Archive
IK Multimedia announces T-RackS 5 – the most powerful mixing and mastering modular system for Mac/PC
 September 14, 2017 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce T-RackS 5, a cutting-edge mixing and mastering system for Mac® and PC will be available in October 2017 and is now open for pre-order. T-RackS 5 is the most powerful mix and master modular system ever, offering maximum versatility with 4 all-new processors for a total of 38 high-quality modules on a flexible 16 processor series/parallel chain, an unrivaled audio engine, a complete broadcast-ready professional metering section, a new completely redesigned, resizable interface as well as an album assembly section with multi-format export.  IK Multimedia created T-RackS in 1999 and has been leading the way, evolving and expanding the collection while setting an industry standard and crafting some of the world’s best-sounding plug-ins for professional applications. It’s no coincidence that thousands of top-charting records have been made using T-RackS. Now T-RackS 5 has been re-mastered to be more powerful than ever before providing everything necessary to take raw mixes to a perfect finished product ready for digital delivery or CD printing. A growing collection The Master Match module is a new type of plug-in that automatically matches the sound of a mix with up to 3 other reference tracks using highly sophisticated algorithms. Thanks to this new powerful module, it’s easy to create great sounding masters without the need for any previous audio engineering experience or specialized skills. Based on an iconic American coveted piece of hardware, the new Dyna-Mu vari-mu compressor/limiter is praised for its subtle but instantly recognizable sonic fingerprint. Thanks to its transformers and all-tube modeled heart, it can impart an audible magic which glues all the parts of a mix together. The new EQual digital equalizer is a 10-band, ultra-clear, high-end parametric equalizer with an extremely transparent sound, a full-screen resizable interface for ultra-precise editing and a vast array of filter shapes that replicate the typical curves of legendary British and American analog EQ’s. This “hybrid monster” offers the best of both worlds: digital precision with ultra-detailed editing and on-demand analog character. Conceived as an “all-in-one” solution, the new ONE mastering processor has been designed for easy, streamlined and straightforward audio finalization. It includes an EQ, compressor, analog harmonic exciter, low-end enhancer and limiter that will let anyone achieve professional quality results in a snap.  Work with flexibility – The standalone suite makes T-RackS 5 a complete, self-contained, one-stop mixing and mastering workstation that allows users to load a set of audio tracks and perform several operations. – The plug-in suite provides nearly all the standalone mode features within the environment of a DAW as the most powerful channel strip or mastering chain available today as a plug-in. – All T-RackS processors (including metering) can also be used as single plug-ins in any compatible DAW for multi-track mixing and stereo mastering duties.
Review made by Consordini team New streamlined, resizable interface Audiophile-grade audio engine  Broadcast-ready metering Album assembly Pricing and availability T-RackS CS – Custom Shop version available free of charge T-RackS 5 can be pre-ordered now at special introductory pricing of only $/€99.99 for T-RackS 5, $/€199.99 for T-RackS 5 Deluxe, $/€329.99 for T-RackS 5 MAX and $/€ 199.99 for T-RackS 5 MAX crossgrade (with any registered IK product $/€99.99 and up). * All prices excluding taxes For more information, please visit: For video demos of T-Racks 5, please visit: High resolution images of T-RackS 5 are available at: About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. T-RackS™ is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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iRig Pro I/O – the most advanced mobile Audio/MIDI Interface is now shipping
June 29, 2017 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce iRig Pro I/O, the pocket-sized mobile audio/MIDI interface for iPhone®, iPad®, Mac®, PC and Android™ devices is now shipping worldwide.
iRig Pro I/O, the successor to IK’s highly popular iRig PRO, raises the bar for personal mobile interfaces, with a new set of features and included software and apps that are unmatched in the category. iRig Pro I/O is an ultra-compact, plug-and-play, truly portable interface that lets musicians hook up all their gear – guitars, basses, studio mics, vocal mics, keyboards and more – to their mobile devices or computers and record 24-bit/96kHz pro-quality audio and MIDI tracks anywhere. iRig Pro I/O features a high quality 1/8″ headphone/line out with level control for use with the latest Apple devices like the iPhone 7 to connect to headphones, mixers or powered monitor speakers in an ultra-compact enclosure that fits in a pocket and can be taken anywhere. Additionally, iRig Pro I/O is the first interface of its kind that includes built-in device charging for extended playing sessions, using an optional power supply.
