Available immediately, Grooveboxmusic.com has released the first group of training videos in their new “Studio Series” collection. The Studio Series takes a completely different approach than their acclaimed software training videos and utilizes real video footage of actual engineers, producers and artists using the tools found in today’s recording studios.

The first group of videos focuses on Mic’ing and Recording Drums, and feature engineer Andy Sharp who has worked with groups such as Blue October and Sheryl Crow.

Currently the videos are only viewable online with the “G-Pass” which gives instant access to hundreds of video tutorials for one low price. Groovebox is currently working on many more titles for this exciting new series as well.

“We have decided to present the other side of recording as we have the software training aspect covered. Now it’s time to bring real life footage and content on common studio technologies and practices,” says Groovebox Corp. President Asa Doyle.

Titles and descriptions in the current Studio Series “Mic and Record Drums” category are:

• Intro and Setup - Get the lowdown on the basic setup for working with drums in the studio, and some things to remember before you start.
• Kick Drum - Learn about mic selection, placement and setting levels for the kick drum and getting the right sound for your style of music.
• Snare Drum - Discover several popular mic techniques for the snare drum and the different sounds they create. This tutorial guides you through placement, audio examples and much more.
• Hi Hat - The hi-hat can be hard to capture or very easy. This tutorial covers the basics that make the job easy and the results versatile. Mic selection, placement and audio examples are all explained.
• Toms - Get the studio engineer perspective of setting up and recording toms. Tons of great insight for capturing the tom tone you want and need.
• Overheads - The secrets of overhead mics are revealed. Learn to choose the right mics, about popular placements, phase cancellation and more.
• Room Mic - The all important “room” mic can really help capture the natural sound of the drums and create a lot of space, character and feel. This tutorial shows you how to set it up and get it.

For more information, visit their web site at www.grooveboxmusic.com.

Posted in Education, Microphones, Mixers, Recording, Studio, Technology

Nady Systems recently announced the introduction of a new addition to their Headmic Series—the HM-10 Mini Headworn Condenser Microphone.

The HM-10 joins Nady’s 2 other headmics, the HM-1 uni-directional dynamic microphone and the HM-3 omni-directional condenser microphone. Together, these 3 complementary headmics provide exceptional audio and overall performance for virtually all singing and speaking applications.

The HM-10 is a wide bandwidth, omni-directional electret condenser mic featuring clean, transparent audio and enhanced vocal pickup with improved gain before feedback. It has a durable thin-metal frame that can be easily molded to any user and features an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit with or without eyeglasses, hats, or headphones.

The HM-10 is available with a Mini-XLR or 3.5mm phone plug for wired and wireless use and fits most standard wireless bodypack transmitters. The unit requires low voltage phantom power as supplied by most wireless bodypack transmitters and is supplied with a 9~52V adaptor for wired applications. It’s available in black or beige.

The HM-10 is now shipping.

For more information, visit their web site at www.nady.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Microphones, Recording, Vocals

MXL Microphones, the professional audio division of Marshall Electronics, is pleased to announce the introduction of the MXL.006 USB / Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the new MXL.006 features a large gold diaphragm that delivers a big, rich sound characteristic of studio and broadcast microphones. Unlike most studio condenser microphones, however, the MXL.006 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) instrument that connects directly to a computer without the need for external mic preamps. Now, anyone requiring high quality, professional sound on their computer can record music or dialog by simply connecting to a standard USB port. Featuring support for USB 1.1 and 2.0, this easy-to-use microphone even includes gain adjustment settings via the built-in three position attenuation switch.

As a plug and play device for both Windows and Macintosh, the MXL.006 requires no special drivers whatsoever. Simply connect the microphone’s USB cable to a computer’s USB port, and installation is quick and effortless. In addition to recording instruments or voice for home recording applications, the new MXL.006 is the perfect microphone for podcasting or adding dialog to presentations and other multimedia projects. It is also the perfect solution capable of opening new possibilities for radio and news broadcasters and for location recording.

