audiophile
Latest
V-MODA VAMP makes the case for audiophiles with money to burn
Audiophiles who are less than thrilled with the sound that they get from their iPhone 4 or 4S now have a new companion accessory that is bound to make a difference in the quality of their listening experience. The US$650 V-MODA VAMP, available today from V-MODA.com and Amazon.com, is a rather different iPhone 4/4S case that packs a lot of power and sophistication in to a solid metal casing. This isn't just a battery case, although it packs a 2200 mAh battery. It uses an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to extract the digital audio signal of the iPhone, and then runs it through a two-channel 150 mW amplifier (five times more powerful than that built into the iPhone) to bump up the signal. The VAMP has two audio processing modes built-in: the PURE mode processes audio to provide the truest sounding audio playback, while a VQ mode adds a "slight spatial 3D soundstage, tightened bass, and increased treble attack" to punch up the sound. %Gallery-158089% All of this is integrated into a brushed aluminum case with red highlights. The area that cradles the iPhone 4/4S is made of a silicone material for easy insertion and removal of the phone, as well as protecting it from bumps. Probably the most unique feature of the VAMP is the built-in optical audio output. This allows audiophiles to connect the VAMP to an A/V receiver or DJ mixer over Toslink or S/PDIF optical audio. As V-MODA notes, once your phone has been retired from your pocket, you can still use it as a high-grade audio source. The company is donating $50 of the sale of every VAMP to the InTheLoop Foundation, a non-profit that exists to educate and promote "safe sound." As expected with an accessory that costs more than most iPhones, the VAMP also comes with a one-year warranty. I had an opportunity to try the VAMP prior to its release. Charging is done through an included USB to mini-USB cable, but a "charging brick" isn't included with this expensive case -- instead, you'll need to use the AC adapter that came with your iPhone 4 or 4S. I tried to use another charging brick that apparently wasn't the right type, as the device didn't charge the first time. After using the suggested Apple adapter, I thought it was charged (a couple of LEDs on the side of the box showed orange and green), but a quick test showed me that was not the case. After perusing the included user's manual for a few minutes, I finally found the secret -- the VAMP must be switched on prior to charging. That's different from most devices, where the state of the device doesn't make any difference to charging. The device finally got charged, and then it was keynote Monday... Finally, I had the opportunity to give the VAMP a try. To test, I queued up several songs in a few different musical genres, grabbed my pair of V-MODA Crossfade LP headphones, popped the iPhone 4S into the VAMP, and flipped the toggle switch to "on." You can tell it's on because the switch itself glows red, and the optical output also glows red due to the laser inside. Of course, my Crossfades don't use optical audio; just a standard 1/8" plug. To compare the sound output from the VAMP, I listened first to the songs through the standard iPhone headphone jack to get a feel for the sound quality. Next, I jacked the Crossfades into the VAMP and listened to the same song at approximately the same volume using the PURE mode. There was a difference in the quality of the sound that was almost immediately noticeable. Bass was more crisp, highs seemed more precise, and was surprised by how long sustains in some songs could be heard with PURE or VQ turned on. Listening to an acoustic guitar piece I'm very familiar with, I was amazed to hear a fingering error that wasn't apparent when I listened to the tune through the iPhone's built-in jack. I preferred the PURE sound to V-MODA's eQualization mode (AKA VQ) -- VQ tended to accentuate the bass a bit too much for my taste. For DJs who want to push bass, VQ will probably be the setting of choice. Music of all genres sounded much more realistic and "live" through the VAMP than it does through the iPhone's jack. Both old recordings and those that benefit from state-of-the-art recording techniques had an improved sound. As I've mentioned in previous reviews of Mac and iOS audio accessories, a lot of the relative "improvements" in sound can be very subjective. What I hear and what you discern are two different things. But I found that there was enough of an improvement in sound quality through the VAMP to not only be immediately noticeable, but also bump up the emotional impact of the music I was listening to. I was not able to test the optical audio out, which provides 48 kHz, 16-bit output to sound systems and DJ mixers. I did experience a few technical issues with the VAMP. When I plugged the headphones into the VAMP's output port, I occasionally heard interference from the phone that was not apparent when I was plugged directly into the iPhone, as well as a very soft hiss. Both sounds were rather quiet, as I never heard them while listening to music, but they might be discernible at higher volume levels. For that reason, DJs using the VAMP might want to put their iPhones into Airplane Mode before connecting the VAMP to a sound system or mixer. Conclusion: V-MODA's VAMP is a unique product, providing audiophile-level amplification and sound processing to sound output from the iPhone 4 and 4S. It does a remarkable job of improving the sound from an iPhone. However, the price point of $650 makes it out of reach of all but the most well-heeled consumers who want better sound. PROS: Obvious improvement in sound quality through headphones. Optical output from iPhone is perfect for audiophiles and DJs. Battery pack can be used to charge the iPhone as well as provide sound processing and amplification. Impressive and attractive design. Silicone liner surrounding iPhone makes device easy to insert and remove, also provides good protection for the iPhone. CONS: Ridiculously high price point. Interference from iPhone is audible. Adds bulk and weight to the iPhone. WHO IS IT FOR? Audiophiles with unlimited money to spend, DJs who want to use their iPhones as a digital music source.
