Valco Introduces Valco KGB Fuzz

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Valco introduced the multi-application fuzz powerhouse Valco KGB Fuzz. Designed specifically to work with K (keys, synths), G (guitar) and B (bass), the Valco KGB Fuzz is the multi-function/tone-sculpting fuzz machine missing from your rig.

The Variable Input Impedance works best with passive instruments (guitar/bass) and allows tone-sculpting with or without the fuzz circuit engaged.

Lower settings yield softer dynamics / transients with a notable ‘rounded/vintage’ feel and tone. Higher settings gives a sharper high frequency response with a more direct / aggressive feel and more perceived gain. This makes for a great ‘shaping” control, where you can tune the pedal for its best response to the pickups you are using and how you want them to react/feel.

Main Features:

  • Variable Input Impedance Selection
  • Multi-mode Silicon Fuzz, covering ‘Two Knob,’ ‘ToneBender’, ‘Muff’, and ‘Velcro’ fuzz styles
  • Blend fuzz / dry mix fader

I/O:

  • 1/4” Input
  • DryOut (permanent ‘thru’ dry signal -pre-imp selector)
  • 1/4’ Output

Controls:

Impedance Selector – changes the input impedance value, allowing you to change the tonality of the fuzz, dry signal, or any other pedal down the line. Recreates lower impedance sounds of vintage fuzz pedals. Allows you to alter/tune the transient/dynamic response of your guitar and signal path.

LINE / INST Switch – activates the Impedance Selector when set to ‘Inst’. In ‘Line’ position, impedance is fixed.

Blend Fader – controls the mix between your fuzz and dry signal. Fully up is 100% fuzz. Fully down is 100% clean but with the signal routed through the Impedance Selector.

FUZZ – controls the amount of Fuzz

TONE – controls the amount of tonal voicing. Tone is modified by the 4-position rotary switch, bypassed completely when the Voice is set to OFF.

LEVEL – controls the overall output volume of the Fuzz section/circuit. Increased output headroom so you’ll never go unheard!

VOICE – selects the fuzz voice.

Shure Announced Axient Digital Dual-Channel Portable Wireless Receiver

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SHURE announced the Axient digital dual-channel portable wireless receiver (ADX5D). It was designed for people who make their living on a sound stage, a sports arena, or wherever “on location” takes them.

Compatible with all AD series and ADX series transmitters, the Axient Digital ADX5D dual-channel wireless receiver delivers superior RF performance, spectral efficiency, and transparent audio quality in a portable, slot-in design. Sound and performance that the touring industry has adopted as industry standard is now available to audio professionals in film and broadcast. Wireless pinnacle. Now portable.

The dual-channel ADX5D portable wireless receiver sets a new standard in spectral efficiency. Groundbreaking performance features include wide tuning, low latency, and High Density (HD) mode, ensuring solid performance in the most challenging RF environment. As an Axient Digital ADX Series wireless receiver, the ADX5D features ShowLink Direct Mode the allows remote control of Axient Digital transmitters without the need of external equipment.

When purchasing separate wireless components, please match their frequency bands to ensure proper system operations.

Features include:

  • Dual-channel slot-in-form wireless receiver
  • Impeccable audio quality
  • Wide tuning range up to 184 MHz (region dependent)
  • High spectral efficiency due to advanced digital moderation scheme offers more wireless channels in available RF space
  • High Density (HD) mode provides even higher spectral efficiency (application dependent)
  • True digital diversity reception per channel for drop-out resistance and excellent range
  • Networked control with Wireless Workbench software and ShurePlus Channels app
  • 5-segment Channel Quality meters displays per-channel RF link quality
  • ADX series receiver with ShowLink Direct Mode allows remote control of Axient Digital transmitters without the need of external equipment
  • Aux 3.5mm audio output provide connection to headphones or to a balanced line level input
  • Accessory Mount with cold shoe adapter (sold separately)
  • Removable antennas with standard SMA connectors
  • High-resolution OLED display
  • USB-C port for firmware upgrades
  • Streamline user interface
  • Low latency, down to 2 milliseconds

BOSS Announced EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal

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Boss announced the EV-1-WL, the world’s first MIDI expression pedal with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The EV-1-WL provides wireless MIDI foot control for BOSS products like the EURUS GS-1, Waze-Air, and Katana-Air, music apps on mobile devices, and anything that can receive MIDI Control Change (CC) messages via Bluetooth MIDI.

