Archive for the ‘Sound Systems’ Category

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HiVi Introduces T200B Multimedia Near Field Monitors

Friday, August 6th, 2010

HiVi has recently introduced the T200B, a professional monitor electro-acoustical design for multimedia applications. T200B can either be a near-field monitor solution or upgrade your computer’s sound.

HiVi T200B

The T200B is an active 2.0 system design housed in a dynamic and forward-design enclosure. The full functioning LCD remote controller can control each speaker independently. Each speaker is shipped with a documented frequency response curve showcasing the matched pair. Frequency response is rated at 20Hz-20kHz with a signal to noise ratio of 88dB.

The T200B combines a triangular enclosure design with black piano lacquer and silver aluminum panel. T200B adopts HiVi 5” long excursion woofer and 28mm soft dome tweeter. The woofer and tweeter are positioned in a delta arrangement which minimizes the radiation area and claims to reduce the diffraction of sound waves. The sloping panel design causes the high and low frequency to reach the listener simultaneously in the near sound field. The asymmetrical enclosure structure reduces internal standing sound waves and minimizes cabinet resonance.

Featuring a full functioning LCD remote controller with intelligent microprocessor digital volume control, dual channel 40Wx2 RMS power output, and XLR balanced input. The T200B frequency response is 55Hz-20kHz (+2.5 dB, -6dB, free space), and capable of producing 100dB SPL sound output level with wider horizontal dispersion.

HiVi’s T200B’s are available now for $749. More information on the HiVi T200B.

Posted in Music Technology, New Gear, Sound Systems | No Comments »

Logitech Premiers S715i – New iPhone/iPod Dock

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Logitech has premiered the Rechargeable Speaker S715i, a portable speaker dock for iPod and iPhone that features eight custom-designed speaker drivers and an eight-hour rechargeable battery.

S715i

The new Rechargeable Speaker S715i offers eight drivers, twice that of their previous speaker docks, and includes a long-lasting rechargeable battery. The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i delivers audio via two three-inch laser-tuned neodymium mid range drivers, two half-inch neodymium tweeters and four two-inch passive radiators for bass.

The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i comes with a wireless remote control to give you command over functions such as power, volume, play, pause, shuffle, skip and repeat from up to 30 feet away. For your convenience, you can take the dock with you in the included travel case that also has space for the power adapter and remote.

The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in August for $149.99. More information on the Logitech Rechargeable S715i dock.

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Altec Lansing Unleashes MIX – Boombox iPod/iPhone Dock

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Altec Lansing has released MIX, a new boom-box iPod/iPhone dock that packs a serious punch. If you like da “bass in yer face” than the MIX is for you!

The MIX features a high-contract display that scrolls artists and song titles, is powered by D batteries, and has a killer carrying handle – if you want to hoist this puppy on your shoulders and go Old Skool. (However, if you really want that throwback vibe inna iPod Dock Stylee than check out the Lasonic i931 —Ed.)

Features:
» Audio Alignment – Drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
» Clear high end sound – Specially engineered horn-loaded polypropylene tweeters designed for smooth, wide dispersion.
» Full mid-range – Two custom-designed drivers push room-filling mids and mid bass.
» Bad-Ass bass – XdB bass-enhanced side-firing subwoofer and tuned passive radiator deliver formidable bass.
» Digital FM radio – Tune in to clean reception with telescopic antenna and 4 station presets.
» Dual AUX IN jacks
» Clip-on remote – Change the sources; control the speakers, playlist and song navigation all from the remote.
» Music Pause – Automatically pauses music when a call is received on the iPhone.
» Interference Free – Unique design is claimed to be immune to mobile phone interference
» AC or battery-powered – Plug in or lose the wires with up to 30 hours of play with 8 D batteries.
» High-contrast LCD
» 7-band graphic equalizer – Multiple EQ modes let you select your sound.
» Grab handles
» Universal dock for iPhone and iPod – Recharges while it plays your choons.

Altec Lansing’s MIX costs $299 and is available now. More information on the Altec Lansing MIX.

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Joey Roth Releases Ceramic Speakers – Aesthetic Sound System

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Joey Roth, an industrial designer from San Francisco, has created a Ceramic Speaker system for digital music players. Roth designs products to articulate the beauty of everyday rituals. He combines simple functionality with honest, unfinished materials that become more personal as they take on a patina of use.

