Sennheiser Introduces New Monthly e-Magazine for iOS Devices

Sennheiser, maker of fine microphones, headphones, and other good studio stuff has announced Blue Stage, a free e-magazine which examines sound from a different perspective in each monthly issue. The first edition of Blue Stage  focuses on recordings which take place outside of the studio – from a bamboo orchestra in the Solomon Islands, to kitchen staff singing in Namibia. Producers Stuart Matthewman and Adam Ficek reveal tricks of their trade. In addition, there are do-it-yourself tips for music recording at home. For further details and the pointer to the free app on the iTunes Store, visit Sennheiser Blue Stage. And WAIT – There’s More! Each month’s edition will offer an opportunity to win a special prize.

Tell me how you like it. (I’m iGadget challenged)

Not Quite Stocking Stuffers – Two New Reviews Added

I’ve been working on these for a while now and it’s time to let them go.  See the Product Reviews page or just gobble them up right here.

TASCAM DR-40 Hand Held Recorder – Good sound, lots of flexibility, real XLR and 1/4″ TRS external inputs as well as decent built-in mics, records 4 tracks, good value.

ETYMŌTIC Music●PRŌ Active Ear Plugs – I mentioned these in a recent post about a no-risk trial offer. I’m not sure how much longer that offer is in effect, but even if you don’t care about $400 ear plugs, you might be interested in how they work.

I had hoped to have a real stocking stuffer review, the SPL Meter app for Android devices from Audio Control, but I still have some more things to investigate and I’m waiting for a buddy who has a different Android than my Samsung Galaxy tablet to come over for Christmas dinner and bring his Android phone so we can try it on that. But if you’re dying to have a real audio app for your Android and want to gamble 99 cents at the Android Market, give it a try, then get back to me and tell me how it works for you. I’ll post a real review when I have another data point.

Etymotic Announces 30 Day No Risk Trial for MusicPRO Active Ear Plugs

If you read my 2012 AES Show report, you read about these ear plugs. If you didn’t see the show report yet, check it out in the Show Reports section, read the excerpt about the MusicPRO plugs here, or check the MusicPRO product web page.  I intend to write up a review of these, but I’m waiting until I have an opportunity to use them around some really loud music. At present, the best workout I’ve given them is with my leaf blower, and they work as expected.

$399 is a lot to drop on a set of ear plugs that don’t yet have much of a reputation, so Etymotic is offering a no-risk 30 day trial. Through January 15, 2013, purchase and try a pair of MusicPRO 9-15 electronic earplugs for 30 days. If you decide to keep them after a 30 day trial, register the earplugs,  complete a brief survey, and Etymotic will sweeten the pot by sending you a free  Etymotic hf3 cobalt headset, a $179 value (this is tailored for an Apple iPod but might work as an earphone with other devices with a TRRS mini jack). If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return the MusicPRO ear plugs for a full refund, including round trip shipping in the continental US.

Order direct from the Etymotic on-line store, Amazon, or other retailer.

Sennheiser Rebates – Just In Time for Christmas

Sennheiser is offering rebates up to $100 on selected Evolution wireless systems and up to $30 on selected wired mics purchased between November 1 and December 31 2012.

Check the News section for further details.

2012 AES Show Report Added

Better late than never. Had a few distractions after the show – house guest, storm, tree falling in the yard. It was a good show. See the Trade Show Reports section or take the shortcut to download the PDF directly.

Wireless Monitoring Systems Webinar November 15

Wireless Monitoring Systems – Tips and Tricks for System Design and Installation
November 15, 2012 – 2:00 PM EST

This webinar, sponsored by Herman Pro AV and presented by Sennheiser, will provide a background in basic RF principles, and explore considerations for designing and installing wireless monitoring systems. Topics covered will include frequency coordination, antenna design and system optimization.

It’s free, and these Sennheiser webinars usually run about an hour and are very informative.

Click here to register.

A Grand Piano In Your Pocket?

This sort of thing isn’t my usual cup of tea, but I like pianos and if this is as good as they say, it’s a great example of the computational power of an iGizmo. From the press release:

IK Multimedia announces the release of iGrand Piano, a concert-quality piano app for iPad that features grands, baby grands, uprights and specialty pianos such as a detuned saloon piano and a vintage gramophone piano. Pianos were captured via high-definition sampling across multiple velocities, and offer true-stereo sound, extremely low latency, and a level of playability and expressiveness that’s on par with the best sampled pianos on the Mac and Windows platforms.

The iGrand Piano is available for $19.99/€15.99 from the App Store. For twenty bucks, you get a selection of eight pianos, and nine others can be added through a Piano Expansion Pack available via In-App Purchase. A free version of iGrand Piano is also available, featuring one high-quality grand piano sound

Further info and audio samples are available at the IK Multimedia web site.