USB and MIDI TRS jacks are also available for wired control of computer music software and standard MIDI devices. And with the free EV-1-WL Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, users can fully customize the pedal for their needs over Bluetooth.

The EV-1-WL is the ideal creative partner for the growing range of BOSS products and other music performance hardware with Bluetooth wireless support. It provides cable-free foot control for the synthesizer engine in the new EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, allowing players to operate pitch bend, filter, and other functions.

And with external foot switches connected, the EV-1-WL become a mini Bluetooth pedalboard for the was a-Air Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System and Katana-Air Guitar Amplifier, providing patch selection, wah/volume control, and more. In addition, the EV-1-WL can communicate wirelessly with a standard 5-pin MIDI device that has the Roland WM-1 Wireless MIDI Adaptor installed.

The EV-1-WL can also pair Bluetooth with Mac computers, smartphones, and tablets to interface with music ads that support remote operation with MIDI CC messages. The wireless connection brings easy real-time control to all types of applications from guitar amp simulators and effects to virtual instruments and music production software.

Over USB, the EV-1-WL functions as a plug-and-play MIDI controller for music software on Mac and Windows computers. The class-compliant interface means there are no drivers to install – just connect to the computer with a USB cable and configure the software as needed for external MIDI input.

With its space-saving TRS MIDI output, the EV-1-WL us a powerful accessory for all types of MIDI music hardware, from effect pedals and multi-effects processors to keyboards, drum machines, and beyond. It’s perfect for use with BOSS pedals equipped with TRS MIDI, including 200 series effects and the RC-5 and RC-500 Loop Stations. And with the BOSS BMIDI-5-35 adaptor cable, the EV-1-WL can connect to any device that has a standard 5-pin input jack.

The EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal will be available in the U.S. in October 2021 for $149.99.

Roland Drops ZENOLOGY FX Authentic Keyboard and Synthesizer Effects

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Roland introduced the ZENOLOGY FX Plug-in Effect, bringing more than 90 authentic effects to your DAW. Roland has delivered memorable, genre-defining sounds for nearly fifty years, and a big part of that sonic footprint is its unique approach to effects processing. The legendary swirling JUNO chorus, feedback-drenched tape echo, and other sounds that have left their mark on countless tracks over the decades — can now be added to any keyboard sound or instrument track to make music come alive.

While many of the processors in ZENOLOGY FX have vintage inspiration from legendary products like JUNO chorus, CE-1 stompbox and JD-800 synthesizer, use of them today through ZENOLOGY FX is thoroughly modern with a contemporary interface and simple controls for free-flowing creativity.

With ZENOLOGY FX, music makers can add delays to apps, larger-than-life modulation effects to chord progressions and twist and distort basses and lead tones the leap from the speakers. Delay add space without taking away presence and immediacy. Modulation effects include choruses, phasers, flangers, and more – and they work wonders on synths and other keyboards instruments.

ZENOLOGY FX also includes a menagerie of unique Roland effects to propel tracks into uncharted sonic territory. Explode the DJFX Looper and lo-fi effects from the SP-404, or color your sound with slicers, filters, overdrives, and other selections from the vast Roland effects legacy.

Panasonic Expands its Digital Wireless Microphone Ecosystem

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Panasonic logoPanasonic Systems Solutions Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, announced three new additions to its DECT Digital Wireless Microphone system. The three new products include a 4-channel wireless receiver, an expansion receiver and a personal lavalier microphone, which broaden the ecosystem to provide audio clarity for voice lift applications and easy system scalability at a reasonable price.

Panasonic’s new WX-SR204 4-channel wireless microphone receiver efficiently connects 4 wireless microphones with the same footprint as the current WX-SR202 1-channel receiver. Both receivers feature independent channel outputs and a mix output (which can be used simultaneously for hybrid virtual applications) as well as an audio input from an external source such as an emergency broadcast alert.

