BOSS Introduced 200 Series Effect Pedals

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BOSS has introduced the 200 series effect pedals. This all-new stompbox lineup delivers premium sound and features in space-saving designs.

With the 200 series, BOSS introduces a new generation of pedals, delivering advanced sound and versatility in a streamlined footprint. The four models in the 200 series feature premium audio quality with 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit internal processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate, plus support for additional control via external switches, an expression pedal, or MIDI.

Grab-and-go controls and multi-function footswitches make operation fast and intuitive, while onboard memories allow users to store multiple setups for instant recall.

The DD-200 Digital Delay brings together sounds inherited from the flagship DD-500 into an even smaller package. Twelve modes offer delay colors from modern digital to classic analog, providing everything from basic echoes to rick ambient pads and everything in-between. There’s also an independent looper that’s always ready to use, plus a selectable carryover function for seamless transitions between memories.

The EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer is a precision tone-shaping tool for guitar, bass, and other instruments, offering two wide-ranging 10-band EQ channels and a graphic display that shows the current EQ curve at a glance. Channels can be configured for stereo, parallel, or series operation, and it’s possible to patch in external pedals for pre and post EQ shaping. The frequency centers of all 10 bands can also be set to three different types, optimizing performance for different applications.

The MD-200 Modulation provides an array of world-class mod effects in one small, convenient pedal. There are 12 modes to choose from, with direct panel access to rate, depth, and level plus up to three parameters tailored to each mode. Using the versatile insert function, players can patch in drive pedals and other effects for selectable pre or post processing.

The OD-200 Hybrid Drive brings next-level tone, feel, and flexibility to overdrive and distortion. Combining decades of BOSS tone expertise with innovative technologies, the OD-200 offers 12 unique modes, hybrid analog/digital circuitry, three-band EQ, and powerful pre and post boosts for detailed gain shaping. There’s also an advanced gate circuit built in, ideal for eliminating noise and adding tightness to high-gain drive tones.

Enter the HOFA Song Contest

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HOFA announced the 2019 HOFA Song Contest. The contest is live now. More than 800 musicians and producers uploaded their songs last year to present their music – and to get the chance to win great prizes.

HOFA is a German manufacturer of audio plugins and acoustic modules as well as a provider of audio engineering courses and a recording studio since 1988. The annual HOFA XMAS Mix Contest is now complemented by the Song Contest in the summer.

The HOFA Song Contest is for songwriters and producers. HOFA’s declared goal is the provision of a common platform and the promotion of outstanding talents.

Any solo artist, team, band, etc. can join in with a song of their own. Each participant can submit one track; remixes and coversongs excluded. Send us your song if you believe it’s a brilliant piece of songwriting and production. The participation is free!

In each of the six categories (genres) there is a main prize donated by HOFA. In addition, many attractive special prizes will be awarded (donated by HOFA’s partners). HOFA will also raffle 100 HOFA song analyses among the participants.

The genres are: Pop; Electronic Music; Hip-Hop, R’n’B & Soul; World & Miscellaneous; Rock & Heavy; and Traditional. Songs can be uploaded to the contest until August 5, 2019. From August 6, 2019, a jury listens to the songs and rates them. The announcement of the winners and awardees will be on September 2, 2019.

For more details, HOFA recommends you visit their HOFA Song Contest Facebook page.

Canon is Developing New CMOS Sensor

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Canon notes that the high demands of complex lighting and harsh environments require sensors capable of delivering high-dynamic range (HDR) and high-image quality in adverse temperature conditions. To answer this application need, Canon Inc., is pursuing development of the 3U3MRXSAAC, a 2.8 megapixel, 1/2.32-inch CMOS sensor ideal for HDR imaging.

The 3U3MRXSAAC CMOS, sensor being developed will be equipped with an HDR function that can achieve a wide range of 120 dB at low noise levels. This HDR function will reflect a greater ability to extract usable information even when there is a substantial difference between the lightest and darkest parts of an image. Even during normal drive operation, the sensor can achieve a dynamic range of 75 dB – greater than the sensors on many conventional digital cameras.