Denon turns up the volume with 11 new headphone models featuring iOS app integration
If you're looking for something new to wrap around your noggin this coming season, then put it on your radar that Denon will be bringing 11 new sets of headphones to store shelves this August. That number might seem like quite a lot to digest, but it becomes a lot easier when broken down by category. First is the Exercise Freak lineup, a wrap-around earbud design that sells for $149 and will be available in black, blue and yellow. Beyond that, the company has three additional lineups -- the Music Maniac, the Urban Raver and the Globe Cruiser -- and each will be available in earbud and over-the-ear form factors. The Music Maniac headphones ($349 and $499) are designed to cater to audio purists with an acoustically flat signature. Most notable about the Music Maniac lineup is the top shelf Artisan model, which rings in at a healthy $1,199 and pits itself against other audiophile mainstays such as the Sennheiser HD800 and Audez'e LCD2. Meanwhile, the Urban Ravers ($249 and $399) place a heavy emphasis on bass, whereas the Globe Cruisers ($179 and $499) feature noise cancellation. As a nice touch, each of the models feature built-in microphones and volume controls. Denon is supplying iOS apps for each family of headphones, which is a bit of a novel idea, but they vary significantly among lineups. Music Maniac purchasers will be treated to a music app that combines EQ adjustment and integration with TuneIn Radio, while the app for Urban Raver owners focuses on sharing and discovering new music via Facebook and Twitter. Globe Cruiser users will (oddly enough) be treated to a travel app, whereas Exercise Freak owners will find an app that features GPS integration for activity tracking. If it's any redemption for the fragmented assortment of apps, Denon owners may purchase each individual selection in the App Store for $0.99. If your head isn't spinning yet, feel free to check out the PR after the break. %Gallery-156612%
playGo USB hands-on: Like AirTunes, only better
Right now, if you want to pump music on your Mac or PC to some nice speakers or a stereo in your house, you have a few options. With iTunes, you can always use AirTunes to wirelessly connect your laptop or desktop machine to an AppleTV or an Airport Express Wi-Fi base station that's connected to a stereo or speakers. playGo is a US$449.99 piece of hardware from Bicom that doesn't rely on Wi-Fi to stream lossless sound to speakers. TUAW received a review unit recently, and here's my take on this bit of audiophile technology. Design The playGo comes in two colors -- white or orange -- and is made up of two pieces; the playGo tx, which transmits music from your computer, and the playGo rx, which receives the signal and connects to speakers or an amplifier. The playGo pair is machined of Corian, the rock-hard material that's used for countertops. The units are then hand-assembled, and the quality of construction is pretty obvious. The disk-shaped (4" diameter by 1" high) playGo tx connects to your computer via a USB to micro-USB cable, and is bus-powered. The square playGo rx (4" x 4" x 1" high), which looks like a larger, bleached version of the current Apple TV, must be plugged in, and includes a pair of gold-plated RCA connectors and a single digital audio out port. There are no controls on the tx unit with the exception of a single connect button on the bottom. On the rx are capacitive touch controls that are engraved into the unit -- a power button, play/pause button, beginning/previous and end/next buttons, and volume up/down buttons. %Gallery-156595% The specs for the digital output are impressive: 24-bit/96khz digital spdif output (TOSLINK), 192kHz option Burr-brown SRC4192 sample rate converter Clock regeneration for jitter-free clocking Distortion-free volume control (256 step 0dB to -127.5dB digital attenuation) and the analog output is no slouch either: 24-bit/96khz digital to analog conversion 106dB dynamic range -93dB THD+N 2V output Gold plated RCA connectors Green LEDs illuminate the center band of the playGo rx and tx units when they're in operation. How playGo USB works For me, the test of how well-implemented a hardware device is revolves around the need or lack of a user manual. Fortunately, one was not included with the unit I was testing, so I had no choice but to bravely start plugging equipment together. The tx unit was plugged into my office iMac with the included USB cable with its gold-plated connectors, while the rx went downstairs into a Bose home theatre unit. When the playGo tx was plugged in, the middle of the unit glowed red, indicating that it was not yet connected to an rx unit. The second that I plugged in the rx unit, both glowed green to show that