Tascam’s iXR Is a Music Studio That Fits in a Bag

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Tascam iXRIt’s become increasingly easier over time to capture and create audio in remote locations. No longer is it necessary to be tied to a room full of expensive gear in order to record vocals or produce instrumental tracks. Tascam’s latest digital audio interface, the iXR, was designed with this in mind. The iXR is extremely portable. Hence, it’s designation as “a music studio that fits in a bag”.

Tuscan’s iXR audio interface is a true solution for audio producers on the go. The iXR is MFI-compliant, so it can be connected directly to an IOS device via Lightning cable. No USB adapter required. Producers can use the iXR to quickly access a plethora of sound-related apps, such as multitrack recorders, effects processors, software synthesizers, and more. The iXR also has a standard USB 2.0 connection, so it can be used with desktop computers and other USB-ready devices.

The iXR comes with two built-in XLR/TRS jacks that allow for microphones or instruments to be connected directly to the device. There’s also onboard phantom power for use with condenser microphones. For monitoring, there’s a headphone jack as well as a pair of balanced line outputs that can be sent to powered monitors. The headphone volume jack works independently of the line outs, so these monitoring sources can operate at different volumes. There’s also a pair of standard MIDI I/O jacks for connecting keyboards and other MIDI-capable devices.

Pricing and release information are not yet available for the Tascam iXR.

Samson’s USB Microphones Now Available at Best Buy

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Go Mic ConnectSamson Technologies is an industry pioneer in audio products. Their new family of USB microphones are now available at Best Buy stores nationwide. This includes the Go Mic Connect, Meteor Mic with Noise Cancellation Software, and Meteorite with Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software.

Samson Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software expands the capability of computer communication and recording. The software, powered by state-of-the-art digital noise reduction algorithms, produces crystal clear communications and recordings in even the noisiest office and mobile recording environments.

Go Mic Connect features:
* Portable USB microphone with Focused Pattern Technology
* Ideal for Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and VOIP communications
* Perfect for voiceovers, YouTube videos and recording music
* Samson Sound Deck software provides Focused Pattern Technology, Focus Direction, Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) Echo Erase and audio recorder
* Focused Pattern Technology adjusts pickup area (“beam”) towards desired sound source
* Focus Direction provides user control over pickup beam direction
* DNR Reduces ambient background noise (HVAC systems, computer fans, etc)
* Echo Erase eliminates echo/feedback caused by external speaker monitoring
* Clips atop laptops, computer monitors, and televisions
* Stands on desk for use with tablets and smartphones
* Headphone output for direct monitoring
* 1-touch Mute
* Mac and Windows compatible, no driver installation required
* USB cable and protective pouch included
* Available for $79.99 in Best Buy stores and at BestBuy.com

Meteor Mic with Noise Cancellation Software

Meteor Mic with Noise Cancellation Software Features:
* Large, 25mm diaphragm USB studio condenser microphone
* Plugs directly into any computer with a USB input, no drivers required
* Compatible with most computer-based digital audio workstation software
* Works with iPad using Apple’s Lightning USB Camera Adapter or Camera Connection Kit (30-pin)
* Cardioid pickup pattern
* 16-bit, 44.1/48Hz resolution
* Smooth, flat frequency response of 20 Hz – 20kHz
* Stereo 1/8” headphone jack for no latency monitoring
* Headphone volume control with microphone mute switch
* Fold-back leg design provides optimal mic positioning
* Durable chrome-plated body
* Includes USB cable and carry pouch
* Samson Sound Deck Noice Cancellation Software (Mac OS X/ Windows)
* Available in Chrome and Titanium Black for $69.99 in Best Buy stores and at BestBuy.com

