Shure Is Loco about the Motiv Line
Microphone maker Shure might have a long history of making mics but that doesn’t mean it can’t adapt to the times. Witness its new Motiv line of microphones for mobile devices.
The plug-and-play Motiv line features retro design with modern features. The family includes the Motiv MV5 digital condenser microphone, Motiv MV88 iOS digital stereo condenser microphone, Motiv MV51 digital large-diaphragm condenser microphone, Motiv MVi digital audio interface and an iOS app, the ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App.
All are based around 24-bit/48 kHz-capable conversion and a Lightning digital audio connector. Several of the models have built-in DSP settings and ship with USB adapter cables.
The MV88 connects directly to any Apple iPhone, iPod or iPad equipped with a Lightning connector. With dual heads it can operate as a stereo microphone. The MV5 is a desktop mic with a tripod mount. The MV51 is also a desktop mic with a built-in stand. The MVi interface box has XLR and 1/4-inch inputs.
The ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App includes selectable DSP preset modes, microphone gain adjustment, and a stereo width control that adjusts the microphone pick-up pattern for the MV88.
Info: www.shure.com
Omnia highlights New Processor
Omnia Audio has released a new FM radio on-air signal processor, the Omnia.7. According to the company it includes features and technology previously available only in more expensive processors.
Features include “Undo” technology, which Omnia says recreates audio peaks and adds dynamic range to mastered tracks, along with a Psychoacoustic Controlled Distortion Masking Clipper that removes most distortion from frequencies detectable by the human ear and produces audio that the company described as “both cleaner and louder.”
Omnia Toolbox, included with the processor, provides instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, noise generators, RTAs and FFTs. The Omnia.7 can be operated remotely via IP. Optional features include simultaneous processing and encoding for streaming, HD/DAB processing and RDS encoding.
Info: www.telosalliance.com
Sonifex Says Cancel That Echo
A recent addition to the Sonifex Redbox line of broadcast problem-solvers is the RB-AEC, an acoustic echo canceller for snuffing out annoying echoes in earpieces.
According to the company, “When a studio presenter’s microphone signal is played out through a monitor speaker in the control room, it can be picked up by the control room microphone(s) and returned to the presenter’s earpiece as an undesirable echo.”
Sonifex says that the AEC “is used to remove the entire control room monitor speaker output from the presenter’s feed by adapting to the environment in which the control room microphones are placed. Although acoustic echo cancellation is more commonly implemented in telephony systems, the Sonifex RB-AEC is designed to produce broadcast quality cancellation.”
The RB-AEC’s onboard digital signal processing can adapt to shifting situations, such as personnel moving around, to keep the echo tamped down.
Info: www.sonifex.co.uk
Symetrix Calls on VoIP
The Symetrix name used to be a familiar sight in radio stations across the land. Its blue boxes, especially its voice processors, were common in radio studio equipment racks, but a push into the contracting and installation markets sent the company in another direction.
So it’s nice to see a Symetrix product that could be of value to broadcasters, a VoIP card.
The new 2 Line VoIP Interface card fits into the company’s modular SymNet digital audio network hardware and SymNet controller software. It says, “The 2 Line VoIP Interface card natively integrates with SIP-based call platforms and unified communications environments.
Developed for maximum flexibility, the card supports both narrowband and wideband audio, and is capable of a broad range of telephony features.” It adds that the card “is ideal for conferencing, paging, remote monitoring and broadcast applications.”
For specifics, a release said, “Validated with class-leading Cisco and Asterisk SIP-compatible call management platforms, the 2 Line VoIP card delivers low-delay audio packet transmission, adaptive jitter buffers, country-specific tone compatibility, and independent level adjustments for call progress, DTMF and ring tones.”
Info: www.symetrix.co
Neutrik Upgrades Connectors to USB 3.0
Connection hardware specialist Neutrik announced that USB 3.0 connectors will be available in Q3.
The USB 3.0 Feedthrough Adapters (NAUSB3) feature reversible Type A/Type B connection hardware for properly orienting the connectors at installation. The flange will be available in nickel or black chrome.
Neutrik USA President Peter Milbery said, “The new USB 3.0 Feedthrough Adapters are a new option allowing our customers to dramatically increase data transfer rates while using the industry-standard D size cutout … The USB 3.0 Feedthrough Adapter is one of the most common new product requests we have received.”
Info: www.neutrik.us
Eventide Delay Adds WheatNet-IP
Wheatstone and Eventide have worked together to make Eventide’s well-known BD600 broadcast delay compatible with WheatNet-IP and other AES67 networks in the form of a dedicated unit, the BD600W.
The magic is courtesy of a built-in WheatNet card. The addition of WheatNet-IP networking allows for the BD600W to function in a WheatNet-IP environment and be remote controlled via IP as well.
