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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Yamaha Commericial Audio Systems Announces Availability Of IMX644 Rack Mount Digital Mixer

The IMX644 features six Euroblock mono inputs each with individual +48V phantom power, four RCA stereo inputs, as well as an additional optical digital input.

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems announces the March (2009) availability of the new IMX644 rack mount digital mixer, developed for sound information applications such as conference rooms, banquet halls, lounges and restaurants.

The IMX644 features six Euroblock mono inputs each with individual +48V phantom power, four RCA stereo inputs, as well as an additional optical digital input. Outputs consist of two pair of stereo Euroblock connectors and two channels of mono outputs. RCA and optical digital outputs are also available for recording.

The IMX644 will also compliment the successful Installation Series loudspeakers and have been designed for seamless compatibility with all 26 IS speakers.

“The addition of the IMX644 rack mount mixer to our full line of sound reinforcement products provides contractors and integrators with a Yamaha solution for small to medium sized installs like corporate board rooms and at a very moderate price point,” states Marc Lopez, marketing manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems. “With the current economic climate, our goal is to continue to provide our customers with even better cost-effective solutions.”

The IMX 644 mixer is very intuitive for inexperienced operators to use, and includes many advanced features easily accessed from a computer running IMX644 Manager Software when connected to the mixer via its USB port.

Software features include a feedback suppressor and automatic ducking on all mono inputs, six-band parametric EQ, and digital delay and output balance on all outputs.

Complete configurations can be saved to any one of 16 instantly-recalled scenes. GPI inputs and outputs are provided as well as an RS232-C remote connection which allows remote control via third party systems such as AMX or Crestron.

The IMX644 rack mount mixer has an MSRP of $2,099.

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems Website

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Kaltman Creations Unveils AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2, A 2.4 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer & Signal Generator

AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 is a combined software-based 2.4GHz RF spectrum analyzer and a 2.4GHz, 11-channel signal generator

Kaltman Creations LLC has announced the introduction of the AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2, joining the company’s line of of RF Spectrum Analyzers. 

AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 is a combined software-based 2.4GHz RF spectrum analyzer and a 2.4GHz, 11-channel signal generator is designed for IT managers, enterprise personnel, and 2.4GHz users who need enhanced capabilities to install, test, troubleshoot, analyze, and optimize wireless networks. 

Mark Kaltman, president of Kaltman Creations, stated, “Network managers often rely on blind faith when it comes to the set-up and performance of their wireless networks. The AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 takes the mystery and guesswork out of the equation.” 

He continued, “Imagine being able to identify Wi-Fi RF dead spots or sources of interference. Or imagine being able to speed throughput, or being able to determine the ideal placement locations for remote antennas. Before the AirSleuth and AirHorn, the only way to obtain this kind of data and functionality required investments in expensive RF Spectrum Analyzers or the hiring of RF engineers.”

The AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 analyzer allows the user to view Wi-Fi channels 1 through 11 individually or simultaneously, with ‘Peak’, ‘Average’, and ‘Raw’ trace modes.

There are 10 diagnostic modes including Traces, Spectrogram, Channel Time Course, Differential Channels, and Pie Charting. 

Also included is a real-time calculation of “Best Wi-Fi Channel” – i.e. the channel with the least interference.  There is even a logging and playback recorder for extended monitoring.

Rounding out the bundle package is a new and improved product called AirHorn, a stable and accurate 2.4GHz ISM band Signal Generator that can be set to generate selective RF signals for any number of the 11 Wi-Fi channels. 

Airhorn has three transmission modes of Single Channel, Traverse All Channels, and Peak. AirHorn can be used to assist in antenna placement, RF shield effectiveness, wireless network stress testing, etc.

The AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 can be purchased for the retail price of $465. Individual items within the bundle may be purchased separately. 

Kaltman Creations Website

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XTA Expands 4 Series Processors With Addition Of DP426 Audio Management Tool

Ideally suited to stereo three-way applications, the DP426 shares exactly the same features as all the other models in the 4 Series

XTA Electronics has announced the latest addition to its successful 4 Series processors – the DP426, a two-input, six-output audio management tool that has been introduced in direct response to demand from customers following the demise of the popular DP226.

