Sony Electronics Introduces the New FE 70-200 F2.8 GM OSS II

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Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sony’s G Master design.

Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightest F2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world and allows for unprecedented shooting freedom and flexibility. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha system with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the aperture is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without color bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens’ advanced optical design including an XA element thoroughly suppresses the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x. Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II can be easily paired with Sony’s high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter to extend the lens’ focal length to 400mmiv at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II’s optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II’s state-of-the-art lens technology brings out the best in the advanced camera body it is paired with. The new lens uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinary fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately four times faster and with focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous model. When paired with Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Superb AF tracking is also available even when using a teleconverter. For video, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II offers smooth and quiet AF to reliably lock in focus and track fast-moving subjects, even while zooming, so the user can leave the focusing to the camera.

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II will be available in December for approximately $2,800.00 USD and $3,500.00 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Audio-Technica Partners with Hungry For Music

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Japanese equipment manufacturer Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 50 years, is celebrating one million sales of its iconic AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone by donating one million yen to Hungry for Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children. Since 1994, Hungry for Music has provided thousands of musical instruments to children in 32 countries who might otherwise have been unable to participate in music lessons and programs.

The donation by A-T is a fitting one, as the AT2020 cardioid condenser was the first side-address microphone affordably priced to provide professional-quality sound for all – greatly expanding access to the technology of sound creation and ushering in a golden age for the home studio. And in the two decades since, creators of all stripes – musicians, streamers, podcasters, et. al. – have depended on, and been smitten by, the clean articulation and intelligibility of the microphone’s sound, its rugged design, and reliable performance as it brought so many artistic visions into life.

“For nearly 20 years, the AT2020 has been a springboard for creators everywhere,” notes Audio-Technica U.S. President and CEO Manabu Aoki. “With our donation to Hungry for Music, we hope to provide a similar boost to the creative expression of disadvantaged youth. By eliminating the economic barriers to learning an instrument, Hungry for Music makes it possible for more children to share in the joy of music-making, and we’re proud to support the organization in those efforts.”

In addition to the donation, A-T is celebrating the success of the AT2020 by giving away one exclusive 24-karat gold-plated version of the microphone in each of its global sales areas. Residents of the U.S. and Canada 18 years of age and older are invited to register for the giveaway on the company’s website.

HOFA Announced the HOFA SYSTEM ALL Bundle

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HOFA announced the HOFA SYSTEM ALL Bundle. It’s time to create your own channel strips & FX. HOFA SYSTEM ALL Bundle offers you 32 high-end plugins, that you can use in your DAW or connect them with each other in the revolutionary SYSTEM environment.

The HOFA SYSTEM:

  •  For mixing, mastering, and sound design
  • With premium dynamics, EQs, reverbs, FX, modulation and saturation effects and utilities
  • Intuitive and fast workflow for multiband, mid/side, parallel and dual mono routings
  • All plugins can be used as inserts and within HOFA SYSTEM

Save 57% with the new SYSTEM ALL Bundle. The HOFA SYSTEM with all plugins now only EUR 169.90. (The regular price is EUR 400.00). You receive 29 plugins immediately, including: SYSTEM basic + AlgoVerb + EQ-Dynamic +MixBox + PhaserChorusFlanger + Saturate.

In January 2022, you will get these 3 new premium plugins for free: Convolution reverb + transient shaper + mastering limiter.

It has never been easier or faster to change the signal flow of your plugin chain. You can use multiband, mid/side, parallel and dual mono tools anywhere – just drag and drop the plugins around. You want to use an equalizer only on the side signal? Or saturate the signal above 200 Hz? No problem, SYSTEM can do that in no time.

You are looking for a certain sound or a new inspiration? No worries! More than 300 carefully selected pieces not only provide you with a starting point for your own creations – they will also sound great! You can add presets to your existing effect chain via drag’n’drop and thus easily create your own individual high end channelstrip.

Fujifilm X100V Compact Digital Camera Wins Bronze IDEA Award

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Fujifilm Corporation is pleased to announce that its premium compact digital camera FUJIFILM X100V has won the Bronze Award in the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2021, organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). The ultra-short-throw projector FUJIFILM Projector Z8000 and the instant camera “instax SQUARE SQ1 has been chosen as the finalists.

The IDEA is an international design award program established 1980 by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). It is considered as one of the world’s three major design awards alongside Germany’s “iF Design Award” and “Red Dot Design Award.” The IDEA carries out evaluation of entries based on strictly defined criteria including design innovation, user benefits and social impact, and presents Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

The development of a variety of products and services, Fujifilm pursues functionally and performance, while also striving to achieve design that takes maximum advantage of functional excellence. In the latest IDEA Awards 2021, the company has one Bronze Award with its premium compact digital camera X100V out of some 1,600 entries submitted from around the world.

