Symbol Audio Tabletop HiFi: Back to the Future

When it comes to speakers, retro designs can look pretty great. Check out the Symbol Audio Tabletop HiFi, a tabletop audio system that wouldn’t look out of place in a pad from the 1960s. I’m sure that Don Draper would approve.

symbol audio tabletop hifi

Each one of these luxury speakers is handmade from wood, and would be welcome in any modern or retro pad. While it may have vintage looks, the audio isn’t from the past. Inside are two 4-inch full-range drivers with titanium cones, and a 5.25-inch subwoofer, powered by a Class D amplifier, rated at 8-watts-per-channel for the full-ranges and 15.5-watts for the sub.

symbol audio tabletop hifi orange table

Unfortunately, the Tabletop HiFi doesn’t have wireless support built in – it’s only got an 1/8″ stereo mini input jack. That means you’ll need an Airport Express or other wireless-to-analog converter if you want to stream tunes from your mobile devices or computer.

symbol audio tabletop hifi orange

The speaker comes in a number of different colors and finishes, and you can mix-and-match speaker grille and cabinet finishes. If you like the way the Tabletop HiFi looks, you’ll have to save up, because they sell for $1,800(USD).

IK Multimedia’s iLoud And iLoud MINI Portable Speakers Are A Musician’s Dream

iLoud IK Multimedias iLoud And iLoud MINI Portable Speakers Are A Musicians DreamIK Multimedia has just announced its latest portable speakers that are built primarily for musicians. Enter the iLoud Series, touted by its maker for its pristine frequency response and amazing low-end sound in a portable form factor. Basically there are two models in the iLoud Series – the iLoud and the iLoud MINI. Both models offer the capability to compose, record, and mix music within its system. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Jabra’s Speak 510 Series Is Built With The Mobile User In Mind, Machina Midi Controller Jacket Complete At Last,

Jabra’s Speak 510 Series Is Built With The Mobile User In Mind

jabra Jabras Speak 510 Series Is Built With The Mobile User In MindJabra, the manufacturer of wireless and corded speakers, is announcing the launch of its Jabra Speak 510 Series. A spin-off of its successful Speak 410 Series, Jabra’s 510 Series is built and designed for mobile users. There are basically two models under the 510 Series – the Speak 510+ and Speak 510. The Speak 510+ is cordless and uses a dongle for controls. The result is a wireless system for smartphones and tablets. The Speak 510+ also has a 300 foot range. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Machina Midi Controller Jacket Complete At Last, Amazon MP3 Store Now Optimized For The iPhone And iPod Touch ,

Wicked Audio Solus wired headphones Review

From the folks at Wicked Audio come a pair of headphones they’ve dubbed Solus, bringing in a relatively inexpensive pair of audio blasters that are light as well as bright. You’ve got a standard headphone jack on a soft material cord that’s attached to the headphones themselves, an extension cord so you can listen in from across the room, and a carrying sack with a couple of drawstrings so you can keep your phones clean. What you’ll be working with here is a street-ready pair of headphones that wont break the bank and will brighten up your noggin when you’re rocking them on the daily.

headerfirst

This pair of headphones works with a 40mm driver, sensitivity at 105gB, and frequency/impedance at 20Hz-20,000Hz and 32Ohms. They’re basic, yet relatively high fidelity, and they sound pretty decent for your everyday music listening experience. These aren’t the kind of headphones you’re going to be using to mix your next record – they’re the kind you’re going to stash in your backpack for listening in on the way to school to whatever audio device you’ve got handy.

cord

These phones are extremely light – almost too light, actually – and they come in black with a few red splashes to keep you bright in the night. The phones are able to turn at 90 degree angles so you can listen to one at a time while the other faces forward or backward, and you can fold the whole setup up inside itself for easy storage. These headphones are made of a mostly plastic casing with some faux leathery-like material up around the top for comfort across the top of your head.

folded

The cord you get with the Wicked Audio Solus is 4 feet on its own – generous enough by itself to be sure – but you also get an extension cord you can use if you’re plugging into something that’s 10 feet away from you. The extension cord itself is 6 feet and will make sure you’re gaming all wired up with your console if that’s your brand of entertainment. You also get a lovely full-sized jack for plugging in to your studio amp if you’re rolling with some electric guitars, too.

