Category Archives: Information

Canon Announced Two New RF L-Series Lenses

Information

Completing the “trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R Full-Frame mirrorless camera system, Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced its first lens to feature Defocus Smoothing lens coating, the Canon RF 85 F1.2L DS. The ninth and tenth lenses in the RF family are both powerful tools for photographers using the EOS R or EOD RP cameras, in particular, those shooting sports or wildlife photography with the RF 70-200mm FL.8L or portrait photography with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM features include:

  • Customize control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 17 lens elements in 13 groups including two aspherical lenses, one super UD lens and four UD lenses, that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • CIPA standard five stops of image stabilization (IS) including three IS modes with dual-sensing and combination IS
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

Canon RF 85mm Fl.2L USM DS features include:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet/0.85 meters
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • One Aspheric lens and one UD Lens, along with BR optics that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lenses are scheduled to be available late November 2019 and December 2019, respectively, for an estimated retail price of $2,699.00 and $2,999.00 respectively.

Line 6 Introduced Spider V 20 MkII Guitar Practice Amplifier

Information

Line 6 introduced the Spider V 20 MkII amplifier for practicing guitarists. Whether just starting their guitar journey, or seasoned professionals, guitarist want the same things from a practice amp; authentic amp tones, no-hassle operation, and inspiring presets that make practicing fun. Spider V 20 MkII has them all covered.

Designed to sound great right out of the box, the Spider V 20 MkII amp features an intuitive interface with color-coded controls and dedicated front-panel buttons that make it easier to plug in and begin practicing. Sixteen new tonally diverse presets deliver sounds with all the character and vibe players demand, while the new Classic Speaker mode provides exceptionally organic feel. Each preset contains three new effects that can be switched in and out stompbox-style using the dedicated FX buttons on the front panel.

Spider V 20 MKII also includes specific features that make practicing easier and more fun. A dedicated Reverb control adds atmosphere and depth, while a Tap/Tuner button enables guitarists to tap in delay times and modulation rates to match songs they are playing along with. Guitarists can hold the Tap/Tuner button to access the onboard tuner and quickly tune their instrument.

Standing less than a foot tall and weighing only 11 pounds (5 kg), Spider V 20 MkII is the ideal practice amp for guitarists on the go. But despite its small size, Spider V 20 MkII delivers 20 watts of power through a custom 8” speaker and can get loud. Spider V 20 MkII also includes a 1/8” stereo headphone jack, for practicing quietly.

Connect Spider V 20 MkII to a Mac, PC, or mobile device via the Micro USB port, and use the free Spider V Remote application to access additional amps and effects, edit presets, and create custom presets that are compatible with all the amps in the Spider V MkII Series. Guitarists can also record, edit, and mix performances using Steinberg’s Cubase LE application, a free download with registration of Spider V 20 MkII amp.

Spider V 20 Mk II MSRP is $179.99 USD.

Fujifilm Introduces the Mirrorless Digital Camera FUJIFILM X-Pro3

Information

Fujifilm Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (X-Pro3) in late November 2019, as the latest flagship model for the X-Series lineup of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras that deliver outstanding image quality with Fujifilm’s proprietary color reproduction technology.

The X-Pro3 is the first Fujifilm camera to use strong yet lightweight titanium to achieve advanced portability and durability, making it easier than ever to enjoy photography with premium image quality.

The X-Pro3 comes in “Black”, which features premium-quality coating for dignified appearance, as well as “DR Black” and “DR Silver,” which have the Duratect coating applied to deliver strong resistance against scratches while achieving highly refined exterior appearance, thereby expanding the appeal of the X-Pro3.

The new X-Pro3 is an exceptionally portable and durable mirrorless digital camera that has a magnesium-alloy interior, which is covered with lightweight, robust and corrosion-resistant titanium on the exterior to achieve premium quality design, bringing out the beautiful tone and texture of titanium to the maximum.

