Category Archives: Information

HOFA Offers Special Presale Price on PRO Software

Information

HOFA is offering a special presale price on CD-Burn.DDP.Master PRO. Order it now, and you will immediately receive the standard version and the PRO version in August of 2019.

Are you already a proud owner of CD-Burn DDP.Master? Visit the HOFA website to get your upgrade now for the amazing presale price. The PRO version is the upgrade to the previous versions of HOFA’s mastering software.

PRO includes:

  • Support for third-party plugins (VST3)
  • Presets for complete plugin chains
  • Comprehensive metadata handling (ID3, CSV support…)
  • Advanced dither options
  • Additional features for professional users
  • All of the features of the standard version

One of the features of the standard version is the ability to burn CDs, an important medium for music releases. You can create and burn Red Book compatible CDs and add additional information like CD-Text, ISRC, and EAN codes to the CD.

Another feature of the standard version is the ability to create DDPs. A DDP is a perfect copy of a CD with audio tracks, pauses, CD-Text etc. Most CDs these days are sent to the pressing plant as a DDP image.

Get Spire Studio During iZotope’s Gateway to Summer Sale

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You can save $50 on Spire Studio during iZotope’s Gateway to Summer Sale. The sale will last though June 7, 2019. Spire Studio will continue to be available after the sale ends at the regular price.

Build songs wherever you go this summer with the intelligent wireless recording of Spire Studio – now $50 off. Easily capture your ideas with a built-in studio-quality mic, direct inputs for any instrument, and the Soundcheck feature to automatically set your input levels.

Pair Spire Studio with the Spire app to unlock even more tools, like creative effects and the Enhance feature to improve your song’s clarity and dynamics. Even export stems to a DAW for further production. Wherever summer leads you, be prepared for inspiration to strike with Spire Studio.

The Spire Studio app is available on Android and iOS. Layer up to 8 tracks and use the Spire app to add effects, clarity, and fullness to your sound. Visually mix your tracks, export to desktop, send to friends, and publish from within the app.

Tech Specs:

Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.4 x 3.4 inches
Inputs: 2 XLR/TS combo jacks, 48v Phantom Power
Outputs: Two headphones 1/8” outputs
Sample Rate/Bit Depth: 48 kHz/24-bit
Connection Type: Built-in Wi-Fi network
Power Supply: Universal power adapter
Battery: Internal rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: 4+ hours
Operating System: Android, iOS

Zoom Introduced the F6 Multi-Track Field Recorder

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Zoom has introduced the Zoom F6 Multi-Track Field Recorder. It is the first professional field recorder to feature both 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters, providing an unprecedented amount of dynamic range. With 6 inputs, Zoom’s solid time code, multiple power options and wireless control, the F6 is poised to be your new secret weapon.

In the field, fluctuation dynamics can prove challenging. Loud sounds can cause clipping and quiet sounds can get lost in the noise. The F6 uses 32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters to capture both explosive and subtle sounds at full audio quality – without ever adjusting gain!

The F6 is equipped with six professional-grade preamps. Featuring a super-low noise floor (-127 dBu EIN), high gain (up to 75 dB), and selectable mic/line levels for each input, the F6 is built for location sound.

Keep your tracks perfectly synced even when you power down for lunch. On or off, the F6’s Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy.

When recording in 24-bit, the F6 uses advanced look-ahead hybrid limiters to provide overload protection. By adding a 1-millisecond delay, the limiters “look ahead” anticipating clipping before its recorded.

