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Archive for the ‘Sound Systems’ Category

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.

Posted in New Gear, Sound Systems | No Comments »

Specimen Unleashes Little Horn Speakers

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Specimen Products has unleashed a new pair of speakers dubbed, The Little Horn Speakers. Specimen claims the special inverted design enables the low frequencies to emerge at the top of the enclosure. The structural rigidity of the horns octagonal geometry minimizes resonances yet allows sound waves to expand freely the way nature intended.

The Little Horns unique Patent Pending design is made using high-density fiberglass. The base is made using heavy, void-free Baltic birch plywood. The base houses the driver and acts as a compression chamber for the horn. The horns are fitted to their base like a neck should be fitted to a guitar – with an exacting alignment and flush fitting surface to ensure the best performance and tonal transmission.

Dimensions:
» 36” tall overall
» The bell of the horn is 14” across
» The base is an 8” cube and will sit nicely on a 10” deep shelf

Specifications:
» 8 ohms
» 90 db sensitivity
» 77Hz – 23kHz frequency response
» Power handling: 24 watts maximum

The Little Horns can be used with almost any stereo system, and are also uniquely suited to low-power (10-watts or less per channel) single-ended triode (SET) tube amplifiers— a standard for audiophiles everywhere. Pair these speakers with our matching stereo tube amplifier and create a unique ensemble to connect an iPod or other sound source.

The Specimen Little Horn Speakers will set you back $1850. More information on the Little Horn Speakers and many other wonderful creations.

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

Regen Announces New Solar Audio Products

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Regen, a new company out of San Francisco, CA, has announced several provocative solar-powered audio products for 2010. The technology behind all of their products is the Regen Smart Power Architecture (SPA) ? a patented solar collection, storage, and hybrid power-management platform.

Regen is leveraging this new architecture to power several audio products including the Reverb (shown above) and the BeBop. The ReVerb pairs the ability to draw power from the sun or a traditional electric outlet with a flat format speaker that the company claims to provide “excellent sound reproduction.”

When fully charged the ReVerb can provide up to 12 hours of high quality audio reproduction of the media files stored on an iPhone, iPod Touch or any media player with a headphone jack. Sounds great, so what’s the downside? The price. All this solar powered sleekness will set you back a whopping $2,299.

Reverb Features:
» Integrated photovoltaic panel generates power from light
» Powered by solar or electric power
» Generates sound equivalent to a 60-watt conventional speaker

The Bebop is not currently on Regen’s website, but it has been featured in Fast Company magazine and bring solar sexiness to the over-saturated iPod Dock market. It contains a solar panel on the device’s sloped back and speakers on the front in a Gattaca-inspired design. Regen claims the sound quality will rival the current high-water mark of several high-end brands. It will reportedly retail for $699.

More information on Regen Solar Audio.

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

JVC Debuts Sleek New Virtual Surround iPod Dock

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Considering the sheer amount of new iPod dock announcements we receive every week, FutureMusic could literally create a new section detailing all the new products. While we don’t report on every new model, every now and again a new system catches our eyes and ears. JVC’s new XS-SR3 iPod speaker system features a unique wraparound design, Dolby Virtual Surround, and a dock that can position an iPod vertically or horizontally, which is great for video.

The new JVC XS-SR3 surround dock contains a sleek, glossy black speaker tube with a curved design that allows the iPod to nestle between the speakers. The iPod holder rotates for viewing video in widescreen mode and comes with four clips to hold selected iPod models. The speakers’ neodymium magnets deliver big sound, while Dolby Virtual Surround creates the illusion of a wider sound field when viewing video content. Power output is five watts and the system features two audio inputs, one analog and one digital optical. A remote control is included. For double-duty, the XS-SR3 can also be used as computer speaker system.

The JVC XS-SR3 is available now for $150. More information on the JVC XS-SR3

Posted in Digital Media Players, Music Technology, Sound Systems | No Comments »

Edifier Releases iF500 iPod Sound System

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Let’s be honest, the news about yet another iPod dock is not going to get our blood boiling here at FutureMusic. However, the iF500 system by Edifier, a Canadian concern, is a provocative proposition, at least design-wise. Looking like a Hot Air Balloon, the iF500 is an all-in-one sound system that also includes a FM radio.

Features:
» All-in-One audio system for iPod, iPhone and MP3 players
» 5 driver sepeaker system incorporates unique vibration and resonance control technolories coupled with low frequency porting and mid-range tuned cavities for smoother cleaner audio
» Digital FM radio
» AUX input allows MP3 players and MP3 enabled cellular phones to be connected and played
» Edifier Patented EIDC (Electrical Intelligent Distortion Control) audio control technology lower distortion output
» Full range universal switch-mode power supply
Specifications:
» Power Output: RMS 10W x 2(THD+N=10%) + 32W (Subwoofer)
» Signal-to-Noise Rate : >=85dBA
» Input Sensitive: Satellites: 150mV+/-50mV ; Subwoofer 100mV+/- 50mV
» Input: iPod, AUX, FM radio Hz
» Bass driver unit: 5.75″ , magnetically shielded, 6 Ohm
» Mid-range Driver: 2.75″ 5Ohm and Treble unit 2.5″, 6Ohm, magnetically shielded
» Dimensions: 376 x 390 x 240mm ( WxHxD )
» Gross Weight: approximately 6.1kg
» Power Requirement: 100~240V

The Edifier iF500 will set you back $299 and is available now. More information on the Edifier iF500 iPod Sound System.

