Moog Music Introduces Complete Synthesizer Studio Experience

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Moog Sound Studio includes all the equipment, cables, accessories, and educational tools needed to enter the world of analog synthesis for the first time or continue to explore sound in an immersive new way. Now shipping.  Listen:Explorations in Analog Synthesis is a new genre-bending 7 song EP of original electronic music compositions from Bonobo, Julianna Barwick, […]

Our Initial Impressions of Aftershokz Titanium Bluetooth Headphones

Our Initial Impressions of Aftershokz Titanium Bluetooth Headphones

We ran into Aftershokz at CES 2015 and 2016. This year they sent us a sample to review after the show. aftershocks 3 colors

We have had them for a day or so and are impressed. They sound good for playing music, listening to movies. I also tried them to talk on with my smart phone and they work rather well. To check out their website and products out go to–> AFTERSHOKZ

According to Aftershokz:
THE AFTERSHOKZ WAY

Bone conduction is a natural part of the hearing process—sound travels through our eardrums and bones simultaneously. We’ve taken the concept to the next level through development of a suite of proprietary audio technologies and design patents. The result: headphones that deliver unrivaled situational awareness and comfort.

HOW THEY WORK

Transducers guide mini vibrations through the cheekbones to the inner ears, delivering sound without plugging or covering them

Bone_conduction_copy_large

They come in 3 colors, we received the black or dark gray ones and are impressed by their style, design and the quality seems nice.

aftershoks logo

They seem to be rather innovative and interesting and are great for talking on the phone while driving which is safer than holding the phone, during sports like running and biking. Aftershokz headphones are sturdy and sweat resistant as well.

We would definitely recommend them to people that do outdoor activities or for conversations on your smartphone or for use at the gymnasium.

Here is an interesting graphic showing the internal design of the awesome Aftershokz headphones:
a1 Feature_2_7aeaa891-b346-49a9-87f8-aeb126042767

About Aftershokz:

AfterShokz brings patented bone conduction technology, initially developed for military special operations and law enforcement by Voxtech in 2001, to sport, mobile and Bluetooth® headphones designed and priced for everyday use. Through a suite of proprietary audio technologies and the only completely open ear design, AfterShokz headphones deliver premium stereo sound and a promise of safety and comfort that is second to none. Since its inception in 2011, the company has been committed to innovating unconventionally and making situational awareness a priority. Learn more about how the brand inspires users to #beopen and #hearitall at aftershokz.com.

zzz black_27dafb53-f21e-4f45-aa07-c68e71f39baa_large

Steel Series announces THE SIBERIA ELITE WORLD OF WARCRAFT® EDITION HEADSET

THE DRUMS OF WAR DRAW NEAR – STEELSERIES INTRODUCES

THE SIBERIA ELITE WORLD OF WARCRAFT® EDITION HEADSET

FOR WARLORDS OF DRAENOR

CHICAGO, July 31, 2014 – SteelSeries, the global leader in premium gaming peripherals, in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment, today announced the upcoming release of the Siberia Elite World of Warcraft® Edition Headset. Gamers will soon be able to experience epic quests, intense raids, and endless adventure across Azeroth and Draenor while wielding a premium headset with jet-black ear cushions, illuminated runes, and a lightweight over-the-head suspension style designed for hours of comfortable gameplay.

“Our partnership with Blizzard Entertainment to create unique gear for the World of Warcraft community has culminated in this bold new version of our premium and award-winning headset—a perfect complement to Blizzard’s upcoming Warlords of Draenor expansion,” said Tino Soelberg, SteelSeries CTO. “Players deserve the best quality audio to experience the music and sounds of Draenor; this exclusive edition of the Siberia Elite headset delivers epic audio quality in a beautiful World of Warcraft-themed design.”

 

SteelSeries_wow-press_950x400

ILLUMINATE YOUR PATH TO VICTORY

The ring of runes is where gamers can see the power of the headset. Players can choose from millions of color options that can also be saved in an endless number of audio profiles. In addition to color, there are options for a pulsating glow, dynamic lighting based on your in-game actions, or no illumination at all—the choices are endless.

 

HEAR THE ROAR OF BATTLE

The headset is equipped with multiple Dolby® technologies and a closed-type earcup design that provides listeners with a virtual 7.1-channel surround sound experience. Players are able to create and save their own unique audio profiles through the SteelSeries Engine 3 software by tuning their own equalizer settings, microphone functionality and much more. Gamers can control their microphone mute as well as speaker volume from directly on the headset by turning the easy-to-find dials on each earcup, making quick adjustments simple and convenient.

