Products

Buzz

Icarus Lives!

Peavey Electronics released its invective MH amplifier packs, the company’s second collaboration with Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor. They are designed to offer excellent tones in a portable and proven 20-watt MH head format. At the heart of the invective MH amplifier is a pair of EL84 power tubes shaped by three 12AX7/ ECC83 preamp tubes, providing everything from pristine cleans to infinitely chunky gated d’jent destruction. The onboard T.S.I. (Tube Status Indication) circuit helps the user diagnose a problem with the power tubes. The bias adjustment pot is located on the top of the small, rugged chassis. Additionally, foot switches allow the invective MH to engage or disengage the tight voicing and any combination of gate and boost on the lead channel, respectively. There’s also an independently foot-switchable buffered effects loop.

peavey.com

Utility Player

Gator Frameworks released its line of utility carts. The series includes two models: a standard model with non-pneumatic wheels and an All-Terrain model with rugged rear tires meant for travel over rough gravel, dirt, grass and uneven ground. The utility carts haul gear safely without the hassle, hold up to 500 pounds and are constructed of a rugged, welded steel frame, stated the company. Both carts feature no-flutter, locking swivel casters and are specially designed to counteract cart wobble and prevent any unwanted noise. Engage the locking casters when on an incline to prevent cargo from rolling away during loading and unloading. The carts easily adapt to a variety of needs with eight different configurations: Compact DualHandle, Extended Dual-Handle, Compact Single-Handle, Extended Single-Handle, Compact Collapsed, Extended Collapsed, Compact Upright and Extended Upright.

gatorcases.com

Snare This Drum

Gretsch Drums introduced the Keith Carlock Signature Snare Drum (GA5514-KC). One key requirement that Carlock had for the drum was a wide range of sound applications to meet the varied demands of studio work, stated the company. Carlock has also always been an admirer of brass-shell snare drums, especially those that have a more visually aged or fatigued look to them. The drum’s foundation is a 5.5-inch by 14-inch, two-millimeter Vintage Patina brass shell. To capture an “antique” look throughout the shell, a specialized aging compound was developed at the Gretsch factory in Ridgeland, S.C. The company then added Carlock’s preferred choice of the 20-strand snare wire to achieve the increased dynamics and pitch range he desired. Plus, Carlock opted for a standard Permatone drumhead rather than the Permatone Control Sound to give his signature snare a more open sound. Additional features include 45-degree bearing edges, four-millimeter die-cast hoops and Gretsch’s Lightning Throw-Off. Each snare specifies the year of production and is signed by Carlock himself.

gretschdrums.com

Pedal to the Metal

Electro-Harmonix introduced its professional pedalboard power solution, the MOP-D10, a transformer-based, high-current, linearly regulated pedal power supply. It is equipped with 10 isolated 9VDC outputs: 4x100mA, 2x250mA, 2x300mA and 2x400mA. The MOPD10 relies on a custom-wound toroidal transformer to deliver clean power conversion and isolation, thereby providing a premium transformer-based analog power path with low-noise linear regulators. Its transformer-based power conversion means it is much less susceptible to spurious noises leaking into the audio path, which can occur with devices where switching-power conversion is used. An AC Voltage Selector Switch also enables the MOP-D10 to be used with a range of voltages commonly found around the world. Each of the MOP-D10’s outputs provides excellent noise filtering through linear power regulation, stated the company. All outputs are center-negative and are isolated from each other for noise-free operation. The dimensions of each output connector are 5.5mm x 2.1mm. The MOP-D10 Isolated Multi-Output Power Supply is supplied with a six-foot detachable power cord and 10 24-inch-long DC power cables equipped with one straight and one right-angle end. It includes hardware for pedalboard mounting.