The Ceramic Speakers connect directly to iPods and other digital music players to form an elegant, minimal music system. They also connect directly to computers, laptops, turntables and televisions, providing an improvement, sonically and aesthetically over built-in speakers.

The Ceramic Speakers are made from porcelain, cork, and Baltic birch. Each material is minimally finished, left to add its natural beauty to the design. The included amplifier is made from stainless steel sheet metal, with a cast iron base and paulownia volume slider. Aside from the electronic components, plastic is completely avoided in the system’s construction.

Specs:
» Output: 15 W/ channel Sensitivity: 89 dB
» Frequency Range: 70 Hz – 20 kHz
» Impedance: 4 Ohm
» Driver Materials: Paper diaphragm, aluminum phase plug, neodymium magnet, die-cast basket

Joey Roth’s Ceramic Speakers cost $495 and are available now. More information on Joey Roth Ceramic Speakers.

Posted in Digital Media Players, Experiments In Sound, New Gear, Sound Systems | No Comments »

Mackie Introduces SRM1801 Powered Subwoofer

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Mackie has unveil the SRM1801, a powered subwoofer designed to complement their SRM450 series PA system. The 18″ sub delivers powerful lows via a ported bass reflex design which is married to a lightweight, efficient Class-D Fast Recovery power amplifier, delivering 1000 Watts of peak power. This makes the sub lightweight and portable, without compromising the power and performance that you need.

Features:
» 1000W of ultra-efficient Class-D Fast Recovery amplification
» Mackie Active electronics provide total system optimization
» Precision crossover (125Hz)
» Tuning filters for accurate bass response
» 18-inch woofer
» Dual XLR inputs for mono or stereo applications
» Stereo high-pass and full range outputs
» User-adjustable level and polarity controls
» Individual power, signal, OL, and thermal protect indicators
» Pole receptacle for mounting full-range loudspeakers
» Solid plywood enclosure with high-durability, textured black paint
» Lightweight and portable (73 lbs / 33.1 kg)

The SRM1801 features Class-D Fast Recovery amplification that emits less waste heat versus competing designs. Fast Recovery means you can occasionally push into clipping without a ton of distortion. The SRM1801 benefits from built-in Active electronics, like a precision crossover and tuning filters for accurate bass response.

More information on the Mackie SRM1801.

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Bang & Olufsen Debuts Aesthetic New Subwoofer

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Bang & Olufsen has announced the BeoLab 11, a new subwoofer that combines bass performance, dynamic design and unorthodox placement possibilities. The BeoLab 11 is a new small subwoofer with a sculptural presence that B&O claims is “easy to integrate in a home environment without turning the room into a sound studio.” (Or having a big vibrating cube in the middle of the room. —Ed.)

The unique acoustic design of BeoLab 11 allows it to be placed on the floor, in a corner, or mounted on the wall. In fact, due to its minimal vibrations, it is one of the very few subwoofers in the world that can be mounted on a wall.

Bang & Olufsen claims the BeoLab 11 offers a frequency response from 300 Hz and down. It is composed of two identical loudspeaker cabinets, with baffles facing each other. The outer shells are made of aluminium and are available in silver and white. The concept is based on two 6.5″ drivers with electronics making BeoLab 11 fully active and suited for both Bang & Olufsen systems, as well as third party applications.

Due to the omni-directional properties of the bass, the performance is not dependent upon orientation; therefore the unit can be ‘rotated’ as desired when positioned on the floor, or even hung on a wall.

No pricing or availability has been announced. More information on the Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 11.

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Rodec Introduces Patch Live – Digital DJ Club Interface

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Rodec has premiered the Patch Live DJ interface. Designed for clubs who are looking to switch between two digital DJs without that, er, awkward silence…

Details on the Rodec Patch Live are pretty scarce, but here’s some pictures, which should help you decide if the interface is right for you. This small market segment, initially dominated by Magma, suddenly has some action thanks to the Allen & Heath Xone:PB and now the Rodec action.

No pricing or availability has been announced. More information on the Rodec Patch Live.

