Category Archives: Information

Trace Elliot ELF Wins Best Bass Amplifier Award

Information

Trace Elliot ELF won the MIPA 2018 Best Bass Amplifier award. The other nominees for that award were DarkGlass Microtubes 500 and Orange 4 Stroke 500.

MIPA stands for Musikmesse International Press Award. It is considered to be the “Grammy” of the musical instrument sector. Every year, journalists from over 100 international trade magazines choose the best products of the musical instrument and professional audio industry for the Musikmesse International Press Award.

Trace Elliot ELF was released as part of the new Trace Elliot product lineup for 2017.

Good things come in small packages, and now Trace Elliot can add “small yet powerful” to that saying with the introduction of the ELF bass amplifier. Weighing just 1.6 pounds, this revolutionary amp is small enough to fit in your back pocket. The ELF’s remarkable technology and size make it the most portable, gig-worthy amplifier ever made. It’s an ideal solution for any bassist who is concerned with size and weight, but isn’t willing to compromise on tone or performance.

Features include:

  • Extremely portable 1.60 lb 0.73Kg
  • Dimensions: W = 6.75” (1.71 cm) D = 4.10” (10.4 cm) H = 1.35” (3.4cm)
  • 200W continuous into 4 ohms / 130W continuous into 8 ohms
  • Wide range input gain control with signal level indicator
  • 3-band rotary equalizer that emulates the response of the classic Trace Elliot multi-band graphic EQ filters
  • Ultra-high preamp input impedance (>10meg ohms) for maximum sensitivity when using passive pickups
  • Post EQ balanced XLR DI output with ground lift for sending classic Trace Elliot tone to a mixing console or recording device
  • 1/4” (6.35mm) headphone output for quiet practice

FujiFilm Introduces FujiFilm X-T100 Camera

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Fujifilm has announced the debut of its new FujiFilm X-T100, a compact interchangeable lens camera with a sleek design. It is available in Black, Dark Silver, and Champagne Gold.

The new X-T100 offers a host of features including a high magnification electronic viewfinder, horizontal tilting rear LCD screen, built-in Bluetooth technology for quick and easy image sharing and an extended battery life allowing up to 430 frames per charge. In addition, the X-T100 weighs just 448g with anodized coating on aluminum top cover, delivering a simultaneous retro and luxury feel.

Equipped with a powerful 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor and high-speed image processing engine, the X-T100 is compatible with the full X Mount lens lineup of 26 FUJINON high quality lenses which cover focal lengths from 15mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent). Combining Fujufilm’s renowned outstanding image quality with the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology, the X-T100 is stylish, portable, and highly versatile – making it the ideal companion for everyday photography.

Fujifilm X-T100 Key Features:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and high-speed imaging processor equipped with Phase Detection AF system
  • 3” (approx. 1,040K-dot) high resolution LCD touchscreen that can be tilted 3 ways
  • Standard output sensitivity of ISO200 – ISO12800
  • Extended output sensitivity of ISO100 – ISO51200
  • 4K video recording up to approx 30 min:
    Full HD 1920x 1080 59.94p / 50p / 24p / 23.98p, Continuous recording up to approx. 30 min.
    HD 1280 x 720 59.94p / 50p / 24p / 23.98p, Continuous recording up to approx. 30 min.
    High Speed Movie 1280 x 720 / 1.6x / 2x / 3.3x / 4x, Continuous recording up to approx. 7 minutes
  • Bluetooth version 4.1 low energy technology
  • Wi-Fi image transfer and remote camera operation
  • Improved battery life for still images – approx. 430 frames
  • Start-up period:
    Approx. 0.4 sec., when High Performance mode set to ON
    Approx. 0.8 sec., when High Performance mode is set to OFF
  • Photos can be sent to instax SHARE printers using the free “intax SHARE” app
  • Accessories include:
    Li-ion battery NP-W126S
    AC power adapter
    Plug Adapter
    USB cable
    Shoulder strap
    Body cap
    Owner’s manual
    Detachable Grip

The new FujuFilm X-T100 will be available on June 18, 2018, in the U.S. and Canada.

Save Big with iZotope’s Flash Sale

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For a limited time, iZotope is having a Flash Sale. You can save up to 60% on select iZotope products now through May 29, 2018. Eligible products include Nectar 2 Production Suite, Insight, VocalSynth 2, and Creative Suite.