ehx.com

A True Benchmark

VocoPro announced what it states is the world’s first touringgrade true diversity wireless mic system requiring no installation. Perfect for houses of worship and touring, VocoPro’s Benchmark system comes in both dual and quad configurations. It includes an antenna distribution system and directional antenna providing 600 feet of range (line of sight). The system comes pre-connected and pre-installed into a flight case with touring-ready rugged metal housing, includes antenna floor stands and XLR cables, and there is no installation and connection required for a plug-and-play experience. A scan feature with graphic display shows the status of RF traffic when in range, and it offers wireless sync via infrared between receiver and transmitter.

vocopro.com

Buzz

The Rotary Club

Bourns Inc. introduced the Absolute Rotary Encoder. Featuring an IP64 shaft seal rating that delivers an enhanced IP (Ingress Protection) level and a superior rotational feel, the Bourns Model PAC18R Series is designed to provide high-quality performance for use in an expanded range of applications where a sealed menu-select absolute encoder is required. These applications include professional audio and lighting applications, low/medium risk medical and diagnostic equipment, and industrial automation controls. This low-profile absolute encoder family has a 30,000 rotational cycle rating and an extended -35 C to +70 C operating temperature range. It also offers other advantages, such as high contact and insulation-resistance values from the device’s insulated plastic shaft and bushing, as well as a haptic detent feedback option, stated the company. The Bourns Model PAC18R Series is RoHS compliant.

bourns.com

Roast the Competition

Players who seek vintage appeal with modern playability and tone should look no further than the new MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple Vintage models from Dean Guitars. The MD24 is now available with a roasted maple neck and fingerboard for improved stability and bright tones, and comes in two new color finishes: Vintage Blue and Vintage Orange. Equipped with a Floyd 1000 Series tremolo system and direct-mount Seymour Duncan TB5/ APH-1 sandblasted Zebra pickups, these basswood electric guitars are performance ready to be taken to the next level, stated the company. Like other series extensions in Dean’s collection of high-quality electric guitars, the fundamentals of the MD24 Select style carry over to the new MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple Vintage models. These latest additions feature a solid basswood body with a flat top, a contoured arm cut and a roasted maple neck. This tonewood combination provides a blend of bottom end, sweet mids and articulate highs.

deanguitars.com

for Violin | by Thomastik-Infeld

Buzz

Going Mobile

The AW-TECH MOBILE wireless microphone system is designed for video cameras, education and computer audio with IEM and mono capabilities. The transmitter and receiver provides 50 selectable channels along with a long operating distance of up to 100 feet, enabling end users to use the system in a myriad of applications. The transmitter’s dual-selection input accommodates both microphone and line-level sources, while both the transmitter and receiver feature an easy-to-read LCD screen, auto ID matching, and eight-hour battery life to ensure trouble-free setup and operation, stated the company. The AW-TECH MOBILE System includes transmitter, receiver, camera cold-shoe mount, lavalier with windscreen, belt clip, nylon case and two cables.

airwavetechnologies.com

Keyboard to Success

QRS Music Technologies Inc. returned to the digital piano market with the PNOdesk. This contemporary desk incorporates a fully weighted digital keyboard and QRS’s patent-pending QRSConnector technology. The convenience, appeal and functionality of a desk, with the added space savings of a built-in keyboard, are key benefits of the product, noted QRS. Learning to play, practicing in silence, online remote lessons and composing are easy with the PNOdesk, added the company.

qrsmusic.com

See the Light

Hal Leonard released “Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo,” a songbook authorized by the Scruggs estate that follows the same notation format of Scruggs’ renowned method book. It features 84 carefully selected and accurately transcribed songs spanning his entire recording career, many of which have never previously appeared in print. In addition to Scruggs’ standards, it includes tablature for many songs not available on any of the Flatt & Scruggs commercial recordings, but that are often performed live. The collection contains tabs for Earl’s banjo breaks, intros and tags, plus complete banjo instrumental transcriptions. It also includes recording references and tuning and capo info for each piece. Songs include: “Bugle Call Rag,” “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (Will the Circle Be Unbroken),” “Duelin’ Banjos,” “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” “I Saw the Light,” “I’m Goin’ Back to Old Kentucky,” “Lonesome Road Blues,” “My Little Girl in Tennessee,” “Nine Pound Hammer,” “Petticoat Junction,” and “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms.”

