Sennheiser and Neumann Put Focus on Recording Microphones and Immersive Audio at the 141st AES Convention

Los Angeles, September 22, 2016 – At the 141st AES Convention, which will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from September 29th to October 1st, Sennheiser and Neumann [Booth 411 / Demo Room 503] will highlight a wide range of new and legacy microphones for various recording applications. Recently introduced models will include the Collectors Edition U 47 fet and versatile TLM 107 from Neumann, as well as the new MK4 digital and the upcoming AMBEO VR Mic from Sennheiser.

A full complement of classic recording microphones will also be on display: From Neumann, this will be the U87 Ai, TLM 67, KM 184 and several other recording staples. Recording microphones from Sennheiser will include the recently introduced MK 8 multi-pattern microphone, as well as classic models from the MKH range, which can be turned into digital microphones using the MZD 8000 digital module.

During the exhibition, the Sennheiser/Neumann Demo Room will also feature a 9.1 monitoring set-up, consisting of Neumann KH 310 and KH 120 nearfields as well as KH 810 subwoofers. Meantime, the exhibition booth will have stereo configurations of the Neumann KH 120 and KH 310 monitors, along with the entire line of Neumann studio monitors as part of the display.

AMBEO and AVAR Conference
Visitors to the Sennheiser and Neumann booth will have the opportunity to experience the promise of fully immersive audio as recorded by Sennheiser using its AMBEO VR Mic in an AMBEO demonstration complete with 3D glasses – further closing the gap between audio playback and reality. The AMBEO VR Mic, which is scheduled to become commercially available in November 2016, is an ideal tool for VR production, presented in a compact form factor.

As part of the Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality Conference (AVAR), which the AES will hold in parallel to this year’s Convention, Sennheiser will participate in a panel on “Immersive Sound Capture for Cinematic Virtual Reality”, which takes place on October 1st from 11:30 to 12:30 in Theater Room 441. The panel will take a look at the technical and physical requirements that VR puts on location sound engineers and discuss the benefits and constraints of spatial ambience and point sources, finishing with an in-depth look at audio monitoring for VR productions. Sofia Brazzola of Sennheiser Strategic Innovation commented: “Within the framework of our AMBEO 3D audio program, we have been active in the VR production field for quite some time, developing the optimum solution for immersive audio capture. We are therefore extremely happy to be chairing this exciting panel on Cinematic VR.”

Visit Sennheiser and Neumann at AES, Booth 411 and Demo Room 503

Photo captions:
Image 1 (U 47 fet): Recording microphones on show at the joint AES booth of Sennheiser and Neumann include the Collectors Edition U 47 fet from Neumann

Image 2 (AMBEO VR Mic): The Sennheiser AMBEO VR Mic has been designed for VR content creators and will become commercially available in November 2016

Todd Sharp Amplifiers Announce New Model JOAT 45RT to be Unveiled at LA Amp Show

 

 Increased Output Power and Driver Stage Offer Signature Exceptional Tone

NASHVILLE, TN – Todd Sharp Amplifiers announce the highly anticipated addition of the JOAT 45RT to their already stellar product line, expanding upon the award-winning JOAT 20RT and most recent model, the JOAT 30RT. The JOAT 45RT will be unveiled at the LA Amp Show located in Van Nuys, CA Oct. 1-2, with Sharp exhibiting in rooms #1018 and #1020. In less than a year from their official launch in Feb. 2016 Todd Sharp Amplifiers has received the Guitar Player Editors’ Pick Award, the highest honor from the publication, generated A-list clientele such as John Oates, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, and Mick Fleetwood and continues to experience growing sales.  The JOAT 45RT offers a major kick in drive and output power compared to its lower powered 20 and 30 watt brethren. The 45RT mirrors the front end preamp and tonal shaping of the 20 and 30RT models with a few minor tweaks to accommodate an additional driver stage and substantial increase in output power. The JOAT 45RT may be configured with a pair of EL34s (stock) or 6L6/KT66 type power tubes with a simple bias adjustment. That along with the EL34/KT66/6L6 type output stage offers not just more power but a bolder character - for those who just need more beef on the bone than a 20 or 30 watt amp can provide.   It is a cleaner, higher headroom sound until you get the volume past halfway. Then, as any great amp should - the 45 gets into that magical rich harmonic compression as the volume control advances. Sharp notes, “My signature benchmark for all of my designs is a quick response feel under your fingertips coupled with that glorious squash we all love. A design goal with the 45 in particular was to tip my hat strongly toward a great vintage Marshall 50, but with the JOAT signature front end gain and tone shaping, reverb and tremolo. It is still a very straight ahead amp without overdrive or lead channel options.” The high-end, hand-wired vacuum tube amps are the first of their kind from Sharp, who has 40+ years performing in studios and stages around the world. He has played with numerous artists, including Hall & Oates, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Bob Welch, Delbert McClinton, Carlene Carter and many more. In addition to being such an established performer Sharp has run his own amplifier repair business, Nashville Amplifier Service, for over 20 years. Through all his years of experience Sharp had yet to find the perfect amp, so he decided to build one. Sharp will be present both days at the LA Amp Show showcasing the JOAT 45RT to the public for the first time along with his signature 20 and 30RT models offering exclusive specials to attendees. In addition, he will demonstrate the JOAT Amplifier live with his critically acclaimed trio at The Baked Potato in Studio City, Saturday evening, October 1. To learn more about Todd Sharp Amps please visit www.toddsharpamps.com