Posted in Music Gadgets, Sound Systems | No Comments »

WorxAudio Technologies Announces X115-P Bass Extension System

Monday, May 18th, 2009

WorxAudio Technologies has announced the TrueLine Series X115-P bass extension system. Featuring a compact form factor that is ideally suited for flown array clusters in fixed installations, this high output, self-powered bass system features a single 15-inch high excursion transducer.

The X115-P is a low frequency complement to multi-way loudspeaker systems such as WorxAudio Technologies’ TrueLine X2-P, X3-P, or X5-P line array systems or as a bass section in any sound system requiring extended low frequency response. Its rugged 13-ply Baltic Birch enclosure is braced and coated with a weather-resistant, multi-layered, catalyzed polyurethane finish and contains a 14-guage, powder-coated, cloth-backed, perforated steel grill. The WorxAudio X115-P subwoofer utilizes a single direct radiating 15-inch, 1200W cone driver in a vented enclosure.

The WorxAudio Technologies X115-P bass extension system costs a meager $4,483 and will be available this Summer. More information on the WorxAudio Technologies X115-P bass extension system.

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Kenwood Showcases Prototype OLED Illuminated Flat Speakers

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Kenwood has unveiled a set of stereo speakers that is also an OLED white light panel.

The prototypes feature ultra-thin, flat speaker technology and incorporate the OLED light source to double as lamps. They were developed through a joint venture between Kenwood and Professor Junti Kido from Japan’s Yamagata University.

Apparently, these speakers are a “side-effect” from the development of an OLED evacuation sign with an integrated speaker. Kenwood is developing the sign for schools and commercial buildings that will double as a sound beacon and emergency announcements.

Posted in Experiments In Sound, Sound Systems | No Comments »

NACSound Rolls Out The Freewheeler – Stereo Wireless Speaker

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Ron Arad, in collaboration with F. Pellisari, has created a wireless outdoor speaker, dubbed the Freewheeler. Made of piano-quality, lacquered wood, the bi-amped Freewheeler it has been constructed to provide full stereo sound, that’s Hi-Fi to you Grandpa, from the single enclosure, instead of two separate speakers.

Thanks to its wireless configuration, the stereo signal is broadcast to the Freewheeler from your stereo by a two-way FM transmitter. A receiver inside the wheel picks up the signal, filters and divides it into two stereo channels and then sends the two signals to the bi-amplifier, which distributes the sound to the two multi-directional coaxial speakers.

NACSound is manufacturing the unique speaker per order and it takes 1-2 months to build. The Freewheeler is available in “NAC Orange” or Cool White, but it can customized in other colors.

Specifications:
» Claimed Frequency response: 52-21.000 Hz +3dB
» Max. signal power: 112 dB
» Average running time: 8 hours
» Recharge: 14 hours
Power supply: 13.8 volt cc 1A
Reception range: 200 meters

Arad was born in Tel Aviv in 1951 and is currently the Professor of Design Product at the Royal College of Art, London.

The NACSound Freewheeler will run you about $16,000, and is available now. More information on the NACSound Freewheeler.

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

Mackie Announces HD Series Of Loudspeakers – Pushes Marketing Pain Threshold

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Mackie has announced a the HD Series of “High-Definition” Powered Loudspeakers. Claiming to create “an entirely new [product] category: High-Definition Live Sound,” the HD1521 2-way and HD1531 3-way contain Class-D amplifier technology, delivering up to 1800W of peak system power with precision crossovers, transducer time alignment and phase correction circuitry right in the box. HD Series loudspeakers take this even further with the implementation of patented acoustic correction processing that counters the inherent physical attributes that can make typical loudspeakers sound honky or washed out. (Sorry Mackie, but HD just sounds like “marketing” to us. –Ed.)

The 15? neodymium woofers are matched with the 1.75? heat-treated titanium compression driver. The HD1531 3-way also features a 6? midrange driver and Mackie’s WaveFront mid/high horn system for wide, consistent coverage. A user-adjustable 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid lets the user gently and flexibly EQ the system for the application at hand. The all-wood cabinets feature 12 integral fly-points for horizontal or vertical rigging and both models are pole-mountable. Integrated protection circuitry and robust build quality ensures years of reliable use.

Mackie’s HD Series High-Definition Powered Loudspeakers will be available in May 2009. Asia will have availability in April 2009. The HD1521 will cost $1249.99 and the HD1531 will set you back $1499.99. More information on the Mackie “HD” Series Powered Loudspeakers.

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Conran Announces The Brionvega RR226 Sound System

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Conran has announced the Brionvega RR226 sound system. The RR226 is an update of Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s 1965 RR126, and would certainly felt right at home in Captain Kirk’s bachelor pad.

Handcrafted in plywood and aluminium it houses a Pro-Ject turntable, a wide dial AM/FM radio, CD player and built-in stereo speakers.

All this retro design action doesn’t come cheap – it will reportedly cost a whopping £4,500 when it hits the shelves sometime this Fall, but that gives you plenty of time to save up…

More information on the Conran Brionvega RR226 Sound System.