 WoW Headset Box

The SteelSeries Siberia Elite World of Warcraft Edition headset is available for pre-order now on the SteelSeries Web Shop for $209.99 MSRP. For more information about the new headset and the rest of SteelSeries’ official Blizzard Entertainment licensed products, please visit www.steelseries.com/worldofwarcraft.

 

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes seventeen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

 

About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of top quality gaming peripherals from headsets, keyboards and mice to controllers, surfaces and software. For more than a decade, SteelSeries has been on the forefront of designing and creating gear for gamers. The company’s continued innovation also comes in collaboration with the world’s leading professional gaming teams and partners. SteelSeries is a global brand that continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. For more information, please visit www.steelseries.com.

We are working on testing and reviewing a few Steel Series Products and are so far very impressed by their products!

My Review: Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones

Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS

I ran into the folks from Audio-Technica recently at CES 2014. After a bit of time I finally have the opportunity to test and review  2 of their headphones. This review covers their in-ear model the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones.

Introduction:

I have been testing some over the ear headphones recently for a variety of manufacturers’s with several more coming down the pipeline. I am all about the music, am working on establishing a foundation for autism and the arts and music if I ever get funding. I am a hyper functioning autistic tech and autism blogger, my 3 kids and I as well as my wife are rather fond of music and the arts.

I like Audio-Technica for the quality of their products and their history in music.

According to Audio technica:

Audio-Technica—Audio pioneer in high-performance sound design 

Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, A-T now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. 

Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. A-T microphones are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the GRAMMY® Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. 

Design:

In regards to in-ear headphones I am impressed by the design and build quality of the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones . The one I received are black, but they are available in a variety of colors as seen here–>

 

They ought to appeal to a variety of users from business folk, to teens to seniors as well.

The headphones are some of the better designed in ear headphones that I have so far had the opportunity to test.

They also have a built in microphone for those of us who have to do the occasional conference call or who want to use them to talk on your smartphone when a blue tooth headset is unavailable.

These fine sonic fuel in ear headphones due to their interesting and innovative connection to ones ears, are likely to be useful while at the gymn, riding a bike, watching a movie or listening to music.

Quality:

As mentioned previously, I like their design quality.

As far as audio quality I tried them and a few of our other people to test them too, as well as one of my teen-agers.

For jazz, blues, light rock, most folk music the sound quality was nice. For my son’s dubstep or rap type music, the bass performance was not as good as some of the over the ear speakers that are going to be reviewed from Audio-Technica soon.

 

In terms of their usefulness, Audio-Technica provides 4  different sized ear tips and 3 different C-tips (and a pouch to keep it all in) so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that fits for you.

Personally I have large ears, so the connectors that came with the box work well for me and kelp the headphones in my ears most of the time.

I would agree with Audio Technica in regards to their statement with regards to Sonicfuel headphones:

 

Music is your energy for life – the fuel for your heart and soul. SonicFuel™ headphones are specifically designed for active, daily use, to power you forward by delivering extraordinary comfort, style and an immersive listening experience that never sounds artificial, processed or filtered. Just pure sonic goodness for the high-octane tempo of your life. 

The ATH-CKX5iS SonicFuel in-ear headphones feature stay-in-place fit, providing unique comfort in addition to optimal sound. The C-tip configuration nestles within the ear where it locks in place for extra stability. A 360˚ rotating eartip adjusts to the unique angle of your ear canal for personalized fit and improved sound isolation. 

In-line volume and microphone controls (on compatible smartphones) allow you to control music & phone calls without missing a beat. 

Wrap Up:

If you are seeking very nice in-ear headphones that sound good, look nice, and stay in your ears, these ought to be near the top of the list. They retail for about $ 50. If these are this nice, I am curious how their higher priced in-ear headphones sound. I would definitely recommend these headphones and found them to be very nice.

I was provided with a set of the Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iSBK headphones for the purpose of this review and these are the headphones featured in some of the images above, the photo of the different colored headphones is a stock image. As always, this represents my true and honest opinion.

To check out Audio-Technica’s website and products please click <here>!!

Life N Soul Audio Review-BN301, MT103 and B106

While at CES I met the fine folks at Life N Soul and took a look at their bluetooth headphones.

In this review I am talking about 3 of their products:

1) The BN301–>Bluetooth Sports Earphones–>

I really liked the audio quality, bass response and the simple design of these headphones. They would be great for use while running, bicycling, at the gymn and outdoor pursuits. Their overall design was nice, solid, with out being over the top. I would say that of the 3 products I tested, these produced the best all around sound response for  music playback, and they are nice,small, and easy to transport. They did also come with a small, well made  carry pouch which I really liked. I had my teen age sons try them out and they were impressed with their apparent quality as well.

