RØDE Updated Wireless GO II

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RØDE launched two world-first updates for the Wireless GO II, making it more powerful and easy to use!

The Wireless GO II can now be set up on the go with iOS and Android devices via the RØDE Central Mobile App – the first time ever that a compact wireless microphone has been made fully configurable with a mobile app, giving you complete control of your device anywhere.

The Wireless GO II can now be used with RØDE Connect, making it the only microphone of its kind to be fully integrated with podcasting or streaming software, allowing you to unlock your creativity in new and exciting ways.

Both RØDE Central Mobile and RØDE Connect are available to download for free now.

RØDE Central is the Wireless GO II’s handy companion app, which allows you to configure the microphone, unlock advanced features, and access the latest firmware updates.

Initially released as a desktop app, RØDE Central is now available on iOS and Android for adjusting device settings on the fly. This includes switching between ‘Merged’ and ‘Split’ recording mode, adjusting the gain setting and unlocking the fine gain control, activating the safety channel and more.

RØDE Central Mobile is available to download for free here or from the App Store and Google Play. Please note that you must download the latest version of the RØDE Central desktop app and update your Wireless GO II firmware to use the RØDE Central Mobile app. 

Launched in early 2021, RØDE Connect is RØDE’s simple yet powerful podcasting and streaming software. Previously only compatible with the NT-USB Mini, the Wireless GO II can now be used with RØDE Connect, allowing you to podcast or stream on a computer with professional quality wireless audio.

This is the first time ever that a wireless microphone system has been fully integrated with streaming software, allowing you to capture broadcast-grade sound for your content with more freedom and flexibility than ever before – perfect for IRL streaming, recording presentations or classes, and more.

Using the Wireless GO II with RØDE Connect is also ideal for podcasting applications where you require the freedom of wireless audio, from recording interviews to casual podcasting setups.

RØDE Connect allows two Wireless GO IIs to be connected to a single computer. Each transmitter can be allocated to its own channel in the software for a total of four separate wireless audio streams, each with an individual level meter, as well as solo and mute buttons. The Wireless GO II can also be used in conjunction with the NT-USB Mini within RØDE Connect.

RØDE Connect is available to download for free now at rode.com/rode-connect. Find out more about how to use RØDE Connect via the RØDE Connect Learning Hub

Fender Signs Agreement with PreSonus Audio Electronics

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Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced it has signed a definitive agreement of merger with PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana based brand is the leading designer and manufacturer of recording and live-sound hardware and software solutions that solve real-world problems for working creatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone on the PreSonus team to the FMIC family and excited about the future growth opportunities available to both companies,” said Andy Mooney, CEO Fender Musical Instruments Corp. “Our teams share the same passion for music, the same commitment to innovation and the same desire to inspire and equip current and future generations of artists”

“I would like to extend our utmost gratitude to our loyal Baton Rouge and Louisiana community that have supported PreSonus for the last two decades,” said Kevin Couhig, Chairman of PreSonus. “It has been wonderful being a part of this incredible journey with PreSonus. I’m excited to see what the future holds going forward”

“After more than 25 years PreSonus feels it has found the right partner to support us as we continue our growth,” said Jim Odom, Founder/CSO PreSonus.  “We look forward to showing our current and future music community what this opportunity means for them.”

“PreSonus and Fender’s combined vision, the way we see the future of music creation, and the fundamental alignment of goals has made this an exciting idea since the first conversation,” said Jim Boitnott, CEO PreSonus.

For more than 75 years, Fender has been committed to creating tools supporting artists. With each technological advancement, the way that people create and record music is constantly evolving. While most guitar and bass players still plug into amplifiers, many also plug their instruments into interfaces, using virtual amps and effects to create their sounds. Players of all levels are spending more time online than ever before and using a variety of products and technologies to learn, practice, jam and perform, record and share. This modern workflow has expanded the traditional signal chain to include capturing and distributing creative content to the world. Fender envisions an ecosystem that seamlessly integrates hardware and software to create an effortless end-to-end experience for customers at all levels in their creative journey, and joining forces with PreSonus makes that possible.

Founded in 1995 by Jim Odom and Brian Smith, PreSonus designs innovative audio products that provide professional sound quality and features without sacrificing affordability. Throughout its history, PreSonus has built innovative tools for musicians, content creators, producers, and audio engineers. Today, PreSonus is a leading designer and manufacturer of both recording and live-sound hardware and software solutions that solve real-world problems for real working creatives.

