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The Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is music to the ears


Although I am very much into photography, I am also a videographer, and I spend just as much time and effort seeking out good audio and video equipment. I have had more than one opportunity to film musicians performing in-studio, and good microphones are a critical part of a shoot if it is going to be successful. Apart from the instrument microphones, the vocal microphones for the singers are critical and should be chosen with the desired sound in mind.

I am a fan of several microphones from a few different manufacturers, and on my last in-studio musician shoot I used 2 different microphones, one for the musician and a different one for the bass player who was also performing the role of interviewer. For the bass player, I chose the Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. This Rode mic has a Cardioid Polar Pattern and a 1-inch diaphragm, along with a transformer-less output stage. It is an amazing sounding microphone, and for that particular shoot, it nicely complemented the Shure Super 55 that the singer was using. The only major difference was that the sensitivity between the two microphones is quite different, so I had to make adjustments for perfect matching.

You can purchase the Rode NT1-A at B&H Photo Video or Amazon for $229.

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The Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is music to the ears originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch

The ecobee Switch + is the smarter light switch with built-in Amazon Alexa. Unlike other smart switches that just work with Alexa, the ecobee Switch + has the voice assistant built right in. Use the built-in mic to ask Alexa for lights, news, music, and more. Or control other voice-enabled devices in your home.

Depending on Alexa’s state the built-in light bar will flash different colors.

What else can Switch + do?

With Switch +, you’re in total control of your lighting. Rely on motion and daylight sensors, or ask Alexa. You can even use the ecobee app.

If you’re old-school, a button allows you to turn it on and off manually. But who does that anymore?

The “smart-off” setting senses when a room is empty and automatically turns the lights off. There’s even a nightlight to keep you from fumbling around in the dark.

Any outdoor light will be upgraded to automatically turn on at sunset and turn off at a time of your choosing with Switch +.

Switch + plays well with all the platforms you already know and love, such as Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

Simple do it yourself installation takes about 45 minutes. And step-by-step videos and illustrations in the ecobee app make it easy.

Coming soon

When you’re away on vacation you can randomize your lights to turn on or off at different times of the day. So your lights say someones home even when you’re thousands of miles away. Kind of like auto-pilot for your lights.

And you’ll soon be able to control your ecobee thermostats with the Switch +. Built-in sensors will help you to manage hot or cold spots in your home.

A firmware update coming this summer will add both of these new features.

The ecobee Switch + comes with a wall plate, mounting screws, wire nuts, and install guide. Available on March, 26th it will sell for $99.99. You can pre-order yours now on Amazon.

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Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 8:38 am.

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Go retro with Barbie and her Dream House

Barbie has been around for years, and she’s had hundreds of jobs and thousands of outfits and accessories.  Today, she has fancy remote-controlled cars and multi-level houses, but back in the day, her accessories were simple and required using your imagination.  Mattel has harkened back to a simpler time with the reintroduction of the 1962 Dream House.

Closed up, the house has a mid-century house design, and it stores and transports the furnishings.  Open it, and you’ll find Barbie’s living room, complete with hi-fi stereo/tv console and slimline furniture you assemble yourself. And unlike those modern Dream Houses, this one comes complete with a period-appropriate Barbie doll.

Barbie’s 1962 Reproduction Dream House with doll is available for $99.99 from Amazon.

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Go retro with Barbie and her Dream House originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 23, 2018 at 4:48 pm.

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Master & Dynamic create a soundtrack for the iconic Leica Brand

Headphone maker Master & Dynamic is becoming as well known for their collaborations as their wonderful headphones. Their latest partnering is with the iconic Leica camera—paying homage to the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. aspherical camera lens. M&D has merged the fine art of precision engineering, sophisticated design and valuable materials into what they call the 0.95 version of their MW60, MH40 headphones and ME05 earphones. This attention to detail extends right down to the signature Leica red dot, red acoustic ear pad mesh, and custom etching and knurling.

The MW60 wireless headphone features Bluetooth 4.1 with Aptx technology and 16-hour rechargeable battery with stainless steel, aluminum, cowhide and lambskin memory foam ear pads.

The classic MH40 headphone features the same premium materials as the MW60, but has dual audio jacks for shared listening and an easily accessible mute button on the right ear cup.

The ME05 precision-machined earphone has a chrome PVD-coating and hand-finished body. Its acoustic properties are due to 8mm titanium drivers, ergonomic brass body and changeable silicone ear tips. Also included is a separate remote and mic for increased vocal clarity and reduced noise.

Master & Dynamic has teamed with Bamford Watch, tattoo artist Scott Campbell and now Leica. Who’s next?

The MW60 sells for $549 US; MH40 – $399 US; ME05 – $199 US. Visit Master & Dynamic for more information.

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Master & Dynamic create a soundtrack for the iconic Leica Brand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 23, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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The Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod is ready to go with you everywhere


Every photographer and filmmaker that I know owns several tripods of various sizes and capacities to accommodate as many of the shooting scenarios that we eventually experience. We also spend quite a bit of money on tripods, from smaller amounts on travel tripods or tripods for light work, all the way to thousands for our major production tripods. Sometimes it is very hard to find the perfect travel tripod, because of the difference in weight and size of the combination of cameras we can have with us at any time. In my case, I also may use a tripod to set up an audio recorder or a flash in its own remote area.

One of the tripods that I purchased and use quite often is the Manfrotto Compact Action aluminum Tripod. While this tripod if not made of carbon fiber, it is lightweight enough and adjustable enough that it fits my needs in several types of shoots. It weighs only 2.6 lbs., but it has a load capacity of 3.3 lbs., and I have frequently used it successfully with a bit more weight than that. The legs extend in 5 sections, but I can only push the weight limit when I use it in a much shorter position. It is 17.8 inches folded and 61 inches when fully extended. It has a pistol head grip that works like a joystick, and it includes built-in adjustments for both vertical and horizontal movement and locking, and its own quick release plate.

If you are looking for a compact and lightweight tripod that is durable, you can pick up this Manfrotto tripod at B&H Photo Video or Amazon for $64.88.

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The Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod is ready to go with you everywhere originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 23, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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