The new WX-SE200 Expansion Receiver allows a commercial integrator the ability to add up to 4 additional Panasonic wireless microphones to a 4-channel system by efficiently leveraging the antennas connected to the new WX-SR204.

Additionally, thanks to Panasonic’s distributed architecture, the receivers can be mounted in an equipment rack outside of the room(s) and antennas placed in each room, allowing for centralized deployment of wireless microphones to several rooms situated within proximity to each other.

To accommodate education institutions that wish to distribute personal lavalier microphones to each instructor, Panasonic is also introducing the WX-SM410 cardioid condenser lavalier microphones as a separate item. This lavalier microphone also ships as a set with the wireless bodypack. All new products are available to authorized resellers today.

Nikon Announced the Z fc Camera

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Nikon announced the Z fc, a DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic design and functionality. It’s the compact and lightweight everyday companion that evokes both the urge to create and to take the time to embrace the moment.

Featuring a heritage-inspired design, satisfying analog controls and craftsmanship that’s both unique and functional, the Z fc. Is built to be a thoroughly modern camera that’s simply a joy to use for everything from stunning street snaps, self-portraits, vlogging or 4K UHD video content.

Nikon has also announced two stylized lenses to complement the compact nature and aesthetic of the camera, plus additional NIKKOR Z lenses coming this year with a focus on small size and big performance.

“The Z fc is the kind of camera many have been waiting for, and that only Nikon could create. It’s exceptionally slim, yet offers superb image quality and features, with iconic styling and precise tactile controls. It’s a joy to carry and use for casual street photography, streaming, or just living in the here and now,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon, Inc. “It’s no coincidence that we are also announcing a variety of compact lenses alongside the camera to perfectly complement the iconic aesthetic.”

Fusion of Classic Design + Z Series Technology

The Z fc embraces both Nikon’s heritage and our future with the powerful Z mount to create something truly beautiful; it’s a distinctly designed camera that has the performance to keep pace, but also serves as a reminder to appreciate the moment.

An Iconic Design: Inspired by the popular Nikon FM2 film SLR, the camera affords shooting with analog tactile dials with satisfying clicks for precise control. The compact and lightweight camera a gives enthusiasts their creativity and go fully automatic or manual with mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.

Meticulously Crafted: The exterior of the camera is wrapped in a leather-lore material that offers an impeccably premium feel with a thoughtful blend of black and satin silver elements. It’s a familiar design that focuses on the harmony of style and functionality, with intricate details like carved aluminum dials, engraved lettering and a circular eyepiece surrounding the bright electronic viewfinder.

Explore New Angles: The Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD flips out to face the user and automatically adjusts for self-portraits, working on a tripod or holding at waist level for creative angles.

High Resolution: 20.9-MP CMOS sensor is paired with the EXPEED 6 engine to provide clean, professional quality videos and stills, even in low light. From a sunny hike or a twilight cityscape, users will appreciate exceptional clarity, magnificent color reproduction and minimal noise in nearly any situation.

Yamaha Introduces ProVisionaire Control/Touch V3.9.0 Released

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Yamaha released the ProVisionaire Control/Touch V3.9.0 It allows you to remotely control and monitor entire systems from a single panel. It has software applications that provide unified remote control of the entire systems.

Remotely control and monitor entire systems from a single panel

ProVisionaire Control and ProVisionaire Touch are software applications that provide unified remote control and monitoring of the entire systems. ProVisionaire Control supports Windows devices, and ProVisionaire Touch supports the iPad. A broad of devices are supported, including MTX/MTR processors, CL/QL/TF digital mixers, Rio I/O units, XMV power amplifier, and NEXO NXAMOMK2 powered TD controllers.

Custom control panels can be created by assigning necessary parameters to a single page. Pro Visionairre Control includes the ProVisionaire Monitoring Service, making it easy to monitor the status of system devices while alerts and other log data can be recorded to a computer.