Ondalinda in Mexico drops stacked lineup (Mayan Warrior, HVOB, Sabo, Blond:Ish)

Ondalinda x Careyes from Ondalinda X Careyes on Vimeo.

Xperience the Power: Powersoft to Demonstrate its M-Force System Low Frequency Solution at Special Listening Sessions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA, September 20, 2016 – Powersoft, a world-leading manufacturer of professional power amplifiers, continues its Xperience the Power roadshow series with two Los Angeles-based events demonstrating its M-Force linear motor technology, along with several of its other industry-leading power amplification technologies. The events, which coincide with the 141st AES Convention taking place at the end of this month, are open to industry professionals on a first-come, first-served basis (registration details follow).

The sessions will be held on September 28 and 29 at the Mayan Theater, just a short walk from Los Angeles Convention center. They will provide industry professionals with an opportunity to experience Powersoft's M-Force System — the most powerful single amplifier module ever made, while providing an overview of the company's M Series, K Series, X Series, Ottocanali and Duecanali.

A presentation on Powersoft’s cutting edge M-Force moving magnet linear motor will be given by Powersoft co-founder Claudio Lastrucci, the visionary behind this landmark innovation in loudspeaker technology. M-Force product manager Massimo Minardi will also be on hand to present and answer questions pertaining to this remarkable amplification system.

M-Force technology was recently implemented as the driving force behind the largest subwoofer system in the world—Avalon Hollywood—and delivers output, efficiency, and low-end reproduction never before possible. In addition to M-Force technology, presenters will discuss the efficiency and reliability attributes of the Class D amplification used across the Powersoft product line.

Industry professionals can register online to attend the event, which is part of Powersoft's continuing efforts to increase awareness and deepen understanding among industry professional of its innovative technologies and their applications.
 

• Who:
  Amplifier manufacturer Powersoft presents Xperience the Power: a demonstration and knowledge session for integrators, sound engineers, manufacturers and industry consultants.
   
• What:
  Technology presentation and product demonstration of M-Force System and other groundbreaking Powersoft amplifier solutions with Powersoft co-founder Claudio Lastrucci and product manager Massimo Minardi plus special guests.
   
• When:
  Wednesday, September 28: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  (guest presentations at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm)
  
  Thursday, September 29: from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  (guest presentations at 11am, 1pm and 3pm)
   
• Where: The Mayan Theater, 1038 Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Space is limited and is available by advance registration only. For more information or to inquire about attending, please visit http://roadshow.powersoft.it/ or contact Francesco Fanicchi by email at: francesco.fanicchi@powersoft.it

Native Instruments introduces HEXAGON HIGHWAY MASCHINE Expansion

New MASCHINE Expansion provides the powerful, rhythmically sophisticated
sound of experimental electronic music.

Berlin, September 19, 2016 – Native Instruments today introduced HEXAGON
HIGHWAY – a new MASCHINE Expansion combining up-front, expressive drums
and percussion with advanced multi-effect kits. The expansion is aimed
at producers creating music that lives between the lines of established
genres, with a strong focus on beat making. The expansion was created in
collaboration with Twisted Tools, the team behind NI’s randomizing drum
sampler POLYPLEX. HEXAGON HIGHWAY runs in the latest MASCHINE software
on MASCHINE STUDIO, MASCHINE, or MASCHINE MIKRO and is available
exclusively at the NI Online Shop. A compact version for iMASCHINE is
also available via the iMASCHINE in-app store.