RØDE Microphones Introduced the RØDECasterPro

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RØDE Microphones introduced the RØDECover Pro. It is a cover for the RØDECasterPro, protecting it from dust, dirt, and spills while keeping your setup neat and ready to go when not in use. It is made from rock-solid clear polycarbonate that is extremely durable, ensuring both internal and external components are protected.

The RØDECover Pro has been precision engineered to the exact specifications of the RØDECaster Pro for a tight fit that won’t slip or slide, making it perfect for use at home, in the studio, or while transporting it in a carry case.

Key Features:

Rock-solid polycarbonate cover for the RØDECaster Pro

Protects internal and external components from dirt, dust, spills, and knocks.

Precision-engineered to exact specifications of the RØDECaster Pro for a tight fit

Perfect for use at home, in the studio, or while transporting the RØDECaster Pro in a carry case

Sweetwater has the RØDECover Pro Polycarbonate cover priced at $49.00.

BOSS Announces RC-505MKII and RC-600 Loop Stations

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BOSS announces the RC-505mkll and RC-600, two new flagship models in the renowned Loop Station product lineup. The five-track RC-505mkll brings next-generation power and flexibility to the world’s most popular tabletop looper, giving performers an expanded range of inspiring and customizable tools for hands-on music creation. The RC-600 takes floor-based looping where it’s never gone before, offering six stereo tracks, advanced foot control, and highly configurable operation. Both new Loop Station models feature class-leading 32-bit sound, a massive onboard effects selection, built-in rhythms, versatile connectivity, external control support, and USB for interfacing with computers.

Introduced in 2013, the tabletop RC-505 has been the go-to looper for beatboxes, vocalists, instrumentalists, and other looping artists around the world. The RC-505mkll retains everything that made the original so loved and adds a wealth of new features to make the looping experience even more creative and free flowing.

Each of the RC-505mkll’s five stereo tracks now includes customizable FX and Track buttons, making it easier to color and control loops in the heat of the moment. Users can set up various parameters and trigger them with a press, hold, or double-click. Pressing the Undo/Redo button reveals a secondary layer to double the control options. Two external control jacks are also available for connecting footswitches or expression pedals and each has its own dedicated set of parameters. And with the Assign function, users can set up 16 additional targets for hardware control and MIDI operation.

The RC-505 also provides a greatly expanded FX palette to process sounds during recording and playback. There are 49 Input FX and 53 Track FX types to choose from – including new vocal harmony effects – and it’s possible to use up to four in each section at once. Groups of four Input FX and Track FX can be stored in four banks for quick recall, and a step sequence function is available in some FX to create dynamic real-time movement.

The RC-505mkll’s expanded connectivity and onboard audio processing allow performers to do more with less external gear. There are two XLR mic inputs and two mono/stereo line input pairs, plus an input mixer with two mic compressors and independent challenge EQs. Three stereo output pairs, a headphones output, and an output mixer are also available, complete with assignable routing options, and master reverb and compressor effects. In addition, the RC-505mkll’s panel faders have longer throw for more precise adjustments and rigid construction for a more solid feel.

Loaded with evolved features and customizable functions, the floor-based RC-600 Loop Station ushers in a new era of creative power for guitarists, singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and other looping musicians. Users can capture multiple mics and instruments with six stereo phrase tracks and take full command with nine freely assignable foot switches, three pedal modes, and deep external control support. There’s also a large, circular loop indicator and seven top-levels LCD screen variations to provide visual feedback on current operations.

With the RC-600’s 49 input FX and 53 Track FX types, users can process sounds before and after loop capture to bring color, variation, and excitement to performances. Included are versatile effects from the vast BOSS library, a guitar-to-bass simulator, and powerful vocal FX. The Track FX selections also include cool DJ-style effects like Beat Scatter, Vinyl Flick, and more. Up to four Input FX and Track FX can be used at once, and banks of four can be stored in each section for quick recall.

The RC-600 comes with the same connectivity and mixing features as the RC-505mkll, giving performers powerful and versatile tools for working with mics and instruments, mixing and monitoring sounds, and interfacing with other gear.
The BOSS 505mkll Station will be available in the U.S. in January 2022 for $599.99.

The BOSS RC-600 Loop Station will be available in the U.S. in December of this year for $599.99.

Panasonic Announces Agile I/O Feature for KAIROS Platform

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Panasonic logoPanasonic System Solutions Company North America (Panasonic) announced the development of Agile I/O, a new feature to its KAIROS IT/IP video processing platform to provide AV professionals with additional input and output capacity to create larger and more complex productions. Available in early 2022 as a free upgrade, the feature expands the platform’s capacity, unlocking more ways to enhance live productions with the same hardware.