24-bit, 96kHz professional audio
At its core, iRig Pro I/O is a truly professional audio interface, giving players the ability to record 24-bit audio at sample rates of up to 96kHz and rivals traditional desktop interfaces by providing stunning audio quality anywhere. The integrated Class-A preamp features a precision input gain control to handle a wide array of input signals giving it a tremendous amount of flexibility in a super-compact design. iRig Pro I/O features a multi-color LED indicator for visually optimizing the input gain level and monitoring the input signal to prevent clipping.
MIDI In/Out
iRig Pro I/O includes MIDI input and output ports offering connectivity with MIDI keyboards, controllers and synths to record MIDI tracks, control virtual instruments, use control surfaces, pedalboards and connect outboard sound modules and more. The multi-color LEDs on iRig Pro I/O provide visual feedback of MIDI in/out activity.
Pristine audio quality and real-time monitoring
For real-time monitoring on the go with the latest iPhones, iPads and computers, iRig Pro I/O features a high quality 1/8″ headphone/line output with level control. Users can plug in their headphones, connect to a mixer, or hook up a set of powered monitors like iLoud Micro Monitor. With any connection, the headphone/line output delivers pristine, crystal-clear audio for ultra-accurate representation of the audio program, with a quality far better than the host devices’ built-in audio output.
Combo XLR/¼” Input
iRig Pro I/O features a Neutrik® XLR/¼” combo input that lets users plug in all their gear – from dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones to unbalanced Hi-Z or line level instruments like guitars, basses and more. iRig Pro I/O features a 48V phantom power switch for powering condenser or active ribbon microphones. With the adjustable, numeric input gain control, users can easily recall the gain settings for their recordings.
Battery, USB or DC Power with device charging function
iRig Pro I/O can operate on 2 x AA batteries (included) when connected to an iPhone/iPad, or on USB power when used with a Mac or PC. iRig Pro I/O also features a new DC in port that, when used with its dedicated power supply unit, charges a connected iPhone or iPad while in use for unlimited playing or recording time, on stage and in the studio. iRig Pro I/O comes with Mini-DIN to USB and Mini-DIN to Lightning cables along with two 5-pin MIDI to 2.5mm cables for connection to standard MIDI gear.
Over $/€500 worth of software and apps
iRig Pro I/O comes with more than $/€500 worth of included IK software. Users get full versions of IK’s award-winning titles like AmpliTube 4, AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad, SampleTank 3 SE and T-RackS Deluxe with Mic Room.
Pricing and availability
iRig Pro I/O is now available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for only $/€149.99*.
*Prices exclude taxes.
For more information, please visit:
IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. iRig® and iLoud® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac, iPhone, iPad and Lightning are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc., Neutrik is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Hammer & Anvil MK-SLR100 Directional Condenser Microphone (Review)
Hammer & Anvil MK-SLR100 Directional Condenser Microphone
Adorama.com
$39.95
All microphones are not created equal. That statement is an overly obvious one to those of you who are in the filmmaking or videography game. However, not everyone knows it. There seems to be this highly outspoken rule that great audio is better than great video. In other words, if your video is mediocre, it doesn’t matter if your sound is great. And no matter how great your video is, if your audio is poor quality, then the whole thing is poor quality. It doesn’t seem fair does it? Well, it isn’t, but since people love great audio, there’s only one thing to do: Purchase great audio equipment for your videos.
The problem with creating great audio is that it’s not cheap to do it. But anything worth doing is worth doing right, so save your money for better equipment. There are some exceptions to the more expensive equipment rule making a better audio product. Hammer & Anvil products transcend that rule. In fact, I’d say that they break it. The HAAMKSLR100 (SLR100) microphone is one of those exceptions. Sure, you can spend more, but you won’t really get more. The SLR100 microphone is a directional condenser mike that delivers great audio for under $40.
