Newfangled Audio Sale – Through June 1, 2021

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The most recent Newfangled Audio Sale includes free updates and loyalty discounts. Save Big on Newfangled Audio Plug-ins. Through June 1, 2021!

Save 50% on Saturate (Loyalty pricing available)

Saturate is the perfect tool for adding so grit to an instrument or mix, either to transparently reduce the dynamic range, or to overdrive it and make it gel. Its unique detail preservation algorithm allows you to overdrive or clip individual source, or entire mixes, in a way that allows them to continue to sound clear and pleasant – and without losing the fine detail that you do with other clippers.

Generate

Take Chaos to the next level with Generate. Developed by Newfangled Audio, Generate is a marquee poly synth combining several revolutionary chaotic oscillators with all the features you’d expect in a first-class synthesizer. Create beautifully complex pads, warm moving keys, jittery sequenced basses, out-of-control leads, and ‘oh my God’ textures.

Elevate Bundle

Elevate is the most advanced mastering plug-in ever created. This unique multi-band limiter, human-ear EQ and powerful audio maximizer will increase the loudness of your mix while maintaining or improving its dynamic perception. It uses intelligent, adaptive technology that responds in real time to your music; creating not only the loudest, but the best sounding master.

The Bundle also features 3 additional plug-ins: EQuivocate, Saturate, and Punctuate.


Punctuate

Based on the Transient Emphasis section of the award winning Elevate Mastering Limber, Punctuate is a multi-band transient modulator plug-in based on the critical brands in the human ear. Punctuate’s intelligent algorithms allow you to control the transient emphasis or suppression of all 26 critical bands with just 4 controls. This makes for an incredibly powerful, but very easy to use, transient modulator.

EQuivocate

Perfect for mixing and mastering, EQuivocate’s auditory filters and match EQ functionality make it incredibly powerful, simple to use, and natural sounding. Equivocate uses filters which are modeled on the human ear. Each of the 26 critical bands tickles a different part of your inner ear, making any combination of settings sound as natural as possible. Combining this with a linear-phase filter shape that reduces pre-echo makes Equivocate an EQ with a difference you can hear.

iZotope Community Appreciation Bundle Includes 11 Products

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iZotope announced their Community Appreciation Bundle. It includes 11 plug-ins for $49. It is unclear how long this offer will last. All together, the Community Appreciation Bundle gets you over $1600 value for $49.

We’ve made it a tradition this time of year to create an affordable bundle that allows many people to get a taste of the tools iZotope makes for music creators, producers, and engineers.

This year, we are making it extra special with 11 products that cover everything from repair and editing, to mixing and mastering, and even some really fun creative tools.

The iZotope Community Appreciation Bundle includes:

  • Stutter Edit 2
  • Ozone Elements
  • RX Elements
  • Nectar Elements
  • Neutron Elements
  • Trash 2
  • Breaktweaker Expanded
  • R2 Exponential Audio
  • Phoenix Verb by Exponential Audio
  • Excalibur by Exponential Audio
  • Thousands of sounds and samples

Enter the HOFA Song Contest

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HOFA announced another HOFA Song Contest. There is a countdown on the HOFA website that shows you exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds there are before the contest starts!

The HOFA Song Contest is an International online competition for musicians and music producers. This is HOFA’s sixth time holding the contest. Convince the HOFA jury of your skills and collect votes in the online voting. There is no fee to participate!

The HOFA Song Contest is open to artists from every genre. HOFA will make your talent heard, provide you with a stage for your music – and offer the chance to win attractive cash and non-cash prizes with a total value of over €20,000.

This is a public contest, so your song will be heard by fans and music lovers from all over the world. As a participant, you can vote for other songs, registered guests can comment on your songs.

The contest will start on June 1, 2021, and will close on August 3, 2021. The end of the user voting period will be on August 24, 2021. The jury begins voting on August 3, 2021. The winners of this HOFA Song Contest will be announced on August 31, 2021.

The winner in each of the 6 main categories will receive €500 prize money. The main prize is donated by HOFA.

