Showing posts with label Tech and Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tech and Gear. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Guitar Legend Adrian Belew Presents FLUX and FLUX:FX

AdrianBelewJLoFaro_ElephantTalk2medresInnovative and Bold New Concepts in Music Creation for iOs

Guitar legend Adrian Belew has just released his newest music – and it’s like nothing you’ve experienced before. FLUX by belew™ is music that is never the same twice...think about that for a moment. This new revolution in music provides listeners with a mobile “listening experience” that blends music and art all in one accessible iOS application.

Now you have access to hundreds of combinations of new Adrian Belew songs, snippets and sound bites that have been cut up, randomized and reassembled in a way that's surprising and unique. The app embodies the future of technology and taps into what we love most about the Internet and social media: it’s always changing and moving forward. Developed in Amsterdam by MOBGEN and recorded by Belew himself, the musical roulette engine within FLUX by belew randomly connects sounds and beautiful visuals together using different algorithms to produce endless variations.

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“I wanted to involve art and nature in the recordings – not just songs and music but also the feeling of life itself, where things are different all the time,” says Belew. He intends to keep adding to FLUX to make it truly an ever-evolving experience.

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/flux_belew

 

FLUX:FX – A Gateway to Creative Possibilities !

At the 2015 NAMM Convention in Anaheim, I had the honor and opportunity to speak with Adrian Belew about FLUX:FX and the multitude of audio possibilities

Adrian’s newest music in the FLUX by belew app is currently available for iPhones and iPads through the iTunes store for $9.99.

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FLUX:FX is a multi-effect audio processor app for the iPad that lets you ‘play’ your effects. Innovative, intuitive and exciting, FLUX:FX lets you manipulate any audio signal into something entirely new, and redefines the possibilities of audio design and live performance in an app with an almost unlimited range of effect options.

FLUX:FX is a truly authentic digital platform for designing your sound. Featuring more than 30 modular effects blocks, a master Performance view with 1-touch interaction, an advanced Edit view with multi-touch and full assignment possibilities, and an innovative Sequencer view to bring motion to the audio signal, this app allows the user to easily create previously unheard sounds. Fully compatible with Audiobus, Inter-App Audio and MIDI, FLUX:FX is made to connect seamlessly with existing live rigs and studio workflows.

Full details on the FLUX:FX application can be found at http://www.flux.noii.se

 

ABOUT ADRIAN BELEW

Adrian Belew is the world’s greatest experimental whammy twang bar, czar rhino, stunt guitarist extraordinaire. With a resume that features some of the biggest names in music including David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Nine Inch Nails, King Crimson, Talking Heads, Paul Simon and Tori Amos, Adrian is famous for pushing the boundaries of the guitar in both technical and tonal exploration. Today, Adrian Belew lives in Nashville, TN, touring the world and focusing on music and visual art that expands into the digital world through his latest creations, FLUX by belew and FLUX:FX.

Adrian Belew's official website: http://www.adrianbelew.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianBelew


Thursday, October 16, 2014

IK Multimedia's AmpliTube for iPhone/iPad adds iOS 8 support, ENGL amps, new Drum packs and more

The ultimate mobile guitar and bass multi-effects processor adds hi-gain amps, iOS 8 compatibility, direct iRig BlueBoard integration, new Loop Drummer Style Packs, 8-track recorder on the iPhone version, and much more

IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation apps and accessories, today announced a new version of AmpliTube? for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The ultimate mobile guitar and bass multi-effects processor app now includes new features and gear that complement its comprehensive recording functions and vast collection of virtual equipment. With its 2 new high-gain ENGL? amps, direct iRig BlueBoard integration, 8-track recorder (on the iPhone and iPod touch version), cross-app file and purchase sharing, new Loop Drummer Style Packs and more, the new AmpliTube for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is the most powerful version to date.

AmpliTube 3.4

The earth shaking gain of ENGL

AmpliTube's amplifier section is about to get a whole lot louder. The latest version introduces two new offerings from ENGL, an innovative German manufacturer whose high-gain amps are tailored to provide that supremely righteous tonality coveted by metal, classic rock and modern hard rock players. The amp heads in AmpliTube are based on the meticulously engineered virtual models found in AmpliTube 3 for Mac and PC.

The ENGL E650: An all-tube head that can conjure up classic rock-god tones from the '80s and '90s as well as the heavy crunch and distortion of tomorrow's tone connoisseurs.

