Category Archives: Information

Podcaster Pro Crowdfunding Campaign Is Underway

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We’ve written before about the Podcaster Pro, a self-contained audio production device being created by Small Batch Audio with the help of pioneering podcaster Adam Curry. When we last covered the Podcaster Pro, the device was still being ramped up for launch. Since then, the Podcaster Pro has been officially launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

As a quick recap, the Podcaster Pro is a USB-based audio interface designed to make recording high-quality audio as easy as possible. Here are some of the device’s features:

  • 2 XLR mic inputs with 48v phantom power
  • 1 stereo Skype/VoIP USB input
  • 1 stereo computer/soundboard USB input
  • 1 stereo mix-minus for Skype/VoIP via USB
  • 1 stereo main via USB
  • 1 stereo main analog out
  • 2 headphone outputs with independent volume controls
  • 4 independent noise gates
  • 5 compressors/limiters
  • 2 A-class preamps
  • 5 independent EQs
  • 2 cough switches

Backers of the crowdfunding campaign can reserve a Podcaster Pro starting at the early-bird price of $497. Special Podcaster Pro bundles that include accessories like microphones and headphones are also available.

Special signature models of the Podcaster Pro that are etched with signatures from podcasting luminaries can be reserved thru the campaign. Signature models for Adam Curry, Todd Cochrane, Dan Benjamin, Brian Brushwood, and more are available.

The Podcaster Pro campaign has reached 16% of its $500,000 goal. The campaign has a month left before it expires.

iZotope Neutron Elements on Sale for a Limited Time

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iZotope logoiZotope is a maker of world-class audio plugins. It’s worth jumping on any chance you might have to pick up new iZotope plugins, and this month, there’s a great opportunity to do just that.

iZotope’s suite of Neutron plugins is focused on producing better audio mixes:

Achieve unprecedented focus and clarity in your mixes with Neutron. This new mixing plug-in combines the latest innovations in analysis and metering with award-winning audio processing.

With powerful new features like Track Assistant and Masking Meter, Neutron helps you quickly reach an optimal starting point, clearly identify perceptual frequency collisions, and fully wield creative control over all your mix decisions.

iZotope offers three tiers of this plugin: Neutron Elements, Neutron, and Neutron Advanced. Neutron Elements is currently on sale for a limited time. Here are some features that can be found in Neutron Elements:

  • Channel-strip style workflow with over 200 professionally-designed presets
  • Instrument detection for guitar, bass, drums, and vocals/dialogue
  • Spectral shaping technology
  • Equalizer with static and dynamic modes
  • Compressor with clean modern or colorful vintage modes
  • Exciter with four blendable saturation types and three global modules to fine-tune saturation color
  • Transient shaper with three contour shapes and three global modes

iZotope Neutron Elements normally sells for $129 but is available now for $99 until June 30th.

Hive Lighting Introduces Wasp 100-C LED Light

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Hive Lighting manufacturers high performance, energy efficient Plasma and LED lights for film, photo, TV, digital, science, and sports. Hive has introduced the Wasp 100-C LED light. It is an environmentally friendly lighting product.

The Wasp 100-C combines brilliant and energy-efficient LED lights with Hive’s Perfect S.H.O.T. System. It is a simple product built around you, made for real production scenarios.

With the Wasp-100 C, you can:

Play with color – Full hue and saturation controls gives you the ultimate ability to create an immersive lighting experience with infinite color combinations.

Leverage white light controls – Thanks to Hive’s white light controls, you can easily adjust lighting from warm candle light to cool daylight to support productions in any locations or at any time of day.

Accessorize – The Wasp-100-C has a 180 degree spread and is compatible with the accessories to shape light any way you want. Use light modifying accessories to customize your lighting for different on screen talent, subjects and locations. Create a theatrical spot light or a soft beauty light, a lantern light or a powerful flood.

Be in control – Control the saturation, hue and color of the light through professional DMX boards, a simple interface on the light itself or via your smartphone app.

Wasp 100-C Features:

  • Onmi-Color LED
  • 98 CRI / 97 TLCI
  • 1-100% saturation
  • 360 degree hue controls
  • 0-100% dimming control
  • 1,650K-8,000K color temperature
  • Manual, DMX, smartphone control
  • 100-240 VAC input via power supply
  • 12-28 VDC input via 4-Pin XLR
  • 7.5” (190mm) Length x 4” (100mm) Diameter body
  • 5” (127mm) reflector face
  • 5 lbs. / 2.3 kg

Wasp 100-C Kit Includes:

  • Wasp 100-C head unit with 22” reflector
  • Wasp 100-C power supply 100-240 VAC
  • HDP Lenses: medium, wide, and super wide
  • 5 inch 4-leaf barn doors
  • manual

Canon Announces New Canon EOS C200 and EOS C200B

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Canon announced the Canon EOS C200 and Canon EOS C2200B Digital Cinema Cameras, the latest additions to its acclaimed Cinema EOS line of professional cinema cameras. Designed to meet the demanding needs of filmmakers and TV production users, the new Canon cinema offerings will combine the ease of use of entry level cinema cameras with exciting new, high-end features that are ideal for cinema, documentary, wildlife, wedding and event productions.

