Home Audio gear

V-MODA permanently cuts prices on award-winning products

NEWS – One of the frustrating parts of reviewing and recommending audio gear is that the price usually reflects the quality. With rare exceptions, that means the cost is more than many are willing to pay. However, as time passes, prices drop simply because great tech trickles down into more affordable gear or the same item becomes less expensive. Such is the case with V-Moda. I’ve reviewed—and liked—their Crossfade 2 Wireless headphone and Remix Bluetooth speaker. Now, V-Moda has permanently reduced prices on some of their more popular products.

While the Crossfade 2 headphones are still not cheap, they are cheapER—by $50-$70, selling for $279.99, so they are even more of an audio bargain than last holiday season. If you’ve been holding out, now may be the time to consider these terrific headphones. They are that good. As I said in my review, “V-Moda clearly has a winner with the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones. They’re not cheap, but if you want a pair of headphones that fit that middle spot where they sound good with all kinds of music, are built like a tank and are wireless, then the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones will start to look like a bargain.”

The Remix Bluetooth speaker gets an even bigger price reduction—down from $299.99 to $199.99. I said in my review at the time, “How does the V-Moda speaker sound? For its size, the Remix sounds great. If you like plenty of bass, this is the speaker to get.” ‘Nuff said.

The Forza line of earphones have also been reduced from $20-$40, depending on the model. Gadgeteer reviewer Howard Sneider said of the Forza Metallo wireless earphones, “The Forza Metallo Wireless earphones are a great sounding set of wireless earphones that rival the sound produced by many wired earphones. They are comfortable to wear and quick to charge.”

V-MODA has sweetened the deal even more by offering complimentary 3D printed fiber or 2D laser-engraved custom shields worth up to $70 to their line of on-ear and over-ear headphones.

These price reductions are in effect now at either Amazon or V-Moda. Visit v-moda.com for information.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

V-MODA permanently cuts prices on award-winning products originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 16, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

The Zoom F1 Field Recorder seems to be another Zoom success


Some time ago I wrote a news story on the Zoom H6 audio field recorder, which is my favorite portable audio recorder. Zoom makes great audio recorders, with the only caveat being their proprietary microphones for direct attachment. Over the years I have purchased both Shure and Sony Lavalier microphones (with base units), and while I have been able to plug them into my Zoom H6, I have continued to look for additional versatile recording options.

Just recently, Zoom released its new Zoom F1 audio recorder, and at first glance, I love this device. This 2 channel field recorder can be used with a Lavalier microphone, or it includes the built-in interface for the zoom proprietary microphones so that it can be mounted on a camera with something like my favorite Zoom SSH-6 shotgun stereo mic. It has a built-in belt attachment, a micro USB port, a 1/8 stereo mic/line input with plug-in power, and a 1/8 stereo phone/line output jack with volume control. It accepts up to a 32GB micro SD or micro SDHC card, to record 24-bit/96kHz wav or mp3 audio files. It has an onboard Limiter, low-cut filter, and auto-level control. It can be powered by three AAA batteries, or an AC adapter, which unfortunately is not included and must be purchased separately. It also has a nice clear display, so that all of the required functions and settings can be easily seen with a quick glance.

If you are a fan of Zoom audio recorders like I am, and you would like to check the Zoom F1 out, you can head over to Amazon or B&H Photo Video and get more details. If you would like to purchase one, you can pick it up with a couple of options starting at $199.99 for the recorder and Lavalier mic.

The post The Zoom F1 Field Recorder seems to be another Zoom success appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

The Zoom F1 Field Recorder seems to be another Zoom success originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 13, 2018 at 2:16 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

LectroFan sound and white noise machine review

There are many people that need some noise to help fall asleep. They need something for their mind to process to help unwind from the day. The LectroFan Sound and White Noise machine is the perfect solution.

What is it?

The LectroFan is a sound machine that produces ten variations of white, pink and brown noises, plus 10 fan sounds. The sounds are digitally synthesized and non-looping, so there’s no abrupt end as the sound starts over. The sounds help mask disruptive noise and give your brain something to think about besides the goings on of the day. It also keeps sudden noises from waking you up as easily.

What’s in the box?


The contents of the box are pretty straightforward. Included is the LectroFan machine, cord, owners manual, and power adapter.

