B&W goes iPod with a new Zeppelin, its a speaker!

B&W released what is probably the best iPod speaker to date

Here are the speakers your iPod® has been waiting for. Zeppelin is an integrated iPod speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the speakers that much of the music on your iPod will have been monitored on. B&W creates technologies and systems that world-leading studios depend on and that find their way into even its most affordable speakers. Zeppelin will fill a room with crisp, deep, lifelike stereo sound, and deliver musical detail that you won’t believe your iPod could deliver. That’s because the two have so much in common: blissfully simple design and world-leading technologies that let you get the most out of your music.

Its a sleeker speaker

Take a look at your iPod – whether it’s an iPod Nano, 5G or one of the other MP3 player the Zeppelin supports. High quality digital copies of thousands of tracks, each one sitting there, waiting to be heard in all its glory. Zeppelin sets them all free. A full stereo system in one unit, it releases all of the detail and atmosphere that standard iPod docking stations miss. Compact enough to tuck under your arm, it can set you free, too.

Zeppelin allows you to have real hi-fi stereo sound wherever you need it: upstairs, downstairs or perhaps in a den, bedroom, kitchen, office or second home. Or you might just need a simpler, smaller and more stylish replacement for your traditional audio system.

Zeppelin rocks, wherever you are, yet is simple to set up and use. Plug it in, place your iPod on the docking port and hit the play button. You can vary the volume on Zeppelin itself, on its remote control or on the iPod. And connections at the back let you play other sources through Zeppelin or channel images from your iPod to a TV.

Good news to people with LPs, Numark TTi Turntable Records Directly to iPod

Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of products for the DJ market, announces the TTi turntable. This new turntable includes a Universal Dock for iPod, USB audio interface, a metal platter and pitch control, making it one of the most versatile turntables ever produced.

Legendary Numark turntable performance, USB connectivity and the convenience of the iPod are fused together for the first time in the Numark TTi so users can easily transfer old vinyl collections to an iPod. The included software bundle archives records directly to the user’s iTunes Library for transfer to CD or any MP3 player. The software also reduces noisy pops and clicks inherent on some old vinyl recordings.

Owners of iPod (Classic or 5th generation) and iPod nano (2nd or 3rd generation) can record from vinyl directly to an iPod without a computer. People with other iPod models can transfer captured vinyl recordings to their iPod by using iTunes to transfer the tracks after recording.

TTi’s integrated Line-level output allows quick, easy connection and instant playback from an iPod or vinyl record. Included ±10 percent pitch control enables adjustment of playback speed. 33 and 45 RPM playback speeds are supported, and 78 RPM recording is possible using the included software. Line-level outputs also enable easy connection to home AV Receivers, without the need for a Phono input on the receiver, making TTi a great match for home stereo setups or a home office.

The TTi includes EZ Vinyl Converter 2 (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac), the simplest way to record and convert vinyl directly to iTunes. This amazing new software features Gracenote® MusicID technology, which analyzes your vinyl recordings and automatically retrieves album, artist and song information from the Internet. EZ Audio Converter also enables easy entering of track information.
EZ Vinyl Converter 2 and EZ Audio Converter software help anyone digitally archive their record collection with just a few mouse clicks.

Numark’s TTi turntable will be available Q2 - 2008 from most musical instrument retailers with an MSRP of $449.

New In-ceiling speakers from Klipsch, you will like them

The all-new IC-400-T packs proven materials and wide dispersion horn technology into an installer-friendly, UL-certified value-priced loudspeaker with an integrated back can and multi-tap transformer. IC-T Series speakers have been included in a number of major installations nationally, from Bloomingdale’s in New York City to the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Orlando.

The two-way IC-400-T features a 5-inch woofer, and 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver on a 2-inch round Tractrix® Horn for smooth response with constant directivity. A 1-inch Tractrix port design helps to provide deeper, fuller bass with less compression and distortion. A new, more compact design simplifies low ceiling mounting.

For distributed line applications, the IC-400-T features a 70/100 volt multi-tap transformer. A single rotary switch for the 8-ohm bypass and multi-tap setting is conveniently located under the speaker grille. The IC-400-T is shipped complete with a tile bridge for installation in a suspended ceiling or wherever additional reinforcement of the ceiling material is required.