Unlike electrets or dynamic microphones typically used for computer work, the MXL.006 has an extremely smooth, natural sound. The analog section of the new MXL.006 microphone features a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response, a large gold diaphragm, pressure-gradient condenser capsule, and a 3-position, switchable attenuation pad with settings for Hi (0 dB), Medium (-5 dB), and Lo (-10 dB), making it easy to configure the microphone to virtually any sound source. The digital section features a 16-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Protecting the instrument’s capsule is a heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter.

To make recording a trouble-free process, the new MXL.006 features a red LED behind the protective grill. This LED informs the user that the microphone is active and correctly oriented toward the user. To complete this terrific package, the new MXL.006 ships with a travel case, a desktop microphone stand, a 10-foot USB cable, windscreen, an owner’s manual, and an applications guide.

The MXL.006 USB / Cardioid Condenser Microphone carries an MSRP of $169.95 and is expected to ship in the 3rd quarter of 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.mxlmics.com.

Posted in Microphones, Recording, Technology

Today, Samson unveiled the VR88, the first of a limited production of hand-crafted ribbon microphones.

The VR88 is a result of more than five years of engineering research and product development.

The VR88 features a fine, pure aluminum corrugated foil ribbon suspended within an intense Neodymium field producing a warm and natural response that is silky smooth from top to bottom. In addition, the VR88 is capable of handling high SPLs of up to 138 dB, making it an excellent choice for miking vocals, acoustic instruments and even guitar stacks.

The quality of the VR88 compares to the most highly regarded classic ribbon microphones found in top recording studios and comes in a durable, lightweight aluminum case with a yoke mount, spider shockmount and XLR cable.

For more information, visit their web site at www.samsontech.com/audio.

Posted in Microphones, Recording, Technology, Vocals

Following their successful lines of professional USB microphones, Samson Audio announced the release of its C01U and C03U Recording / Podcasting Paks.

Bundled with Cakewalk’s popular Sonar LE digital audio workstation software, users get additional power and versatility to digitally record audio in any situation. The package is equally at home with those wishing to enter the expanding world of podcasting, one the hottest trends in the digital audio revolution.

In addition to the microphones and Cakewalk software, the package comes in a durable, lightweight aluminum case along with the MD5 desktop mic stand, mic clip, SP01 shockmount and a USB cable. The packages include everything needed to record digital audio on a PC or Mac with an eye on maximum portability.

The C01U features a 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pick up pattern ensuring pristine studio quality. The C03U features dual 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragms with switchable omni, cardioid, and figure-8 pick-up patterns ideal for a variety of specialized recording situations. The paks are aimed at a variety of uses, from corporate events and presentations to music applications to portable podcast recording applications.

For more information, visit their web site at www.samsontech.com/audio.

Posted in Computer, Microphones, Recording, Technology

Today, Samson unveiled the CL2 pencil condenser microphones aimed at the recording and live sound markets.

Available as a matched pair, Samson CL2s are true capacitor condenser mics that feature a high pass filter and a 10dB pad.

Providing maximum flexibility for a variety of applications was one of the main design goals. Each CL2 ships with a pair mic of elements that can easily be switched to alter the pickup pattern, either omni-directional or cardioid. The elements feature three micron, gold-sputtered diaphragms. The mics are designed to handle SPLs of 141 dB (cardioid) and 138 dB (omni).

The CL2 is ideal for recording or miking orchestral instruments, acoustic guitar, piano, overhead miking of drums and cymbals and of course, vocals.

Providing great value and usability, the CL2s come in a durable, lightweight aluminum case with a pair of mic clips, pop filters, windscreens, shockmounts and the cardioid and omni capsules.

For more information, visit their web site at www.samsontech.com/audio.

Posted in Microphones, Recording, Vocals

CAD recently introduced Trion, its most highly evolved line of studio microphones distinguished by the brand’s heritage of design, innovation and quality. The Trion 8000 is a multi-pattern, externally biased, large dual diaphragm studio tube condenser mic, the Trion 7000 is a dynamic, dual-element ribbon mic and the Trion 6000 a multi-pattern, externally biased, large dual diaphragm studio condenser mic.