Type: Directional Condenser microphone
Frequency Response: 38-20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: -40dB +/- 3dB / 0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 75dBOutput
Impedance: <1k Ohm
Power: 1.5V AAA Battery
Plug: Mini-Pin Plug (3.5mm)
Dimensions: 109x75x45mm
Net Weight: 52g
I like the SLR100. It’s small, compact, has its own power (AAA battery), has a pop screen, and a “dead kitten” for windy outdoor shooting. You can attach it to a hot or cold shoe or directly to a tripod mount. It also sports a shock mount of sorts on the base. It’s a complete video camera shotgun microphone that delivers very good sound for a small price.
Why it’s Frugal: The HAAMKSLR100 condenser microphone is frugal because it is inexpensive ($39.95), but yet delivers great audio. If you’re on a budget, this is a perfect audio unit to start with. It’s frugal because you get a lot of audio quality for a little money and you can use it with your iDevices, if you buy an adapter/converter
Now, you’re probably asking, “What are the practical applications for this microphone?” That’s a good question. If you’re a YouTuber who doesn’t want to be wired to a lavalier microphone or dish out hundreds of dollars for audio that’s imperceptibly better, then this is the mike for you. Would I use it for filming a documentary that’s going on Netflix? Probably not. Not because it isn’t a great little microphone; it is, but Hammer & Anvil offers some very reasonably priced professional directional microphones for about $100 more and they’re just too tempting to resist. For example, I’m actually reviewing the HAAMKENG600 microphone as I’m writing this post.
The HAAMKSLR100 microphone will do just about anything you want it to do and, as I pointed out in the review video, for a few dollars, you can buy a three pole to four pole converter and use this microphone on your iPad or on your iPhone as an external shotgun audio capture device. Awesome.
It’s awesome because you don’t have to blow a lot of extra money buying a microphone specifically designed for your iDevices. You can use this one everywhere and that’s a very good thing.
One of the things that I really love about the SLR100 is that when you turn on the mike, you can see clearly that it’s on because of the green light on the back near the ON/OFF switch. I’ve seen complaints on much higher priced microphones that don’t offer this basic feature. Bravo to the folks at Hammer & Anvil for providing that much needed feature.
Why am I making such a big deal about the ON light, you ask?
Well, after you run down a lot of batteries because you left your mike ON, you’ll understand why. The light clearly lets you know when the unit is ON and when it is OFF. To me, that feature alone is worth $40.
I’m quite pleased with the sound quality that I get from the SLR100. It’s quiet where I need it to be and it picks up sounds that I want it to and all for the price of an afternoon matinee. I’m sold on it. As I said in the video, it’s a solid microphone and deserves the rating I give it.
Adorama.com is a top-notch camera and accessory store for the amateur and the professional alike. This microphone is perfect for those who need something better than the built-in microphones on DSLRs, video cameras, and iDevices.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: Buy it for all your general video creation needs. It’s not a pro-grade microphone, but it’s darn nice for $40.
IK Multimedia launches iKlip A/V – The first smartphone broadcast mount for capturing pro-quality audio for mobile video
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IK Multimedia debuts iLoud Micro Monitor – the smallest studio reference monitoring system in the world
January 20, 2016 – IK Multimedia is pleased to present iLoud® Micro Monitor, the smallest active studio reference monitoring system in the world. The latest addition to IK’s iLoud range of portable monitoring solutions, iLoud Micro Monitor is a serious and reliable sonic tool that provides high-quality sound in a small enclosure at a price that everyone can afford.
It comes with two bi-amplified speakers that deliver an expansive stereo image, an ultra-accurate true linear frequency response, superior bass and plenty of power in a truly portable package.
With iLoud Micro Monitor, musicians and producers now have a way to critically listen to their music no matter whether they’re mixing in a small makeshift recording space, mastering in a hotel room, producing in a larger studio or just listening at home.
Powerful and portable
iLoud Micro Monitor delivers stunningly clear and accurate audio. It’s able to do this thanks to its impressive technical specifications and smart design: Its two speakers are powered by four ultra-efficient class D power amplifiers that push out a combined 50 W RMS of power. Each speaker sports a ¾” silk dome tweeter, a 3″ paper cone performance woofer and a large flaring front-firing bass reflex port. Its sound is characterized by pleasing high frequencies, an exceptionally “open” midrange and a solid, controlled low end.
