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SPL Ships “Crescendo” 8-Channel Mic Preamp

The “Crescendo” is the first microphone preamp operating with an internal voltage of 120V offering increased headroom for a much wider dynamic range to capture every detail in a recording

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SPL of Germany is now shipping their new “Crescendo” 8-channel microphone preamplifier featuring SPL’s unique120V technology. This is the first mic pre that operates with an internal operating voltage of 120V. SPL pioneered the 120V technology in their ‘Mastering Series’ hardware such as the PQ Equalizer and IRON Compressor, and have now brought 120V technology to their recording products with the Crescendo 8-channel mic pre. The other key design feature of the Crescendo is the sheer transparency of the preamp electronics, adding as little sonic influence as possible to the recorded sound. The new 8-channel mic pre is distributed by Audio Plus Services in the US and Canada, and retails for $6,499 USD.

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CEntrance “MixerFace R4” Shipping

New mobile audio recording interface now shipping to US dealers & worldwide distributors
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CEntrance announced they are shipping the MixerFace(tm) R4 – Mobile Recording Interface(tm) which is designed for songwriters, podcasters, video bloggers, and others to easily record professional-quality audio anywhere using a smartphone or a tablet. The handheld, 4-channel device turns a smartphone or tablet into a DAW, making it quick and easy to capture musical ideas, remote interviews, field recordings, or live stream audio with video. The built-in high-quality mic preamps feature true 48V phantom power, so users can choose their favorite microphone for recording. An internal, long-lasting rechargeable battery sets MixerFace R4 apart from other portable audio interfaces and makes it the ideal companion for the road to record audio from almost any location. MixerFace R4 also features balanced studio monitor outputs and can double up as a USB recording interface in a project studio.

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SPL Ships 3 New Mastering Products

A new stereo mastering console, 16-channel mastering monitor controller, and the updated passive mastering EQ are all now shipping

WEB-400_SPL-3productsSPL of Germany has announced the release of 3 new devices that expand their Mastering Series hardware line. The three new units are the redesigned DMC stereo mastering console, the MC16, a 16-channel analog mastering monitor controller, and the updated PASSEQ, passive mastering equalizer. All three products are now shipping and are available in the US and Canada through distributor Audio Plus Services.

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Amadeus Releases ‘C Series’ Speakers

Amadeus has started shipping a new horn-loaded point source speaker series, initially engineered for the Paris-based Théâtre National de Chaillot

400C_Series Designed by Amadeus, the new C Series is a high-definition series of point source speaker systems combining Amadeus’ deepest innovation and technology. Initially designed and manufactured specifically for the Paris-based Theatre National de Chaillot (Chaillot National Theater), which houses the most prestigious dance and theater companies from Europe and throughout the world, the C Series (‘C’ is a tribute to Chaillot) is Amadeus’ latest speaker innovation.
The new “C Series” speakers started shipping in May 2018.

The C Series comprises two different models, with plans for other models in a near future. The C12 is based on a 2-way point source transducer featuring a 12-inch woofer, and a 1.75-inch driver. The C15 is based on a 3-way point source transducer featuring a 15-inch woofer. The C 15 also features two neodymium diaphragm compression HF drivers, coaxially mounted with a single acoustical output, and coupled to an individual waveguide. Both models include a unique diffraction horn, each is specific and optimized to get a vertical dispersion of 60° and a horizontal dispersion of 90°, which can be inverted by rotating the system 90-degrees. This type of load ensures a perfectly uniform coverage and an excellent spectral quality throughout the whole listening area.

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The Inside Story of the Making of the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano

Master craftsman and designers, Fred DiLeone and Chris Carroll, reveal the inside secrets of how they created their unique Vintage Vibe Electric Tine Piano

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Vintage Vibe has been repairing and restoring classic Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Clavinet keyboards since the late 1990s. In 2008, the company’s founder, Chris Carroll, along with master technician Fred DiLeone, embarked on a quest to build their own electro-mechanical keyboard in the style of the Rhodes, infusing it with their own ideas of improved performance, reduced weight, and customizable, sleek new looks. Today, Vintage Vibe has published the inside story of their adventure of creating a unique new analog instrument—an instrument embraced by some of the greatest musicians of our generation—the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano. Visit the Vintage Vibe website blog to read the complete epic tale: (http://bit.ly/Inside-Story-Vintage-Vibe-Pianos). Here are some highlights…

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‘McKechnie & de Benedictis’ Re-release 1980s “Inside Your Head”

“A dream-state assemblage of otherworldly musical landscapes.”

