Category Archives: Information

GoPro HERO7 Black is On Sale Now

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GoPro HERO7 Black is on sale now at $50 off. The sale will end on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 8:59 p.m. PDT. The sale only applies to purchases of HERO7 Black made on gopro.com. Offer is subject to availability while stock lasts.

TechRadar points out that GoPro HERO7 Black launched at $399.99. The sale puts the price of GoPro HERO7 Black at $349.99.

If you’re not up to speed on the newest GoPro cameras, the Hero 7 Black is the most senior of the three Hero models from the action cam leader, with the Hero 7 Silver and the Hero 7 White sitting underneath it. And with this latest GoPro price drop, it’s asking price is closer to the Silver model’s original list price more than ever

Features include:

HyperSmooth Video: Gimbal-like stabilization – without the gimbal.

Rugged + Waterproof: Dunk it. Drop it. Crash it. Tough as nails and waterproof down to 33ft (10m).

Voice Control: Hands busy? Just speak. Say one of 16 commands, including “GoPro, take a photo” or “That was sick” to tag an epic video.

SuperPhoto: Makes shots look amazing automatically with HDR, local tone mapping and noise reduction – in any light.

Live Streaming: Stream to Facebook Live, YouTube and more to share must-see moments as they happen.

TimeWarp video: Capture super smooth, stabilized time lapse video – even as you move through a scene.

In addition, GoPro HERO 7 Black has 8x Slo-Mo, a touch screen, GPS, and HDR. It is capable of 4K60p recording and Full HD capture at 240fps.

Steinberg Vibrant for HALion is Now Available

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Steinberg announced that Vibrant for HALion is now available in their online store. Vibrant is a collection of four legendary electric pianos that sound amazing. Created by e-instruments, Vibrant can be used with HALion in virtually every DAW supporting VTS, AU, or AAX.

Discover the ultimate suite of iconic electric pianos: Vibrant brings the warm, vintage, soulful sound of the Rhodes Stage Mark I, the Rhodes Suitcase, the Wurlitzer 200A and the Hohner Clavinet together in one authentic, accessible plug-in for HALion and HALion Sonic. Enjoy the authentic evocative sound of world-class electronic keyboards, all in one place.

Rhodes Stage Mark I – Based on a vintage 1976 model recorded through high-end pre-amps and A/D converters, Vibrant’s Stage interface delivers the nuances of this evocative classic sound effortlessly to your compositions.

Rhodes Suitcase – To recreate this extraordinary electric piano classic, Steinberg hunted high and low for a top-quality original, before painstakingly restoring it and faithfully capturing its nuanced sound.

Wurlitzer 200 A – Vibrant’s Wurli captures all the warmth, versatility and dynamic range of the original, offering limitless inspiration and variety from Vibraphone-like smoothness to ultra-aggressive, distorted sounds.

Hohner Clavinet – Steinberg meticulously tracked down a genuine 1974 model, lovingly restored it and recorded it via tube preamps to bring the energetic, dynamic tones of a musical legend into the 21st century.

Key features:

  • 4 beautifully sampled electric pianos
  • 40 sound presets for different genres
  • 12 GB compressed samples
  • Created by e-instruments
  • Works with HALion 6, HALion Sonic and free HALion Sonic SE 3

Canon Announced Its First RF Telephoto Zoom Lens

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Canon USA Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced the sixth lens in the RF family, the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM telephoto zoom lens. As the first telephoto zoom lens designed for EOS R and EOS RP full-frame mirrorless cameras, the compact and lightweight 10x zoom RF 24-240mm provides photographers high-quality images and video capture at a budget-friendly price point.

RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens is equipped with Nano USM, providing users quick, high-speed and precision auto focus (AF) when shooting video and capturing still images. With the powerful Nano USM, this lens allows photographers and videographers full time manual focusing making possible the fine tuning and adjusting of focus while in AF mode.

This is the first Canon lens designed for full-frame cameras to feature Dynamic IS and utilizes a CIPA-standard, five-stop image stabilization system. The five-stop IS allows photographers to capture images and record videos with minimal shake, even during nighttime sightseeing or in dimly lit indoor events, without the need of a tripod.