Other prizes come from:

  • Native Instruments: Komplete 13 Ultimate Collector’s Edition
  • Native Instruments: Maschine Mikko
  • Neuman Berlin: KH 80 DSP of Monitors
  • Celemony_: Melodyne 5 Studio
  • Teufel: Rockstar Air Bluetooth Speaker
  • AKG Harman: C451 B Condenser Microphone
  • SPL: SPL Phonitor One d Headphone Amplifier
  • ToonTrack: Superior Drummer
  • ToonTrack: Legacy of Rock SDX
  • Adam Audio: T8V Pair of Monitors
  • SHURE: SM7B Studio Microphone
  • Ableton: Ableton Live 11 Standard
  • Focusrite: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Audio Interface
  • Soundtoys: Soundtoys 5 Bundle
Sennheiser: HD 300 Pro Headphones
  • Loopmonsters: 2x Loopcloud Professional for 1 year
  • Novation: Launchkey 49 MK3
  • Beyerdynamic: DT 770 PRO Headphones
  • HOFA: 50x HOFA-College song analysis
  • HOFA: 300x €20 HOFA voucher

PreSonus MicroStation BT Provides Stereo Bluetooth Reception and More

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Compact, convenient, and stylish, the new PreSonus Microstation BT Bluetooth 5.0 stereo monitor controller receives audio from a phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth source and feeds it to your full-range powered speakers. The MicroStation BT can also be hardwired to a powered subwoofer to create 2.1 listening environment.

Quickly pair your Bluetooth-enabled device with the press of a button. A stereo 1/8-inch input enables hardwiring your audio source when you don’t want to use Bluetooth, and a Bluetooth On/Off button lets you toggle between Bluetooth and analog sources. Balanced left and right 1/4-inch TRS inputs route audio from pro audio hardware, such as an audio interface, to your speakers and subwoofer.

You can connect your favorite powered subwoofer using either the balanced 1/4-inch TRS or unbalanced RCA Subwoofer outputs. An 1/8-inch stereo headphone/aux output lets you connect headphones or send stereo audio for streaming, recording, and more.

Controlling the MicroStation BT’s features is fast and easy. A large, ergonomic Volume knob lets you simultaneously control the overall level of your speakers and subwoofer. A Sub Bypass button mutes the subwoofer feed so you can quickly toggle between your 2.1 system and just the full-range speakers. A main Mute button with an LED status indicator let you silence your speakers or headphones without stopping the tunes.

The PreSonus MicroStation BT is available now at your favorite PreSonus dealer for a U.S. street price of $129.95. For more information, please visit HERE.

Gibson Announced Peter Frampton “Phenix” Les Paul Custom VOS Guitar

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For the past 127 years, Gibson has been synonymous with creating and shaping sound. Gibson is celebrating the iconic models of the Golden Era while leaning into the future with inspiring instruments that nurture new players across generations, and genres of music. Gibson is celebrating the GRAMMY-winning guitarist Peter Frampton, who has been a signature Gibson and Epiphone artist for over two decades. The new Peter Frampton “Phenix” Les Paul Custom VOS guitar from Gibson Custom Ship is available worldwide now at Gibson.com.

“My brand-new Gibson Les Paul Custom VOS has arrived, and boy is it good,” says Peter Frampton. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the look and sound. Gibson has gone that extra mile in every area to make this feel and sound the closest to my original, storied Phenix Les Paul Custom guitar. The neck and weight of this mahogany guitar will amaze you at how great it feels and how light it is (and it’s even a hair lighter than the Phenix.) This is the real deal. Thank you, Gibson!”

Peter’s Les Paul Custom aka “Phenix” is the iconic guitar that is both heard on and graced the cover of the classic 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive!. The beloved and legendary guitar was long thought to be lost in a cargo plane crash in 1980, miraculously, the guitar survived the crash in the tail of the plane and 31 years later, it was returned to Frampton and nicknamed the “Phenix.”

