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The best Bluetooth audio receiver for your home stereo or speakers
By R. Matthew Ward This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After doing 13 hours of research and considering 76 models, we performed dozens of hours of real-world testing and 13 additional hours of focused, in-depth testing on the top 14 Bluetooth-audio receivers for adding wireless connectivity to an existing audio system. We think the StarTech BT2A Bluetooth Audio Receiver is the best receiver for most people thanks to its combination of connectivity, range, audio quality, and usability at a reasonable price.
Samson Expedition Express PA does Bluetooth and XLR, ships this month for $200
It's been a while since we've looked at enhanced PA speakers, and one of the last big hitters in the category was a little ostentatious. Samson's new Expedition Express keeps things a little lower-key. The one-piece system will take both Bluetooth audio as well as quarter-inch and XLR instrument inputs, but it's subtle enough to feel at home at both the beach and the boardroom. It's also more portable than others -- the small, 10-pound box should be easier to shlep around and lasts a reasonable eight hours on its rechargeable battery. The Expedition Express won't be cheap when it ships this month for $200, and it certainly won't make up for our ham-fisted guitar skills. It might, however, be a solid choice for a backyard party soundtrack.
Zoom H2n portable recorder touts five internal mics, adjustable recording range
We'd hazard a guess that just a couple of things evolved in the portable audio world from the year 2007. That's when the original Zoom H2 SD launched, and it's become somewhat of a staple in the years since. Now, some four years later, it's time for a refresh. The outfit's launching the Zoom H2n today, complete with a bolder design, five "studio-quality" microphones and a foursome of recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound. The standout feature, however, is its ability to widen and narrow one's recording range on the fly. For reporters, you can hone in on the interviewee and block out other reporters / crowd noise, while concert goers can adjust to target audio from just the singer. Other specs include a 1.8-inch LCD, built-in reference speaker, USB 2.0 connectivity and a thing for pushing through for 20 full hours on a single set of AA cells. It'll sell for $199 when it ships this September, but you'll see that figure head north should you decide to pick up an optional accessory pack with windscreen, tripod, protective case, and remote control. %Gallery-128162%
Samson Meteor Mic review
Look at this guy! What a cutie! It's like Elvis' microphone cross-bred with some sort of weird alien USB bumblebee. Samson's Meteor Mic is unquestionably shiny, but its competition is an increasingly attractive bunch as well. Does Lil' Samson's beauty run only grill-deep? Read on to find out! %Gallery-122022%
Zoom H4n audio recorder goes mainstream, now available at Best Buy
Until now, Samson's Zoom H4n digital recorder has been a staple in niche music equipment stores like Sam Ash, Musician's Friend, and Sweetwater, but a no-show in more mainstream retailers. Now the two year-old handheld is on sale at Best Buy, making it much easier to walk into a brick-and-mortar store and handle the thing a bit before deciding to shell out $299. The H4n's undergone some minor upgrades since its debut, with the current model sporting built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics, a rubberized, shock-proof design, an improved UI, a new digitally controlled mic preamp, and the ability to use internal and external mics for four-channel recording. It comes with a 1GB SDHC card, but you can swap it for one as large as 32GB. Last but not least, there's a tripod mount, making it easier to pair the device with a DSLR that could use some oomph in the audio department -- you know, when you film your next My World 2.0 fan video next week.
Samson's USB Meteor Mic packs retro flair, $99 price tag
Blue Microphones' Yeti Pro a 'lil rich for your blood? Have a gander at Samson Technologies, who is also introducing a new USB microphone to usher in the year 2011. The company's foldable USB mic -- better known as the Meteor Mic -- looks a lot like any number of retro mics you might find in an older recording studio, or any number of brand new ones designed to look just like the old ones we just mentioned. There's also a stereo 1/8-inch headphone output for no-latency monitoring, not to mention a headphone volume control and a trio of legs to tinker with. There's even a microphone mute switch for those who prefer to grumble while the boss blabbers on, and it'll be out and about in Best Buy this April for $99. Demonstrative video is just past the break, if you really need to enlighten yourself further. %Gallery-113919%
Zoom H1 Handy Recorder captures 24-bit, 96 kHz stereo for $99
Samson's attempt to break into the Flip-dominated portable video space didn't hit all the right notes, so the company's gone back to basics with a new handheld audio recorder -- as delightfully basic as it could go. The Zoom H1 doesn't have fancy 4-channel recording schemes or a triple-capsule mic; it's merely a twin X/Y stereo recorder that does 24-bit / 96-kHz audio at an unheard-of $99 price. With a reported 10 hours of battery life on a single AA cell, up to 32GB of removable microSDHC storage and loads of physical controls, it already feels like an obvious choice for students, journalists and the like, but of course all that's just on paper -- we'll be waiting till its July 30th debut to hear if the unit performs as positively in real life. PR after the break.