XTA Sales and Marketing Director Bill Woods commented, “Our flagship DP448 has been adopted by contractors and touring companies worldwide, as have the DP446, DP444 and DP424. However, we had not really filled the gap left in our range when we discontinued the classic DP226.

“Although companies use the 4 Series for all sorts of applications, it seems that the good old two-in, six-out speaker processor configuration for stereo three-way set ups just won’t go away, hence the addition of the DP426.”

Ideally suited to stereo three-way applications, the DP426 shares exactly the same features as all the other models in the 4 Series, including 28 band graphic EQ and eight bands of fully parametric EQ on the inputs, nine bands of fully parametric EQ on the outputs, crossover filters, which offer various slopes from 6 dB/Octave to 48 dB/Octave, delay, limiting and Audiocore remote control.

XTA Website

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Atlas Sound AA60 Strategy Series Mixer/Amplifier Now Available

The AA60 amplifier from Atlas Sound is built using the same proven technology found in the Strategy Series model AA35 amplifier, only with more power: 60 watts RMS, at 25V, 70V, 100V or four ohms

Atlas Sound is now shipping the latest model amplifier in its Strategy Series, the AA60, a flexible three-input channel mixer amplifier designed for distributed business paging and background music (BGM) systems, small to medium speech privacy systems, and in applications where music on hold (MOH) plus paging is required.

Outfitted with a single microphone input and a pair of summing stereo line inputs, the AA60 amplifier from Atlas Sound is built using the same proven technology found in the Strategy Series model AA35 amplifier, only with more power: 60 watts RMS, at 25V, 70V, 100V or four ohms.

UL listed, RoHS compliant, and equipped with dual-line output, the AA60 amplifier has pre-out/power-in patching capabilities, phantom power available at its mic input, and both remote and VOX-activated muting.

Any source or a full mix bus can be routed to a Zone 2 output to accommodate MOH.

The AA60 and the entire line of Strategy Series amplifiers from Atlas Sound are available exclusively from authorized dealers throughout the US and Canada.

Atlas Sound Website

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Sound On Sticks: And In-Depth Review Of A Wide Range Of Portable PA Solutions

Whether you need a complete solution with built-in amps, wireless mics and FX DSPs, or just a couple of compact boxes to hurl in the back along with your favored amp, mics and mixer, we’re here to help with information, perspective and a Photo Gallery tour.

There are times, quite frankly, when that huge arena rig is simply too much.

Times when the trucks and road crew are not required.

Times when you just want to pack some gear into the trunk of the car and get the gig done.

Forget the laminates and get back to basics.

Thankfully there are solutions, and we’re here to cover those bases.

Whether you need a complete solution with built-in amps, wireless mics and FX DSPs, or just a couple of compact boxes to hurl in the back along with your favored amp, mics and mixer, we’re here to help with this tour of a wide range of portable PA options.

The choice is amazingly varied. However, to help the cause our criteria are simply 12-inch woofer-loaded systems (or below) that incorporate a pole mount. It’s a size thing.

Yes, 15’s maybe do sound better, but will they fit in a Honda Civic? Small is beautiful in the credit crunch era.

Normal rules apply in that this is not an exhaustive list, just a snapshot for your perusal.

Stick them up, add a subwoofer if need be, and then bask in the glory - see our Photo Gallery tour for a comprehensive tour of portable PA options.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Lynx Aurora 16-VT Adds Variable Trim Option To AD/DA Converter

Aurora 16-VT allows users to manually set the analog input and output levels within a range of +8.5 dBu to +24 dBu

Expanding its line of Aurora 192 kHz AD/DA converters, Lynx Studio Technology has announced the Aurora 16-VT model, which allows users to manually set the analog input and output levels within a range of +8.5 dBu to +24 dBu. In addition, 32 miniature trim pots are mounted on the primary circuit board to allow the adjustments.

“Over the last four years, Aurora has established its position as one of leading high end converters for recording studios around the world. Some studios, that wanted to gain the advantage of Aurora’s pristine audio quality and versatility, also required the ability to manually set the levels for optimum performance. The Aurora 16-VT provides this capability, while preserving Aurora’s other features, specifications and signature transparent sound,” stated Phil Moon, VP Sales and Marketing.

