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Spotify pronto a debuttare in Italia dal palco di Sanremo
Come annunciato da HDblog in esclusiva, Spotify è pronto a sbarcare ufficialmente anche in Italia, con lo switch-on deciso per martedì 12 Febbraio. La notizia ha ormai raggiunto tutti i canali e per il debutto è stato scelto l’evento musicale italiano più rappresentativo: il Festival di Sanremo!
Il servizio di streaming musicale on demand è già piuttosto conosciuto qui da noi, visto l’immenso successo raggiunto in poco tempo nei pochi paesi dove disponibile; tuttavia, Sanremo sarà il giusto palcoscenico per arrivare direttamente al grande pubblico, ai milioni di utenti italiani appassionati di musica che da tempo attendono l’arrivo di una simile piattaforma, del tutto legale.
Sanremo e il suo festival saranno parte integrante nel lancio di Spotify, con tutti i brani in gara e le altre canzoni dei nuovi album resi immediatamente disponibili per lo streaming. Una partnership davvero importante per la ‘startup’ svedese, che grazie ad accordi precisi con alcune delle principali etichette musicali (Sony, EMI, Warner Music Group, Universal e diverse indipendenti) renderà il tutto disponibile su smartphone e tablet con sistema Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8, come su Windows, Linux, Mac OS X.
Il sistema operativo mobile di Microsoft è stato l’ultimo a ricevere l’applicazione ufficiale, giunta sullo Store Windows Phone soltanto nella giornata di ieri, giusto qualche giorno prima del debutto in Italia, paese con il più alto share di Windows Phone 8 al mondo. L’applicazione non è ancora presente nello store virtuale italiano, ma lo sarà ben presto.
Ricordiamo che Spotify mette tradizionalmente a disposizione tre diversi piani (Free, Unlimited e Premium) uno solo dei quali gratuito. Ma attendiamo martedì per conoscere nel dettaglio l’offerta dedicata al mercato italiano.
iOS Guitar/Bass Multi-FX System Equipped With Wireless Foot Switch (video)
JamUp Pro XT and AirTurn are claiming a worlds first this week with the unveiling of their new iOS Guitar/Bass Multi-FX System which is equipped with a with a wireless foot switch.
The new iOS Guitar/Bass Multi-FX System has been announced ahead of NAMM the National Association of Music Merchants exhibition which starts tomorrow, where is will be showcased. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
The new AirTurn BT-105 with two ATFS-2 Pedals and Pedal board retails for around $119.95 or a 4 pedal AirTurn BT-105 with ATFS-2 pedals retails for $159. The JamUp XT application is available to download for free at the iTunes App Store.
“JamUp Pro XT users will be able to use AirTurn’s two or four pedal BT-105 Bluetooth controllers to switch between dozens of studio-grade amp and stomp box effects hands-free. Each AirTurn pedal can be customized within JamUp Pro XT to perform various functions, from toggling amps and effect switches, to moving between presets, controlling Jam Player’s iTunes song playback functions, triggering various sampler recording and dubbing options, and even controlling the built-in metronome or tapping out the tempo, wireless and hands-free.
The AirTurn BT-105 features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides power for up to 100 hours of continuous use and works with all models of the iPad, as well as with the iPhone 3GS and up and the iPod Touch. In addition to AirTurn’s two and four pedal boards which are outfitted with their own ATFS-2 silent pedals, the AirTurn BT-105 can be configured to work with a wide range of momentary normally open (NO) switches, such as the Boss FS-5U and the Boss FS-6 dual foot switch.”
Source: Gear Diary
Pioneer Platinum Edition CDJ-2000nexus Range Unveiled (video)
Pioneer has this week introduced a new flagship range of mixers and remix stations to its range in the form of the new CDJ-2000nexus Player, DJM-900nexus Mixer AND RMX-1000 Remix Station.
The new range will be released in limited editions with a limited run of 4,000 units for the CDJ-2000nexus, 2,000 units for the DJM-900nexus, and 2,000 units for the RMX-1000.
CDJ-2000nexus-M features include:
• Users can choose their media source from a USB storage device, SD memory card, CD- or DVD-ROM Disc, DJ software via MIDI/HID or even using music stored inside Wi-Fi®1/USB-connected smartphones and tablets
• rekordbox™ music management software for analysis, management, and playback of music files.
