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Jaybird Releases the SB2

Jay — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Jaybird is one of my favorite companies and not just because they send me free stuff to try out. If you recall, I had written a review of the Jaybird SB1 Bluetooth headphones a while ago. The SB1′s had been purchased with my own funds so I felt free to be as critical as I wanted to be. However, I found few flaws with the SB1′s and they have been my day-to-day headphones ever since. I use them on average at least 2 hours a day Monday thru Friday during my commute, so I think I can say fairly that I’d have had a chance to find any flaws in them by now, and I really haven’t.

Well Jaybird recently released the SB2′s, the next generation of the SB1′s and they were kind enough to send me a pair to review. I want to make clear that these phones were provided gratis, so keep that in mind while you read my review. I like to believe that I’m objective enough to say a product sucks even if they send me a free evaluation unit, but I haven’t really faced that situation yet. (I have been given free iPhone/iPad apps for review and I’ve passed up writing reviews in some cases where I thought the app was just bad, but even those cases are few and far between).

I received the headphones on a Friday (delivered in person by the lovely young lady in the packaging, naturally) and I’ve been using them ever since to really try them out in comparison to the SB1′s. The headphones come in (relatively speaking) minimal packaging and the box it was shipped in was big enough to hold the headphones but not a lot bigger. I’ve gotten a bit sensitive to companies that ship their products in way oversized boxes and/or packaging (Amazon, I’m looking at YOU), so it was nice to see some attention paid to minimizing waste. In fact, one of my complaints about the SB1′s was the large amount of packaging that surrounded the headphones themselves. Jaybird addressed this nicely in the SB2.

The headphones come with a minimum amount of accessories – a set of very simple instructions, the USB-based charging plug, and two pairs of replacement foam pads arrived along with the bright red (and I mean BRIGHT) SB2′s. It was really nice to see the extra foam pads included – one of my dings on the SB1′s was the fact that those foam pads looked like they could wear with time, and without them, the headphones are kind of painful to wear. I haven’t had any issues with them in all my wearings, but I tend to be very gentle on my equipment. They’ve fallen off a couple times but I just re-seated them and they were fine. Still, it’s good to see companies thinking about the long term use of their products.

I did a quick size comparison between the SB1′s and the SB2′s as well. They are identically sized, in both thickness and shape. In fact you really can’t tell them apart. The big improvements come on the inside in the Bluetooth firmware, specifically the addition of apt-X. apt-X, when paired with a compatible transmitter, provides CD-quality audio via the Bluetooth stream. Since I am not an audiophile and since the iPhone 4 does not have apt-X built in (heck, we can’t even get Apple to give us skip forward/back controls via Bluetooth), I wasn’t able to test this part of the SB2′s. Jaybird does sell a slim dongle that plugs into the dock port of the iPhone that will provide the transmission portion of the apt-X signal, but I don’t like adding dongles to the iPhone. They almost always don’t work well with the wide variety of cases and protective gear, and the new iPhone is not a device I want to leave naked.

In terms of sound, the SB2′s sound just as good as the SB1′s. I did notice that Jaybird made a slight tweak to the volume controls, because I was able to drop the volume down to a level lower than I had experienced on the SB1′s. This was the other minor ding I had for Jaybird concerning the SB1′s – they didn’t seem to have a low volume that was really low.

I wasn’t able to test the microphone capabilities of the SB2 vs. the SB1. I know with the SB1 I had some slight issues with pickup under windy conditions, but I have yet to use a set of Bluetooth headphones that didn’t have this problem, so that’s not something I would necessarily ding Jaybird for anyways.

The other improvement that I was able to find, and one I’ll be keeping an eye on for the longer term, is that the earpads are much stiffer when extending or retracting. This is good – in my SB1′s, the right earpad was starting to become very loose through the daily wear and tear of extending and retracting it to fit my head. I am hoping the SB2′s will not suffer that issue. The SB2′s seem to be a bit “stickier” to my head as well, though I’m not sure if that’s actual or if it’s just perception because they’re new. I will have to see what happens when the SB2′s are on my head as I am on the weight bench.

Overall, I strongly recommend the Jaybird SB2. They’ve addressed the few minor shortcomings I had with the SB1′s, and the inclusion of apt-X will mean better sound for apt-X equipped devices. At $99, they are in the middle range for Bluetooth headphones, and I’m sure that you will be able to find them for less online. I’m planning to switch to the SB2′s for my day-to-day use, and am looking forward to the many stares I’m going to get as I walk to work in my business suit sporting a set of cherry red headphones shining off the reflected light of my shaved head.