Representing the third generation of the Cinema EOS system, the Canon EOS C200 and Canon EOS C200B Digital Cinema Cameras feature the latest in Canon technologies and offer two 4K video formats, Canon’s new Cinema RAW Light and MP4, optimized for those interested in recording beautiful HDR video. Alongside a newly developed dual DIGIC DV6 image processing system, Canon’s celebrated Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and improved operability for professionals, these new products are capable of capturing stunning 4K video across a variety of production applications.

Based on feedback from Cinema EOS users, this new offering will be available in two configurations, while retaining the same core technologies within. The Canon EOS C200 Digital Cinema Camera is a production-ready solution that can be used right out of the box, accompanied by an LCD Monitor, LCD Attachment, Camera Grip and Handle Unit. The camera also features a 1.77 million dot OLED Electronic View Finder (EVF).

For those who crave more versatility and the ability to craft custom setups tailored to their subject or environment, the Canon EOS C200B Digital Cinema Camera offers cinematographers the same camera without these accessories and the EVF to optimize shooting using a gimbal, drone, or a variety of other configurations.

The Canon EOS C200 and the EOS C200B are scheduled to be available in August 2017 for estimated retail process of $7,499 and $5,999 respectively. (Availability, prices and specifications subject to change without notice.)

iZotope’s Spire is a Multitrack Music Production App

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Spire logoIt’s easier than ever to create multitrack music productions. Devices like portable recorders, smartphones, and tablets allow musicians to do everything from capture song ideas to produce full multitrack compositions almost anywhere.

It seems only logical that an established music-production software company like iZotope would take advantage of this modern portable recording landscape. And the company has done just that with the recent release of its multitrack music-production app, Spire.

iZotope’s Spire app allows users to record up to eight tracks with “professional polish.” Spire also allows users to edit tracks to tighten up productions and create seamless loops. Spire users can then mix those tracks by adjusting individual track volume and pan settings. Users can also choose between mono or stereo playback. And finally, multitrack creations made within Spire can be exported to other audio-production apps for enhanced processing, or they can be uploaded to external services for further sharing and storage options.

iZotope’s Spire app may sound impressive enough just based on its features alone. But the most remarkable thing about Spire might be its price, as Spire is completely free! No in-app purchases. No weird registration requirements. Just download the app, and get to work producing your next musical masterpiece.

Fishman TriplePlay Software 1.4 is Now Available

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TriplePlay LogoElectric guitars can produce a wide range of tones and sounds right out of the box. An electric guitar’s sonic capability can be greatly extended thru the use of effects pedals and processors. But even with all of the possibilities available in the modern guitar world, it can still be a challenge to make a guitar properly reproduce the sounds of other instruments. Thanks to digital samples and MIDI, keyboard players have had access to a countless number of instrument and synthesizer sounds for decades. And while guitar synthesizers have been around for some time, they’ve only recently become truly useful for most guitarists.

One big advance in guitar-synth technology is the Fishman TriplePlay system. TriplePlay uses a special guitar pickup that translates guitar notes into MIDI and wirelessly transmits that data to a host device which can use that data to trigger digital samples in the same way as a keyboard or digital piano.

Fishman recently announced an update to its TriplePlay software. The company provided details for the update in an e-mail blast:

  • New library folders in the patches window
  • MIDI thru to all plugins and external hardware
  • Multi channel Mono and Single channel Poly modes can be chosen on a pre patch basis
  • Increased patch load speed
  • New graphic interface
  • Improved patch creation and patch editing features
  • Improved plugin stability
  • Improved DAW functionality

The Fishman TriplePlay software update can be downloaded here.

HOFA’s Produktions and Song Check Contest Returns

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HOFA SongCheck LogoGerman audio-production software company HOFA has launched its second Produktions and Song Check Contest. The contest asks songwriters and producers to submit one original song in exchange for a chance to win different prizes:

The PSC is a competition especially for songwriters and producers. Our declared goal is the provision of a common platform and the promotion of outstanding talents.

Who can join in?
Any solo artist, team, band etc. can join in with a song of their own (!). Each participant can submit ONE track; remixes and coversongs are excluded. Send us your song if you believe it‘s a brillant piece of songwriting and production. The participation is free!

HOFA’s contest allows producers to submit songs in these main genres:

  • Pop
  • Electronic Music
  • Hip-Hop/R&B/Soul
  • World Music
  • Rock/Heavy Metal
  • Traditional Music

Each main genre has attendant sub-genres that allow participants to select the category that works best for their songs.

