Røde NT1 5TH Generation Studio Condenser Microphone. Photo: Future.
Sydney, Australia (February 21, 2023)—Just a few years in the past, Røde started focusing closely on content material creators, fueling their output with a tidal wave of attainable microphones and tools; the corporate made nice inroads partly due to its standing within the skilled studio world—and far of that status was because of the firm’s long-running NT1 sequence of studio condenser mics. Today, Røde introduced (and shipped) the road’s newest version—the NT1 5th Generation.
Using the Dual Connect output with an XLR cable leads to a typical analog sign, whereas inserting a USB-C cable into the socket leads to 32-bit float digital output through an inner audio interface throughout the mic. Photo: Future.
Aiming to take care of the acquainted sound of the NT1, the brand new microphone nonetheless sports activities new know-how, most notably a patent-pending Dual Connect output that may present each XLR and USB connectivity, reportedly “unclippable” 32-bit float digital output, superior DSP and extra.
Returning from the NT1 4th Generation mic is the HF6 large-diaphragm (1-inch) gold-sputtered capsule, stated to be engineered to sub-micron tolerances with the intention of offering a decent cardioid polar sample, easy frequency response, excessive sensitivity and excessive SPL dealing with.
While it might probably deal with loudness, the mic itself is claimed to supply customers low self-noise (4 dBA), as much as 192 kHz analog-to-digital conversion, and on-board DSP for Aphex audio processing, together with a compressor, noise gate, two-step high-pass filter, and each Aural Exciter and Big Bottom results.
The microphone’s Dual Connect output can connect with audio interfaces, mixers and consoles, or direct plug-and-play recording with a pc. Using the Dual Connect output with an XLR cable leads to a typical analog sign, whereas inserting a USB-C cable into the socket leads to 32-bit float digital output through an inner audio interface throughout the mic. With that output, customers recording in a DAW can modify audio after the very fact to a desired stage with out issues about having set acquire accurately.
The NT1 5th Generation mic is offered in a black or silver aluminum physique, ships with a shock mount and pop filter in addition to XLR and USB-C cables, and is designed and manufactured in Røde’s Sydney, Australia amenities. Using the corporate’s companion apps, Røde Central and Røde Connect, customers could make use of two totally different processing modes—the VoxLab editor with primary controls for Depth, Sparkle and Punch, or a complicated editor, which presents granular management over each parameter. Up to eight NT1 fifth Generation microphones may be linked to a single pc for multitrack recording.
Introduced in 1991, the NT1 was Røde’s debut microphone, and the corporate has gone on to promote greater than 6 million NT1s throughout the road’s lifetime. The NT1 5th Generation has an MSRP of $249.
The Lewitt CONNECT 6 is a sleek and modern-looking USB-C audio interface designed for producers, content creators and people who require a versatile audio platform. With extensive digital and analogue connections and the ability to integrate any USB device, the CONNECT 6 provides a wide variety of connectivity combined with pristine audio quality. CONNECT 6 extends the usability of an audio interface beyond basic recording functionalities, so you have them when you need them.
Onboard hardware digital signal processing (DSP) retains immaculate sound quality and provides zero latency, working independently of any connected device. The DSP precision effects help you shape your sound to the finest detail and minimise the need for audio post-processing.
Auto-setup assists you in finding the right settings for you automatically and Control Center contributes a mixer with A and B preset settings, three virtual stereo channels, loopback mode and individual audio routing. The Connect 6 has an Aux and two XLR line inputs. A portable and versatile audio interface, the Lewitt Connect 6 is a DSP-powered Audio workhorse.
Key features:
– Dual USB-C audio interface for creators and musicians
– Extensive analogue and digital connectivity
– Studio-grade preamps with 72 dB gain and -133 dBV EIN
– Auto Setup for voice, vocals, and instruments
– Zero-latency DSP effects included
– Easy routing, mixing, and loopback
– Made for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android
The CONNECT 6 retails at £259. Found out more and buy HERE.
The Lewitt CONNECT 6 is a sleek and modern-looking USB-C audio interface designed for producers, content creators and people who require a versatile audio platform. With extensive digital and analogue connections and the ability to integrate any USB device, the CONNECT 6 provides a wide variety of connectivity combined with pristine audio quality. CONNECT 6 extends the usability of an audio interface beyond basic recording functionalities, so you have them when you need them.
