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

At Studio1A, we have been using Enermax products for years, keeping our laptops cool. Now, it’s time to have fun!

Based on the VIA VT1620A chipset and a USB interface, your eyes may do a double-take when first glancing at the DreamBass. Ultra small, the DreamBass might look like a small vacuum tube plugged into your laptop or desktop. Look closer. It’s actually a small SMD circuit board mounted vertically in a see through capsule. Recording and playback (via two 3.5mm in/out jacks) is 16 or 24-bit, up to 96kHz. At home with Windows, Mac and most Linux operating systems, I simply plugged it in and started listening. This little device just works, looking cool with a flashing blue LED indicating audio. I would have liked a nice amber glow instead, but we’re talking about a sub $30 (estimated USA price at post time) sound interface.

The clincher is that it sounds pretty good. The slight bass boost is not unpleasant. All in all, this is the most fun I’ve had with a consumer interface in a long time.

Check out the DreamBass from Enermax!

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’.
mark@newmediagear.com

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back!

@markjensen

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

I couldn’t wait to get these little boxes ‘on-the-air’ at Studio1A. USB mixers are great, and your choices are many. However, when I caught a glimpse of the Akai Pro EIE series, it was like home.

High-end audiophile gear often goes overboard on looks. Admittedly, my first attraction to the EIE series was all visual. A small, but stout box with toggle switches and analog VU meters. Very cool, but how do they perform?

I tried the EIE (16-bit) and EIE Pro (24-bit) versions on the Mac Pro with Adobes Creative Suite 5.5. Besides the quick open, the rest of this show was recorded completely using the EIE Pro mic pre-amp. No processing and no EQ. Just a mic, cable and the interface.

Besides good looks, the EIE series are winners when it comes to the mic pre-amps, ease of install and very straight-forward hookups. Inserts are included, along with switchable phantom power, dual connection front panel input jacks and classy toggle switches for a myriad of functionality. The monitoring section is very flexible and functional. I was up and running in minutes. The folks at Akai even threw in a very capable USB hub on the back.

As always, we like to hear the gear. Click the play button and tune in!

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’.
mark@newmediagear.com

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back!

@markjensen

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

A fun show with the Mojave Audio 301fet condenser microphone awaits! Time certainly flies, so this is a two part demo.

This microphone felt at home with just a bit of single-band compression. …no EQ, gating or leveling

Listening back to the video, I might have bumped up the 2kHz area for a bit more punch in my voice? In video part II, I boost the compressor drive as a test and the mic shows a bit more of its teeth. That is the beauty of a ‘flat’ mic. It’s almost like an open canvas.

The padded flight case is standard. However, the custom shock mount is excellent with its nicely designed short throw tightener.

Click the play button and listen in!

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’.
mark@newmediagear.com

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back!

@markjensen

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

The age old (pro-audio) question. What is the best microphone? The end qualifier should be ‘value’.

A listener sent Studio1A an audio file asking about his upcoming purchase of a quality dynamic microphone or a (warm?) tube condenser. It is almost impossible to recommend a mic for someone else, but it doesn’t stop me from giving my own opinion. C.R. has already done some of the foot work and narrowed his choices down. In this video, we’ll talk about some of the pros and cons.

Listen in as we discuss what he is currently using and the specifics of his options.

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’.
mark@newmediagear.com

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back!

@markjensen

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

Studio1A creates a video using our voiceover chain. Using only the VO chain means a microphone, single-band processor and a 31-band EQ.

The audio here is in stark contrast to our “normal” broadcast chain, featuring front line processing and ending with a multi-band radio style processor.

I enjoyed this change of pace, but tell me what you think! As we continue to air your MP3 files while stocking up on a few surprise pieces of gear.

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’.
mark@newmediagear.com

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back!

@markjensen

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

Who wouldn’t get excited about broadcast microphone talk? Join me as a listener describes his personal quest for a killer podcasting microphone. Ironically, some of the best mics for podcasting are the very same broadcast classics.

The NewMediaGear YouTube Channel is back.

Drop me an email with your own MP3 file and we’ll do our best to put you ‘on-the-air’!

@markjensen

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