The ENGL Powerball: An amp head that's earned its reputation as one of the most powerful and versatile modern high-gain amplifiers off the potent combination of its brutal rhythm tones, super high-gain lead tones and ultra-clean tones.

Both amp heads are available as in-app purchases, which means AmpliTube's collection of amps is bigger than ever before. And to coincide with this, AmpliTube now lets users transfer their purchased gear between versions and devices, such as from AmpliTube for iPad to AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod touch (limited to 10 device transfers per user).

Take control with iRig BlueBoard

Though AmpliTube is fully controllable from the touchscreen, it really comes alive when paired with IK's iRig? BlueBoard Bluetooth pedal controller. iRig BlueBoard gives users a wireless stompbox-like experience with four assignable buttons that can be used to trigger effects and swap presets from the floor. The latest version of AmpliTube makes the pairing even more seamless and powerful by adding built-in support and a new mode that allows for global control of AmpliTube's robust built-in recorder.

8 tracks of tone

AmpliTube has always let players record their sessions via its built-in recorder. The latest version expands this capability by giving iPhone and iPod touch users the ability to expand from a single-track to an 8-track recorder through in-app purchase. That means that iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users have the same multitrack recording functionality, which is perfect for AmpliTube's new project sharing feature. Now users can share their recordings and music projects across different versions and across different devices via iTunes File Sharing.

Powerful Drums

For practicing and recording, AmpliTube features a powerful drum module called Loop Drummer. Like a virtual session musician, it provides rock-solid rhythm tracks that sync with AmpliTube's recorder. The latest version of AmpliTube builds on this by adding additional Style Packs for purchase from the in-app store. Style Packs include 64 loops each, and provide eight different song-construction kits based around a core drumbeat style. The new Style Packs include 5 alternate versions of existing AmpliTube favorites - BLUES 2, FUNKY 2, METAL 2, POP 2 and ROCK 2 - plus three exciting new styles - JAZZ, LATIN and REGGAE. Now, no matter their style, guitar players and bassists will be able to practice with a drummer anywhere.

And a whole lot more

AmpliTube has also been optimized in a number of more subtle ways: It's fully compatible with iOS 8, the new operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Its MIDI control has been improved by adding more assignable parameters to the built-in recorder. It's now compatible with Audiobus on iOS 8. Its latency and MIDI control have both been improved. And its quick start guide has been replaced by multi-language dynamic tooltips available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.

Pricing and Availability

The new version of AmpliTube is a complimentary update for existing users of all versions of AmpliTube, and it's available now on the App StoreSM as both a free or paid app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for only $19.99/?17.99 for new users. The new ENGL E650 and ENGL Powerball amp heads are available via in-app purchase for $6.99/?5.99 each. Each new Loop Drummer 2 Style Pack is available via in-app purchase for $3.99/?3.59.


For more information, please visit:

www.amplitube.com
www.appstore.com/amplitube
www.appstore.com/amplitubeforipad


Download on the App Store  www.irigblueboard.com


 

Article Sponsored by

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

GoPro, a HERO Once More with HERO 4

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HERO4 Black: 2x the Performance of the Previous Black Edition GoPro, now featuring 4K30, 2.7K50 and Ultra High Speed 1080p120 Frames per Second Video Capture

HERO4 Silver: Professional Quality Capture with Built-in Touch Display Convenience

GoPro, Inc., enabler of some of the most immersive and engaging content ever created outside of a professional studio system, has unveiled the HERO4, the highest performance line of capture devices the company has ever made.

The HERO4 is available in two editions, HERO4 Black at MSRP $499 and HERO4 Silver at MSRP $399.

GoPro's Emmy® Award-winning imaging technology combines with enhanced ease-of-use and powerful new features such as 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120 video capture (Black) and built-in touch display convenience (Silver), to make it easier than ever for consumers to self-capture and share stunning, professional quality content of their favorite experiences.

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HERO4 Black delivers 2x the performance of its best-selling predecessor and now captures cinema-quality 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), 2.7K video at 50fps and 1080p video at a blistering 120fps, virtually eliminating rolling shutter in most scenarios while allowing for time-bending slow motion effects. HERO4 Black also features an entirely redesigned audio system that captures high fidelity sound with 2x the dynamic range of previous models. Additional enhancements include improved image quality, low light performance, highlight moment tagging and an improved user interface that allows for easier discoverability and access to key features and controls. The HERO4 Black is simply the highest performance GoPro yet.

large_Hero4Silver_Cluster_01HERO4 Silver delivers the same professional image quality as HERO4 Black less some of the higher performance video capture modes including 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120. HERO4 Silver includes a brilliant built-in touch display for those who value convenience and ease-of-use over the no-holds-barred performance of the HERO4 Black.

