New and Interesting audio products - June 2016

June 30, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in audio, tech

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.

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.

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

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

June 16, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in audio, tech

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.

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).

The differences between SSD - Price, Performance and Lifespan

June 12, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in tech

Since my last post about solid state drive (SSD) back in March 2016 (Upgradable Hardware), I have been receiving a lot of questions about why is there a performance and price difference between the different model of SSD? Is one brand legitimately better than the other? Or can we even have a one to one comparison on two different SSD from different manufacturers?

Comparing SSD on a one to one basis tends to be a little bit unfair towards any form of evaluations as different SSD may be designed to perform at a specific application or scenarios. For instance, the Samsung 850 pro is designed to ensure a longer service life than its counterpart, Samsung 850 evo, the 850 pro even comes with a 10 years warranty for the device. The type of flash memory used plays a huge role in affecting the performance, storage capacity, longevity, and price of the SSD.

Excluding any propriety technologies used by different manufacturers, there are two types of flash storage cells being used to construct an SSD, namely, Single Level Cell (SLC) and Multi Level Cell (MLC). Each flash designs has their own merits and may be better suited for specific applications, while its limitation may be overcome if you understand them properly.

Every cell has a certain lifespan for its charge/discharge cycle, which will happen when data is being read/write from the flash memory. Meaning, the more instances a cell is required to read/write in its operation, the more "wear and tear" the cell will experience, as a result to a shorter lifespan.

SLC is the least commons for a consumer or even a tech enthusiast to own them, as they are expensive to own and maintain. Originally, SLC cells are mainly used in enterprise level SSD as it has the longest serviceable lifespan and most reliable performance in read/write data accuracy. As SLC cells use a single bit per cell design to construct an SSD, it improves read/write accuracy and hardware longevity. However, this technology is expensive to build and is limited to smaller storage capacities as compared to other types of SSD of similar form factor.

When it comes to MLC, it is often referred to as a 2-bit level cell. With this architectural design, MLC improves data density as compared to SLC SSD. In fact, most high-end enthusiast SSD (e.g. Samsung 850 Pro) or enterprise level SSD (Kingston SSD E100) have utilised MLC design for its improve storage capacity, hardware cost, and relative reliable data accuracy.

Kingston SSD E100, enterprise level SSD. Credits to Kingston

There is actually another subset type of MLC that is frequently used in many flash drive or SSD at a lower price point, Triple Level Cell (TLC). This cell design is the cheapest to manufacture as it packs 3 bits into cells for storage and has the highest data density as compared to the two mentioned above. However, the flash memory cell lifespan is being exchanged for an increment in storage capacities where the cells are required to read/write more as they store more data per cell (3-bit level cell).

Regardless of whether the SSD is SLC, MLC or TLC, any SSD will definitely have an advantage in performance as compared to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). By understanding the different limitations, such as TLC type SSD packs higher data storage capacities while it does last as long as MLC type SSD and might require a bit more of tender loving care attention from you (you get it? :D). In my own usage, I am currently using a TLC type SSD as a portable storage device (Transcend USB 3.0) and I am totally fine with it. Since it's a portable device, I am not intending to store any critical data into the unit while preserving the high data throughput of an SSD.

My portable Transcend SSD. Great value for fast large file transfer.

I hope that this post will give you a better understanding of the different type of SSD in the market and. Do not be appalled and think that TLC type SSD are terrible. Yes, TLC SSD might have a lower lifespan and read/write cycle but it will easily last over 4 years (more than conventional HDD). That alone will easily justify the additional cost to invest in an SSD over an HDD.

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