Now the Gibson Custom Shop has teamed with Peter to perfectly recreate the Peter Frampton “Phenix” Les Paul Custom VOS which has all of the Les Paul Custom cosmetic appointments in place, including a weight-relieved, ultra-lightweight mahogany body, gold hardware and Grover tuners, Schaller Strap Locks, and three open coil Custom humbuckers. The Phenix’s special VOS finish gives the guitar the look of the vintage original, minus the dings and scars. The Phenix features custom wiring, a 3-way toggle switch controls the neck and bridge pickups, and they share a volume and tone control. The second set of volume and controls are connected to the middle pickup, it can be used with either (or both) of the other pickups and it can even be used by itself when the other pickups are toned down. The Peter Frampton “Phenix” Les Paul Custom guitar is not only iconic looking and great sounding, but it is a highly versatile guitar as well.

The “Phenix” is priced at $6,999.00.

Leica Releases New Universal Zoom Lens and Launches Two Lens-And-Camera Sets

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Leica Camera AG is expanding the Leica SL lens portfolio with another powerful zoom lens. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH is equally suited to reportage, travel, studio, architectural and landscape photography, as well as portraits, close-ups, and video productions. With its extensive focal range and consistently high light sensitivity of f/2.8, the new addition is the quintessence of a universal lens. Thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio, it also represents a perfect opportunity to upgrade to the SL-System. The two new lens-and-camera sets are also aimed specifically at newcomers to the SL-System, and are therefore very favorably priced.

The elaborate lens design, comprising 19 elements in 15 groups, ensures an outstanding optical performance. A total of three elements feature aspherical surfaces on both sides. Nine specialist-glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion provide excellent chromatic correction across the entire focal range. The internal focus is based on a single, light-weight lens element, and utilizes a quiet stepper motor to deliver a fast and precise autofocus. With it robust metal body and ingress protection against water spray and dust, the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH can even be used in harsh environmental conditions.

The compact dimensions of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASHP are made possible by the absence of in-lens optical image stabilization. When the lens is mounted on the SL2 or SL2-S, the camera’s suspended image sensor provides highly effective image stabilization. This applies equally to still photography and video recordings. The aperture of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASHP comprises of 11 blades – facilitating a harmonious, circular bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 18 centimeters from the sensor plane (at the shortest focal length) and 38 centimeters (at the longest focal length) ensures exceptionally high-quality images even when shooting at close range.

Sony Electronics Expands Functionality of Camera Remote SDK

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Sony Electronics Inc. has launched an update (Version 1.04) to its Camera Remote Software Development Kit (SDK) which extends the list of supported cameras to include the Alpha 1 and RXO II. The addition of these models opens many new opportunities for companies to utilize the industry leading technology in Sony’s cameras to develop tailored camera applications to improve their own workflow.

The Alpha 1 is particularly suited to content creation and the inspection industry due to its unprecedented combination of resolution and speed with Ethernet control. RXO II is ideal for 3D scanning and Photobooth usage, due to its ultra-compact body and high image quality made possible by its 1.0-type image sensor.

The latest update now means that up to 20 camera devices can be connected via USB, with the additional benefits of Ethernet connectivity that enable users to operate system over much greater distances.

“Since the launch of the SDK in February 2020, demand has been fantastic and we have engaged with the new B2B partners across the globe to take full advantage of the advanced capabilities of cameras such as the Alpha 75 III and Alpha 7R IV,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Improving the connectivity options for wired multi-camera solutions is crucial for applications in areas such as e-commerce and 3D scanning, and we will continue to evolve our offering to best support the needs of our customers.”

Camera Remote SDK allows users to control Sony’s cameras remotely from a computer, from changing the camera settings, to remote shutter release and live view monitoring. With this SDK, software developers can design customized applications tailored to business requirements, integrating Sony’s professional equipment for size-critical drone and speed camera systems as well as other medical, education, government, and e-commerce functions.

In addition to the existing support for Windows 8.1/10, ARM Linux and macOS, Version 1.04 of the SDK introduces support for x86 Linux, making integration easy for industry customers traditionally using x86 computers. Full details of the Camera Remote SDK, including case studies and the full list of compatible products, can be found HERE.