Design and features

The LectroFan machine runs off of 5v 500ma, which means you can either use the supplied power adapter or simply plug the cord into a USB port. The unit is quite weighty for what it does, I’m assuming that it’s simply so that it won’t slide off of a nightstand as easy. It seems very sturdy and well made, definitely in the “built like a tank” category.

The unit has three rocker buttons for a total of 6 functions. On/Off, 60 minute timer, Volume up and down, fan sounds and white noises.

The volume on this little box is amazing. It can go louder than you’ll probably ever want unless you have it all the way across the room.

Changing the sound is as simple as pressing a button to cycle through the available sounds. When you reach the end of the sounds it plays a “whoop” sound and starts back at the beginning. Pressing the “60 min” sleep timer button adds 60 minutes to the sleep timer each time you press it.

What I like

  • Weighted and sturdy design.
  • Simple to use.
  • 60+ minute sleep timer.
  • USB Power option doesn’t take up yet another wall plug.

What needs to be improved

Doesn’t remember settings when unplugged.

Final thoughts

After a long day of writing code my brain sometimes just wants to keep going, thinking about stuff I was working on during the day. This machine really helped me fall asleep faster.

Price: $49.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Sound of Sleep

The post LectroFan sound and white noise machine review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

LectroFan sound and white noise machine review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 11, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD microphone interface review

Got a favorite microphone with an XLR connector that you want to use with your computer? Do you want one small enough to work with your iOS device when you’re on the go? The IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD will do just that.

IK Multimedia makes affordable, quality audio gear, including a very clever clip-on microphone. But if you’re looking for something that works equally well in the field and in the studio that won’t break the bank, take a close look.

Hardware specs

Microphone Input

  • Microphone Input: balanced female 3-pin, XLR. Pin 2: hot / Pin 3: cold / Pin 1: ground
  • Microphone Input Level: from 6 mVpp to 1.4 Vpp
  • Microphone Input Impedance: 2 kOhms
  • Gain Range: 40 dB
  • Phantom Power: +48V ± 4V
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/-1.5dB
  • Input Noise: -97 dB RMS, -105 dB(A)

Stereo Headphone Output

  • Connector: 1/8” TRS Jack. Tip: right / Ring: left / Shield: ground
  • Headphone Level Control numbered thumbwheel
  • Headphone Level Power 100mW into 50 Ohms

Other Input/Output

  • Device Connector: micro-USB

Common

  • Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
  • Power:
    • USB bus powered when used with a computer
    • Battery powered (2xAA included) needed for +48V phantom only

Package includes

  • iRig Pre HD
  • Lightning to micro-USB cable
  • USB to micro-USB cable
  • 2 x 1.5V AA battery
  • Velcro strip

Dimensions

  • Size: 40mm/1.57″ x 110mm/4,33″ x 34mm/1.34″
  • Weight: 75g/2.65oz (batteries excluded)
  • Cables length: 60cm/23.62″

Features

  • MFi microphone interface certified by Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad”
  • Compatible with Mac and PC
  • Direct monitor switch for real-time monitoring or for playback
  • +48V Phantom Power (with 2 x AA batteries)
  • Class A mic preamp with onboard gain control
  • Onboard headphone output (works with the latest iPhone)
  • High definition 24-bit converters with up to 96kHz sampling frequency
  • Multicolor LED for easy gain settings
  • Includes IK’s renowned, professional software and apps
  • Ultra-light and compact
  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Comes with USB and Lightning cables, 2 x AA batteries and a velcro mounting strip

Without AA batteries, the iRig Pre HD weighs less than three ounces.

You get two cables:  One “normal” mini USB cable and the other is a peculiar looking mini USB to Lightning cable.  That’s for connecting the interface directly to your iPhone or iPad.

On the input end is a female XLR connector.  You’ll find a headphone jack and mini USB connector on the other end.

There’s a direct monitor switch and volume dial on the right side for headphone listening.  On the left, a mic gain dial and a phantom power 48V switch.

Note the two LEDs on the top.  One glows blue for phantom power.  The other is multi-colored LED for the signal.  Red if you’re clipping, orange/green if you’re good to go.

I was wondering what the velcro loop was for on the battery door.  It’s for attaching to things like microphone stands.

