OLD LYME, Conn. – October 7, 2010 – Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that its newly distributed brand, TRUE Systems, has been nominated for an Outstanding Technical Achievement award by the TEC (Technical Excellence & Creativity) Foundation for its innovative new pT2-500 microphone preamplifier. The pT2-500 is an APIâ„¢ 500 series compatible module, which incorporates the company’s new Type 2 circuit design; this results in exceptional definition, musicality, headroom, and noise performance. The pT2-500 also includes a discrete FET DI circuit with THRU jack for easy connection to amps or effects.

In addition to receiving a TEC Award nomination in the pT2-500 in the microphone preamplifier category, the Neumann TLM 102 and Sennheiser G3 500 Series also received nominations in the microphone and wireless categories respectively. more

— Mail-in rebates open to all buyers of Audio-Technica’s 4000 Series, 3000 Series or 2000 Series Wireless Systems in the U.S. between October 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010 —

Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 45 years, is offering Wireless Rebates on its professional wireless gear, including the 4000 Series, 3000 Series and 2000 Series Wireless Systems, from October 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. All customers who purchase products from these three series from an authorized U.S. A-T dealer during the rebate period will be eligible for either a $40.00 rebate on the 4000 Series, a $30.00 rebate on the 3000 series or a $20.00 rebate on the 2000 Series.
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OLD LYME, Conn. – October 4, 2010 – Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that it has added TRUE Systems, a highly regarded U.S.-based manufacturer of microphone preamplifiers, to its family of distributed brands. Currently, TRUE Systems offers five high-performance microphone preamplifiers, each of which is highly complementary to Sennheiser and Neumann’s existing product line. The products will be marketed through Sennheiser’s existing professional audio, systems integration and musical instrument channels.

TRUE Systems preamplifiers, which are affordably priced and built with the highest-quality materials available, range from single-channel to eight channel models. The entire product line — including the new 500 series modules — delivers an unparalleled dimension of flexibility to users, making them ideal for use with a variety of microphone and instrument applications. more

STOW, OH, October 1, 2010 — Audio-Technica supports the recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to protect wireless microphones from interference by TV Band Devices (TVBD).

The FCC Memorandum Opinion and Order issued September 23 sets aside two TV channels in each market specifically for wireless microphones. This will allow wireless microphones to operate in those protected channels without interference from new “white space devices.� In addition, according to the FCC ruling, professional users of large arrays of wireless microphones, such as theatrical performances and music concerts, can apply for extended spectrum coverage via a geolocation database that the FCC is building and that is currently up for bid for management.

This long-awaited FCC ruling is the culmination of over two years of testing and lobbying efforts among competing interests for the white spaces spectra, and represents a clear path forward for professional users of wireless microphones.

“We are pleased with the FCC decision, as it recognizes the important contributions to art, entertainment, news and technology that wireless microphones have made,� said Jackie Green, Audio-Technica Vice President of R&D/Engineering. “Audio-Technica wireless systems are technically well-positioned to operate in the environment defined September 23 by the FCC’s Order. We have products that operate in the VHF range, products that operate below Channel 21 where portable TVBD are prohibited, products that operate in the two reserved band ranges, and we also have wireless systems in use today that offer true digital ultra wideband technology. Many of our wireless systems are designed to work well when numerous simultaneous channels are needed or when used in channels adjacent to TV.� more

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 2010: Chameleon Labs, makers of value-conscious pro audio equipment, announces the release of the TS-1 MKII small diaphragm tube condenser mic. The TS-1 MKII is one of the few small diaphragm tube condensers on the market, unique in design and versatile in application. Driven by newly-designed vacuum tube electronics, the TS-1 MKII delivers an unmatched combination of sparkle and warmth.

The MKII power supply features an adjustable tube heater voltage control that gives the end user the ability to dial in a diverse range of sonic textures. Much like many guitar amps, this allows the user to starve or overdrive the tube, opening up vast range of sonic characteristics with a precision voltage meter for repeatability. The MKII package ships with omni and cardioid capsules. more

New York – August 30, 2010 – Audio specialist Neumann announced that it has partnered with Push Creative to co-sponsor a comprehensive, one-day voiceover seminar event in New York City. The event, which takes place on the evening of September 22, offers a ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse at the voiceover industry, while examining the practical steps required to establish and sustain a voiceover career.