Features:

  • 6-channel/14-track field audio recorder/mixer
  • 6 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR connectors
  • High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain and less than -127 dBu EIN
  • Switchable +4dB inputs with mic/line options
  • Zoom AutoMix software
  • Accurate Time Code (0.2 ppm when on and when powered off) I/O on 3.5mm stereo mini; drop frame/non-drop formats with Jam Sync.
  • Three different power supply options: 4x AA batteries, Sony L-Series batteries, or Zoom AD-17 12V AC Adapter (L-Series batteries not included)
  • 3.5mm Stereo mini unbalanced output jack
  • Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with volume control SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, up to 512 GB
  • Use as an 6-in/4-out USB audio interface (up to 96kHz)
  • Use as an audio interface and record to SD card simultaneously (up to 48kHz)
  • Free Zoom F Control App for iOS allows wireless remote control, fire renaming, and metadata entry.

Enter the Gibson Iced Tea Burst Giveaway

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Gibson is doing a giveaway of a Les Paul Standard 60’s Iced Tea Burst guitar. Those who are interested in entering the giveaway must do so before May 2019 ends. No purchase is necessary.

To enter, you must be 18 years of age or older, and a resident of the United States. The winner will be announced the second week of June 2019. You may want to read the Terms & Conditions before entering the giveaway.

The Les Paul Standard returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played and loved – shaping sound across generations and genres of music. It pays tribute to Gibson’s Golden Era of Innovation and brings authenticity back to life.

The Les Paul Standard 60’s has a solid mahogany body with an AA figured maple top, and a slim taper 60’s style mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and trapezoid inlays. It’s equipped with a classic-style Tune-O-Matic bridge, aluminum stop bar tailpiece, Grover Rotomatic “Kidney” tuners, and gold top hat knobs with silver reflectors. The Burstbucker 61R (neck) Buckstrider 61T (bridge) pickups are loaded with AINiCo V magnets, audio taper potentiometers and orange drop capacitors.

Guitar specs:

Body:

  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Top Material: AA Figured Maple
  • Weight Relief: None
  • Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck:

  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: Slim Taper
  • Scale Length: 24.75”/62.865cm
  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: 12” / 304.8mm
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Frets: Medium Jumbo
  • Nut Material: Graph Technology
  • Nut Width: 1.695”/43.05mm
  • End-of-Board Width: 2.26”/57.4mm
  • Inlays: Acrylic Trapezoids

Hardware:

  • Finish: Nickel
  • Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
  • Tuners: Grover Rotomatics w/Kidney Buttons
  • Pick Guard: Cream
  • Control Knobs: Gold Top Hats with Silver Reflector & Pointers
  • Switch Tip: Amber
  • Switch Washer: Cream
  • Jack Plate: Cream

FujuFilm Launched Mirrorless Digital Camera FujiFilm GFX100

Information

FujiFilm announced the release of the FujiFilm GFX100 mirrorless digital camera in late June 2019, incorporating an image sensor with the world’s highest 102 million pixels resolution and unique color reproduction technology to achieve the world-leading image quality.

The GFX100 is a flagship mobile of the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras which have won strong praise from professional photographers and photo enthusiasts alike for the use of a large image sensor, boasting approximately 1.7 times the size of the 35mm full-frame sensor.

Among digital cameras equipped with a sensor larger than the 35mm full-frame format, this is the world’s first model that offers a back-illuminated sensor with phase detection pixels, in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism and 4K/30P video recording capability.

The innovative mirrorless digital camera fulfills photography’s intrinsic mission of “capturing and recording precious moments that are never to be repeated again.”

With the features of the GFX series image sensor which has the diagonal length of about 55 mm and is approx. 1.7 times bigger than a 35 mm full-frame format, GFX100 has double number of pixels compared to the current model. Combining with the unique color reproduction technology, it achieves the world-leading image quality.

Back-illuminated sensor with phase detection pixels

The use of phase detection pixels across the back-illuminated image sensor produces supreme image quality while making AF up to twice as fast as that of the current models. It also delivers outstanding Tracking AF performance on a moving subject and advanced accuracy in Continuous AF.

In-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism

The use of up top 5.5 stop five-axis in-body image stabilization controls pitch and yaw movements (up/down and right/left tilting) as well as shift (vertical/horizontal) and roll (rotational) movements. This dramatically broadens the scope of situations where users can hand-hold the camera and still enjoy the world of ultra-high 102 million pixels resolution.