Fujifilm has won the Awards for three straight years, following the win with the portable X-ray system CALNEO Zair (Bronze) in 2019 and the wins in the ultra-short-throw-projector FUJIFILM PROJECTOR Z500 and image-stabilized binoculars FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-X 1440 (both Gold) in 2020.

In addition to creating beautiful external designs, Fujifilm is working to create new product value by developing designs that realize simple and comfortable operability and portability.

Premium compact digital camera “FUJIFILM X100V”

The FUJIFILM X100V is a premium compact digital camera that combines the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans CMOS4” sensor and the high-speed image processing engine “X-Processor 4” with Fujifilm’s proprietary color-reproduction technology to enable capturing high-quality stills and videos in “memory colors,” vivid colors exactly as people remember.

The camera features the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, allowing users to instantaneously switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF) in pursuit for the traditional photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder.” The use of the tilting rear LCD monitor and dials on the top plate enables intuitive operability and gives the camera body the sophisticated design that exudes functional beauty.

Fender and Lexus Partner to Release Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster Guitar

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Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s (FMIC) Fender Custom Shop (FCS) today announced the launch of a limited edition Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster guitar, the newest custom-built piece from Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn. Chosen for their passion for bold design, intuitive technology, and Takami craftsmanship, Fender’s alliance with Lexus brings to life the Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster. Fender Custom Shop will be releasing 100 team-built Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster guitars globally.

The Stratocaster guitar includes an omnidirectional Structural Blue finish, a spectral range that produces light metallic blue to deep midnight blue that was originally inspired by the Morpho butterfly. The paint on the Stratocaster guitar is the same paint that was used on the Lexus LC 500 coupe and convertible Inspiration Series, of which only 200 total vehicles were produced for the US. Structural blue paint brings to life the rich curvature of the LC 500 body, and now the guitar body. The paint does not contain any blue material – it looks blue only because of the interference of light. Layers of colorless materials come together to generate the ultimate color, hence the name “structural”.

The neck is fashioned from beautiful 3A flame maple and finished high-gloss urethane, imparting a hint of Fender woodworking tradition in contrast with the instrument’s other advanced visual elements. The fingerboard is made of deep-blue polished Richlite, a composite material known for its tonal properties, structural stability, and resistance to wear and moisture, used by the Fender Custom Shop for the first time. The fingerboard has a flatter 12” radius and 22 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets. On darkened stages, the white Luminlay fingerboard inlays glow in vivid blue.

Additionally, the fasteners on the pickguard are black button head machine screws that create a clean automotive appearance, while the pickups are Fender’s latest version of our Noiseless Single Coils, another first for the Fender Custom Shop. To top it off, the headstock face is finished in Structural Blue with a chrome Fender logo while the custom case is wrapped in carbon fiber textured vinyl, with black leather ends and the Lexus logo embroidered inside the lid.

When we saw the first iteration of this Stratocaster, we couldn’t believe how well it matched the original LC 500 Inspiration Series,” said Vinay Shahani, Vice President of Lexus Marketing. “It’s amazing to see this partnership come together based on our respective brands’ mutual admiration for one another. Seeing our Structural Blue color represented in this Stratocaster guitar illustrates endless possibilities of creativity, and we’re honored to have been a part of this creation.”

Every day, the Fender Custom Shop’s esteemed Master Builders are challenged to build guitars and basses with no boundaries. To match Lexus’s sound systems configuration, Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn included custom machined brushed aluminum knobs to match the Mark Levinson stereo knobs, while reducing the quantity from three typically found on a Stratocaster guitar to two — Master Volume and Master Tone. The fretboard is a polished deep blue Richlite, a material new to the Fender Custom Shop and selected exclusively for this build given the similar components it has with Lexus vehicles.

“As a deep car enthusiast, this was a fun project to build off. We went bold with the technical specs to make this model a living Lexus guitar. I can’t wait to see how everyone rocks out to it,” added Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn. 

Line 6 and Steinberg Partner to Offer Helix Recording Bundle

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Line 6 and Steinberg have partnered to offer the Helix Recording Bundle. The offer is valid until February 28, 2022. Anyone purchasing a new Line 6 Helix amp and effects processor will receive Steinberg Cubase Elements music production software (valued at $99.99 USD, MSRP) and the Line 6 Helix Native plugin (valued at $399.99 USD, MSRP) at no additional charge. Eligible Helix processors include Helix Floor, Helix LT, Helix Rack, and Helix Control.

Helix amp and effects processors set the standard for sonic quality and ease of use when crafting authentic sounding and feeling tones. Cubase Elements offers tools for intuitive songwriting, virtual instruments to develop musical ideas, and essential studio-grade effects. And Helix Native brings the power of Helix to Cubase (or any other digital audio workstation).