The event will feature presentations from major celebrities in the voiceover industry, including endorsed Neumann artist Joan Baker, Joe Cipriano and Alan Kalter (voice of Late Show with David Letterman) and many others. In addition to covering voiceover acting, the seminar will also cover key associated careers in voiceover including writing, producing, directing and other roles. A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to The Alzheimer’s Association, the leading global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care and support. more

OLD LYME, Conn. – July 13, 2010 – This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the classic Sennheiser MD 421-U large diaphragm, cardioid, dynamic microphone. The venerable MD 421, which is still in production as the MD 421 II, has been one of Sennheiser’s best-selling dynamic microphones for decades thanks to its durability, versatility, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. Offering exemplary performance on voices, but equally effective on a wide range of acoustic and amplified instruments, the MD 421 continues to be an essential component of any microphone collection in the studio or on the road.

The MD 421 has been improved over the years with upgrades to the housing, output connector, basket, and capsule assembly. A limited-production MD 421 Special Edition that recaptured the full-bodied performance of the microphone’s original design was introduced in 2003 to commemorate the ninetieth birthday of Sennheiser founder, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fritz Sennheiser. The MD 421 II continues the tradition of the MD 421 while upgrading the original design in order to take advantage of improved production techniques and materials. more

Old Lyme, Conn., July 7, 2010 – The Goo Goo Dolls occupy a unique space in the music industry, having risen from a respectable decade in the underground to worldwide stardom. Now poised to release their ninth studio album, Something For The Rest Of Us, the Goo Goo Dolls are spending much of the summer selling out arenas. Veteran engineers Paul David Hager (FOH) and Robert Windel (monitors) are relying on Sennheiser and Neumann wireless and wired equipment for nearly every aspect of the Goo Goo Dolls’ live set. Frontman Johnny Rzeznik sings into a Sennheiser SKM 5200 handheld transmitter with a Neumann KK 104 S capsule, whereas bass player Robby Takac sings into a wired Sennheiser MD 431 II. Drummer Mike Malinin’s kit is a combination of Neumann and Sennheiser mics, including large-diaphragm TLM 103s for overheads and toms. The band’s impressive collection of basses and guitars run wireless on fourteen Sennheiser ew 572 G3 channels. Finally, with not a stage wedge to be seen, the whole band, along with several techs, use Sennheiser ew 300 IEM G3 wireless personal monitors to inspire performances worthy of the Goo Goo Dolls’ now legendary status.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 2010: For a limited time (July 1 through August 31, 2010) all purchases of BOCK 151 large-diaphragm vocal condensers made from authorized U.S. dealers are eligible for a $300 rebate from TransAudio Group, BOCK Audio’s worldwide distributor. There has never been a better time to add the lush vocal capture of the BOCK 151 to your sonic repertoire. TransAudio’s substantial, limited-time rebate is an opportunity to be seized!

Built in the sonic image of the BOCK 251, the BOCK 151 uses a handmade German capsule, a hand-wound vintage-style transformer, a NOS tube, and a handmade power supply. It includes a brite/normal switch for added versatility. Most importantly, the BOCK 151 delivers that indescribable sound of the truly great vocal mics at a fraction of the cost. What was already one of the greatest values in high-end vocal mics is even better with this rebate! more

JESSUP, MARYLAND – JUNE 2010: A direct descendent of Saul Walker’s original 1967 design, the API 512C modular mic preamp embodies the legendary API sound and has been a mainstay of engineers for over three decades. Coming on the heels of API’s 40th anniversary and the delivery of the 100th 1608 console, the company recently celebrated another milestone: delivery of the 10,000th 512C. To mark the event, API president Larry Droppa dropped a note inside the 10,000th box. Toronto-based guitarist and composer Brian Legere received the unit, the note, and – complements of API – API 512C number 10,001!

Legere has been working in the Toronto-area for nearly thirty years – almost as long as the API 512C has been in production. An accomplished guitar player, Legere has worked in the studio with famed producer Daniel Lanois (U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan); both men grew up in Hamilton Ontario. Legere’s compositions and guitar work can be heard on the Speed Channel’s “Dream Car Garage” and “Chop Cut Rebuild.” more