Meteorite with Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software

Meteorite with Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software Features:
* 14mm diaphragm USB condenser microphone
* Perfect for high-quality recording in desktop and home studio environments
* Ultra-clear voice capture for Skype, FaceTime and voice recognition software applications
* Plugs directly into any computer with USB input, no driver installation required
* Compatible with most computer-based digital audio software
* Cardioid pickup pattern
* 16-bit, 44.1/48.kHz resolution
* Smooth, flat frequency response of 20 Hz-20kHz
* Integrated USB cable
* iPad and USB bus powered
* Chrome-plated body
* Removable magnetic base for optimal desktop positioning
* Samson Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software (Mac OS X/Windows)
* Available in Chrome and White for $39.99 at BestBuy.com only

iSolo Wireless Acoustic Microphone

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iSoloThe iSolo wireless acoustic guitar microphone was fully funded on Indiedgogo and is now shipping to all backers. The iSolo is also available through Amazon. It provides an easy way for guitarists to pick up great sound during recording or a live show.

The iSolo has a tiny microphone is integrated with complex radio equipment and wireless systems. It is designed to reduce wear and tear and to enhance sound quality. Press a button, and the iSolo can pair with a corresponding receiver for live audio reception or recording.

The iSolo has a special positioning design “magic carpet” that stays fixed and consistent. It stays put and leaves no residue behind. You can adjust and extend the microphone audio reception position however you want to.

The iSolo comes with the iSolo transmitter, a live receiver, a recording receiver, an AC adaptor, a traveling case, a charging line and a QuickStart Guide. It is available on Amazon.com. There is also an iSolo for the violin, and the company plans to make one for the flute, the ukulele and the erhu.

IK Multimedia Launches iKlip A/V

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IK Multimedia iKlip GripIK Multimedia has launched the first smartphone broadcast mount for pro-quality audio/video. It is called the iKlip A/V. With iKlip A/V, you can take your best shot, capture your best take and get professional broadcast-ready results with just your smartphone and your favorite microphone. The iKlip A/V is now shipping.

The iKlip A/V gives broadcasters, videographers, and digital storytellers the ability to capture and monitor professional-quality audio for their videos on the go using its integrated high-quality XLR mic preamp with phantom power and built-in wireless receiver support. It also helps deliver a steady picture thanks to its secure smartphone holder and ergonomic handgrip.

It features an integrated microphone preamp with phantom power that lets you use a high-quality external microphone for audio capture. Simply plug your microphone or wireless receiver into the preamp’s XLR input, then plug the 1/8” TRRS cable into your smartphone’s headphone/mic jack. The iKlip A/V provides 48v of power via two AA batteries and also features built-in support for holding the most popular wireless microphone receivers.

The iKlip A/V features a large ergonomic handheld grip and expandable smartphone holding bracket that shares the same technology as IK’s Xpand Mini and the iKlip Grip for ultra-steady shooting. It can securely hold any iPhone, iPod touch, or Android devices with a screen size from 3.5” to 6”. The iKlip A/V can also be attached to a monopod or tripod thanks to the standard female threads on the underside.

The iKlip A/V is available now from photo/video, music, and electronic retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for only $/€ 179.99 (excluding taxes). It is now shipping.

Telestream Wirecast Version 7 Offers Affordable Live Streaming

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telestream-logoTelestream has announced Version 7 of Wirecast, the leading live streaming and production software. Wirecast 7, which will be available later this month, adds new powerful production capabilities, GPU-accelerated encoding, and a streamlined user interface that allows users to effortlessly create and stream high-quality live broadcasts from their computers to dozens of popular destinations such as Facebook Live and YouTube.

Wirecast 7 allows event producers to create the highest quality live-streamed productions, with multi-camera switching, graphics, titles, and live encoding. With the new ISO recording feature, Wirecast Pro can save all original “clean” source camera media allowing an editor to easily repurpose content, free of any overlay graphics from the original broadcast.

The new User Interface in Wirecast 7 enables quicker and more flexible access to shot editing features and enhances on-the-fly editing. With the Shot Editor panel, users have more control over every aspect of a broadcast, including the time-saving in-shot source toggles that enable users to turn video and audio layers on and off within each shot for dynamic editing of complex composite shots.