Zoom G2Nu and G2.1Nu guitar effects pedals offer direct USB recording
Zoom is kind of like Mitsubishi -- it sort of does it all. Months after shipping one of the greatest pocket audio recorders every known to man, the company is now hitting back with none other than a pair of guitar effects pedals. The G2Nu and G2.1Nu boards both feature 100 preset guitar sounds, 20 of which have purportedly been given the almighty thumbs-up from Steve Vai. If you're curious about differences, the latter adds a built-in expression pedal for additional control, but frankly, the expected capabilities aren't what we're interested in. Both devices sport integrated USB ports that enable them to operate as audio interfaces; in other words, axe slingers can record directly to their computer through this box, and the 1.9-inch display helps you keep track of what's going on. Regrettably, pricing and availability details have been conveniently omitted, but we suspect it'll be hitting Sam Ash, Sweetwater and the rest of the gang soonish. %Gallery-88115%
Samson's Q2U microphone does USB and XLR on a budget
Sure, there are a variety of ways to get your high-end XLR audio onto your PC, but the solutions we've seen before haven't been cheap. Shure's dual-purpose mics cost up to $250 and while the Icicle adapter is only $60, it's a strictly BYO microphone affair. Samson's $89 Q2U package includes all you'll need to become a podcasting wunderkind, most important being the mic itself, which comes with both XLR and USB cables. It also features an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, includes a set of studio headphones, and even comes with a tripod so that you can wildly gesticulate while expressing your fury about the Dollhouse cancellation -- even if your 23 subscribers can't see you. It's all available now, so stop popping your P's and get with the ordering already. %Gallery-79474%
Zoom's high-fidelity Q3 pocket camcorder ships to America
Hailed as the first and only handheld video recorder to record HD audio, Zoom's Q3 Handy Video recorder is definitely a unique offering amongst the legions of me-toos. After being announced in July and tickling our senses right around a month ago, the Q3 has finally begun to ship en masse to eager consumers. Just in case you've forgotten, this bugger records 24-bit/48 kHz audio via a pair of condenser microphones, gets powered by two AA cells and captures video at 640 x 480 (30fps). There's also a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 LCD and an SDHC card slot, though you'll have to shell out $249 in order to get this kind of technology into your own pocket. Order up, kids!%Gallery-75555%
Zoom Q3 ears-on: it's like 'Stop Making Sense' saw your YouTube lip sync video and liked it
What's this blue monstrosity? A YouTube-happy concert bootlegger's new best friend. The Zoom Q3 (which is distributed by Samson in the States) pairs a decent stereo mic and some in-depth audio controls with a regular crappy pocket video camera sensor -- along with an oversized screen to make room for audio level meters. There are obviously limited situations where this is really necessary (there are plenty of much better dedicated mics for when you don't need the VGA video to go along with it), and all your cutesy Flip mino-toting friends are going to laugh at you, but at least you'll be able to crank up your recording to lossless and capture their cackles with eardrum shattering clarity. Check out a video of the Zoom Q3 shot with another Zoom Q3 after the break and decide for yourself if it's worth the slightly premium $249 pricetag.
Zoom brings stereo audio to Q3 pocket camcorder
While those into good sound likely warmed to Zoom's H4n Handy Recorder back at CES, the Samson Technologies-owned company has just switched the game up on us with its newfangled Q3 Handy Video Recorder. As the product name implies, it's the first pocket camcorder to hit the market with such a serious focus on good sound, packing a directional, dual condenser microphone setup that enables shooters to capture clips at 24-bit/48 kHz while even focusing the mics on the sound source. The camcorder itself can log clips at an uninspiring 640 x 480 (30fps), while a pair of AA batteries gives you around two hours of life. There's also a 2.4-inch LCD, a bundled 32GB SD card (holds 16 hours of footage), a built-in speaker for previews, TV output, a tripod mount and USB 2.0 connectivity. If this bad boy did 720p, we'd be handing over our $249 with a heart full of thanks. Full release is after the break.
Samson delivering Zoom H4n handheld recording device at CES
Samson isn't bothering to wait until NAMM kicks off on January 15th; instead, it's bringing its newest handheld recording device to Las Vegas. The Zoom H4n takes off where the H2 and H4 left off, offering up an improved user interface, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics, a digitally controlled mic preamp and the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4-channel recording. You'll also find a spacious LCD, a Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp, track marker functions and audio recording at up to 24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price, but we are told that its rugged exterior can handle even the rowdiest of shows. Full release is after the break.
Samson introduces highly portable $49 USB Go Mic
For the podcaster-on-the-go, there's always a need for a portable microphone to get through less-than-ideal situations. Clearly, Samson Technologies is lookin' out, as the simply titled Go Mic provides all that and a bag of chips. The "pocket-sized" USB microphone comes with a built-in mount for siting atop one's laptop display and can be used to record audio in a variety of scenarios (Skype, lectures, etc.). It's supposedly plug-and-play with both Macs and PCs, and it features a 20Hz to 18 kHz frequency response, selectable cardioid / omni directional polar recording pattern and a condenser transducer with pressure gradient. Speak up in one (available in black or white) right now for $49; full release is after the break.
Samson's Zoom H2 SD portable audio recorder
Although the amount of voice recorders hitting the market has definitely tapered off in recent years, the ones that do make it out are fairly well-spec'd in their own regard. The latest to show up is Samson's Zoom H2 handy recorder, which claims to be the "world's only portable recorder with 3 mic capsules on board for mid-side recording," and moreover, the device purportedly decodes the audio instantly to bring together a probably unnecessary level of "superb stereo imaging." Interestingly enough, the device even allows for users to record at various angles and frequencies in case you're trying to assemble a 5.1 track (saywha?) without all the proper equipment, and it even touts gain controls right on the side for on-the-fly tweaking. The unit stores recordings on an SD flash card, features USB 2.0 connectivity, a 1/8-inch stereo output, backlit display, four hours of usage on a pair of AA batteries, time stamp / track marker functions, integrated chromatic guitar and bass tuner, and a variety of status LEDs to boot. Of course, such extravagant niceties on a portable audio recorder don't come without a premium, but users serious about capturing those lecture notes (or ad hoc jingles) can snag one in May for around $200.
