Results for microphone

Universal Audio has announced the release of the Ocean Way Studios plug-in for the UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform.

Developed over a three-year period by UA and Allen Sides, Ocean Way Studios is an audio processing first — combining elements of room, microphone, and source modeling so tracks sound as if they were recorded in the legendary studios of Ocean Way Recording.

Built upon UA’s proprietary new Dynamic Room Modeling, Ocean Way Studios provides the unique ambience and dispersion properties of various sources in the rooms at Ocean Way, as recorded through a selection of rare vintage microphones that can be dynamically positioned in real time via a simple click-and-drag interface. Ideal mic selections and placements are provided in both Ocean Way Recording’s “Studio A” and “Studio B” — the exact rooms and setups used to record some of the biggest acts of all time.

“Ocean Way Studios is one of the most ambitious projects in UA history,” explains Bill Putnam, Jr., UA founder and CEO. “We’re going far beyond previous convolution technologies to provide the complex interactions between room, source, and microphones — the things that make the acoustics at studios like Ocean Way Recording so special.”

The beautifully balanced, performance-inspiring rooms of Ocean Way Recording have shaped the sound of countless classic records, from Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles to Michael Jackson and Radiohead. The man at the helm of Ocean Way Recording for more than two decades, Allen Sides, provided guidance, sonic tuning — and access to his $250,000 collection of vintage microphones — throughout the Ocean Way Studios design process.

“The Ocean Way Studios plug-in comes as close to pulling up a set of my favorite mics at Ocean Way as I could imagine,” said Allen Sides. “The speed at which I can use this in a mixing configuration is ridiculous, and the results are stunning.”

Ocean Way Studios Plug-In features

• Breakthrough acoustic emulations of Ocean Way Recording’s legendary Studio A and Studio B.
• Dynamic Room Modeling combines room, microphone, and source models for unprecedented realism.
• Incorporates sonic profiles of vintage microphones from Allen Side’s world-renowned collection.
• Includes mic bleed and mic proximity effects for stunning accuracy.
• Choose from eight instrument / vocal source types with unique dispersion patterns.
• Position and blend between three vintage mic pairs (Near / Mid / Far) in real time.
• Use in “Reverb” mode, mixing wet and dry signal; or “Re-Mic” mode, replacing your original room and mic sounds altogether.
• Preset mic selections, placements and creative direction by Ocean Way’s Allen Sides.

The Ocean Way Studios Plug-In is available to purchase for $349 USD as part of UAD Software v7.0.

More information: Universal Audio / Ocean Way Studios

Shure has announced it is offering spring rebates of up to $60 USD back on select Beta microphones.

Customers who purchase the microphones between April 1, 2013 and June 30, 2013, are eligible for the rebate.

Also included in the promotion is Shure’s DMK 57-52 universal drum microphone kit, which comes with three SM57 instrument microphones, and one Beta 52®A kick drum microphone.

All claims must be postmarked by July 31, 2013, and received no later than August 15, 2013.

More information: Shure / Spring rebates

PreSonus has announced it is offering a free PRM1 reference microphone with a purchase of the StudioLive 24.4.2 digital mixer with Smaart.

We’re celebrating the release of PreSonus® Universal Control 1.7 with integrated Rational Acoustics Smaart® audio-analysis and optimization software – and we want to spread the good cheer! So if you buy a StudioLive™ 24.4.2 digital mixer between March 1 and May 31, 2013, you’ll not only get a great mixer and software bundle – including Universal Control 1.7 with Smaart – you will also get a free PreSonus PRM1 precision reference microphone!

Smaart Measurement Technology™ provides a spectrograph and real-time analyzer (RTA) that let you see, graphically, what’s going on in your mix and quickly fix frequency problems and squelch feedback. But that’s just the beginning. The new Universal Control 1.7 adds three amazing Smaart wizards that make it easy to view the frequency response of a venue, quickly calculate and set delay-system timing, and verify output connectivity. Now you can quickly tune your PA to whatever venue you’re in-no engineering degree required!

To use these new wizards, you’ll need a reference, or “measurement,” microphone like the PRM1 – a super clean, omnidirectional mic with a flat frequency response for capturing the sound in the room as accurately as possible.

Until May 31, the purchase of a StudioLive 24.4.2 comes with a free PRM1 reference mic ($129 USD value). This offer is valid at all U.S. PreSonus dealers and at dealers in several other nations. Customers outside of the U.S. should check with their local dealers to find out whether they are participating.

More information: PreSonus

IK Multimedia has announced the iRig BlueBoard, the first Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Winner of the iLounge “Best in Show” at the recent CES, iRig® BlueBoard, a groundbreaking new Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac, which gives you: the guitarists, bassists and keyboard players hands-free control of mobile and Mac music apps.

iRig BlueBoard is a great addition to any mobile or studio rig for live performance and recording. You can use it to extend control of your preferred music apps by switching presets, changing sounds or modifying effects parameters – all hands-free. You don’t have to put down your instrument, and can remain focused on your performance.

Any music app or software that is MIDI compatible (the standard communication protocol for musical instruments) – such as IK’s AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank, iGrand – or any other Core-MIDI-compatible app like Apple GarageBand, can be operated wirelessly with iRig BlueBoard.

