Audio Visual Gear

M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro announced at NAMM 2014

Events, Gear Bits, Music Diary, News

M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro announced at NAMM 2014

If you were to ask my younger son about his most elusive piece of affordable technology, it would be the M-Audio Trigger Finger from 2005. The popular controller was used by all of his favorite music producers but was discontinued. Now it is back and better than ever with the M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro announced at NAMM 2014! Here is what M-Audio is saying: Trigger Finger Pro is a fully encompassed performance instrument and software control station in the form of a portable, 16-pad (4×4 configured) instrument with onboard sequencing. Nearly a decade ago, M-Audio revolutionized the industry by introducing…

V-Moda M-80 On-Ear Headphones - Be Good to Your Ears

Reviews

V-Moda M-80 On-Ear Headphones – Be Good to Your Ears

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100s stand out as one of the best pair of headphone I had the opportunity to review last year. I absolutely love the way they look, feel and, most importantly, sound. For those who prefer on-ear headphones, I recommend checking out their smaller siblings — the V-Moda M-80 on-ear headphones; they are bound to impress.

Dirty Music? Clean It Up with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS

Reviews

Dirty Music? Clean It Up with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS

I visited the Cambridge Audio suite during CES 2014. I put on headphones. I listened. The sound stinked. I put a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS USB DAC / Headphone Amp between the headphones and laptop. The sound was amazing — you might even say magical! The recording was fine. It was the laptop amp and the DacMagic that made all the difference. It turns out the audio amp on a laptop is an amazingly cheap component of most computers. It is fine for notifications and the like, but when it comes to listening to music the amps fall short. They…

Sharp Debuts the First Ever WiSA-Compliant Universal Player at CES 2014

Events, News

Sharp Debuts the First Ever WiSA-Compliant Universal Player at CES 2014

At CES, Sharp unveiled their Universal Player, the first ever WiSA-Compliant universal player.  The Sharp Universal Player is the first component to push uncompressed sound at 24-bit/96kHz and video at 1080p, all wirelessly.  Sharp’s Universal Player can wirelessly transmit sound to up to 8 wireless speakers.  The $4,000 component ships Spring, 2014; you can read more here.

Pioneer Shows Off Its NEX Line Of Products At CES

Events, News

Pioneer Shows Off Its NEX Line Of Products At CES

Car audio has come a long way since the days of my cassette tape portable CD player converter. Touch screens and phone interface are almost standard. Pioneer unveiled their NEX, (Networked Entertainment eXperience) which will combine on-board features with connected services from your devices. Four navigation and one audio receiver is in the lineup. Read the release after the break. PIONEER SHOWCASES NEXT GENERATION OF NETWORK CONNECTED RECEIVERS – ENHANCING EMBEDDED FEATURES WITH CLOUD-BASED CONTENT Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) Interface Implemented in Five Pioneer Receivers                                                                                                            LAS VEGAS – CES BOOTH #1201 (January 6, 2014) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveiled…

Blumoo Home Audio Remote Debuts at CES 2014?

Events, Music Diary, News

Blumoo Home Audio Remote Debuts at CES 2014?

The other day the local youth bureau called asking if my kids could help an older person set up a universal remote for multiple devices – and they declined because I was the only one in our house who knew our system! This is true for millions, making it great news as Blumoo Home Audio Remote Debuts at CES 2014!

IUI Design is Launching the Bass Jumper Water Resistant Speaker at CES 2014

Events, Gear Bits

IUI Design is Launching the Bass Jumper Water Resistant Speaker at CES 2014

While CES is taking place in the warmth of Las Vegas, much of the nation is gripped by record-breaking cold, snow, and wind. IUI Design is launching the Bass Jumper water resistant speaker at CES to let you rock on despite the elements! It is ready for anything with IPX5 water resistance, carabineer for portability, and a 10 hour battery! Here is what they say: “With an emphasis on portability, the Bass Jumper is packaged with a carabiner clip so users can bring along and share their music on any adventure,” commented Al Fortino, Director of Business Development, iUi Design….