4K/30P video recording function

The GFX100 supports 4K/30P video recording, capturing smooth motions at 30ftps in ultra-high-definition 4K video. The camera allows users to enjoy beautiful bokeh with shallow depth-of-field and wide tonal reproducibility, enabling premium video production while reproducing detailed textures, three-dimensional definitions and even capturing the atmosphere of the scene.

Deity Microphones Introduced W.Lav Pro

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Deity Microphones introduced W.Lav Pro. It is a professional lavalier that was designed for movie making. From its beige coloring to sub-miniature size, the W. Lav Pro is ready for the toughest of mic placements.

When we designed the W.Lav Pro we kept in mind many of the lavalier accessories that already exist on the market so that users could immediately start using it in the field. We also made it IP57 Waterproof so that no matter what you’re shooting, you’re covered.

The W.Lav Pro is the exact same size as industry standard lavaliers on the market but at a fraction of the price. And just like their Deiity standard W.Lav the W.Lav Pro also utilizes their microdot connector so you can swap out different types of connectors when changing wireless kits.

Spec List:

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
  • Polar Pattern: Omni
  • Capsule Type: Pre-Polarized Condenser
  • Sensitivity: -40dB
  • Maximum SPL: 132dB SPL
  • Dynamic Range: 110dB typical
  • Weatherproof Standard: 1P57
  • Mic Head Size: 4mm*17mm
  • Cable Length: 1.8m
  • Connector Type: Microdot

Nikon Releases New Z Series Version 2.0 Firmware Upgrade

Information

Nikon announced the release of firmware Version 2.0 that will further enhance the performance of its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6.

Users will enjoy three main additional features following the Version 2.0 upgrade. These include:

  • Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting
  • Extensions of the low-light AF detecting range
  • Addition of auto exposure (AE) tracking and capability to the continuous high-speed (extended) mode.

Primary Features of the New Firmware:

Eye-Detection AF for still-image shooting

The new firmware offers Eye-Detection AF functionality that automatically detects and focuses on human eyes when using the Auto-area AF mode in both AF-S and AF-C. When the eyes of multiple subjects are detected, the multi-selector or sub-selector can be used to select the eye upon which the camera should focus. This enables precise focus on the eye of the intended individual, even when looking through the Electronic Viewfinder. This function is applicable even when the subject’s face is partially covered by another object, or in the event when a subject is frequently changing their pose.

AF performance improvements in low-light situations

The new firmware enables even faster autofocusing when capturing photos and video in dark or dimly lit scenes, for both stills and video. It will extend the AF detection range from -1 EV to -2 EV with the Z 7, and from -2 EV to -3.5 EV with the Z 6. In addition, the Z 6 will be able to autofocus with even darker scenes, as the available low-light AF detection range will be extended from -4 EV to -6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled.

AE Tracking in continuous high-speed (extended) mode

With earlier firmware versions, auto exposure (AE) was locked with the first shot in a burst of high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9fps (Z 7) or 12fps (Z 6) in continuous high-speed (extended) mode. Firmware Version 2.0 adds support for AE tracking in continuous high-speed (extended) mode, allowing the cameras to track exposure just as it does focus (AF tracking). This helps to ensure that all images captured with a burst of high-speed continuous shooting are in focus and exhibit optimal exposure, even when the brightness of the scene changes.

The new firmware can be downloaded (free of charge) from Nikon’s Download Center Users will be prompted to follow the instructions provided to successfully install the firmware.

PreSonus Ships Audio Batch Converter Add-On for Studio One

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PreSonus Studio One users can now add powerful audio file conversions to their system with the company’s new Audio Batch Converter Add-on. Compatible with the newly released Studio One Prime (free), Artist, and Professional version 4.5 (and higher), the Audio Batch Converter offers format conversion and plug-in processing via most Studio One Native Effects, AU, VST2, and VST3 plug-ins.