they were talking to each other. Setting up output was as simple as pulling up System Preferences and choosing the Sound settings, then selecting the playGo tx as the output device. During playback of tunes from my iMac, the playGo rx LEDs pulsed green to indicate that it was busy receiving tunes. Powering down the unit causes the power button to glow white so that it's easy to find when you want to power up again. I made a connection to the speakers through the traditional analog cables and was instantly rewarded with crisp, clear music coming through the Bose unit. As mentioned earlier, the playGo USB doesn't use Wi-Fi, so there's no Wi-Fi connection required. It uses its own wireless protocol that doesn't interfere with others, so you're assured that it's not chewing up your network bandwidth when you're playing music. The big plus of the playGo USB is just how easy it is to set up. I didn't need a user manual, I went through no complicated setup process; instead, it was truly plug and play. One concern I do have is that Bicom advertises the playGo USB as being able to simultaneously transmit music to multiple rx units in different rooms, but there's no indication that they sell the rx units separately. The future and my conclusions Bicom apparently realizes that the market for this device is somewhat limited, as they've recently begun a Kickstarter project to bring the playGo AP1 device to market. This will be an AirPlay-compatible version of the playGo, so that any Wi-Fi connected iOS device or Mac can beam music to the box. Since Wi-Fi setup will be required for the playGo AP1, the new device will include Ethernet and USB outlets on the back. The design remains pretty much the same. I can't help but feel that the playGo USB won't be a big seller and that Bicom is betting the house on the AP1 instead. The price tag of the present unit definitely puts it into the realm of audiophiles who aren't averse to spending a few hundred bucks for a new way to move music around. The AP1 is less expensive since it won't require a separate tx unit, and that may make it more attractive to a larger audience. I was very impressed with the playGo USB. The setup process was the first I can honestly describe as plug and play; it just worked. The sound quality of the music beamed from my iMac to the Bose home theatre unit about 50 feet away was exceptional, and the build quality of the paired devices is unparalleled (except for Apple products). Whether you decide to back the playGo AP1 project and wait for that edition of the device, or if you buy a playGo USB now, Bicom and the playGo product both bear watching in the future.
Bowers & Wilkins kicks out P3 headphones, brings upscale sound to the commoners (update)
Were you eying Bowers & Wilkins' P5 headphones, but put off by the initial $300 (now $250) sticker price and not so inclined to the in-ear C5? Someone at the company heard you, as we're now getting the P3 for a more affordable $200. What changes when you pocket the extra cash? You'll get aluminum and other hallmarks of buying the British outlet's audiophile gear, but the cost trimming brings a special "ultra-light acoustic fabric" instead of sheepskin leather and a more portable folding design instead of the pivoting earcups found on the P5. Bowers & Wilkins is light on performance details, but it promises that the design will be comfortable for long listening sessions, and there are both universal and Apple-friendly in-line remotes to make your phone calls and skip tracks. Black- and white-hued versions of the P3 should be hitting American shops in June. Update: Ah, some things in this life are just too good to be true. In this case, a B&W representative has just informed us that the stated $250 price point for the P5 headphones was an error within the press release. They are indeed still $300.
Sennheiser intros ritzy IE 800 earphones and HDVD 800 amp, your wallet screams
You thought Sennheiser had already done enough to appease audiophiles this year at CES? Think again. The company has announced yet another new set of headphones with an amp to keep it warm at night, but the high-end wares come at a high-end price. The ceramic IE 800 buds (€599 or $787) offer a broad 5 - 46,000 Hz audio range in spite of their mere 7mm drivers, while stainless steel vents on the back supposedly "improve bass and airflow." If you need some extra juice and don't mind forking over the premium €1,499 ($1,973), the HDVD 800 headphone amp's shell is rocking anodized aluminum and a glass window for peering at the bantam circuitry within -- way over the top, but also, pretty amazing. It supports 24-bit 192kHz sources and is engineered for ideal synergy with Senn's HD 800, HD 700, HD 650 and HD 600. Both should hit the shelves by summer of this year.