Other new speakers from Klipsch includes : IC-525-T, IC-650-T, IC-SW-8T2

For the DJ in you, Pioneer launches 2 new “Must Have” products

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in Pro DJ products and the innovator of the CD turntable, today unveiled the latest addition to its family of DJ compact disc players, the MEP-7000, Professional Multi-Entertainment Player and the SEP-C1, Professional Software Entertainment Controller. Pioneer’s DJ CD players have established a worldwide reputation for their superior performance for both professional and amateur DJs, continuing to strengthen their status as an industry standard.

“Both the MEP-7000 and SEP-C1 correspond to the trend of laptops being utilized by professional DJs,” said Matt Dever, vice president for Pioneer’s Professional Sound and Visual Division. “Recent developments have changed the way mobile and club DJs catalog and play their music. No longer are they carrying crates of vinyl or even books of CDs full of music. Laptops, USB flash media and hard drives are fast becoming the commonplace in the DJ rig.”

The MEP-7000 is a compact, easy-to-transport Professional Multi-Entertainment Player inheriting the basic functions and operability of the popular Pioneer CDJ- series turntables. In addition to playback of conventional music from CD/CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs, the MEP-7000 enable users to play MP3/AAC files stored on various memory media formats. The dual-player is extremely convenient for DJs performing in an environment where space dedicated for the jock is limited and flexible media playback is a must, such as a café or bar where various parties or events are held. The system also enables DJs to easily create and set up pre-programmed play lists for “gigs” at such times as a dinner hour set or a break.

The SEP-C1 Professional Software Entertainment Controller is a dual MP3 music controller which allows the user to manage and control playback of audio files stored on a PC. It emulates the full-scale DJ performance of the CDJ series operability without the need of a mouse or keyboard.

MEP-7000 Professional Multi-Entertainment Player features:

• Flexible Audio Format Playback - As well as playback of traditional audio compact discs, the MEP-7000 supports MP3*1/AAC/WAV*2/AIFF*2 stored in a USB memory devices, hard disc drive (HDD) and CD-R/RW and DVD±R/RW allowing for easy playback of existing music libraries and new digital downloads.
• 4.3-Inch Color LCD & Intelligent Graphical User Interface - In addition to the high-resolution 4.3-inch color LCD panel, an intelligent graphic user interface and rotary selector enables rapid track search through large collections of digital audio files. A play list function also speeds the track selection process for recalling frequently played songs.
• Control Functions for Pioneer’s DJ software (DJS3) and Other PC Applications - The MEP-7000 includes Pioneer’s DJS all-in-one DJ software application for playback from a Windows based computer (PC not included). When the system is connected to the DJS, no mouse or keyboard is required for navigation and DJ performance. The MEP-7000 also supports control of other software, such as SERATO Scratch LIVE*4, without the need of the control discs. It can also act as a full MIDI controller for any MIDI-compatible PC application.
• Scratch Jog Effect and Digital Jog Break enhance DJ performance - In addition to traditional scratching, the MEP-7000 also features two patterns of Scratch Jog Effects – BUBBLE5 and TRANS5. Three patterns of Digital Jog Break effects freely control the audio effects according to the rotation of the jog dial – JET*6 / ROLL*6 / WAH*6 broadening the scope of any DJ performance.
• Auto Mix Function - An auto mix function automatically mixes playback of the tracks registered on the play list in four modes such as ECHO or ZIP. Audio is seamlessly beat matched and mixed on the fly.
• Industry’s First*7 Area-Color Organic Electroluminescence (OEL) Display - Two high-visibility Area-Color OEL displays provide outstanding visibility for the pitch, playback time and position information. Together with its main 4.3-inch color LCD, the OEL display ensures smooth DJ play regardless of lighting conditions.

Other Functions:

