DPA Microphones Introduces d:vice

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DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions. They have introduced the d:vice Digital Audio Interface. It enables professionals to record flawless mobile audio.

Journalists around the world are already using their smartphones to capture the news. It works fairly well because today’s phones are capable of taking high-quality pictures and videos. The component that is missing is high-quality audio. For news broadcasts, it is equally important to have audio quality that matches or exceeds the video for the message to be understood. This is exactly the challenge that the d:vice solves.

The d:vice MMA-A Digital Audio Interface is a high-quality, dual channel microphone preamplifier and A/D converter that captures crystal-clear audio via your favorite recording / broadcasting apps.

When used with a DPA microphone, the d:vice is able to capture or stream audio in quality previously only available in the studio. When it’s not possible to have an experienced sound engineer on site, the d:vice can act as a “mini sound engineer in your pocket”.

The d:vice Digital Audio Interface is a pocket-sized, easy-to-use recording tool. Connect it to your iPhone, or other iOS gear, and up to two DPA microphones, and you’re well on your way to capturing best-in-class audio outside the recording studio. In addition to being used for journalism, the d:vice is also being used to capture amazing sound on all types of instruments.

DPA Microphones has bundled the d:vice into specialized kits to make it easier for you to choose the solution that best supports your needs. Each kit contains a d:vice MMA-A unit and its cables as well as the right microphone(s) for your situation packaged together with useful clips and accessories as well.

https://youtu.be/CAzg7edLko0

Blue Microphones Introduces Satellite

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Blue Microphones has introduced Satellite, a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones with audiophile AMP. Satellite is part of Blue’s family of headphones.

For 20 years, the world’s greatest artists have used Blue in the studio. Now we’ve created a wireless over-ear headphone that lets you hear more of your favorite music, everywhere you go. Satellite combines legendary Blue sound quality with all-new patent pending active noise cancelling (ANC) technology to ensure you music is never compromised. Together with premium wireless technology and a built-in audiophile amp, Satellite is a new benchmark for the modern listening experience.

Satellite is the only wireless, noise-cancelling headphone that eliminates unwanted noise without compromising your music. Where traditional noise cancellation removes some of your music, Blue has a patent pending design that keeps your music safe on one pair of drivers while dedicating a separate pair to the ANC.

Features include:

  • Patent pending 4-driver system featuring 2 custom 44mm ultra-responsive Blue dynamic drivers for audio and 2 dedicated 30mm drivers for ANC
  • Built-in audiophile amplifies for rich, dynamic and detailed sound
  • Highest quality Bluetooth wireless technology
  • Onboard controls for intuitive operation
  • Sophisticated design for superior performance, sound isolation and comfort
  • Foldable construction for easy portability and storage
  • Battery life: up to 24 hours with Bluetooth only or 8 hours with Bluetooth, ANC and Amp
  • Satellite continues to play music with included 3-meter audio cable even with no battery charge

Gibson Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

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Variety reported that Gibson Brands Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 1, 2018, “with a turnaround plan that will give some of the company’s lender’s equity ownership of the long-running guitar and musical equipment company that has become synonymous with classic rock and roll.”

Chairman and CEO of Gibson Brands, Henry Juszkiewicz, posted about this on Gibson’s Facebook page. He started the post with “Dear Friends:”

Yesterday, we made a significant announcement that marks the next phase of Gibson’s long and storied history. We are re-focusing the Company on the manufacturing of world-class, iconic musical instruments and the continued development of the global Gibson brand, by reorganizing around its core business in the Musical Instruments segment. Gibson has reached a Restructuring Support Agreement with its majority stakeholders that clears the way for the continued financing and operations of the musical instrument business.

To implement the agreement, the Company filed today to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in Wilmington, Delaware. This will allow our Company to continue to design, build, sell and manufacture Gibson’s legendary guitars and instruments without interruption.

Gibson included some important facts to know about the Chapter 11 process:

  • Gibson Brands is not going out of business. The legal process is being used to implement a reorganization of the Musical Instruments division, not liquidation
  • The filings do not change pricing, inventory, ordering, or delivery timing of our guitars, musical instruments and Pro Audio equipment.
  • There will be no change to the quality of service and support our customers have come to expect from us.
  • There will be no changes to our warranty and customer service policies.

In addition, Gibson posted a tweet that said: “Gibson filed yesterday to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code. This does NOT mean Gibson is going out of business. It means it is reorganizing its business to focus on guitars and musical instruments and becoming a stronger company in the process.”

