Geekazine

?Stern Pinball released the Led Zeppelin Pinball machine in 3 versions this year at CES. From All My Love, to Your Time is Gonna Come – enjoy the music while you rack up the points.

This machine is based on the Zeppelin tour days from 1968-1980. Complete with photos, graphics of the tour, and some special

The pinball machine comes in 3 versions: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition. Each machine comes with their own custom design and backglass.

A full playlist of Zeppelin songs on each machine:

* Good Times Bad Times* Whole Lotta Love* The Song Remains the Same* Rock and Roll* Trampled Under Foot* Ramble On* Kashmir* Immigrant Song* Black Dog* Communication Breakdown

You can purchase these machines, or find a location to play. Table prices start at $6100, and accessories are available to deck out the machine. Get the Zeppelin Machine here

MOVO is refreshing their product line for 2021, which includes new microphones, and devices for your video recording.

MOVO VXR10-Pro

This is MOVO’s best selling microphone. It’s a simple mic on a shock-mount that can be set on many different phones or DSLR cameras. A supercardioid microphone with battery-free design, this shotgun microphone will capture a tighter area for optimal noise rejection.

The microphone includes the Rycote Lyre Shockmount, 3.5mm cables to TRS/TRRS, and two different windscreens for even more side-noise rejection.

The VXR10-PRO retails for $49.95

VXR10-Pro+

This is a full camera mount rig for a smartphone. You can then mount your mic, light, and more to a stand that can be carried like a selfie-stick, or placed on a table for a hands-free recording.

The VXR-Pro+ will be out shortly for $129.95

MOVO UM700

A desktop USB microphone, this device is perfect for the livestream, podcast, or Youtuber. The UM700 is a versatile microphone, with different polar patterns for what you need to use for recording.

You can capture audio up to 48kHz/16-bit. The built-in headphone jack allows you to hear and adjust your sound from the source.

Polar patterns include: Cardioid, Stereo, Omni-directional, and bi-directional. A solo creator needs a more directional microphone, then you can switch to Stereo for a binaural approach. Switch to omni if you’re interviewing others.

The UM700 MSRP is $99.95

MOVO VSM 7

Connecting a microphone to a mixer, the VSM7 is a large diaphragm microphone. Complete with shock mount and pop-filter, if you are doing higher-end audio, this microphone gives a lot of functionality.

On-mic is adjustable polar patterns: giving you cardioid, directional, and bi-directional options. The microphone can also control the low-cut and will boost +1...

Albicchiere is a smart wine dispenser that allows you to keep wine on tap for up to 6 months from when you open the bag. The dispenser keeps the wine at the ideal temperature for when you need it.

Wine in a Bag?

Interesting enough, having a sealed bag system preserves the wine better than a bottle. With the Albi Home M, the wine stays in a temperature controlled environment, with no light and no air coming in.

An open bottle will have a shelf life of 1 week. A poured wine bag lasts longer, but still will oxidize the wine, since air gets into the bag. Albi-wine has a vacuum system that will pull air out of the bag when a glass is poured.

Smart Wine Carafe

The Abli Home M, and Albi Home M+ is a carafe-style device that connects your home IoT. The device will let you know what you have in the carafe, the temperature of the wine, and how much is left.

The device can be controlled at the base, or via smartphone app. This allows you to understand the wines available, temperatures they should be served at, and more. The app also has parental controls so children cannot use it, or you want to limit your consumption to specific hours (although I’m not sure why…)

Albi for Business

The carafe also is perfect for a business that wants to put out during happy hours, catered events, and more.

Price and Availability

Albi Home M is 349 Euro, or $420 USD. The company finished their crowdfund, and will be available for sale, soon. For more information, visit Albicchiere.com

Yamaha showed off a new digital saxophone in the YDS-150. This is a hybrid instrument to bring ease of playing, and versatility to different woodwind users. A series of haptics, and the brass bell allow for a more real-feel playing.

Features of the YDS-150

This horn is a hybrid, with a brass bell. The idea is that bell will add vibration so when you press the lower pads, it creates a natural haptic feel.

There are two pieces – mouthpiece with assembly (plastic reed), and the main unit. This is so you can replace the mouthpiece when it wears. Otherwise, the YDS-150 has a standard keyboard layout for Saxophone, along with a pitch-bend, and joystick in the back to add more sound.

