Digital Tech News - Digital Technology & Consumer Electronics

Casio XW-P1 performance synthesizer and XW-G1 groove synthesizer

Casio America unveiled two new professional Synthesizers at the 2012 Winter NAMM Show this week, the XW-P1 61 key performance synthesizer and the XW-G1 groove synthesizer.  The Casio XW-P1 synth features Casio's exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, virtual analog monophonic leads and basses, drawbar organs, complex layers, stereo pianos, drums and more, as well as real-time control for performing musicians. The Casio XW-G1 groove synthesizer is made for the DJ and club performer, and it features an interactive step sequencer, a 19-second sample looper, and 420 built-in sounds.

Both the XW-P1 and XW-G1 have 4 real-time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and 9 sliders for controlling internal sounds and external devices. Standard MIDI ports and USB port is on board fro controlling other instruments, computer software and iPad based software applications. Expect the XW-P1 to be available in March for $699.00 and the XW-G1 to hit stores in April for $799.00.

Akai MPC Renaissance Music Production Controller and Software

Akai Professional is ready to take its famous MPC drum and music production machine to the next level with the new MPC Renaissance which features a fully integrated hardware/software system, sort of like Native Intrument's Maschine, allowing you to create your beats and music using the classic hardware controls and integrated pop-up display while also using MPC Software on a Mac or PC. Expect Akai to announce pricing for the MPC Renaissance at the NAMM show later in January.

MPC Renaissance features:

- Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer

- Vintage Mode changes output sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more

- 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controls, and adjustable backlit LCD screen

- Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and MPC transport controls

- MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencing capability

- Two XLR-1/4” combo inputs and dedicated turntable input

- Four-channel US B 2.0 audio interface and two-port US B 2.0 hub built in

- Up to eight pad banks―more than any other MPC ever

- Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs

- Stereo 1/4” out, stereo assignable mix 1/4” out & S/PDIF I/O

MPC Software

- 64-track sequencing capability

- Massive 6GB+ sound library, including all of the sounds of the classic MPC3000

- Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins

- Record each track as an MPC drum program, Keygroup program or VST plug-in

- Software runs standalone and as VST, AU or RTAS plug-in

- Supports WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND

- Supports samples and sequences from any MPC ever made

- Mac and PC-compatible

Logitech Mini Boombox Speaker for smartphones, tablets and laptops

Logitech's new Mini Boombox is about to drop this month for 99 bucks. The compact sound system provides a better audio option for smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Logitech Mini Boombox pairs easily with devices that support Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and it works with phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5).

iHome's iW1 Wireless Rechargeable Speaker System with AirPlay

Designed to stream music from your PC's iTunes library, an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch device, iHome's new iW1 Wireless Rechargeable Speaker System with AirPlay works with a free iHome Connect app to stream audio within a Wi-Fi network. The portable speaker system is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and it is controllable by a capacitive touch panel, an included remote control, or your iOS device.

Pioneer Electronics launches STEEZ portable music systems

Pioneer Electronics has introduced its new  STEEZ brand of portable music systems aimed at the dance community. These music "boxes" can be used with a free PC software application that makes it possible for dancers to change music tempo, set choreographed cue points, battle with friends, create smart playlists and more on-the-fly via the STEEZ unit. Three models are available, the STZ-D10S-L “Solo” ($299), the STZ-D10T-G “Duo” ($349), and the STZ-D10Z-R “Crew” ($499).

New OE2 and OE2i headphones from Bose

Bose has introduced its next-generation OE2 and OE2i on-ear audio headphones which offer a new small, light and slim design. The Bose OE2i headphones are compatible with iPhone, iPod, iPad, MacBook, and MacBook Pro and come with an inline remote and microphone, allowing for easy control of volume, tracks, and voice applications, and switching between music and calls on an iPhone. The more basic Bose OE2 headphones come with a standard audio cable. According to Bose, both headphone models feature an enhanced proprietary TriPort acoustic headphone structure, as well as redesigned and newly tuned earcup ports for better audio reproduction.

Pioneer Electronics DDJ-ERGO Controller comes with Virtual DJ software

DJs on the move, listen up!  Pioneer Electronics has announced an ultra-compact DJ controller called the DDJ-ERGO which comes bundled with the Virtual DJ Limited Edition software by Atomix Productions. The system also incorporates MIDI functionality if you want to use it with other MIDI compatible DJ software, and a “Pulse Control” that illuminates various areas of the controller to help your mixing skillz.  As you'll see in this demo video, the DDJ-ERGO is very compact. You can pick one up for the Holidays when it's released this November for about $699.

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Wireless Mobile speaker

Bose has long been known for its quality audio gear, and the company now has a new portable speaker for bluetooth enabled mobile devices called the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker which is shipping now. Pair it with your smartphone or tablet and you'll be streaming your music playlist anywhere you want through the SoundLink Mobile speaker, which is described as being less than two inches thick and no bigger than an average book. The unit has a pop-out stand for easy setup, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which provides over three hours at high volume, and more than eight hours at typical listening levels, according to Bose.

This mobile speaker is also pretty rugged, as it has been tested in Bose environmental labs to resist salt-fog, sand, wind, and moisture. Apparently it will also take a beating if you drop the device, as it has end-caps made from automotive-grade chrome.

Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speakers

Logitech has unveiled their new THX Certified, 5.1 channel Z906 Surround Sound Speakers which pump 500 watts (RMS) of power, with the side-firing subwoofer speaker delivering 165 watts of bass on its own. Available this month for $399.99, the Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker system has both digital and analog inputs which allows you to connect up to six audio devices simultaneously, for example, a TV, DVD, DVR, Blu-Ray player, Xbox 360 or other gaming console, or an iPod, PC or Mac laptop.  The speaker system also features wall-mountable satellite speakers, an easy-to-read control console and a wireless remote control.

 

New Sony AV Receivers - STR-DN1020, STR-DH820, STR-DH720, and STR-DH520

Sony has announced its new AV receiver line with the STR-DN1020, STR-DH820, STR-DH720, and STR-DH520 AV receivers scheduled to be available this spring priced from $250-$500. Pre-sales for these 3D compatible AV receiver models have begun at www.sonystyle.com.

Sony's flagship model in the new line is the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified STR-DN1020 receiver, which offers streaming music with access to Internet audio services like Slacker and vTuner when connected to a broadband via Ethernet. The 7.2 channel, 110 watt STR-DN1020 receiver is also compatible with the Sony “Media Remote” app which turns an iPhone, iPod touch or Android mobile device into a remote control.  Look for this model to hit stores in May for about $500.

Main features of the STR-DN1020 include:

- 110 watt x7 (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD)

- Access to streaming Internet audio services

- Synchronized playback on Sony HomeShare wireless network speakers

- iPhone/iPod touch remote control app

- iPhone /iPod video and music playback via included dock

- Upconvert/upscale from analog to 1080p video via HDMI (Faroudja DCDi Edge)

- HDMI 3D pass-through

- Seven HD inputs (four HDMI, three component)

- D.L.L. advanced sound processing

- Sony’s Advanced D.C.A.C. with Automatic Phase Matching

- Sound Optimizer

- Advanced on-screen graphic user interface

- Second zone audio and video

- Dual subwoofer pre-outs

- IR in and out

- Audio return channel

- Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices

- BRAVIA Sync