Sonically transparent in any space
iLoud Micro Monitor provides a flat and linear speaker response in any listening environment. It’s able to do this thanks to its on-board 56-bit digital signal processor (DSP). This DSP handles the frequency and phase response of the monitor and also manages the dynamic range so that the drivers are always controlled. It also acts as a digital crossover allowing for invisibly smooth transitions between the drivers themselves. This DSP can be adjusted to suit different listening environments thanks to three EQ switches: One for treble, one for bass and a “DESKTOP” toggle that lets users optimize iLoud Micro Monitor for use in either a free field or desktop setup. iLoud Micro Monitor can also be physically positioned at two angles of inclination.
iLoud Micro Monitor’s flexibility allows it to deliver stunningly accurate and detailed sound for mixing in any space – from cramped bedrooms to large studios – without the compromises in sonic quality normally associated with small monitors. Simply put, iLoud Micro Monitor’s sound is so good that it’s nearly inconceivable for a speaker system of this size and at this price point.
| Sound that travels Beyond its technical specifications, iLoud Micro Monitor is also incredibly portable. Its two speakers are small enough to fit in a gig bag or backpack – which makes it an essential travelling companion for anyone who needs to critically listen while on the go: musicians, producers, engineers, videographers and more.iLoud Micro Monitor can also be used with a variety of audio input options. It accepts both RCA and 1/8″ wired connections and can also be paired for Bluetooth streaming with all Bluetooth audio streaming-enabled devices. With its portability and comprehensive input options, iLoud Micro Monitor is able to provide ultra-linear sound anytime and everywhere. |
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Pricing and availability
iLoud Micro Monitor will be available early Q2 2016 from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for only $/€299.99 (excluding taxes).
For more information, please visit www.iloudmm.com
IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube 4 for Mac/PC: hyper-realistic tone, control and feel
October 29, 2015 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce that AmpliTube® 4 for Mac and PC is now shipping. Offering exciting new features and gear, it marks a major upgrade to the world’s most popular and powerful guitar & bass tone studio: It includes the most advanced speaker cabinet section ever developed, new speaker modeling, 5 new British amplifiers, a new acoustic simulator pedal, a built-in 8-track DAW and a whole lot more. AmpliTube 4 offers more realism, more gear, better sound, more flexibility, more functionality, more tone and just plain more everything than ever before – quite simply, it’s the most powerful guitar & bass tone studio ever released. And there are now multiple versions that let musicians tailor their AmpliTube experience for their specific needs.
Tailored tone
There are now 4 ways for musicians to experience the tone sculpting power of AmpliTube 4:
AmpliTube 4 is the major upgrade for existing users of all AmpliTube products as well as new users who want to experience all the cutting-edge features of the latest version of the ultimate guitar and bass tone studio. It comes with 9 amplifiers, 10 stompboxes, 10 cabinets, 29 vintage and modern speaker models, 3 microphones, 2 rack effects and 2 tuners. Players can restore all of their previously purchased gear models using the “restore my gear” feature in the AmpliTube Custom Shop.
AmpliTube 4 Deluxe takes the standard version of AmpliTube 4 and kicks it up a notch with over 100 pieces of additional gear that includes amplifiers, stompboxes, cabinets and more. This version is perfect for players completely new to AmpliTube who want to jumpstart their inspiration with a massive spread of creative processing options to choose from.
Now users can enjoy the ultimate guitar and bass tone studio via three different versions and one limited-time-only bundle – each offering revolutionary features, powerfully inspiring gear and hyper-realistic tone, control and feel
AmpliTube Custom Shop is the free version of AmpliTube that’s a great way to check out the ultimate guitar and bass tone studio. It lets users demo amps from the Custom Shop – all new features and gear are available via Custom Shop purchase.
And, for a limited time, in addition to these three versions, users can purchase the AmpliTube 4 + AmpliTube MESA/Boogie® Bundle. This special bundle lets musicians grab the two newest AmpliTube products for one seriously discounted price for a limited time. AmpliTube MESA/Boogie is the official collection of the iconic brand’s most popular high-gain dream machines, all in one place. Players get official models of the Mark III, Mark IV, Dual and Triple Rectifiers and the TransAtlantic TA30.
