Strymon Introduces Magneto “Interstellar Space Machine”



Strymon introduced the Magneto four head d’tape echo. It is described at the “Interstellar Space Machine”. With Magneto, you can create expansive soundscapes and evolving, otherworldly tones.

Packed with powerful features while maintaining intuitive playability, Magneto is a stereo multi-head tape delay that also functions as a looper, phrase sampler, vintage spring reverb unit, phase-aligned clock multiplier, chaotic oscillator, zero latency sub-oscillator and more, with extensive CV I/O.

Use Magneto to turn simple monophonic signals into complex orchestrations. Create new oscillator tones using self-oscillation. Add rich stereo dimension to your sound, and enjoy the inherent warmth and sweet, subtle distortion characteristics of magnetic tape. Magneto transforms even the smallest rack into a fully expressive, immersive instrument.

Every function, control, gain stage, and signal path component in Magneto works together to respond musically and smoothly, even during the wildest live modular improvisations. All this is combined with a luxurious spring reverb to take the sound of your modular setup to a new level, and your sonic explorations into far-out territories.

Features include:

  • Tape-voiced delay with four playback heads and one record head
  • Processor-intense d’Tape algorithm delivers meticulously nuanced recreations of vintage tape echo systems
  • Three operational modes: Echo, Sound On Sound Looper, Phrase Sampler
  • Varispeed algorithm with dynamic machine mechanics, 8:1 speed range
  • Input record level for clean reproduction to warm, fat saturation
  • Self-oscillating for tone regeneration
  • Independent Spring Reverb


Hughes & Kettner Introduce Era 2 Acoustic Amplifier



Hughes & Kettner have introduced the era 2. It is the second amplifier in Hughes & Kettner’s era acoustic series.

Alongside extraordinary acoustic power, era 2 gives you richly detailed definition for peerless authenticity and tonal brilliance, plus a bunch of remarkably innovative and intuitive features to make every performance better.

Built in Germany to the highest quality standards, era 2’s extra bass and low-end make it the perfect choice for players who require serious volume and bass for performance purposes.

Highlights include:

  • Painstakingly selected, top-drawer components
  • Excellent preamps
  • Premium-quality AD/DA converters
  • Custom-made power amp with a massive 400 watts of headroom
  • Two fully featured, identical channels
  • Independent FX engine for each channel with 16 programs
  • Very effective Preshape and Mode buttons to voice channels to suit different instruments and vocal registers
  • Only slightly larger than conventional 60-watt acoustic combos

Technical Data includes:

  • Power Amp – 400 watts
  • Dimensions (WxHxD) – 350x475x290mm
  • Weight – 14,10 kg / 31.1 lbs (wood), 14,45 kg / 31,9 lbs. (black)
  • Tilt Stand (Included) – 25°/ 35°
  • Pole Mount – 35mm
  • Protective Cover (Included) – Padded


Panasonic Introduced LUMIX GH5s C4K Mirrorless Camera



Panasonic has introduced the new LUMIX GH5s C4K mirrorless camera. It is a professional grade camera that offers over 29 LUMIX and LEICA compact lens options built in the next-generation (ILC) interchangeable lens camera standard [Micro Four Thirds] pioneered by Panasonic.

It’s “mirrorless” design enables the high performance, durability, mobility and low light gathering needed for professional cinematic and anamorphic 4K video production. The LUMIX GH5s comes installed with HDR Hybrid Log Gamma and Panasonic’s V-logL along with professional grade exposure tools like: Time Code sync, Waveform, Vector Scopes and programable Zebra patters.

The LUMIX GH5s supports important recording features like 14bit RAW for stills, dual native ISO, Panasonic XLR mic Adaptor support, and the return of multi-aspect capture.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is estimated to ship in Feburary-March.

Features:

  • 10.2MP high-sensitivity MOS sensor with multi-aspect and dual native ISO (400 & 2,500) with a range from 160 – 51,200; extendable to 80 – 204,800.
  • Unlimited in-camera recording of C4K: 60p50p 8-bit, 30p25p24p 4:2:2 10-bit, 4K: 60p50p 4:2:0 8-bit; 1080p up to 240fps and C4K 60p VFR
  • 4K anamorphic professional video production interchangeable lens camera system with high performance, durability, and mobility
  • TC In/Out/Synchro Terminal (via included BNC cable), 3.5mm Mic Jack with Line Input, 3.5mm headphone jack 2.5mm remote socket, HDMI Type A Socket, USB-C 3.1 Socket
  • Dual SD Card slots (UHS-II U3 Compatible), V-LogL pre-installed, and 4K HDR hybrid log gamma support

Universal Audio Introduces Arrow



Universal Audio has introduced Arrow – the world’s first Thunderbolt 3-powered desktop recording audio interface for Mac and Windows. It delivers class-leading audio conversion, two Unison mic preamps, and a suite of onboard UAD plug-ins for album-quality results.