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Sony Premiers Provocative New Dock/Speaker Systems

Friday, April 9th, 2010

The Empire Strikes Back!

Sony has unveiled two new bleeding-edge consumer sound systems that decisively push the envelope of form and function. The Japanese concern, who has been running full steam against any brick wall they can find after losing their considerable lead in portable music players after Apple debuted the iPod, has been struggling to find the right balance between usability, style and uniqueness to gain some ground on the seemingly unstoppable force from Cupertino.

Sony’s first attempt, the Rolly, was too “Nickelodeon” to be considered a real threat, and seemed to be more at home in an Anime feature then under a Christmas tree. However, their new RDP-NWV500 Soundmug is a better effort. Some may simply wave their hand with a “Meh” and move on, but we think that this demonstrates a new direction, and certainly a better effort from Sony, whose new moniker make.believe is fitting.

Sony’s RDP-NWV500 is really nothing more than a speaker. It may look like a sleek travel coffee mug, but it can’t carry that life-sustaining beverage. It can pump out a claimed 16 Watts from its miniature 56mm woofer and 20mm tweeter that provides a 360 degree “circle of sound” that is designed to envelope a room, or your car. The on/off switch and volume is built into the Soundmug’s cap or can be managed with an included remote control. The Soundmug includes a small profile power dock (it has no batteries, a miss —Ed.) which will also charge a Walkman digital player, as well as an accessory jack for your car’s cigarette lighter. It will reportedly sell for ¥20,000 ($210) when it bows this Spring in Japan.

In addition to the Soundmug, Sony also showcased two new ultra-slick speaker docks, the NAS-V5 and NAS-V7M. These gorgeous dock/sound systems have a multitude of features including 6GB of internal memory to store your choons on board, AM/FM radio, a dock for your Walkman, Aux input jack, and Wi-Fi for accessing Internet Radio. These new docks are also said to contain internal 32bit DSP processing for enhanced sound. One thing is for sure, they certainly look gooooood — creating a new high-water mark for the industry. Welcome back Sony, we’ve missed you!

The Sony NAS-V7M will cost ¥50,000 ($535) and the NAS-V5 will set you back ¥40,000 ($430). More information about the Sony Soundmug and NAS docks.

Posted in Music Gadgets, New Gear, Sound Systems | No Comments »

Harman Kardon Releases Bullet-Proof GLA-55 Speakers

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Harman Kardon has released the GLA-55, a new high-end computer speaker that is constructed from bullet-proof glass and chrome.

The GLA-55 is a visual stunner thanks to the facets of its bass-reflex enclosures and the custom chrome tubing that provides substantial bass response from the Atlas inverted woofers. The speakers also feature crispy highs via the CMMD tweeters and plenty of juice to drive these elements with 112 watts of combined power.

Touch-sensitive volume controls round out the luxurious experience. The GLA-55’s only have a minijack input, which somewhat limits the versatility, but you’re not going to be laying down a grand for that reason.

The Harman Kardon GLA-55’s cost $1000 and are available now. More information on the Harman Kardon GLA-55.

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KK Labs Announces D8 & D6 Studio Monitors

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Keith Klawitter has started his own company, KK Labs, and announced two new products, the D8 and D6 Studio Monitors.

The DS8 represents KK labs initial development of high resolution recording monitoring systems, using the latest in DSP and Digital networking technologies. The monitor is a 2-way, DSP/Ethernet controlled powered speaker system. Utilizing a 8″ LF proprietary cone material with a 1″ titanium HF composite diaphragm, and DSP/Ethernet control allows either analog or AES digital audio input connection for a full 48 kHz sampling rate. The design allows the signal path to stay fully digital, without the need for analog/digital converters. GUI network compatibility is also an option for tuning and remote connection.

The cabinet design for Acoustic Cabinet Control or ACC (if you’re nasty… —Ed.) provide the ability to align and tune the low frequencies, resulting in claimed linear and quick transient response, for bass impact and low distortion.

Balanced XLR, 1/4″ TRS, allow connection of professional mixing consoles, computer audio interfaces, audio visual equipment, and consumer audio systems.

The KK Labs D8 costs a little over five grand for the pair and is available now. More information on the KK Labs D8.

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