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The album is a reissue of live-to-tape synthesizer music, originally issued as a cassette tape in 1984, now
re-mastered for digital and available on major streaming and download platforms…

The path to partnership can be instantaneous or a journey. In the case of McKechnie & de Benedictis, it was a journey. From teacher and student to colleague and partner, developed over years in the studio programming synths and experimenting with recording and mixing, and after getting Rhodes Chroma synthesizers in 1982, (serial numbers 104 and 105). The duo starting making music and playing live together, first as “New Logic”, then McKechnie & de Benedictis, and ultimately as partners in “The San Francisco Synthesizer Ensemble.” Today, they re-release “Inside Your Head”—a 60-minute work of extended live-to-tape synthesizer improvisations and compositions, re-mastered for digital and available on streaming services including Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music, and download platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

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John Ginty Rocks with Vintage Vibe

John Ginty plays rock keyboards for top artists and his own band and always features his Vintage Vibe Electric Piano and Hammond B3 organ for a full-on roots-rock experience

400John-Ginty2Keyboardist John Ginty is a seasoned rock player, laying down tracks and playing live with the likes of Ryan Adams, Robert Randolph, Citizen Cope, Santana, Matthew Sweet, Jewel, Smashing Pumpkins, and recently a reformed rock-focused Dixie Chicks. As a bandleader, Ginty’s masterful use of Hammond B3 organ and Vintage Vibe Electric Piano take center-stage in his classic roots-of-rock sound. With four award-winning albums to their credit, including Bad News Travels, Rockers, and No Filter, Ginty and company’s songs have graced the charts of both Billboard and the Roots Music Report.

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Gaîté Lyrique Theater Upgrades to Amadeus DIVA M2 (M-Squared)

Amadeus recently upgraded its original speaker install at the famous Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater to include the newly released DIVA M2 (M-Squared) speakers

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Amadeus, based in France, one of the premiere manufacturers of high-end sound reinforcement systems and custom studio speakers, has announced the install of the company’s newest array speaker, the DIVA M2, at the prestigious Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater digital arts and modern music center. Initially equipped by Amadeus for the theater’s 2011 re-opening with the company’s EtherSound-enabled speakers, DIVA XS and XL Series, among other Amadeus models, La Gaîté Lyrique decided to upgrade its Front of House speaker system in the facility’s Large Hall and naturally has chosen the newest Amadeus DIVA M² array speakers (pronounced ‘M Squared’). Along with the fourteen DIVA M² loudspeakers, Amadeus has also installed four new DIVA M² SUB bass complements, paired with Lab.gruppen amplifiers and LAKE controllers.

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Peter Levin Brings ‘Vintage Vibe’ to Muscle Shoals

Gregg Allman and Blind Boys of Alabama keyboardist Peter Levin records his solo album at Muscle Shoals FAME Studios

400Peter_Levin_FAME1Keyboardist Peter Levin made the trip back to Muscle Shoals and FAME Studios to record his solo album-and he brought along his own Vintage Vibe. That is, the Vintage Vibe Piano and Vibanet, modern takes on Rhodes and Clavinet keyboards designed and manufactured by Vintage Vibe (www.vintagevibe.com). Levin is no stranger to FAME Studios having recorded keyboards on the recent Grammy-nominated album, Southern Blood, Gregg Allman’s musical farewell. Levin has also recorded keys at FAME with alternative country/southern rockers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and the gospel-flavored Blind Boys of Alabama.

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SPL Expands Mastering Series

SPL debut new stereo mastering console, 16-channel mastering monitor controller, and highly updated passive mastering EQ

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SPL of Germany announced they are expanding their Mastering Series hardware line with three new devices, all to be demonstrated for the first time in their US distributor’s booth, Audio Plus Services. The three new units are the updated PASSEQ, passive mastering equalizer, the DMC, stereo mastering console, and the 16-channel analog mastering monitor controller, MC16 – a first of its kind. Spring 2018 is the target release date for all three products.

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