This ultra-portable unit uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology to transmit the actions of its four onboard, backlit footswitches and its two optional external pedals to the mobile device or Mac. Then using the included iRig BlueBoard app and software, the Bluetooth signals are converted into MIDI messages and routed internally to the music app that’s running on the device.

Because it’s wireless, iRig BlueBoard lets you setup onstage without being tethered to your mobile device. The unit’s range is 10 meters (over 32 feet), giving musicians a great deal of mobility to roam the stage that would be impossible with a wired unit. Because the footswitches are backlit, they’re easy to see in all lighting conditions, even on a dark stage. Additionally, the fact that iRig uses wireless Bluetooth leaves all the wired ports of the device free, so they can be used simultaneously by interfaces or controllers that feature the 30-pin or Lightning connector, like IK’s iRig HD, iRig MIDI or iRig Keyboard, and adapters or microphones that use the device mini-jack such as iRig or iRig MIC.

iRig BlueBoard features

• Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard (10m/32.8′ range).
• 4 backlit switches for sending program, bank and other MIDI messages.
• 2 1/4″ inputs for optional expression pedals or switches that can used for sending continuous controller or on/off messages.
• BlueBoard iOS app runs in background on mobile device or Mac, and translates Bluetooth messages to MIDI.
• Runs on standard AAA batteries.
• Small enough to fit in a laptop bag.

iRig BlueBoard is priced at $99.99 USD / 79.99 EUR MSRP (excl. tax), and will be available in the second quarter of 2013.

More information: IK Multimedia / iRig BlueBoard

Shure has introduced BLX Wireless Systems, combining world-class design and construction with easy setup and operation for reliable wireless performance, and GLX-D Wireless Systems, new groundbreaking wireless products that combine the revolutionary technology of LINKFREQ Automatic Frequency Management with best-in-class intelligent lithium-ion battery rechargeability, world-renowned microphones, and unparalleled construction.

The new BLX Wireless Systems come in a variety of receiver options, including a half-rack size for installed applications. BLX systems perform right out of the box, a direct solution for individuals who want the benefits of wireless systems without the set-up obstacles. With the BLX series, it’s now easier than ever to unplug from wired microphones, achieve uncompromised high quality sound, and enjoy freedom of movement on stage. For complex environments, RF interference can be avoided with Shure’s one-touch QuickScan frequency scanning feature, which quickly locates the best open frequency channel.

Shure’s BLX Wireless Systems prices begin at $374 USD MSRP/$299 USD MAP and will be available in mid-2013.

Operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band, GLX-D Digital Wireless Systems are the first from Shure to offer the enhanced performance of LINKFREQ Automatic Frequency Management.
GLX-D analyzes the RF spectrum, determines the best available frequencies, and automatically deploys frequencies to the transmitter and receiver. Additionally, in the presence of RF interference, the GLX-D receiver and transmitter will seamlessly move together to clean frequencies with no audio signal interruption.

Shure GLX-D Wireless Systems prices begin at $561 USD MSRP/$449 USD MAP and will be available in mid-2013.

More information: Shure

Roland has announced the CD-2u SD/CD Recorder and SD-2u SD Recorder, two all-in-one portable recording devices. Both units record CD-quality audio to SD/SDHC cards, and include many useful features for music practice and education.

With high-quality SD recording and a host of great features for music practice and study, the SD-2u Recorder is a powerful tool for educators, students, and hobbyists.

The CD-2u offers identical features to the SD-2u, with the addition of CD burning/playback capability. Compact and ready to travel, the CD-2u and SD-2u are ideal for mobile audio recording, learning music and languages, and much more.

Both the CD-2u and SD-2u feature an integrated high-quality stereo microphone, making it easy to capture audio anywhere. Built-in, high-performance stereo speakers provide convenient sound playback of recordings, music, lesson material, and more.

The CD-2u and SD-2u also provide connections to integrate external devices for various applications. Two XLR/TRS combo jacks allow users to connect their own microphones, with phantom power available if needed. There’s also a stereo mini-mic jack with Plug In Power, plus stereo RCA LINE IN jacks for connecting an instrument, music player, or other audio sources.

In addition to SD/SDHC recording, the CD-2u also offers recording direct to CD and CD-RW discs. Standard audio CDs can be played as well. This allows users to easily burn and play audio CDs anywhere without the need to use a computer.

Both recorders are equipped with powerful features for manipulating audio playback, providing useful tools for building music skills, learning languages, transcribing spoken-word audio, and more. Users can independently adjust the speed and pitch with exceptional audio quality, perfect for slowing down passages to learn difficult parts or changing the key of music to match a singer’s vocal range.

An improved Center Cancel function removes vocals and solos from commercial songs, allowing users to create minus-one tracks for practice and karaoke fun. The newly developed Center Focus feature isolates center-located sounds in music tracks to make them easier to hear and learn.

Both recorders also feature practice essentials such as a chromatic tuner and metronome. A wireless remote control is included as well.

The CD-2u and SD-2u can be powered via the included AC adaptor, or with six AA batteries. AC power is required when using the CD-2u’s CD recording and playback functions.

More information: Roland