 

The new HERO4 line will be available October 5 on GoPro.com and at select retailers worldwide.

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“For the past twelve years, our passion has been to make it easy for people to self-capture jaw dropping, professional quality footage of themselves engaged in their favorite activities,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “That passion led us to embark on our most ambitious design and engineering effort ever, and the result is nothing short of the ultimate GoPro—the HERO4 Black. We can’t wait to see what the world captures with it.”

The flagship HERO4 Black builds upon GoPro’s Emmy® Award-winning technology to deliver the next level of GoPro image quality, versatility and performance:

· Incredible ultra-high definition 4K video at 30fps allows for life-like video capture as well the ability to extract 8.3 megapixel video stills to use as photos

· Faster* high resolution frame rates of 2.7K at 50fps and 1080p at 120fps

· 12MP magazine cover-quality photos at burst speeds of 30 photos per second

· Updated user-interface with improved discoverability and access to key camera controls

· 50% faster Wi-Fi* combined with Bluetooth® delivers enhanced GoPro App performance and improved power management

· MSRP $499

For more information visit the HERO4 Black product page

“A common pain-point is deciding between capturing video or photos of an experience,” remarked Woodman. “Each frame of4K30 video is similar to an 8.3 megapixel photo. The result is that users can simultaneously capture eye-popping 4K30 video and impressive 8.3 megapixel photo-like video stills at 30 frames per second when using HERO4 Black. It’s one of the many wild capabilities of this impressive new device.”

The HERO4 Silver sets a new precedent for convenience and ease-of-use with GoPro’s first built-in touch display. In addition to many of the same great new features in the HERO 4 Black, the HERO 4 Silver, a key feature is the Brilliant built-in touch display allows for easy camera control, shot framing and playback and the Professional quality video capture at 2.7K30, 1080p60 and 720p120. And is a stunning bargain at the MSRP $399.

For more information visit the HERO4 Silver product page

As the most advanced GoPro cameras yet, the HERO4 Black and Silver share powerful new features that expand what’s possible with a GoPro.

Protune™, now for photo + video.

For those who prefer to take manual control of their GoPro to maximize versatility and performance, we’ve expanded our professionally minded Protune mode to include Color, Sharpness, ISO Limit, and Exposure controls for both photo and video capture.

New settings for after dark.

Whether you’re shooting the Milky Way or a campfire hangout, Night Photo and Night Lapse allow you to capture stunning images of ultra-low-light scenes with customizable exposure settings of up to 30 seconds.

Mark your best moments.

HiLight Tag enables you to mark key moments with the push of an on-camera button while recording, making it easy to find, playback and share your favorite clips in GoPro Studio or with the GoPro App. You can also HiLight Tag using the mobile GoPro App or the new Smart Remote accessory.

QuikCapture speed and convenience.

QuikCapture makes it easy to power on and record with the press of a single button. When enabled, a single press starts video capture, while a press and hold engages Time Lapse photo capture.

High-performance audio.

A totally re-designed internal audio system combines with a state of the art microphone to capture clean, high fidelity sound with 2x the dynamic range of previous models.

In addition to this new line of GoPro cameras to the GoPro Family of products, there are New Mounts and Accessories that Help You Capture and Share Your World more effectively and in vibrant action images and video. October 5th also marks the availability of these new GoPro mounts and accessories:

Smart Remote – Control your GoPro from up to 600’ (183m) away with the wearable and waterproof remote. Conveniently mark key moments as they happen with the Smart Remote’s HiLight Tag button when paired with a HERO4 Black or HERO4 Silver.

The Handler – A compact floating handgrip that is lightweight, ergonomic and durable, The Handler is perfect for handheld shooting during any activity.

New BacPac accessories – A new and improved Battery BacPac provides almost twice the battery power over the camera’s internal battery alone. And a new LCD BacPac provides improved touch and swipe performance when used with HERO4 Black.

