Category Archives: Information

Canon USA Introduces Three New HD Camcorders

Information

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions, introduced three new compact and lightweight Full HD camcorders, the Canon XA15, XA11 and VIXIA HF G21. Delivering first-class optics, powerful sensors and a range of versatile features, these camcorders are perfect for a broad range of video productions.

The Canon XA15, XA11 and VIXIA HF G21 Full HD camcorders each provide videographers with a spectacular 20x 26.8mm-576mm optical zoom lens allowing a user to easily capture a variety of scenes with superb image quality. Canon’s HD CMOS Sensor and the powerful optical zoom lens allowing a user to easily platform deliver great performance in low-light and the ability to capture superb Full HD images in 60p at 35bps.

Wide DR mode supports the smooth compression of high luminance areas to achieve 600 percent DR making it possible to shoot with smooth color gradation and suppressed overexposure. This is applicable to any shooting environment where the difference between light and dark areas is prone to causing overexposure. Flexible image expression is supported by a Slow/Fast Segment function that enables users to select shooting speeds from 0.4x to a maximum of 1,200x, and a Hi-UD lens supports the reduction of chromatic aberration and drives vivid imaging.

These camcorders are capable of recording in both AVCHD and MP4 formats, at multiple bit rates, simultaneously, to Dual SD card slots. All camcorders offer HDMI, headphone jack, optional GPS support and the XA15 and XA11 models offer XLR professional audio terminals. Additionally, the XA15 model also features a HD-SD1 output.

Comprising of a compact and lightweight body, each camcorder is ideal for high-action shoots when both speeds and mobility are essential. Dynamic Mode provides 5-Axis image stabilization-roll axis, horizontal roll, up-down and left-right – to help facilitate smooth image capture in various styles of fast-paced shots. The VIXIA HF G21 is identical to the XA15 and XA11 in performance, but does not include a handle.

The Canon XA15, XA11, and VIXIA HF G21 Full HD camcorders are all scheduled to be available at the end of December 2017 for an estimated retail price of $1899.00, $1399.00, $999.00 respectively.

IK Multimedia Announces iRig Keys I/O

Information

IK Multimedia announced iRig Keys I/O, the only keyboard controllers with 25 or 49 full-size keys for iOS, Mac and PC to offer built-in high definition audio input/output and a massive software bundle are now available worldwide.

The iRig Keys I/O features a professional 96kHz/24-bit capable audio interface including a Class A preamp with combo input jack for line, instrument or mic input including phantom power, 1/4” balanced stereo outputs and a high quality 1/8” headphone output ideal for use with the latest iPhone. All of this makes iRig Keys I/O the ideal creative tool for studio live use.

Including all the controls users would expect from a premium keyboard, iRig Keys I/O has 8 velocity sensitive multicolored pads and 2 programmable touch-sensitive sliders along with touch sensitive transport buttons and knobs in a ultra-portable package that is a snap to connect and set up.

Both iRig Keys I/O 25 and 49 are the smallest and lightest full sized keys on the market making them the best solution for working in small spaces and for traveling musicians. In addition to running USB power or an optional power supply (that can simultaneously charge an iPhone or iPad), they are the only truly mobile devices that can also work on AA batteries.

Being Apple certified MFi keyboard controllers (“Made for iPhone and iPad”), iRig Keys I/O will work out of the box with all iOS devices with a Lightning port including the latest generation of iPhone. The included USB cable provides a simple connection to Mac and PC computers.

With an unmatched selection of IK software and apps along with Ableton Live 9 Lite, everything needed to make a complete finished creations out of the box is included like the full Sample Tank 3 sound and groove workstation, Syntronik Pro-V vintage synthesizer, T-RackS Deluxe mix and mastering suite and more, as the ultimate production station.

Leica Expands Leica APS-C System with the Leica CL

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Leica Camera AG has expanded its APS-C System product portfolio with a new camera that unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and iconic design: The Leica CL. Its ideal balance between state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and compact construction makes it the perfect everyday companion – especially for spontaneous and discreet pictures.

One of the outstanding features of the Leica CL is its electronic viewfinder with EyeRes technology developed by Leica especially for this camera. With a latency time below the threshold of perception and a resolution of 2.36 million pixels, the EyeRes viewfinder offers an impressive viewing experience and numerous advantages. As the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete control over the composition of their subjects.

