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sound posts

Yeti USB Condenser Mic gets certified by THX, fellow Yetis

by Darren Murph posted Nov 10th 2009 at 7:26PM

Blue Microphones, the same company responsible for the heralded Snowball, is today introducing the planet's first THX certified microphone... or so it says. The hilariously named Yeti USB Condenser Mic ($149.99) touts condenser capsules in a triple array, four total patterns (omni, cardoid, stereo, bidirectional), a zero-latency headphone output (with volume control for direct monitoring), an adjustable microphone gain control and a mute button. As expected, the USB mic will play nice with both Mac and Windows-based systems, and if you've been looking high and low for a mic that gets an oh-so-coveted stamp of approval from Sir Abominable Snowman, you can finally call off the hunt next month.

Yamaha intros more affordable Tenori-On 'Orange'

by Darren Murph posted Nov 8th 2009 at 1:25PM

It's been well over a year since we published our take on Yamaha's perplexing, beautiful and all-around intriguing Tenori-On concept, and evidently the masses have spoken out. This week, the company announced that it will soon be shipping a "more affordable" version with the name Tenori-On 'Orange,' with some vendors already leaking a £649 ($1,077) MSRP. Put simply, the new Orange version will retain all of the musical functionality that the original had (or has, as it were), but the magnesium casing will be replaced by a rugged plastic one and the battery / back panel LED options will also be removed in order to shave costs. Still, we're all for peeling back on the flash in order to get more music makers into more hands, so we'll certainly look to wrap our own paws around one when it starts shipping in December.

Update: Engadget Japanese just did a quick hands-on with the Orange, check it out!

Gallery: TENORI-ON standard model "TNR-O"

[Via MusicRadar]

Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80

by Darren Murph posted Oct 30th 2009 at 1:06PM

Sleek Audio earbuds have always had a certain allure, but for most, the sticker shock alone was enough to turn 'em away. Now, however, the boutique audio shop has punched out its very first set that's tailor made for the budget-minded, and at $79.99, the SA1 offers an awful lot of value (on paper, anyway). Much like the pricier SA6 and CT6 models, the SA1 also ships with Kleer wireless technology, enabling it to go from wired to wireless and back again. It also boasts a modified VQ Tuning system that allows the user to acoustically alter the sound signature of their music, a siam rosewood body, detachable cable and single / dual-flange ear tips. The real kicker? The $79.99 price point, which is darn near unheard of for something with these kind of specs. It's up for pre-order right now in the read link, with initial shipments expected to head out in November.

Sonos S5 ears-on review: a premium iPod speaker dock without the dock

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 20th 2009 at 9:00AM

We had the opportunity to hear a preview of the $399 Sonos S5 all-in-one speaker ahead of its 27 October US launch (November 10th in Europe). For comparison, we had it staged side-by-side with a pair of Sonos 100 speakers -- a setup that costs $678 ($499 for an amplified Sonos ZonePlayer Z120 and another $179 for the separate loudspeakers). Unfair, perhaps, since Sonos is actually positioning its five speaker (two tweeters, two 3-inch mids, and a built-in 3.5-inch sub) S5 with five dedicated amps against premium iPod speaker docks like the $600 Bose SoundDock 10, $600 B&W Zeppelin, or legacy $349 Apple iPod Hi-Fi. So how did it sound? About what we expected, which in this case is a good thing. Click through to find out why.

Gallery: Sonos S5 ears-on review: the premium iPod speaker dock without the dock

Continue reading Sonos S5 ears-on review: a premium iPod speaker dock without the dock

Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)