Remotely control entire systems from a single panel

ProVisionaire can remotely control a wide range of Yamaha and Nexo equipments, including MTX/MRX series signal processors, CL/QL/TF series digital mixers, Rio series I/O boxes, XMV series power amplifiers, and Next NXAMPMK2 Powered TD Controllers from a single panel. With “External Event” function which is available MTX/MRX series, even other companies devices such as projectors, curtains, and lights can be controlled.

The system designer can specific which parameters from the available selection of products are to be included in the ProVisionaire designing, thus can create a fully customized control surface for the client. The ProVisionaire is a total control solution for the entire system.

Dante network for AV presentation / BGM / Paging system (Enterprise / Education / Hotel Banquet)

  • Aggregate in-house broadcasting and voice control for multiple areas in a MRXZ-D system, all managed with ProVisionaire Control.
  • Digital mixer for situations in which additional voice inputs and detailed operation are required for panel discussions, lectures, band performances, etc.
  • A single operator can monitor the CL5, QL5 and Rio3224-D2 from one computer running ProVisionaire Control.

Sony Electronics Introduces Interchangeable-Lens Vlog Camera ZV-E10

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Sony Electronics Inc. announced the first Alpha series interchangeable lens vlog camera, the new ZV-E10. Designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers, the new camera combines Sony’s advanced imaging technology with extensive usability and a custom-built feature set that is optimized for video creators.

At its core, the ZV-E10 features a 24.2-megapixels (approx, effective) APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine to produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and beautiful natural bokeh, Additionally, the ZV-E10 includes the acclaimed blogging-specific features favored in the ZV-1 digital camera including “Background Defocus” that can smoothly switch between a blurred (bokeh) and sharp background, as well as the “Product Showcase Setting” mode that allows the camera to automatically shift focus from the subject’s face to an object being highlighted.

The ZV-E10 features a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (approx. 12 oz. / 343g) and includes the popular side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen that allows creators to connect external mics on top of the camera. This simplifies setup while still allowing users to see the screen in selfie shooting mode and from high and low angles.

In addition to the screen, the ZV-E10 includes several other easy-to-use functions that are specifically designed for vlogging, including a new mode button located on the top of the camera that allows creators to easily change between Still/Movie/Slow and Quick modes with just one touch.

The new camera also includes advanced video features such as 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) video shooting and Slow Motion with high picture quality (FHD 120p). Electronic image stabilization with Active Mode is also available and delivers stable video recording even while walking and shooting hand-held. Further, the ZV-E10’s advanced AF (autofocus) technology provides fast, precise AF with excellent tracking performance, as well as high quality audio for clear sound recording.

Users can comfortably operate the new ZV-E10 thanks to its easy-to-hold body grip and large MOVIE button that is conveniently located on top of the camera. When paired with the optional Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander (GP-VPT2BT, sold separately), one-handed shooting is simplified with easy to access zoom, record and a customizable button. A recording lamp (tally light) is also provided on the front face of the body for an at-a-glance indication of recording status. A red frame on the LCD screen also appears while recording to quickly and easily lets the user know if recording is active when behind the camera.

A unique feature of the ZV-E10 is the zoom lever that can operate optical zoom with power zoom lenses and Clear Image zoom with both zoom and prime lenses. Using Clear Image zoom, the user can zoom without losing video resolution to maintain full 4K video. The user can also choose from eight zoom speed settings for added creative flexibility.

The ZV-E10 features long battery performance with enough power to capture up to 125 minutes or 440 images on a full charge so the user can record for long periods without worry.  When shooting indoors, AC power supplies like the optional AC-PW20AM can supply power, so the user can continue to record without worrying about battery consumption. Power can also be supplied through a USB Type-C connector, allowing external batteries to power the camera for extended battery life when shooting on the go. To conserve the camera’s battery, the ZV-E10’s Vari-angle LCD Screen allows the user to put the camera into Power save mode by closing it and instantly turn the camera on by opening the panel.