In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus with 49 metering points guarantee maximum picture quality in all photographic situations. The Leica CL is not only an impressive still picture camera, this also applies to moving pictures captured with its video function at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

The Leica CL is also equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module. Pictures and videos can be sent by a wireless connection to smartphones, tablets or computers and quickly and easily shared by email or in social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. In addition, the remote function of the app lets mobile devices be used as an off-camera viewfinder or for altering exposure parameters – for example when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

Blue Microphones has Black Friday Sales

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Blue Microphones, creators of award-winning microphones for audio professionals, musicians, and consumers, has Black Friday deals. Their sales started November 24, 2017, and will continue through Monday, November 27, 2017.

Information about Blue’s Black Friday sales can most easily be found on their Twitter account. To make a purchase, you must visit the Blue Microphone’s website.

Assassin’s Creed Yeti Streamer Bundle
Includes a custom Assassin’s Creed Yeti microphone and the Assassin’s Creed: Origins video game.
On sale now for $109.99

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Yeti Streamer Bundle
Includes a Blackout Yeti microphone and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands video game.
On sale now for $109.99

Ninja’s In Pajamas Pro Streamer Bundle
Includes a Blackout Yeti microphone and Lola headphones
On sale now for $249.99

Ninja’s In Pajamas Ultimate Pro Streamer Bundle
Includes a Blackout Yeti microphone and Mo-Fi headphones
On sale now for $299.99

Yeti Microphone
The world’s #1 USB Microphone that helps you produce studio-quality recordings every time
On sale now for $99.99

Mix-Fi Headphones
Studio-grade headphone that lets you hear your recordings with unmatched depth, clarity and power.
On sale now for $199.99

Satellite Headphones
A wireless over-ear headphone that lets you hear more of your favorite music wherever you go that has patent pending noise cancelling (ANC) technology.
On sale now for $299.99

Allen & Heath Launches New 96kHZ SQ Mixer Series

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Allen & Heath has unveiled its new 96kHZ SQ series of digital mixers for live sound, AV and installation.

The SQ-5 and SQ-6 mixers are founded on Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHZ FPGA engine, delivering class-leading high resolution audio with a latency of <0,7ms. SQ-5 has 16 onboard preamps and 17 faders and is 19” rack mountable, while the SQ-6 provides 24 preamps and 25 faders.

Both consoles can be expanded up to 48 inputs via a family of remote expanders and feature an audio networking slot for optional Dante, Waves and other card formats, expanding the scope for system integration, FoH/monitor splits and multitrack recording.

A built-in SQ-Drive makes it easy to capture high resolution 96kHz stereo and multitrack recordings direct to a USB drive. SQ can also be hooked up to a PC or Mac via USB to become a plug 'n play, Core Audio or ASIO compliant 32×32 audio interface, with MIDI and DAW Control capabilities.

Allen & Heath's DEEP processing plug-in architecture allows boutique compressor and preamp emulations to be added to the SQ mixer and embedded directly within its inputs and mix channels without adding system latency or setup hassles. SQ also features a fully integrated Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM), handling conferences, panel talks and TV shows.

The SQ user interface marries a capacitive touchscreen with an accompanying set of illuminating rotary controls. Channel and mix layouts can be configured to fit the audio professional's own workflow, with color displays and custom naming on all strips. SQ-5 features 8 softkeys, allowing further customization, while SQ-6 has four assignable rotary controls and displays in addition to its 16 softkeys.

Black Friday Special Sales are Up at iZotope

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iZotope is obsessed with great sound. Their intelligent audio technology helps musicians, music producers, and audio post engineers focus on their craft rather than the tech behind it. For a limited time, iZotope is having a Black Friday sale. This sale will expire on November 30, 2017.

The sale you’ve been waiting for all year is now here. Get any of our new Elements plug-ins including Ozone Elementals (with Master Assistant), Neutron Elements (with Track Assistant), and RX Elements (with the RX Audio Editor and Voice De-noise) for only $29 each. Or, get all three as part of our new Elements Suite for only $79.

Ozone Elementals, Neutron Elements, and RX Elements are usually $129 each. The Elements Suite is usually $199.

If you already own one or more of iZotope’s products, you can save on iZotope bundles. To access these deals, you need to visit the iZotope website and log in to your account. This sale includes:

Mix & Master Bundle: Ozone 8 Standard+Neutron 2 Standard for any Standard product owner. It is on sale now for $199. (The regular price is $398)

O8N2 Bundle: Ozone 8 Advanced + Neutron 2 Advanced for any Standard product owner. It is on sale now for $399. (The regular price is $499)

O8N2 Bundle: Ozone 8 Advanced + Neutron 2 Advanced for any Advanced product owner. It is on sale for $299. (The regular price is $499)

Visit the iZotope website for more information, and to see what else is on sale.