The breath pressure sensor will identify what you send to the unit.

The horn runs on four “AAA” batteries, or plugged in through the micro-USB cable. You will get a few hours of play on battery connection.

Two connections to the YDS-150: Aux in, and mini stereo headphones. The only way to connect the device to a mixing console or amp is through the headphone jack. Since the unit itself doesn’t make sound, it would have been nice to have 2 headphone jacks on it so you can hear the tone, and send to a mixer.

App for Adjustments

In the Yamaha app, you can adjust the keys for a better response for sounds from the instrument. So if you have a favorite saxophone, you can try to get the same audio response with a little work.

The app can connect via Bluetooth, so you can don’t need a cable attached to make adjustments.

Samples on board

The YDS-150 comes with 70 on-board sounds – 50 which are Saxophone sounds, 20 synth sounds. 20 presets for defining custom sounds to what you love.

You can also add 5 different types of effects, from reverb, to delay, echo, and more.

Playing Silent or Loud

From what I’ve heard from the samples, the horn only makes only the pad sounds when playing with headphones. There is a built-in-speaker, and a 3.5 mm jack.

Price

The YDS-150 retails at $1,078 at the time of this post. You can get the Yamaha YDS-150 now at these vendors

Phones and tablet keyboards still use the design of the standard typewriter. Typewise has re-designed the on-screen layout so you can use your smartphone – smarter. And you can use this keyboard without your movements talking back to a server.

How Typewise Works

Simply install in your keyboard layouts on iOS or Android devices. It will allow you to use this keyboard for typing.

The keyboard layout can be customized to what works for you.

Hexagon or Traditional Layout

Typewise uses a “hive” style keyboard. The keys are hexagons, instead of the square tiles like in a keyboard. You can choose to use “QWERTY” style, or rearrange the keys to your liking.

Swipe or Type

I know many love the two-thumb method. I prefer swipe text. I can choose my method easily with this keyboard.

Corrections

The keyboard does have autocorrect and replace options. When you type, a list of choices are given under the text area.

Offline Mode

With other keyboards, it will talk back to a server so the keyboard can learn, find out location information, and more. Typewise has a full offline mode, so what you type is private.

Price of Typewise

The app is free, with in-app purchase options. Premium features include multiple languages, personalized word suggestions, feedback, and more.

For more info, check out Typewise.app

I talked with Hear Technologies about their newest product – the Switch Back M8RX at NAMM 2021. This is a Dante Audio Interface that is both a 2 channel pre-amp, and headphone monitoring system. Perfect for the musician that wants to mix their sound on-stage, or in studio.

What is the M8RX?

This is a Dante device does two things:

* The 2 channel input allows a musician/public speaker to plug directly in at the box, which will then send their audio to a Dante enabled mixer or computer. Both inputs are Dual XLR/TRS inputs for instrument or microphone needs, and deliver 48V power. * This is also a multi-channel headphone monitoring system, with ability to get auxiliary channels back, while also bringing up the two input channels. This is perfect for people who need to hear themselves over other members.

More on the M8RX

You can control up to 8 channels of audio, which include 4 from Dante, and 4 from the unit itself. Along with the 2 XLR/TRS inputs is a Auxiliary input (for other sounds, click track, or whatever the person needs). Each input from the M8RX will become a Dante source, and can be used by anyone also on Dante.

The unit is powered by a Cat 5e or better PoE cable for less cord clutter. This will give a zero-latency audio signal to and from the station.

The top of the unit will have a selectable LED color indicator for easy identification. Each unit also will have dual color-signal and peak indicators to identify clipping.

Stand or Belt Pack

This device does allow for wearing on a belt pack, but it will be wired via PoE cable (no Wireless unit available at this time). This unit also can connect to a mic stand, chair back, or other stand close to the artist using the 1/4″ 20 thread tripod mount.

Price

The M8RX retails around $589.00 and can be found here. Find out more at Hear Technologies

At CES 2021, Otterbox unveiled a new gaming accessories division to help bridge the gap between console and mobile gaming. New accessories that will work with your XBox controller, and give you comfort, control, and ease of use.