Nectar 2 Production Suite is designed for voice. Some features include: 11 vocal processors, pitch correction and editing, Breath Control plug-in, and 150+ presets. Nectar 2 Production Suite is usually priced at $299, but is available for $99 while the Flash Sale is going on.

Insight is a comprehensive metering suite. Some features include: fully customizable views, 5.1 surround support, true peak metering, and immersive visualizations. Insight is usually priced at $199, but is offered for $99 during the Flash Sale.

VocalSynth 2 is an immersive vocal experience that evolves with your productions. VocalSynth 2 is usually sold for $199 but is on sale now for $149.

Some features include:

  • Vocodor, Compuvox, Polyvox, Talkbox and NEW: Biovox
  • 3 ways to play: Auto, MIDI, and Sidechain Modes
  • 7 Stompbox-style vocal effects
  • Inter-plugin Communication

Creative Suite has 7 inspiring tools to invigorate your productions. It’s regular price is $499, but you can get it for $349 during the iZotope Flash Sale.

Features include:

  • VocalSynth 2: Vocals, evolved
  • BreakTweaker Expanded: Future Beat Machine
  • Iris 2: Sample-based visual synth
  • Stutter Edit: Play-effects like an instrument
  • Trash 2 Expanded: Distort. Mangle. Transform.
  • DDLY: Out of this world dynamic delay
  • Mobius Filter: Perpetual motion machine

Get Kazrog masterDither for $1

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Kazrog LLC was founded by Shane McFee in 2008 with the goal of allowing the home studio producer to achieve sonic results equal to or beyond those possible in a professional, large scale recording studio. At the time I am writing this blog, Kazrog is offering masterDither for $1.00.

Kazrog masterDither is a professional mastering grade final dither for the modern master. The Kazrog Twitter account has a retweet that says masterDither will be $1 until June 1, 2018.

So why did we make masterDither? While most recording software includes some sort of dither plugin, many of the bundled solutions are quite dated, and don’t take advantage of some of the latest techniques for dither noise shaping. Many of our users have requested that we make a dither, so masterDither is the result of talking to our users about what they look for in a good dither, and engineering something that can be an ideal final dithering stage for any professional audio mastering application.

masterDither features include:

  • 5 target bit depths (8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 bits)
  • 3 dither noise types (TPDR, RPDF and GPDF Gaussian)
  • 5 noise shaping algorithms (K1 and K2 for modern aggressive shaping, and P1-3 for psychoacoustic shaping.) Noise shaping can, of course, be disabled.
  • Auto blanking to mute dither noise when program material is silent (digital black.)
  • Preset functionality for easy recall of favorite settings.

masterDither system requirements:

Mac

  • Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher required
  • VST, AU, AAX (32/64 bit) compatible host required
  • Pro Tools 10.3.7 or higher required for AAX version
  • Quad core CPU or greater strongly recommended

Windows

  • Windows 7 strongly recommended (Windows XP SP2/SP3 minimum)
  • VST or AAX (32/64 bit) compatible host required
  • Pro Tools 10.3.7 or higher required for AAX version
  • Quad core CPU or greater strongly recommended

Zoom Introduces F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic

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Zoom has introduced the F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic. It is described as the perfect solution for videographers who need to capture the nuance of every word with professional quality audio.

The F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic completes your video’s story by providing outstanding audio no matter where your production takes you.

The F1-LP comes with Zoom’s newly engineered LMF-1 lavalier mic, designed for capturing every nuance. Combined with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96 kHz, perfect for interviews, wedding vows, and more.

With its minimal profile, the F1 attaches neatly on belts, waistbands, or slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed.

The LMF-1 Lavalier mic connects directly to the F1 and records to a micro SD card. By recording directly to the F1, interference or noise commonly experienced when using a wireless beltpack system is eliminated.

Essential Features for Videographers include:

  • Auto Lock – The Record Hold function or the Hold Switch can be used to prevent your subject from accidentally hitting buttons while recording.
  • No Chance of Overload – An on-board limiter and auto-level control keep your levels safe when spikes in loud volume occurs.
  • Convenient Power Sources – The F1can be powered using two AAA batteries (included) or with the optional AD-17 power adapter.
  • USB Connectivity – Transfer recordings to your computer in card reader mode or record directly to your computer or iPad using the F1 in USB audio interface mode.