You’ll be able to pick these headphones up right this minute from the finest audio retailers for right around $60 USD. That’s decent without a doubt – have a peek and grab a deal where you can.

sideways
bag
cord
extensioncord
folded
headerfirst


Wicked Audio Solus wired headphones Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

JVC announces new MirrorLink Receiver with smartphone integration

In-car audio and video systems are becoming more and more integrated these days, and with the growth of smartphones, companies are making it easier to use and control in-car stereo systems with mobile devices. Today, JVC announced a new in-dash multimedia receiver equipped with MirrorLink, which allows Android, Symbian, and iPhone users to control various features of the receiver with their handsets.

JVC-NSX700-Mirror

Sadly, the receiver only works with Samsung’s Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, any Nokia Symbian phone, and the iPhone/iPod (excluding the iPhone 5). Using either the Samsung Drive Link app, the Car Mode app on Symbian, or AppLink for iPhone, the user can duplicate the phone’s display onto the receiver’s 6.1-inch screen. The MirrorLink technology allows you to access apps that have been optimized for in-car use, which ensures a safe driving experience.

The app also allows for hands-free operation of the in-dash receiver, and the home screen offers quick and easy navigation to music, maps, and phone dialing. Since the displays of the smartphone and the receiver are mirrored, passengers can use the smartphone to control the receiver without having to reach forward to change around various settings.

The new JVC MirrorLink receivers are priced starting at $599 for the KW-NSX1 model. There’s no word on when or if the company has plans to roll out compatibility for more Android phones and the iPhone 5. Having only a limited number of compatible devices seems rather counter-intuitive, so hopefully JVC will open it up to more smartphones in the future.


JVC announces new MirrorLink Receiver with smartphone integration is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Bomie’s Boom System: Look Ma, No Amp!

There have been plenty of different passive amplifiers for smartphones, but I have to say that this one definitely stands out from the crowd. The Bomie’s Boom System is quite large, and could be something interesting to have in your living room if you don’t believe in powered speakers.

bomie boom system smartphone amplifier

The Bomie’s Boom System is a passive acoustic amplifier for smartphones that was handmade by Malawian woodcarvers and wood-turning specialists. It amplifies the sound of the paltry integrated smartphone speaker thanks to the large, parabolic horn shape. The carved tube is made out of solid wood, and the slot at the base allows users to easily slide their phones in and out.

bomie boom system smartphone amplifier slot

It was developed by the Dutch designer Jeroen Bomers and hopefully, you’ll be able to pick one up sometime soon.

bomie boom system smartphone amplifier side

[via designboom]

Pioneer intros Platinum Edition CDJ-2000nexus, matching mixer and remixer

Pioneer intros Platinum Edition CDJ2000nexus, equally flashy mixer and remix station

DJs and even nightclubs don’t always get to choose the decks for gigs or studio sessions. In the event they do, however, they’ll likely want a rig to remember — and Pioneer is more than willing to sate that desire with new Platinum Editions of the CDJ-2000nexus CD turntable, DJM-900nexus mixer and RMX-1000 Remix Station. All three are similar to existing equipment on the inside, but come with an extra-reflective chrome finish that’s bound to be noticed, if more by the DJ than the audience on the dance floor. They’ll also be harder to find when they’re shipping in limited quantities from the outset; the mirror-like treatment is coming to just 4,000 units of the CDJ-2000nexus, and 2,000 each of the DJM-900nexus and RMX-1000. Scratch artists looking for full-on flash will need to buy two turntables and a mixer together as part of a $8,499 Platinum Edition set due in February, although those wanting a small taste of the experience can buy the remixer by itself for $1,199.

Show full PR text

PIONEER OFFERS PLATINUM LIMITED EDITION OF ITS FLAGSHIP DJ GEAR – CDJ-2000NEXUS PLAYER, DJM-900NEXUS MIXER AND RMX-1000 REMIX STATION

Pioneer DJ today announced the creation of “Platinum Editions” of the CDJ-2000nexus professional multi-player, DJM-900nexus performance digital mixer, and RMX-1000 Remix Station. The Platinum Edition models will have a limited run of 4,000 units for the CDJ-2000nexus, 2,000 units for the DJM-900nexus, and 2,000 units for the RMX-1000, which will be available at Pioneer DJ authorized retailers worldwide and released in February 2013. The limited Platinum Edition series products will feature an ultra-sleek mirror chrome finish, each with a distinctive plaque engraved with the production run and serial number to indicate its authenticity. A system, which includes two CDJ-2000nexus-M and one DJM-900nexus-M, will be sold as a set with a suggested retail price of $8499, while the Platinum Edition RMX-1000-M will be offered separately with a suggested retail price of $1199.

