Earthquaker Devices Announces The Easy Listening Analog Amp Simulator

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With its finely tuned preamp circuitry and sweet analog cabinet simulation, Easy Listening delivers a big, lush sound with zero latency and no harsh digital artifacts. Think of it as the perfect merge of vintage tone and modern convenience, offering all the high headroom and low noise of an actual amp but small enough to fit in your pocket. 

No menu diving, no IR loading, and nothing else gets between you and your tone. Whether you are using this as a headphone amp or the final stage before your recording interface for quick and easy amp-less recording, we think you’ll find this no fuss simulator a delightful addition to your tonal toolbox!

As the name implies, Easy Listening is as simple as it can be to operate, just one control for output volume, and that’s it. Internally, it’s meticulously voiced to capture the soil of one of our favorite classic American guitar amps — a ’65 Deluxe —with all the harmonic complexity guitar players crave. It’s all-analog circuitry provides a more immediate feel with rich low-end resonance, slightly scooped miss, and that crystalline top end chime that makes electric guitars sing.

Designed with guitarists that use a lot of pedals in mind, Easy Listening features a high 1M input impedance and ample headroom to handle anything from vintage fuzz to modern stacked gain stages without breaking a sweat. The high-fidelity, low-noise analog class AB driver ensures you’ll maintain every nuance of your tone at whisper-quiet headphone levels or tracking your sick riffs in your secret basement studio.

Each Easy Listening is built by a powerful robot and a whole bunch of delightful humans in the exotic former rubber capital of the world, Akron, Ohio USA.

Tech Specs:

Input: Mono TS 1/4”

Output: Stereo TRS 1/4 (Tip is the Left channel, Ring is the Right Channel)

Input Impedance: 1 MΩ

Output Impedance: 39 Ω

Current Draw: 75 mA

For use with Headphones: Requires headphones with a 1/4 TRS plug.

For use with a DAW: You can use either a mono TS cable into one channel of your interface or a Stereo TRS cable with a splitter into two channels

Charvel And Angel Vivaldi Refine Modern Virtuosos Guitar with New Signature Model

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Today, Charvel is once again partnering with Angel Vivialdi to release a new version of his signature Nova guitar, the ANGEL VIVALDI SIGNATURE PRO-MOD NOVA-7 NAT, available in an elegant natural finish with gold hardware. Charvel collaborated closely with the New Jersey native to release a guitar that packs as much force as Vivaldi himself. With modern features, this versatile guitar is perfect for the modern shredder looking to take their sound to the next level.

Vivaldi’s blend of spell-binding guitar anthems and tasteful yet virtuosic songwriting has amassed fans worldwide. Vivaldi picked up his first guitar at age 15, and has spent nearly two decades honing his craft. His vivid artistry and discography of meticulously arranged instrumental prog rock has earned him a reputation as one of the most celebrated, prolific guitarists of modern times and an imaginative force to be reckoned with.

Recognizing his technical brilliance, Charvel – known for crafting high-performance tone machines for world-class musicians — partnered with Vivaldi in 2019 to introduce his signature guitar, the Charvel Nova, and then expanded with various six and seven string models. Inspired by Vivaldi’s explorations into Latin fusion, funk, and the versatility to transform contemporary guitar sound without compromise.

“This Nova is eight years in the making and sports some pretty considerable upgrades that will really take things up a notch,” said Angel Viviadi on his new signature guitar. “The natural finish reminds me that it isn’t just a piece of gear, it’s like this living breathing part of the creative process for me… it just feels free, no resistance, no restrictions.”

This premium guitar features a modified Dinky caramelized basswood body capped with a flame maple top and 3-ply body binding. Thanks to its sculpted heel, guitarists enjoy comfortable upper fret access while its tilt-back reverse 7-string licensed Fender Stratocaster headstock provides ideal string tension.

Its 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard has comfortable rolled edges, 24 jumbo frets, cascading black dot inlays and a Gotoh locking nut. The bolt-on maple neck is custom-shaped to Vivaldi’s preferences with graphite reinforcement, a silky-smooth satin back finish, Luminary side dots and a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.

Crafted to bring out the most unbelievable deep, full tones and rich harmonics, the HH pickup configuration consists of a DiMarzio Tone Zone bridge pickup and DiMarzio Air Norton neck pickup, both adorned with gold covers. Lastly, this premium modern guitar features a five-way blade pickup switch, dome-style volume and tone knobs, a recessed Gotoh GEI996T double-locking tremolo bridge and Charvel-branded die-cast tuners.