• Pioneer’s PRO DJ LINK2, which enables up to four digital CDJ players to be connected for sharing music files stored on a single USB device and/or SD card
• High efficiency Wolfson® Microelectronics digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for accurate sound reproduction, faithful to source material
• Slip and Quantize functions, which enable reliable performance without changing the flow of the original track. Using the My Settings feature, the function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®, USB storage device, or SD memory card. For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox app or software, allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
• Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI
• Active Loop function automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point
• Load Previous Track feature provides playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player
• Rating on the Go function allows users to rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting
• Auto Standby function switches power to standby mode when no operation or input is detected for a certain period of time
ION iDJ 2 Go Plus iOS DJ System With Lightning Connection Unveiled
ION has unveiled its new ION iDJ 2 Go Plus DJ system, that will be showcased at CES 2013 this week running from January 8th -11th. The new ION iDJ 2 Go Plus has been specifically designed to be used with Apple’s latest iOS devices and is equipped with an Apple Lightning connection.
The ION iDJ 2 Go Plus features two turntables, audio effect and crossfader, connects directly to your iOS devices requiring no batteries and provides a quick and easy way to rapidly search for tracks from your library.
The ION iDJ 2 Go Plus has also bee designed to work with ION’s iDJ 2 Go app, which is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.
“iDJ 2 Go Plus is the easiest way to become a DJ with your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. The system harnesses the processing power of your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch and enables you to DJ anywhere using the music from your iTunes library. iDJ 2 Go Plus works with Algoriddim’s award-winning djay app (sold separately). With unprecedented ease-of-use and innovative multi-touch mixing features, djay for takes DJing on your iOS device to the next level.”
Unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.
Source: ION
Music publishers caught faking billions of YouTube video views
It’s funny how music publishers are determined to stamp out piracy through lawsuits, pushing hard for new laws, and advertising campaigns to highlight how bad piracy is and then they get caught breaking the law themselves. When it comes to bolstering revenue from YouTube videos, they don’t mind breaking the rules and generating billions of fake views.
Google has caught three music publishers doing just that, and deleted billions of video views in response. The culprits are RCA, Sony/BMG, and Universal. They were all caught using online services in order to generate more views for specific videos to create more interest as the videos are seen as being popular and in turn get more exposure. The views also generate revenue for Google and the music publishers from the adverts positioned next to them.
RCA added 39 million fake views to its videos, Sony/BMG added 847.7 million, but Universal had well over a billion fake views removed from videos. Corporations are truly sickening sometimes.
Source Geek
AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix per iPad disponibile in App Store
Amplitube di IK Multimedia è uno dei software per chitarristi più conosciuti in ambito musicale, che simula i più famosi amplificatori con sonorità diverse ed effetti sia vintage che moderni. Arriva su iPad una versione lite del celebre programma focalizzata sulla strumentazione del genio chitarristico Jimi Hendrix. L’applicazione ci permette di suonare e registrare le nostre performance su brani presi dalla libreria iTunes o da presets sulla base della discografia di Jimi Hendrix. Per utilizzare l’applicazione è necessario acquistare l’accessorio iRig che permette il collegamento di una chitarra ad iPad.
Cubasis di Steinberg arriva anche su iPad per creare musica (video)
Il software di Steinberg è famoso in ambito professionale con la versione Cubase nato inizialmente su computer Atari per poi essere portato e storicamente utilizzato soprattutto in ambiente windows. Cubasis arriva su iPad e si differenzia dal fratello maggiore per essere una vera e propria versione lite pur mantenendo la maggior parte delle funzioni. Si tratta di un sequencer audio-midi in grado di registrare in sessioni multi-tracccia allo scopo di creare musica.
Cubasis su iPad segue in parte la filosofdia della controparte PC, offrendo un’interfaccia semplificata e intuitiva, migliorata per l’utilizzo touch. I progetti creati su iPad potranno comunque essere esportati in Cubase 7/6.5, Cubase Artist 7/6.5, Cubase LE AI Elements 6 o superiori.
Audio Pro LV1 Wireless Multiroom Audio System Launches
Audio Pro, the specialist loudspeaker company from Sweden, has this week announced the launch of a new to its Living wireless speaker range, in the form of the Audio Pro LV1.
The Audio Pro LV1 is a single stereo speaker which is equipped with wireless technology to transmit audio as a peer-to-peer system or as part of a larger Audio Pro Living home network.
