Category Archives: Information

Discover Pods is Giving Away a MicPort Pro 2

Information,

Discover Pods has a giveaway for a MicPort Pro 2 from CEntrance. The contest is open to everyone 18 years or older with a shipping address in the Continental US. It will run through September 20, 2019, at 12am PT. To enter the giveaway, you must visit Discover Pods and log in to their raffle widget (either via Facebook or your email address).

The MicPort Pro 2 is a portable USB mic preamp that makes it easy to record on-the-go, with professional quality. Ideal for speech and music recording, MicPort 2 can turn your phone into a recording studio, or a live-streaming broadcast facility. Smaller than most mics, it is feature-rich, easy to use, and travel-friendly.

A built-in, rechargeable battery sets MicPort 2 apart from other portable audio interfaces, making it your idea companion for the road. Now you can record directly to your phone or tablet and leave that laptop behind. The low-noise Jasmine mic preamp, zero latency blend control and a musical, soft-knee limiter combine to create a professional vocal processor, putting MicPort 2 in a class of its own.

Audio features:

  • Low noise, high-gain Jasmine preamp delivers professional results
  • Neutrik combo XLR jack for mic, line or instrument sources
  • Analog soft limiter that stays out of the way of your vocal (optional)
  • Second channel records a safety copy at -12dB to prevent clipping
  • Custom AmpExtreme headphone amp offers clarity, detail and volume

Recording features:

  • Records to Android, iOS, Windows, Mac – almost any device you have
  • Input blend control with zero latency lets you adjust background level
  • Hi-Z input acts as a “direct box” for recording electric guitar or bass
  • High Pass Filter to cut the wind noise when recording on location
  • VelvetSound A-to-D converter records your audio in studio quality

Steinberg Announces Olympus Choir Micro for HALion

Information

Steinberg announced Olympus Choir Micro by Soundiron. As the name implies, it’s a small yet convenient instrument with basic male and female choral samples. And as if this weren’t enough good news – Olympus Choir Micro is now also included in Dorico 3 and Absolute 4.

This lightweight, user-friendly choir instrument is the perfect tool for composers who need a simple but effective choir in their mix, without any of the fuss or options of more complex instruments. Compatible with HALion 6, HALion Sonic 3, and the free HALion Sonic SE 3, Olympus Choir Micro includes basic male and female choral samples to suit any musical need.

Features include:

  • Full male and female choirs with three articulations
  • Two full-dynamic range vowels – Ah and Ooh
  • 20 powerful presets in different styles
  • Works with nearly every DAW (AU, VST, AAX)

System requirements:

  • Operating System (Windows): Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Operating System (Mac): macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
  • Compatible with: HALion 6, HALion Sonic 3, HALion Sonic SE 3
  • Hard disk space for: 420 MB
  • Internet connection for: license activation, installer download, account sign up and product registration

Steinberg Released Dorico Pro 3 and Dorico Elements 3

Information

Steinberg released the latest iterations of Dorico, their music notation software, Dorico Pro 3 and Dorico Elements 3. The Pro edition introduces unique features for automatically producing a condensed conductor’s score while both Pro and Elements editions offer support for tablature, guitar notation and many other new features, such as support for harp pedal changes, customized playback templates and new editors in Play mode.

Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality – and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options, and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.

Proud Marketing Manager for Dorico, Daniel Spreadbury, said: “The release of Dorico 3 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of not only in Dorico but also of music notation software in general. Being able to produce a condensed conductor’s score at the click of a button will profoundly change the workflow of composers, arrangers, and editors who write for large ensembles, and together with the hundreds of other improvements throughout the application, Dorico 3 will save time for every musician.”

Dorico is available from local resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. For users of Sibelius and Finale, Steinberg has a special Crossgrade offer. They will provide an educational discount for students and teachers.

Those who have activated Dorico 2 editions and earlier versions on or after August 8, 2019, are eligible for a free, downloadable Grace Period update to the latest respective version.

Telestream to Unveil Lightspeed Live Capture and Live Stream Platforms

Information,

Telestream will unveil major new functionality in its Lightspeed Live Capture and Lightspeed Live Stream platforms at IBC 2019. They are of strategic importance for broadcasters and OTT streaming service providers seeking large-scale streaming platforms with inherent resilience combined with high channel density and optimal cost-per-channel, Telestream is introducing a new and unique platform containing 8 3G-SDI I/O ports.

Large-scale OTT service providers need efficient management and resiliency for pools of linear channels. Now, Lightspeed Live Stream provides system-level redundancy with standby channels held in reserve in case of hardware or software failures.