Additionally, the 3U3MRXSAAC CMOS sensor will also be capable of operating in environments with extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 105 degrees Celsius. Typically, in high-temperature conditions, the increase in dark current noise (noise that occurs due to heat, even when no light reaches the sensor) can affect the quality of the image.

However, the 3U3MRXSAAC CMOS sensor will be equipped with functionality that helps correct black levels (the luminance level of the darkest portion of an image) in real-time to help maintain high image quality.

With a diagonal size of 1/2.32 inches (7.75 mm), the 3U3MRXSAAC CMOS sensor will feature approximately 2.8 million effective pixels (1936 x 1456), a pixel size of 3.2 μm x 3.2 μm and a frame rate of up to 60 fps (30 fps during HDR drive operation). The sensor will be compatible with the MIPI CSI-2 interface used by consumer-oriented cameras for a wide variety of purposes.

Yamaha Introduced STORIA Acoustic-Electric Guitars

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Yamaha unveiled STORIA, a series of three acoustic-electric guitars that are as fashionable as they are enjoyable to play. Designed with beginning and potential players in mind, inviting their body contours, slim necks, comfortable string height, and smooth fingerboard edges, make them easy to pick up and play when inspiration arises, while at the same time their stylish color combinations make visual statements that enhance any living space.

STORIA Series guitars are more than simply attractive instruments for beginners, however. In addition to their appealing finishes, tasteful inlay work, and champaign gold turners, they feature suburb workmanship, solid tops, brass bridge pins, and Yamaha SRT passive undersaddle pickups, which provide a warm and natural-sounding acoustic tone when the guitars are amplified.

All three STORIA models have FS (Concert) body shapes with mahogany backs and sides, nato necks with walnut fingerboards, urea nuts and saddles, and 25” scale lengths. Complementary inside colors and sound hole inlays complete the designs.

STORIA I has a solid Sitka spruce top with an off-white semi-gloss finish and ivory body binding. The mahogany back and sides have a natural finish, the inside is light blue and the rosette is inlaid with ivory and mahogany. The guitar has a clear yet rich sound,

STORIA II has a solid mahogany top with a natural semi-gloss finish and a 3/16” (5mm) beveled edge. The mahogany back and sides also have a natural finish, the inside is ultramarine and the rosette is inlaid with ivory and abalone. The mahogany top, sides, and back give the guitar a warm yet well balanced sound.

STORIA III has a solid mahogany top with a chocolate-brown gloss finish and black body binding. The mahogany back and sides also have a chocolate-brown finish, the inside is wine red and the rosette has ivory, red wine, and black inlays. The mahogany top, sides, and back give the guitar a warm yet well-balanced sound.

All STORIA guitars include a one-month subscription to FourChords, a guitar-learning app for iOS and Android that offers chord charts, lyrics, backing tracks, tutorials and a tuner. STORIA guitars are priced at $653 (MSRP) and are available now.

Accusonus Introduces ERA 4 De-Esser Pro

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Accusonus introduced the ERA 4 De-Esser Pro. It is a sophisticated, yet fast and easy to use de-essing plug-in. It offers precision-grade de-essing and customizable audio repair functionality. Based on the multi-patented accusonus algorithms, De-Esser Pro simply works and allows for efficient sibilance removal from audio recordings.

Don’t let those sharp esses pierce your eardrums. Harsh sibilance can be very annoying in both dialogue and vocal recordings. Getting rid of those noisy high-frequency consonants can be a complicated, time-consuming task. This is why we developed an easy-to-use, fast and powerful tool that requires minimum effort but offers great results.

In most cases, all you’ll have to do is tweak the large white knob until those sharp and shrill esses are gone. But ERA D-Esser Pro offers some extra controls to give you the granularity you need to really dive in and fine-tune the settings for when you’re fixing up a really bad recording.

Features include:

  • FOCUS control: Fine tune the engine processing by spotting problematic frequency region, without affecting any other frequencies.
  • FOCUS range audition button: Preview the selected FOCUS range without any processing applied onto it. This way you can spot any problematic region much easier.
  • SHAPING control: Another parameter to fine tune the processing. Moving the slider toward SHARP side, a more steep curve is applied onto the sibilance region, leading to a tighter result.
  • DIFF button: Listen to what is being removed from your recording during processing.
  • Real-time Processing Display (waveform view): Visualize any detected sibilance.

