Stow, OH (May 17, 2023)—Audio-Technica has added to its 20 Series line of content material creation merchandise with the brand new AT2040USB Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone.
As is likely to be deduced from the title, the AT2040USB microphone takes the broadcast-level AT2040 dynamic microphone and marries it with a plug-and-play USB Type-C cable, permitting podcasters, streamers and different content material creators to attach the mic on to a pc for instant use. No audio interface or extra cabling is required.
The AT2040USB has a high-resolution A/D converter with a sampling charge of as much as 24 bits/96 kHz, and its directional, hypercardioid pickup sample isolates the consumer’s voice from surrounding noise.
The microphone’s metallic physique consists of an built-in shock mount to attenuate undesirable noise and vibration, whereas its inside pop filter (a multistage foam mesh windscreen) protects towards harsh spoken sounds. Additionally, a low-cut filter eliminates low-frequency sound for extra discount of vibration and surrounding environmental noise.
The AT2040USB can be outfitted with a headphone jack to allow real-time monitoring of the audio (with zero latency), in addition to a soft-touch mute button for muting on the microphone. A combination management dial adjusts the steadiness between the microphone audio and a pc sound supply. A two-state LED indicator ring lights blue when the mic is powered on and able to seize audio and lights crimson when it’s muted.
The AT2040USB comes with a USB cable (USB Type-C to USB Type-A) and USB adapter (USB Type-A to USB Type-C) for plug-and-play performance. The AT8458a shock mount (offered individually) may also be used with the microphone.
The AT2040USB runs $149 and is at present obtainable.
Burnley, United Kingdom (April 14, 2022)—AMS Neve has bowed its new 1073OPX USB/ADAT Card on the NAMM present. The digital enlargement card makes use of the broadly accepted ADAT protocol and could be put in into any 1073OPX manufactured after October 2020.
Packing eight 1073 remote-controllable preamps in a 2U rackmount case, the 1073OPX is meant for contemporary DAW-based workflows, the place house is at a premium, whereas additionally providing the well-known 1073 sound. With the addition of the brand new card then, the unit takes on further options, permitting it to change into much more suitable with the trendy studio and inside current-day workflows.
USB/ADAT Hub mode – Transforms the 1073OPX into an expandable USB Audio Interface, able to connecting as much as 16 inputs and 10 outputs by way of a single USB connection.
ADAT standalone mode – Allows customers to increase an present ADAT-compatible audio interface digitally through ADAT optical connection, including eight Neve 1073 preamps and a further stereo output to their present audio interface.
The new USB/ADAT Card by itself retail for $795; for brand new customers who plan to buy a 1073OPX Unit bundled with the ADAT Card, the associated fee is $4,395.
Old Lyme, CT (March 14, 2023)—Sennheiser has unveiled its new Profile USB microphone, a consumer-priced cardioid condenser mic largely meant for streaming and podcasting use.
Designed with bodily controls on its casing, the side-address Sennheiser Profile is obtainable as a desk stand model and because the Profile Streaming Set with a 3-point self-locking growth arm. The Profile relies round Sennheiser’s KE 10 condenser capsule. Offering customers a cardioid pick-up sample, the mic duly attenuates sound coming from the rear, inserting larger concentrate on the person’s voice
On its entrance, the Profile USB Mic incorporates a mute button, acquire management for the microphone quantity, combine management to set the steadiness and a quantity management for headphone monitoring. Headphones or earphones might be linked through a 3.5 mm socket behind the Profile USB microphone.
LED rings on the Profile sign the working standing—inexperienced means all is properly, whereas yellow signifies clipping and pink means the mic is muted. The Profile might be tilted utilizing its self-locking joint; 3/8” and 5/8” connectors on the backside enable the mic for use with third-party desk stands. Meanwhile, the Profile Streaming Set’s 3-point self-locking growth arm affords built-in cable administration.
On its personal, the Sennheiser Profile runs $129 MSRP, whereas the Profile Streaming Set weighs in at $199; each are presently transport.
Audio-Technica, weltweiter Marktführer im Bereich Audio-Equipment für den professionellen und privaten Einsatz, stellt mit dem AT2020USB-X ein neues USB-Kondensatormikrofon mit Nierencharakteristik vor.
Das AT2020USB-X ist eine Neuinterpretation des beliebten AT2020USB+ speziell für Podcaster, Streamer und andere Kreative. Es verbindet den branchenweit anerkannten, preisgekrönten Sound des Originals AT2020 mit dem Plug-and-Play-Komfort eines Mikrofons mit USB-C-Anschluss.
Dank Richtcharakteristik Niere lässt sich das Mikrofon optimal auf die Stimme eines Sprechers oder eine andere Schallquelle ausrichten. Der hochauflösende A/D-Wandler (mit Abtastraten bis 24 Bit / 96 kHz) garantiert zudem eine extrem saubere, natürliche Audiowiedergabe.
Die Ausstattung des AT2020USB-X umfasst einen Kopfhöreranschluss mit Lautstärkeregler für direktes, latenzfreies Abhören sowie einen Mix-Regler, über den sich das Mikrofonsignal mit Audiomaterial aus dem Computer mischen lässt. Außerdem wurde eine berührungsempfindliche, geräuschlos schaltbare Mute-Taste zur schnellen, einfachen Stummschaltung des Audiosignals integriert.