MeldaProductions Announces MSpectralDelay

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MeldaProduction makes advanced tools for music production and audio processing. They feel that the audio industry is extremely conservative when it comes to the equipment they use. This is why MeldaProduction invents new technologies that make audio processing easier, faster, better sounding, and more creative. MeldaProduction announced that their MSpectralDelay will be available soon.

MSpectralDelay is a unique creative delay plugin, which works in the spectral domain and lets you perform various transformations on the delayed signal – from changing pitch to arbitrarily transforming individual frequencies. It’s complex, but it is still easy-to-use for the beginners.

MeldaProductions will offer MSpectralDelay completely free for the first two weeks after it is released – from May 19, 2018 – June 3, 2018. There is a countdown clock on the MeldaProductions website that will expire when the offer becomes valid.

For MSpectralDelay, MeldaProductions created 20 active presets on the easy screen, each as versatile as a dedicated plugin. These make using the plugin easy even for complete beginners.

Traditional delay plugins feature a simple feedback delay, which produces identical copies of the original signal, sometimes with a possibility of filtering, distortion, or other basic effects. MSpectralDelay lets you transform individual frequencies. First, it lets you control the delay time, feedback, panorama, and level (EQ) for each frequency. MSpectralDelay also provides complex spectral transformations – pitch, frequency shift, formants, plus an actual frequency to frequency transformation and level to level transformation.

iZotope’s VocalSynth2 is Coming Soon

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iZotope announced that VocalSynth 2 and a new iZotope Creative Suite are “coming soon”. They put together a video that gives a first look at VocalSynth 2, including the new user interface, the brand new Biovox module, the enhanced and rebuilt Shred effect, and more.

This month, we’re celebrating and enabling creativity. We’ve been cooking up something here at iZo HQ, and we’re thrilled to announce two exciting updates to our creative product line: VocalSynth2 and the iZotope Creative Suite, featuring seven of our innovative software tools to invigorate your music productions.

Improvements have been made across the board in VocalSynth2, including a new module, new and improved effects, deeper control and customization for every module, inter-plugin communication capabilities that work with Ozone 8 and Neutron 2, enhanced stereo processing functionality, and optimizations in sound quality and performance.

Some features include:

Biovox – A new module that models the physics and sounds of the human vocal tract. Use it to adjust human vocal characteristics like nasality, vowel shapes, and formants for a smooth, textural vocal treatment.

A Stompbox Playground – For VocalSynth2, iZotope focused on improving sound quality and adding deeper control across the plug-in. They added advanced controls in all modules, including access to Vocoder band controls, per module, Oscillator presets, and per module panning and filters.

Inter-Plugin Communication – For existing Music Production Suite, O8N2, Ozone 8, or Neutron 2 customers, iZotope added the ability to see VocalSynth2 in Neutron 2’s Masking Meter and Visual Meter, as well as in Tonal Balance Control.

The iZotope Creative Suite is a collection of iZotope’s most exciting, inspiring products, focused on creative workflows for music production and sound design. Included in the Creative Suite are VocalSynth2. Iris 2, Trash 2 Expanded, BreakTweaker Expanded, Stutter Edit, DDLY, and Mobius Filter.

FujiFilm Announced the New Instax Square SQ6

Information

FujiFilm announced the first square format analog Instax camera in the FujiFilm Instax instant camera line. The new Instax Square SQ6 is a sleek and sophisticated square format instant film camera for instant square prints.

The square format film provides a wider photo range with 1:1 aspect ratio. This allows for more room to set the scene, enabling capture of the subject, its background and extending the range of artistic expression.

Along with the SQ6, Instax SQUARE black instant film will also be released. With its new black frame, users can enjoy added creativity, perfect for a wide array of DIY projects.

With auto exposure control, the high performance flash automatically calculates the surrounding brightness and adjusts shutter speed to capture both the subject and background with clarity, even when shooting in low light conditions, such as indoors or at a party. Three color filters that fit over the flash in orange, purple, and green are included to add a pop of color to the images.

Additionally, the camera can be set to a selfie mode which automatically adjusts focus and brightness. For added usability when taking selfies, a small mirror is located next to the lens to ensure accurate capture. Group photos are made easy with the built in timer and the added tripod socket located at the bottom of the camera.