Features

*Bluetooth 4.0 allows for pairing with two different devices
*Bluetooth capability of up to 30ft
*Easily switch between phone calls and music
*Comfortable, noise blocking ear pieces fit to stay in your ears through intense motion
*6 hour music play time. 4.5 phone talk time
*Sweat-proof coating great for working out
*Once paired with the first device, B106 will automatically search for a second device for 30 seconds. If no second device is found, music will resume play with first device as usual. If second device is found, pairing will occur immediately.

 

2) The MT103–>

In terms of the design, I found them to be appealing to the eye, nothing over the top but, simple and effective. In our testing we found, that they were great headphones for hands free calling and listening to music that favored treble more than bass. In terms of setup and operation they were easy to sync to the phone and the controls were fairly easy to access. I would recommend these to people for listening to tv or movies on ones tablet or phone and making calls as needed. I think that would work decently well for gaming, but not for hardcore gamer’s expecting thundering bass and amazing surround. Overall they are simple and effective.

Features:

  • Small, portable size with accessible clip-on adapter for ease of movement
  • Thick cord greatly reduces tangles and increases longevity of device
  • Bluetooth 3.0 allows you to pair up to 2 different devices at a time
  • Adapter can convert any original earphone to Bluetooth functionality when connected
  • Vary depths of bass and clarity of the mids and highs with 3 different filters

3) The B106:

Bluetooth Headphone Red

In reference to the lot of them I was impressed by the design and construction of  them all. I especially liked the design of the B106. It rivaled the big guys in terms of it’s quality, appearance, and apparrent durability.  Additionally, it had good call sound when using them to communicate in a game and on the phone. In terms of audio it sounded nice, especially for classical, light pop, jazz or blues music. In terms of the bass it produced it was but not not overpowering, and would not be my first choice for the music like dubstep, rap or hip hop. The B106’s had better bass. In terms of usability it was quite easy to use, as well as easy to sync to the android or iphone and tablets. I think that they would be great for watching movies, youtube, and most audio.

Features:

*Durable, sturdy design

*Bluetooth capability of up to 30ft

*Omni-directional microphone

*10 hours of playtime when fully charged

*Bluetooth pairing allows you to switch between phone calls and music

*Automatic connecting with the last paired device when headset is turned on

*Battery life is displayed on Apple iOS devices

*Voice prompts allow for simple Bluetooth pairing

*Clear, powerful sound

*Playback songs with the simple touch of a button on your device

If you want to check them out for yourself go to lifensoul’s website–>sitelink

They are on Facebook too–>facebook

To return to our home page click home

Essential Style: The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear in black, brown and red brings performance and sleek, understated beauty

Old Lyme, Conn., September 9, 2013 –Sennheiser goes minimal with newMOMENTUM On-Ear colors. At IFA in Berlin, the audio specialist introduced three new versions of its MOMENTUM On-Ear. Now available in high-gloss black, classic brown and intense red, the new headphones revisit the stylish, minimalist urban look of Sennheiser’s acclaimed MOMENTUM, delivering a combination of pure, clean aesthetics and high performance in a compact on-ear design.

The MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones [http://en-us.sennheiser.com/momentum-on-ear] are the perfect fusion of style and substance; delivering great performance, crafted from the finest materials and featuring a sleek, understated look. The first four MOMENTUM On-Ear versions launched this summer in a burst of color – a celebration in fresh, energizing tones. “With the three new color versions, Sennheiser has re-imagined this essential, cool design in richer, more subtle tones,” said Charles Cha, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “Where the MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones first showed their playful and extroverted character, the new versions are a more discrete revelation of luxury that hints at their superb performance.”

High quality materials, high-end design, high performance

The MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones’ great looks reflect both its clean, minimalist design and the tangibly high quality materials and workmanship. The ear pads and headband have been finished in Alcantara®, a high-tech material produced in Italy. Alcantara’s® unique combination of suppleness, durability and breathable finish makes it highly valued in fashion, interior design, and automotive applications. Here, it provides the listener with the ultimate in comfort, even for long periods of listening enjoyment. The headband of the MOMENTUM On-Ear is made of premium brushed stainless steel. They are the perfect choice for those who demand top quality and don’t want to compromise in any aspect.

Similarly, no compromises have been made on sound quality. Powered by Sennheiser’s proprietary 18-ohm transducers, the MOMENTUM On-Ear serves up a full stereo sound in a frequency range from 16 to 22,000 Hz, delivering incredible clarity and detail with a slight bass emphasis. The closed, on-ear design ensures reliable isolation from external noise for a great listening experience on the move – even in noisy urban environments.

