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Zero-G/Xfonic SoundSense Series

2010-07-03T23:00:00+00:00

With the SoundSense series, long-time sample library creator Zero-G gives us a different take on "budget" collections. Each DVD contains a collection of loops and individual samples - including in most cases a small but tasty assortment of song construction kits - in a particular electronica genre. These collections list for $59.95 each, and are distributed in the US by Sounds Online. Here I'll review four of the SoundSense collections: Trance Inducer, Technomatik, Ambiosis, and Chilled Grooves.

Sony Sound Series: Platinum Theory Hip-Hop

2010-06-26T23:00:00+00:00

This is one of the most inventive hip-hop sample libraries I've heard. Producer Henry Willis (aka lukecage) has crafted a set of 62 construction kits that show off the more experimental side of hip-hop, ranging from R&B to illbient. He's taken a minimal approach to the art, providing 3-5 loops per kit that cover bass, beats, and additional melodic parts including a lot of piano.

Sound Devices INTRODUCES CL-9 LINEAR FADER Controller FOR 788T DIGITAL RECORDER at NAB 2010

2010-04-14T07:19:00+00:00

LAS VEGAS, NV, APRIL 12, 2010 - Sound Devices introduces its latest accessory for its best-selling 788T Digital Recorder, the new CL-9 Linear Fader Controller, at NAB 2010 (Booth C1354). With the addition of the CL-9, the already powerful 788T becomes a complete mixing/recording system, perfect for audio capture in sound-for-picture, broadcast and music-oriented productions.

Review: Rode NTG-3 short shotgun microphone and Blimp windshield

2009-05-01T15:03:00+00:00

The Rode NTG-3 microphone, shown here in the Rode Blimp mount sans windscreen, delivers great performance at a moderate price.

Users of short shotgun microphones can be sorted into two categories. Those who complain about spending $250 to $500 on a mic, and those willing to spend $1000 to $2000 on one. Into the first category you can place students, hobbyists, many camera operators, and just about every producer. In the later you'll find professional sound mixers and...well, that's about it. So what mic choices do those restrictions translate to?

See the Beat: Video-driven composing

2009-03-01T16:02:00+00:00

First things first. I'm not a musician. I don't play one on TV. I'd like to be - I did just start playing acoustic guitar. But if you heard me, you'd agree - I'm no musician. But I am a video producer/editor. And a motion graphics designer. And I frequently need music for my work.Which makes me an ideal candidate for Abaltat's Muse.

RED ONE audio performance evaluated

2008-06-03T03:32:00+00:00

Audio-equipment manufacturer Sound Devices has posted a detailed evaluation of the RED ONE camera's audio performance. Working with camera 529, build 15, v2.2.5, the company measures and/or reports on the camera's mic preamps, frequency response, distortion and noise (THD+N), dynamic range, meters, and more. There are some issues, and the report concludes:For most dialog applications, the Red One's near 16-bit audio performance is similar to many of the digital pro-sumer and pro cameras we have tested. This is perfectly acceptable for dialog, especially when hit with a good, clean line-level signal. Sound Devices recommends dual-system sound for critical applications.Let's note that Sound Devices makes (very good) audio mixers and recorders, so some may see the company's conclusion as self serving. But their evaluation appears careful, accurate, and fair. And their conclusion matches what I've heard from mixers who've worked with a RED camera. The report also provides useful information on getting the best-possible sound into the camera, if you don't want to record to an external recorder.The report is worth a good look. You can read it here.

Two New Location Audio Recorders

2008-04-18T08:03:00+00:00

Learning about Zaxcom digital recorders on the...David Letterman Show?!?

I didn't make it to NAB this year, but since it looks like my PVC colleagues didn't make it to the convention's North Hall to see and hear the latest audio equipment, I thought I'd chime in with a two portable recorders designed for video and film production sound. These caught my eye and ear from afar. And check out Zaxcom's cameo on the Late Show with David Letterman...