Onboard hardware digital signal processing (DSP) retains immaculate sound quality and provides zero latency, working independently of any connected device. The DSP precision effects help you shape your sound to the finest detail and minimise the need for audio post-processing.
Auto-setup assists you in finding the right settings for you automatically and Control Center contributes a mixer with A and B preset settings, three virtual stereo channels, loopback mode and individual audio routing. The Connect 6 has an Aux and two XLR line inputs. A portable and versatile audio interface, the Lewitt Connect 6 is a DSP-powered Audio workhorse.
Key features:
– Dual USB-C audio interface for creators and musicians
– Extensive analogue and digital connectivity
– Studio-grade preamps with 72 dB gain and -133 dBV EIN
– Auto Setup for voice, vocals, and instruments
– Zero-latency DSP effects included
– Easy routing, mixing, and loopback
– Made for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android
The CONNECT 6 retails at £259. Found out more and buy HERE.
DISCLAIMER: Lotoo provided me with the PAW S1 in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Lotoo for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.
The past couple cycles have seen Lotoo go from strength from strength. The release of their PAW Gold Touch player saw them gain acclaim at the top flight. Then, the subsequent release of their more affordable PAW 6000 did the same in the mid-tier market. Much of that praise was attributed to their sleek, modernised aesthetic, impeccable build quality and all the proprietary software they packed in there too. Now, bringing all this and entry-level pricing into the mobile market is Lotoo’s PAW S1 USB DAC/amp. A balanced output, OLED display and Lotoo OS in hand, the PAW S1 is the dongle to beat.
Lotoo PAW S1
DAC chip: AKM AK4377
Available inputs: USB Type-C, Lightning (sold separately)
Available outputs: 4.4mm balanced jack, 3.5mm single-ended jack
Sample rate support: Up to PCM 32-bit/384kHz, DSD64 and DSD128
This PAW S1 comes in a clean, compact package, adorned all around with sleek, matte-finished artwork. Also, on the top-left corner is a sticker from Pentaconn, which indicates that the 4.4mm socket Lotoo have sourced for this DAC/amp is of utmost quality. Inside is the S1 itself sat within a foam cutout. And, underneath that is a quick-start guide and a warranty card, along with the S1’s accessories also sat in foam. This consists of a short Type-C-to-Type-C cable to connect the S1 to Type-C devices. And, there’s a USB 3.0 adapter for, say, laptops and desktops too; all in Lotoo’s sleek, anodised aesthetic.
With this S1, Lotoo prove that – no matter the price tier – build quality is something they know how to deliver. Its chassis is excellently compact, yet impressive in robustness and heft. It’s by no means as luxurious-feeling as their bigger, pricier DAPs. But, given the price and size of the S1, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dongle that looks and feels as premium. It’s a near-unibody design with a screwed-on bottom panel. Despite how flush it sits against the rest of the chassis, I do wish Lotoo had put screws on all four corners, rather than just two. The end with screws feels solid and firm as I tap my finger on it, while the opposite feels ever-so-slightly loose. Again, it still sits flush against the rest of the device. But, it does take away a teeny bit from the S1’s near-flawless feel. That aside, however, Lotoo have, again, finished their product superbly; dressed in an even and seamless coat of anodised-black, then capped with sharply-defined engravings above and below.
We then get to the one of this device’s defining features: The 128×32 OLED display. The screen in its default state feature the current track’s sample rate, the S1’s gain mode (Low or High) and the current volume level on the upper third. Taking up the rest of this screen is the EFX profile you’ve selected, which essentially is Lotoo’s DSP or sound-shaping. Personally, I like how the S1’s UI looks. It’s clean, it isn’t too flashy and it tells you all you need to know. And, it’s lit up sufficiently with zero traces of backlight bleed too. Lastly, as a finishing touch, Lotoo have also incorporated some sliding animations that appear when you cycle through EFX profiles and gain modes, which gives the UI some life and adds that last bit of polish.
Bookending the S1’s body is the device’s I/O, which have similarly been installed seamlessly. The USB-C jack sits perfectly against its opening with zero crookedness or gaps, and the same goes for both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm sockets. There’s a touch more tightness to those audio outputs than ones I’d find on my laptop or DAP, but it shouldn’t be much of a worry. Lastly, the S1’s three buttons sit perfectly level and still, are engraved precisely and depress with a very firm, tactile click.