One of the beta testers for the Aurora 16-VT was producer/engineer Fabrice Dumont, a longtime Aurora owner, who notes, “After receiving the trimable version of the Aurora I can tell you that I think it’s a winner product. I cannot tell a sonic difference between my regular Auroras and the variable trim one. They sound identical to me. Overall, this option makes replacing my old converters truly seamless. It actually feels like a true upgrade since any mix recalled with the Auroras now gain stages the same as my old converters, but sounds noticeably better.”

Another beta tester, Bob Muller of Dangerous Music, adds,  “I think the VT is a great feature, and particularly essential to any facilities that are going to be using Auroras in a mastering setup. A lot of mix rooms are branching out into mastering and like to avail themselves of their mix rig I/O converters for both applications. I was able to calibrate the whole unit to -18dBFS = +4 dBU in under 10 minutes.”

Features of the Aurora converters include:
• Simultaneous 16 Channel Analog I/O and 16 Channel AES/EBU I/O
• 24 Bit / 192 kHz Mastering Quality A/D and D/A conversion
• 192 kHz AES/EBU I/O Supporting Single and Dual Wire Modes
• Single Rack Space Configuration
• Extensive Remote Control Capability via Lynx AES16, IrDA, FireWire and MIDI
• On-board 32 Channel Digital Mixer Provides Flexible I/O Routing
• Word clock I/O with Lynx SynchroLock Sample Clock Technology
• Connectivity via PCI, PCI Express with AES16 cards, ADAT, ProToolsHD, FireWire and MADI

US Suggested Retail Price for the Lynx Aurora 16-VT is $3,595. Availability is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009.

Lynx Studio Technologies Website

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Yamaha Commercial Expands MY Series With HD Series Digital Interface Card For Broadcast

The Yamaha MY8-SDI-D enables the input of HD-SDI embedded audio signals directly to the host Yamaha digital console or DME (Digital Mix Engine).

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems announced the addition of a new MY series (mini-YGDAI) card to its extensive line of expansion cards with the debut (at NAB 2009) of the MY8-SDI-D De-multiplexer card specifically designed for broadcast applications.

HD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is a format widely used with HDTV, normally transmitting one channel of uncompressed HDTV video and 16 channels of PCM audio signals (four groups of four channels) along with time code and other related data via a router.

The Yamaha MY8-SDI-D enables the input of HD-SDI embedded audio signals directly to the host Yamaha digital console or DME (Digital Mix Engine). It features one HD-SDI input with one HD-SDI-thru output and can replace the need for conventional converters used to directly feed Yamaha digital mixing products.

The unit has eight selectable channels (two groups of four channels) of the 16 channels of audio in HD-SDI.

“Although the new broadcast format carries both audio and video digital stream on a standard BNC75 ohm cable, up until now, audio could not be extracted without a router,” states Marc Lopez, marketing manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems.

“By using the new MY8 SDI card, 8 channels of embedded audio can be easily extracted and passed through without the need for a router.”

The new Yamaha MY card can synchronize to either video or audio signals, and mode selection is enabled by an eight-way DIP switch as well as a pair of LED status indicators.

As with all MY series cards, the new MY8-SDI card is designed for use in the optional I/O slots of Yamaha’s digital mixers and mix engines and comprises a wide range of four, eight and sixteen input/output options enabling direct interface to EtherSound, CobraNet, AES/EBU, MADI, ADAT, mLAN and other formats.

The new MY8-SDI card is available and carries an MSRP of $3,199.

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems Website

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

New Surface-Mount Subwoofer Joins QSC AcousticDesign Series

Dual eight-inch system is suited for large or small applications

As the latest addition to the QSC Audio AcousticDesign (AD) Series, the model AD-S28Tw surface mount subwoofer is acoustically matched to all other offerings within the AD Series.

The new AD-S28Tw is specified as having a continuous power handling capacity of 250 watts and capabilities for managing up to 700 watt peaks, the new subwoofer has a 70/100-volt multi-tap transformer with eight ohm bypass, frequency response of 42 Hz-165 Hz, and sensitivity of 94 dB (1W/1m).

Two eight-inch woofers are outfitted with polypropylene cones for added protection in humid environments. The loudspeaker’s bandpass enclosure incorporates a pair of chambers - one that is completely sealed, and another with a large port.

Giving added precision to low frequency extension down to 36 Hz, the highly efficient design is further complemented by an onboard low-pass filter set at 120 Hz.

