Ecler eSAM603 Installation Analogue Mixer Now Available

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Ecler eSAM 603 Installation Analogue MixerEcler Essentials has been around for 50 years. Their professional audio catalog is focused on innovation and design combined with a user-friendly and ergonomic approach. Ecler is ready to offer you a quality sound system for every audio installation and integration challenge you may face. Their eSAM603 Installation Analogue Mixer is now available.

The eSAM603 is an installation audio mixer in standard rack format. It features 1 MIC input, and 4 MIC/LINE ST inputs, and 1 LINE ST input. It also has 3 outputs that can be configured as 1 stereo couple and 1 mono or 3 independent mono.

Each output can get a dedicated mix from the available inputs and has a 3-band tone control. Talkover (priority) function is assignable to each input from IN1 to IN5 over the mix output buses.

Features include:

* Channels: 6 with independent gain

* Inputs: 4 x MIC / Stereo Line selectable via pushbutton +1 MIC +1 LINE ST

* Outputs: 1 x Stereo (or 2 mono, selectable) + 1 x MONO

* Remote Control: MUTE contact (for external dry contact triggering)

* Tone Control: 2 x 3-band tone control section (A/B and C)

* Dimensions: 482.6x44x120 mm

* Weight: 2.1 Kg

Schroeder Amplification Announces SA9+, SA9-REC, and Formula 20

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Schroeder SA9+ 40 Watt HeadSchroeder Amplification has announced three brand new products for musicians. The SA9+, SA9-REC and Formula 20 guitar amplifier heads are now available.

The SA9+ 40 Watt Head is an evolution of the award winning DB7/DB9/SA9. This high-headroom amp was originally designed with Nels Cline and Wilco. The amp is known for its clean sustain, chime, and clarity. Sonically, the SA9 and SA9+ are very similar and share the same control layout and functionality.

The SA9+ has a newly designed power transformer with additional taps. Additional power supply components in the SA9+ are used to convert and fine tune certain voltages used in the preamp. A Solid State rectifier circuit was developed specifically for the SA9+ model.

Schroeder SA9-REC 20 Watt Head

The SA9-REC 20 Watt Head was originally designed at the request of engineers who wanted the stage sound and feel of the SA9, at a more moderate volume that was better suited for the studio. The SA9-REC and SA9+ are sonically very similar and they share the same control layout and functionality.

The SA9-REC has a specially designed cathode bias circuit, power supply and solid state rectifier that assures that the amp has that “cranked amp” sound and feel at lower volumes. Additional power supply components, as in the SA9+, are used to convert and fine tune certain voltages in the preamp. Because of the reduced wattage, the “sweet spot” is easily attainable without exceedingly high SPL.

Schroeder Formula 20 Overdrive Head

The Formula 20 Overdrive Head is known for its ability to sit right on the edge to where a player can use his pick/finger attack to make the amp shift from a chiming, relaxed and shimmering tone to one of full “chunk” grind. It is said to have all the qualities of the finest Marshall amps without the bad ones.

All the internal wiring connections in the Formula 20 Overdrive Head are made using a Litz coated, oxygen free copper wire of extreme purity. Unlike a generic “cloth covered” wire, it will not absorb airborne moisture, oxidize and/or degrade the signal over time. Specific components of the Formula 20 Overdrive Head are cryogenically treated to aid in their transparency.

Facebook Open-Sourced its Surround 360 Camera

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Facebook Surround 360If you’ve ever wanted one of Facebook’s Surround 360 cameras – now is your chance. Chief Product Officer of Facebook, Chris Cox, announced recently that Facebook has open-sourced Facebook Surround 360, the world’s first 360 truly open source VR video capture system. Facebook released the blueprint, source code, design docs, assembly manual, and operational manuals on Github.

Facebook’s Surround 360 camera was first announced in April of 2016 at its F8 developers conference. It has 17 high-resolution cameras that are cased in a full aluminum body. Two aluminum plates sandwich the cameras to ensure stability.