I brought the iRig Pre HD to my recording booth. Here it is sitting with the Grace Audio M101 preamp and the Yamaha AG03 mixer.

Audacity users: The iRig Pre HD is detected.  Windows 10 version shown.

My condenser mic is the Neumann TLM103. With it, I tried three different methods:

Test 1:  Neumann TLM103 mic to Grace Audio M101 preamp, Yamaha AG03 to a fanless PC recording with Audacity.

Test 2: Neumann TLM103 mic to iRig Pre HD to Audacity

Test 3: Neumann TLM103 mic to iRig Pre HD to iPhone

I expected my usual studio setup with the Grace Audio preamp to be full and warm, and it was. However, the iRig Pre HD performed admirably for something pocket-sized and value-packed.  I couldn’t discern any game-ending auditory flaws such as noise or artifacts. Unless you’re burning a hole in your pocket the iRig Pre HD is a terrific one-stop purchase for both field and home recording needs.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by IK Multimedia. Please visit for more info and order from Amazon.
 

Product Information

Price: $99.99
Manufacturer: IK Multimedia
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • AA batteries (included, but only if you need phantom power). USB port for computer, Lightning port for compatible iOS device.
Pros:
  • Flexible, inexpensive, portable and quiet.
Cons:
  • At the sub-$100 mark, this may not satisfy golden ears and gear snobs.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD microphone interface review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 7, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Miccus Home RTX 2.0 Long Range Wireless Audio Transmitter or Receiver review

Back in May, I reviewed the Miccus Home TX Pro long-range wireless audio transmitter which allows you to transmit a Bluetooth signal up to 160ft. Pairing it with their SR-71 Stealth low latency headphones made it perfect for my late night TV viewing. Fast forward five months and Miccus has a new product, the Home RTX 2.0 Long Range Wireless Audio Transmitter or Receiver. The RTX 2.0 is similar to the TX Pro but as the name implies it also acts as a Bluetooth receiver. I had the chance to review a unit for the Gadgeteer.

In the box

  • Miccus Home RTX 2.0
  • Dipole Antenna
  • Optical / TOSHLINK digital audio cable
  • 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male audio cable
  • Micro USB charging cable
  • USB power supply
  • Users Manual

Specifications

  • Bluetooth v4.2 (compatible with Bluetooth v2.0 or higher), Profiles – A2DP, AVRCP
  • Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-LL, (NOTE aptX-LL use requires both devices in a pairing to support the aptX-Low Latency codec).
  • 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input and Output, TOSLINK Digital Optical Input and Output.
  • Operating range: up to 160ft (50M), Operating Frequency: 2.4 GHz.
  • Optical Support: Sample Rate <=48KHz, Formats PCM / LPCM, Dolby Digital 2.0 (Format changes are accessed thru your TV’s audio settings menu)

What is it?

The Miccus Home RTX 2.0 is the first dual-link, long-range wireless transmitter or receiver featuring Bluetooth v4.2 and two simultaneous aptX Low Latency audio streams. Basically, the Home RTX Pro 2.0 acts as a hub for all your wireless home audio. With the 2-in-1 flexibility of a Transmitter or Receiver, the Home RTX 2.0 makes it easy to add multiple long-range Bluetooth audio links to your home setup. It has two different modes, Transmit (TX), and Receive Mode (RX) and features Dual-Link Pairing and Optical Audio Pass-Through.

Transmit Mode (TX)

With the Home RTX 2.0 powered off, select TX mode by pressing and latching the RX/TX switch (located on the back left of the Home RTX 2.0) to the in position. TX mode requires a wired audio source connection, to either the 3.5mm audio input or the TOSLINK/optical audio input. You can use an audio input source like a computer, tablet, smartphone, television or stereo system. For my purposes, I connected the RTX 2.0 to my TV using the TOSHLINK digital optical cable. I chose to power the unit using the provided Micro USB charging cable and one of my TV’s vacant USB ports. When connected via USB the Home RTX 2.0 will automatically power on. If powered off you can power it back on by holding the multi-function/power button for 5 seconds until the LED indicators power on.

Connecting the Home RTX 2.0 to my TV allows me to use it as a wireless audio hub for my living room. Using Transmit Mode (TX) I can listen to video audio sound or music from my TV and connected 4K Apple TV through my Bluetooth headphones; great for my late night TV viewing or listening to music from my iTunes library. With the RTX 2.0’s long-range transmitter connection is never a problem. The manual states that the operating range of the Home RTX 2.0 is up to 160ft. In my testing, I was able to walk 215ft outside my house before I started losing the Bluetooth signal and had great connection throughout my entire house.