“This collaboration allows us to merge Angel’s signature playing techniques with Charvel’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in an instrument and forward-thinking approach that has defined traditional and modern progressive players,” said Peter Winchers, Product Manager at Charvel Guitars. 

“Angel embodies the virtuosic technique and forward-thinking approach that has defined Charvel for decades. His musical versatility, technical precision and innovative vision perfectly align with our commitment to creating instruments that push boundaries.”

Martin Guitar’s New Inception, X Series & Road Series Models

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C.F. Martin & Co. is proud to announce the release of five exciting new models that blend tradition with innovation and meet the needs of today’s diverse players. The launch includes a refreshed GPCE Inception Maple with a bold new gloss finish, the all-new non-cutaway GPE Inception Maple, two special X Series additions, and the SC-10E Spruce — a fresh take on Martin’s revolutionary SC design now joining the Road Series.

GPCE Inception Maple

Martin’s game-changing Inception Series gets a visual and tonal upgrade with the refreshed GPCE Maple. Now featuring a full-body gloss amber fade sunburst finish, this model blends cutting-edge acoustic design with FSC-certified tonewoods. 

A European spruce top delivers bold projection and quick response, while flamed maple back and sides provide clarity and brightness, all balanced by a black walnut wedge. Skelontized bracing and sonic channeling — purpose-built  for this tonewood pairing — enhance both sustain and amplitude. 

With premium appointment like a satin black walnut neck, FSC-certified ebony fingerboard and bridge, and LR Baggs Anthem electronics, the GPCE Inception Maple proves that sustainability, innovation, and striking aesthetics can coexist in perfect harmony.

GPE Inception Maple

Also debuting is the GPE Inception Maple, which brings a non-cutaway Grand Performance shape to the Inception Series for the first time. Players will enjoy the same striking tonewood paring, premium appointments, and Martin’s innovative bracing as the GPCE model – but with a full-body design for those who prefer a more traditional silhouette.

It offers a crisp, balanced tone that’s effortlessly expressive, with the added visual punch and presence of its new gloss finish. Paired with LR Baggs Anthem electronics, this model delivers a truly dynamic and versatile acoustic-electric experience.

GP-X2E Ziricote Special

Expanding the X Series lineup is the GP-X2E Ziricote Special, a limited-time Grand Performance model that blends bold tone with the player-focused features. With a solid sapele top and ziricote-patterned high pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, this guitar is durable, stylish, and responsive.

The Performing Artist neck profile and high-performance taper ensure smooth playability, while Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner give you full control on stage or at home. It’s an affordable, road-ready companion for players of all levels.

OMC-X2E Zircote Special

Also new to the X Series is the OMC-X2E Ziricote Special, offering the comfort of a OOO body with a 25.4″ scale length for greater projection and sustain. It’s cutaway design allows easy user fret access, and like its Grand Performance sibling, it features a solid sapele top, ziricote-patterned HPL back and sides, and Martin E1 electronics with onboard tuning.

This versatile model is ideal for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and anyone looking for rich tone in a sleek stage-ready package.

SC-10E Spruce

Rounding out this launch is the SC-10E Spruce, a new addition to Martin’s Road Series that brings the revolutionary SC body shape to even more players. With its patented Sure Align neck system and Low Profile Velocity neck, it offers unmatched comfort and unrestricted access to every fret.

The solid spruce top paired with solid sapele back and sides creates a balanced, dynamic voice that excels in any genre. Finished with Martin EL electronics and a built-in tuner, this is a modern acoustic-electric built for the stage, studio, or wherever the music takes you.

BOSS Announces RT-2 Rotary Ensemble

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BOSS announces the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble, the latest member of the company’s famous compact pedal lineup. Rotary speaker cabinets are a vital part of the classic combo organ voice, and guitarists and other musicians have also used them to infuse iconic tracks wit their distinctive depth and rich modulation.

Powered by the latest BOSS advancements, the RT-2 distills this expressive spatial effect into a pedalboard-friendly footprint with three sound modes, deep tonal shaping, multiple audio output configurations, and advanced real-time sound control.

The most revered rotary speaker designs feature a spinning high-frequency horn (treble rotor) and a woofer that feeds into a rotating drum (bass rotor). Changing rotor speeds between fast and slow creates a steady stream of tonal shifts that player have long used for interesting sonic movement.

The RT-2 authentically replicates these complex audio behaviors, coupled with two-way speed control, a Rise/Fall Time switch for adjusting the transition time between speeds, and a colorful indicator that shows the current rotation the virtual rotors.