Weitere Features
USB-C-Ausgang: Das Mikrofon ist mit einem USB-C-Ausgang ausgestattet und beinhaltet im Lieferumfang auch ein USB-Kabel mit USB-C- und USB-A-Anschlussoptionen – für umfassende Kompatibilität und eine unkomplizierte Einbindung in unterschiedlichste Setups, jetzt und in Zukunft.
Mikrofon-Tischfuß: Der Lieferumfang des Mikrofons umfasst einen speziellen Tischfuß, einen Gewindeadapter (3/8″-16 auf 5/8″-27) sowie ein 2 m langes USB-Kabel (USB C auf USB A) mit USB-Adapter (USB A auf USB C).
Das Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X wird ab 17. August 2022 auf www.audio-technica.com zu einem Preis von 149 Euro (UVP) erhältlich sein.
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Über Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica blickt auf 60 Jahre Exzellenz in der Entwicklung und Produktion hochwertiger Audiogeräte zurück und ist ein anerkannter Marktführer im Bereich Audio-Equipment für den privaten und professionellen Einsatz.
Gegründet wurde das Unternehmen im Jahr 1962 in Japan von Hideo Matsushita – der der Überzeugung war, dass gute Audiotechnik allen Menschen offenstehen sollte –, und es machte sich zunächst durch seine innovativen Phono-Tonabnehmer und Tonarme einen Namen.
Heute entwickelt und vertreibt Audio-Technica als weltweit tätige Unternehmensgruppe hochwertige Mikrofone, Kopfhörer, Funkmikrofonsysteme, Mixer, Plattenspieler, Phono-Tonabnehmer und andere elektronische Produkte.
The following is a press release issued by AudioQuest.
April, 2021 – What’s old and famous, and yet brand new?
Many tens of thousands of music lovers are already enjoying better audio enabled by the AudioQuest JitterBug USB Noise Filter—whether plugged into a car’s USB jack, or a laptop computer, or a USB “service-only” jack on an Ethernet Streamer, etc…
Now, JitterBug FMJ, with its Full Metal Jacket raises the stakes.
Whether used in series (in-line) or in parallel, JitterBug significantly reduces contamination from RF generated by a computer, car, or other device. JitterBug FMJ also thoroughly addresses environmental RF Noise taking advantage of this vulnerable interface.
The new metal case is the most obvious change, though even the seemingly innocuous hinged “rubber” piece covering JitterBug’s output is crucial to JitterBug’s improved performance. That little black “door” is RF-proof thanks to the material being substantially RF-absorbing Carbon.
Employ one JitterBug in series between any computer, smartphone, NAS, streamer, or car audio system and a USB input. For an additional sonic improvement, use a second JitterBug in another unoccupied USB port—in parallel to the first—except with JitterBug FMJ’s front door closed.
A JitterBug in series with DragonFlys Black or Red always helps those wonderful creatures fly higher and faster. However, it’s best to experiment when putting a JitterBug in front of a DragonFly Cobalt—which itself employs some of JitterBug’s filtering, and so the two filters in series can help or hurt performance depending on specific equipment and context.
Regardless of which DragonFly or any other considerations, a 2nd JitterBug in parallel is always a delightful improvement as it pulls more RF Noise off the USB power bus—which is why and how a JitterBug makes just as big an improvement even when plugged into service-only or update-only USB ports on many devices.
JitterBug uses USB-A connections on both ends. When used with a computer or other device (or car) with only USB-C connections, AudioQuest offers a super-compact high-performance C-male to A-female adaptor for $21.95, and also the DragonTail flexible C-to-A adaptor (included with DragonFly Cobalt) for $29.95.
Noise reduction and noise dissipation is us! One can’t hear our modern world’s pervasive RF Noise itself, but the compromises it causes robs us of detail and contrast, and outright buries so much subtlety. Fight back with JitterBug FMJ.
US Retail Price: $59.95. Estimated Availability: May 15
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.
Audio-Technica has released limited edition AT2020 Series mics—the AT2020USB+V Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone (left) and AT2020V Cardioid Condenser Microphone.
Stow, OH (August 17, 2020)—Audio-Technica has released new limited-edition AT2020 Series microphones—the AT2020V (standard) and the AT2020USB+V (USB model), each featuring a reflective silver finish.
The side-address condensers are equipped with low-mass diaphragms custom-engineered for extended frequency response and transient response. The mics’ cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. All models in the AT2020 mic line are aimed to provide a wide dynamic range and handle high SPLs. Both of the limited edition V models come with AT8458a shock mounts to attenuate noise, shock, or vibration transmitted through a mic stand, boom or mount.
The AT2020V is intended for vocal pickup in home-studio applications and features an analog XLR output for connection to a digital converter or mixer. The AT2020USB+V, applicable for podcasting, streaming, home studio recording and voiceover use provides the convenience of plug-and-play USB operation. The AT2020USB+V features a built-in high-output headphone amplifier with volume control that allows direct monitoring of the microphone signal with no delay. It also offers a mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio. The microphone’s A/D converter has a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate, and a 10-foot (3.1 m) USB cable is included.
The microphones are currently available in the U.S. priced at $149 (AT2020V) and $199 (AT2020USB+V).