To claim your free software, you must register your Helix amp and effects processor and upload your proof of purchase on the Line 6 website. Once approved, your Cubase Elements and Helix Native licenses will be deposited into your Line 6 account. Please allow up to two working days for activation.

Helix Amp and Effects Processors

Helix amp and effects processors set the standard for sonic quality and ease of use when crafting authentic sounding and feeling tones. Powered by dual SHARC processors and utilizing award-winning HX modeling technology, Line 6 flagship Helix processors also feature intuitive user interfaces that replace complex menu diving with familiar interaction.

Cubase Elements

Cubase Elements is your personal music studio, incorporating professional workflows as used by countless artists, engineers, and producers worldwide. Using the same technology platform as its larger siblings in the Cubase family, Cubase Elements offers tools for intuitive song-writing, virtual instruments to develop musical ideas, and essential studio-grade effects.

Helix Native

Helix Native brings the power of Helix to any digital audio workstation. Helix Native features the authentic sounds of vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects – but its also an open-ended sound design tool that will inspire anyone seeking exciting new sounds.

Canon Introduces Virtual Reality Through a New Lens

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Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced its first product designed to empower the next generation of immersive storytellers. The new RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens brings stereoscopic 3D virtual reality (VR) capture to the EOS R5 camera as part of the EOS VR System, which also includes a future firmware update for the EOS R5 camera to support use of this lens with new VR shooting specific functions, as well as new upcoming Canon EOS VR software solutions for conversion and processing.

As the world’s first digital interchangeable dual fisheye lens capable of shooting stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery to a single image sensor the complexities of virtual reality production and the ability to view the content in full capacity, are greatly streamlined for seasoned professionals and newcomers to the craft. In order to truly experience the captured content by this system in its truest form, a compatible VR headset is recommended for use such as Oculus Quest 2, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves int the content – by simply moving their head to provide a vivid, incredibly wide view.

The RF5.2mmF2.8 L Dual Fisheye features high-quality L-series optics engineered with an interpupillary distance of 60mm for delivery of 3D imagery in VR with natural parallax closely resembling human vision when viewed through a compatible headset. With a 190 degree field of view captured from two separate optical systems they deliver outstanding results for 180° VR viewing platforms.

With subwavelength coating technology offering impressive flare control in backlit conditions, VR creators can have freedom to shoot regardless of the time of day, or position of the sun. The dual fisheye design provides versatile exposure control with a maximum aperture of a bright f/2.8 to a deep depth of field of f/16 with electronically controlled apertures allowing the dual fisheye lens to operate like other RF mount lenses. Between the dust and water-resistant sealing and fluorine coating of the lens and the robust build of the EOS R5 camera, this System delivers peace of mind even in challenging weather conditions. Canon’s free Camera Connect app and Canon’s EOS Utility program both will be updated in the future to offer remote-control live view functionality for monitoring purposes while on-the-go.

he EOS VR System’s convenient workflow is a standout feature. Accomplished by recording left and right fisheye images to a single full-frame image sensor, this design helps to solve common VR challenges of stitching and synching, by outputting one single image file. Canon is currently developing two paid subscription-based software solutions as available options for completing the post-production process. Canon’s EOS VR Utility will offer the ability to convert clips from dual fisheye image to equirectangular and make quick edits, as well as select the resolution and file format before export. With the EOS VR Plug-In for Adobe® Premiere® Pro, creators will be able to automatically convert footage to equirectangular, and cut, color, and add new dimension to stories with Adobe Creative Cloud® apps, including Premiere Pro.

Compact, lightweight, and portable, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye is easily packed in a camera bag to help the creator tell unlimited virtual reality stories.

The Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens is scheduled to be available in late December 2021 for an estimated retail price of $1,999.00. In addition to the lens, both of Canon’s EOS VR Software solutions (EOS VR Utility and the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro) are currently scheduled to be available in late December 2021.

Eventide Introduces TriceraChorus Pedal

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Eventide introduced the TriceraChorus pedal. It was inspired by the Tri-Stereo Chorus and stompbox choruses of the 1970s and early 1980s. The TriceraChorus pedal pairs rich Bucket Brigade-style chorusing with Eventide’s legendary MicroPitch detuning for a lushness that rivals the jungles the late Cretaceous Period.

TriceraChorus features three hours voices and three unique chorus effects which can be used to create a wide stereo spread with pulsing waves of modulation. The innovative “Swirl” foot switch adds psychedelic flanging, phasing, and Univibe-style tones. It has never been easier to dial in syrupy smooth, deep modulation on guitar, bass, synths, strings, vocals and more.