The BD600W follows the stock BD600 in features: up to 80 seconds of profanity protection or 10 seconds of MicroPrecision Delay that can be finely measured in microseconds or video frames. There is also a “Panic” feature wherein a prerecorded WAV file can play while the profanity buffer rebuilds. Analog and AES/EBU digital I/O are included.
For current owners of the BD600 there will be factory-installed retrofitting and field upgrade options.
Info: www.eventideaudio.com
Glensound Hides Headphone Amp Under Table
“Keeping it simple” looks to be Glensound’s motto for the GS-HA014 headphone amplifier.
The amp is in a small case designed to be fixed under a guest table. Audio connections into the GS-HA014 are on two balanced 6.35 mm jack sockets (unbalanced optional). The front of the unit has two headphone sockets for the user, a 3.5 mm and a 6.35 mm, giving the user a choice. The front has a full-size volume pot.
In addition, the GS-HA014 has two RJ-45 sockets for standard Cat-5 network cable connections for looping between units. That connection can carry line-level stereo audio and power.
Power is from an external 9V DC power supply. One power supply powers up to eight connected units, more than enough for most radio studio guest situations, the company says.
Info: www.glensound.co.uk
O.C. WHite “Low Profile” Series Mic Boom
O.C. White says that the new Ultima LP Mic Boom brings quality and reliability.
It features a 0–6-pound (2.7 kg) weight rating, so it can handle any popular broadcast microphone. The specialized counterbalance design allows for quick adjustments to the holding force, so microphone movement is easy.
The Ultima LP Mic Boom features a low-profile, table top-hugging design, which allows for the on-air talent to perform without facial obstruction from traditional microphone arms. There is integrated wire channeling down the sides of the arm for an uncluttered area.
The series features a new, specialized internal spring design. The main articulating mic boom section features more than 10 inches of height adjustment, as well as a specialized mic stud swivel which allows for 180 degrees, left-right, and 180 degrees up-down. For those broadcasters who integrate live video into the production, this allows for a clean view of the talent.
Additional horizontal arms can be added for extending a reach without moving the base. A 12-inch Vertical Modular Clamp/Riser Assembly allows mounting of up to four Ultima LP arms from a single pole.
Info: www.ocwhite.com
2wcom FM02 Receiver Handles Multiple Jobs
The FM02 FM receiver from 2wcom can take on multiple roles such as demodulation, source-switching for FM backup and FM/RDS parameter monitoring.
Dual-channel capability allows the unit to receive one FM signal for rebroadcasting, while monitoring a second FM signal with the second tuner. It can also receive the same signal on both tuners with one serving as backup.
For source switching in a backup solution, the FM02 receives an MPX signal and loops it through directly to the output. In case of failure the FM02 uses its tuner as a back-up solution to receive the MPX signal off the air. It is also able to loop through the signal in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, the FM02 can be used as part of a monitoring solution for both FM and RDS parameters.
With remote control via IP and SNMP, the 19-inch FM02, with dual tuners and dual antenna inputs, offers remote audio quality monitoring through its built-in MP3 streaming capability, the firm explains.
Info: www.2wcom.com
RCS Adds to Zetta Features
RCS’ Zetta radio automation program is mature yet the company says it regularly adds features and tweaks aspects based on both research and feedback from customers.
A multitrack editor, segue editor and a media player are included along with hot keys, a sequencer, library, log functions, satellite interfacing and WANcasting capabilities. Much operation is drag-and-drop. Audio files can be auto-normaled on import.
Zetta can also work with other RCS programs such as the music scheduler GSelector4, RCSnews and the Acquira traffic system. Zetta can also go mobile with Zetta2Go, a mobile device app for controlling Zetta remotely via a smartphone or tablet.
Info: www.rcsworks.com
Pro Sound Effects ships Master Library 2.0
SFX specialist Pro Sound Effects has released an upgrade to its Master Library effects package.
According to Pro Sound Effects, Master Library 2.0 has some 30,000 new sound effects, an online access feature, free annual updates and new subscription pricing options.
The centerpiece of the package is a USB 3.0 drive containing 175,000 effects or 2.1 TB of data. The company says effects categories span “ambiences, audiences, cities, combat, Foley, nature, sports, transportation, weather and beyond.”
The library is compatible with Pro Tools, Soundminer, NetMix, iTunes and other popular audio asset management systems and sound library software.
Pricing plans range from individuals to group use, subscription or buyout.
Info: www.prosoundeffects.com
New Mics From DPA
Denmark-based microphone maker DPA has announced the availability of two new broadcast mics set in its d: line.
The d:facto (shown) is a traditional handheld interview microphone. According to DPA the d:facto has “voice clarity, linearity and low handling and wind noise.” The omnidirectional mic utilizes the 2006V capsule, which has been toned down a little to minimize handling noise. An internal rubber suspension aids in noise suppression.
The d:fine is an in-ear-based headset. Using a slim design, thin cables are paired together for efficiency. Two earpads are provided to help in noise isolation. The ear assembly is designed for ease of adjustment.
Info: www.dpamicrophones.com