With paired with the recently announced EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera, the compact and lightweight portability of the RF 24-240mm rivals that of a Canon ASP-C camera system with a comparable EF-S lens. The RF 24-240mm and EOS RP knitted together are only slightly heavier and longer than the EOS Rebel T7i when it is kitted with the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6IS.

Additional features of the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens include:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.64 feet/0.50 meters at wide angle and 2.56 feet/0.78 meters at telephoto
  • Maximum magnification of 0.26x at telephoto
  • Approximate weight of 750 grams/26.4 ounces
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, or ISO
  • 21 lens elements in 15 groups including one Aspheric and Two UD Lens
  • 12-pin communication system

The Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3mm IS USM lens is scheduled to be available September 2019 for an estimated retail price of $899.99. In addition, Canon will offer a new EOS RP kit that includes the RF-24-240mm for an estimated retail price of $2199.00.

Steinberg Introduced SpectraLayers Pro 6

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Steinberg introduced SpectraLayers Pro 6. This software allows you to edit audio the innovative way, letting you see and change audio in the spectral domain – in 2D and 3D!

Steinberg’s Marketing Manager Luis Dongo commented: “We are very excited to welcome SpectralLayers to our product portfolio. SpectralLayers nicely compliments the other Steinberg products and can be integrated into Cubase and Nuendo as an ARA extension. This allows users to delve deeper into their audio files and edit them in the spectral domain without ever having to leave their DAW. And it even works together with WaveLab and HALion. With SpectraLayers, we can now offer every single tool necessary to make the most out of any audio signal!”

SpectraLayers is a new approach to audio editing, with new concepts to transform the way you work. For the first time, you can edit spectral data, opening advanced sonic worlds, and use innovative enhancements to traditional techniques. Visualize audio in astonishing new ways, including 3D. Work with mixes like they were tracks. Integrate these abilities into your DAW and other tools. And all in a familiar interface that you didn’t realize you already knew.

New features:

  • ARA 2 support
  • Visible fade marks
  • Advanced selection engine
  • New Move tool
  • Redesigned user interface
  • External editor integration

The full retail version of SpectraLayers Pro 6 is available through the Steinberg Online Shop, together with various downloadable updates from previous versions.

Leica Introduced the Leica V-Lux 5 Camera

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Leica Camera AG introduced the Leica V-Lux 5, one of the most versatile and multifaceted cameras in its product portfolio.

Its bright and clear OLED electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated touchscreen panel on the back make composition easy and efficient. Thanks to fast autofocus and a high continuous-shooting rate the camera reliably captures every detail, while innovative exposure modes like Focus Stacking and Post-focusing enrich its wide range of functions.

The addition of modern and ground-breaking connectivity features – in conjunction with Leica FOTOS App – makes the Leica V-Lux 5 a universal, high-performance camera for all photographic needs.

In combination with the camera’s 20-megapixel, 1-inch sensor, the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146 mm f/2.8-4 ASPH lens of the V-Lux 5 (equivalent to 25 to 400 mm in 35 mm film format) delivers outstanding imaging performance throughout the entire zoom range, whether shooting with macro, wide-angle and extreme telephoto settings, maximum sensitivity of ISO 12800 and an integrated optical image stabilizer, the camera is ideally equipped for capturing best, shake-free still pictures and video in low ambient light, even without using a tripod.

The Leica V-Lux 5 offers optimum tools for composing and assessing subjects: With a resolution of 2.36 megapixels and OLED technology, its newly developed electronic viewfinder brings a higher contrast ratio and improved color depth – while simultaneously consuming less power.

In addition to the EVF, the back of the camera features a fully-articulated 3” touchscreen panel. The is not only ideal for reliable assessment of images before and after exposure, but also makes it easy to shoot from unusual angles.

The Leica V-Lux 5 offers a multitude of powerful functions, but not only for photos – it is also the idea camera for capturing highest quality video footage. The ability to capture true-to-life video in 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) at frame rates of 24, 25, or 30 frames per second or full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 60 frames per second offers enormous scope for the realization of creative ideas in editing and post-production.