Eventide has a Sale on MangledVerb

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Eventide has a sale on MangledVerb (for a limited time). You can buy MangledVerb for $49 now through November 30, 2017. After that date, MangledVerb will be available for the MSVP of $79. You can also download a fully-functioning 30 day demo.

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 in your favorite DAW.

Features:

  • Over 180 presets designed to inspire; including the H9 presets and presets by artists by artists like Richard Devine, Vernon Reid, Chris Carter and many more.
  • Create out-of-this-world soundscapes by increasing the Size and Overdrive
  • Use it as Mono-In/Mono-Out, Mono-In/Stereo-Out or Stereo-In/Stereo-Out for ultimate flexibility
  • Smoothly move from Softclip distortion to Overdrive for ripping transitions
  • Use the Wobble control to create spooky detuning effects
  • Use The Ribbon control to easily manipulate multiple parameters in a live situation
  • Program the HotSwitch to instantly change multiple parameters at once
  • Optimized for live use with MIDI control of The Ribbon and Tap Tempo for quick meta-control on the fly
  • Use Mix Lock to scroll through presets while keeping the wet-dry mix constant.

The Quadrantid Swarm Synthesizer is on Kickstarter

Information,

The Quadrantid Swarm Synthesizer is an experimental touch synthesizer created by eowave. It encourages you to explore sound design and music with a direct and inspiring set of synthesis and sequencing tools. It is on Kickstarter, and, at the time I am writing this, has 22 days to go.

The Quadrantid Swarm Synthesizer is a desktop touch synthesizer aimed at sound designers and musicians who are looking for an expressive tool to explore rich and unusual soundscapes with a direct intuitive approach.

The Quadrantid Swarm is an instrument that has been designed openly – to be used with MIDI, alongside your modular synthesizer/CV sequencer or to be explored as a standalone drone/sequencer/generative synthesizer.

It has 8 modes that eowave encourages you to consider as a springboard for musical inspiration, rather than a preset. The modes are: Organ, Strings, Drone, Noise, Grains, Perc, Metal, and Chiptune. These modes are not direct emulations of existing instruments, but they borrow on inspiration from their namesakes.

Soundtoys Offers Little Plate for Free

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Soundtoys is offering Little Plate for free – but only for a limited time. Little Plate offers the lush sound of plate reverb, with a modern twist. Get it for free through November 22, 2017. The unmistakable plate reverb sound – warm, rich and spacious – is now at your fingertips.

Inspired by the original EMT 140 plate reverb, we captured the gorgeous sound and vibe of this studio classic and turned it into a fun and musically inspiring plug-in. And we couldn’t resist pushing the limits of reality, so we added a couple of fun twists that let you take Little Plate to spaces the original hardware only dreamed of.

While the original reverb could only muster a modest five seconds of reverberation time, Soundtoys pushed that number higher. You can set the Decay Time to infinity, and Little Plate’s reverb tails never fade away.

Keep your reverb and your mixes clean with the built-in Low Cut filter. Use the Low Cut filter to control and tame those boomy bass frequencies. Flip the Space Modulator switch to introduce slight modulation into the reverb tail.

Highlights:

  • Add the sound of vintage plate reverb to your tracks
  • Push beyond the limits of the hardware with extended reverb and decay time-consuming
  • Create infinite reverb effects that never decay
  • Optional modulation for natural-sounding variation in the reverb tail
  • Low Cut filter to tame low frequency build-up
  • 25 distinct presets to quickly dial in a sound

Logitek has a Beta for JetLink

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Logitek manufactures audio over IP routers, audio consoles and other professional audio equipment. The company was founded in 1979, and have been in continuous innovation ever since. Right now, Logitek has a public beta program for JetLink.

Logitek has a list of frequently asked questions about the JetLink beta. One question is: “Logitek is an audio console company. Why develop an audio codec product?” Their answer is:

Between the coming ISDN shutdown around the world and recent regulatory changes in the US, radio is anything but business as usual right now. Logitek and Logitek Australia set out to create an alternative to clunky hardware codec boxes to slim down your remote kit. Plus, as everything in radio becomes virtualized, we know that everyone is going to need better ways of transporting audio.

The JetLink beta is just the beginning of a series of useful tools from Logitek to create great radio today…and tomorrow.

JetLink is a new software solution to send broadcast quality audio from point to point.
You can sign up for the Free Public Beta of JetLink now. JetLink can be used to send and receive audio in real time between two Windows computers over a LAN, WAN, or the public internet. The public beta is free.

Logitek has not yet released a price for JetLink. They are still working that out, and will be surveying their beta testers to determine the right feature mix and price point.