JBL Authentic Speaker Line Is the Real Deal in Sound

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JBL Authentic Speaker Line Is the Real Deal in Sound

JBL’s new JBL Authentic L8 and JBL Authentic L16 wireless speakers bring classic speaker design together with superior wireless technology to create an authentic and impressive sound experience. Each features premium materials, optimized low-frequency and high-frequency JBL transducers and meticulous acoustic design. With AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth connectivity they cut the cord but not the audio quality.

Happy Plugs 18K Solid Gold In-Ear Earphones

Gear Bits

Happy Plugs 18K Solid Gold In-Ear Earphones, Because You Can?

I’m the first to throw down for a bit of every day luxury, but I was still taken aback by the $14,500 hand-crafted Happy Plugs 18K gold deluxe edition earbuds. Granted, earphones can last much longer than the average mobile phone, but how long and how often would you have to keep using these to justify the price?

QAK ThumpBlu Headphones Review, Freedom From Wires

Reviews

QAK ThumpBlu Headphones Review, Freedom From Wires

Speakers, watches, headphones … my phone seems to keep losing wires, yet it continues to communicate with more devices. Being free from wires is an awesome feeling. It’s like getting shackles taken off, and being able to roam about freely. I recently had the opportunity to test out the $99 Thump Case Pack and go wireless; let’s take a look.

TouchTone BlueTooth Speaker Review

Reviews

TouchTone BlueTooth Speaker Review

Lately I have found myself listening to audio from my phone. Wether it be music or podcasts, I have come to prefer audio over television. Portable, wireless audio options with superior sound are important to me. I was recently able to try out the TouchTone from id America which promises big sound in a small package for &79.95.

Felt Audio's Pulse Bluetooth Speaker Review - a Tiny, Capable Speaker

Reviews

Felt Audio’s Pulse Bluetooth Speaker Review – a Tiny, Capable Speaker

Felt Audio’s Pulse mobile Bluetooth speaker is a fine example of the old adage “Good things come in small packages.”  The adaptable wireless speaker is about the size of a business card, a little thicker than an iPhone, and weighs only 2.5 ounces.  The Pulse can serve many functions, all while fitting in your pocket.  The Pulse retails for $79.99.

IK Multimedia Launches iRig Keys Pro with Full Sized Keys!

Gear Bits

IK Multimedia Launches iRig Keys Pro with Full Sized Keys!

Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multiplatform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is introducing iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC. iRig KEYS PRO is a true “plug and play” professional-quality programmable MIDI controller designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It features 37 velocity-sensitive full-size keys for 3 full octaves plus one note — allowing…

SuperTooth Freedom Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review - Great Sound at an Even Better Price

Reviews

SuperTooth Freedom Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review – Great Sound at an Even Better Price

If you’re looking for a pair of competitively priced over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones with great sound quality and excellent battery life, you should look no further than the SuperTooth Freedom.  This comfortable headset connects to your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC using Bluetooth 4.0 technology and even has NFC connectivity if your device supports it.  The SuperTooth Freedom retails for $149.

G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox Review - Rugged Boombox can Follow you Anywhere

Reviews

G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox Review – Rugged Boombox can Follow you Anywhere

The G-Boom Wireless Bluetooth Boombox by G-Project is a rugged speaker system that, despite it’s lower-end price tag, actually sounds pretty good.  The G-Boom has a rechargeable battery for when you want to take the boombox into the woods, audio line-in jack, and volume, play, and forward/backward control buttons on the top.  The G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox retails for $99.99.

Korus Premium, Portable Wireless System Review - Part 2

Reviews

Korus Premium, Portable Wireless System Review – Part 2

In part one of this two-part review, we looked at the philosophy behind and technology within the new Korus line of wireless speakers. In part 2 we’ll be looking at the two speakers that were part of the initial launch of the line, as well as my thoughts on the speakers in specific and the line in general.