 

GoPro Video

GoPro App and GoPro Studio

GoPro has made several updates to its popular GoPro Studio desktop editing software and mobile GoPro App in conjunction with the new camera lines. GoPro Studio makes it easy to import GoPro footage from your camera to your computer to create professional-quality videos. GoPro Studio features GoPro Edit Templates, template versions of some of GoPro’s most popular videos. All you have to do is replace the original GoPro video clips with your own favorite clips and the editing style that has made GoPro famous becomes your own. GoPro Studio now supports the HERO4’s HiLight Tag feature, making it easy for GoPro Studio to identify your videos’ best moments thereby allowing for faster and more convenient editing. Also new to GoPro Studio is Flux™, a powerful ultra-slow motion and speed ramping tool that enables the dramatic time-shifting effects GoPro has become so well known for. Want to highlight a particularly awesome moment in one of your edits? Flux that thing and share it with the world.

The GoPro App for mobile not only gives you instant access to the GoPro Channel and all of the incredible content that has made it the number one brand channel on YouTube, it also gives you full control of HERO4 Black and Silver and allows for quick and easy changes to any mode or setting. Expanded GoPro App support for HERO4 also includes support for HiLight Tagging while recording, as well as searching for tags during playback. As always, the GoPro App also allows for shot preview, playback and sharing of your favorite photos and videos via email, text, Facebook, Twitter and more.

GoPro is committed to inventing innovative tools that make it easy for people to self-capture and share engaging and immersive experiences with others.

Learn more about HERO4 line and the entire GoPro ecosystem of software and accessories at GoPro.com, or visit your local retailer today.

*Than previous comparable HERO3+ models.

More info at http://gopro.com, and follow their social media connections at Facebook, YouTube and Instagram


Sunday, September 28, 2014

iRig Pads : The ultra-portable, universal MIDI groove controller

iRig Pads : The ultra-portable, universal MIDI groove controller for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and Mac/PC now available!

irig_pads

IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation apps and accessories, today announced its shipping iRig® Pads, the full-featured, ultra-portable MIDI groove controller for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Mac and PC. It's the perfect companion for the mobile electronic music producer on the move: Now you can make beats, grooves and mixes anywhere you go.

Effortless portability

iRig Pads is designed to be effortlessly portable. It's smaller than an iPad and less than 1" thick - it's the smallest groove controller in the market. It has a slim, compact form factor and it's lightweight, which means that it can be slipped into any iPad or laptop bag or backpack and carried around with ease. For maximum portability, iRig Pads is a low energy consumption device - it draws its power directly from its host device and does not need a power source to be fully functional. It can be used with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via its included Lightning cable (30-pin connector sold separately) without the need of an adapter as well as Mac and PC via its included USB cable. *iRig Pads are currently being tested for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus compatibility.

Extreme versatility, custom controls

At the heart of iRig Pads is its 4x4 grid of 16 velocity-sensitive, backlit multicolor rubber pads. Each pad lights up in multiple colors - red, green, orange and every shade in between - depending on the velocity of your playing and the MIDI information sent by your chosen music app or software.

But iRig Pads does more than your average mobile pad-based MIDI controller. Its full spread of controls - two knobs, two buttons, one slider and one pushbutton rotary encoder - let you get creative. All controls are MIDI assignable and customizable: Up to 16 distinct MIDI maps or "scenes" can be saved, which allows for full control of apps and software on stage or in the studio. iRig Pads comes with 6 pre-programmed scenes designed to work with many of your favorite apps and software right out of the box.

Apps for Beats, Loops, Decks and more

To help you get in the groove, IK is working to make iRig Pads the ultimate controller for beats, loops and more by adding support for a growing suite of powerful apps and software. iOS users will be able to make beats out of the box with the included SampleTank® free, and they'll soon be able to control grooves and launch loops with GrooveMaker® 2 free for iPhone and iPad and remix their preferred tracks with DJ Rig™ free.

On Mac/PC the included SampleTank 3 SE (worth $99.99/€79.99), available as a standalone and a plug-in virtual instrument for every major DAW, includes over 6.5 GB of sample contents, 400 instruments and 150 MIDI patterns, for a complete music production workstation, out of the box (coming soon as download from the IK user area). In addition, by registering their iRig Pads, users will be able to receive The Grid, an exclusive and free additional collection of 50 instruments (800 samples) and 50 MIDI patterns - designed exclusively for beat makers and groove performers who use iRig Pads - for SampleTank on iOS and Mac/PC (a value of $9.99/€7.99 for iOS and $39.99/€29.99 for Mac/PC).

The SampleTank Free App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/sampletankfree

The SampleTank App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/sampletank

The GrooveMaker 2 Free App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/groovemaker2free

The DJ Rig Free App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/djrigfree

And that's only scratching the surface - iRig Pads is also fully MIDI class-compliant, which means you can use it and customize its controls for use with virtually any MIDI-compatible app such as FL Studio Mobile, iMPC Studio and GarageBand or Mac/PC software such as MPC Studio, Ableton Live, Maschine, GarageBand and more.