Gibson also tweeted: “Rest assured, there will be no changes to our warranty and return policies and we are still making, selling and shipping the world’s most iconic guitars. Our relationship with you is important to us and we’re excited for what the future holds.” The tweet ended with #onlyagibsonisgoodenough

Mevo Plus Lets You Livestream Like a Pro

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Mevo Plus transforms any event into a professional live production. Edit in real-time and live stream from anywhere. With Mevo Plus, you can go live to every major platform, including: Vimeo, Livestream, Facebook Live, Youtube Periscope and Twitter.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, Mevo Plus is like having a TV studio in your pocket. It is engineered to deliver a premium streaming experience, with dual antennas and the latest wireless technology for faster, stronger, performance.

With the live editing suite, you can make realtime edits right from your phone, or use autopilot mode to let Mevo’s advanced AI do the editing for you. Mevo Plus lets you broadcast live in Full HD 1080p to supported platforms or record in stunning 4K to the included Micro SD card. Mevo Plus now has precision 4K optics. It has a 150° all-glass lens and Sony 4K / 12MP CMOS sensor.

Mevo Plus has been re-engineered for superior performance. New 2×2 MIMO antennas improve data transmission speed and reduce network interference. Advanced 8.02.11 ac Wi-Fi chip and Bluetooth 4.1 delivers top of the line wireless connections.

You can now stay connected to Mevo Plus from over 100 ft. away, more than 5 times further than the first generation Mevo camera. (Connection distances are based on Mevo internal testing. Results can vary by environment and can be negatively impacted in noisy Wi-Fi environments.)

Mevo Plus has an LED light ring at the top. The LED light ring displays critical information and acts as a tally light. It glows red when you’re live and lights up on the left, right, or center so you know who’s in the shot.

Zoom Introduced the H1n Handy Recorder

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Zoom Introduces the H1n Handy Recorder. It is the ultimate take-anywhere recorder for every creator’s gear bag.

The H1n’s X/Y microphones capture high-quality stereo sound, supporting up to 24-bit audio at sampling rates of 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz in WAV and various MP3 formats. One-touch button controls make it simple to record songs, audio-for-film, lectures, podcasting, and more. And its new monochromatic 1.25” LCD display is easy to read even in the brightest lighting conditions.

The Zoom H1n comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab audio editing software. The H1n is battery-powered and offers up to 10 hours of recording time.

Features:

  • One-touch button controls
  • 1.25” monochrome LCD display
  • Intuitive menus for easy operation
  • Stereo X/Y 90° microphones handle up to 120 dB SPL
  • Stereo 1/8” Phone/Line Output jack with dedicated volume control
  • Limiter button for input signal up to 130 dB SPL
  • Playback Speed Control, Voice Emphasize Filter, and Stereo Bounce functions
  • Auto-Record, Pre-Record, and Self-Timer functions
  • Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
  • Tone generator for filmmaking use with DSLR and video cameras
  • Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
  • Micro USB port for data exchange to and from computer and use as an audio interface
  • Runs on only 2 standard AAA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or AC adaptor (AD-17)
  • Up to 10 hours of operation with alkaline batteries

CHAUVET Introduces STRIKE P38

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CHAUVET introduced STRIKE 38, which brings a new level of flexibility to its popular STRIKE series of multi-formatted blinder/strobe fixtures. The new STRIKE 38 is an IP65-rated single pod LED fixture that offers the intense output that’s become synonymous with the series, but thanks to its more compact size, it can be used in a wider variety of configurations than its predecessors.

Its smaller dimensions notwithstanding, the STRIKE P38 packs a powerful punch, thanks to its 90W warm white light source. The intensely bright fixture weighs in at a mere 3.8kg (8.4lbs) and measures 303 x 164 mm (11.93 x 10.27 x 7.25 in). Aside from enhancing the fixture’s versatility, its more compact size will also make it easier to rig.

With its warm white output and IP65 rating, STRIKE P38 can be used to create a welcoming immersive atmosphere at outdoor festivals as well as at arena concerts. The fixture’s emulated “amber-shift” warms the color temperature of the light as it dims to perfectly mimic incandescent lights.

The fixture’s 16-bit dimming control results in smooth seamless fades, and its adjustable Pulse Width Modulation makes the unit camera friendly for videoed performances. Featuring a Strobe Rate of 0 to 29 Hz and four Dim Modes, the STRIKE P38 is well suited for use in creating special effects on the fly.

KODAK Introduces Cinema Tools App

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KODAK introduced their new KODAK Cinema Tools app for iOS and Android. It includes essential tools for filmmakers that use celluloid in their projects. The app is free to download.

The KODAK Cinema Tools App provides essential film making tools for filmmakers that use celluloid film in their projects. The app features a film calculator and a depth of field calculator designed to simplify ongoing arithmetic. Additionally, the app provides access to an online contact directory and a list of labs to get film processed.

The Film Calculator tool eliminates the need for ongoing arithmetic. Use it to determine run time for any length of film in any format, including Super 8, 16, 35 and 65mm. Film length can be entered in feet or meters. It is easy, accurate, and at your fingertips whether you are on set or on location.