Otterbox Mobile Gaming Clip

This is a mount for your smartphone, and your XBox controller. Mount your phone right atop the unit, so you can have the device at your fingertips.

The unit folds flat when you need to store it.

Easy Grip Controller Shell

This is a grip shell for the XBox controller. You can not only hold the device better, you’ll be able to customize your controller to your desire.

Gaming Carry Case

This case is more than just something to hold the controller and clips. The case has a stand mount on top, so you can place your phone on a desktop, bed, or other surface and use the controller freely. On the back is a pass-through for charging your XBox controller.

Gaming Privacy Guard

This scratch resistant screen protector allows you to game without visual hacking in the horizontal position. Flip it vertical, and everyone can watch the highlights from what you just recorded.

The OtterBox mobile gaming products will be available for pre-order starting Jan. 25 on Otterbox.com, the Microsoft Store, GameStop.com and Verizon.com.

Remote production and At-Home production have been issues creators have been scrambling to do. Wavemaker Creative created a solution for quality video with Crew in a Box. This box allows to be set up at a home, have the person interview for TV, movies, and more, then send the unit back.

What is Crew in a Box?

This box includes a high-end camera (with Blackmagic Design Cinema 6K or [soon coming] Red cameras), teleprompter monitor to read scripts or look at other hosts, side monitor for presentations, microphone, and lighting system.

The key to this box is the setup. Very little steps are involved – and once connected to their bonded cellular, a producer can take control. All the user has to do is set up lights, microphone, and something to listen with.

White Glove Service

Crew in a Box also has a white-glove service so the interviewee doesn’t have to set up or tear down the unit. Wavemaker Creative will find a professional in the area that will also practice sanitary guidelines to keep the unit clean when getting the box ready.

Rent or Purchase

The device is for sale, but you can certainly rent the unit for the day. Crew in a Box can be shipped anywhere. At the time of this recording, they were doing a shoot in France.

The enclosed box will cost a production company $55,000 (for the Blackmagic Cinema 6K, no price on Red Cinema camera unit yet). Someone can also rent out a unit starting around $5,000. Prices differ depending on days needed, if a white glove service is needed, and more.

More information can be found at CrewinaBox.com

Setting up your at home studio has gotten better for 2021, as TASCAM released a new line of personal recorders in their US-HR series. These are recorders for music, podcasting, voice-overs, and even those daily Zoom conference calls. Best part – you can use them on your computer, or iOS device.

About the US-1x2HR, US-2x2HR, and US4x4HR

All three devices include 24 bit/192kHz audio performance, Ultra HDDA mic preamps, and +48V phantom power. They connect up to a variety of programs on Windows, Mac, iOS, or iPadOS with a USB-C or USB-A connection.

All units will allow for microphone or instrument connection. Headphone, MIDI, and balanced line out available on all 3 units. The US-4x4HD unit has 2 headphones and 4 lines out, allowing you to collaborate with someone else.

Units include a software bundle including Steinberg Cubase LE 3, IK Multimedia SampleTank 4, and a 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune unlimited.

Prices

All three units are available now:

* US-1x2HR at $99 (Get Here)* US-2x2HR at $150(Get Here)* US-4x4HR at $219 (Get Here)

V-MODA announced the new M-200 ANC headphones, their first ever Bluetooth, active noise cancelling headphones with hybrid noise cancellation. I talked with V-MODA at CES 2021 to find out more.

V-MODA M-200 ANC Specs

The headphones are 40mm drivers with Neodymium magnets (copper clad aluminum coils). Frequency response is 10-40,000Hz, and Hi-Res audio certified (in wired mode).

The headband is adjustable with a steel core, and a leather exterior. Earpads are 3D memory foam that molds to the ear for superior noise cancellation.

Active Noise Cancellation

This headset can run wired, but in wireless mode, connects via Bluetooth 5.0. You can connect directly up to your device, or use the V-MODA app to adjust quality of sound, and noise cancellation.

There are 10 different noise-cancellation options within the app will help with how much you want to hear of the outside worlds while listening to music. This will help the user customize their own sound for when they need it.

The headset battery will charge via USB-C, and a full charge will give you 20 hours of listening time.

V-MODA M-200 ANC is available now for $499.99. Get M-200 ANC here.