Celebrate Make Music Day with iZotope’s Music Essentials Bundle

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You can celebrate Make Music Day with the iZotope Music Essentials Bundle. It is a $713 value, but is on sale for $49 USD through July 8, 2019.

In honor of Make Music Day we want to arm music-makers with great tools at an affordable price – while also giving back. For a limited time, we’re offering a special bundle with RX Elements, Neutron Elements, Nectar Elements, Ozone Elements, Trash 2, DDLY and Mobius Filter for only $49.

We’ll be donating a portion of the proceeds to three music-based charities: Last Night a DJ Saved My life, Women’s Audio Mission, and Musicians Without Borders.

iZotope Music Essentials Bundle includes:

  • NEW Neutron Elements ($129 MSRP)
  • Nectar Elements ($129 MSRP)
  • Ozone Elements ($129 MSRP)
  • RX Elements ($129 MSRP)
  • Trash 2 ($99 MSRP)
  • Mobius Filter ($49 MSRP)
  • DDLY ($49 MSRP)

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life strives to connect the global dance music community with charitable action in support of children in crisis.

Women’s Audio Mission is a California-based nonprofit organization that uses the only professional recording studio in the world built and run by women to attract over 2,000 underserved women and girls every year to creative technology studies.

Musicians Without Borders is the world’s pioneer in using music for peace building and social change.

Accusonus Introduces ERA 4 Bundle

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Accusonus introduced the new ERA 4 Bundle. It comes in Standard, with single knob tools for fast audio repair, or Pro, with advanced audio repair for professionals.

Multi-patented next-generation audio repair tools that offer both fast and high-quality audio processing. As a professional in post or music production, you deal with impossible deadlines. Our smart tools will help you save tons of studio time by doing most of the work for you. Get access to the fastest repair technology that allows you to:

  • Remove unwanted background noise such as computer fans, air-conditioners, electric hum & hiss or other sonic artifacts
  • Reduce excessive reverb and bring your sound into focus
  • Fixes unnatural plosive thumps (such as “p”, “t” and “b”)
  • Smooth out audio problems caused by excessive sibilance consonants (such as “s”, “t”, “z”, “ch”, “j” and “sh”)
  • Fix digital audio clipping that results from over-saturation and usually sounds like a harsh distortion
  • Fix gain inconsistencies and normalize the volume levels of speech or dialogue recordings in seconds

At the time I am writing this blog post, the ERA 4 Bundle: Standard is on sale for $199 (regular $354). The sale is valid until July 31, 2019. ERA 4 Bundle: Pro is on sale for $349 (regular $952). That sale is also valid until July 31, 2019.

ERA 4 Bundle: Standard includes:

  • ERA 4 Noise Remover – New in v4: Hum/Buzz Control
  • ERA 4 Reverb Remover
  • ERA 4 De-Esser – New in v4: Difference audition & Real-time Processing Display
  • ERA 4 Plosive Remover – New in v4: Difference audition & Real-time Processing Display
  • ERA 4 Voice Leveler
  • ERA 4 D-Clipper

ERA 4 Bundle: Pro includes:

  • ERA-D – Pro only
  • ERA 4 De-Esser Pro – New! Pro only
  • ERA 4 Noise Remover – New in v4: Hum/Buzz Control
  • ERA 4 Reverb Remover
  • ERA 4 De-Esser – New in v4: Difference audition & Real-time Processing Display
  • ERA 4 Plosive Remover – New in v4: Difference audition & Real-time Processing Display
  • ERA 4 Voice Leveler
  • ERA 4 D-Clipper

What’s New in iZotope’s Neutron 3?

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Neutron 3 was recently launched by iZotope. It has some new things in it that can speed up your workflow and transform the way you mix. You can demo the new features in Neutron 3 for free for 10 days.