The Leica V-Lux 5 is the first model of the V-Lux line that an be used with the Leica FOTOS App. Photos and videos can be quickly and easily transferred for post-processing or sharing in social networks at any time.

Canon Introduces Two New PowerShot G-Series Cameras

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Canon has introduced the PowerShot G7 X III and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II. They are the new powerhouse cameras for visual creators and advanced amateurs.

The PowerShot G7 X III and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II cameras are successors to the PowerShot G7X II and the PowerShot G5X, respectively. These new cameras usher in a plethora of new and innovative functionalities. Depending on the model, new innovative features include live-streaming available with YouTube (via a wireless connection), a pop-up electrical viewfinder (EVF) and 4K video shooting.

Even though the PowerShot G7 X III and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II have many individualized, unique qualities, both include many core features that are true to Canon’s imaging excellence.

These features include:

  • DIGIC 8 Imaging Processor
  • 20.1 Megapixel 1.0-inch stacked CMOS sensor to achieve high quality, high functionality and fast speeds
  • 4K up to 30p, Full HD up to 60p, FHD up to 120p, HDR, high frame rate movie with no crop
  • High-speed continuous shooting at a maximum of 20 FPS
  • Highest ISO speed in the PowerShot category with a maximum of 12,800
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB-C charge power supply

The PowerShot G7 III features live-streaming to YouTube capability via a wireless connection, allowing for creators of all levels to easily capture and post content in real time. It also offers vertical video support, 4K up to 30P high-rate movie with no crop, full HD up to 120p, and an optical 4.2x lens, helping to achieve high image quality.

Powered by the company’s DIGIC 8 image processor, a new 2.0 Megapixel sensor, and wrapped within a compact body with a microphone jack, the PowerShot G7 X III offers innovative technologies, an improved user interface, and Creative Assist for both video and still photography needs.

A lighter, compact and premium point and shoot camera that touts a new pop-up EVF, touch and drag AF and new optical 5x lens, the PowerShot G5 X Mark II is perfectly positioned to provide high quality and valuable functions. The PowerShot G5 X Mark II will satisfy the needs of advanced amateurs who regularly use and are familiar with Canon EOS cameras as a second camera or integrate it into their daily lives.

The PowerShot G7 X III and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II have an estimated retail price of $749.99 and $899.99, respectively, and are expected to be available in August 2019.

Line 6 has Scorching Summer Software Sale

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Line 6 is having a Scorching Summer Software Sale. You can save 30% off all Line 6 software and model packs in the Line 6 store including Helix Native, POD Farm, Echo Farm, and Model Packs. Use the Coupon Code SUMMER30 at checkout. The sale ends on July 14, 2019.

Helix Native offers the authentic sounds of vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects – plus extensive signal routing functionality and an easy-to-use interface. Whether you’re a guitarist, producer, engineer, sound designer, film/TV/game composer, or electronic musician, the Helix Native plug-in is perfect for creating new and exciting sounds.

POD Farm 2.5 is a premium guitar tone plug-in that features vintage and modern amps, cabs, classic stompboxes, colorful preamps, and mode.

Echo Farm 3.0 64-Bit Native Plug-In for Any DAW lets you bring a legendary collection of vintage delay and echo effects to your studio. Now supporting 64-bit AU and VST plug-in formats in addition to AAX, Echo Farm works with any DAW. Echo Farm 3.0 features models based on vintage hardware unites such as the Roland RE-101, Space Echo, Boss DM-2, Electo-Harmonix Memory Man, TC Electronic 2290, and Maestro Echoplexes, plus Line 6 original.

Eventide has a 4th of July Savings Event

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Eventide is having a 4th of July Savings Event that will last through July 8, 2019. You can get Blackhole, UltraTap and MangledVerb for $29 each while the sale is on.

Blackhole is a reverb plug-in that breaks the rules by allowing you to create virtual spaces that could never exist in reality. At large sizes, its soft attack and lingering, harmonic tails allows it to really shine on guitars, strings and pads. At small sizes, those very same qualities can add an angelic sheen to vocals or turn a simple drum track into an otherworldly rhythm section.