Sound Sofa is a sofa with an iPod dock
If you want to use your iPod in the living room for ambient sound, but abhor the look of a black, plastic dock, then you should check out the Sound Sofa by CSL. The Sound Sofa is a sectional sofa that houses a built-in audio system with an iPod dock. You can pick among different combinations of love seats and armchairs that let you design your ideal seating arrangement. There's even matching chairs and foot stools, so you don't have to sacrifice the overall look of your living room. The Sound Sofa starts at a US$1600 and is available in England. [Via Dvice]
HTC updates Beats Audio, makes it work with any third-party app
Let's just say we were underwhelmed by the first iteration of HTC Beats on the Sensation XE. But now it looks like the technology has been revamped for the latest One handsets, so -- once we've tasted the pudding -- we might just have to revise that opinion. The new Beats is claimed to make music sound more "authentic," and whereas the previous version could only be activated inside HTC's stock music player, this time it'll work with YouTube, Pandora, Spotify and any other third-party Android app. What exactly will it do with those apps? And will it move beyond its current gimmicky bass-boost status? We'll just have to wait and listen.
Klipsch Mode M40 noise-cancelling headphones review
Around these parts, we've generally had favorable opinions of Klipsch's audio products. Whether it's been something as small as its S4 line of smartphone oriented in-ears or grand speaker systems like its AirPlay-enabled G-17 Air, we've usually ended up awarding the brand our highest praise. If you'll recall, it was little over a year ago that Klipsch introduced its $150 Image One on-ear headphones -- the company's first set ever that weren't of the intra-aural variety, and a favorite of our own James Trew. Fast forward to the present, and the company's unleashed its second proper over-the-head headphone, the Klipsch Mode M40 with active noise-cancellation. In recent years, headphones have exploded in popularity -- many companies have been furiously trying to blend good sound with fashion-forward looks. It's safe to say that's Klipsch's end game here, and is asking that you part ways with 350 bones to get in on the action. Put simply, these aren't a follow-up to the Image Ones, but rather, a luxury pair that takes cues from the company's reference series headphones. Of course, as we've come to expect from Klipsch, the M40s do have some notable tricks up their yokes aside from their debatably fashionable looks -- the company promises they'll cancel noise for a massively long 45 hours on a single AAA battery, and both earcups feature an interesting dual-driver array with a 15mm tweeter and a 40mm woofer. So, have the M40s made us smitten with Klipsch all over again? Or not? Maybe something a bit more complicated? Click on past the break to find out!
Sennheiser unveils $1k HD 700 reference headphones, HD 25-based Amperior for mobile audiophiles
Here at CES, Sennheiser's just unveiled its latest duo of headphones set to please audiophiles at home and on the go. First up is the company's HD 700, which at a glance, appears to be a suave hybrid of its esteemed HD 800 and 650 reference cans. If you've lusted after the HD 800, but couldn't stomach the $1,500 price, you'll be happy to know that the HD 700 can be yours for a cool (albeit still wallet-thinning) 1,000 smackers. Notably, these 150-Ohm, open-backed headphones are loaded with 40mm Duofol dynamic drivers, and are capable of an impressive 10Hz to 42kHz frequency response. Next up, its Amperior supra-aural headphones take the already portable HD 25 DJ 'phones, and spices 'em up with an iDevice-compatible inline remote / mic, updated specs and aluminum, closed-back earcups. While there's no word on pricing just yet for the We're told that the Amperior will sell for $350, and it'll hit shelves along with the HD700 this March. HiFi audio lovers will find a detailed rundown of each unit's ear-tingling specs in the press releases after the break.