The Audio Pro LV1 is fitted with 4 x 35W digital Class D amplifier and 2 x 1” soft dome tweeters and 2 x 3.5” woofer, with a frequency range of 50 – 22.000Hz and crossover frequency (digital) of 2000Hz (24dB/octave L/R).
“Living LV1 is a wireless speaker system with the only cable necessary being for power. With its built-in digital amplifier, wireless receiver, DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and digital filters, the LV1 delivers stereo sound from a single box using Audio Pro’s ‘Embracing Sound’ technology. A complete speaker system in one box, LV1 is ready to use in the Audio Pro unique network with full CD-quality. This means you can play FLAC or Apple Lossless files without any compression and you can add as many speakers as you like within range of the transmitter.”
The new Audio Pro LV1 speaker has sleek lines and is finished in leather providing a more luxurious feel to the touch. Its also the smallest speaker in the Living series and has a slim design form factor. measuring just 220 x 300 x 100 mm.
The Audio Pro LV1 wireless speaker is available to purchase in the UK in red, white or black leather finishes, priced at around £350,and is available with or without a TX100 transmitter.
Source: Audio Pro
Beats by Dre Pill portable Bluetooth speaker officially drops, we take one per the Dr. and go ears-on (video)
It’s official. Aside from letting loose its first set of headphones post-Monster for the Executive types, Beats Electronics has set its sights on nabbing the portable Bluetooth audio crown from Jawbone’s Jambox. You’ll recall this hitting the FCC a bit ago, but today the Dr. is officially ready to offer you it’s remedy for on-the-go wireless audio with its $200 Pill, an NFC-equipped portable Bluetooth 2.1 speaker. Coming in your choice red, black or white, the cylindrical system is loaded with a quartet of 1-inch drivers, and supports codecs including Apt-X and AAC. An internal battery is said to provide about seven hours of listening at around 75-percent volume (80 decibels), and the unit can be charged via its Micro-USB input. Notably, an auto-off feature turns the unit off after 30 minutes if no audio is streamed to it. As you’d expect, the Pill features a front-facing on-board mic for use as a speakerphone, physical volume buttons and power button, as well as a 3.5mm input if you’d like to play sans Bluetooth. We’re also pleased to notice that the diminutive system also features a 3.5 output if you’d like to send the audio out to another audio ware. The Pill comes with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a USB to Micro-USB cable for charging with an included wall adapter and, lastly, a carrying shell case that can be hooked to a bag.
We’ve been able to spend about an hour with the system, and we’ve frankly come away very impressed. The unit feels very sturdy, with a stiff metal grille and soft-touch coating around the rest of its exterior. It feels very comfortable to hold in a hand, and will easily fit in a jacket pocket. Actually, one of our only initial complaints is that the included carrying shell doesn’t leave any room for the included cables. All of the buttons have a soft, slightly clicky tactility, which also aids to its premium feel. Using it initially alongside one of Beats’ on-hand Jamboxes in a wired A/B comparison, the Jambox came out sounding like a distorted, rumbling mess up against the pill — we even had a rep bring out a second unit confirm that it wasn’t a dud. If that wasn’t enough, the Pill also managed to get much louder, staying fairly clean (in comparison), and without rumbling on the table as the Jambox did very slightly. As a triple-check measure, we later came up with a similar outcome with our in-house unit of Logitech’s $99 UE mobile boombox — a speaker we find comparable in sound, if slightly better, than the Jambox.
Microsoft Xbox Music Announced Video
Microsoft has officially unveiled their new Xbox Music service, which will be available in Windows devices, smartphones and tablets, and the service gives you access to 30 million songs.
Microsoft will offer free music streaming on Windows 8 computers and tablets, and it will launch tomorrow on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console and will also be available on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 at launch.
As well as the free versions of the service on Windows 8 there will also be a paid version of Xbox Music which will cost you $9.99 a month, this will be available on your PC, smartphone and Xbox 360.
Microsoft will also let you purchase albums and tracks from the Xbox Music service, and they will be launching a cloud storage service in the future that will give you access to all your music over the Internet.
You can find out more details about the new Xbox Music service over at Microsoft, and it will launch on the Xbox 360 tomorrow the 16th of October and Windows 8 on the 26th of October.
