Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

A New Year brings New Gear. We got a glimpse of the new stuff at this years NAMM and CES shows. Most would say these are the top shows of the year, when manufacturers show off their new goods. The scope of pro-audio gear grows every year.

Far back in podcasting history, it was common for shows to trade (and “air”) audio comments, thoughts and suggestions from listeners and fellow podcasters alike. That tradition seems to haved faded.

As we ready the Studio1A console, let us know what type of studio gear you want to hear. Microphones, processors, mixers/consoles …and the list goes on.

After a video hiatus, I fired up the cam again and created this video. It’s not pretty, but we’re still shining up Studio1A. The YouTube Channel momentum never slowed down, and the 10 minute barrier has been lifted. Now, we are able to pack more gear talk into each Tube.

Drop me an email with that MP3 file as we ready the studio for a great 2012!

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

Speaking of the New Year – I recently found a gem of a microphone from JZ Microphones. Receiving the box straight from Latvia, I found a very unconventional looking mic with a rectangular ‘hole’ in the center! The unconventional bead mount works great and looks …different.

The most important aspect of this microphone is that it’s designed, ground up, as a condenser vocal mic. True to form, the audio was velvet smooth. You can hear the sound and decide for yourself.

Besides that smooth vocal sheen, I thoroughly enjoyed what was not included. The BH-2 has no attenuation switch; no alternative patterns. I enjoy simplicity and the BH-2 just works well, without the need for care or adjustment of any kind. The cardioid pattern allowed for a nice bit of off-axis leniency while drastically tightening up on the back side.

Included is a nice cherry wood finish case and shock mount. There is a custom (and very cool looking) blast filter available as an option. Instead, I utilized the Studio1A-standard Stedman filter. Working the microphone closely slickened (is that a word?) up the sound, while backing off made things more transparent. …just a hint of proximity effect

In the world of boutique microphones, you never know what might come along. I can say that my time with JZ microphones has been time well spent. The BH-2 is well made and, as advertised, offers great vocal performance. But – don’t take my word for it. Listen in and hear the Black Hole 2 for yourself.

At publish date, street prices are hovering at $1099 …subject to change.

Listen in and let me know what you think?

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

A great tool from our friends at Aphex. Plug in that vintage ‘consumer’ level device (like a reel-to-reel or …dare I say, cassette) and listen to the levels go-pro!

That certainly was quick. The 2011 Holiday Season passed right by. Now, it’s time to buckle up and ready ourselves for a great 2012.

In the blink of an eye, Studio1A begins its ‘official’ 7th year. Official, based on the emergence of New Media to the World; the year of the Podcast.

An entire new wave of products await as NAMM and CES will very shortly reveal. I’ll be searching out new pro-audio gear as well as voicing some of the classics. The Studio1A Reasonably Priced Microphone stands ready as the ultimate low-price competitor to beat. Of course, the World of pro-audio does not spin around microphones alone. There are amps, compressors, consoles, plug-ins and much more to check out.

This year will be a fun ride. Glad I can share it with you!

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

As the year 2011 turns into a fond mix of gratitude and wonderful memories, I am incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our audience.

Laura and I wish everyone, both near and far, Merry times until we shortly ring in the year new.

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

The team at Blue Microphone still know how to get a reaction. The ‘reactor’ is a radical, albeit functional offering, bringing to mind visions of a Fringe alternate reality episode.

This mic is hefty. Arriving in a handsome, padded flight case, a nicely crafted ‘orbital’ shock mount and rare earth magnetically affixed blast filter are on-board.

Unconventional as it appears, I found the lighted, large and magnified rotary pattern switch to be a treat! Just by a glance, you’ll know which pattern is selected and how to reach the others. The blast filters magnets attach it to the capsule, but a quick twist below the filter allows you to alter it’s position; left/right, near/far.

Being an externally charged, large diaphragm condenser; the reactor requires 48 volts phantom power. After lighting it up, the reactor treated me to a full, crisp sound. This one, indeed, would make a fine voiceover microphone. The omni pattern was very pleasing, as it didn’t pull up the noise floor.

Reasonably priced and a great performer (not to mention a head turner), I found this one from Blue to be a sonic gem.

At publish date, street prices are $499.xx.

Listen in and let me know what you think?

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

You’ve likely noticed that the BSW/NewMediaGear coupon code …and page is missing [gasp!]

Not to worry. Our friends at BSW are simply constructing, from the ground up, an even more enjoyable way to acquire that great professional audio gear. As you read this, a new BSW podcasting area is being constructed. The banner link will be restored shortly, so stay tuned!

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

The NewMediaGear Holiday Product Roundup is Here!

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

Amazingly small, incredible room filling sound. Jambox rules …and everything is better with BlueTooth!

An iPad dock? Inexpensive and sounds great.

My “go-to” source for quality radios and accessories. Check out the “Witness” at C. Crane.

Winner of the “Coolest Gadget”, the iStabilizer steadies your SmartPhone. …great for videos on the go

My iPad lives in the Tech Series, rugged case from Gumdrop.

Don’t just drink water. Drink ZeroWater.

@markjensen

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Stay tuned for the NewMediaGear Holiday Product Roundup!

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Acoustical treatment DOES make a difference!

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

As I listened back to the audio from this show, it was very apparent that more work needs to be done. It really is difficult to squash audio reflections in a square area.

First – hear the Electro-Voice RE-20. I selected the RE-20 because it is a broadcast standard …and because of its mellow mid-low characteristics. Switching to a large diaphragm condenser makes a tremendous difference, which you can easily hear.

Next stop, more mics as they queue up in the awaiting lockers.

The build out continues.

…stay tuned!

@markjensen

Haven’t joined our facebook page yet? …be sure to click the link below!

NewMediaGear facebook page. Check it out!

Studio1A is Powered by Panamax…

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

It’s a work-in-progress, but the new broadcast studio is coming together!

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

Yes – the audio you hear on this podcast is less than stellar. Acoustic treatment should arrive today for the new Studio1A, which is now a great echo chamber.

I am excited about the new space, with extra rooms for mic lockers, a true iso booth (claustrophobic, but effective), video production stage and the most important space of all; the on-air studio.

After a LOT of soldering, most everything is electrically connected. After sound treatment, we’re back in the pro-audio saddle.

…stay tuned!

@markjensen

Haven’t joined our facebook page yet? …be sure to click the link below!

NewMediaGear facebook page. Check it out!

Studio1A is Powered by Panamax…

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com