Instax Square SQ6 Key Features include:

  • Available in three colors: Pearl White, Blush Gold, and Graphite Gray
  • Compatible with Fujifilm Instax Square film (purchased separately)
  • Picture size – 62mm x 62mm/2.4in
  • Retractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements, f = 65.75 mm, 1:12.6
  • Inverted Galilean finder, 0.4 x, with target spot
  • Three motor driven focus modes: Macro Mode (0.3m – 0.5m/1ft. – 1.6ft), Normal Mode (0.5m – 2m/1.6ft – 6.6ft), Landscape Mode (2m/6.6ft and beyond)
  • Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.6 sec. – 1/400 sec.
  • Automatic, Interlocking range (ISO 800): LV 5 – LV 15.5, Exposure Compensation ± 2/3 EV
  • Electronically controlled self-timer with approximately 10 second delay
  • LED display with Shooting mode (auto, selfie, macro, landscape, double exposure), brightness adjustment, flash suppressing and self-timer mode
  • Two CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries. Capacity: Approximately 30 Instax Square 10-pack-film packs with new CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries
  • Tripod socket (tripod sold seperately)

The Instax Square SQ6 will be available on May 25, 2018, in the U.S. and Canada for USD $129.95 and CAD $159.99.

DPA Microphones Introduces d:vice

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DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions. They have introduced the d:vice Digital Audio Interface. It enables professionals to record flawless mobile audio.

Journalists around the world are already using their smartphones to capture the news. It works fairly well because today’s phones are capable of taking high-quality pictures and videos. The component that is missing is high-quality audio. For news broadcasts, it is equally important to have audio quality that matches or exceeds the video for the message to be understood. This is exactly the challenge that the d:vice solves.

The d:vice MMA-A Digital Audio Interface is a high-quality, dual channel microphone preamplifier and A/D converter that captures crystal-clear audio via your favorite recording / broadcasting apps.

When used with a DPA microphone, the d:vice is able to capture or stream audio in quality previously only available in the studio. When it’s not possible to have an experienced sound engineer on site, the d:vice can act as a “mini sound engineer in your pocket”.

The d:vice Digital Audio Interface is a pocket-sized, easy-to-use recording tool. Connect it to your iPhone, or other iOS gear, and up to two DPA microphones, and you’re well on your way to capturing best-in-class audio outside the recording studio. In addition to being used for journalism, the d:vice is also being used to capture amazing sound on all types of instruments.

DPA Microphones has bundled the d:vice into specialized kits to make it easier for you to choose the solution that best supports your needs. Each kit contains a d:vice MMA-A unit and its cables as well as the right microphone(s) for your situation packaged together with useful clips and accessories as well.

https://youtu.be/CAzg7edLko0

Blue Microphones Introduces Satellite

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Blue Microphones has introduced Satellite, a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones with audiophile AMP. Satellite is part of Blue’s family of headphones.

For 20 years, the world’s greatest artists have used Blue in the studio. Now we’ve created a wireless over-ear headphone that lets you hear more of your favorite music, everywhere you go. Satellite combines legendary Blue sound quality with all-new patent pending active noise cancelling (ANC) technology to ensure you music is never compromised. Together with premium wireless technology and a built-in audiophile amp, Satellite is a new benchmark for the modern listening experience.

Satellite is the only wireless, noise-cancelling headphone that eliminates unwanted noise without compromising your music. Where traditional noise cancellation removes some of your music, Blue has a patent pending design that keeps your music safe on one pair of drivers while dedicating a separate pair to the ANC.

Features include:

  • Patent pending 4-driver system featuring 2 custom 44mm ultra-responsive Blue dynamic drivers for audio and 2 dedicated 30mm drivers for ANC
  • Built-in audiophile amplifies for rich, dynamic and detailed sound
  • Highest quality Bluetooth wireless technology
  • Onboard controls for intuitive operation
  • Sophisticated design for superior performance, sound isolation and comfort
  • Foldable construction for easy portability and storage
  • Battery life: up to 24 hours with Bluetooth only or 8 hours with Bluetooth, ANC and Amp
  • Satellite continues to play music with included 3-meter audio cable even with no battery charge