HEXAGON HIGHWAY was designed for producers who have a passion for
musical experimentation. A collection of expertly designed drum and
percussion sounds provide a foundation necessary for adventurous,
contemporary electronic music. The expansion also features custom
Multi-Effect kits that make advanced sound manipulation intuitive and
easy. Once a Multi-Effect kit is loaded, producers can cycle through a
host of detailed parameter automations in real time, providing instant
rhythmic and sonic variation during live performances and fresh
inspiration in the studio. A new set of presets for NI’s acclaimed
MASSIVE and MONARK synths deliver a dose of heavy bass accompaniment
that perfectly complements the high-impact drums included in the expansion.

A compact version of HEXAGON HIGHWAY is also available as an iMASCHINE
Expansion, for creating beats on the go. Tracks can be exported to
MASCHINE STUDIO, MASCHINE, and MASCHINE MIKRO for completion.
Pricing and availability

HEXAGON HIGHWAY is available now at the NI Online Shop for $49 / 49 € /
£44 / ¥ 6,280 / AU$ 79 and runs in the MASCHINE 2 software.

The iMASCHINE expansion is available at the iMASCHINE in-app store for
$0.99 / 0,99 € / £0.79 / ¥ 120 / AU$ 1.29.
Further product information and press material

Additional information
on HEXAGON HIGHWAY is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/hexagonhighway

FXpansion Releases BFD Metal Snares

Snares with impact & character

 

LONDON, UK (September 16, 2016) - Audio software developer FXpansion, now part of the leading music technology company  ROLI, are pleased to announce the availability of BFD Metal Snares -  a collection of premium metal-shell snare drums for BFD3.

 

"The snare drum is the center of the beat and it can make or break a song," said FXpansion sound designers Drew Vernon and Mike Bugh. "The drums we chose are made by manufacturers like Sonor and Pearl that are renowned for metal snares that really stand out in a mix."

Each snare drum was recorded with 2 top mics, 1 bottom mic and 1 side mic, along with mono room, ribbon room, and far room ambience channels. Two additional stereo reverb channels were added to achieve a massive sound. The five hand-selected snare drums were recorded with wires on and off and are included in both natural and processed versions.

 

"We wanted to capture an array of excellent snares made from various metals like brass, bronze, steel, and aluminum that are full of character and offer huge sound. The end result is a collection of snares that punch and crack with clarity, cut through a mix, and are instantly usable."

 

BFD3 is the third generation of FXpansion's flagship software acoustic drum studio, delivering new levels of detail and realism with stunning new kits, mix-ready presets and modeling technology for tom resonance and cymbal swells. The revamped interface has a new mixer and sound browser for the easiest BFD experience yet.

 

BFD Metal Snares is available to purchase and download directly from FXpansion for USD $70.00 here: https://www.fxpansion.com/bfdmetalsnares

 

BFD Metal Snares requires a registered copy of BFD3 which is available to purchase as a download or boxed USB version from FXpansion for USD $349.00 here: https://www.fxpansion.com/products/bfd3/

Burning Man EXCLUSIVE - Andrew Jorgensen for The Confluence

Andrew Jorgensen for The Confluence

Observe, “Ready to print” Burning Man 2016 images through the eyes of talented photographer, Andrew Jorgensen, courtesy of The Confluence:

ANDREW JORGENSEN BIO

For the last ten years, internationally renowned professional freelance photographer Andrew Jorgensen has transformed the way live music and festivals have been viewed across the globe.  Pairing a camera with his aesthetic of highly-saturated, dramatic imagery and a captivating eye, Jorgensen has proven himself to be one of the premiere live event photographers in the world.

Based in San Diego, CA, Jorgensen has traversed festivals far and wide through a compelling lense to capture stolen moments, breathtaking installations, sprawling panoramas and priceless memories. Averaging 12-13 festivals annually, his specialization lies in finessing the emotive environment of the festival landscape and, conveying to the outside world the awe-inspiring energy contained within.

The portfolio of Andrew Jorgensen is an impressive standalone testament to the unrivaled caliber of photography and dedication to his craft, as he holds in-house media team positions for several top music festivals in the United States including Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands in addition to shooting premier transformational festivals in North America - Lightning in a Bottle, Symbiosis and Envision Festival - Costa Rica.

A well-rounded artist, Andrew Jorgensen also shoots commercial advertising photography for a roster of clients that included Campbell’s Soup, Hilton Hotels plus several other top hospitality groups based in San Diego.

Andrew Jorgensen for The Confluence

For a glimpse through the unique vision of Andrew Jorgensen, visit his portfolio here, which contains an expansive collection of exhilarating digital works of art. 

- All Images credited to Andrew Jorgensen for The Confluence -