Neutron 3 brings your mix workflow into the 21st century, allowing you to use its 8 module plug-ins across your session, independent of the mothership. Easily build your own signal chain alongside your favorite audio plug-ins for the ultimate mixing experience – faster, even better sounding plug-ins in whatever configuration you like.

Here is some of what’s new in Neutron 3:

Mix Assistant is available in Neutron 4 Advanced. It gives you a solid starting point for your mix, so you don’t get lost tweaking levels. It listens to your track and provides suggested gain levels for all tracks in your session, automatically grouping tracks by instrument and a focus element of your choice. From there, you can adjust each group to get a roughly balanced mix, whether your working with 100 tracks or 10.

Sculptor is like having a per-band army of compressors and EQs working tirelessly to shape your track. It even talks to Track Enhance with Mix Assistant, (iZotope’s AI-powered mixing processor that helps pick a custom starting point for a track, or an initial level mix) to identify the instrument you’re working with and give real time feedback to shape the sound of your track.

Masking Meter is all grown up. With a convenient one-window display and smoother metering – which allows you to simultaneously boost and cut to carve space across two competing tracks – Masking Meter is now even better at helping you find and fix elements of your mix.

Coffin Presented the Frost Bite Fuzz Effects Pedal

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Coffin presented The Frost Bite Fuzz effects pedal. It was created in collaboration with boutique pedal maker Christopher Cozort of Haunted Labs. The Frost Bite Fuzz is Coffin’s first new effects pedal in over 10 years. At the time I am writing this blog post, it is on sale for $179.99 (regular $199.99).

Evoking an ice wrath in a flurry of blinding snow, the Frost Bite features a unique custom silicon fuzz circuit and three rugged knobs (Tone, Fuzz, and Level) designed to forge a versatile and otherworldly range of sounds. Capable of conjuring up all the classic fuzz tone you crave, the Frost Bite can also summon unusual character… turn the fuzz knob down for a cutting, clean boost, or crank it up to 11 for a furious blizzard of howling fuzz…

Frost Bite Pedals are engineered and manufactured in the USA, using the finest components available, with exclusive artwork created by artist Martha Wirkijowski and inspired by a frozen nightmare.

Entombed in a durable aluminum housing with a traditional low-profile form factor, the Frost Bite delivers a vortex of apocalyptic fuzz tone without crowding your pedal board. The Frost Bite also features true bypass switching and can be powered by a standard 9V DC adapter.

Features include:

  • Unique custom silicon fuzz circuit
  • Designed and manufactured in the USA
  • Three rugged knobs (Tone, Fuzz, Level)
  • True Bypass Switching
  • Powered by standard 9V DC adapter (no battery compartment)
  • ~2.5mA draw

Fujifilm will Release Neopan 100 Acros II Black and White Film

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Fujifilm announced that it will resume sales of black and white films starting this fall. The announcement is in the form of a press release in the Fujifilm Japan website. I don’t speak or read Japanese, so I ran the press release through Google Translate.

The press release was from President of Fujifilm Corporation Kenji Sono. He pointed out that Fujifilm achieves ultra-high image quality with world-class graininess and three-dimensional tone reproduction, that is suitable for shooting in a wide range of fields.

He was referring to a new black and white film called Neopan 100 Acros II, which they plan to release in the fall of 2019. It is going to be released in two types: 35mm size and brownie size. The 100 Acros II film is the successor of Fujifilm’s Neopan 100 Acros black and white film.

The Neopan 100 Acros II is an ultra-high-quality black-and-white film with ISO 100 sensitivity, with the world’s highest level of graininess, three-dimensional tone reproduction, and excellent sharpness. It is suitable for shooting in a wide range of fields, such as product photos and architecture photos, as well as long-exposure celestial and night shot photographs.

Fujifilm terminated sales of black and white film last fall due to a decrease in demand for it and the difficulty in obtaining raw materials essential for production. However, Fujifilm explains, film enthusiasts and young people prefer the unique texture of the film. Many asked for the sales of Fujifilm’s black and white film to continue.

Neopan Acros II is made possible because Fujifilm researched substitutes for raw materials that became difficult to obtain. It also radically reexamined the manufacturing process to match the new raw materials.