The new ZV-E10 will be available in black and white in the end of August for approximately $700.00 USD and $900.00 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

IK Multimedia Introduces AmpliTube X-GEAR Pedals

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IK Multimedia introduces the new AmpliTube X-GEAR pedals. Bring your perfect studio guitar sound onstage with the new AmpliTube X-GEAR pedals. Each boutique pedal features 16 different effects, drawn from the most popular AmpliTube models and all-new reverb and delay algorithms, accompanies by an exclusive virtual X-GEAR version of the exact same effects.

Use the virtual versions with AmpliTube 5 (SE version included) to record and tweak settings and save as presets on the matching X-GEAR pedal. Now you can move between studio and stage seamlessly, with world-class tone you can take anywhere.

AmpliTube X-Gear Overview:

  • Breakthrough software and hardware integration
  • State-of-the-art DSP in a road-worthy anodized aluminum chassis
  • 4 distinct effects pedals: distortion, modulation, delay and reverb
  • Each pedal packs 16 different algorithms and 50 factory presets
  • Includes exclusive virtual X-GEAR versions to use in AmpliTube 5
  • USB port for preset management and use as a recording interface
  • Full MIDI implementation including control over AmpliTube 5
  • Designed and made in Italy for a lifetime of playing and gigging

AmpliTube X-GEAR pedals cover the 4 realms of guitar effects processing. There’s X-Drive distortion and X-Vibe modulation, which offer a range of iconic, must-have analog pedal effects – all recreated with our finest algorithms ever.

Custom-created by the IK team just for these pedals, X-TIME delay and X-SPACE reverb feature cutting-edge, studio grade effects algorithms. All X-GEAR pedals share the same high-performance hardware and pioneering DSP for unsurpassed sound quality.

BOSS Unveils EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar

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BOSS announces the EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, an inspiring new instrument for modern guitarists. The EURUS concept presents a bold creative path for adventurous sonic explorers, expanding the traditional guitar experience with powerful and expressive BOSS technologies.

Born from this breakthrough approach, the EURUS GS-1 infuses a premium instrument premium instrument with advanced guitar synthesis technologies refined over more than four decades. The guitar also features onboard Bluetooth, allowing players to customize synth sounds and control multiple performance parameters with the convenience of wireless connectivity.

The EURUS GS-1 fully leverages BOSS’s vast expertise in guitar technology bring endless musical possibilities to forward-thinking players. Crafted in Japan with pro-quality details and components, the instrument provides smooth playability and top-quality sound for any guitar style. And with the flip of a switch, players can engage a polyphonic BOSS synth engine to access a stunning analog-flavored sounds to launch their music into a new dimension.

The synth engine of EURUS GS-1 delivers exceptional sonic quality and natural touch response realized through 40-plus years of BOSS guitar synthesizer development. The six onboard memories come filled with ready-to-play sounds, and there’s a synth control knob for hands-on dynamic expression. Every synth sound seamlessly responds to normal guitar techniques, with no latency or triggering issues to disturb the musical flow.

Using the free GS-1 Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, players can fully customize synth sounds over Bluetooth. May different synth types and variations are available for crafting sounds, along with tone, resonance, and other adjustable parameters. In addition, a range of target parameters can be assigned to the guitar’s synth control knob and favorite sound combinations and be saved for quick loading before performances.

The EURUS GS-1 has a stylish offset body design and a slim-profile, 24-fret neck with a compound radius fretboard for playing comfort. High-performance Gotoh hardware delivers smooth tremolo action and solid tuning stability with a two-point fulcrum bridge and staggered-height locking machine heads. Custom designed for the EURUS GS-1, the two humbucking pickups provide wide-range tone plus split-coil voicing at two stops of the five-way switch.

The newly released EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal is a powerful creative partner for the EURUS GS-1, bringing cable-free external control to the synth engine via Bluetooth. With the GS-1 Editor, parameters such as pitch bend, hold, filter depth, and more can be assigned to the EV-1-WL’s pedal, toe switch, and up to two external footswitches. Each sound can contain its own set of assignments, allowing players to preform octave bends on a synth lead, slow filter sweeps on a pad sound, and nearly anything else they can dream up.