UltraTap is a unique multi-tap effect capable of rhythmic delays, glitchy reverbs, huge pad-like volume swells and extraordinary modulation. It’s the perfect tool for creating drum fils, vocal choruses, swelling guitar chords and other evolving effects – everything from reversed reverbs to a massed church choir singing a Gregorian chant in Notre-Dame Cathedral!

MangledVerb is a unique effect combining reverb and distortion. Ported directly from the award-winning H9 Harmonizer, MangledVerb is capable of creating lush reverbs, ripping distortion leads and sound-sculpting musical chaos. Guitarists have used it for years to create signature sounds and now you can have it for your favorite DAW.

BOSS Introduced 200 Series Effect Pedals

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BOSS has introduced the 200 series effect pedals. This all-new stompbox lineup delivers premium sound and features in space-saving designs.

With the 200 series, BOSS introduces a new generation of pedals, delivering advanced sound and versatility in a streamlined footprint. The four models in the 200 series feature premium audio quality with 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit internal processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate, plus support for additional control via external switches, an expression pedal, or MIDI.

Grab-and-go controls and multi-function footswitches make operation fast and intuitive, while onboard memories allow users to store multiple setups for instant recall.

The DD-200 Digital Delay brings together sounds inherited from the flagship DD-500 into an even smaller package. Twelve modes offer delay colors from modern digital to classic analog, providing everything from basic echoes to rick ambient pads and everything in-between. There’s also an independent looper that’s always ready to use, plus a selectable carryover function for seamless transitions between memories.

The EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer is a precision tone-shaping tool for guitar, bass, and other instruments, offering two wide-ranging 10-band EQ channels and a graphic display that shows the current EQ curve at a glance. Channels can be configured for stereo, parallel, or series operation, and it’s possible to patch in external pedals for pre and post EQ shaping. The frequency centers of all 10 bands can also be set to three different types, optimizing performance for different applications.

The MD-200 Modulation provides an array of world-class mod effects in one small, convenient pedal. There are 12 modes to choose from, with direct panel access to rate, depth, and level plus up to three parameters tailored to each mode. Using the versatile insert function, players can patch in drive pedals and other effects for selectable pre or post processing.

The OD-200 Hybrid Drive brings next-level tone, feel, and flexibility to overdrive and distortion. Combining decades of BOSS tone expertise with innovative technologies, the OD-200 offers 12 unique modes, hybrid analog/digital circuitry, three-band EQ, and powerful pre and post boosts for detailed gain shaping. There’s also an advanced gate circuit built in, ideal for eliminating noise and adding tightness to high-gain drive tones.

Enter the HOFA Song Contest

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HOFA announced the 2019 HOFA Song Contest. The contest is live now. More than 800 musicians and producers uploaded their songs last year to present their music – and to get the chance to win great prizes.

HOFA is a German manufacturer of audio plugins and acoustic modules as well as a provider of audio engineering courses and a recording studio since 1988. The annual HOFA XMAS Mix Contest is now complemented by the Song Contest in the summer.

The HOFA Song Contest is for songwriters and producers. HOFA’s declared goal is the provision of a common platform and the promotion of outstanding talents.

Any solo artist, team, band, etc. can join in with a song of their own. Each participant can submit one track; remixes and coversongs excluded. Send us your song if you believe it’s a brilliant piece of songwriting and production. The participation is free!

In each of the six categories (genres) there is a main prize donated by HOFA. In addition, many attractive special prizes will be awarded (donated by HOFA’s partners). HOFA will also raffle 100 HOFA song analyses among the participants.

The genres are: Pop; Electronic Music; Hip-Hop, R’n’B & Soul; World & Miscellaneous; Rock & Heavy; and Traditional. Songs can be uploaded to the contest until August 5, 2019. From August 6, 2019, a jury listens to the songs and rates them. The announcement of the winners and awardees will be on September 2, 2019.

For more details, HOFA recommends you visit their HOFA Song Contest Facebook page.