The X-Pro 3 has the “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder,” the world’s only viewfinder that can be switched between optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF uses a bright and high-resolution 3.69-million-dot organic EL panel for enhanced visibility. The camera also features the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans CMOS 4” sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed processing engine.

Also, evolved algorithm enables the camera to realize fast and accurate phase-detection AF at the minimum luminance of -6EV, which is close to pitch darkness. Fujifilm’s Simulation function has been added with the new “CLASSIC Neg” mode, simulating color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots of day-to-day scenes, so that users can enjoy high-quality photo with versatile tonal variations.

Open Labs Announced Roland Corporation Acquired Stagelight

Information,

Open Labs announced that Stagelight and Stagelight team have been acquired by Roland Corporation. Under Roland, development has proceeded at a rapid pace, and the company has announced immediate availability of the next version of Stagelight, now known as Roland Zenbeats.

As a part of Roland’s historic family of products, Zenbeats features genuine Roland sounds as well as a sleek new interface. Zenbeats includes expressive on-screen instruments, 3rd party plugin integration including drag and drop support, collaborative jamming via Ableton Link, streamlined cloud support, and enhanced exporting options.

Open Labs says that all Stagelight credits will be honored through December 31, 2019. Users must spend their remaining credits in Stagelight before making the transition to Zenbeats. You may continue to use Stagelight after this date, however, downloads and support services will be discontinued as of January 1st 2020.

Open Labs also wants you to know that Roland Zenbeats is not available in all countries at this time. They recommend that you follow Roland Zenbeats on social media for future announcements concerning expanded availability. Roland has big plans going forward, and Open Labs encourages all Stagelight customers to upgrade to Zenbeats today.

It is also worth noting that Zenbeats requires a free Roland Backstage account.

Accusonus Introduced Rhythmiq

Information

Accusonus introduced Rhythmiq. It allows you to instantly jam with your beats. Get unlimited beat variations with the turn of a single knob. Generate and save new Rhythmiq patterns and instantly create fills and build-ups. Enable your AI Beat Assistant and let Rhythmiq perform your beats in real-time like when you are jamming with a human band-mate.

At the time I am writing this blog post, Rhythmiq is on sale for $99 (an introductory price). The regular price is $149. This sale is valid until October 31, 2019.

Features include:

Instantly jam with your stems. Jam with your beats like never before. Get unlimited beat variations with the turn of a single knob. Generate and save new Rhythmiq patterns and create breaks and build-ups. Enable your A.I. Beat Assistant and let Rhythmiq perform your beats in real-time.

Meet your Beat Assistant. Your new “virtual electronic drummer” analyzes your beats and introduces nuanced micro-variations or musical, evolving changes. This will allow to focus on other parts of your music while your beat is organically evolving.

Fine-tune Rhythmiq’s AI in real-time. Although it uses ground-breaking AI technology, Rhythmiq is still controlled by you. Decide how much density, space, and variation you need. Experience the new way to perform your beats and find inspiration.

Save and Launch beat variations, always in sync. Generate breaks, fills and build-ups from your beats or layered stems and save them without stopping the music. Stay in the flow while you transform your beats into a performance. Use your hardware controller to shape your sequences and manipulate your beats. Use Rhythmiq’s arrange, reverse and silence functions to perform your stems live or to jam in the studio.

Zoom Introduces LiveTrak L-8

Information

Zoom has introduced the LiveTrak L-8. It is for podcasting, music, and beyond! Zoom LiveTrak L-8 makes it easier than ever to mix, monitor, and record professional-sounding podcasts and music performances in one portable, affordable, package.

One of the cool things podcasters can do with the LiveTrak L-8 is do remote interviews. Connect your phone via the provided TRRS cable. The Mix-Minus function automatically prevents echo and feedback to and from the caller. Or use the USB connection to route audio from Skype, Facetime, Hangouts, Slack, and more.