By the way, all these pics were taken using the iPhone 4′s camera. Note the significant yellowing in the bottom two pictures? That’s a beige surface I’m shooting down onto. Part of the issue might be bounceback of light from that surface, since the yellowing isn’t apparent in the top two pictures. Interesting…

Jaybird SB2 Bluetooth Headphones

BassJump adds dimension to MacBook speakers

Sarah — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:21:01 +0000

I’ve always thought the MacBook built in speakers were pretty good, considering. But as we all know they lack oomph. Those tiny speakers just can’t produce those long waveforms we like to call bass. So as I sit here and listen to the latest Marbert Rocel through my MacBook speakers (because AirTunes is a consistent disappointment and it saddens me to sit here at look at my lovely Klipsch speakers just sitting there, silent) I remember seeing a GadgetLab post that could solve my issue.
The BassJump Subwoofer.

All it requires is access to a USB port and the installation of a preference pane and BAM! You have BASS!

So whether you are sitting around the apartment listening to the latest Massive Attack while writing macabre short stories (like me), or surfing the internet while taking a trip down memory lane with The Pharcyde’s Bizarre Ride II (also like me), you won’t be missing out on half of what makes both of those album’s great, i.e. the bass-line.

Via Wired’s GadgetLab

Death to USB Dongles

Quang Ly — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:00:52 +0000

It has been a few days since my last post. I’ve been really busy researching Grad School and curriculum. Anyway, some of you may know that I make music under the Delta Dreams project. It is sorta like Portishead meets The Killers. I switched to Logic Studio which is a great unified music sequencer over the summer.

Previously, I used ProTools LE. It has great workflow but wasn’t very reliable. I didn’t get the performance as I did with Logic Studio. Furthermore, I had to purchase a lot of 3rd party software synthesizers that required the despicable USB dongle. The USB dongle is essentially a hardware USB drive that has your authorization code in it to run the program. I received this email from KORG (music equipment supplier) a few days ago that tells me they no longer support USB dongles but now authorizes the key to your computer. It is very confusing and it just reinforces my hatred towards these things. Why am I as a legitimate buyer have to suffer while software pirates do not have to deal with this issue?

This is another reason I switched to Logic Studio. I don’t need USB dongles sticking taking up slots on my MacBook Pro. It comes with world class plugins that meets me musical creative needs.

Dear KORG Legacy Collection user,

We hope you are enjoying your KORG Legacy Collection software suite.

This email is to inform you that we have released the latest updater. Thank you for your patience.
Please be sure to read the following notice with regards to the changes in copy protection for Korg Legacy products.

******************************

************************************
Important notice regarding changes to the copy protection method for Korg Legacy software titles
******************************************************************

November 9, 2009

Korg announces that there is a change to the copy protection method for the KORG Legacy Collection series. Korg is switching from the USB Key Copy Protection to the Challenge/Response License Authorization where a unique license code is issued to your computer.

To all KLC series customers, we apologize for any inconvenience associated with this change, and greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Today, we have released KLC updaters* where you can choose either copy protection method. Please note that we are going to stop providing user support services for the USB Key Copy Protection system effective from April 30, 2010. And from May 2010, any updates we issue will support only the Challenge/Response License Authorization system, not the USB Key Copy Protection system.

We appreciate your continuing support for Korg’s KLC series products.

KORG Legacy Collection team

*… KLC-1/Virtual MS-20/ANALOG EDITION/ANALOG EDITION 2007 v1.2.3, KLC-DIGITAL EDITION v1.3.2

For information on downloading/installation of the new license authorization based versions, please visit the following web page.
http://www.korguser.net/shop/software/support/copyProtection/

For Frequently Asked Question concerning the new copy protection method, please visit the following web page.
http://www.korguser.net/shop/software/support/copyProtection/faq.asp

******************************************************************
KORG Legacy Collection series update
******************************************************************

KLC-1/Virtual MS-20/ANALOG EDITION/ANALOG EDITION 2007 are updated to v1.2.3 respectively, and KLC-DIGITAL EDITION is updated to v1.3.2.

The stability has been improved (including bug fixes), and this version now supports Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (32-bit).
*Regarding Windows 7 support, we will check the compatibility after DAW applications support this OS.

You can download the updater freely from the “Download for registered users” section of KORG USER NET (http://www.korguser.net). Enter your registered e-mail address and password into the provided fields on the right side of login page, log into KORG USER NET and click [Download for registered users].

