Tech Reviews: New products (June 2023)
Kate Rounding
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Kate Rounding reveals what’s new this month.
RØDE NT1 5th Gen Microphone
Price: £265
RØDE’s NT1 5th Generation is a studio-quality condenser microphone that combines features of the original NT1 with brand-new technology. This large diaphragm cardioid mic excels at recording vocals and acoustic instruments. Additionally, it can handle high SPL levels, making it suitable for recording drums and percussion. The new ‘Dual Connect’ output provides XLR and USB (Type C) connectivity. When using the XLR, the mic acts as a classic condenser mic and requires phantom power. When connected via USB, the microphone functions as a fully digital device. Using the included ‘Connect’ software, you can access the onboard DSP and various effects to enhance your recordings. Also new is the ‘32-bit float’ digital output, which eliminates the risk of signal clipping or distortion. The NT1 5th Gen package includes a shock mount, pop filter, XLR and USB cables.
rode.com/en/microphones/studio-condenser/nt1-5th-generation
KRK Studio Monitors
Price: £349
KRK GoAux 3 is a portable monitor duo that delivers high-quality sound you can set up anywhere. Made from durable plastic, the monitors feature a three-inch woofer with rear ports for enhanced bass response, and a one-inch textile dome tweeter that delivers smooth high-frequency sound. Each monitor can output 60w RMS (continuous power capability), so these are loud for a compact set. The monitors have a 3.5mm aux input and RCA stereo input, and you can connect to your phone or computer using Bluetooth. The 3.5mm stereo headphone output automatically mutes the speakers when you plug your headphones in. Suitable for music production, podcasting and audio editing, the monitors are easy to set up and carry.
The package includes a carrying bag, adjustable monitor stands, and power and connection cables. The total weight is 6.94 lbs (3.15 kg).
krkmusic.com/Studio-Monitors/GoAux-3
Beatblocks App
Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
Beatblocks is a new app for iPhone and iPad that enables you to create music using Lego bricks! The app uses your device’s camera to scan for different bricks. First, set your phone up with a clear view of a flat surface or base plate. Press ‘play’ on the app and add your bricks to create a beat. The app scans from left to right, and when it sees a brick, it plays a sound. The colour of the brick defines the instrument sound played; you can choose lead sounds, bass, drums and percussion. The pitches of lead and bass notes go from low at the bottom of the screen to high at the top. The app uses tuned sound packs so that all your bricks work together – a great way for visual and kinaesthetic learners to create music.
Re.corder
Price: £135
The re.corder combines a basic descant recorder with digital features. You can play the re.corder acoustically as you usually would, but by adding a ‘mute cap’ to the window (in the head joint) it becomes a digital instrument that can be played via a dedicated app and sound library. You can also connect via Bluetooth to a DAW, allowing you to play any MIDI instrument, making it an excellent option for those who want to ba-roque or rock! It has three playing modes: Breath (normal blowing), Lip Sensor (the note is generated when you put your lips on the mouthpiece) and Keyboard (the recorder becomes a polyphonic MIDI controller). The app also has three modes: Learn, Play and Duo, where students can learn musicwith a fingering chart, tempo control, backing-tracks and effects such as reverb.