Winners of the song contest will be eligible to receive prizes from a number of different audio-production companies:

  • 500 € Main Prizes for each category
  • 100 € vouchers for HOFA plugins
  • 1 pair of KSD-C5 audio monitors
  • 1 Shure KSM-42 microphone
  • 4 software prizes from Steinberg
  • 1 pair of Adam F5 audio monitors
  • 500 € voucher for Thomann

HOFA’s song contest runs until July 31st and is open to anyone submitting original music. Click any of the links above to learn more about the contest.

Live 6 Having Flash Sale on Modeling Packs

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Line 6 LogoMusical instrument and equipment manufacturer Line 6 announced it is holding a flash sale on software modeling packs. The sale will expire at 11:59PM (Pacific Time) on Monday, June 12th. The sale features different modeling packs for some of Line 6’s effects processors.

Modeling packs include:

  • HD Metal
  • HD Vintage
  • HD Bass
  • HD Fully Loaded Bundle
  • Bass Expansion Pack
  • Power Pack
  • FX Junkie Pack
  • Collector Classics Pack
  • Metal Shop Pack
  • Triple Pack Bundle

These Line 6 model packs focus heavily on electric guitar and electric bass processing. But these packs could be used for a wide range of applications, including processing of acoustic instruments and vocals.

The descriptions for each model pack indicates which Line 6 products are compatible with the packs. A quick survey shows that most packs are compatible with older Line 6 product lines like POD HD (all models), Guitarport, PodXt (all models), Pod Studio (all models), and TonePort (all models), Unfortunately, there isn’t anything here for newer Line 6 products like the Helix or Firehawk lines.

These model packs from Line 6 range in price from $29.99 to $99.99. All model packs can be purchased and downloaded directly from the Line 6 website. Most model packs can then be installed and authorized using the appropriate management software from Line 6.

BOSS Acoustic Singer Pro Amplifier is a Compact Powerhouse

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BOSS’s Acoustic Singer Pro acoustic amplifier takes the acoustic state amp to new levels of sound quality and creative versatility. Incorporating BOSS’s latest advancements in amplifier research, this compact powerhouse produces rich, vibrant sound with unmatched punch and clarity.

Independent channels are provided for acoustic guitar and vocal, and each is equipped with discrete analog input circuits and three-band EQ for studio-quality sound. And with additional features such as Acoustic Resonance, looping, automatic vocal harmonies, effects, and more, the Acoustic Singer Pro gives acoustic musicians everything they need to deliver inspiring and impactful live performances.

Features include:

  • Professional acoustic amplifier with premium sound and features
  • 120-watt bi-amp design with custom-designed 8-inch woofer and dome tweeter
  • Dual channels with discrete analog input electronics and three-band EQ
  • Dedicated guitar channel with Acoustic Resonance to restore natural tone to stage guitars with piezo pickups
  • Mic channel with phantom power and ¼ inch/XLR combo input for connecting a vocal/guitar microphone or second instrument source
  • Chorus effect on guitar channel, delay/echo effect on mic channel, and independent reverb on both channels
  • Harmony function automatically creates smooth and accurate vocal harmonies via real-time key/chord analysis of the guitar input
  • Built-in looper for practicing, developing ideas, and enhancing live performances
  • Independent anti-feedback controls on each channel
  • Dual XLR DI jacks assignable to outputting individual channels (direct or post-effects) or both channels mixed together
  • USB output for direct recording to a computer
  • Control looper, harmony, and effects with optional footswitches

Size and Weight:

  • Width: 417 mm or 16-7/16 inches
  • Depth: 330 mm or 13 inches
  • Height: 358 mm or 14-1/8 inches
  • Weight: 14.5 kg or 32 lbs oz

AVerMedia USB Microphone AM310

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AVerMedia has introduced the AM310 USB Microphone.  It is a plug and play microphone that lets you record high quality sound for podcasting, streaming, gaming and more. Immerse your audience with clearer, richer, and warmer recorded sound.

AVerMedia AM310 is designed for music performers and live streamers who long for studio-quality sound. The built-in cardioid condenser records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, delivering detail, accurate, full-bodied sound.

With its driver-free and plug-and-play design, installing AVerMedia AM310 is easy. Simply plug it into a USB port on your PC or Mac, and you are ready to record.

AVerMedia AM310 comes equipped with a 3.5 mm headphone jack that enables you to either listen to what you’re recording in real-time or what’s playing on your computer, all at the toggle of a switch. A headphone volume knob with mic mute function is also included for easy control.

Specifications:

  • Type: Uni-directional condenser microphone
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Sample rate: 48 kHz
  • Bit rate: 16-bit
  • Power required: USB (5V DC)
  • Sensitivity: -60 +/- 5dB (at 1kHz, 0dB = 1V/u bar)
  • Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
  • Dimensions: (mic) (W x D x H): 74.2 x 74.2 x 155.3 mm
  • Weight: (mic) 486 g +/- 5g (1.03lb +/- 0.17 oz)

System Requirements:

  • Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 or Mac OS 9 / X
  • USB 2.0 port or newer