What makes this facility unique is its peer-to-peer implementation with no ‘eye-in-the-sky’ arbitrage system required to orchestrate a switchover. Further resilience and core system efficiency is brought to Lightspeed Live Stream by a new capability to provide dual encoder and dual publishing capabilities in concert with Unified Streaming and Akami. With this new collaborative facility, high value content is assured to reach the origin server and CDN using an active-active technique to replace missing or damaged content.

The new, high density 1RU Lightspeed Live appliance is a hardware platform supporting Lightspeed Live capture and/or Lightspeed Lite Stream products. The appliance provides a video processing platform that allows ingest of real-time video and audio from SDI and IP sources.

It supports decoding/encoding of SD/HD/UHD sources and provides parallel processing of multiple video outputs, for a wide variety of destination devices and formats under the control of the Lightspeed Live Capture or Live Stream software. The system supports up to eight SD/HD/3G input channels or two 4K/UHD channels, with eight independent 16-channel audio processing engines.

In addition, Lightspeed Live Stream for the first time integrates SRT open source video transport support and V-Nova’s Perseus Plus encoding. Also, the use of the role-based permissions makes it easy to track and audio changes, as well as tailoring permissions to user responsibilities.

A compelling new feature within Lightspeed Live Capture is Live Edit Sub Clipping, which enables lightning fast sub-clipping of content from live and previously captured media sources. The system utilizes a browser based HTML5 Live Edit user interface, providing completely frame accurate editing via a low-resolution HLS proxy, and powerful metadata support. Also, Lightspeed Live Capture is an ideal enabler for Edit@Home remote production including simultaneous auto-archiving capabilities.

Roland Unveils Next-Generation FANTOM Keyboard Series

Information

Roland unveiled the flagship FANTOM lineup, an all-new series of professional keyboards for music production and live performance. Developed from the ground up for modern players, the next-generation FANTOM 6, FANTOM 7 and FANTOM 8 models fuse Roland’s latest synthesizer technologies with fluid operation, an intuitive color touch screen, and deep computer integration. FANTOM instruments also offer superb playability, and feature rugged, tour-ready construction to meet the demands of everyday life on the road.

A key feature of FANTOM is its modeless interface, which makes technical limitations and confusing operation a thing of the past. Players never have to worry about what features work in which mode – FANTOM is always in full-on creative mode, providing a consistent working experience in every musical scenario.

With FANTOM’s potent DSP engine, players can focus on music, not rationing processing power. It’s possible to run all 16 parts with all available effects at once, complete with full patch remain for seamless transitions. There’s never any guessing about how many effects are available, or if sounds can be changed smoothly without limiting complex patches.

FANTOM models offer exceptional playability and aftertouch support with Roland’s best keyboards ever, including the acclaimed PHA-50 on the 88-key FANTOM 8 and a brand new semi-weighted action on the 76-key FANTOM 7 and 61-key FANTOM 6. In addition to the color touchscreen interface, there are plenty of knobs and sliders for intuitive and immediate control, plus a dedicated synthesizer section with oscillator, filter, and envelope controls.

FANTOM is a complete music composition platform, filled with creative option to build arrangements fast. Available tools include RGB pads, a classic TR-REC style pattern sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and a grid for recording and launching clips.

FANTOM excels as a standalone instrument, but its powers grow exponentially when connected to computers, analog synthesizers, and other gear. DAWs and performance software like Apple’s Logic Pro and MainStage can be operated from the touchscreen and panel controls, and virtual instruments from Roland Cloud and others can be easily controlled and combined with FANTOM’s internal sounds. It’s also possible to drive modular analog synthesizes from its dual CV/Gate outputs.

Nikon Introduces NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 Lens

Information

Nikon announced the fast, wide-angle NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S, the latest addition to the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z lineup of lenses. The 24mm f/1.8 S is optimized for capturing everything from cityscapes to environmental portraits and is built to take advantage of Nikon’s large Z-mount, delivering the ultimate combination of fast, bright, and sharp performance in nearly all lighting conditions.

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S joins the S-Line of high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses, giving creators an essential focal length to add to their kit of fast prime Z-mount lenses. The lens takes advantage of the most advanced NIKKOR technologies to deliver optical superiority, exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh and high-resolution across the entire frame, even at maximum aperture.

Thanks to the advantages of the lens’ bright and fast f/1.8 maximum aperture along with the wider Z-mount, Nikon Z series users can capture exceptionally sharp images in dimly lit settings, with a lens that’s ideal for nighttime shooting and astrophotography.

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S features 9 rounded aperture blades, allowing users to capture beautifully circular bokeh that adds a level of dimentionality to help capture compelling content. Users can confidently explore their creative potential in nearly any landscape thanks to the lens’ reliable dust and drip resistant design, ideal for tough weather conditions.