Pricing and Availability

iRig Pads is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $149.99/€119.99 (excluding taxes) as well as on the IK online store. Thanks to its generous feature set, included content value and universal uses for iOS devices as well as Mac and PC, iRig Pads offers the best quality to price ratio of any MIDI groove controller on the market.

For more information, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/irigpads


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Kickport Lets Your Cannons Roar

Kickport logo 2012

kp2Product Review: Kickport – FX Bass Drum System & FX Series Snare Port

A drummers arsenal includes many assets, obviously, the drums, hardware, sticks and skins, but what of the quality of sound? You’ve spent years developing your style and how you sound is paramount, you spend a long time tuning your kits so it sounds perfect, but what more can you do, how can you enhance your sound?

Many companies come out with sound enhancers, dampeners, tapes clicks and tricks that claim to give you the edge you need to succeed, however many fall short and only make tuning more difficult. With the Batter and Reso heads in place and tuned, you may get some ringing, but you can get rid of that fairly quickly, but how do you improve the tone, texture and increase volume without amplification?

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One company that offers a solution, with total 100% proven application is Kickport, a company that has been making the simplest part possible to do the best job ever. Its design and the technology behind it is very traditional, yet behind its simple design is music mechanic theorem that is measured to the exact placement options in the head, all genius.

So, let’s examine the basics, a drum is cylindrical form and has a head on both ends, the sound and tone is based on the tightening or loosening or the rings that hold the head in place, there is however another component that is hardly ever considered, the air trapped inside!

The air inside the drum cannot move, and subsequently can dampen the sound produced. Many drummers will leave the bottom or Reso head off, but if you’re not playing hard rock or metal, this can cause overpowering and your band members may have to over compensate, this can lead to a lot of wasted time. Kickport solves this issue by providing a ported opening system in either the Batter or Reso Head, or Both, that allow the air to move as well as carry or propel your sound to the next level.

10464280_10152610766087975_4257986047245851381_nI noticed that the Kickport FX Bass Drum and Drum system was a perfect companion for my use of Cympads, a fantastic replacement for Cymbal felts. Cympads allow Cymbals to suspend and remain flexible without swaying back and forth or laying on the over compressed felt, they improve sustain. I will have another review for the Cympads coming soon.

Unlike “just cutting a hole”, which can leave he heads open to damage like ripping or tearing, which is a waste of money, heads are not cheap. The port slips in and is held in place by a flexing collar that keeps the port firm within the skin and does not prohibit the heads flexing while being used. By using the FX Kickport System, the large opening is placed at the lower portion of the Forward Facing Reso Head, while a smaller port is placed in the upper portion of the Batter, this porting allows the head to do what it meant to do while the drum “breaths”, expelling air, propelling sound and increasing the drums volume only when wanted, say on accents or doubles.

10447073_10152609444537975_2994198432317978219_nI put it on my SONOR 22” Bass and it sounds like a Cannon; seriously, I have never had it be so full a sound without special microphone placement. I received my Kickport units and they took all of 10 min to install, another 10 min to tune and in less than 30 minutes I was up and rocking. I also put an FX unit in my 14” by 5” Snare and it too increased in volume, the rolls sounded tighter and brighter.

Kickport is made from very durable materials and is made to last for as long as possible. Everything you will need comes in the box, the rings, ports and collar, no need to buy additional parts once you have created your Kickport setup, you only need a sharp blade and that’s it, you will however need to get additional port rings when you replace heads.

The bass is the foundation of your kit and your sound, if the bass has the fullest sound possible, them by nature, the rest of the kit will sound better, now let’s move to the rest of your kit.

FX-for-drums-and-snaresConsider the Snare and Toms, like the Bass, air needs to move through, otherwise it chokes, so by using the FX system on the Snare and Toms, you allow for sound enhancement that is completely controllable. Other reviews you will read will go over the scientific aspects, but I spend my time on the practice daily applications, Kickport FX units are easy to install, can be switched from head to head and comes in many colors that can either match the color of the heads you use or stand out, giving you kit a bit of bling that has form and function.

KICKPORT

I have included a video from Kickport that shows you exactly what it takes to give your sound the fullness of tone you want without spending too much time or money.