This compact 2×4 interface starts with esteemed UA conversion derived from UA’s flagship Apollo interface range, to sonically outperform anything in its class. With its Unison technology and built-in UAD-2 SOLO Core processor, you can record through classic audio tools including the 610 Tube Preamp, LA-2A and 1176 compressors, and a genuine Marshall Plexi amp plug-in – at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio buffer setting.

Features:

  • Record with class-leading A/D and D/A conversion – as heard on hundreds of hit records
  • Mix with included UAD plug-ins like the Teletronix LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec, EQs and more.
  • Track with near-zero latency though mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Marshall, Fender, and more using Unison technology
  • Create on-the-go with a sonically superior, bus-powered interface with rugged all-metal construction


Electro-Voice ELX200 Series Does More and Weighs Less



Electro-Voice has designed and engineered leading-edge sound reinforcement solutions for 91 years. Their products empower the performer, exceed the expectations of the audio professional and elevate the audience experience. Electro-Voice has introduced the ELX200.

The ELX200 series offers professional Electro-Voice audio quality, precision control, and robust, EV-engineered components in an ultra-lightweight package. It does more and weighs less – a truly potent blend of performance and portability.

You can get an ELX200 in a size that suits your needs. All models are available in powered and passive versions.

ELX200-10P – 10”

ELX200-12P – 12”

ELX200-15P – 15”


IK Multimedia Introduces iRig Acoustic Stage



IK Multimedia has introduced the iRig Acoustic Stage. It is the new hi-tech solution for accurately reproducing the full sound of acoustic guitars and other instruments with studio-quality sound live on stage and in the studio.

The combination of its advanced MEMS microphone and hi-quality preamp and DSP processing unit provides – for the first time ever – a break-through solution that offers high-quality natural sound, advanced features, ease of installation, and a convenience never seen before.

The iRig Acoustic Stage is a patented, revolutionary digital microphone system that makes your guitar sound exactly as if it was captured with a classic recording studio setup, giving you full rich studio-quality sound on the stage.

It is a compact acoustic microphone and advanced digital preamplifier and processing unit that recreates a studio microphone set-up providing you with all of the true character and tonal nuance of your acoustic in live playing situations. Simply clip the iRig Acoustic Stage’s microphone to the sound hole, attach it to the iRig Acoustic Stage pre-amplifier processor, then connect the preamp to your amplifier or mixer.

iRig Acoustic Stage also features a “Cancel Feedback” button that gets rid of annoying frequency feedback during performance.

Features:

  • Advanced MEMS microphone clips on to sound hole
  • Preamp/DSP unit
  • Dramatically improves your live acoustic sound
  • 1/4” AUX input with volume for piezo, magnetic pickups or other onboard electronics
  • 1/4” Output with level control for amplifier or PA system
  • USB audio out for recording on a computer or mobile device
  • Cancel Feedback with multiple frequency feedback cancelling
  • 6 tone presets
  • Personal instrument calibration
  • Works on any acoustic, acoustic electric or ukelele with round sound hole
  • Phase switch for optimizing dual source sound

Enter the Spire “New Year New Gear” Sweepstakes



The Spire “New Year New Gear” sweepstakes is sponsored by iZotope. You must enter by January 31, 2018. The sweepstakes is giving away over $1,300 of new gear.

There are two ways to enter the “New Year New Gear” sweepstakes. The first is to purchase a Spire Studio by January 31, 2017.

The other way is to sign up for the Spire Newsletter mailing list. To do that, you need to enter your email address into the box on the sweepstakes website. The newsletters will include tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your songwriting in 2018.

Those who enter the sweepstakes, by either of those two methods, will be automatically entered to win the “New Year New Gear” prize packages worth over $1,300.

Grand Prize ($800 value) – Fender Classic ’50s Stratocaster with gig bag.

Second Prize ($400 value) – Traveler CL-3EQ Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with gig bag

Third Prize ($168 value) – Kala Pacific Walnut Series Concert Ukulele with gig bag

As always, anyone who enters a sweepstakes should take the time to read the Terms & Conditions. Here are a few things to be aware of:

  • The Terms & Services call it the “Spire Sweepstakes”.
  • The Spire Sweepstakes ends on January 31, 2018, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time).
  • The sweepstakes is open to legal residents who are 18 years of age or older. It appears the Terms & Conditions are talking about legal residents of the United States and Canada.
  • The winners of the sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible Etnries received through the Promotion Period.
  • The winner will be notified by email at the email address provided in the Entry Information on February 15, 2018.