In control, on the go
The MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones feature a single-sided detachable cable with convenient in-line remote and microphone for Apple iDevices, for easy control of
music playback and to make and receive calls on the go. The three new variants of the MOMENTUM On-Ear in high-gloss black, classic brown and intense red are available at selected retailers from autumn 2013. For more information, visit http://en-us.sennheiser.com/momentum-on-ear.

Captions:
1: The MOMENTUM On-Ear in classic Brown captures the essence of modernist urban style.
2: The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear in high-gloss Black
3: The MOMENTUM On-Ear in intense Red

About Sennheiser
The Sennheiser Group, with its headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. In 2012 the family company, which was founded in 1945, achieved a turnover of around 584 million euros. Sennheiser employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, and has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA. The company is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Germany, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as by long-term trading partners in many other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones and monitor loudspeakers), and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres).

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website atwww.sennheiserusa.com or by contacting:

Jeff Touzeau
Public Relations
Hummingbird Media, Inc.
(914) 602-2913
jeff@hummingbirdmedia.com

Rachel Smolin
Public Relations
Sennheiser Electronic Corporation
(860) 434-9190, Ext. 180
rsmolin@sennheiserusa.com

Review: Tubus Bluetooth Speaker by Omicron International

Our first review of the day is of the Tubus Bluetooth speaker system by Omicron International whose website can be accessed from the link below. I ran into the company at CES 2013 and was quite impressed immediately with their products.

http://www.omicroninternational.com

omicron International
omicron International

To begin here is a product video from youtube with regards to the Tubus Bluetooth Speaker system:

Here are the specifications of the product as well as the included accessories–>

Tubus Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Handsfree Device
Description:
The Tubus multifunction speaker is a unique and powerful speaker system for your iPod product. Providing 5.2W
of power, the speaker gives rich sound quality. It is perfect for home, office and travel use. It charges your iPod
while it’s docked and plugged into the AC adapter; and 4 AAA batteries give you freedom from power outlets for hours
at a time!
The full function remote allows you to operate your Tubus Speaker from up to 10 feet without ever having to leave your
seat!
• Unique space saving shape, built-in digital amplifier, and optimized equalization settings enhance your
listening experience.
• Charging and playing capabilities for any device with bluetooth capability
• Finer bass quality than other portable speakers 5.2W
• Loud and Clear sound
• Volume Control
• Power On/Off switch
• Interchangeable faceplates for all iPod models
Technical Specs:
Frequency Response 100Hz-20kHz
Power Output: 5.2W (2X2.6W)
Line In Sensitivity: 600mv
Power Adapter: A/C 110v-240v (50Hz-60Hz)
S/N: 55dB
Channel Balance- + 1dB
Dimensions: 7 3/8in (L) x 1 7/8in (W) x 1 7/8in(H)
Power Supply: 9 VDC or 4 AAA batteries,
Remote Control Distance: 10 ft
Certificate: FCC, CE
Patent No.: US D570,847S

What’s in the Box?
Tubus Speaker System
AC adapter
User Manual
Remote Control

Our overview–>

If you are a retailer who are considering products for inclusion in your store or online site, the packaging is quite nice as see by the photos below:

Packaging view #1

Tubus by Omicron packaging 2

Packaging View #2

Packaging #3
Packaging #3

I was very impressed with the initial experience of opening the box, and setting up the product.

The Tubus blue tooth speaker is very nicely designed and it has great sound quality. It is also very easy to use and set up.

It includes a remote control to adjust the functions of the device as well. The speaker can be plugged into the wall or it also can be operated on Triple A Batteries.

It also includes a line in cable to directly connect the device to a mp3 player or any other device with a headphone jack.

Pictures of the product:–>

Product View # 1–>

SAM_0726

Product View # 2–>

SAM_0727

Product View # 3–>

Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3
Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3

Product videos:–>
Video #1–>

Video #2–>

 

Wrap up and Conclusion:

I would like to thank Omicron International for the opportunity to review this fine product.

I am impressed by it overall. The Tubus Bluetooth portable speaker offers nice sound quality and design, plus it is quite easy to operate. I played a variety of media through it and was quite impressed overall. The design is quite nice as well.

One thing that would be a nice add on in the future to the product would be a mini subwoofer or rechargeable batteries.

I would definitely recommend use of the product with a tablet, ipad, iphone, Blackberry or Android device for use in the office for a presentation or in the class room for the educational user.

If you or anyone you know wants to purchase on of the fine devices here is a link from Amazon–>

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=tubus%20by%20omicron

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your faithful aspie editor, David J. Berkowitz 2-15-2013

If you would like us to review your products please contact me.

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