Hyper-realistic features
If there’s one word that defines the upgrades that AmpliTube 4 brings to the table, it’s “hyperrealism.” It brings together a number of first-of-their-kind features that let users interact with and experience their virtual gear in a way that feels as realistic and natural as having an actual physical piece of gear in the room.The new Cab Room lets users mic their cabinets in a full selectable 3D recording environment with up to two microphones. It’s the most realistic and advanced cabinet section ever made. In fact, it’s so realistic that users can even customize their cabinets with different individually modeled speakers – AmpliTube 4 comes with 29 vintage and modern speakers to choose from. And they can pick and place different mics to find each speaker’s “sweet spot.” There’s even a mixer that lets musicians mix the levels of their speaker mics, room ambience, direct amp signal and more.
AmpliTube 4 comes with 5 classic British amplifier models with matching cabinets that give users access to some of the best British tones of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Each amplifier has been modeled utilizing a new-to-AmpliTube technology that precisely replicates the dynamic interaction between the power amp and the speakers.
Its new Acoustic Sim pedal lets players easily transform their electric guitar signal into a perfect acoustic guitar sound with the touch of a button. It also comes with UltraTuner, an extremely precise digital tuner and Looper, a 4-track MIDI-controllable recorder/looper that’s perfect for sketches, practice and experimental performance. And, for more complex arrangements, AmpliTube 4 now also includes an8-track DAW with full per-track EQ, pan, level, mute and solo functions.
But perhaps what’s most exciting about AmpliTube 4 is that these features are just scratching the surface of all the creativity and sonic potential awaiting within.
Pricing and availability
AmpliTube 4 is available now via the IK Online Store and select music instrument retailers for just $/€149.99* or 150 Gear Credits from the AmpliTube Custom Shop.AmpliTube 4 Deluxe is available now for $/€299.99 (or 300 gear credits) from the IK Online Store and Custom Shop, and in the United States it is exclusively available at retail from Sweetwater Sound.
And, for a limited time, users can purchase a new bundle that contains AmpliTube 4 and AmpliTube MESA/Boogie® as part of the AmpliTube Power Duo promo for just $/€199.99 (or 200 gear credits) – a savings of $/€100 off the combined retail price.
AmpliTube Custom Shop is available as a free download from the IK Multimedia web site.
*all prices excluding taxes
For more information, please visit:
www.amplitube.com/4A free version is also available here:
www.amplitube.com/csTo see AmpliTube 4 in action, go to:
www.amplitube.com/4videos
Flashpoint 300 LED on Camera Light (Review)
Flashpoint 300 LED
Adorama
$79.95
The Flashpoint 300 (300) LED is the first on-camera LED light that I’ve tried and I have to say up front that I love it. The 300 is a lightweight, versatile, fully adjustable light source that delivers as much or as little light as you want for a very good price. 300 individual LEDs provide you with strong, even light that you can’t reproduce with a standard flash unit.
Flashpoint 300 LED: On-Camera Light with Audio
The large 300 diode LED gives action videographers and still photographers super bright, high-quality output. With auto light levels, stereo microphones and a signal flash mode, the 300 LED can sense lighting requirements and delivers automatic balance exposure as it passes from one environment to another, making it ideal for run-and-gun shooters looking for the most light on demand. The on-board stereo electret condenser microphones are also invaluable for traveling shooters, minimizing the need to cage-rig a camera for attaching an external microphone. The sensitive mics are distanced from camera sounds on either top corner of the light, delivering clean audio directly to the camera. All fitting comfortably atop a camera’s hot shoe or off-camera via the convenient stand thread, the 300 LED is a comprehensive package in a superior, sleek design.
I like that the unit delivers consistent light at all levels. There’s no flicker or any odd color shifting at full power or at any power setting.
- Advanced 300 LED lamp count in a sleek but strong unit.
- Delivers amazing flicker free Daylight 7140 lux at 50cm.
- Generous beautiful wrap around 80 degree angle emission.
- Automatic light level mode responds to conditions automatically or total manual control with fine settings.
- Dimmer dial from 0-100% with shift free color.
- Renders at least 85% of total spectral value.
- Digital display for battery level and light output .