Wirecast 7.0 adds more options for how text can be displayed on screen. Text can be entered live, via a file or from an RSS feed enabling a different user to prepare text that will be automatically picked up in the broadcast. A new audio mixer controls every source from one location, and an enhanced “mix minus” feature selectively mutes any source, such as the user’s own voice, while otherwise monitoring full stream audio output. A Global Hotkey Management system speeds up any repetitive task by allowing users to create their own hotkeys.

New Features in Wirecast Version 7:
* GPU-Accelerated encoding – for hardware encoding performance and less CPU usage

* Improved CPU utilization – for smoother, faster, streams

* Graphical Output Statistics – to see the health of the system (CPU/Memory usage) and the output stream (framerate, bitrate, and more).

Wirecast 7 will be available at the end of June on the Telestream store and through Telestream’s network of resellers. It will be unveiled to the public for the first time at InfoComm 16 at Magewell Booth N1850 and at the PTZ Optics Booth N2133.

Cameleon 2.0 Makes it Easy to Live Stream on Facebook

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Cameleon logoCameleon 2.0 is a simple broadcasting tool that enables people to connect any live camera to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch (and more) for the easiest live content creation. It makes it easy for you to start live streaming.

Download Cameleon and use it with your Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or Android with built-in camera. It is also possible to use Cameleon by attaching it to any USB WebCam, GoPro Hero, or IP Camera. Cameleon is a new kind of media-server that uses your devices own resources – and does not use the cloud. It has less than 1% CPU usage per camera. It offers HD, high frame-rate, two-way sound, and “all the bells and whistles”.

Cameleon 2.0 is for people who want to start live streaming on either YouTube Live or Facebook Live Video. Some think that Facebook is interested in featuring live streamed videos by giving them prime placement.

Cameleon is on Kickstarter and has 55 days left to go (at the time I am writing this blog). The Kickstarter page has directions (with images) that show you how to download and begin using Cameleon.

On the Kickstarter page, creator Kalman Venczel says they were able to create Cameleon (and offer it for free) because they had passive income to maintain their lives while they worked unpaid on it for years. The Kickstarter was necessary because their short-term freelance jobs were slowing them down on the creation of Cameleon 2.0.

Line 6 Helix Software Editor Released

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Helix EditMusical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer Line 6 made waves in the guitar gear field when the company released the Helix processor last year. The Helix is Line 6’s first next-gem level processor, packed with high-end hardware and software designed to give guitarists access to the best possible tones.

The Helix processor itself comes with one of the industry’s largest built-in displays. But Line 6 promised it would release a computer-based application guitarists could use to create and edit Helix patches. (This follows suit with other Line 6 products that have also had their own computer-based editors.) When Helix units first shipped, the software editor was not yet available. Making good on its promise, Line 6 has now delivered its computer-based software editor for the Helix. From an e-mail sent today by Line 6:

Drag and drop amps, cabs, and effects to build complex signal chain
Quickly reorganize, rename, edit tones, and modify footswitch labels

Visualize every detail of your tone editing workflow on your computer

The Helix Edit application is a free download from the Line 6 website. In order to find it, go to the software download page, select “Helix” from the products menu, leave the software menu set to “All software,” select the appropriate OS for your computer from the operating system menu and then check the “Beta” box on the right before clicking the Go button. The Helix Edit software will come up as the first downloadable item on the next page.

SportPod Is a Monopod For Smartphones, Tablets, and GoPros

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SportPodWhether it’s for personal use or as part of a large-scale production, getting the right shot is crucial to any video. But if you’re in a situation where set up time is at a minimum, you don’t want to be strapped down with loads of gear that will require a lot of time and energy in the teardown/set up process. What if getting the perfect shot for the next scene was as simple as putting a small pole into the ground, mounting and adjusting your camera, and pressing record? That’s exactly what the SportPod is designed to do.

The inspiration for SportPod is right in the name. SportPod’s inventor wanted to find an easier way to record his own golf swing so he could analyze the footage to make improvements in his game. SportPod could certainly be used for a lot of different sports-related activities. But given its ease of use and adaptability, videographers across the board will likely find plenty of good uses for SportPod.