3 Legged Thing Brings Supersized QR11-FB Universal L-Bracket to CES 2018



3 Legged Thing is an innovative British Tripod maker. They are the winner of the Lucie Technical Award’s 2017 Tripod of the Year award. 3 Legged Thing announced QR11-FBC and QR11-FBG, a larger Universal L-Bracket for full sized and gripped cameras at CES 2018.

Following the phenomenal success of their QR11-FB L Universal L-Bracket, released in July 2017, 3 Legged Thing has announced two new supersized models suitable for use with full-sized cameras, and cameras with battery grips attached.

The QR11-FB Universal L-Bracket was launched at CES 2018. The QR11-FBC and QR11-FBG will be available to view for the duration of CES 2018.

Designed to make the switch from landscape to portrait quick and easy, and crucially, retain the sensor position for better continuity and streamlined workflow, 3 Legged Thing’s QR11-FB Universal L-Bracket is a quick release plate with a 110mm working base which is compatible with standard Arca Swiss style clamps and heads.

The QR11-FB comes with triangular pads, designed to tessellate and provide as much surface contact as possible on the baseplate, which translates to a more secure connection.

The QR11-FB Universal L-Bracket has a 126mm vertical aspect, and thanks to the additional 1/4”-20 threaded hole, allows for the addition of accessories such as monitors and microphones and other standard 1/4”-20 fittings.

It also comes with dual strap connectors, for compatibility with all standard camera straps and specialist connectors, and is the only sling strap compatible L-Bracket in the world.

The vertical aspect has an opening which may also allow access to the cable or battery doors, depending on the camera design. The QR11-FB will be available in two color options: Copper and Metallic Slate Grey, similar to the existing standard-sized QR11-L.

The QR11-FB Universal L-Bracket has a suggested retail price of £59.99 / $ 59.99. and will be available from January 30, 2018.


StreamTV Networks Ultra-D 3D Glasses-Free Display at CES 2018



StreamTV Networks is a Philadelphia based new media company. Their mission is to enable consumer media experiences by advancing the evolution of display technology from a flat 2D world to an immersive one made possible in 3D without glasses. You can experience award-winning glasses-free Ultra-D 3D at CES 2018.

ShowStoppers is the global leader in producing press and business events in the United States, Europe and Asia for more than 23 years. CES 2018 is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). CES is the global stage for innovation. CES 2018 takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 9 – January 13, 2018.

Stream TV Networks will show their award-winning Ultra-D 3D glasses/goggles free display featuring 16 million pixels at CES ShowStoppers. Ultra-D is the only technology poised to take full advantage of hi-res panels now available from the world’s leading panel makers. With Ultra-D, more pixels means more depth – a value-add that consumers can really appreciate.

ShowStoppers will be at CES 2018 in the Central Hall booth #10939.


Toontrack Released The Rock Foundry SDX



Toontrack was founded in 1999 and is located in Sweden. Toontrack designs tools for musicians, songwriters and producers. Their products inspire, streamline your workflow, and give your sound a world-class end result. Toontrack released The Rock Foundry SDX.

The Rock Foundry SDX features 65 GB of raw, unprocessed drum sounds recorded by the most notable, influential, and sought-after engineer/producer of our time: Bob Rock.

The Rock Foundry SDX was recorded at Bob Rock’s studio The Warehouse in Vancouver, BC, and designed to give you the most flexible selection of drums, ambiences, and options possible.

It’s configured as two individual SDXs, one “Main” and one “Mono”. The “Main” features six kits captured with a traditional multiple microphone technology whereas the “Mono” configuration was recorded using a minimal setup. In addition to the seven individual kits, a large selection of extra snares, kicks, and cymbals are provided, making The Rock Foundry SDX an incredibly broad pallet of raw material to use to craft drum mixes within the powerful framework of Superior Drummer 3. (Note: The Rock Foundry SDX requires Superior Drummer 3.)

Features:

  • Seven individual kits plus alternative configurations
  • Recorded by Bob Rock at The Warehouse in Vancouver, BC
  • Ludwig, Ayotte, Gretch, Dunnett, Yahama among the brands covered
  • Six hi-hats, six ride cymbals, 15 crash cymbals
  • Mix presets by Bob Rock included
  • A basic selection of custom MIDI drum grooves included