The versatile RT-2 has a three-position Mode switch for selecting a classic rotary speaker sound or two modern variations developed with custom BOSS tuning. There’s also a Drive knob to add pleasing distortion inspired by the type amplification circuits in vintage rotary speaker cabinets.

Via a rear-panel switch, this dual-function control can be assigned to adjust the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors for different tonal characteristics.

Real-time speed control is essential to the rotary experience, and the RT-2 includes many options to achieve it. The pedal switch offers four operation types with clever ways to bypass the effect and change speeds while performing. 

Connecting external footswitches provides independent speed control and an access to a “brake” setting that stops the virtual rotors at their current positions for unique tones. Alternatively, an expression pedal unlocks continuous control of level, drive, balance, and speed, complete with assignable settings for each parameter. 

To learn more about the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble, visit www.boss.info

Comic-Con International In San Diego With The Next Stop On The Nikon Tour

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Comic-Con International Booth #3917 – The Nikon Tour will continue this summer with an exciting on-site activation at Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center, from Wednesday, July 23 through Sunday, July 27, 2025.

The Nikon kiosk at Comic-Con International in San Diego will be an interactive experience where attendees can get hands on experience with the latest Nikon Z series cameras – the Nikon Z511 and Nikon Z50II – and NIKKOR Z lenses, learn from pro Nikon Creators and show off their best cosplay and photograph skills. Nikon will also offer meet and greets and photo walks throughout the week covering a wide range of photography topics and styles for attendees to explore and engage with the Z5II and Z50II.

Nikon Activities At Comic-Con International In San Diego:

Cosplay Portraits: Attendees will have the opportunity to capture portraits of a cosplay model, step in to be the model themselves, or capture their friends in a custom kiosk with dramatic lighting. Shooting bays will be staffed by a Nikon pro Creator or brand ambassador to offer guidance and photography tips.

Creator Led Workshops / Meet and Greets: Industry favorite Nikon pro Creators Kien Quan and Martin Wong will be on-site at the Nikon kiosk, leading mini workshops and offering advice on posing, lighting, how to capture character portraits, and more.

Nikon Z Series cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses: Visitors to the booth can try out the latest Nikon gear and will be able to download and share their favorite images from their personal device.

Attendees can try out the new full-frame Nikon Z511, or the compact and high performance Z5011.

Nikon is working with local retailers to help give attendees easier access to place gear orders virtually at the kiosk and pick up in-store.

Photo Walks:  Grab a camera, get ready to explore the floor, and join us for photo walks led by Nikon Creators. Advance sign-up is required at the Kiosk.

Kiesel Guitars Introduces New Kyber Model

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Kiesel Guitars has introduced their newest solid body electric guitar: the Kyber.

With its modern performance specs and competitive pricing, the Kyber is Kiesel’s most forward-thinking design yet, engineered for comfort, quick playing, and precision with every note.

Engineered with a lightweight body to reduce fatigue during long performances without sacrificing tone. Six-string Kybers, configured with the standard woods and a fixed bridge, weigh in at 6 pounds or under on average.

Unique shape made for ergonomic comfort in any playing position and enhanced classical position.

The Kyber’s feature Kiesel’s most extreme arm contour and a uniquely shaped body that enhances classical position support while still excelling in standard position.

The new minimalist yet aggressive headstock pairs perfectly with the body’s sleek lines, giving the Kyber a balanced, modern silhouette.

Hidden strap buttons mounted on the rear for excellent balance while giving a clean, ultra-modern look to the front.

Lower horn cutaway design for maximum access to the upper frets.

Sculpted neck heel for seamless playing.

Available in 6 or 7 strings, fixed or tremolo in both standard and multi scale configurations. Choose between fixed bridges, tremolos, or multi scale configurations for your perfect setup.

Pricing for the Kyber starts at $1599 and will vary depending on the options and features. Learn more about Kiesel’s new Kyber model at kieselguitars.com.

Empress Effects Releases Dedicated EQ Pedal For Base Instruments

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Empress Effects is proud to announce the release of the Bass ParaEq, a bass-specific parametric EQ pedal.

Building on the success of their acclaimed ParaEq MKII series, which has already gained popularity with bassists, the Bass ParaEq offers the same studio-grade precision but with features tailored for bass instruments.

Basses of all types — including electric and upright basses with active and passive electronics – can benefit from the Bass ParaEq offers the same studio-grade precision but with features tailored for bass instruments. 

Basses of all types – including electric and upright basses with active and passive electronics – can benefit from the Bass ParaEq’s tone-sculpting capabilities.

