Sony has rolled out a couple of new compact Hi-Fi systems namely the CMT-V70B and CMT-V50. The Sony CMT-V70B is a high-end model that supports Bluetooth A2DP/AVRCP, allowing you to connect this compact Hi-Fi system to any Bluetooth-enables music player. Both models feature the Sony S Master digital amp, a 2x20W output, an FM radio, a CD player and a retractable Sony Walkman WM-PORT.
The CMT-V70B and CMT-V50 have the ability to rip CDs and record FM radio into your Sony Walkman DAP. Unfortunately, there is no info on pricing at this moment. [Akihabara]
iConnectivity has unveiled an ultra-portable digital audio mixer designed to work with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The mixer is called the iConnectMUSE and promises to bring studio quality mixing capabilities to your iOS device. It allows you to capture multiple channels of sound and output them to your iOS or computer software for mixing.
The iConnectMUSE features six stereo inputs and six stereo outputs, each with its own unique mix. It converts studio-quality analog audio into digital, offering higher quality audio processing and the ability to share and mix audio through an iOS device. It can even charge your iOS device at the same time. And all this is packed into an ultra-compact palm-sized device that the aspiring or professional musician can easily travel with to compose while in a hotel room or on tour and between gigs.
The mixer also features two USB ports, two 1/4-inch output audio jacks, a headphone monitor jack, Ethernet connection, and a MIDI pass-thru interface with limited DSP processing. The iConnectMUSE will be available in the second quarter of 2012, priced at $229.99.
Last month we saw the Sony Walkman Z1000 Android-powered medial player cross the FCC. Sony has goneofficial with the new line of players at CES. The Z1000 has several model numbers in it that are differentiated by their storage capacity. The Z1040 is 8GB, the Z1050 is 16GB, and the Z1060 is a 32GB player.
All of them share the same features like integrated WiFi, Android operating system, xLOUD speakers, and the ability to connect with DLNA devices. The players have HDMI outputs to connect directly to your TV. The screens on the player are 4.3-inches and use low reflectivity tech. Powering the players is the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset.
The players are set to launch in late February. Pricing is unannounced at this time. The line also features Bluetooth, the Android OS version is 2.3, and the battery life for music is rated at 20 hours and video playback is five hours. The devices support major audio and video formats.
Gemini unveiled the original FirstMix last year and now it’s just introduced two more models for the beginner DJ. The FirstMix I/O looks little more than a revision of the original, with some minor aesthetic tweaks, although we’ve not yet been given full specs for a proper comparison. The FirstMix Pro, however, definitely brings a little more to the DJ booth. We spy what appears to be three hot-cue buttons on each deck, expandable to six via a shift function, as well what looks like a three channel EQ. Loop-in and out buttons also make an appearance, along with — most significantly — a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suggests a built-in sound interface for pre-cueing. Gemini wants $129.95 for the FirstMix I/O and $199.95 for the FirstMix Pro and both come bundled with MixVibes LE. Fans of the original can now pick it up for a reduced $79.99. Check the PR after the break for the run-down.
In the midst of Yet Another iPod Sound System-palooza, Soundfreaq has managed to craft some pretty differentiated pieces. Here in the run-up to CES 2012, the outfit’s ushering in its most edgy device yet, the Sound Kick. It’s a mobile wireless speaker that touts a unique speaker chamber, which shuts compactly for travel and then opens up whenever there’s room. It’s able to push on through seven solid hours of on-the-go listening (thanks to that internal Li-ion battery), and it can even share the juice with any USB-chargeable device — similar to Spar’s own Zephyr. In related news, the company’s also using the show to introduce its Sound Step Recharge in white and red. Expect the new lot to ship this spring, and if you’re hungry for more, the full release is just after the break.
The cute yet powerful K-Series compact Hi-Fi from Kenwood has been introduced this morning in Japan in yet another version the R-K731. This compact all in one wonder comes with the usual CD, Radio and Digital Output and Input audio but comes today with the support of not only all version of iPod, iPhone and iPads via USB but also with direct PC Audio support via USB as well as being capable to handles MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV files stored on a USB stick of stored on any common DAPs.
The R-K731 comes with a 2x50W output at 6Ω, a size of 245x309x104mm for a price of 50,400 Yen.
Westone Laboratories has announced the availability of the Westone 4R quad-driver earphones. These ultra high-performance earphones feature the company’s unique four balanced armature drivers that produce a frequency response of 10Hz – 18kHz and a 31-ohm of impedance. The Westone 4R quad-driver earphones also feature a 50-inch Westone removable EPIC cable, a 3.5mm stereo plug, premium comfort tips, wax removal tool and a water resistant monitor vault. The Westone 4R quad-driver earphones will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2011 for $499.
Pioneer has announced a new line of consumer audio gear that is aimed at the dance community called Steez.The line of gear is aimed at the user that likes to have dance battles.Yeah I am serious.There are several products in the new line and they can all be used with a free PC software app that lets the user change the music tempo, set choreographed cue points, create smart playlists, and more.
The STZ-D10S-L“Solo” is a compact device in light blue colors for the individual user. It supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and LPCM formats. It has 4GB of internal memory, a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, a dock for the iPod or iPhone, and dual 40mm drivers with 5W of power. It runs on six AA batteries and sells for $299 starting in November. The next model is the STZ-D10T-G “Duo”.
The Duo has a sealed and ruggedized design with an iPod and iPhone dock, it supports the same audio formats and has 4GB of internal memory. It also rocks a 2.4-inch LCD and dual 40mm drivers and will sell for $349. The largest of the new audio devices is the STZ-D10Z-R “Crew”. This device has a 3.5-inch screen dual 25mm tweeters, and dual 75mm woofers. It has a total of 40W power and 4GB of internal storage. It will ship in November for $499.
Motorola will launch three new headsets that are part of the Motorola SF series. Dubbed as the Motorola SF200, SF500 and SF700, these headsets are compatible with most smartphones for audio listening and many phone fitness apps.
The SF200 is a wired stereo smartphone headset that features a pair of 13mm dynamic drivers with an improved bass response. The SF500 comes equipped with a heart-rate monitor. This headset works in conjunction with a fitness app on your smartphones. And finally, the SF700 is a wireless headset that supports the Apt-X wireless technology. This technology enables wired-quality audio over Bluetooth connectivity. The Motorola SF200, SF500 and SF700 will be launched on November 6, 2011 for $49.99, $99.99 and $149.99, respectively. See more pictures after the jump.
Pioneer have today announced the launch of their new STEEZ range of portable music dance systems, which have been designed to help dancers practice and perfecting techniques.There are three models in the new STEEZ range the Solo, Duo and Crew which are equipped with essential dance features including temporal control, 8 beat skip, dance cue and an auto DJ mode.
You have a choice of three models to express yourself in front of: the STZ-D10S-L “Solo”($299), STZ-D10T-G “Duo” ($349) and STZ-D10Z-R “Crew” ($499). Each model comes with the company’s own special software which keeps your beats in time, lets you set cue points, change tempo along with many more booty shaking functions. Best of all is the special Battle Mode which plays your chosen sequence of tracks and lets you know when the next dancer, or robot, is up. These ghetto-blasters for the Tecktonik generation won’t hit the shelves until next month, but feel free to tap your toes and read the PR below while you wait.
May 15, 2012 2:42 pm | 
