High CRI Bulb

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This is a follow-up post from my Prometheus Beta-QR EDC flashlight. I have received multiple enquiries regarding the type of light used in this particular flashlight. As some of you have observed in some of the beta-qr review videos on Youtube, you will notice that the light “colour” (temperature) is slightly different from your usual “white colour” flashlight. In this particular case, the beta-qr uses high colour rendering index (CRI) LED rather than the generic “white” LED bulb.

The CRI of a light source is a quantitative measure of its ability to reproduce the colours of different object faithfully in comparison with an ideal or natural light source. To put it simply, CRI lights help objects to display its colours “realistically” or “naturally” as compared to a reference, usually an incandescent bulb. These bulbs have significant improvement to help photographers, videographers to achieve images that have better colour representation when used.

The effects of CRI raitings, Credits Mdidea

To answer the most common question I encountered so far, the light from a High CRI bulb can bring more merits that it looks. Though some High CRI bulb may appear to be dimmer that its generic white LED counterpart, a high-quality CRI bulb is more efficient in its colour representation and will help user / camera sensors to perceive better. Hence, even though some CRI bulb might be spec at a lower lumen rating but its efficiency can far compensate for this shortcoming.

Below are some samples were taken with respect to the different light source, namely, white LED light (Jetbeam PA10), High CRI flash (Nexus 5x) and High CRI light from beta-qr.

High CRI bulb are getting more affordable and manufacturers are starting to include them in their products, e.g. Google Nexus 5x by LG. This is a good development in my opinion, as it can help cameras (even the lower resolution ones) achieve a more flattering and accurate representation of an image. Thus, creating a more holistic balance between camera sensors and light quality. Photography and videography are the art of capturing light and emotion, without a good light source, your highly sensitive camera senses will still be flawed.

In the past, many have avoided the use of LED lights mainly due to this particular reason, namely, bad colour representation. However, high CRI bulbs are creating a viable avenue for many photos and video enthusiast to explore as they are a lot more power efficient and can be very portable (e.g. Prometheus Beta-Qr).

YWFU

 

New and Interesting audio products - June 2016

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Every year, new audio products are being introduced or launched at various trade shows such as NAMM, Musikmesse or Prolight + Sound. These products do not necessarily have to be totally new in the market, they can also be an improved version of their previous products. It's half way through the year 2016 and these are some of the audio products that really interest me.

Schertler Modular Mixer

Schertler has launched their new audio mixer and this is pretty interesting. The Arthur modular mixer, as the name imply, is an audio mixer that can scale through modularity. Currently, the range consists of 6 types of inputs and outputs modules. For the inputs, you have the mic level input, instrument input (Variable impedance, either Hi-Z or Low-Z) and stereo line input. As for the outputs, the line-up consists of a Stereo master bus (L/R master), master bus EQ unit and auxiliary master modular. All these modules use discreet class A components and pure high-voltage DC amps to ensure a high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).

Schertler's Arthur Modular Mixer; Credits Schertler  

Having a high-quality audio circuitry design and built in these modules might not be its biggest selling. For once, the buyer or engineer has the freedom to purchase the modules that are needed only. This designed encourage flexibility in system design and versatility in system integration. Assembly of the mixer is simple with the locking mechanism (locking signal connectors, connecting rods and hexagonal screws) and you can assemble them in any sequential order. Power supplies for the Arthur modular mixer include a 8 or 16 units compact style power supply or a high power output supply which can be used up to 60 units. For designs that encompass more that 60 modules, the mixer require additional power module unit to allocate adequate power for the mixer to operate.

Large format configuration

Mesanovic Microphones Model 2A Active Ribbon Microphone

Yes, an active ribbon microphone, you did not read that wrong. A ribbon microphone is known to be dedicated as the transducer's design consist of a thin corrugated strip of metal (often aluminium) or film suspended between two magnetic poles. Unlike the moving coil microphone, ribbon strip responds to variation in the velocity of air particles, rather than the sound pressure level (SPL) of the acoustical energy. As the ribbon strip vibrates within its magnetic field, it generates a tiny voltage that corresponds to these changes in velocity of the air particles. The output signal level of these microphones are very low as compared to the conventional moving coil microphone, thus the choice of a preamplifier is very crucial to the use of the ribbon microphone as it acts as a setup transformer to boost the output voltage.