The new pedal follows the success of the Empress Bass Compressor and ParaEq MKII Deluxe, which have become some of the company’s best-reviewed and top-selling products. The Bass Compressor’s popularity confirmed what Empress had long suspected:  Bassists are eager for tolls built with their needs in mind, not just adaptations of guitar gear.

The Bass ParaEq retains the line’s powerful 3-band parametric EQ and studio-style features while introducing a base-optimized frequency layout, a selectable 10MΩ Hi-Z input for piezo-equipped instruments, a dynamically-adjusted low shelf, and automatic balanced output detection — perfect for live and studio use alike.

The Base ParaEq also offers an output boost, adjustable by a dedicated top-mounted knob and activated by its own footswitch, capable of delivering up to 30dB of boost. It’s perfect for helping your bass punch through during key moments in live performance.

Whether dialing in clarity for a dense mix of compensating for an unfamiliar venue, the Bass ParaEQ offers precise tonal control in a compact, road-ready form. With 27V of internal headroom to prevent clipping from even the hottest active pickups, the Bass ParaEq is the ultimate studio-style EQ designed to travel.

Key Features of the Bass ParaEQ include:

Adjustable frequency bands tailored for bass instruments

Selectable 10MΩ Hi-Z Hi-Z input for upright basses and piezo pickups

Auto-detecting balanced output for long cable runs and direct recording

Three sweepable parametric bands with variable Q

High-pass, low-pass, low shelf, and high shelf filters

Transparent analog signal path with 27V of internal headroom

Buffered bypass switching

Powered by a standard 9V external supply, 300mA (no battery compartment)

The Bass ParaEQ is now shipping worldwide. It can be purchased from the Empress Effects website for $374 USD and through authorized Empress dealers globally.

Roland Introduces Control Support Between The V-80HD Direct Streaming Video Switcher And Yamaha DM3 Digital Mixing Console

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Roland Professional AV (InfoCom 2025, Exhibit Hall Level 2, Booth 3261) announces integration between the V-80HD Direct Streaming Video Switcher and Yamaha DM3 Mixing Console. With the free V-80HD Version 1.1 software update, V-80HD users can control various DM3 functions via a simple network cable connection. 

Roland’s V-80HD is a compact and powerful video switcher with an all-in-one design and flexible I/O features that support  3G-SDI, HDMI, USB 3.0, and LAN (RTMP/SRT) connections. The Yamaha DM3 is a next-generation digital audio mixer used by many professionals. It offers superb sound quality, fast setup, easy operation, and deep features for the sound, streaming, and music production — a combination unmatched with any other mixing console of its size.

The V-80HD Version 1.1 update provides control integration between these two products, enabling more efficient operation by a small team or a single user. DM3 scene memories, audio faders, and mute controls can be operated from the V-80HD, streamlining video and audio operations. Configuration is easy, requiring only IP address settings on each device. No DM3 firmware update is needed for this functionality. 

“We are thrilled to announce the collaboration with Yamaha,” said Kohel Hattiri, General Manager, Roland Live Production Business Department. “This control integration with the popular V-80HD and highly valued DM3 will help elevate production quality and operator efficiency.”

“We are pleased to announce this new collaboration with Roland, which significantly enhances the workflow for the live and streamed video, where high-quality sound and video images are equally important,” says Thomas Hemery, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division.  “The integration between the DM3 series and the V-80HD video switcher delivers efficient, straightforward operation for one operator, making superior productions very accessible.”

Cannon U.S.A. Upgrades PTZ and Cinema EOS Lineup With Firmware Updates For Advanced Control

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Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that upcoming firmware updates for its Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) and Cinema EOS camera lineups will deliver advanced functionality and improved performance.

The PTZ updates, covering indoor and outdoor models such as the CR-N700, CR-N500, CR-N300, CR-N100, and CR-X300 introduce additional features and improvements, including enhancements to the auto tracking paid add-on that now includes advanced multi-person tracking, improved live streaming performance, support for the Multi-Camera Control application, and more. 

Firmware updates for Cinema EOS cameras including EOS C 400 and EOS C80 enhance capabilities and expand creative control from scripted cinema to live events.

Empowering Canon PTZ and Cinema EOS Users With Advanced Features

Canon continues to elevate its PTZ and Cinema EOS solutions by responding to customer needs with impactful firmware updates that enhance performance and streamline workflows.

Live streaming with Canon PTZ cameras just got even easier with improved SRT and RTMP support. For both SRT and RTMP, the cameras now feature auto reconnect to ensure minimal downtime in the event of a signal loss. SRT improvements also include the ability to automatically start transmission on camera power up. 