Klipsch launches Lou Reed X10i Signature Edition headphones, vivaciousness follows
We knew good and well Klipsch was dabbling in all sorts of various paint schemes when we toured its Indiana-based headquarters in the winter of 2009, and now it seems that one of those prototypes has found a place in the market. The company has just launched the Lou Reed X10i Signature Edition headphones ("coming soon"), a glittered-up version of the X10i that we already feel head over heels in love with. Outside of aesthetics, there's nothing significant changing here, but the extra $50 will net you a purple inline remote (compatible with Apple's iOS devices), a screened Lou Reed autograph, a 360-degree mic and a sense of gratification that could only be matched by being elected president of the free world. Or, something like that. Hit the source for a full helping of specifications, but it's on you to find a safe and legal method for acquiring $399.95. %Gallery-139413%
Altec Lansing announces a trio of 'Custom Series' in-ear monitors -- no, seriously
Sure, we've covered in-ear monitors from the likes of Westone and Shure, but Altec Lansing? Believe it. Taking a sidestep from its usual consumer-focused audio wares, the company today announced a partnership with ACS Custom to bring a trio of custom-molded IEMs, packing balanced-armature drivers to market. Each ear-mold is "handcrafted from advanced, medical-grade silicone" and you can expect noise isolation in upwards of 27dB, although, you'll somewhat disappointingly be stuck with Altec's signature smoked-grey and gold color scheme. The IEMs feature kevlar-wrapped cabling -- which notably, isn't removable like similar offerings at this price -- and a right-angle 3.5mm plug for hook-up. The trophy piece of the bunch, dubbed A3 (pictured), is aimed at music professionals and will retail for $1000, featuring a duo of treble and mid-range drivers along with a single woofer. For those leaning toward something less spendy, the $750 A2 variant drops one of the high / mid drivers in favor of a dual-driver setup, while the $500 A1 gets even smaller with a single full-range driver. Better yet, after ordering a set from Altec or an authorized retailer, you'll have a choice of about 300 audiologists -- hopefully within reasonable distance your abode -- to get you ear's impressions taken and sent over for creation. If you're willing to give 'em a shot, the Altec Lansing Custom Series IEMs will be available starting this month, and you'll find the full press release after the break. %Gallery-139366%
Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag
Soundfreaq doesn't release speaker systems often, but it's safe to expect something spectacularly sexy when it does. Such is exactly the case with its latest audiophile-aimed creation, the Sound Stack wireless speaker. The company is toting this $400 Bluetooth-enabled HiFi rig as a "2.2" speaker system, thanks to its DubSub design -- a duo of active subwoofers pump out lowend in an effort to complement its two other "full-range" drivers. Soundfreaq's also packed this puppy with its UQ3 processing to keep the soundstage wide despite the unit's size. Better yet, downloading a free Remote App (available on Android and iOS) unlocks the system's FM radio -- perfect for when you're feeling nostalgic. If that wasn't enough, the Sound Stack's also loaded with an iThing dock and a USB input, both of which can be used to re-juice your devices while streaming. If your Gadget Acquisition Syndrome is already kicking in, fret not, the Sound Stack is available for purchase now. You'll find more details past the break.
HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio review
We had some hands-on time with HTC's new European Android flagship a short while back, but it wasn't nearly enough to answer all our questions about how the 4.3-inch, 1.5GHz dual-core XE compares to the original 1.2GHz Sensation, or whether the implementation of Beats Audio was anything more than a cunning scheme cooked up between the manufacturer's marketeers and Dr. Dre's agent. Now, though, this phone has been our closest companion for long enough to reveal its true colors. They're red, primarily, but there's a whole rainbow of detail right after the break. %Gallery-135086%
HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio, we go ears-on (video)
Guess who's back? HTC let us play with the new and improved Sensation XE in London last night and we even managed to find a secluded spot to bop our heads to the integrated Beats Audio and packaged YourBeats headphones. The XE is very similar to the original 4.3-inch flagship Sensation in terms of hardware, except there's a 300MHz clock-speed bump to 1.5GHz, a slightly larger 1750mAh battery and also a packaged 16GB (instead of 8GB) microSD card. But aside from that, we expect it'll be the audio credentials and related marketing hype that will attract most attention when the device reaches shelves later this month. Current Sensation owners probably won't even consider the upgrade unless they're chronic Dr. Dre fans, but what about those with more sticky icky icky devices? Should they be enticed by all the fuss? Click past the break if you think rap's changed and you want know how we feel about it. Update: HTC has been in touch to clarify that this device is not coming to the US. An intriguing decision to say the least. Update: The latest word is that HTC is working on bringing "other Beats-integrated devices" to the US market -- "soon." So, you might find this hands-on relevant after all. %Gallery-134610%
Sony releases XBA balanced armature headphones, eleven times over
This dizzying array might seem like overkill, but Sony's premium "Experience Balanced Armature" (XBA) 'phones are carefully targeted at different price points and types of listener. You've got the entry-level XBA-1 containing a single full-range driver. Add a woofer for bigger bass and you get the XBA-2. The XBA-3 also squeezes in a tweeter for high-freq perkiness, while the XBA-4 rounds it all off with a super woofer. Each pair also has a smartphone twin with inline controls, denoted by the iP suffix. Finally, there's a trio of single-driver specialists: the noise-cancelling XBA-NC85D, the sporty XBA-S65 with basic waterproofing for sweat and rain, plus the Bluetooth XBA-BT75. It's unclear when these will hit our hemisphere, but we're looking at a November release in Hong Kong and Taiwan with prices ranging from 3,000 to 14,000TWD ($100 to $475) depending on the model. Need more detail? We have product pics and info slides below courtesy of our bros at Engadget Chinese. %Gallery-134197% %Gallery-134196%
NuForce's Icon iDo amp improves iPod sound, costs more than a Classic
Ever feel the temptation to run your iDevice straight into a set of 250-ohm Beyerdynamic or Sennheiser cans? You could, but the resulting sound would hardly rock you. Thankfully, NuForce's colorful Icon iDo is ready to assist in your iAudiophile needs for only $250. This headphone amp -- supporting sampling rates up to 48kHz, 24-bits of resolution and a 10-20kHz frequency -- cables into your iPod's 30-pin connector to bypass the digital audio converter and uses its own to amp up the quality of your audio. The iDo promises to drive headphones all the way up to 300-ohms with 12mW of power via its 3.5 jack, and it's also sporting digital / analog RCAs if you want to share the love with some speakers. You'll be at the whim of wall outlets as plug-in power is required for operation, but at least its built IR receiver will let you remote control your playlists from afar. It's available today if you're finding your HiFi bugged piqued, and a backside shot with PR is just past the break.