Doing a podcast with several participants who are all at the same location? The L-8 is equipped with four headphone outputs so that each participant can clearly hear what is going on. The L-8 records everyone on their own separate tracks directly to your SD card, enabling you to edit them later.

For musicians, LiveTrak L-8 features six high performance preamps each with phantom power, a low noise floor (-121dBU EIN), and a maximum input gain of +54dB. There are two Hi-Z, line level, and USB inputs. You can also fine-tune each channel with EQ and onboard effects.

L-8 lets musicians record up to 10 discrete tracks plus a stereo mix directly to an SD card at resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz. You can punch-in and overdub with ease, then transfer your work to your favorite DAW for tuning.

Features include:

  • 8-channel mixer (6 combo, plus 2 TS)
  • 12-track simultaneous recording, 10-track playback
  • Mix-Minus function preventing audio feedback from dial-in guests.
  • TRRS connection and included TRRS cable for phone connectivity
  • 6 assignable Sound Pads, with 13 preset sounds
  • 4 headphone outputs, consisting of 3 custom monitor mixes, plus one main mix
  • 3-band EQ and a low-cut function
  • 7 scene memories for storing mixes
  • 12-in / 4-out USB audio interface
  • Class-compliant mode (for iOS compatibility)
  • Battery operated with four AA batteries or a USB power supply
  • Record up to 24-bit/96kHz, record up to 48kHZ to computer and SD card simultaneously

The box includes a LiveTrak L-8 Mixer/Recorder, a TRRS cable, a USB cable, an AD-17 AC adapter, and a Quick Guide.

Antlion Audio Presents ModMic USB and ModMic Uni

Information

Antlion Audio presents the ModMic USB and the ModMic Uni. They are part of the new ModMic line (which also includes ModMic Wireless.)

The ModMic USB is the culmination of all the things we learned from ModMic 4, ModMic Wireless, and Antlion USB Sound Card in one.

ModMic USB Components include:

Microphone Capsules
Antlion Audio upgraded the ModMic USB with the new, premium, uni-directional mic they use in the ModMic Wireless. This noise-canceling mic sounds better than their previous generation mic, and that says a lot given their previous mics are known for their outstanding quality. They also kept the dual mic modes from ModMic 5 design, reusing the same incredible omni-directional capsule for that extra oomph of quality if you want to full broadcast mode.

Microphone Preamplifier
Antlion Audio built an amp into the tip of the ModMic USB to ensure a loud and high-quality signal with no distortion. This is one of the key components that ensures the ModMic Wireless sounds so good, and is only possible thanks to the USB power source.

Premium ADC
Antlion Audio believes their USB sound card is a step beyond the curve, but there was still room for improvement. So they took what they learned from their USB Sound Card to create a new and incredible analog to digital conversion (ADC) featuring a premium ADC chipset. Between this ADC and our premium mic capsule, we create a really impressive dynamic range for the mic with nothing left behind.

Digital Mute
Once again borrowing from their ModMic Wireless, they used what they learned to create an in-line digital mute switch. Easy to reach, absolutely silent.

ModMic Uni Components include:

Microphone Capsule
It has the same incredible noise-canceling mic capsule found in the USB and ModMic Wireless.

New Insides
Antlion Audio overhauled the new internal components and shielding to ensure the best signal to noise ratio of any analog 3.5mm ModMic.

Analog Mute
The new mute switch design is built tough.

Eventide has a Flash Sale on Instant Phaser and Instant Flanger

Information

Eventide announced a flash sale on two classic Eventide effects – Instant Phaser Mk II and Instant Flanger Mk II. It is unclear how long the flash sale will last, so if this is something you are interested in, you may want to move quickly.

Instant Phaser Mk II features the same legendary sound with all the analog personality of the original hardware from 1971. Plugin offers three different flavors of phasing and innovative Age knob. The regular price is $129. It is 75% off during the flash sale.

Instant Flanger Mk II brings vintage take flanging to your plug-in toolbox. A truly versatile tool, you can use it for stereo sweetening, subtle modulations, double tracking and extreme flanging effects. The regular price is $129. It is 75% off during the flash sale.