The Depth of Field Calculator tool helps you determine the settings you need to get the focus you want. For example, if you are using 35 mm film, and the subject is at 10 feet, your focal length is 50 mm, and your F-stop is 8 this app will calculate your near limit, hyperfocal distance and circle of confusion. Simply enter the values you know into the app and instantly have the answers you need to capture the image you envision.

The Depth of Field Calculator is designed to be used with any film format, including Super 8, 16, 35, and 65 mm. F-stops range from F1.4 – F22 with 1/3 stops included.

DynaMount Introduced the Echo-PT

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DynaMount introduced the Echo-PT at NAB 2018. Audio professionals can now have real-time control over their mic placement. DynaMount Echo-PT is the only pan/tilt system purpose built specifically for microphones, so you can hear every moment.

Its silent motion, IP control, weatherproof enclosure, and optional mic-mounted camera for remote monitoring allow it to meet the demanding needs of broadcasters and filmmakers.

Use one or more Echo-PT’s to:

  • Follow sounds of the action, crowd & performance as they change in real-time
  • Save positions and motion paths ahead of time for single-click control
  • Use fewer mics to cover a broad range of perspectives
  • Save time during setup; mic placement can be easily tweaked later
  • Optional mic-mounted camera lets you see exactly where the microphone is pointed

DynaMount is currently beta testing the DynaMount Echo-PT. Shipping is expected to begin in late 2018. Pre-order DynaMount Echo-PT now through the DynaMount website, and save $600.

Lectrosonics has Firmware Update for PDR Portable Digital Recorder

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Lectrosonics announced a new Firmware update, V2.0, for their acclaimed professional micro digital recorder, the PDR (Portable Digital Recorder).

Since its introduction a little over a year ago, the PDR’s highly compact size and professional quality sound has made it an ideal choice for a wide range of productions, from feature films to extreme sports and professional videography. The units tiny size and rounded shape make it unobtrusive and simple to place in garments and costumes, and easy to conceal when used as a “plant” microphone to capture environmental or location sound.

The new Version 2.0 Firmware Update incorporates a number of user suggestions, including the addition of iXML file header support, Filesystem protection, and an improved menu structure.

The new Update offers iXML Header Support, which allows for recordings to contain industry-standard iXML data in the file headers, enabling easy handling in typical editing software. And Filesystem Protection adds provisions to protect recorded data on the Micro SD card when users mount the card onto a computer.

The menu structure has also been updated with some items moved to submenus, including “Timecode…”, “SD Card…”, and “Settings…” which is designed to allow quicker and easier navigation for users.

Timecode can now be copied from the internal real time clock. Scene and take numbers can now be manually entered, and are embedded in the filenames and iXML headers of recordings. Take number automatically increments each time the record button is pressed.

The new PDR v.2.0 Update is downloadable for free from the PDR – Firmware page on the Lectrosonics website.

Sennheiser Revealed New 300 PRO Headphones and Headset Series

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Sennheiser revealed its New 300 Pro Headphones and Headsets Series. These products were designed to deliver the ultimate in comfort.

Whether its monitoring, camera operation or backstage communications – a comfortable pair of headphones are essential whenever you need to perform at your best while maintaining your focus for long hours. With the 300 PRO Series, Sennheiser launches new headphones and headsets designed with this demanding context in mind, fine-tuned with users to deliver when and where it matters.

Alongside outstanding comfort, the 300 PRO series offers precise sound reproduction. Available from August 2018, the new series includes the HD 300 PRO and HD 300 PROtect monitoring headphones as well as the HMD 300 PRO and single-sided HMD 301 PRO communications headsets.

Sennheiser’s acoustic engineers took their inspiration from the HD 250 Linear, a classic model that is still highly regarded amongst professionals today. Despite the difference in the ear cup shapes, the engineering team was able to get extremely close to precise, linear sound reproduction of the original model, thus placing the HD 300 PRO at the peak of Sennheiser’s monitoring headphone portfolio. The detailed, linear response makes the 300 PRO series ideal for music-makers, too.

The 300 PRO series’ detachable cables offer improved protection against handling noise, thanks to a small series of coils that acoustically decouple the cable from the headset. The series comes with a rugged, bendable and twistable headband and customized nameplates to feature a company logo on the ear cups. The new headset models also feature a noise-compensated, super-cardioid boom microphone for clear communications in loud production environments.

All HMD 300 PRO Headsets and HD 300 PROtect headphones have been fitted with Sennheiser’s ActiveGard technology, which protects the wearer’s hearing from sudden sound bursts without interrupting the audio signal – an added safety feature that differs from traditional acoustic shock clipping circuitry.