Equipping customers with the power to bring unconstrained creativity to life, Panasonic provides a tailored solution with KAIROS that fully and seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and future technology to push the boundaries for immersive experiences. The new software upgrade will allow KAIROS to more efficiently utilize the 100Gb 2110 network and other Kairos Core inputs and outputs by better management of network bandwidth. This can provide users with additional sources for HD and 4K content and access to more connected sources in the multi-view.

“Whether it’s a three-camera production operated by a novice or an international media event crafted by an A-list technical director, today’s AV projects demand an all-purpose, easy-to-use live platform that’s flexible and easily integrates sources from anywhere, in any format, on any screen and without rigid hardware constraints,” said Mike Bergeron, senior category manager, production systems, Panasonic. “KAIROS and the new Agile I/O function are testaments to Panasonic’s commitment to becoming a true partner for production professionals operating at all levels. The future-proof system is designed to work with legacy solutions to capitalize on previous AV investments, and scale as needed to support technologies not yet imagined, all while enabling professionals to create memorable live productions for both live and remote audiences.”

The KAIROS next generation live production platform enables AV professionals to flexibly scale up-and-down deployments for any level of need or complexity by supporting seamless broadcasting on numerous devices and feeds, in any source, format, scale, screen and mix, aiming at no loss of quality. More than a switcher, the platform can also perform routing and screen management functions. With multiple screen layouts built through one simple interface, KAIROS helps AV professionals elevate experiences for both live and virtual productions.

Ideal for AV consultants, designers, and integrators, KAIROS offers a future-proofed, customizable solution that supports any type of large production scenario for markets such as house of worship and corporate. For churches, KAIROS elevates worship services by managing multiple displays and screens that show various views of the service to captivate both in-person and remote congregants alike. For corporate environments, KAIROS ensures natural real-time conversation during employee annual meetings with remarkable one-frame latency on premises by enabling AV source connections and screens across multiple meeting rooms, locations and even home offices.

Panasonic offers a variety of audio and visual solutions and services, including studio cameras, projectors, video walls, displays, microphones and engineering services that integrate with and support KAIROS to provide a holistic solution for AV professionals.

On November 4, at 1:00 pm ET, Panasonic is hosting a virtual event, “The Future of Video Switching & Processing,” which will explore the unique benefits of KAIROS, and preview the new Agile I/O software.

Nikon Announced NIKKOR Z DX High Power DX-Format Zoom Lens

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Nikon announced the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, the latest NIKKOR Z lens compatible with APS-C size (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless camera.

The NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a 7.8x high power zoom lens that is extremely compact and easy to carry, with a total length of approx. 3-6 inches (90mm) and weight of approx. 11.2 oz (315g). Its wide focal-length range makes the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from travel to daily snapshots and everything in between.

The lens achieves consistently high resolution regardless of focal length or shooting distance, making it a great choice for both still shooting and video recording. Its short minimum focus distance of 0.2m at the maximum wide-angle position lets users capture dynamic close-up shots such as shooting flowers or tabletop photography. The lens also realizes high vibration reduction (VR) performance with an effect equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed for more stable and sharp photos even during telephoto shooting or in low-light situations where vibration is likely to occur.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR:

  • Covers a focal-length range of 18mm to 140mm (27mm-120mm, 35mm angle of view equivalent), convenient for capturing stills and videos of a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
  • The short minimum focus distance of 0.2m (at max wide-angle) is optimum for close-up shots
  • The maximum reproduction ratio of 0.33x at the maximum telephoto position enables rendering of subjects in large size.
  • Equipped with an optical VR mechanism that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed
  • High resolution achieved consistently across the entire zoom range, from maximum aperture
  • Ideal for shooting video, with effective reduction fo shifting of focus when zooming in/out and shifting of angle of view when adjusting focus
  • Select functions can be assigned to the control ring for stills and video
  • Fast, precise and quiet AF operation is attained with the employment of an STM (stepping motor)
  • Designed with consideration for dust- and drip-resistant performance

The NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR telephoto zoom lens will be available starting in November (US) for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599.95.

Sony Electronics Unveils Shallow Depth of Field Camera

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Sony Electronics announced the HDC-F5500 system camera, the latest entry in Sony’s HDC camera series, which boasts a highly sensitive Super 35mm 4K CMOS global shutter image that enables shallow depth of field.