- Uses standard Sony NP 7.4v Lithium battery plus DC power adapters.
- Built-in Stereo Microphones delivers clean audio to camera.
- Constructed of super tough black ABS.
- Keeps subjects and gear cool and comfortable when used close up.
- Special emergency signal capabilities.
Why it’s Frugal: The Flashpoint 300 LED is frugal because it’s the only light you need for a variety of situations including run-n-gun, still photography, video, and fill lighting. When you only need one light that can fill almost every need, then it’s frugal.
I took the 300 with me to SpiceWorld 2015 in Austin last week and I had a professional photographer ask me all about it. I showed him all the same features that I explained in the video. I’ll bet that he’s already placed an order for one.
If you can only carry one light with you, this should be the one. In its bag, with two extra batteries (sold separately), that I highly recommend that you purchase, the space cost is approximately 9″x7″x1.5″. That small space contains the 300 LED, the audio cable, two batteries, and your filters.
The only reason that the 300 didn’t get the coveted 10/10 is that it drains batteries (sold separately for $22.70) pretty fast. And it drains them even when the unit is off, but the the batteries are connected. So, remove your battery from the unit if it’s going to be off for more than 30 minutes. Buy more than one battery. You get two plus a charger from the link above at Amazon.
Rating: 9.5/10
Recommendation: If you are a photographer or videographer, this light must be in your bag. And the batteries too.
Pet Pods Solve Lost or Damaged Earbuds Problem (Review)
Pet Pods
Education Outdoors
$15.99 – Amazon $5.98
So everyone loses earbuds, right? I’ve lost them. You’ve lost them. Your kids probably have lost more than one pair. It’s frustrating and it gets expensive too. Most often, my earbuds get misplaced to replace ones that have been lost. That’s even more frustrating. Well, Education Outdoors has a pretty good solution for your earbud problem that it calls Pet Pods. They’re cute little animal plush toys with earbuds inside.
The Pet Pods come in six different animal styles: Beaver, Buck, Bear, Fawn, Eagle, and Moose. Your child will love the stuffed animal and you’ll love that he or she will have a place to stash those earbuds. My daughter never knew where her earbuds were from one hour to the next, but now, she stores hers in the animal when they’re not in use.
Small children (not recommended for children under three years of age due to choking hazard) will love the plush animal as an extra “friend” to play with. Teenagers can carry the plush animal ironically to show how cool they are by carrying a stuffed animal with earbuds inside.
“My wife and I have teenage daughters and between the four of us on any given day, we always used to be at least one pair of earbuds short,” said Education Outdoors CEO Tim Paczesny. “Tired of constantly searching for earbuds, I decided to create a solution and came up with the Pet Pod. America already loves stuffed animals so I figured why not make a mini version that serves dual purposes by storing a pair of headphones inside.”
You can scan the QR code to learn more about your animal.
My daughter, who actually uses the Pet Pod and earbuds told me that the Amazon price is a real value at $5.98, “Because you’ll pay that much or more just for the earbuds alone. Plus, you get the animal that you can put your earbuds into.”
She told me that her earbuds had a “bend” in them that doesn’t affect their sound or functionality now, but might in the future. She also wishes that there was something to wind up the earbuds on instead of just having them loose.
Why it’s Frugal: Earbuds generally cost from $3.00 to $50.00 or more and even at $3.00 per pair, lost ones add up over time. The Pet Pod is a cute storage compartment for your earbuds and anything that prevents lost money is frugal.
The earbuds are quality made. The plush toy is a nice little toy with the added bonus of being storage for the earbuds. In all, Pet Pods make a great gift for birthdays, stocking stuffers, or just because you don’t want to keep replacing earbuds once a month.
About Education Outdoors
An avid outdoorsman, Tim Paczesny grew up at his family’s log cabin resort in Northern Michigan. As an adult with children of his own, Tim wanted to create a way to share his knowledge of the outdoors with his children and his “city” friends. He came up with the idea of creating games that would be able to teach families about the outdoors through trivia questions and fun facts. For more information, please visit www.educationoutdoors.net.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: Buy it, but not for children under three.