Each of the cameras has 2048×2048 resolution and can capture up to 60 frames per second. The entire array is 41 megapixels and transmits up to 30 gigabits per second. Fourteen cameras are located around the outer ring of the Surround 360’s enclosure, plus one camera on top and two on the bottom. It is held up by a thick pole. When put together, the camera looks like a UFO from an old science fiction movie.

The open-source information released by Facebook is a set of instructions. You will have to come up with all the parts yourself. It has been said that the Surround 360 camera can be built for about $30,000 in parts. If you have the money to spend, and the technical expertise to piece the thing together, you can build your very own Surround 360.

YI Introduces YI 4K Action Camera

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YI 4K Action Camera in Pearl WhiteYI has introduced the new Y1 4K Action Camera. The camera has the most advanced technology to provide maximum fidelity, versatility, and ease of use. It is a professional quality 4K camera.

The YI 4K Action Camera was built with the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, Sony IMX377 image sensor, and 7 layers of all glass lenses. It can record at 4K.30 fps at 60 mbps, 4x the quality of 1080p. The 7 layers of all glass optical lenses combined with F2.8 large aperture increases light intake to capture crisp and detailed footage.

It is customized with a 330ppi high resolution and high sensitivity retina touchscreen for an intuitive experience. It has 2.19 inches of Gorilla Glass that can resist scratches and daily impact. The Y1 Action Camera is viewable from a 160° angle. It has a 640×360 widescreen for quick and easy previewing and shooting.

Features Include:

* Processor: Ambarella A9SE

* Sensor: Sony IMX377 12MP 1 / 2.3”

* Display: Built in 2.19-inch retina widescreen with touch. 640-by-360 pixels at 330 ppi

* Battery Life: 120 minutes of 4K/30 video recording

* Wi-Fi Module: Broadcom BCM43340 dual-band, 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4Ghz/5Ghz, above 3MB/s download speed

* Battery: 38.5V 1400mAh 5.39Wh

* Gyroscope/Accelerometer: Embedded low power high resolution 3-axis accelerometer an 3-axis gyroscope

* Microphone: Dual microphone

* Remote Control: Low power Bluetooth Remote Control

* Lens: 7 glass, 155 degree wide-angle

* Manual Mode: Supports manual setting for shutter/ISO/EV/WB

* Finish: It comes in three colors: Night Black, Pearl White, and Rose Gold

API Announces 512v Microphone Preamp

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API 512v Discrete Mic Line PreampAutomated Processes Inc. API) was formed by engineers and music professionals with a vision in 1968. Today, API is well known for many contributions to the field as well as a long-standing trademark warm sound. API has announced its new 512v Microphone Preamp.

The new 512v Microphone Preamp was built in response to high market demand for built-in signal attenuation. API’s new 512v Microphone Preamp incorporates every feature of the 512c, including API’s proprietary transformers and 2520 op amp. The new 512v also includes a variable output level control designed to meet the needs of audio professionals using DAW’s or other input level-sensitive devices in their workflow.

Features Include:

* Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain

* Variable Output Level Control

* 3:1 Output Transformer Tap Selection

* Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access

* Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain

* Front Panel Combo-style XLR + ¼ inch Line/Instrument Input

* LED VU meter for Gain Level indication

* 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument

* 48v Phantom switchable power

* Traditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op Amp

* Features API’s unique Five Year Warranty

* The 512v has an MSRP of $995. Units are now shipping.

Wolffepack Capture Is a Retractable Backpack For Photographers

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WolffePack CaptureHow many times have you been moments away from that opportunity for a perfect photo but your camera was packed safely away in a backpack pocket? By the time you removed the backpack, opened the necessary compartment, and got the camera ready, that prime photographic moment was gone. And while there are solutions available for making it easier to quickly access a camera (neck straps, etc.), those options can be a hassle. Fortunately, the developers of a new “retractable backpack” called Wolffepack Capture may have the item that’ll ensure you never miss another chance for a great photo.