The enclosure offers marine-grade plywood construction, a zinc-plated steel grille with a black foam backing, molded ABS endcaps, and a rotatable logo, and it has also been fitted with a recessed rear input panel covered by a hinged door.

Nickel-plated input and output terminals accept wiring ranging from 18 AWG to 12 AWG. One switch selects between the 70/100V transformer taps, while another enables or disables the passive low-pass filter.

Attached rubber feet allow the device to be used on either the floor or a shelf. Forged-shoulder eyebolts, a steel yoke, and all related hardware are additionally included with each loudspeaker to offer options for suspended installation.

QSC Audio Website

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Monday, February 09, 2009

Sennheiser Announces Three New Models Of Lightweight Headphones

All three new models are light and compact construction, and offer individually adjustable ear cups to insure maximum comfort.

Sennheiser has introduced three new models of headphones: HD 218, HD 228 and HD 238 Precision, all optimized for use with MP3 players, Apple iPods, Apple iPhones and other portable devices.

All three new models are light and compact construction, and offer individually adjustable ear cups to insure maximum comfort. And, the ear cups are closed, screening out unwanted outside noise.

The HD 228 is tailored to deliver richer bass performance, with neodymium magnets enhancing audio quality. The HD238 also includes high-performing neodymium magnets and a frequency response from 16 Hz to 23 kHz. They are supplied with a protective black pouch.

Pricing:
HD 218: $49.95
HD 228: $69.95
HD 238 Precision: $99.95

Sennheiser Website

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Fostex Announces PM0.4W Powered Monitors With White Finish

The PM0.4W is designed for applications ranging from desk-top use to studio monitoring, as well as portable audio monitoring.

Fostex PM0.4W powered studio monitors are now available with ‘high-gloss white front baffles for a striking look.

The PM0.4W is designed for applications ranging from desk-top use to studio monitoring, as well as portable audio monitoring. It carries an MSRP of $299/pair.

MAIN FEATURES
• Exclusively designed 4-inch woofer and UFLC 0.65-inch soft dome tweeter
• High efficient bi-amp drive with 18W each for LF and HF
• Independent amplifier in both L and R units.
• Beautiful glossy white front baffle
• Magnetically shielded for proximate setting to video monitor

Fostex USA Website

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Friday, February 06, 2009

Zaolla Silverline Introduces Balanced Snakes And Patch Cables With TT Connectors

Both are well suited for sophisticated recording and audio post facilities

Zaolla Silverline has introduced new ZDTT-800 Series balanced snakes and ZTTS-800 Series balanced patch cables with TT connectors, both ideally suited for sophisticated recording and audio post facilities.

The new Zaolla Silverline ZDTT-800 Series DB25 to TT TRS balanced snakes are available in a variety of lengths to suit any studio application. Standard lengths include 3 ft, 5 ft, 7 ft, 10 ft, 15 ft, and 20 ft.

Further, custom lengths and configurations are available upon request. In addition to a Zaolla Silverline DB25 connector, all models feature Neutrik NP3TT-1 nickel-plated TT TRS connectors at the fan for industry-standard connectivity in colors to match the electronic color code.

The Zaolla Silverline ZTTS-800 Series TT TRS balanced patch cables are the quintessential choice for the most discriminating audio professional. Available in 1.5 ft and 3 ft lengths, these cables are designed to ensure the integrity of a signal as it is transmitted from point to point.

All models include Neutrik NP3TT-1 nickel-plated TT TRS connectors for industry-standard connectivity in colors to match the electronic color code. Custom lengths are available upon request.

Zaolla Silverline ZDTT-800 Series balanced snakes and ZTTS-800 balanced patch cables represent the cutting edge of cable technology.

In addition to solid-silver conductors for improved high frequency transmission and increased headroom for overtones, these cables feature high-density, tinned-copper (TC) braids for durable and effective EMI/RFI rejection plus aluminum Mylar (Al-Mylar) foil for additional EMI/RFI rejection and reduced capacitance.

Further, the ZDTT Series balanced snakes feature an additional Al-Mylar shield around the leads for maximum EMI/RFI rejection.

The Zaolla Silverline ZDTT-800 Series balanced snakes range in MSRP (depending upon length) from $273 for the 3 ft ZDTT-803 to $973.00 for the 20 ft ZDTT-820. The Zaolla Silverline ZTTS-800 Series balanced patch cables carry an MSRP of $69 for the 1.5 ft ZTTS-101.5 and $85 for the 3 ft ZTTS-103.