Source Microsoft
Denon PMA-2020AE e DCD-2020AE: amplificatore due canali e lettore SACD top di gamma
Denon rinnova la sua linea di componenti per l’audio hi-fi in 2 canali, lanciando i modelli rinnovati dell’amplificatore top di gamma e del lettore Super Audio CD. L’amplificatore PMA-2020AE ed il lettore DCD-2020AE si posizionano al vertice dell’offerta del marchio giapponese, coniugando, come da tradizione, un’eccellente qualità costruttiva ad una dotazione tecnica di rilievo.
Le linee che connotano le nuove elettroniche non sono state oggetto di rinnovamenti: le soluzioni adottate sono quelle che da qualche anno accompagnano i prodotti di Denon. Vediamo le specifiche tecniche in dettaglio, cominciando dall’amplificatore PMA-2020AE.
Microsoft announces updates for Windows 8 built-in apps, just in time for October 26th launch
All signs point toward the impending general availability of Windows 8, what with the upcoming OS launch event, the Surface RT finally hitting the FCC, and Paul Allen letting the world knows what he thinks of it. In light of this, the Redmond company has announced a final update push to the built-in apps you’ll find in Windows 8. The Bing update will be first out the gate tomorrow — it promises richer search results for local content — with the rest rolling out through October 26th. Also of note is Music, which touts “expanded music services” as an update (Xbox Music, anyone?). If you’re itching to know what built-in apps will be updated, you can get the full and extensive list after the break.
Pioneer DDJ-SX DJ Controller For Serato Software Announced
Pioneer has this week taken the wraps of a new addition to its range of DJ controllers with the unveiling of the Pioneer DDJ-SX DJ which has been specifically designed as an advanced performance DJ controller for the newly released Serato DJ Software.
The Pioneer DDJ-SX DJ uses the Serato software, and has been designed to provide DJs with a complete system incorporating a controller, four deck sampler function, dual deck control, slip mode, FX mode and more.
“Serato’s newest software lets DJs be more creative with their music, so we’ve built a dedicated controller that enables them to access the software’s features with a precision similar to that in our Pro DJ gear,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The DDJ-SX is the first controller in the industry that is designed to take full advantage of Serato DJ’s powerful new capabilities.”
For more information jump over to the on the new Pioneer DDJ-SX DJ jump over to the Pioneer forums, the controller will be arriving in stores during November and cost around $1200.
Source: Pioneer
SMS Audio outs an on-ear option for its Street by 50 headphones, ships October 7th for $180
If you’re a fan of emcee-endorsed headphones, you’re in luck. SMS Audio — the folks behind the SYNC by 50 line — has just announced another portable audio option that gets the recommendation of Mr. Jackson himself. The Street by 50 moniker now sports a wired, on-ear option to go alongside its current over-ear and in-hear offerings. These cans house 40mm pro-tuned drivers, folding hinges and memory foam cushioning while sporting Shadow Black and Ghost White color schemes. Anxious to snag some? Well, you can pre-order a set now, but they’ll start shipping on October 7th — if you’re willing to shell out the requisite $179.99, of course. As for us, we’re patiently waiting on the Keenan Cahill model.
Neil Young’s Pono music service wants to democratize high-quality audio (video)
Neil Young isn’t shy when it comes to embracing new technology, something he put beyond question with his latest appearance on The Late show with David Letterman. The artist took the opportunity to reveal plans for his high-fidelity Pono music service. The aim is to tackle the poor quality in which he believes most people receive their music these days — the humble MP3. Young’s offering would comprise a three-pronged approach, including a music store with high-resolution recordings, a digital-to-analog style conversion technology, and portable hardware to listen to it all with. The simple intention is to offer music as it was originally intended to be heard, but at this time there’s no detail as to what this actually entails (sorry specification fans).
According to Rolling Stone, the big three labels are interested, and the goal is to unify, rather than diversify, the quality of recorded content. The Pono players (that yellow wedge you see above) will serve up your existing catalog, but you’ll likely need to re-buy some of your collection if you want the holistic experience. With no cards fully on the table, we’re at the ransom of Young’s celebrity endorsements, which all claim that the benefits are tangible. Young, of course, says “You can’t get better than this, this is what they do in the studio,” but until we get some details, or ears on, everybody knows this is nowhere.