The lens construction also consists of four Aspherical Lens Elements and one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element to combat aberration, while Nikon’s patented Nano Crystal Coat helps eliminate ghosting and flare. The 24mm f/1.8 S is further equipped with Nikon’s Multi-Focusing System, which uses two AF drives in tandem to deliver superior resolving power and active fast and accurate autofocus, even at minimum focus distance.

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is also optimized for video capture. As a popular cinematic focal length, the 24mm f/1.8 S will be a welcome addition to Z series shooters’ arsenals, boasting near-silent stepping motors for ultra-quiet performance, reduced focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth control of aperture and exposure compensation and the ability to take advantage of the in-camera 5-axis VR + eVR of the Nikon Z series cameras.

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S will be available in mid to late October 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95.

RØDECaster Pro Firmware Version 2.0 is Here!

Information

RØDE announced that RØDECaster Pro firmware version 2.0 has arrived. Firmware version 2.0 follows on from previous updates, which introduced multitrack recording to the RØDECaster Pro, as well as other handy features. The new update introduces over 25 powerful new features to the RØDECaster and the companion app, which are designed to make it even easier for you to make incredible sounding podcasts.

RØDECaster Pro Firmware Updates:

Podcast Transfer Mode: One of the most common requests from users is the ability to access podcasts stored on the microSD card directly from the unit without having to take the card out and put it into a computer. “Podcast Transfer Mode” allows you to do it. It essentially turns your RØDECaster Pro into a microSD card reader.

Powerful New Sound Pad Functionality: There is a new sound pad playback indicator button on the home screen of your RØDECaster. The icon indicates (by color) which sound pad is currently playing, as well as how much time that pad has before the sound ends. If you have multiple pads playing at once, the icon will show the pad that will end soonest.

There is also a handy shortcut to the sound pad configuration screen. The new firmware allows you to modify settings that you could previously only access in the companion app. A new playback mode called “Pause” allows you to pause playback by pressing the pad. The pad will blink to indicate it is paused.

You can now store up to 8 banks of sounds (64 in total). Super handy if you produce multiple podcasts or your show is very sound-focused.

New Broadcast-Ready Features: New features have been added for those who are using RØDECaster Pro in a broadcast context. You can now disable the main output level control knob on the monitor outputs. There is also a button to automatically mute the monitor outputs when faders are open to prevent feedback.

You now have the ability to switch the solo button to enable pre-fade listen mode. You will be able to hear what is coming out of that channel with unity gain, even if the fader is completely down. The “host”, (channel 1) can now speak with callers on the USB, smartphone, and Bluetooth channels without the conversation being recorded or going to monitor outputs.

RØDECaster Pro Companion App Updates:

  • The ability to save and load “Shows”. A “Show” is a snapshot of your RØDECaster Pro settings, sounds, and everything. They can be saved on your computer and re-loaded at any time. It also means you can load a “Show” from one RØDECaster Pro to another.
  • The RØDECaster Pro and companion app now communicate in real time.
  • Factor sounds can now be restored via the app, and the app now has the ability to automatically sync the date and time between the RØDECaster and the host computer.

Line 6 Introduced Amp Farm 4.0 Plug-In

Information

Line 6 has introduced the Amp Farm 4.0 plug-in. It features models based on classics from Marshall, Fender, Vox, and more. Amp Farm 4.0 delivers the same tones used on countless of hit records to your projects.

Since its introduction in 1988, the Amp Farm plug-in has been used to add quintessential guitar tones to countless platinum albums, hit television shows, and major motion picture soundtracks.

Once only available to Pro Tools TDM users, the new Amp Farm 4.0 plug-in supports 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST formats, and sample rates of up to 192kHz, making it compatible with virtually any DAW. Pro Tool users will appreciate full backward compatibility and the ability to open old sessions without losing previous sounds or settings.

Select from more than a dozen amp models based on classic amplifiers like Marshall, Fender, Vox, Mesa/Boogie, Soldano and more – plus 48 cab models with a choice of four mic setups.

Amp Farm 4.0 is fully programmable and automatable, providing powerful control over your tone. Mix and match amps, speakers, and mics for all-new combinations. The Amp Farm plug-in makes it easy to do things that are simply not possible with physical amps. And not just on guitar. It can impart exciting color and character – from subtle tube warmth to extreme distortion – to bass, drums, keyboards, vocals, or complete mixes.