All models are available now.

“Zaolla Silverline has been a hit with players and in studios for many years,” states Jonathan Pusey, Zaolla Silverline Naitonal Marketing Manager. “But our brand has been denied access to the some of the finest studios due to our lack of TT connectivity. We have addressed this shortcoming and now offer TT connectivity in any configuration by virtue of our custom shop. We are confident that the engineers and technical staff of these studios will be eager to experience the audible benefits of Zaolla Silverline in their signal chain from mic to monitor.”

Zaolla Silverline Website

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TransAudio Group Now Shipping The New Drawer S2 Signature Series Dual-Channel Tube Limiter

The S2 is one of the latest products to emerge from Ivor Drawmer’s high-end designs and features an “all tube – no technical compromise” circuit composed of only the highest-grade components.

TransAudio Group, U.S. distributor of Drawmer products, has announced the availability of the Drawmer S2 Signature Series dual-channel tube limiter.

The S2 is one of the latest products to emerge from Ivor Drawmer’s high-end designs and features an “all tube – no technical compromise” circuit composed of only the highest-grade components.

In addition to a fully-balanced internal signal path, dual mono or stereo operation, class A design, all signal-path tubes, and isolation transformers on inputs and outputs, the S2 features a host of innovative signal processing capabilities that are not present in any other analog limiter in the world.

On the S2’s gloss-black faceplate, users will find a functional and cleanly laid-out controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain, and stereo link, along with an option for “program-adaptive” release.

The S2 is further equipped with with three additional features to enhance the musicality of its compression.

First, Drawmer’s unique “V-Big” section addresses bass and minimizes undesirable “pumping” created in all compressors by big bass peaks. V-Big gives the user choices of how they want bass handled, with user-selected 75, 125, or 250Hz frequency and depth of roll off.

Second, the Drawmer only “V-Air” section dynamically enhances high-frequency content to keep compressed audio from sounding dark, as is so common with other limiters. Users control its center frequency and depth to obtain much more control of HF through the S2 than was possible ever before on a single-band device.

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Finally, a “Wet/Dry” section enables users to do what they used to do on adjacent channels of a console, to add compressed (wet) and non-compressed (dry) signals together to get exactly the right sound.

“Ivor Drawmer’s Signature Series represents the best of the best in terms of ease of operation, extreme tube sonics and one of a kind feature set,” said Brad Lunde, president of TransAudio Group. “He’s operating without any constraints toward the goal of making the very best gear he possibly can. The S2 is a fine addition to the growing series and is sure to stun the crowd who think they’ve heard everything that analog limiters have to offer.”

S2 MAP: US $5,395
TransAudio Group Website

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Sennheiser Adds New Wireless Microphone To Tourguide 2020 System

The new SKM 2020-D-US microphone joins the HDE 2020-D-US stethoset receiver, the SK 2020-D-US body-pack transmitter and the EZL 2020 portable charger case.

Sennheiser Tourguide 2020, a digital, license-free wireless visitor information system, now includes the wireless SKM 2020-D-US, a dynamic handheld transmitter with cardioid pick-up pattern for presenters to easily and effectively deliver information for guided tours, company presentations and language interpretation.

The Sennheiser Tourguide 2020 system is an audio solution for conveying information in noisy environments, such as museums, trade shows and corporate facilities. The SKM 2020-D-US microphone joins the HDE 2020-D-US stethoset receiver, the SK 2020-D-US body-pack transmitter and the EZL 2020 portable charger case.

“A handheld transmitter was the most customer requested feature,” explains Vanessa Jensen, Sennheiser installed sound product manager in the U.S. “With the SKM 2020-D-US, we can now offer an extremely rugged microphone in a design that has proven itself on stage; in other words, an absolutely professional tool.

“The cardioid pick-up pattern clearly delivers the speaker’s voice with amazing clarity, and efficiently attenuates unwanted background noise. The 2020-D-US stethoset receivers ensure the same clarity and elimination of background noise.”

Tourguide 2020 uses digital signal transmission in a license-free frequency band allowing customers to use the system immediately without any registration or licensing formalities.