Visit your local retailer to get your kit set up with Kickport FX Series ports, or order from their website http://www.kickport.com.


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Acoustic A20 Amp Offers Pure Sound with Total Control

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ae6tQiq0M5g4q147tvDhbRMf1QJ5D5AJeEioo_OFOQO9GJBVZj81KxJurokGemvgEX3wmS3LGV49kuUTsykep2oUeMxGcgiqY-p9xeZhvXSunGWXgI3ndHPEstAvcLFHb5ItL0o03HZD4Igxcn3KkQ0cmTiu5VsFOOC_ojKglkmrFBYmzvYoybrY8qtAYQopDukG5msczUTkqzymuJFtCQ==&c=jETMIoWcOQBg4_yBJBCqsX72chlYckFTZOjezl_9uWyZJgX7VhDMhg==&ch=qrxyQBd033_Q7--H550yuQf2bzwDBhmzyKBKpwyA1RY5l0fnT5qiPQ==

New Amp is Purpose-Built for Acoustic Instruments and Vocals 

Acoustic Amplification has introduced their newest creation, the Model A20 Acoustic Instrument Amplifier.

More than just a guitar amp, the Acoustic A20 is a complete performance solution for today's versatile acoustic-electric musician. Its full-range 8-inch studio-quality coaxial speaker, ported cabinet design, and 20 Watts of clean, pristine power effortlessly fill the room with rich, crystalline sound. Plug in a microphone and any acoustic instrument with a pickup and you're ready to go.

Expressly designed to bring out the nuance and natural detail of acoustic instruments and vocals, the A20 delivers the advanced tone shaping control that has made Acoustic Amps "The Pro's Tone" for almost half a century. Lightweight and portable, the A20 is packed with features, including two combo XLR-1/4" inputs with independent level controls, 3-band EQ, digital reverb and chorus, effects loop, and Acoustic's acclaimed Vari-Control feedback eliminator.

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ae6tQiq0M5g4q147tvDhbRMf1QJ5D5AJeEioo_OFOQO9GJBVZj81KxJurokGemvgkdqxCjU6b6_vk09iq4GDFub12LV_JHnuoY-TUHoBAv8aF7NpA3mQUqpKOCxFhwRNsfzXg3VSJHiT9PwZIcd4zk2YI1KJLBMRX3JzPOVDQ6Hs6wr7SuTzlLaHsxgVVaHKyc-5l1UWfnXCfWjz9Y3PZSK7IDxVRUq_&c=jETMIoWcOQBg4_yBJBCqsX72chlYckFTZOjezl_9uWyZJgX7VhDMhg==&ch=qrxyQBd033_Q7--H550yuQf2bzwDBhmzyKBKpwyA1RY5l0fnT5qiPQ==

With its unique wedge-shaped design, the A20 makes a great, full-featured stage amp. With the power and performance of a small PA system, it's the ideal rig for coffee houses and other acoustic performances, solo keyboard gigs, home recording, and small to mid-sized karaoke shows. The Acoustic A20's 1/8-inch Aux input and headphone output also make it a great fit for players looking for a small, portable practice amp. A full-featured direct output with pre-post EQ switch and level control connects the A20 to any PA system for larger venues.

"Today's musicians are more mobile, and more versatile than ever before," remarked Rick Gagliano, Acoustic Product Manager. "The A20 addresses those needs, with a lightweight but powerful design that can easily adapt to a wide range of performance conditions. Whether it's a PA for a mid-sized coffee house gig or a stage setup for a club gig, the A20 has the sound and the features today's musicians are asking for."

The A20 Acoustic Instrument Amp will be available in mid-September with a street price of $129.99.

About Acoustic

The Acoustic® Amplification company was established in 1967 and has been producing renowned amps sought after for their enormous tone and power. For almost 50 years, many players have trusted "The Pro's Tone" for their signature sound, both on stage and in the studio. Acoustic offers an ever-expanding line of stringed-instrument amplifiers, including their Lead Series electric guitar amplification and AG series of acoustic instrument amplifiers.

You can learn more about the complete lineup of Acousticproducts at www.acousticamplification.com or write to them at Acoustic Amplification, P.O. Box 5111, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359. 


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

D’ADDARIO EXPANDS ITS NEW LINE OF NYXL ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS


Additional Gauge Offerings and a Complete Line of Single Strings Give Guitarists Options to Play Fearlessly

New Set NYXL0838D’Addario is thrilled to announce extensions to its revolutionary line of guitar strings, NYXL. NYXL electric guitar strings deliver a whole new level of freedom, confidence, and power to players, allowing them to play fearlessly.