Logitech G Introduced Two New Gaming Keyboards

Information

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, introduced two new high-performance gaming keyboards – the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. By combining Logitech G’s advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, with its new high-performance, low-profile GL Switches, these new keyboards were designed and built to be the most advanced and innovative keyboards imaginable.

Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This premium keyboard features Logitech G’s award-winning LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology for a lightning fast, pro-grade 1ms report rate and up to 135 days of non-stop wireless gaming, with lighting turned off (assuming eight hours of play per day). The G915 LIGHTSPEED also includes five on-board programmable G-keys, putting custom macro sequences and in-app commands at your fingertips.

For the first time in the gaming industry, Logitech G is offering its next-generation LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting on a LIGHTSPEED Wireless keyboard. With LIGHTSYNC, this keyboard can be personalized across approximately 16.8 million colors through Logitech G HUB Advanced Gaming Software for the most immersive RGB gaming experience. With RGB colorwave enabled, gamers can play for over 12 days on a single charge (assuming eight hours of play per day).

Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The ultra-thin, wired G815 LIGHTSYNC offers the same great style and finish of the G915 LIGHTSPEED, with five dedicated, programmable G-keys, up to three on-board profiles and Logitech G’s LIGHTSYNC RGB technology, customizable through Logitech G HUB. Additionally included is a USB cable that connects the USB 2.0 passthrough port to its own input for 100 percent power throughout.

Both the G915 LIGHTSPEED and G815 LIGHTSYNC mechanical keyboards feature Logitech G’s high-performance, low-profile GL mechanical key switches that are half the height of standard mechanical key switches for 25 percent faster actuation (versus 2.0mm actuation in standard switches) and a more comfortable typing experience. Available in choice of GL Linear or GL Clicky switches to match play preferences, the tactile version gives discernible actuation for gamers who prefer direct feedback, while the linear version provides a smooth keystroke. The clicky version offers a much-requested audible typing experience with tactile feedback.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard are expected to be available on LogitechG.com and at global retailers in August 2019 for suggested retail prices of $249.99 and $199.99, respectively.

Audio-Technica to Exhibit Streaming/Podcasting Mic Packs at PAX West 2019

Information

Audio-Technica announced that it will be exhibiting a wide range of gaming headsets, streaming/podcasting microphone packages, wireless and wired headphones, and other gaming-friendly products. It’ll all be showcased at PAX West 2019 at the Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA, Booth 7002, August 30 – September 2, 2019.

Highlights of the Audio-Technica products on exhibit at PAX West 2019 include:

Taking design inspiration from the company’s industry-standard ATH-M50x pro audio headphones, Audio-Technica’s ATH-G1WL wireless and ATH-G1 gaming headsets deliver powerful, spacious audio quality in crystal-clear in-game voice communication. Both headsets’ lightweight design allow gamers to enjoy even long playing sessions in total comfort.

The wired ATH-G1 (SRP: US $169.00) is compatible with computers, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and any platform with a 3.5 mm headset connector. It features specially tuned large-diameter 45mm drivers to bring studio-quality sound to game audio. Its highly directional boom mic delivers exceptional voice clarity while rejecting ambient noise and keyboard clicks.

The Wireless ATG-G1WL (SRP: US $249.00) adds stable, lag-free wireless connectivity, a long 15 hours of battery life and a virtual sound function for an even more immersive 3D audio gaming experience. Its wireless USB transceiver ensures compatibility with computers.

The BPHS1 Broadcast Stereo Headset (US $199.00) was developed for professional use, yet its natural, focused audio reproduction, noise-isolating closed back design, high-output gooseneck-mounted dynamic microphone and rugged design make it idea for gaming as well.

Now, anyone can convert their favorite headphones into a full-fledged gaming headset, thanks to Audio-Technica’s ATGM2 detachable book microphone (US $79.00), which easily attaches to any headphones and adjusts for optimal positioning.

Gaming and streaming go hand in hand and Audio-Technica will showcase a selection of streaming/podcasting packages that include a microphone, adjustable boom arm, headphones, cables and accessories – everything needed for content creators in a complete easy to use setup. Models include the AT2035PK with USB mic (US $199.00), AT2020USB+PK withXLR mic ($149.00) and the AT2005USBPK with USB/XLR connectivity (US $129.00).

Audio-Technica’s wireless headphones combine high-quality Bluetooth audio with cord-free convenience and superior value. The QuietPoint ATH-ANC500BT (SRP: US $99.00) features 40mm drivers for clear, detailed audio reproduction and ANC (active noise cancellation) circuitry to attenuate outside noise. The ATH-ANC500BT’s controls and mic are built into the earcup for convenient handling of volume adjustments and phone calls. It offers up to 20 hours of use on a full charge and can also be used in wired mode.