New Gear May 2016
ZOOM
Q4N HANDY VIDEO RECORDER
Video camera and audio recorder
$299
HIGHLIGHTS Built-in cardioid condenser mics can be positioned in XY or ORTF stereo configuration
• stereo input jack • records WAV files up to 24-bit, 96kHz, as well as AAC files • creates MOV files with 3M HD (2.3k) video resolution at 30 or 60 fps frame rates • USB and micro HDMI connectors • supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 128GB
TARGET MARKET Musicians in the studio or onstage, students, and educators
ANALYSIS An inexpensive and easy-to-use video camera with high-quality audio reproduction.
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IZOTOPE
RX PLUG-IN PACK
Audio restoration plug-in suite
$129
HIGHLIGHTS Four audio repair plugins taken from RX 5 • De-click is used to remove clicks and pops and includes stereo metering and a Sensitivity control • De-hum provides linear-phase filters and adaptive technology to remove hum and its harmonics • De-clip offers a threshold control and metering • Dialogue De-Noise has Threshold and Reduction controls and a real-time display of input, output, and threshold levels
TARGET MARKET Recording, mixing, and broadcast engineers
ANALYSIS A low-cost way to add key audio restoration plug-ins to your system.
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QSC
E SERIES
Passive loudspeakers
$459-$749 street
HIGHLIGHTS Four models offering Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) technology—the E10 with a 10" woofer and 2.5" voice coil; the trapezoidal, 2-way E12 with 12" woofer and 3" voice coil; the trapezoidal, 2-way E15 with 15" woofer and 3" voice coil; and the E18SW subwoofer with single 18- inch speaker • designed to work with PLD and GXD amplifiers and TouchMix digital mixers
TARGET MARKET Musicians, DJs, stage monitoring, karaoke
ANALYSIS Designed with a variety of uses and mounting options in mind.
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MODARTT
PIANOTEQ MODEL B
Virtual grand piano
€49 (about $53)
HIGHLIGHTS Physically modeled Steinway & Sons Model B-211 grand piano from Hamburg, Germany, based on the Martha Argerich Edition of 25 instruments hand-chosen and signed by the artist • the software was tweaked to provide tonal clarity and maximum dynamic range
TARGET MARKET Keyboardists, composers, producers, sound designers
ANALYSIS A highly realistic playing experience from a high-quality (and rare) piano that offers greater subtlety in expression than sample-based instruments typically offer.
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BOME SOFTWARE
BOME BOX
Wireless MIDI hub
€199 (about $217)
HIGHLIGHTS Low-latency networking and mapping of MIDI data via DIN I/O, Ethernet, WiFi, and USB • supports Mac OS X, Windows, and iOS • loads and executes MIDI Translator Pro project files • two Ethernet ports • standard MIDI I/O • USB port • WiFi enable/disable button • powered by external supply, battery, USB, or Ethernet • small, lightweight case
TARGET MARKET Musicians and composers
ANALYSIS Wirelessly move MIDI data between devices onstage or in the studio without the need for a computer.
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SOUNDNESS
SOUNDSOAP 5
Audio restoration software and plug-in (Mac/Win)
$149
HIGHLIGHTS New features include automatic noise detection, improved hum removal, graphical learn-noise mode, support for MP3 and FLAC files, and metering • waveform display for video • full bypass for A/B comparisons • playback includes backward/forward and Return to Start • reset button in the full application • AAX, Audio Units, VST, and AudioSuite support
TARGET MARKET Recording engineers, podcasters, video editors
ANALYSIS With its simplified interface, SoundSoap 5 provides a basic set of tools for cleaning up recordings destined for multimedia applications and audio-only release.
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TEENAGE ENGINEERING
PO-20 SERIES
Handheld electronic instruments
$59 each
HIGHLIGHTS Designed in collaboration with Cheap Monday, three new “pocket operator” synths, each with pattern chaining and step multiplier • the PO-20 Arcade synth provides arcade-game-style sounds, sequencer, chord control, and effects • PO-24 Office offers noise percussion from a synth engine and samples • PO-28 Robot is an 8-bit synth with sequencer, glide, and effects
TARGET MARKET Composers, performers, DJs, producers, and kids
ANALYSIS It’s hard to deny the fun factor and musical usefulness of these impulse-buy-priced instruments.
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METASONIX
RK2 XS VCA
Eurorack module
$329
HIGHLIGHTS A 15LE8 vacuum tube-based VCA module that includes an inverting/non-inverting amplifier for creating stereo and signal cancelling effects • preamp offers approximately 30 dB of gain • can be used for adding distortion • 3.5mm audio input and output jacks • volume CV input handles ±10V range • handmade in California using premium new-old-stock tubes
TARGET MARKET Musicians and composers looking to add extreme sounds to their modular system
ANALYSIS A multifunction utility module that takes full advantage of the tube’s non-linear behavior.