==================================================================
Please do not reply to this e-mail address. This is not an active reply desk. All queries should be directed to your local Korg distributor:
http://www.korguser.net/html/distributors_list.html
==================================================================

Sincerely yours,
KORG USER NET

Finger Drums

Quang Ly — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:59:05 +0000

Finger Drums

Turn your drumming dreams into a reality with this touch sensitive Finger Drum Kit. Complete with a bass drum kick and cymbal, this desktop drum kit has both a record and a freestyle function.

The perfect gift for any drummer, talented or otherwise, the Finger Drum Kit is a must-have.

Not only does it provide a great way to exercise your fingers, you can turn yourself into a superstar drummer without leaving your desk. You could even play games with your work buds, friends and family by asking them to name the tune. Prepare to be swooned over by adoring fans, followed by groupies, and emails to flood in from world class booking agents… OK, a guy can dream, can’t he?

I just love playing the drums. Unfortunately, it is probably the least portable instrument out there. What if we can just miniaturize the drum set. Well, my wish has come true. the Finger Drum Kit lets you rock out with the touch of your fingers. It comes complete with a bass drum kick, cymbal, and toms. You can also record your finger beats and also features a freestyle function.

The Finger Drums also give your fingers excercise burning tons of calories (ok, maybe not that much). Become a rockstar at your office. Too bad it doesn’t come with Finger Groupies. Hmmm…

Via http://www.bluw.com/finger-drums.html

Multi-tune Vitamin

Sarah — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:30:13 +0000

I’ll be the first to admit that my love for my iPod is nearly boundless. And the new Shuffle design has me practically giddy. 1.8″ by .3″ and the new VoiceOver feature is going to be hard to beat.
However, there’s got to be room for more than just Apple style. A new MP3 player is about to come on to the market that while probably not giving the Shuffle a run for its money should at least make the playing field more interesting.
Introducing The Vitamin from iXing

Designed by Sangnam Park, this little pill is actually an MP3 player. It supports only MP3 and WMA files (which means I’m not getting it since my entire library is in AAC format, a far superior format to MP3 imo). It also has a 30 channel FM tuner, though seriously I don’t really know anyone that listens to the radio anymore. Even I get my NPR via the internet these days.
Other than the novelty of its looks I really don’t think it can outdo the Shuffle. But I do think style is a valid consideration when shopping for an MP3 player so I can’t count it out just yet. I honestly like the design. To change tracks you just twist the pill one way, or to go back a track, twist it the other way. I also like the display, which the Shuffle lacks.
I don’t know yet how they are going to manage volume control (possibly on the head phones themselves?).
Also there is no info on the capacity, at least none that I could find. But it should hold a minimum of 1000 songs (or appox. 4 GB) if it wants to be competitive.

via Gizmodo

Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ Tonium P666

Quang Ly — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:18:20 +0000

I love music and used to DJ at a local college radio station (WKDU) in Stockton, New Jersey. Unlike my fellow DJ’s I never liked carrying around luggage of records and CDs. I love the iPod and iPhone but even their interface is limited in how you interact with the music. When I went to CES 2009 I got to demo the Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ Tonium P666

Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ Tonium P666

It functions basically like 2 micro digital turn tables so you can mix and scratch your downloaded music (legally right?). The Pacemaker has two seperate audio channels so you can play two tracks by side. I was never good at beatmatching. If you aren’t either, you’re in luck, the beatmatching is easily done by the click of a button. The Pocket DJ also comes with world class audio effects and crossfader to spice up your mixes.

Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ Software

You can even save your mixes and edit them with their free desktop software Pacemaker Editor. Once you’re done, you can upload them to their online community and share it with everyone. Doesn’t everyone have their own social network these days?

The price to DJ ultra-portability doesn’t come cheap though. I was a bit shocked of the price the $499.99 price. But if you are a professional DJ, the Pacemaker will pay for itself. No more bad beatmatching that breaks people’s legs while they dance on the floor unless you plan on playing NSYNC on a Goth/Industrial night.