For the CR-N100 and CR-N300 cameras, this firmware provides improved support for teleconferencing systems with PTZ control over IP when the camera is in USB Camera Mode.

Other updates to the cameras include new Area Zoom functionality to easily move to an area of interest by drawing a box on the user interface. For applications that require using different frame rates on the same production, the CR-N700 firmware adds the ability to seamlessly emulate the appearance of 60, 30, or 24 frames per second from the users interface or a controller.

Future firmware updates themselves will also become easier to install, as this firmware adds the ability to check, download, and install new firmware from the camera’s web interface.

The built-in audio tracking application is also getting improvements. Tracking performance in both the free and the paid version of auto tracking has been improved to better track fast moving objects. This enables the ability to track multiple subjects at the same time. This enables the ability to track multiple subjects at the same time. 

The update also includes face orientation composition assistance, which can automatically change the composition of the shot based on which direction the subject is facing.

The RC-IP1000 controller will also receive a firmware update. In addition to creating compatibility with the new camera firmware features and Auto Tracking updates, preset registration and display have been improved. This firmware will also add compatibility with the EOS C80 cinema camera. Support for standard protocol over the serial ports has been added, as well as a host of other improvements to the controller.

Canon’s Multi-Camera Control iOS Application is also receiving an update. The latest update will include support for all four of the indoor PTZ cameras and the CR-X300 outdoor camera.

Panasonic Unveils New KAIROS HDMI Boards And AV Processor Ahead Of InfoCom 2025

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Panasonic logoPanasonic Video and Audio systems North America (PAVNA), a business unit of Panasonic Entertainment & Communications Co. Ltd. announced new professional AV innovations set to debut ahead of InfoComm 2025. These include two optional HMDI input and output boards for the KAIROS IT/IP live production platform, launching in Q4 CY2025, as well as the WR-AV800 AV Processor, designed for enhanced hybrid communication in classrooms and corporate spaces. 

These latest offerings along with Panasonic’s flagship AW-UE160 PTZ camera will be showcased at the company’s booth during the event. It will be showcased at the company’s booth during the event.

Expanded KAIROS Flexibility with HDMI Boards

The new HDMI Input Board AT-KC20M2G and HDMI Output Board AT-KC20M3G are designed to work seamlessly with the Kairos Core 200/3000 (AT-KC200/200L1/2000S1) mainframes. Supporting up to HDMI 2.1, the boards enable more versatile live production without the need for external conversion, simplifying system for AV professionals.

Available via a software upgrade to version 2.0 (Q4 CY2025), these boards expand I/O options and streamline mixed HDMI SDI workflows, enhancing adaptability for diverse and live production environments.

WR-AV800 AV Processor Elevates Hybrid Classrooms and Conference Spaces

Making its InfoComm debut, the new WR-AV800 AV Processor is designed to optimize communication across physical and virtual spaces. Supporting up to four ceiling microphones and eight PTZ cameras, the processor seamlessly connects in-room and remote participating with high-quality, intuitive AV performance.

Key features include:

Intelligent speaker tracking using integrated PTZ camera and wireless mic systems

Beam focus audio for accurate voice pickup without preset mic zones

AV Bridge support with video and audio I/O via a single USB cable

Together with Panasonic’s WX-AM800 Ceiling Array Microphone, the AV Processor solves common hybrid meeting challenges like audio feedback, poor clarity, and difficulty identifying speakers, making it an ideal solution for enterprise and education environments embracing flexible communication.

“These new HDMI boards and AV system upgrades reflect our commitment to building flexible, intelligent production ecosystems,” said Peyton Thomas, Product Manager at Panasonic. “We’re giving professionals the tools they need to deliver world-class video and audio experiences in an increasingly hybrid world.”

Advanced Imaging with LED-Optimized Color

Panasonic continues to lead in color accuracy with imaging optimized for LED display environments. The AW-UE160 was the company’s first PTZ camera to incorporate this innovation, minimizing the need for expert shading even under complex lighting. 

Now, Panasonic brings this same LED-optimized mosaic color filter technology to its newest flagship studio camera, the AK-UCX100. The UCX100 not only features Panasonic’s highest resolution broadcast imager to date but also delivers the most moiré-resistant performance 2 yet – essential for venues with LED video walls.

Together the UCX100 UE160 provide a powerful solution for high performance capture in arenas, concert halls, and broadcast studios, combining uncompromised image quality with ease of use.