Ergonomics and Physical Controls
Clearly, given the S1’s compact, lightweight design, it’s an absolute breeze to carry around; whether in an in-ear pouch or your coat pocket, even. It isn’t as thin as some of Cozoy’s USB dongles, for example, but I reckon it’ll still make an easy fit in whatever space you’re carrying your other electronics in. That’s further aided by its detachable cable system. Speaking of, Lotoo’s included braided cables have good heft to them as well, so I won’t have to worry about those wires potentially snapping off if I hang this S1 off a table edge, or bending and kinking if I stuff the dongle in a trouser pocket. Overall, this is a DAC that’s as easy to carry as it is to keep, and built tough enough to withstand the hustle of daily, portable listening.
The PAW S1’s physical controls consist of three buttons, whose base functions are Function, Volume Up and Volume Down. Pressing the first brings up the EFX selection screen, where you can use the Volume buttons to cycle through this device’s 16 included EQ profiles. Pressing that Function button again will summon the gain selection screen, where you can either select High Gain or Low Gain. For example, for headphones and in-ears, respectively. Overall, it’s an easy, intuitive system that’s also quick, due to the dongle’s responsiveness. If I could make one suggestion, Lotoo could add a way to revert the EFX profile back to Stock in a single action. Perhaps, by pressing both Volume buttons at once. But, that is my only qualm.
Connectivity
This PAW S1 is capable of outputting both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended audio, though, obviously, not at the same time. Still, this addition of a TRRRS socket does put it a step above most USB dongles available today; a Pentaconn-issued one, no less. Volume on both outputs have a range of 100 steps, which should be beyond sufficient fine-tuning for most users. Then, for the input, you have the S1’s modular Type-C connector. By default, it connects to a Type-C-to-Type-C cable with, again, an optional USB 3.0 adapter. And, you could also purchase Lotoo’s Lightning cable attachment to use the S1 with Apple’s mobile devices. It features the same braiding and hardware as the default cable; a detail I love to see.
I’ve tested this PAW S1 with a couple other Type-C cables, and those results are a tad hit-or-miss. The ultra-long charging cable that I use with my MacBook does get this device to work, but it disconnects intermittently; presumably, because of a lack of power. The USB 3.0 to Type-C cable that comes with the PAW Gold Touch works perfectly fine. So, I’d personally recommend using the cables Lotoo provides for the best results. Though, in a pinch, most standard cables can work too.
Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core Audio Interface
Santa Monica, CA (February 3, 2021)—Antelope Audio has launched its new Zen Go Synergy Core audio interface, marking the first time the company has released a product aimed at a more budget-conscious corner of the market, making it aimed for recordists, content creators, podcasting and more.
The bus-powered, portable (4 x 8 USB-C) audio interface sports a DSP-based desktop design powered by the same Synergy Core onboard effects processing platform found in the manufacturer’s top-tier audio interfaces.
The unit sports Antelope’s AD/DA converter technology, namesake Synergy Core onboard effects processing platform, and proprietary 64-bit AFCTM (Acoustically Focused Clocking) algorithm, supporting sample rates of up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
As a plug and play interface, the Zen Go Synergy Core providers users with two ultra-linear discrete transistor-based preamps; two MIC-XLR and LINE / HiZ / 1/4” JACK connections; two independent (HP1 and HP2) headphone outputs with dedicated DAC (Digital-to-Analogue- Converter); stepped analogue rotary encoder for precise gain adjustment; alternative MONITOR line out on RCA connectors directly fed from the main DAC; S/PDIF digital I/O on RCA connectors for expansion; dedicated IPS (In-Plane Switching) display for signal monitoring; direct monitoring mixers for real-time hardware-based monitoring with onboard effects; advanced software control panel for macOS and Windows; and dedicated secondary USB- C connection for external power supply and reverse charging. Zen Go Synergy Core offers monitor output boasting a 127 dB DNR (dynamic range)
The unit has onboard 80-plus analog-modelled real-time effects, usable during live tracking or post-production. Also onboard are 37 emulations of specific analogue studio gear, which the company coyly states ranges from “a rare Austrian EQ through to legendary British solid-state processing with much in-between.” Since they are hosted by the unit itself, latency is low during their use and a DAW’s CPU is not taxed.
Zen Go Synergy Core will be shipping in Q1 2021 at $499.00.