by Richard Lai posted Oct 16th 2009 at 11:18AM

Remember the Eigenharp Alpha and Pico that we broke news of last week? Sure you do, but we bet you still haven't a clue how those long, elegant sticks work. The forty employees at Eigenlabs probably heard us simultaneously scratching our heads so they kindly invited us to their London studio for a quick demo, and boy, those musical wands look great up close, not to mention their remarkable flexibility for user configuration as well. John Lambert, Founder and Chairman of Eigenlabs, managed to sneak out of his busy schedule to give us the lowdown on the Eigenharps. It all started in his Devon barn about eight years ago and over time the Alpha was groomed into a 132-key beast, followed by the recently-developed, self-explanatory Pico. The defining character of both Eigenharps lies in their "completely new sensor technology" consisting of pressure sensitive keys, that can do dual-axis vibrato (not dissimilar to string instruments), accompanied by strip controllers for applying filters or pitch bend, or anything at all depending on how you configure them on their Mac software suite (Windows-support due in January). Likewise with the breath pipe: once you've loaded your library and presets you can switch from a Kenny G to a Daft Punk at the simple click of a key. Heck, you can even configure the air pressure sensitivity as well if you're tickling for a soft mood, or just feeling lazy. And those funky LED lights, you ask? Well, they're actually indicators for the different modes you're in rather than just being pretty. Watch the walkthrough videos after the break and you'll get a better idea.

Gallery: Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)

Continue reading Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)

B&W's $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system up for pre-order, ships next month

by Darren Murph posted Oct 12th 2009 at 10:02PM

Bowers & Wilkins has never been one to play the bargain game, and the $399.95 price tag on its new Zeppelin Mini is evidence of that very fact. The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we've heard directly from the company that it'll be shipping out to US-based consumers in "early November." So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?

Continue reading B&W's $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system up for pre-order, ships next month

LG's 5.1 HB954SP Blu-ray HTIB system makes room for your iPod or iPhone

by Darren Murph posted Oct 10th 2009 at 8:14AM

If you've somehow managed to hold out from joining into the HTIB revolution, the time for caving is upon you. LG has just tapped Sir Mark Levinson to engineer the acoustics behind its latest bundle, the HB954SP. Packing a 5.1-channel sound system that includes 1,000 total watts of power, a quintet of oval drivers and a ported subwoofer, the system gets direction from a BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray player that's actually a fair bit more stylish than the tried-and-true black rectangle. You'll also find a pair of HDMI inputs, an iDock function for charging and controlling your iPod / iPhone right from the BD deck, 1080p upscaling of traditional DVDs, touch sensitive controls, a USB port for loading up external media and an optical audio input. There's nary a mention of price, but it should splash down this November for a hefty premium.

Yamaha's 1mm-thick prototype speaker is made from cloth, highly directional (video)

by Darren Murph posted Oct 9th 2009 at 8:16PM

We've already heard first-hand how Yamaha can make surround sound emerge from a single soundbar, and now the outfit's wowing again here at CEATEC. It's latest aural innovation was tucked quietly away within its booth, disguised as an advertorial for the show itself. Essentially, the banner you're peering at above is a one millimeter thick speaker that's made from cloth, and it definitely has the potential to revolution billboards and possibly even portable media devices. As you can clearly hear in the video just past the break, the flat sound waves emitted from the cloth cannot be heard unless you're standing directly in front of it; even separate audio files playing back just a few feet away didn't overlap with what we heard coming directly at us. There's no telling if Yamaha will ever take this public, but if it does, there are about forty billion ad agencies in the greater New York area that would like to speak to it.

Continue reading Yamaha's 1mm-thick prototype speaker is made from cloth, highly directional (video)

Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags

by Darren Murph posted Oct 8th 2009 at 6:47AM

We can almost say with certainty that neither the Eigenharp Pico nor Alpha will actually be remembered as the "most revolutionary instrument in 60 years," but that's not stopping creator Eigenlabs from keeping its hopes high. If you'll recall, these funky instruments were unveiled courtesy of an enigmatic YouTube clip early last month, and now the outfit is slowly dribbling out official details on its contributions to the musical realm. Neither instrument is being aimed at the bargain banger, with the Alpha going for £3,950 ($6,302) and the Pico for £349 ($557). Both of 'em sport keys, a breathe pipe, a so-called strip controller and their own native soundsets, though currently they'll interface only with Macs. If you're really interested in learning something new, you can surf on over to the outfit's website for a look at the specifications -- just bring the checkbook if you're easily tempted.

Update: Looks the The Beeb snagged a little mouth-on time with it!

Continue reading Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags

Ultrasone goes 'airy' with $329 HFI-2400 headphones

by Darren Murph posted Oct 7th 2009 at 8:04AM

They're no Edition 8s, but Ultrasone's newest cans are still aiming to make a believer out of you. The mid-range (by its standards, anyway) HFI-2400 headphones are collapsible, over-the-head cans that promise an "airy tone" from the 40 millimeter drivers. Encased in black and silver, these definitely look the part, and the bundled velvet case and demo CD certainly go a long way towards making you feel like a real epicurean. The pain? Just $329, and they should be up for order as we speak.