“D’Addario is once again answering the call of musicians worldwide,” says Brian Vance, Director of Product Management at D’Addario. “Due to overwhelming requests and demand, we are already expanding the NYXL line with the introduction of new gauges and a complete singles line of NYXL plain steel and wound strings.”

In addition to D’Addario’s previously released gauges, 09-42 and 10-46, the company is now offering 08-38, 09-46, 11-49 and 10-52 options. NYXL0838, NYXL0946 and NYXL1149 will retail for $19.95 and NYXL1052 for $20.95.

New Set NYXL1149A full line of singles has also been added to the NYXL line so musicians have the ability to create sets to their own specifications. Available are 50 NYXL wound strings in gauges ranging from .017 to .080 and 22 NYXL high-carbon plain steel strings in gauges ranging from. 007 to .026.

NYXL Single NYNW046D’Addario NYXL electric guitar strings have been re-engineered from the ball end up, and no string has ever offered this level of stability. Stronger than any of its predecessors, torture tests prove that NYXL strings stay in tune up to 131% better so guitarists don’t waste time tuning and can start playing sooner. Starting with the selection of new high-carbon steel alloys, D’Addario engineers have completely re-imagined the wire drawing process and revolutionized the corrosion-resistant tin coating application. The result is something guitarists have never experienced before: unprecedented strength and pitch stability.

NYXL Single NYPL010Still, making the world’s strongest string wasn’t enough for D’Addario. These strings have also been designed to bend farther and sing louder, and the reformulated nickel-plated steel alloy boosts amplitude in the 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz range, modernizing overall tone without ever losing that incredible nickel-plated steel feel that guitarists love. With 6% more magnetic permeability for higher output, NXYL electric guitar strings offer more punch, crunch, and bite.

These new sets and singles will be available July 1st, 2014.

Uncover the full NYXL story at www.nyxlstory.com.
D’Addario & Company is dedicated to inspiring higher levels of creativity and performance for musicians worldwide.

D’Addario & Company, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories marketed under several product divisions: D'Addario Fretted and Orchestral Strings, Evans Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, Puresound, D'Addario Woodwinds, and D'Addario/Planet Waves Accessories. A family-owned and operated business with more than 1,100 employees worldwide, the company manufactures 95% of its products in the U.S. employing Toyota’s Lean manufacturing principles. D’Addario has a distribution network in 120 countries and serves more than 3,000 U.S. retailers, all major e-commerce sites, and more than 3,000 endorsing artists.


D’ADDARIO EXPANDS ITS NEW FLEXSTEELS BASS STRING LINE AND NYXL ELECTRIC GUITAR STRING LINE

NYXL Single NYNW046  NYXL Single NYPL010   FlexSteels Single FXB0100  FlexSteels Single FXB045

D’Addario Increases its Singles Offering and Introduces a New, More Corrosion Resistant Singles Packaging

D’Addario is thrilled to announce the extension of two new string lines including the FlexSteels Bass String line and the NYXL Electric Guitar String Line. In addition, always looking for ways to improve the performance of their packaging, D’Addario single guitar strings will be now packaged in sealed Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) bags.

“Premature corrosion can destroy a string’s tonal characteristics,” says Brian Johnson, Product Specialst at D’Addario. “It is our goal to provide guitarists with packaging that offers superior shelf life, ensuring each D’Addario string is as fresh as the day it was made.”

D’Addario guitar singles will now be packaged into sealed bags, with VCI formulated into the recyclable plastic. This packaging is designed to emit rust-inhibiting vapor molecules which protect the strings from oxidation while enclosed in the package.

Due to popular demand, the singles from D’Addario’s FlexSteels bass sets will now be available. Sizes for bass range from .032 - .135, and tapered strings will be available on July 1, 2014 in gauges .085, .095, .100, .105, .125, .130, .135. FlexSteels deliver the unique combination of flexible feel, optimized for slap and fingerstyle playing, coupled with a coveted deep and round tone with just the right amount of punch and bite. A harmonic-rich steel alloy with precisely-formulated core-to-wrap diameters wound to the most precise specifications delivers this singular tone and feel with unsurpassed consistency and extra-long string life. Singles will retail between $7.90 - $17.70.

Already in demand after the April launch of the strongest guitar string on the market, a full line of singles has also been added to the NYXL line, so guitarists have the ability to create sets to their own specifications. Available are 37 NYXL wound strings in gauges ranging from .017 to .080 and 22 NYXL high-carbon plain steel strings in gauges ranging from. 007 to .026.

