)

* XLR DI output for direct connection to your mixer

* 1/4” instrument input and output jacks are on the side panel (not shown in the photo)