Sennheiser Website

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Thursday, February 05, 2009

New EASTWEST PLAY PRO Adds Editing Capabilities To Company’s 32-Bit/64-Bit Sample Engine

The editor can be used in standalone or plug-in mode so users can gain complete control over all parameters in all their PLAY instruments.

EASTWEST is offering users additional control over the it’s PLAY-Powered instruments with the introduction of PLAY PRO (formerly PLAY 2.0), which adds editing capabilities to these collections.

Available as a paid download from the company’s website, www.soundsonline.com and www.soundsonline-europe.com, the “editor” featured PLAY PRO provides user programming and scripting through the included Python programming language.

The editor can be used in standalone or plug-in mode so users can gain complete control over all parameters in all their PLAY instruments.

This revolutionary editor includes the highest quality effects available in any sampling software including convolution reverb, automatic double tracking (ADT), and more.

In addition to having control over PLAY-based collections, users can import their own samples and create their own PLAY instruments with intuitive sample mapping and other powerful editing features.

For easy access, all filters and controllers can be viewed on a single page through the “effects and modulators” section. Extensive routing options offered by PLAY PRO include 4 effects send, an insert bus and even side-chaining for each instrument. 

The multiple microphone positions for instruments such as Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choirs and EW/QL Pianos can be controlled through PLAY PRO. PLAY PRO also includes the same performance script library used by current PLAY virtual instruments. Build presets, change script execution order, develop, modify and test scripts all in a powerful script editor built right into the PLAY PRO user interface.

PLAY PRO’s mapping editor can be used to adjust key and velocity range, root key, volume tune and pan. Through the editor, users can adjust sample start and end times (the editor only allows for changes to start and end times, not the actual samples themselves). 

PLAY PRO’s loop manager gives users control of multiple loops, including start and end times, count and crossfade. Users can also add release trails and control release trail damping so they blend perfectly.

“When we originally designed PLAY, it was intended to offer a powerful but easy-to-use interface for users to playback the included sounds,” says EASTWEST Founder and Producer Doug Rogers.  “Now with PLAY PRO, musicians who like to customize our virtual instruments will have the same software tools we use when we create the virtual instruments.”

EASTWEST Sounds Online Website

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Shure Expands SM Microphone Line With SM27 And SM137

New Mics Provide More Options For Recording Applications

With the introduction of the SM27 and SM137, Shure has expanded the SM Series of microphones to provide performers and engineers more tools.

The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to pick up the nuances of vocals and instruments with clarity. 

This microphone has a one-inch ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response, exceptional low frequency reproduction, and a low self-noise (just 9.5 dB SPL) to reveal fine detail when recording or during live performance. 

The SM27 offers lower self-noise and improved dynamic range specifications over the KSM27 model that it replaces.

The SM137 is a cardioid probe microphone for instrument recording applications. 

The SM137 employs an ultra-thin diaphragm for smooth high end and tight, controlled low end. 

Its 15 dB attenuator enables it to handle sound pressure levels as high as 154 dB SPL, for consistent reproduction of delicate acoustic as well as high-volume amplified instruments. The SM137 replaces the KSM109 model.

“Shure SM wired microphones have been the standard by which microphone performance has been judged for more than 40 years,” said Terri Hartman, Shure’s Director of Global Brand Communications.  “The SM27 and SM137 provide new SM microphone options for live performance and recording, and build on the heritage of SM microphones as critical tools for audio professionals.”

For convenient digital recording directly to a computer, Shure now offers the classic SM57 and SM58 microphones packaged with the new X2U XLR-USB Signal Adapter. 

The X2U features a built-in headphone jack with zero-latency monitoring for real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation. 

A Monitor Mix Control makes it easy to balance microphone and playback audio.

“The new bundles of the SM57 and SM58 with the new X2U Signal Adapter make either of these legendary workhorse mics a versatile solution for podcasting and other digital recording projects,” added Hartman. “Whether an artist wants to record in a bedroom or basement, or even on a tour bus, the X2U lets them connect a Shure microphone to a computer wherever they are.”

All Shure SM models will receive new packaging for a more uniform presentation and more effective communication of key product features. The new package consists of a separate box and color sleeve.

SM27: $299 retail [$460 MSRP]
SM137: $179 retail [$236 MSRP]
SM57-X2U and SM58-X2U: $199.00 retail [$280.00 MSRP]

The SM27 and SM137 microphones will be available in March 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty. 

Shure Website

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