[Image credit:CBS]
JVC EX-N5: sistema audio compatto con DLNA e AirPlay
Da JVC è in arrivo un nuovo sistema audio compatto dotato di caratteristiche interessanti e connettività completa. Il EX-N5-si presenta come un classico mini hi-fi con dock per dispositivi iOS, ma nasconde qualità non comuni. Anzitutto è dotato di diffusori Wood Cone, ovvero con cono in legno: la scelta del legno, come materiale, si spiega con le proprietà acustiche di cui dispone, che vengono combinate alla struttura dei diffusori, al fine di ottenere un’acustica il più naturale possibile. La potenza erogata è pari a 50W x 2.
Il dock per dispositivi iOS è posto sulla parte superiore, nascosto da uno sportello: la compatibilità è assicurata per tutti i modelli di iPhone e iPod, ad esclusione dell’iPod Classic. Tramite USB si può connettere anche un iPad, mentre resta in forse la compatibilità dell’iPhone 5 tramite connettore dock, stante la presenza della versione a 30 pin, utilizzabile, quindi, solo tramite adattatore.
Le funzioni più interessanti riguardano la connettività: la presenza di una porta Ethernet e del client DLNA 1.5 permette lo streaming di file dalla rete locale, mentre la porta USB permette di collegare memorie contenenti direttamente i file da riprodurre. Il lettore ottico integrato supporta CD, CD-R/-RW (CD-DA, MP3, WMA). E’ inoltre presente anche il Wi-Fi integrato, che può sia svolgere le stesse funzioni della porta Ethernet, sia permettere di utilizzare AirPlay sui dispositivi Apple.
JVC EX-N5 sarà disponibile in Giappone da metà Ottobre, al prezzo di 80.000 Yen (circa 800€).
Kim Dotcom Megabox Music Service Teaser Video Released (video)
Even with all the problems Kim Dotcom is currently facing with his previous company Megaupload, he still has had time and finances to create and release a teaser video for his next big creation the Megabox Music Service.
Watch the video after the jump to learn a little more about the Megabox Music Service and see a glimpse of the new Megabox website under construction by developers.
Kim Dotcom is hoping to revolutionise the music industry and the way users listen to music with his Megabox Music Service, however full details of the service and what it exactly entails are still under wraps at the moment. However Dotcom has Tweeted a little about the new service saying that it will “allow artists to sell their creations direct to consumers, allowing artists to keep 90% of earnings,”.
Unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.
Source: TNW
iRig PRE: La nuova interfaccia per musicisti della IK Multimedia
L’iRig PRE è il nuovo accessorio per iDevices per tutti colori che lavorano nel campo musicale.
La IK Multimedia non ha certo bisogno di presentazioni. Molte volte abbiamo avuto la possibilità di segnalarvi i loro accessori: si tratta, infatti, di una azienda specializzata (sia in campo hardware che software) nella realizzazione e distribuzione di prodotti per musicisti.
Oggi vogliamo vi segnaliamo il loro nuovo prodotto: l’iRig PRE. Si tratta di un’interessante accessorio per chi fa musica, in particolare per i cantanti. Permette, infatti, il collegamento dei microfoni tradizionali al nostro iPad (o iPhone) e la successiva registrazione sul tablet tramite l’applicazione iRig Recorder. Grazie al suo interruttore avremo la possibilità di amplificare e fornire corrente al microfono.
Tutte le informazioni sull’iRig PRE sono disponibili sul sito ufficiale.
Sony Unveils New X Headphones Backed by Simon Cowell
Sony has pulled the wraps off the new set of headphones called the Sony X Headphones. Headphones are designed to take on the Beats line of headphones, and have similar style. The headphones are expected to ship later this month and will be promoted during the TV show The X Factor.
The headphones will sell for $299 and they are collaboration with Synco Entertainment. Synco Entertainment is a collaboration between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. The headphones feature a folding design come with a carry case.
The headphones also have a removable cord and the unit ships with two cables. When the cables a standard straight cable for listening to audio and the other has an integrated three-button remote control it works with Apple products such as the iPhone.
via CNet
Korg announces Krome Workstation
Available in 61, 73 and 88-key models, Korg’s new Krome Workstation boasts fancy Kronos-derived piano and drum sounds plus some brand new electric piano sounds, all of which Korg says are designed to work splendidly on stage.
There are the usual workstation features of drum backing tracks, a ton of effects, sequencing and dual polyphonic arpeggiators. Plus, there’s a rugged aluminum shell for gigging and a Krome editor for digging deep into the sounds when you hook the Krome up to your computer via USB.
Plenty to get excited about if you’re a keys player looking for a fresh new workhorse, then: we hear that prices are set to start at £899 for the 61-key version.