Tonium P666 Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ System, 60 GB

FEATURES

Auto beatmatch – Instantly sync tempo and phase of two loaded tracks by the click of a button.
Timestretch – Alter and set the tempo of a track +/- 100% without affecting pitch/key.
Pitch speed – Alter and set track tempo +/- 100% and pitch/key +/- one octave in parallel.
Bend speed – Nudge a track into phase.
Beat graph – Visually monitor relative drifting in tempo and/or sync.
Loop – Create synchronized loops on the fly; set and adjust in-point and/or end-point, split from in-point or end-point, double from in-point or end-point, exit loop and re-loop. One loop per track will be permanently saved until altered.
Reverse – Flip playback direction
Cue play – Play track from cue point and revert to cue point when releasing cue button.
Cue control
Vinyl pause – Track is halted in a vinyl-like pause letting you scrub, search and define cue point.
Headphones crossfader – Dynamically adjust what channel blend to listen to in the headphones.
Effects control – Hi-cut/Lo-cut, Wah and Crush, to +/- 1.0.
Beat FX – Add and adjust two-parameter audio effects Echo, Delay, Trans and Roll to dry/wet + 0-100% and Time at 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 3/2, 2, 4, 8, and Reverb to dry/wet + 0-100% and size to + 0-100%.
Key – Temporarily adjust the two-parameter function Key; transpose a track key +/- one octave in increments of halftones, and/or tune a track pitch +/- 100% one halftone.
Kill-all – Instantly mute or re-engage activated audio effects.
Effects crossfader – Optionally incorporate +/- 100% Bass or +/- 1.0 Filter effects into the crossfader.

Universal Audio UAD-2

rcerini — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:58:15 +0000

The UAD-2 is the ultimate sonic upgrade for your DAW. I added one of these cards to my DAW and coming from a UAD-1, I was truely amazed by the power.

UAD-2 PCIe DSP

I can run so many instances of the plug-ins that I don’ t even know how I ever coped with just a UAD-1. Below are some of the specs for these new cards:

Auto-Delay Compensation for Pro Tools LE via Mellowmuse ATA
LiveTrack Low-latency live monitoring/tracking mode
Use up to 4 UAD-2′s and 4 UAD-1′s in one system
PCIe 1x format

Roberto

www.robertocerini.com

Download 773 Free MP3s from Amazon

Quang Ly — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:13:17 +0000

Free Amazon Mp3s

There aren’t many good things in life that are available for free (legitimately). Except for maybe 773 Free MP3s from Amazon. There are surprisingly a lot of good songs here. If you do like the artist, I would advise you to buy more from them to support the artist community.

Download 773 Free Amazon MP3s

Let us know when your favorites are by commenting below

I’m wearing a HALO

Jay — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:58:03 +0000

You all know how I love slim. Women, toys, phones, furniture – if it’s sleek and minimal, I usually want it. This new product from Jabra is right up there in the slim-o-sphere. So of course I want it.

The HALO is Jabra’s first stereo Bluetooth headphone. It’s due in May (gee, the timing wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain product that will be releasing stereo Bluetooth streaming by any chance would it?) and is one of the few Jabra products designed for two ears, not just one. It folds in upon itself to minimize its storage requirements even more and will play for six hours between charges. Of course, being a Jabra, it will also let you take calls as well as listen to your new iPhone 4G sans wires. Man, I’ve been asking for that since iPod 5G. About FRAKKIN’ TIME Apple!

Course, this slim beauty isn’t cheap (slim beauties rarely are), so if you want it, it’ll set you back 130 bones. Gotta pay to be pretty, baby.

via DVICE

Sony stylin’ with the CMT-Z100iR

Jay — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:23:49 +0000

This, my friends, is the Sony CMT-Z100iR, a soon to be released component system from Sony. I’ve been fascinated by black monolith-shaped objects since I saw 2001, and this thing just screams sexy. If the iPhone/iPod dock isn’t enough, there’s a CD player, audio in jack, and a USB port for non-iPod music devices (there are such things?). It’s wall mountable for ultimate sleekness, plus it’s got a touch panel interface to go with your touch-based Apple device. Just the thing when you’re hosting that special someone. And my kids ain’t gonna be allowed to even breathe near it.

via

iPhone Amplifier by SoundClip

Quang Ly — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:55:11 +0000

SoundClip iPhone Amplifier

The first generation iPhone was great but it had a few short comings. One being that the built in speaker was rather quiet. Ten One Design has a passive iPhone amplifier that works quite well for a great price. It works by directing sound such as music, games, or conversations towards you for clarity and volume. SoundClip amplifies iPhone audio volume by 10dB between 6kH and 20kHz. The SoundClip has a cord-gripping feature that you can attach to your charge cable during syncing and charging. What’s also great is the low price that’s less than $5.

Ten One Design T1SC50100 Soundclip for 3G iPhone

Via Techmanic

Listen to Music Just Like Barbie

ethan — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:00:20 +0000

Saturday morning commercials are what kids live for. They tell kids which cereals to nag their parents for, what new PopTart flavors to try, and what great new toys are coming out. During my time in childhood, I can remember an endless stream of commercials promoting Barbie accessories. It seems that the people over at Mattel have done it again.