Charvel Releases the Angel Vivaldi Signature Pro-Mod DK 24-6 Nova

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Charvel released the highly-anticipated ANGEL VIVALDI SIGNATURE PRO-MOD DK24-6 NOVA.

Vivaldi’s otherworldly talent and flamboyant style have earned him a reputation as one of the most celebrated and prolific instrumentalist guitarists in modern times. Known for his love of 7-string guitars, the New Jersey native initially collaborated with Charvel on his DK24-7 Nova models. Now arrives a 6-string variant that possesses all the unique appointments and exquisite style fans have come to expect from Vivaldi.

“Like most guitarists I started out on a 6-string and wound up moving to 7-strings, almost exclusively in 2003, for the main purpose of eliminating the need to tune down or reset up my guitars”, explains Vivaldi. “However, as you grow and evolve and change as a musician, it’s also really important to maybe change and re-examine the gear you use in order to do so. Enter this devastatingly gorgeous instrument.”

Dressed to impress, the ANGEL VIVALDI SIGNATURE PRO-MOD DK24-6 NOVA comes in a divine Lucerne Aqua Firemist finish with color matched reverse licensed Fender Stratocaster headstock, unique cascading black dot inlays, gold pickup bobbins and gold hardware.

Its modified Dinky basswood body with scalloped lower back bout and sculpted shredder’s cut heal is paired with a bolt-on caramelized maple neck and fingerboard.

“I decided to roast the neck on this model for a number of reasons,” says Vivaldi. “First, to minimize the contraction and expansion of the wood so that it is a lot more stable, which is very helpful when you have a non-locking system. Secondly, to achieve this smoothness that you really only get after breaking the guitar in after many, many years of playing and lastly, because it’s just aesthetically beautiful against this finish.”

Similar to his previous models, the graphite-reinforced neck with scarf-joint has been custom-shaped to Vivaldi’s preference; a journey that was not a simple rinse and repeat from his 7-string Novas.

“When it came to the neck profile, I really had to reimagine it from scratch because one thing I learned is that doing a 6-string version of a 7-string profile, it just doesn’t translate like you think it would, mostly because the width to the thickness ratio has to be just right,” Vivaldi says. “I tried a bunch of different profiles and we created this incredible neck shape, which to me is the apex of what a 6-string really should feel like. It’s full, robust and fits seamlessly in the grasp of my hand, making it very comfortable to play and very ideal for alternative tunings.”

Vivaldi’s DK-24-6 Nova also has Luminlay side dots for fretboard guidance while on dark stages, and a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel for quick neck relief tweaks. The caramelized maple fingerboard has a 12”-16” compound radius, comfortable rolled edges, 24 jumbo frets and Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut.

The DiMarzio The Tone Zone bridge and DiMarzio Air Norton neck humbucking pickups combine for a perfect blend of power and tone, delivering unbelievably deep, full tones and rich harmonics come. Other premium modern features include a five-way blade pickup switch, dome-style knobs for the volume and tone controls, Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo bridge, locking tuners, and more.

Gibson Launched the Gibson Repair and Restoration Shop in Nashville

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Gibson announced the re-launch of the Gibson Repair & Restoration Shop, an in-house state-of-the-art repair and restoration facility in Nashville, TN. The Gibson Repair & Restoration Team (Gibson R&R) offers a highly skilled and trained staff of experienced luthiers and techs in our climate-controlled environment. Gibson R&R is fully equipped to perform all phases of guitar repair and restoration, from basic setups to full restorations of damaged or neglected vintage instruments.

Building on the brand’s extremely successful Virtual Guitar Tech Service, players will have the ability to schedule a free, live, virtual, video call with a Gibson R&R Tech to review, assess and estimate that work is needed on most models and styles of guitar. Gibson now offers virtual service, restoration, valuation, and certification and will even issue a new warranty on vintage guitars.

