Krug, IRCAM & Amadeus Create Immersive ‘Audio Tasting Space’
The innovative space with the iconic Champagne House was conceived by the international architecture and interior design agency AW2, in collaboration with Amadeus, designer and manufacturer of high-end electroacoustic systems
The House of Krug has taken another step in creating new and immersive tasting experiences for its guests by collaborating with France’s IRCAM Institute, Amadeus, and the renowned international architecture and interior design agency AW2 to create a new ‘Audio Tasting Room’ at the Krug Family House in Reims, France.
A CHALLENGE FROM THE HOUSE OF KRUG: Since 1843, the House of Krug has explored new ways to enrich the tasting experience. While Music has always been at its heart, the current endeavor was spurred by recent research further affirming the impact of hearing on taste, including the work carried out by Charles Spence and Janice Qian Wang of Oxford University‘s Cross-modal Research Laboratory. This led the House to push the boundaries of immersive tastings through its collaboration with the IRCAM.
Read More »CEntrance Announces “PortCaster”
Portable broadcast device makes call-in “talk radio” shows a breeze
CEntrance today announced the launch of PortCaster™, a portable live-streaming and recording tool. The new handheld device fills an important gap for podcasters and radio program hosts who need to add music, effects, and either a local or a remote call-in guest to their “talk radio”-style show. Based on the MixerFace, the company’s acclaimed mobile recording interface, the new product is designed for recording or live-streaming a broadcast to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
Read More »SPL Releases New “Phonitor se”
New ‘Phonitor se’ headphone amp is now shipping in two models, one with an SPL DAC
SPL of Germany has announced the new ‘Phonitor se’ headphone amp is now shipping in two models, one with an SPL DAC. The new model is an entry into the SPL “Professional Fidelity” Phonitor world. The SPL line of products is distributed by Focal-Naim America in the US and Canada.
The Phonitor se features the same audio signal amplification as its bigger brothers Phonitor x and Phonitor xe and therefore – thanks to SPL’s VOLTAiR technology – offers the same sound experience. Of course, the high-quality look and feel is maintained. Playback of analog signals are via an unbalanced stereo RCA input and for digital players, via the optional DAC768xs.
Read More »Musicians Rely on CEntrance to Live Stream During Quarantine
From LA to Dubai, artists around the world use MixerFace to reach their fans
As the music world stopped touring, musicians started streaming, and CEntrance, makers of the portable audio interface called MixerFace, found itself helping artists all over the globe to stream online. A great match for major online streaming platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, MixerFace upgrades the sound quality of smartphones and tablets based on iOS and Android. Using either built-in XY microphones or full-on home studio setups, MixerFace connects artists to their fans, with stunning audio quality.
When Quincy Jones called guitarist Jake Morelli (Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, The Roots) for a 3-month R&B gig in Dubai, Morelli (IG – @JMotone) couldn’t have anticipated getting stuck there in the middle of the residency. The club got closed and air traffic disappeared, so Morelli couldn’t return home to his family. Fortunately, he had the MixerFace with him and has been recording, communicating, and live streaming with it every day. “While quarantined in Dubai,” said Morelli, “I worked on several online collaborations—because an artist must create art, even under the most challenging circumstances. I’ve done projects remotely with drummer Daru Jones, eclectic UK artist Ivy Channel, bass pioneer Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and vocalist Rogelio Douglas Jr.” “I really cannot say enough great things about this little device” adds Morelli, “except that my guitar and bass have never sounded better! There is some serious mojo going on here. And if you plug in the CEntrance Pivot Mics, the exquisite detail that is picked up from vocals, or an entire band are simply astounding.”
See YouTube video of one collaboration: https://tinyurl.com/Jake-Morelli
SPL Announces ‘Crescendo duo’
New 2-channel mic preamp version based on SPL’s flagship Crescendo
SPL of Germany has announced the new ‘Crescendo duo’ mic pre that extends SPL’s 120V technology microphone preamplifier portfolio with a two-channel version of the SPL Crescendo. The new product is set to ship worldwide April 14, 2020, and is distributed by Focal-Naim America in the US and Canada, it retails for $2,499 USD.
Crescendo duo excels with the same outstanding sonic and technical features as the flagship of the product line – Crescendo, an 8-channel mic pre, released in September 2018. It is nearly impossible to overdrive this preamplifier. It excels with absolute signal fidelity and clarity and lets microphones appear in a whole new light – they have never been amplified like this before.
Read More »250 Tons of Plastic Recycled Into Acoustic Panels
Vicoustic turned 250 tons of plastic waste into acoustic solutions since it started using VicPET Wool as raw material, the equivalent to over 22 Million 500ml PET bottles
With VicPET Wool as the new primary raw material, Vicoustic is becoming a game-changer in the acoustic panels market. Consisting of mainly recycled plastic waste (65%), VicPET Wool is specifically designed to optimize acoustic performance while not adding glue, fabric or chemical fire retardant. Focal-Naim America is the distributor for Vicoustic products in the USA and Canada.
Since Vicoustic started production with this new raw material, the company has manufactured state-of-the-art acoustic panels using more than 250 tons of plastic waste, equivalent to roughly 22 Million standard PET bottles (500ml) being recycled.
Read More »SPL Ships “Mercury” Mastering DAC
The “Mercury” stereo DAC fulfills the highest demands in Mastering both technologically and tonally, it’s the first mastering DAC designed with SPL’s 120V rail technology
SPL of Germany is now shipping their new “Mercury” Mastering DA Converter. Mercury is a stereo digital to analog converter that fulfills the highest demands both technologically and tonally. It is the first Mastering DA converter designed in 120V rail technology. The new SPL DAC is distributed by Focal-Naim America in the US and Canada, is available now, and retails for $2,999.00 USD.
Read More »CEntrance Ships Professional Field Recorder with Stereo Mics
MixerFace R4B is the high-end recording solution for Mobile Broadcasting
CEntrance announced that their professional field recording solution, the MixerFace R4B, is now shipping. The acclaimed mobile recording interface comes with a pair of XY stereo microphones, PivotMics PM1, and a built-in 24-bit SD card recorder, creating a completely stand-alone, high-end recording device. The new MixerFace R4B retains all the features of parent MixerFace models, including a rechargeable battery, sturdy metal housing, pristine broadcast-quality audio, and a tactile user interface, all of which combine to create the perfect mobile solution for remote broadcasting or news gathering, podcasting, and interviews.
Read More »Focal Ships “Solo6 Be 40th” Special Anniversary Monitors
Focal’s 40th Anniversary celebration continues: For its special anniversary, Focal reveals Solo6 Be 40th powered studio monitors
Focal, the French high fidelity manufacturing expert, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019. To commemorate 40 years of passion and innovation dedicated to music, Focal has developed some exceptional products across its various collections. After ‘Home and Car Audio’ universes, professional audio is now honored: the brand presents Solo6 Be 40th, its iconic studio monitor. Solo6 Be has been dressed up with a new black finish and stamped as a special edition.
CEntrance Ships “Cerene dB” Headphones
New CEntrance headphones offer a natural, transparent sound with a full spectrum of audiophile enjoyment
CEntrance has broadened its audio product line with the launch of their first pair of headphones, called Cerene dB. The new headphones’ sound is optimized to offer a transparent reference for professionals and audiophiles alike. Known for their successful line of personal audio products, including award-winning DACs and mobile recording devices, CEntrance’s debut into the world of headphones has been highly anticipated.