• Karaoke Mode: Full support for CD+G playback for karaoke performance.
• Library Function: Allows selection of tracks from various categories like genre, artist, etc.
• Tempo Control Range: The user can choose among four pitch ranges available for the tempo slider: ±6?, ±10?, ±16?, and WIDE.*8
• Pitch Bend Button: Enables fine adjustment of the track speed by simply pressing a button.
• Seamless Loop: Repeats looped audio without interruption. A loop can be set from as small as one frame up to an entire CD’s length.
• Hot Loop: Restarts the loop seamlessly from its entry without interruption of the music.
• Memory Cue/Loop: Allows the user to store any CUE/LOOP point to the player’s internal memory.
• Auto BPM Counter: Measures and digitally displays a track’s tempo.
• Digital Output Terminal: A digital audio output is available for the highest quality connection.
• Monitor Out Terminal: Provides a composite video output for karaoke display or larger view of the main display.
• Keyboard Support: Users can select tracks rapidly by using an external USB keyboard (sold separately).
• Legato Link Conversion: Reproduces richer and more natural sound by up-sampling the audio information lost in CD format.
• Vibration Proof Construction: Shock-proof memory plus the same floating mechanism used in Pioneer’s mobile entertainment audio components to prevent skipping and resist vibration.
• Rack-Mount Ready: Ready for rack-mount which is useful for mobile/club/studio installations.

SEP-C1 Professional Software Entertainment Controller features:

• Control Pioneer’s DJ software (DJS*3) and Other PC Applications - The SEP-C1 includes Pioneer’s DJS all-in-one DJ software application for playback from a Windows based computer (PC not included). When connected to DJS, no mouse or keyboard is required for navigation and DJ performance. Furthermore, the SEP-C1 supports control of other software, such as SERATO Scratch LIVE*4, without need of the control discs. The SEP-C1 is also a full MIDI controller for any MIDI-compatible PC application.
• 4.3-Inch Color LCD & Intelligent Graphical User Interface - In addition to the high-visibility 4.3-inch color LCD panel, an intelligent graphic user interface and rotary selector enables rapid track search through large collections of digital audio. A play list function also speeds the track selection process for recalling frequently played songs.
• Auto Mix Function - An Auto Mix function automatically mixes playback of the tracks registered on the play list in four modes such as ECHO or ZIP. Audio is seamlessly beat matched and mixed on the fly.
• Industry’s first*7 Area-Color Organic Electroluminescence (OEL) - Two high-visibility Area-Color OEL displays give the SEP-C1 outstanding visibility for the pitch, playback time and position information. Together with its main 4.3-inch color LCD, the OEL display ensures smooth DJ play regardless of lighting conditions.
• DJS Effects Enhance DJ Performance - Eight effects within Pioneer DJS (Delay, Echo, Auto Pan, Auto Trance, Auto Filter, Flanger, Reverb and Pitch Shifter) add versatility to mixing performances. The effects can be synchronized with the music tempo (BPM) at the click of a button.

Other Functions

• Tempo Control Range: Choose among four pitch ranges available for the tempo slider: ±6?, ±10?, ±16?, and WIDE8
• Pitch Bend Button: Enables fine adjustment of the track speed by simply pressing a button.
• Seamless Loop: Repeats looped audio without interruption. A loop can be set from as small as one frame up to an entire CD’s length.
• Hot Loop: Restarts the loop seamlessly from its entry without interruption of the music.
• Auto BPM Counter: Measures and digitally displays a track’s tempo.
• Rack-Mount Ready: Ready for rack-mount which is useful for club/studio installations.

The MEP-7000 and SEP-C1 will be available in June with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $2,299 and $1,199, respectively.

Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ equipment through its Professional Sound and Visual Division. Its DJM, CDJ and DVJ Professional DJ equipment is known for its high quality sound and reliability and is considered the industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world.

XtremeMac launches Luna X2 - iPod Alarm

Luna X2 is more than just an alarm clock. It’s a high-performance room audio system designed to provide you with the perfect sleeping and waking environments.

Use the on screen menu system to customize the settings to your preference. You can set each of the independent alarms to wake to iPod, radio or buzzer, and customize volume, ramping and display brightness. Snooze and Sleep functions may also be modified with time, volume and ramping all individually adjustable. Keep it simple or customize it all — with Luna X2, the choice is yours.

The original Luna won iLounge’s prestigious best alarm clock of the year award for 2007. Luna X2 is built on the same solid acoustic foundation to make it the most robust speaker system in its class. Two full-range precision speakers with a hi-dynamic power amplifier make it fully functional as a stand-alone audio system powerful enough for a room or studio apartment.

In addition to full iPod compatibility and excellent audio performance, Luna X2 includes an AM/FM radio with 8 programmable presets, and an auxiliary line-in jack for use with an iPod shuffle or other devices. The included remote let’s you control it all from up to fifty feet away.

All of these features are packed inside an elegantly designed unit that is sure to complement any décor.

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