Right now, it is possible to request a Plug-in Demo for several of Eventide’s plug-ins. The list includes both Instant Phaser Mk II and Instant Flanger Mk II. You must have an iLok account to request an Eventide demo.

FujiFilm Won Good Design Awards 2019 for 32 Products

Information,

FujiFilm Corporation President Kenji Sukeno is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Good Design Award 2019, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, for products in a wide range of business fields including the X Series and GFX Series of digital cameras, ASTALIFT series of cosmetics products and endoscopy systems. The company has won the Award for 32 products, the largest number awarded companies this year and also a record number Fujifilm has ever won.

In addition, five products, including the binoculars FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-X 1440, ultrasound equipment iViz air, and FUJIFILM PROJECTOR Z5000 have been selected for the Good Design Best 100.

In developing a wide range of products and services, Fujifilm has pursued a high level of functionality and performance, while working on developing designs that bring out the full potential of excellent functionality. The company strives to create new product value by pursuing not only exterior design aesthetics but also exploring designs that facilitate ease of use and operability.

Amidst its pursuit for design excellence as a key product value, Fujifilm has managed to win the Good Design Award for 32 of its products, the highest number won among the awarded companies. Encouraged by this achievement, the company will continue to work on developing outstanding products.

Some of Fujifilm’s products that won the Good Design Award 2019 include:

  • Hybrid instant camera instax mini LiPlay
  • Mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM X-T30
  • Mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM X-A7
  • Mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM GFX 100
  • Interchangeable lens for digital camera X series FUJINON LENS XF16-80mmF4 OIS WR
  • Interchangeable lens for digital camera X series FUJINON LENS XF16mmF2.8 R WR
  • Interchangeable lens for digital camera GFX series FUJINON LENS GF50mmF3.5 LM WR
  • EVF tilt adapter for digital camera GFX series EVF-TL1
  • Standard zoom cinema lens FUJINON Premista28-100mmT2.9
  • Broadcast portable zoom lens FUJINON UA18.x7.6BERD / UA23x7.6BERD
  • Broadcast portable zoom lens FUJINON LA16xBRM
  • Focus position demand unit FUJINON EPD-41A-D02 for broadcast portable lens
  • Zoom Rate Demand Unit FUJINON ERD-40A-D01 for broadcast portable lens

BOSS Introduces Katana MKII Guitar Amplifier Lineup

Information

BOSS introduces the Katana MkII Guitar Amplifier lineup, the next generation of the acclaimed Katana amp series. Katana amps have received worldwide acclaim for their authentic tube tone and feel, onboard BOSS effects, easy sound customization, and exceptional value. Building on the tones and features that made the original series such a player’s favorite, the stage-class Katana MkII amps turbocharge the core platform with more sounds, more effects, and increased versatility.

The Katana MkII lineup includes three combo amplifiers and an amplifier head. The 50-watt Katana 50 MkII and 100-watt Katana-100 MkII are each equipped with a custom 12-inch speaker, while the 100-watt Katana 100/212 MkII has two custom 12-inch speakers. The 100-watt Katana-Head MkII can be connected to any external 8-ohm or 16-ohm guitar cabinet, and also includes an integrated 5-inch monitor speaker for tone preview and practice.

To complement the five primary amp characters from the original series, each Katana MkII model has been extended with newly voiced variations to provide an even wider palette of tone options. The different amp characters cover everything from sparkling clean to modern high-gain, plus dedicated voices optimized for acoustic-electric guitar.

Katana MkII amps now feature five simultaneous effects categories, up from three in the original series. Independent Booster, Mod, FX, Delay and Reverb sections come loaded from the factory with variations in each, providing 15 ready-to-play effects to choose from. Players can dive much deeper by connecting to the BOSS Tone Studio editor software for Mac and Windows, where they can customize sections with over 60 different effect types, change the effects order, and more.