Review: The Pop, Universal Pop Filter by Blue Microphones

2 POP with YetiIf you’re a podcaster or record lots of audio, you just might need The Pop. No, it’s not the ultimate soda beverage or someone’s Dad; it’s a universal windscreen that helps eliminate those extremely annoying popping “P” sounds that can really ruin what could have been an awesome voice recording.

While The Pop is commonly used with the Blue Yeti or Yeti Pro desktop USB microphones by Blue Microphones, it can be used with virtually any microphone as long as you can find a way to attach it.

The Pop is an interesting looking gadget. It consists of a curved brass frame with embedded wire mesh attached to a pliable gooseneck that is then attached by thumbscrew to a steel bracket. At the end of the bracket is another thumbscrew, which is then used to attach to either the frame of the microphone, mic stand or desk.  The general idea is that you attach the bracket to some sturdy anchor point then bend the gooseneck so that the steel mesh frame sits nicely in front of a microphone and in essence filtering out the popping “P” sounds as you speak, or maybe sing. Read the Full Review at G4TV Canada.

Electrohome Retro Clock Radio set with motion sensor technology

ElectroRetro

Clock radios as we know them aren’t dead they’ve just become a little bit more practical and high tech. This appears to be the case with the Retro Clock Radio by Electrohome. At quick glance it resembles a vintage alarm clock with a round face and stand, but that’s pretty much where the retro ends.

The Retro Clock Radio, model CR35, features a digital face with function buttons both on the front and on the side.  And what looks like alarm bells, are two LED light bulbs which you can illuminate instantly by simply waving your hand in front of them, thanks to the unit’s built-in motion sensors.  READ Full Post at Canoe Tech Blog.

IK T-RackS Stealth Limiter allows you to crank up the volume

T-RackS Stealth LimiterIK Multimedia has announces T-RackS Stealth Limiter, a new ultra-transparent mastering peak limiter available now in the T-RackS Custom Shop. It’s a versatile secret weapon of a mixing and mastering tool,  allowing producers, engineers and musicians to turn up the loudness of a mix while still maintaining a clean sound with plenty of dynamic range and sonic breathing room.

T-RackS Stealth Limiter offers easy to use controls and intuitive features that make using it a quick and easy process. Its input knob can be used to set the desired loudness, and its output ceiling knob can be used to adjust the output level. And, for more advanced uses, it comes with 4 different modes of operation for fine-tuning.  It retails for $124.99 U.S. and is available through the IK Online Store and T-RackS Custom Shop.
To hear audio comparisons, check out www.ikmultimedia.com/trstealthlimiter. You can also get a free version to try: www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trcs/
via IK Multimedia

Paul Brandt country superstar takes Square on tour

SqureStandFor the average consumer the headline may sound a wee bit strange, but for entrepreneurs, small business owners and some of us geeks, we recognize Square not as an “old-fashion” way to refer to a “conservative” person, but as one of the easiest and low-cost ways to accept credit card as payment for goods and services. And now, Canadian Country Music sensation Paul Brandt has jumped on that bandwagon and is partnering with Square once again for his upcoming Road Trip Tour he’s co-headlining with Dean Brody.Paul with Duck

The Square system consists of a small square reader, a dongle that plugs into the headphone jack of your smartphone or tablet that when used with the Square Register app will allow almost anyone to accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or the Discover Card.  It’s also available as Square Stand that allows you to incorporate your iPad and features an integrated reader and additional features and point-of-sale functionality.  Read Full Post with a little surprise at Canoe Tech Blog.

Boombotix Boombot mini speaker clips on to go

mini strapIt’s starting to sound cliché that I’ve seen speakers in all different shapes and sizes but I have to admit I haven’t come across one like the Boombotix Boombot mini that’s shaped like a triangle and features a reinforced clip to boot. Seeing it attached to a backpack strap or hip belt seems like something you’d see while walking the promenade on Deep Space 9 – well, almost.

Designed to be used for someone on the go, it’s made of lightweight yet shockproof high-impact ABS plastic designed to withstand impacts of up to 3m. Also, it’s IPX 4 weatherproof so while it may not survive being totally immersed in water it should be okay while out running or biking in the rain or snow.  Read full post at Canoe Tech Blog.

Bracketron PowerFlex hybrid battery and stand

PowerFlexSilver

Review: Battery packs and stands come in all different shapes and sizes but it’s not often that you find the two together. Such is the case with the Bracketron PowerFlex Stand tablet/smart phone stand with integrated battery and charger. It has a unique look and combines the ideal travel accessory with a rechargeable high-capacity power pack that you can easily take on the road, on the plane or have as a permanent fixture on your desk.

The rectangular base of the stand gives it the weight to stay in place and it’s also where the battery is housed. On the top surface is the power button and four bright green status LED lights. On the front is a microUSB 5v power-in port that’s used to recharge the battery. On the right face are two standard USB ports that you can use to recharge your smartphone or tablet. In fact, the ports are labelled Smartphone and Tablet that output 5V/1A and 5V/2.1A respectively. Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.

Toastcaster 57 – Russ Dantu – Road to World Championship – Las Vegas

[11:24] Greg speaks with Russ Dantu of Calgary, Alberta Canada and winner of the District 42 International Speech Contest, as he shares his experience in preparation for the road to Las Vegas for the 2015 World Championship of Public Speaking semi-final a possibly the finals at the Toastmasters International Convention. (Photo credit: Rhys Davies).   You can also find all Toastcaster Episodes Toastcaster.com or iTunes.

Clever Klip by Tudia reduces Apple cable strain

Tudia Clip ManCarting around your cables, shoving them in and out of your backpack and ongoing daily use exposes them to eventual failure, which typically occurs at the most inopportune time. So a clever inventor created a gadget called the Tudia Klip. It’s designed to preserve your precious cables by providing stability and support and thus reducing the strain and possible deterioration of the cables by up to 80%. Read more…at CaneTech Blog.

10 FAQs about Microsoft Windows 10

 

Windows10In less than two weeks, on July 29th, to be exact, Microsoft will release the much-anticipated Windows 10. And for many users in 190 countries, including Canada, this upgrade will be available for free and in 111 languages. And while there are certainly many questions that need to be answered, here’s a selection of 10 of them.

1. So what is Windows 10?

Windows 10 is Microsoft’s newest forthcoming operating system, available as a free upgrade. The company calls their new operating system (OS), “the first step toward a whole new generation of Windows; moving from a stand-alone operating system, to the last operating system you’ll ever need. Windows 10 will continuously update to keep your software current and provide you with the best and safest experience possible.”  Read full post at Canoe Tech Blog.

IK Multimedia is now shipping iRig PowerBridge

iRig PowerBridgeCharge your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch while using your favourite IK Multimedia digital iRig accessories and apps

IK Multimedia, today announced that they are shipping iRig PowerBridge – the elegant answer to every mobile musician’s power management dilemma. iRig PowerBridge is the performance and charging system that lets musicians continuously create music and play with their favorite digital IK Multimedia iRig accessories while sending a stream of conditioned power to keep their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch charged.

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