Singtrix: Karaoke for Dads, Grads, and Music Enthusiasts (Review)
Singtrix
Singtrix.com
$349.00 Amazon, Sams, Target
The Singtrix karaoke machine is a microphone, a microphone stand, a “studio”, cables, and a 40-Watt speaker that uses your mobile phone or tablet’s music playlist for background music and helping vocals. It’s billed as “the next-generation karaoke machine that makes bad singers sound good and good singers sound amazing!”
It takes a few minutes to setup the Singtrix unit, because you have to assemble the microphone stand, plug in the cables, connect your phone or tablet, and tune the device. Tuning the device can take a while, as in perhaps an hour to tweak it so that it’s just right for the room you’re in. Tuning involves adjusting your phone or tablet’s volume control, the effects, and the volume, bass, and treble on the speaker. It’s not a trivial task to get it just right, but once you do, the fun begins.
You can adjust the singing voice in your song to very low so that it’s just barely audible as a helping voice. It’s fun to use one of the more than 300 voice effects that are interestingly named for songs that you’ll recognize, but careful not to infringe on copyrights.
The components are well made, clearly marked, and are of decent quality for creating some cool sounds. It’s easy enough to use for just about anyone. The controls are very intuitive and you can choose from no voice enhancement to extreme voice modulation, so there’s almost no limits to the range of possibilities.
The video below is on the Singtrix website, although I wouldn’t have included it there, it does show how versatile the Singtrix is and how impressively you can sound on it. The video shows the Singtrix inventors being a bit stubborn about getting an investment for the product launch, although I’m not completely convinced that the appearance on Shark Tank was for an investment. I think it was probably more along the lines of free advertisement for the product. I would have done the same thing.
This demo video shown in the link below is very good. And it’s 100 percent realistic. You really can get all of these sounds and effects out of the Singtrix.
For myself, I think the Singtrix is a cool, portable PA system. I’m not a singer and not even the Singtrix can make me sound good, but I do like it for its PA capabilities. I think it’s interesting in that respect and would use it for that extensively. My primary problem with the unit, besides how long it takes to get the sound right, is that it doesn’t provide the words to songs. Using an external device for lyrics is difficult because you can’t easily synchronize the song on your Singtrix-connected device to the lyrics.
My daughter and her friends who came over and played with it for an entire weekend, much to the chagrin of my wife and myself, loved it for how it made them sound when singing. My daughter explained to me that not having the words display for you is a sacrifice to be able to choose your own songs instead of ones that the company chooses for you.
She went on to say that you can look up karaoke version of your songs on your iPad, while your phone plays the song. She didn’t think there was a problem getting the two synchronized, so she loved it.
- From the same guys who created Guitar Hero.
- Features the Singtrix “Studio” vocal effects unit with more than 300 unique, studio-quality vocal effects, including pitch correction and harmonies.
- Plug in your phone, tablet, or mp3 player to play any song of your choosing while Singtrix lowers the vocals to create your own karaoke track from any song in your library.
- Bad singers become good singers, good singers become great singers and great singers turn into rockstars!
It must be an age-related complex. I’m used to “old school” karaoke machines and she’s willing to make something work. Your mileage may vary.
My best advice is that if you want to use the Singtrix as a karaoke machine, have some teenagers or preteens around to make that work for you, otherwise you’d better know all the lyrics to the songs.
Why it’s Frugal: The Singtrix isn’t frugal. It’s a luxury item that might not be for everyone at the $349 price. That’s not to say it isn’t worth the price; it is, but you should be someone who likes to sing to justify it or have a lot of parties.
I suggest that once you get the settings like you want them, leave them there. Tweaking even a little bit can cost you a lot of time and kids have short attention spans.
I don’t want you to think that this is a negative review because it isn’t. It’s a realistic one. I don’t want you to buy a Singtrix and not be satisfied because it’s a little less than falling-off-a-log simple to setup and use. I really like the Singtrix. It’s fun and you can have hours and hours of fun messing with the different voice effects, speaking like a robot, singing like a girl (if you’re a guy), singing or talking like Barry White, and more.