Flagship for the new line, the Trion 8000 incorporates a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand-assembled capsule with low mass 1.12″ gold vapor-deposited, hand dampened diaphragms to produce the warm, rich and open classic tube sound ideal for studio vocal recordings in the digital realm. A 3-position polar pattern switch provides selection of omnidirectional, cardioid or figure-8 polar patterns for the versatility required by today’s professional recording situations.

In addition to exceptional sensitivity, low distortion and an extended frequency response, the Trion 8000 features discrete Class A electronics for transparent sound reproduction. Its transformer-coupled output ensures excellent RF immunity, cancellation of cable capacitance, and rejection of induced line noise. Its rugged metal housing and construction ensure long-term durability and reliable performance. Featuring a distinctive heritage design, the Trion 8000 delivers a smooth, accurate frequency response and high SPL capability. It comes supplied with a shock mount, heavy-duty aluminum carrying case, 25ft 6-pin connector cable, and power supply.

The Trion 7000 incorporates a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand-assembled aluminum ribbon capsule to produce a classically rich, warm sound ribbon mics are known for. It is ideal for recording vocals, brass and woodwinds, cello, acoustic bass, as well as guitar and bass amps. The 7000 is equally effective in live and studio applications when a full-bodied sound is desired.

With a natural figure-8 pickup pattern, the Trion 7000 is most sensitive in the front and the back of the microphone and least sensitive at the sides. Its pronounced proximity effect allows the user to achieve a strong “fattening” effect at close distances. Rugged and durable, the 7000’s metal housing and construction enable it to withstand the harsh demands of live and studio applications. It comes supplied with shock mount and heavy-duty aluminum carrying case.

Incorporating a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand assembled capsule, the Trion 6000 features low mass 1″ gold vapor deposited, hand-dampened diaphragms. Combined, these produce a warm, open and detailed sound for studio vocals, choir, classical stringed instruments, piano and acoustic guitar.

A 3-position polar pattern switch allows the user to select omnidirectional, cardioid, or figure-8 polar patterns. Coupled with the high pass filter and attenuation switches located on the rear of the mic body, the 6000 delivers exceptional versatility and flexibility in a variety of recording situations.

Exceptional sensitivity, low distortion and an extended frequency response make the Trion 6000 an ideal performer in digital recording situations. Discrete Class A electronics ensure transparent, accurate sound reproduction, while the 6000’s transformer-coupled output provides excellent RF immunity, cancellation of cable capacitance, and rejection of induced line noise. The rugged metal housing and construction provide exceptional durability Featuring a heritage design, the microphone offers an aesthetically pleasing industrial profile and comes equipped with shock mount and heavy-duty aluminum carrying case. 48V phantom power is required.

For more information, visit their web site at www.cadmics.com.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Vocomotion announced today the release of The Thumper TH70, the latest update in The Thumper series of throat microphones designed for vocal percussionists, beatboxers, and bass singers. Like previous Thumpers, this new model is designed to pickup throat sounds at the source, optimizing the bass response by filtering everything but the lowest, thumpiest frequencies using Vocomotion’s active filtering technology. The TH70 features a new water-proof collar assembly, new removable mic strap, and an extremely reduced retail price.

“I’ve known for a long time that the price of the Thumper mics was too high for the average vocal percussionist,” said Freddie Feldman, creator of The Thumper. “I’ve streamlined the manufacturing process and redesigned the collar completely, bringing the costs down significantly. Now performers at all levels will be able to enjoy the improved bass response that The Thumper offers.”

The Thumper website has been completely overhauled to herald the release of this new model. Built using Flash, the website provides a great way to get to know The Thumper throat microphone.The new Thumper TH70 throat microphone is available from Vocomotion with a retail price of $250 (USD).

For more information, visit their web site at www.thethumper.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Microphones, Recording, Technology, Vocals