Engadget's back to school guide 2011: headphones
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're giving your ears some love with a plethora of headphones that will keep you rocking around campus -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Whether you're dubstepping, duck walking or just plain sprinting to and from classes, you may want to add a soundtrack to your campus travels with some slick new headphones. Although, with so many choices and styles it can be a bit overwhelming to find a set that's right for you. Luckily, we're here to help! Don't forget to enter our giveaway as well if you want a shot at winning your own set B&W's brand spankin' new C5 in-ears -- not to mention more than $3,000 worth of gadgets that are sure to induce an extreme case of Gadget Acquisition Syndrome!You'll find some of our own recommendations just past the break, and another chance to enter our back to school giveaway. Simply leave a comment below to be entered to win, and click on over to our giveaway page for all the details.
Sony intros G-Series micro HiFi iPhone / iPod systems, blends retro looks with modern features
Sony's got a reputation for pumping out forwardly-designed wares, but its new G-Series micro HiFi systems are a blast from the past -- at a glance, anyway. Both rigs are MP3 and iPhone / iPod-compatible via USB and will be available in two different configurations. To start, the CMT-G1BiP / G1iP feature 60 watts of RMS power with DAB packed into the former for those who find only having AM/FM is passé. Next up, the CMT-G2BNiP / G2NiP add WiFi for getting your stream on from the Web or a PC and can be remote-controlled with a free iOS app. The "HiFi" moniker mixed with iPod connectivity might have audiophiles raising a brow to sound quality, but the brushed metal console and its piano-gloss satellites are lookers none-the-less. A single variant is currently listed on the Sony UK site, although there's not a squeak regarding cost or release dates. For now, we'll refer you to the PR after the break.
DIY iPad music breakout gives pro-grade stage presence, mixes circuitry with art (video)
If you're thinking this iPad audio breakout dock looks remarkably good considering its DIY origins, then you should know it wasn't put together by any old screwball with a soldering iron. Nope, this was made by Qubais "Reed" Ghazala, a very particular old screwball who's been blurring the lines between circuitry, music and art since the Summer of Love (that's 1967 on a normal calendar). His latest invention is all about getting pro-grade sound connections into and out of an iPad 2 -- much like an Alesis dock or Akai SynthStation, but with that special "I made this" charm and minimal price tag. Key ingredients include a Macally aluminium iPad stand and a 30-pin PodBreakout board. Hit the video after the break to get further instructions and hear Ghazala's "bottomless well of chance music" -- both come at your own risk.
Olympus' LS-20M boasts dual mics and 1080p recording, split personality
Cisco may have washed its hands of pocket camcorders, but Olympus is ready to dive into the market with gusto. The company, best known for its cameras and voice recorders, just brought those two worlds together by announcing the LS-20M, a handheld whose relatively high-end audio specs should help it go toe-to-toe with Zoom. In addition to 1080p video, the LS-20M records 24 bit / 96 hHz Linear PCM audio using a pair of condenser mics. Alas, at $300 it has a small 2-inch screen and no optical zoom, but at least Olympus borrowed four of the visual effects that make its PEN cameras so fun to use. Look for it in June, and in the meantime, hit the PR for more details.