The new multi-format addition builds on the success and benefits of the industry standard HDC lineup and serves as a powerful tool for those in need of creative expression with a cinematic look, in a system camera form factor and workflow. Thanks to the global shutter effect to prevent rolling shutter distortion and flash band, and its high frame rate capability of 120fps, the HDC-F5500 is ideal for sports and live entertainment production. The camera’s high sensitivity and low noise also make it suitable for capturing dark scenes, which is especially beneficial for drama productions.

A first for a stylized S35mm system, the HDC-F5500 features a motorized 8-step ND filter adopted in Sony’s digital motion picture camera VENICE, which can be controlled locally or remotely, for increased operational flexibility. It also allows for the precise selection of focus depth as well as controlled capture of fast moving subjects even in bright lighting conditions. Another highlight of the new system is its wide color gamut. Support for BT.2020, S-Gamut3/S-Gamut3.cine and HLG enhance creativity and reality and match seamlessly with the color science driving Sony’s most in-demand cameras.

The new camera also provides numerous workflow enhancements for more efficient live production. The HDC-F5500 integrates with Sony’s IP Live production system through the use of the HDCU-5000 series, which supports SMPTE ST 2110 and AMWA NMOS standards. The HDC-F5500 can utilize the new IP extension adaptor HDCE-TX50 for remote production or multi-camera flight pack “CCU-Less” operation. The HDC-F5500 is also compatible with Sony’s existing SR Live for HDR workflow with HLG and S-Log3.

Additionally, the newly developed ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation) function, for select supported PL and zoom lenses, calibrates and compensates picture appearance when shooting at a distance.

Other features include a new viewfinder slide mechanism compatible with existing large viewfinders that minimizes the camera operator’s body movement while panning and allows for use in tight or challenging environments. The HDC-F5500 also has an ergonomic grip for handheld work, and a side tally lamp. 4K/12G-SDI direct output from the camera facilitates wireless operation and direct recording.

The HDC-5500 is planned to be available in December 2021.

Roland Announces SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector

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Roland announced the SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector, the latest generation model in the legendary SP compact sampler series. Since 2005, SP samplers have been the bona fide kings of performance-based betaking, celebrated for their distinctive sound and ability to create rapid-fire beats anywhere, anytime, Carefully refined through community feedback and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler.

It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, expressive new pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire new music.

The SP-404MKII has everything creators love about its predecessors – along with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. Beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, fast project loading, and sample import. Project access is also easier via 16 GB of internal storage, which comes preloaded with a huge collection of curated samples to inspire the creative process right away. Users can create beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, interface with mobile devices via USB, or collaborate with partners using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.

Sample editing is ultra-smooth with the SP404MKII’s OLED screen and zoomable waveform view. Users can chop up samples in real time or employ auto chop to slice samples automatically, then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift. The new resampling workflow provides the ability to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, it’s possible to capture inspired moments by recalling up to 25 seconds from the most recent performance.

The SP-404MKII features both legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. Legacy staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are complemented with powerful additions that include Lo-fi Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Users can also plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.

The enhanced sequencing features in the SP-404MKII provide the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback.

SP users are famous for personalizing their hardware to match their musical style and branding, and the SP-404MKII makes this process easier than ever. They can download a faceplate template to create custom overlays, style their startup screen with personalized logos, and select a screensaver that matches their creative vibe.

With the SP-404MKII App from Roland Cloud Manager, beat makers can take the SP experience even deeper with a Mac or Windows computer. This powerful app enhances workflow with a large sample waveform view, a pad matrix for sample and pattern management, easy import and export of files, and the ability to convert legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects to MKII format. Roland Cloud is also home to Beatmaker Sample Packs, an exclusive series of premium sample collections created by top sound designers and musicians to inspire productions on the SP-404MKII.

Panasonic Introduced New Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera Series for Content Creation

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Panasonic logoFrom conferences to church services, from live-event broadcasts to reality TV shows, the past year has seen a significant increase in productions produced remotely. To meet the professional video industry’s expanding need to produce content online and offline, Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America (Panasonic) is introducing a new line of integrated Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras that deliver superb image quality and efficient streaming for home office, corporate, education, and live content creation environment.

The company’s new integrated PTZ camera line-up consists of five new models. Three models [AW-UE40, AW-UE50 and AW-UE80} are compact, dome shaped and offer a new direct drive system for precise, accurate panning and zooming and to assure quiet operation (NC25 or lower), so they can be installed in virtually any video shooting situation. The new 4K models also combine a best-in-class 74.1-degree viewing angle and a 24X optical zoom to capture the entire space from the back of the room.