SportPod is a monopod (as opposed to tripod) that can be adjusted from two to four feet off of the ground. It comes with a ball mount that can be used with smartphones, tablets, GoPros, and most point-and-shoot cameras. This mount offers a 360-degree range of motion, making it easy to get the right shot in the moment. SportPod is easily broken down so it can be moved quickly from one location to the next.

The inventor of SportPod is running a Kickstarter campaign to get the device into production. The campaign is about 30% funded with 22 days left to go. Pledges starting at $35 entitle backers to a SportPod with smartphone attachment. Prices go up from there, depending on what type of SportPod attachments you’d like to use.

Periscope Adds Drone Integration And More!

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Periscope logoPeriscope has announced some updates that will be launched in the coming weeks. The updates add some exciting new things that you can do with Periscope.

You will soon be able to do a Periscope broadcast from a supported DJI drone. Connect your iPhone to your drone’s remote, and Periscope will automatically pull in your drone’s video feed.

In addition, you will be able to switch between the video from your drone, your iPhone front and back facing cameras, and your GoPro. During your broadcast, you can narrate from a bird’s eye view using your phone or even use the Sketch feature to drawn on your screen and point things out.

Another update will let you add #save to your broadcasts to keep them beyond 24 hours. The goal here is to give you full control of your broadcasts. After this update rolls out, your broadcasts will be automatically saved on Periscope and Twitter with all their comments and hearts.

You can delete your broadcast any time you want to in the post-broadcast screen or in your profile. Those who want their broadcasts to be removed after 24 hours still have that option and can configure it in their account settings.

Periscope also be adding a way for people to search for broadcasts that they are interested in. Tap on the search button and you will see a Global List of suggested topics to search for. It relies on hashtags. For example, #music would show you Periscope broadcasts about music. You can add #music to your own broadcast that is music related, too.

Periscope is adding two special topics that people can search for. One is “First Scope” which is where you can welcome new broadcasters to the community. The other is “GoPros and Drones”, which is where to find broadcasts with GoPros and drones.

GoPro Mobile Creative Suite Makes Editing Simple

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GoPro logoGoPro had previously announced the acquisition of two leading mobile video editing apps: Replay and Splice, to deliver ultra-convenient and powerful mobile editing solutions to GoPro and smartphone users worldwide.  On May 3, 2016, GoPro presented the new mobile creative suite of Quik and Splice, two creative tools that help manage, edit, and share all of the content from your GoPro cameras and mobile devices.  These two apps make up GoPro’s Mobile Creative Suite.

Quik mobile appQuik helps you make beautiful videos with just a few taps. It is the fastest and easiest way to create awesome videos from your GoPro or smartphone footage. It offers automated simplicity. Splice brings desktop editing software power that is perfected for your mobile or tablet. No matter your skill, Quick and Splice enable you to edit like a pro.

Use Quik to turn your photos and clips into incredible videos perfectly edited to your chosen soundtrack. Quik automatically analyzes your footage to find the best moments, add beautiful transitions and effects, and syncs all of it to the beat of the music.

Choose from 28 unique video styles, each with unique filters, transitions, graphics, and font. You can add custom text overlays, title slides, and emojis. Pick a song from Quik’s diverse library of great music or use a song from your own library. Every Sunday, Quik surprises you with ready-to-watch videos made from related moments on your mobile device.

Splice mobile appSplice gives you more manual control. It puts the power of a professional desktop editor at your fingertips, allowing you to choose your favorite moments and customize your video. You can pick your transition style, trim clips, add filters, show off an epic shot in slow-mo, and more. Splice works great with photos, too.

Use one of the huge variety of free soundtracks that Splice offers, or use a song from your iTunes library. Trim and mix multiple tracks, and adjust the volume to fine-tune the audio. You can add sound effects or narrate the video with the built-in voice recorder.