One final thing to note is that with the speaker pointed out toward your audience, you won’t be able to clearly hear the voice modulation. To you, you’ll sound pretty much the same as you always do, but to people in front of the speaker, your voice has changed. My daughter and friends had a lot of fun with the Singtrix. I had a lot more fun with it pretending that I was announcing plays at a baseball game or singing the National Anthem (poorly) with a lot of enhancement and Broadway stylings like many performers use. Why can’t they just sing it like Francis Scott Key wrote it? Some things shouldn’t be messed with and the National Anthem is one of them.
The Singtrix comes with everything that you need in the box to start singing and having fun. If you’re a good singer, you’ll sound like you’re in a studio. If you’re a bad singer, like me, you’ll need some help and the Singtrix has it with more than 300 voice modulations and controls. If you need to pump up the jam at your next family gathering, party, or kid sleepover; get a Singtrix and get ready to laugh and sing until you lose your voice.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: Try it, buy it, but be ready to tweak.
IK Multimedia announces iRig Mic Studio, the ultra-portable large-diaphragm digital microphone for every platform
The latest addition to IK’s iRig digital microphone range provides professional-quality sound, an extremely compact size and compatibility with all popular mobile and desktop platforms
January 22, 2015 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation technology, is pleased to announce iRig® Mic Studio, its ultra-portable large-diaphragm digital condenser microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC and Android. Offering superior sound and an extremely portable size, it packs a 1” diameter condenser capsule into an ultra-compact enclosure that can be used to make professional recordings anywhere. With iRig Mic Studio, musicians, vocalists, home producers, podcasters, broadcasters, voice-over artists and more have a studio-quality large-diaphragm microphone that fits in the palm of their hand.
Superior portable performance
iRig Mic Studio has been designed to provide the best possible recording quality. It features a large 1” diameter back electret condenser capsule, a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter (with 44.1/48 kHz sample rate) and a built-in low-noise high-definition preamp. These, combined with its 133dB SPL rating, allow for optimal audio capture at any sound pressure level — it can capture everything from the subtle and nuanced dynamics of the human voice to the full-on bombast of an amplified electric guitar, and everything in between.And while these features are excellent on their own, what’s truly remarkable about iRig Mic Studio is that it fits its components into a compact enclosure that’s smaller than an iPhone.
Comprehensive control
To assist its high-end components, iRig Mic Studio also sports a comprehensive set of monitoring and level control features. To ensure the best sound for every situation, it comes with a gain control knob and a multicolor LED level indicator. It also includes a headphone output with its own level control for monitoring directly from iRig Mic Studio itself. And, for better positioning while recording, iRig Mic Studio comes with a sturdy and portable tabletop tripod stand.
It’s all about the connections
iRig Mic Studio is compatible with nearly every popular mobile and desktop platform. It comes with a female micro-USB port and an assortment of cables: Micro-USB to Lightning for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; micro-USB to micro-USB OTG for Android (requires either an Android 5 or Samsung Professional Audio device); and micro-USB to USB for Mac and PC.
Record with the power of apps
For immediate recording, iRig Mic Studio comes equipped with a powerful suite of vocal apps. VocaLive™ is a powerful effects processor and multi-track recording app that features a selection of 12 professional real-time vocal effects. EZ Voice™ for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and EZ Voice™ for Android are streamlined and easy-to-use sing-along apps that make it easy for vocalists to practice with any song in their music library. iRig® Recorder for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and iRig® Recorder for Android are straightforward apps for field recording, podcasting, note taking and more.
The VocaLive App is available from the App Store at www.appstore.com/vocalive
The EZ Voice App is available from the App Store at www.appstore.com/ezvoice
The iRig Recorder App is available from the App Store at www.appstore.com/irigrecorder
EZ Voice is available for Android via Google Play and the Samsung GALAXY Apps store. iRig Recorder is available for Android on Google Play.
iRig Mic Studio is also fully compatible with a wide variety of third party apps and software, like Cubasis, ProStudio Vocal FX, MultiTrack DAW and more. It’s also compatible with Apple’s GarageBand and Logic Pro X apps, and iOS Voice Memo.
Pricing and availability
iRig Mic Studio comes in silver or black and will be available Q1, 2015 from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for only $179.99/€144.99 (excluding taxes).
For more information, please visit: www.irigmicstudio.com
To see the official video of iRig Mic Studio in action, go to: www.irigmicstudio.com/video
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