CDJ-2000nexus-M features include:

o. Users can choose their media source from a USB storage device, SD memory card, CD- or DVD-ROM Disc, DJ software via MIDI/HID or even using music stored inside Wi-Fi(R)1/USB-connected smartphones and tablets
o. rekordbox[TM] music management software for analysis, management, and playback of music files.
o. Pioneer’s PRO DJ LINK2, which enables up to four digital CDJ players to be connected for sharing music files stored on a single USB device and/or SD card
o. High efficiency Wolfson(R) Microelectronics digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for accurate sound reproduction, faithful to source material
o. Slip and Quantize functions, which enable reliable performance without changing the flow of the original track. Using the My Settings feature, the function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone(R), iPad(R) or iPod touch(R), USB storage device, or SD memory card. For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox app or software, allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
o. Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI
o. Active Loop function automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point
o. Load Previous Track feature provides playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player
o. Rating on the Go function allows users to rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting
o. Auto Standby function switches power to standby mode when no operation or input is detected for a certain period of time

DJM-900nexus-M features include:

o. Multitude of effects options including six types of Sound Color FX and 13 types of Beat Effect
o. Built-in 24-Bit / 96 kHz high performance USB soundcard3
o. Built-in “X-Pad” for controlling multiple parameters with a touch to enhance the user’s performance
o. Ability to connect Pioneer(R) digital players that support the PRO DJ LINK feature for highly accurate BPM and beat location information, resulting in precise beat matching4
o. Built-in high performance 32-bit digital signal processor to suppress digital and analog circuit noise
o. Highly durable high-performance channel fader
o. Auto Standby function
o. Gold-plated RCA PIN ports

RMX-1000-M features include:

o. Knobs, buttons and layout of unit ensure intuitive operation and control
o. Remixing options are virtually endless with Scene FX, Isolate FX, X-PAD FX, and Release FX controls
o. Supports VST5/AU6/RTAS(R)7 plug-ins to utilize effects from DJ play for song production
o. Includes special remixbox[TM] editing software, enabling effects and customization
o. High-quality sound design delivers clear and powerful DJ sound
o. QUANTIZE function enables real-time music analysis and synchronization of effects along with the beat of the music
o. AUTO BPM function automatically measures and follows the tempo of music
o. Compact design for portability
o. Ability to be used as MIDI controller via included USB-MIDI standard

Filed under:

Comments

Source: Pioneer

Machina Midi Controller Jacket Complete At Last

wearablemidi Machina Midi Controller Jacket Complete At LastWe did talk about the Machina Midi Controller Jacket sometime in May last year, but that was when it is still far from finished, and definitely not as cool as the polished and final article. Well, the Machina Midi Controller Jacket, after one whole year of work, is finally completed. Basically, if you are musician who is also into technology, this is one jacket that you might have wished arrived under the Christmas tree last December.

Basically, the Machina Midi Controller Jacket has been described as “one of the first wearable technology items” that will focus solely on design, where you will then be able to use your body as an interface in order to create music. Of course, the electronics remain invisible for it to be used on a daily basis without you looking out of whack with the rest of society. All fabrics used are waterproof, so that liquids will slide down without damaging any part of the electronics that have been embedded in the jacket.

Equipped with a quartet of flexible sensors that can detect your finger’s position, it will also be accompanied by a single accelerometer that can detect your arm’s acceleration, a joystick, four push buttons and is highly modifiable to fit your lifestyle and use.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Outdoor Technology Announces CHIPS Wireless Drop-in Audio System , NUU Splash Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker,

Spotify signs deal with Orange Switzerland to bundle music with youth plans

Spotify for Android

Spotify has been getting comfortable with providers to various degrees, whether it’s just carrier billing or direct deals. Today, however, it’s getting extra-cozy. Orange Switzerland has started bundling Spotify Premium with its Orange Young plans: those 27 and younger can pay between 29 to 79 francs ($31 to $85) per month and, on top of the usual service, get a year’s worth of streaming music access that won’t count against their bandwidth caps. Older customers aren’t left out, either, as they can pay 13 francs ($14) a month with the same data exemption. There’s no word of whether or not the Orange pact will spread to other countries, but we hope it does — having unlimited streaming access could easily make up for Spotify’s retreat from downloads.

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Orange (1), (2)

Moog Sub Phatty: Twisted, Filthy, Gorgeous Bass

Moog synthesizers are legendary for their pure bubbling sound. Moog has been teasing its new Sub Phatty for a few weeks, and now it’s finally official. Meet the new obscene sound of the bassline. More »