halleonard.com

A Dominant Force

Thomastik-Infeld debuted the DOMINANT PRO (DP100) set of strings. The product is ideally suited for chamber musicians, soloists and orchestra musicians alike. The string set is available in medium tension and is also a superb match when combined with DOMINANT medium violin strings, stated the company. The set sounds darker and more focused, and responds more directly than its predecessor. Despite the direct response, the strings give the musicians the possibility to create a broad range of sound colors. The string tensions have been increased by an incremental amount in order to adapt the resistance to bow pressure to suit the extended playing requirements without overburdening the instrument. When required, it asserts itself very well against the sound of an entire orchestra, meaning that in comparison to its predecessor, the projection in a hall has also been reinforced, among other things, noted the company. Nonetheless, with corresponding dynamics and a capacity for modulation, it also offers optimum possibilities when used in chamber music.

dominantpro.com

It’s My Life

Rebeats announced the forthcoming release of “My Life in Percussion: Five Decades in the Music Products Industry,” the memoir of Karl Dustman’s 55 years in MI. This book offers a rare look into the career path of a recognized industry veteran, covering decades of work in the music products industry as a marketing, sales and distribution leader for percussion brands like Ludwig, Gretsch, HSS, Pearl, Sonor and Korg USA. Nine chapters cover a time span from Dustman’s musical start in a late 1950s school-band program through the present. More than 300 pages provide intimate details of the people, products and perspectives from Dustman’s experience working for some of the most famous companies and brands in the business. It includes Dustman’s diverse experience with many musical instruments in the retail, wholesale, distribution and manufacturing segments of the industry. The book features hundreds of photographs, illustrations of product literature, campaigns, educational programs, elaborate trade show exhibits and memorable artist relations stories. This is a unique chance to experience what it was like working within the largest drum companies in the world, real-time career survival through multiple company buy-outs and dodging the revolving-door climate of companies going through ownership changes. Insights on the development of Dustman’s own marketing-communications company with recognized clients like Washburn, Baldwin, Clevelander and The Chicago Music Mart at DePaul Center, as well as Dustman’s leadership of the Percussion Marketing Council for the past 19 years, are also included.

rebeats.com

Oh So Sweet

In response to customer demand, the Avedis Zildjian Co. announced its K Sweet series cymbals are now available in a new cymbal pack, offering 15-inch hi-hats, 17-inch and 19-inch crashes, and a 21inch ride. Pushing the Zildjian K sound in a new, sweet and responsive direction, these cymbals are great for all types of music, stated the company. This full setup includes K Sweet models, including oversized 15-inch hi-hats, with a thin top and an extra-heavy bottom offering an excellent wash without sacrificing a satisfying and solid “chick,” noted Zildjian. The 17-inch and 19-inch crashes are extra thin in weight for a fast response with unlathed bells that create nicely balanced high frequencies. The medium-thin-weight 21-inch ride is thin enough to be crashable, but is designed to have great stick definition and a clear bell tone.

zildjian.com

Buzz

Getting Warmer

Warm Audio announced the release of the WA-MBA, a new broadcast boom arm. Featuring a robust design with three easy-to-grab tightening hinges, a hidden internal channel for cable management and multiple threading options, the new arm is the final piece in the puzzle for broadcasters, YouTubers and streamers looking for a clean look and the best possible sound quality for their production setup, stated the company.

warmaudio.com

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The NY Meyer

Flexibility. Easy to Blow. Outstanding Consistency.

This free-blowing alto sax model has superb control and note separation at any tempo or volume level. Offers great intonation and even response, too. It’s ideal for students and pros alike.

jjbabbitt.com

Celebrating OVer 100 years Of Making MusiC traditiOn. CraftsManship. lOyalty.

Made of hard rubber