Furthermore, it comes with 11 audio process that can be applied using an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow. Join files, merge mono files, split multichannel files, declick, invert phase, remove DC offset, repair the sample rate, normalize, adjust gain, independently control fad in and out, and more. The new converter is available directly from Studio One title bar for instant access without leaving the current Song or Project.

Audio Batch Converter’s integrated browser allows the user to create and edit processing chains via the same drag-and-drop workflow Studio One users are already accustomed to. You can even tweak effects during a real-time playback, and an integrated Preview Player lets you quickly preview and A/B compare unprocessed and processed signals.

The Audio Batch Converter supports a wide range of compressed and uncompressed audio file types, currently including Wave, AIFF, FLAG, Ogg Vorbis, CAF, M4A, and MP3. Each type supports various resolutions.

With its wide range of applications, PreSonus’ Audio Batch Converter for Studio One is an excellent tool for electronic musicians, audio engineers, sound designers, podcasters, voiceover artists, and more. It is available in the PreSonus Shop for $49.99 U.S.

Tiffen Company Will Launch Steadicam M-2 at Cine Gear 2019

Information

The Tiffen Company, the leading manufacturer of imaging accessories for the consumer/professional imaging and the motion picture and broadcast television industries, announced it will debut and demonstrate the new Steadicam M-2 modular camera stabilizer at the 2009 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, California.

Designed for the demanding camera operating requirements of modern broadcast and cinema applications, the Steadicam M-2 features a sleek, new top stage that seamlessly integrates the revolutionary Steadicam Volt horizontal stabilization technology for reduced weight, height, and a simplified rig design.

Expected to be available in mid-summer 2019, the Steadicam M-2 expands the open architecture of the industry-leading Steadicam M-1 with new lighter weight components in a mix-and-match configurable system to meet any camera operator’s needs. It includes a new ultra-high precision Volt-ready gimbal and rigid carbon fiber posts available in various diameters and lengths for increased customization.

The new lightweight base is available with either gold mount or v-lock battery plates and an optional hot-swappable third battery mount. The streamlined monitor mount uses industry-standard 60mm rod spacing and further reduces the overall weight while maximizing viewing angles in either normal or low-mode operation.

PreSonus Studio One Adds 70+ Features and Enhancements

Information

PreSonus is now shipping Studio One 4.5, a major update to its powerful yet easy-to-use recording and production software. With more than 70 new features and improvements, this free update for Studio One 4 users adds several of the most requested features from the Studio One user community and adds advanced tools that streamline professional audio and MIDI production workflows.

The redesigned Input Channel section adds updated hardware preamp controls for selected PreSonus audio interfaces, as well as software-based input gain and phase controls to every input. This combination of hardware- and software-based gain controls offers more flexibility and control throughout the entire recording and mixing process.

All audio and instrument channels, effects channels, and buses also feature gain and phase controls so you can manage perfect levels across the entire mix without increasing event gain.

Grouping has been completely redesigned. Groups now have attributes for defining edit groups or mix groups using attributes for Volume, Pan, Mute/Solo, Inserts, and Sends. Groups can be nested and can be easily edited and activated/suspended with one click. A dedicated command can globally enable/disable all Groups at once.

Setting up an external audio interface is a lot easier thanks to several I/O setup improvements. Add any number of new inputs and outputs in just one step, including custom naming and coloring. Inputs and outputs can be reordered with simple drag-and-drop. Users who switch interfaces, move between studios, or collaborate will appreciate the new Import and Export options for I/O setups.

The new update adds many other important features and enhancements. For instance, the Chord Selector now offers a convenient Audition mode. Individual Audio Events, Audio Parts, and Instrument Parts in an arrangement can now be locked to prevent unintentional moving or editing, and you can even lock entire tracks.

For more information about what’s new in Studio One 4.5, please visit PreSonus.