I also connected my Amazon Echo Dot to the Home RTX 2.0 and with the unit in RX mode I was able to use the Dot to play music and news through my TV’s soundbar. With the unit in TX mode, I was able to use my Dot as a Bluetooth speaker and stream audio from my TV and connected devices to whatever room the Dot was in.

Note: If television or video audio is your primary use, then I would recommend using Bluetooth headphones/speakers that support the aptX Low Latency codec. I use a pair of Miccus SR-71 Stealth low latency headphones I reviewed earlier and they work great for watching movies, shows, and sports without any lip sync issues.

Receive Mode (RX)

With the Home RTX 2.0 powered off, Select RX mode by depressing and unlatching the RX/TX switch to the out position. RX mode is designed for use with an audio device such as a stereo system or powered stereo speakers connected to either the 3.5mm audio output or the TOSLINK optical audio output on the Home RTX 2.0. In RX mode the Home RTX 2.0 can be used with any device capable of transmitting a Bluetooth wireless audio signal. Including phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. I used RX mode to play music from my iPhone through my TV’s sound bar and it worked flawlessly. There’s even a friendly voice prompt that tells you when the unit is powered on, when it’s in pairing mode, when it’s connected/disconnected to or from a device, and when it’s powered off.

In RX mode two smartphones or tablets can be simultaneously paired with the Home RTX 2.0. Both devices can also simultaneously stream music to the Home RTX 2.0. To hear audio from only one of the two devices, pause the audio, or use muting or adjust volume. To test this feature I paired both my iPhone and iPad Pro to the unit. I was able to stream audio from both devices to my sound bar and it worked surprisingly well. I’m not sure that I would use this feature very often, but it could come in handy if I ever wanted to try my hand at DeeJaying a party or family get together.

Dual-Link Pairing

Dual-link pairing allows for two Bluetooth receiving or transmitting devices to pair with the Miccus Home RTX 2.0 simultaneously. Pair with two Bluetooth speakers, headphones or 2 phones at the same time. Pairing is quick and easy. To Engage pairing mode on the Home RTX 2.0,  press and hold the multifunction/power button for 3 seconds until the CH light begins fast flashing. I won’t bore you with the rest of the details here, however, if you want to learn more I provided a link to the Users Manual.

The Home RTX 2.0 also has an automatic re-connect feature. If left powered on, or if powered back on it will automatically reconnect to the last paired device when within range.

Optical Audio Pass-Through

Most televisions and stereo systems feature only one optical audio output. The Home RTX 2.0 allows you to receive an optical audio feed from a television or stereo system and transmit and stream that audio feed to two pairs of headphones or Bluetooth speakers simultaneously. The Home RTX 2.0 can then pass that same audio onto a soundbar. You can also use it to link to two or more Home RTX 2.0’s together to double, or triple the amount of low latency audio streams available for use. This is my favorite feature of the Home RTX 2.0. Digital-pass through allows me to listen to my TV through either the soundbar or my Bluetooth headphones without having to switch cables or use an optical audio splitter. It even allows for one person to use headphones while the other listens to audio through the soundbar.

Conclusion

I’m not surprised that I like the Miccus Home RTX 2.0. I use the Home TX Pro that I reviewed earlier on an almost nightly basis. With the added feature of being both a long-range transmitter and receiver along with Optical Audio Pass through this device is a nice upgrade. And with its small size and discreet black case, it blends in nicely on my TV stand.

Whether you want to Transmit or Receive wireless audio throughout your home or to the patio, pool or backyard the Miccus Home RTX 2.0, which is priced at $59.99,  is the perfect compliment to any home AV system. Miccus also offers a 2-year No-Hassle Replacement Warranty.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Miccus. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to purchase.

 

Product Information

Price: $59.99
Manufacturer: Miccus
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Acts as both receiver and transmitter
  • Long range up to 160ft
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Dual-link pairing
Cons:
  • None

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Miccus Home RTX 2.0 Long Range Wireless Audio Transmitter or Receiver review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2017 at 10:07 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.