Outputs include 3G-SDI (UE80 and UE50 only), HDMI and IP for the flexibility to integrate with a variety of workflow infrastructures. In addition to RTMP and RTMPS streaming, the UE80/UE50/UE40 also support NDI | HX2 and SRT to assure stable and safe video streaming.

As the top-of-the-line model, the UE80 offers exclusive features including 4K 60p resolution; high bandwidth 100 Mpbs NDI for transmitting high-quality, low latency video; and FreeD protocol support for incorporating realistic virtual studio sets and elements into remote productions.

As professionals continue to work from home and find their web cameras to be insufficient for long-term use, the new AW-HE20 and AW-UE20 PTZ cameras offer an affordable solution for companies looking to support remote employees with high quality video streaming. Perfect for small offices, huddle rooms, and home offices. The HE20 features Full HD, while the UE20 supports 4K/30p providing users with options for HD or 4K picture quality. Sporting a new design, the HE20 and UE20 feature a wide 71-degree viewing angle, a 12x optical zoom and outputs include SDI, HDMI, USB and IP for increased compatibility in corporate and education environments.

Panasonic has also announced the release of the AV-UHS5M6G NDI I/F unit for the compact AV-UHS500 SDI/HDMI switcher. This new unit will enable the UHS500 12G/3G SDI switcher to support high quality, low latency video transmission of NDI and NDI | HX. It also provides direct IP connectivity to NDI enabled computers and video devices, reducing setup time and facilitating remote production of live video in temporary venues and other event spaces.

On Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 1pm ET, Panasonic is hosting a virtual event, “The Future of Remote Production,” which will preview its new line of 4K and HD SRT-enabled PTZ cameras and remote production accessories.

Roland Announces V-02HD MK II Streaming Video Mixer

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Roland announces the V-02HD MK II Streaming Video Mixer, a simple and affordable solution for bringing higher production values to computer-based live-streaming. Compact and easy to use, the V-02HD MK II allows users to connect and switch two high-quality HDMI cameras and send them directly to a favorite streaming platform over USB-C. It’s also possible to mix in audio sources via dedicated inputs and HDMI, apply video effects and transitions, and more.

From talk shows and live demonstrations to artistic performances and beyond, cameras that support HDMI output will elevate the image quality in livestreams and drive more audience engagement. They have much better lenses than any webcam and often have zoom capability to frame the perfect shot. Users can connect up to HDMI cameras to the V-02HD MK II and let Roland’s advanced tech handle all the details, eliminating USB conflicts with multiple webcams and HDMI-to-USB encoder adaptors. Other devices with HDMI output are also supported, including computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.

With its intuitive control layout and T-bar fader, the V-02HD MK II is very simple to operate. The USB connection is plug and play, ready for instant streaming with popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Zoom or advanced workflows such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, StreamYard, and Restream.

The V-02 MK II also include a 10-channel digital audio mixer with Roland’s legendary sound quality and control. There are two audio inputs with 3.5 mm jacks, and each support a microphone – including lavalier mics that require plug-in power – or stereo audio from a smartphone, mixer, or other device. Users can mix embedded stereo audio from HDMI sources as well, including microphones connected to cameras.

The V-02HD MK II supports hands-free control with up to two optional BOSS foot switches, a convenient feature for creators who perform or give demonstrations during streams. With a discrete off-camera stomp, it’s possible to switch camera angles, cut to a static image, transition scene layouts, fade picture-in-picture windows, and more.

Out of the box, the V-02HD MK II provides the dedicated controls needed to switch cameras and make basic adjustments to video and audio sources. But for users who want to dive deeper, there’s a world of advanced features and custom assignments to explore. Connecting an HDMI monitor provides a display for setting up a wide selection of audio and video effects, footswitch assignments, and more. And in one of Roland’s free remote control apps, users can operate the V-02HD MK II via an intuitive graphical interface on their iPad computer. (Remote control apps for macOS and Windows will be available in late 2021.)

The purchase of a V-02HD MK II also provides free access to Roland’s new AeroCaster Switcher for iPad, a powerful video and media expansion solution for select Roland hardware switchers. With this unique app, users can switch wireless feeds from up to five devices – including smartphone and tablet cameras and screen shares from computers and mobile devices – and then output a combined program to feed to the V-02HD MK II or another supported Roland switcher with HDMI input.