Gallery: Ultrasone goes 'airy' with $329 HFI-2400 headphones

Ask Engadget: Best wireless PMP for audio streaming?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 1st 2009 at 9:12PM

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Magnus, who really, really wants Apple to make an iPod with integrated WiFi streaming. Or something.

"For a very long time I have been searching for a portable device where I can store all of my CDs in MP3 format and then stream the songs wirelessly to my HiFi system. The portable device must I've tried FM transmitters, they all suck. I don't want a docking station. Any help? Thanks!" have a display so that I easily can scroll through the playlists (I don't want to use a TV or monitor). I suppose that there must also be a second device that is connected to the HiFi system that would receive the wireless streams from the portable device.

Our first thought is to get a Bluetooth-enabled PMP and a BT-equipped stereo. Of course, our first thought could be awful. For any of you with experience in this field, why not throw this fellow a bone in comments below? He'll be eternally grateful, we're sure.

LaCie's Sound2 PC speakers look good... real good

by Darren Murph posted Sep 30th 2009 at 1:47PM

LaCie isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind when you think "sound," but it's definitely near the top in the design department. Neil Poulton, the same fellow responsible for designing the outfit's line of sleek, sexy hard drives, has placed his touch on the speakers you see above. The simplistic Sound2 setup (which has a touch of Cabasse, just so you know) boasts 30 total watts of peak power, and all it requires to function is a free USB port, an open AC outlet and an Earthling kind enough to connect it all. If you just know these would ~~look~~ sound great on your desk, get ready to fork out $99.99 for the privilege.

Gallery: LaCie's Sound2 PC speakers look good... real good

Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 21st 2009 at 9:24AM

One of the major disadvantages of electric vehicles, for petrolheads at least, is the lack of engine noise. How can you be proud of your beastly motor if it doesn't roar? There are mundane considerations like pedestrian safety too, but that's beside the point. Nissan seems to have uncovered an old copy of Blade Runner in its toolshed and decided that, yes, it might be a good idea for the Leaf EV to emit a whooshing sound inspired by the Philip K. Dick adaptation. If implemented, this will raise the car's price somewhat, but wouldn't you pay a premium to have your auto sound like a jet taking off? The Leaf is expected to arrive in the US in 2010, replete with its reputed 367 miles per gallon efficiency.

[Via Autoblog Green]

Continue reading Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage

Griffin's volume-limiting MyPhones can't crank to 11... or 8

by Darren Murph posted Sep 20th 2009 at 1:56PM

Griffin Technology's MyPhones are far from being the first cans on the market with volume limiting tech built-in, but unlike some parent-friendly options, these can never, ever be cranked to levels appropriate for ear bashing. You see, rather than giving adults (you know, those Earthlings that are already hard of hearing) the chance to set the limit too high for their offspring, Griffin has implemented an "always-on sound-control circuit to cap peak volume levels at 85 decibels." That's the maximum level recommended by many auditory health organizations, and if you don't like it, tough noogies. But we mean, just look at those two kiddos above -- don't they just look elated? Kidz Bop 14 at barely-audible levels tends to have that effect, or so we hear.

[Via Macworld]

Bowers & Wilkins downsizes with Zeppelin Mini iPod speaker

by Darren Murph posted Sep 14th 2009 at 3:23PM

It's been well over two years since high-end audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins introduced the iPod-lovin' Zeppelin, and evidently it's time for a downsizing. Today, the good folks over at B&W slung out the Zeppelin Mini, which promises the same dirigible-inspired sound but in a form factor that fits in a wider assortment of areas. To be honest, this version seems toned down quite a bit on the design side, with the key differentiating features being an updated docking arm and the addition of USB connectivity. Said socket enables direct PC / Mac streaming if your iPod gets lost, and it also enables your 'Pod to sync with your computer whilst playing back tunes. As for specs, you'll find a pair of 3-inch full-range drivers, 36 total watts of power, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack and a bundled remote. It's expected to hit next month for £299 ($495), but you can get acquainted right now by jumping past the break and mashing play.

[Via Macworld]