Wolffepack Capture is a continuation of the company’s original award-winning Wolffepack backpack. Wolffepack was released after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Since then, fans of the original Wolffepack have been asking its makers to create a similar bag designed with photographers in mind:

Since launching Wolffepack, the original revolutionary backpack, people have told us over and over that they’d love us to apply our patented technology to a camera bag. We’ve worked with professional photographers and listened to our existing users’ suggestions, and we haven’t just come up with the ideal bag for camera access, but a fantastic backpack for everyone.

With the Wolffepack’s patented expetoSYSTEM, you can lower and bring your gear round to the front in one simple action. Get to your camera and your gear when you need it. Don’t miss a shot just because your gear is stowed away on your back and its just a bit inconvenient to get it out, all over again.

The designers of Wolffepack have once again turned to Kickstarter to raise the funds needed for the Capture backpack. They’ve already beaten their desired funding goal by $10,000 with more than a month left to go. An early bird pledge of $115.00 will get you a Wolffepack Capture at a $55 discount from the expected retail price.

 

Livestream Presents Ultimate Guide to Livestreaming Events

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Livestream logoVideo streaming platform Livestream should know a few things about producing live-streaming events. Livestream is one of the first companies to offer live media streaming as a service. And while it may have some bragging rights in terms of longevity, many platforms have come up over the years to compete. YouTube, Twitter (via Periscope), and Facebook all offer a live-video component. That competition has caused Livestream to constantly grow and improve its services. Now, Livestream is going after the live-streaming market with a recently released Guide to Livestreaming Events ebook.

The Livestreaming Guide contains some interesting facts about live video:

  • In 2015, 374M people watched video content on Livestream
  • By 2019 there will be over 28M cord cutters – homes without paid TV services – in the United States alone

Lifestream’s guide is squarely aimed at brands, and it mentions noteworthy success stories from big companies that are producing live-streaming content:

  • Every Wednesday, Experian hosts a #CreditChat livestream on Twitter and YouTube to connect with their social audience and share information and data about building credit and eliminating debt
  • Southwest Airlines recently livestreamed from their operation control center to reassure customers during a spate of bad weather that was delaying flights
  • Big brands like Adidas, Taco Bell, DKNY and GE are also using livestreaming to share candid moments with their audiences, from press conferences to contract signings with celebs and behind-the-scenes moments

If you’d like to see what else Livestream has to offer in its guide, you can download the ebook for free after filling out a form.

Switcher Studio Is a Multi-Camera Capture and Streaming Solution

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Switcher Studio logoCreating a multi-camera video shoot has always been a challenge. Producers have to set up different cameras, assign camera operators, run those cameras thru a switching device, assign a technician to the switcher, and have the capacity to direct everything (and everyone) in real time. Video products like NewTek’s TriCaster have made the process easier. But TriCasters don’t come cheap, and now that we’re all walking around with devices that have built-in HD cameras, it seems only obvious that we should be able to put those devices to work in a multi-cam setting. And that’s exactly what Switcher Studio was made to do.

Switcher Studio allows producers to record video and stream live to a number of popular platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Ustream, Twitch, and other RTMP-compatible services. The video production is managed using Switcher Studio’s Director Mode feature:

Use Director Mode to record 1080p HD video. This feature allows you to disable the built-in camera on the main mixing device and connect up to 4 additional iPhones or iPads as sources. Tapping “Rec+Broadcast” triggers a recording on each connected device so you have full quality video from each angle regardless of any glitches or hiccups on the network.

When the production is complete you can composite the video from all angles with any edits made during your event. The final video can then be uploaded directly to YouTube or sent to your computer so you can make additional edits using Final Cut Pro X. Director mode can also be used in combination with a streaming video platform so you can broadcast at a lower bitrate while capturing full HD video to upload for on-demand playback after your production.