D’Addario NYXL electric guitar strings have been re-engineered from the ball end up, and no string has ever offered this level of stability. Stronger than any of its predecessors, torture tests prove that NYXL strings stay in tune up to 131% better so guitarists don’t waste time tuning. Starting with the selection of new high-carbon steel alloys, D’Addario engineers completely re-imagined the wire drawing process and revolutionized the corrosion-resistant tin coating application. The result is unprecedented strength and pitch stability. In addition, these strings have been designed to bend farther and sing louder, and the reformulated nickel-plated steel alloy boosts amplitude in the 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz range, modernizing overall tone without ever losing that incredible nickel-plated steel feel that guitarists love. With 6% more magnetic permeability for higher output, NXYL electric guitar strings offer more punch, crunch, and bite.

These new NYXL sets and singles will be available July 1st, 2014.

Learn more about D’Addario FlexSteels at www.daddario.com/flexsteels, and uncover the full NYXL story at www.nyxlstory.com.
D’Addario & Company is dedicated to inspiring higher levels of creativity and performance for musicians worldwide.

 

D’Addario & Company, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories marketed under several product divisions: D'Addario Fretted and Orchestral Strings, Evans Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, Puresound, D'Addario Woodwinds, and D'Addario/Planet Waves Accessories. A family-owned and operated business with more than 1,100 employees worldwide, the company manufactures 95% of its products in the U.S. employing Toyota’s Lean manufacturing principles. D’Addario has a distribution network in 120 countries and serves more than 3,000 U.S. retailers, all major e-commerce sites, and more than 3,000 endorsing artists.


THE BLACK CROWES’ RICH ROBINSON TRUSTS D’ADDARIO

Releasing a Solo Album in June 2014, Robinson Performs with D’Addario Strings and Planet Waves Cables

Rich-RobinsonD’Addario is proud to welcome Rich Robinson to its esteemed artist roster. Known for his work with The Black Crowes as well as a successful solo career, Robinson prefers D’Addario strings and accessories.

Rich Robinson favors D’Addario’s EXL110 nickel wound electric guitar strings, EJ16 phosphor bronze light acoustic guitar strings, as well as Planet Waves’ American Stage cables and says, “I”ve always appreciated D’Addario and Planet Waves gear.”

“We’re thrilled to bring Rich on as an endorsee,” says Hugh Gilmartin, D’Addario Artist Relations. “From his songwriting, to performing, to guitar playing, we’re always impressed. We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the both of us.”

Robinson formed the The Black Crowes with his older brother Chris in the 1980’s, and the band’s 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, sold 7 million copies. Over the next 10 years, Robinson’s songwriting evolved into the musical engine that powered the band to sales of more than 25 million albums. Crowes’ catalog included classics like The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, Amorica, By Your Side, and Live at the Greek: Excess All Areas, a double album that captured the teaming of Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes for performances of Led Zeppelin, Crowes and blues and rock standards.

After a hiatus for The Black CrowesRobinson began his solo career in 2004 with the release of his first album, Paper. It would be seven years before his second solo album, Through A Crooked Sun, and an accompanying EP, Llama Blues, were released, as the Crowes began actively recording and touring until their second hiatus in 2010. Crooked Sun was a collection of 12 songs recorded in Woodstock in 2011. The album featured Joe Magistro, Steve Molitz and guest performances by Warren Haynes, Larry Campbell, Karl Berger, John Lindberg, and John Medeski.

A worldwide Black Crowes tour kept Robinson busy in 2013, but he found the time to return to Woodstock to record The Ceaseless Sight. The Ceaseless Sight will be released on June 3rd, 2014 and the Rich Robinson Band will tour through the year in support of its release.

Robinson’s dedication to his craft mirrors that of D’Addario as he continues to inspire performance worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.daddario.com.

D’Addario & Company, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories marketed under seven product divisions: D'Addario Fretted, D'Addario Orchestral, Evans Drumheads, ProMark Drumsticks, Puresound, D'Addario Woodwinds, and D'Addario Planet Waves Accessories. A family-owned and operated business with more than 1,100 employees worldwide, the company manufactures 95% of its products in the U.S. employing Toyota’s Lean manufacturing principles. D’Addario has a distribution network in 120 countries and serves more than 3,000 U.S. retailers, all major e-commerce sites, and more than 3,000 endorsing artists.