Music, Barbie Style!

Now young girls (presumably) can listen to music just like Barbie with the pink mp3 player made to look like a make-up compact. While listening to the music, Barbie and the listener can check their hair, makeup, and teeth just to make sure they are perfect.

While the new Barbie mp3 is pretty cool, I think I will stick with my iPod for just a little longer…

Nothing Says Love Like a Pink iPod Nano

ethan — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:20:27 +0000

With Valentine’s Day just two weeks away, now is the time to start thinking about what you should get your special friend. You got her flowers last year, chocolates the year before, and took her out to a super fancy dinner the year before that. V-Day is closing in and your mind is still blank.

Enter the Pink iPod Nano. The pink nano is available in 4GB and 8GB versions, which basically means that one holds a lot of music and the other can hold double that. To make the gift even sweeter, include an iTunes gift card, or better yet, download a bunch of sweet love songs before handing the iPod over.

If you don’t have a special friend to give the pink nano to, how about giving one to your mom? Who knows, she might finally forgive you for the time you switched her shampoo with hair removal cream.

Apple iPod nano 8 GB Pink (4th Generation)

A beanbag chair so your cell phone can rest!

Quang Ly — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:25:37 +0000

Cellphone beanbag chair

My iPhone is one of my closest friends. It has always been there for me and has never asked for anything. Well, except for the occasional recharge. It’s about time I return the favor with some love. Behold the cellphone bean bag chair! You can start with a nice place for your phone to sit.

This diminutive beanbag chair is just the thing. Scientifically proven to be the most comfortable cellphone chair on the market. Ergonomically designed to eliminate pressure points that can bruise or cause extremities to go numb, this beanbag chair rests your cellphone in the most neutral position possible. 9 out of 10 cellphones agree, this is the best cellphone beanbag chair ever made!

Sure, some may laugh at you, but if your cellphone can check email, play music, video, youtube, snap pictures, find directions, restaurants, it really does deserve the best. You owe it to your phone to make his downtime the most comfortable possible. The beanbag cellphone chair is so comfortable, your phone is guaranteed to remain seated until someone picks it up again.

LG DP889 8-Inch Portable DVD Player and Digital Photo Frame

Quang Ly — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:23:16 +0000

LG DP889 8-Inch Portable DVD Player and Digital Photo Frame

Meet the LG-8 inch Portable DVD Player. It also functions as a Digital Photo Frame borrowing the look of Apple’s iPhone. Small and convenient enough for road trips and travels. However, once you get to your destination, you can just use it as a digital photo frame. The Digital Photo Frame with enough internal memory for up to a 250 photo slideshow along with a 3-in-1 memory card slot and USB port for easy connectivity and memory expansion. It can last up to 3.5 hours of battery life and a supplied automotive and home power adapter, movies and photo slideshows can go anywhere. We wish it could last a bit longer but it can be used to watch enough long length DVD movies without recharging or seperate power supply.

Features

Portable DVD player with digital photo frame
Built-in memory for up to 250 photos for slideshows
Audio/Video inout & out put for flexible viewing on the go
High fidelity audio output from stereo speakers or twin earphone jacks
Includes remote control

LG DP889 8-Inch Portable DVD Player and Digital Photo Frame

Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime Premium Alarm Clock for iPod and iPhone

Quang Ly — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:30:27 +0000

Everything you’d expect from a premium iPod and iPhone speaker system … and more. The Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime is an iPod/iPhone alarm clock that offers premium sound with innovative features that make it easy and convenient to use. Motion-activated, backlighted controls allow use in little or no light–like a dark bedroom. You can even snooze with a wave of your hand. A high-contrast, easy-to-read display is clearly visible during the day, but not too bright at night. A recessed dock helps prevent you from accidentally knocking over your iPod or iPhone by providing a protected cavity for docking. Add a dual alarm, digital AM/FM radio, and wireless remote, and you have a perfect nightstand companion.

Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime Premium Alarm Clock for iPod and iPhone

Via – GadgetGrid

iShelf – The Manual Cover Flow

Quang Ly — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:13:07 +0000

iShelf Physical CD Cover Flow

At first glance, this seems a bit of a gimmick. But upon further thought, I find this could be used for Collector’s Items for bands they really respect. Kind of like putting a record sleeve with nice artwork on a frame.

Well if you like the look of Coverflow, you’ll likely enjoy this shelf. It gives you an attractive way to display a few of your favorite artists and show your love for Apple products. This will only work with standard cases, no two disc sets will work. It was designed by Li Jianye and sadly probably won’t be hitting stores anytime soon.