Switcher Studio offers a full suite of effects and features to make professional-looking videos:

  • Manage transition type(s) and duration or use the multi-view feature to cue multiple sources simultaneously
  • Select from layouts like dashboard, slots, flap and picture-in-picture or layer other content in your production
  • Add photos from your camera-roll or insert an image during your production
  • Prepare lower third graphics and logos to include in your broadcast
  • Take photos with another device and link with your iCloud account to update assets on the fly
  • Bring your computer screen in as a source (Pro account required)
  • Connect the primary Switcher to a TV or projector for viewing using a HDMI adapter or Apple TV via AirPlay support (Pro account required)

The most impressive feature of Switcher Studio is its ability to connect and control different mobile devices as individual cameras:

You can use the built-in camera of your mixing device as the primary camera or wirelessly sync up to 4 other iOS devices for multi-camera productions. Simply install Switcher Studio on any iOS device and select “Use as camera” from the welcome screen to connect as a source on the primary device. All devices communicate over a local wifi network and you can easily increase the distance between devices by expanding your network. Use Switcher Studio and capture unique perspectives to go where no one has gone before.

Switcher Studio is available under three different tiers. The free tier allows users to broadcast for up to 30 minutes a day for free. The Basic tier is $20/month and it unlocks more of Switcher Studio’s features. The Basic tier also has no limit on the amount of time video streams can last. For $25/month or $299/year, users can pay for Switcher Studio Pro, which offers the service’s full suite of options, including being able to connect up to four different iOS devices as cameras.

Zoom U-24 Is a Streamlined Portable Recording Interface

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Zoom U-24Zoom is an audio-equipment manufacturer best known for its portable recorders. Its H2, H4n, H5, and H6 Handy Recorders are widely cited as some of the best devices for remote gathering of audio. While Zoom’s recorders are designed to be all-in-one products, with microphones and recording capabilities built-in, Zoom’s newest product, the U-24 is a portable, high-quality audio interface.

Zoom is billing the U-24 as the “go-everywhere interface:”

The bus-powered U-24 packs all the essential tools into a compact form factor that fits in the palm of your hand. Record with mics, instruments, and more at home or on the go—the U-24 is iPad compatible and small enough to take anywhere. It can even run on just two AA batteries for recording in the most remote locations.

Here are some technical details:

  • Two combo microphone/instrument jacks, featuring a Hi-Z switch and 48v phantom power
  • Two sets of stereo line-out RCA jacks for connecting to external recorders or other gear
  • One set of 1/4″ main line-out jacks for connecting to audio monitors
  • One 1/4″ headphone jack with independent volume and balance controls
  • Mute controls for each input channel
  • USB and MIDI I/O jacks
  • Bus powered, battery powered, or powered via optional A/C adapter
  • Connect to iPad with Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring

The Zoom U-24 is currently available for $150 at most musical instrument and audio equipment vendors. For more information on the device, click the link at the top of this post.

WinX Video Converter For Mac/Windows Is Free Until Next Week

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WinX Video ConverterCreating video files can be a real hassle. Different devices, different operating systems, different web browsers and applications, all have their own requirements when it comes to presenting video. Ideally, video producers could just offer one “master” file for distribution, and all of those different outlets would adapt that master file to their needs. But it truly is less than an ideal world when it comes to video distribution. That’s why it’s important to be able to offer video productions in as many formats as possible. But it’s not always easy to know which formats to use or how to create them. That’s where the WinX Video Converter application from Digiarty comes in.

WinX Video Converter is available for both Windows and MacOS. Here are some of the program’s features:

  • Video converter that supports 1080p multi-track video MKV, M2TS, AVCHD, HDTV and BDAV
  • Convert video between AVI, MP4, H.264, WMV, MPEG, FLV, MOV, 3GP, QT, TS, MOD, TOD, and more
  • Support for merging, croping, trimming and adjusting parameters to control output size and quality
  • comes with diverse device presets for iPad Pro/mini 4/Air 2, iPhone SE/6S/6 (Plus)/5S, Apple TV (4), iTunes, Android, Samsung Galaxy Note 5/S6 edge+, HTC One M8, Google New Nexus 7, Chromecast, Amazon Kindle Fire, Surface Pro 3, WP8, Xbox, PSP, and more

Digiarty is offering a special free version of Video Converter thru Monday, July 11th. The Mac version can be downloaded here. The Windows version can be downloaded here.