“We’ve been working on the re-launch of the Gibson Repair & Restoration Shop for 18 months and we’re excited to finally unveil it to the world,” says Cesar Gueikian, Brand President at Gibson Brands. “Gibson R&R has organized the most knowledgeable guitar experts and it’s the ultimate destination for all repairs, restorations, modifications, valuations, and certifications. If you own a Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer – or any other guitar – Gibson R&R is where you should send it. The Gibson R&R is the only shop that gives you the piece of mind that your guitars are getting the same level of expertise, craftsmanship and care that you’d expect from Gibson.”

The craftspeople at Gibson Repair & Restoration will guide you through the process of bringing your instrument back to life. Gibson R&R accepts most evaluates each situation individually and offers reliable time and cost estimates to address your instrument’s needs. After repair authorization is issued and your instrument is received, Gibson R&R will contact you for payment and make arrangements to get the instrument back in your hands. Gibson Virtual Repair & Restoration Service is that simple; schedule a consultation today, here.

Gibson Repair & Restoration Service fast facts:

  • Gibson R&R has free shipping and insurance, and offers packaging help if needed.
  • Gibson works with all types of guitar-like instruments from all brands. Gibson R&R has a dedicated customer service staff just for R&R questions.
  • Gibson R&R can fix most any issue you can have with your guitar, including:
  • Pro Set-Up – Acoustic or Electric
  • Fret Work – Fret dress to Plane & Refret
  • Structural Repairs – Body cracks, broken headstocks, etc.
  • Neck Resets
  • Custom Paint and Finishes
  • Full and Total Restorations

Roland Announces Three New Flagship V-Drum Kits

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Roland introduces featuring the next-generation TD50X sound module and digital pad configurations that include the groundbreaking new VH-14D digital hi-hat. The TD-50KV2 kit delivers the ultimate V-Drums experience with cage pads throughout, including a stage-ready, full-size kick drum.

The TD-50KV2 offers a more streamlined configuration with compact top and kick pads, making it a great choice for home playing, small stages, and anywhere that space is tight. The VAD 706 is the new top-of-the-line kit in the V-Drums Acoustic Design series, combining Roland’s best V-Drums technologies with the look and detail of premium-grade acoustic drums. Four elegant finish options are available for the full-size wood shells in the VAD706, including Gloss Natural, Gloss Cherry, Gloss Ebony, and Pearl White.

The TD-50X sound module at the heart of the TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits provide the most acoustic-like experience available in electronic drumming. Prismatic Sound Modeling technology makes drums come to life like no other system can, infusing multi-layer samples recorded in world class studios with sophisticated behavior modeling techniques refined over 20-plus years.

An unlimited array of sonic colors and rich overtones are produced with every stick hit, just like acoustic drums and cymbals. The player can feel the sound changing in relation to their expression, creating that magical, interactive bond that fully immerses them in the emotion of the moment.

The TD-50X module features over 900 sounds, including many new kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and cymbal selections. There are also 70 ready-to-play preset kits, all purposefully tuned for full, punchy, and dynamic sound. Users can make quick adjustments to tuning and muffling, or build kits from the ground up by selecting shell depths, drumhead types, cymbal characteristics, and more. PureAcoustic Ambience provides a wide variety of immersive playing spaces, and a massive selection of studio-grade processing tools are on hand to shape sounds to perfection.

The TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits also feature Roland’s breakthrough digital pad technology, which fully leverages the vast expressive potential made possible with Prismatic Sound Modeling. Multi-sensors in the PD-140DS snare, CY-18DR ride, and new VH-14D hi-hat pads workwith the lightning-fast processing in the TD-50X module to bring authentic acoustic nuance and detail to these core kit pieces. All playing techniques translate seamlessly, such as touching the ride to mute the sound or switching at will between head, rimshot, and cross stick playing on the snare. The VH-14D takes the electronic hi-hat to a new level of performance, offering touch sensitivity, tonal variation, and open/closed resolution never available until now.

Loaded with pro connectivity, the TD-50X module is ready to take on the practical needs of any playing situation. Stereo XLR master outs and eight TRS direct outs allow the player to send any drums they like to an audio console via balanced connections. And for computer-based music production, the TD-50X can send up to 32 channels of digital audio plus MIDI over USB for premium-quality transfer.