TriceraChorus has three chorus voices: Left, Center, and Right, which can be detuned to add even more depth. A three-phase LFO modulates the delay times for these voices, producing a dazzling movement across the stereo field. The combination of the three modulated delays creates a huge wash of chorus reminiscent of that big, dreamy ‘80s sound.

Like the mighty three-horned dinosaur, TriceraChorus is a powerhouse of chorus offering three effect types complemented by detuning and Swirl. For a quintessential vintage chorus sound, set TriceraChours to “Chorus” mode. If you need something with more complexity and movement, “Chorale” produces lush, heavenly choruses inspired by classic rackmount Tri-chorus units. For a more warbly, pulsing effect, try “Vibrato”. Add detune for subtle pitch shifting sweetness. Engage the “Swirl” foot switch to get lost in a whirlpool of kaleidoscopic sound.

More Features:

  • Five presets loaded at your feet with dozens more available with Eventide Device Manager (EDM) software
  • Dual-action Active Footswitch is latching or momentary
  •  Real panel Guitar/Line Level switch for matching levels with guitars, synths, FX loop or DAW interface
  • Map any combination of parameters to an expression pedal
  •  Use a single aux switch to tap Rate or a triple aux switch for easy preset changing (up/down/load)
  •  MIDI capability over TRS (with MIDI to TRS cable or converter box) or USB (with MIDI-host controllers)
  •  Multiple Bypass options: Buffered, Relay, DSP+FX or Kill dry
  •  Catch-up mode helps dial in your sound when toggling between presets/parameters
  • Eventide Device Manager PC or Mac application for software updates, system settings and creating/saving presets.

Fujifilm Launches Mirrorless Digital Camera FUJIFILM GFX50S

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Fujifilm is pleased to announce that the FUJIFILM GFX50S II will be released in late September 2021 as the latest addition to the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras incorporating the large-format sensor approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor.

The GFX50S II is equipped with the 51.4MP image sensor and the powerful in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism in a compact and lighthearted body weighing approximately 900g, Its high-performance AF, based on the use of a high-speed image processing engine, gives the camera a excellent mobility.

The GFX50S II is a mirrorless digital camera that allows more people to enjoy the photographic world of ultra-high image quality, achieved by the large-format sensor’s rich tonality and ability to render the background out of focus beautifully.

Fujifilm released the FUJIFILM GFX 50S in 2017 as the first model in the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras and has since expanded the lineup to pioneer a market for mirrorless digital cameras using a image sensor larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. The GFX Series has won high acclaim for its image quality and mobility from professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

The latest GFX50S II, to be released this time, in a mirrorless digital camera equipped with the 51.4MP sensor in a compact and lightweight body weighing approximately 900g. It has a larger light-relieving area per pixel than digital cameras with the 35mm full-frame sensor, producing rich tonality and clear images with minimal noise even in low-light conditions.

Combination of its high resolution capabilities of capturing the finest detail and beautiful bokeh achieved with the ability to deliver a shallow depth of field creates three-dimensional definitions on the subject.

The camera has a powerful five-axis IBIS mechanism that provides up to 6.5 stops of anti-shake advantage to compensate for camera shake during hand-held shooting and minimize motion blur in low light or in settings where a tripod cannot be used. The use of the high-speed image processing engine “X-processor 4” and the latest algorithm adds extra performance to AF, attaining focus on the subject quickly and accurately.

The GFX50S II is a mirrorless digital camera of excellent mobility with an image sensor larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor, rewriting the previous standards for digital cameras. When mounted with a compact and lightweight kit lens FUJINON Lens GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR, the camera produces superior-quality images in a broad range of shooting situations.

Jackson Introduces X-Series Soloist Guitar

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Jackson introduces X-Series Soloist Guitar. Distinctive and affordable, Jackson’s X Series Soloist models are built for speed and comfort! The X Series Soloist SLX DX Camo is a venerable double-cutaway workhorse that offers many fine features desired by today’s shredders.

This soloist model features an ergonomically curved poplar body and through-body maple neck with reinforcement for rock-solid stability and tilt-back scarf joint headstock for reduced playing fatigue. Hosting 24 jumbo frets, its 12”- 16” compound radius bound laurel fingerboard curves more dramatically at the nut for easy chording and flattens out as it approaches the neck joint for low-action bends without fretting out.

Active Jackson covered high-output humbucking pickups power this metal beast with an expansive voice load with crunchy, full-bodied tone ideal for brazen lead work or assertive rhythms runs. Tone is fully customizable with three-way pickup blade switching and single volume and tone controls, while a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge system provides superior string stability and dynamic tremolo action.

Battle-ready, the X Series Soloist SLX DX Came is dressed in Multi-Color Camo or Winter Camo with matching camo pointy headstock and black hardware.