This limitation has restricted many ribbon microphones to be only usable with very high-end equipment. However, the new Model 2A active ribbon microphone from Mesanovic Microphone has included an inbuilt transform to provide additional 30 dB of gain together with a discreet buffer circuit to lower down the output impedance to around 170Ω, a level that is common in the studio or pro audio world. This enables the microphone to be used in many different applications now even with portable audio interfaces. Nonetheless, this ribbon microphone is also very sensitive towards high wind situations as this will stretch out the material.

Mesanovic Microphones Model 2A Active Ribbon Microphone; Credits Mesanovic Microphones

Tascam iXR Audio Interface

This audio interface has caught my eyes with its capabilities to operate on different platforms. The Tascam iXR audio interface was designed for mobile / on the go applications while retaining its operability on desktop DAW software. This audio interface will work with iPad / iPhone using standard USB cable (e.g. lighting cable) or any computer (desktop or laptop) using standard USB type B to type A cable.

Tascam iXR audio interface; Credits Tascam

Unlike the Focusrite iTrack Dock that will only work with the later generations of iPad (lighting connector), the iXR does not limit the user to record on this platform. The Tascam iXR present itself with two inputs (combo units, switchable between Hi-Z or Low-Z) and outputs together with MIDI control (using 5 pin din). The unit is USB bus powered, therefore, allowing the user to record anyway, even in an environment without any nearby power source. Recording time will depend on the battery life of your connect devices.

Focusrite iTrack Dock; Credits Focusrite

The Tascam iXR is attractively priced at $150 USD and every package will include copies of Cubase LE for iPad/Mac/Windows.

Rear view of Tascam iXR. USB A to interface with iPad and USB type B to interface with computer.

 YWFU

Pepperdecks DJOCLATE Pocket Size Mixing Console - Simple Device, Many Possibilities

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I was introduced to a rather interesting audio product recently — passive pocket-size 2 stereo channels mixing console. This product is being marketed to the partygoers or budding DJ enthusiasts who wish to have the capability to cross-mix two stereo audio sources into one stereo output (e.g. L-R configuration sound system). 

At first glance, the design of the device is intuitive, as there was not much variety of control options other than the level controls (volume faders) and bass kill switch (high pass filter). That being said, the controls are adequate as it simple enough for a consumer to mix between two audio sources easily without additional fuss. Furthermore, the device does not require any external power source such as a battery or wall plug. This passive characteristic allows the user to carry the unit anywhere and mixes audio anytime.

Pepperdecks DJOCLATE, passive pocket size mixing console (2 stereo channels)

3.5mm (headphone) connectors are used for interfacing the device with both its input and output sources. This allows the unit to be versatile enough to work with any audio device such as a Smartphone or a portable media player (e.g. iPod) that has a 3.5mm output. Do take note that with the onboard 3.5mm output, the DJOCLATE is sending an unbalanced signal to your audio system, thus, it is not advisable to have a long cable distance (more than 5m) between both devices.

Inputs and output of DJOCLATE

Although the product is primarily being promoted to mostly partygoers and DJs, I have used the DJOCLATE in other applications that might be a little more creative. I was mixing audio for a conference a few weeks ago where there were multiple video cues for audio to be play through the system. In some circumstances, a small footprint mixer (e.g. Soundcraft Signature 10) can be deployed for the video operator to control the audio parameters precisely (e.g. fade time and audio level). In this scenario, the DJOCLATE is able to execute the cross-mixing task perfectly, as it allows video operators to have control of the audio while not taking up too much console real estate space and incurring a high cost on equipment.

Included in the package: Pepperdeck DJOCLATE, soft carry pouch and 3.5mm cable x 2 

Similar to any other products, the DJOCLATE does have its own limitations. As compared to a full-fledged mixing console, the DJOCLATE does not have a head amp (gain) control, hence, it does not allow users to monitor and normalise signal levels transmitted to the main audio console. Nevertheless, that can be rectified by checking the PFL (Pre Fader Level) signal on the main console.

In addition, if the playback location is far away from the main audio console, an isolating transformer (e.g. D'San LSP-2) can always be used to convert unbalanced to balanced signal to help cope with the cable distance. If an improvement can be made into the DJOCLATE, I would favour a set of ground-lift switches that can be triggered when common electronic noises are (e.g. hum or buzz) induced in the circuit.

Pepperdecks DJOLCATE is a unique product that provides a cross-mixing solution for users to have some essential controls on their audio sources. The small footprint and passive design of the product have allowed consumers to integrate this product anywhere (e.g. home theatre for seamlessly switching between sources) at a low cost (~70 SGD).

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New update: If you are interested in purchasing a Pepperdecks DJOCLATE, you can purchase it through this link (Singapore user only).