Mac|Life - Audio

Stanton SCS.4DJ DJ Controller Review

Ray Aguilera — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:42:56 +0000

Digital DJ console keeps the beat

Sometimes it feels like the whole world has turned into a Portlandia sketch, the one where Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen are cajoled by everyone (the bank teller, a garbage man, and even Carrie’s mom) to “come to my DJ night.” But all jokes aside, as a music fan, more DJs is a good thing. The more DJs there are, the less likely I am to hear the same old “untz-untz-untz” when I head out to my neighborhood bar. But learning how to DJ is quite daunting—the gear can be expensive and complicated, not to mention wickedly heavy. Stanton’s SCS.4DJ changes all that.

There are plenty of DJ controllers to choose from, but the SCS.4DJ has one crucial difference: all the software is built in to the unit, so there’s no laptop required. Not only does that lighten your load, but it also lowers the cost of entry for beginners looking to drop their first beats. Plug in a storage device filled with tracks via one of the four USB ports, and get to mixing, yes, an iOS device. The large, color LCD displays track lists, waveforms, and everything else you need to keep the beats flowing.

Matching beats is one of the most crucial (and difficult) DJ skills to learn. For novices, the SCS.4DJ features Smart Sync at the touch of a button. It can instantly sync two tracks, and handles double- and half-time BPMs, so it’s easy to match songs with wildly different tempos (70 and 140 beats per minute, for example). Once your skills have matured, you can forgo automatic syncing, and use the two platters and pitch controls to manually mix tracks. Cue points, loops, 3-band EQ, and even digital effects are onboard, making the SCS.4DJ a pretty complete package. The only sour notes are the somewhat lightweight construction and the length of time it takes for the device to analyze new tracks. Windows users have the option of offloading that chore to a laptop with software called QuickGrid, but there’s no Mac version.

The bottom line. Stanton hardly misses a beat. This controller is simple enough for new users to get the hang of, and experienced DJs will appreciate the MIDI compatibility, looping, pro-grade effects, and onboard recording features.

Review Synopsis

Product:

SCS.4DJ

Company:

Stanton

Contact:

stantondj.com

Price:

$499.99

Requirements:

No laptop needed

Positives:

All-in-one design. Extremely portable. Secure integrated storage for USB drives. Can access playlists on iOS devices. Works as a MIDI controller with traditional laptop DJ setups.

Negatives:

Mostly plastic. Analyzing new tracks takes forever. No QuickGrid software for Mac.

Score:

4 Great

Logitech Wireless Boombox Review

J.R. Bookwalter — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:49:51 +0000

A boombox for the Bluetooth generation

iPod accessories have taken a turn for the wireless since the introduction of the iPad, especially since it’s a bit bulky to prop up on a clock radio or speaker dock. The tide has shifted toward AirPlay or Bluetooth-enabled speakers that work with a wider range of smartphones, media players, and tablets. Logitech cuts the cord almost entirely with its $149.99 Logitech Wireless Boombox.

While the name might inspire visions of huge shoulder-mounted boomboxes, gold chains, and tracksuits from the ’80s (oh, is that just us?), Logitech’s solution is under two and a half pounds and a svelte 15x5x2.5 inches, not counting a pop-out stand on back for propping it up. There’s no dock connector to be found here: you’ll need a device capable of streaming Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) or 3.5mm wired audio output. Fortunately, all of Apple’s iOS devices from the iPhone 3G and second-gen iPod touch forward include A2DP, as do most other modern devices.

Full, rich sound in a small package.

Connecting an iPhone 4S via Bluetooth was a snap and within moments we were blasting tracks from the Music app up to 33 feet away. Pairing requires pressing the Bluetooth button until the blue light blinks rapidly (you’ll have two minutes to connect); power and volume up/down buttons round out the controls on front, while a small rubber widget on back hides the 3.5mm input and AC power jack. The included rechargeable NiMH battery is capable of up to six hours of continuous playback most anywhere you go.

We were also able to stream from iOS devices—and even a Samsung Galaxy Nexus—without a hitch, and once paired, all audio is routed to the Boombox by default. Switching back to previously paired devices required us to remove the speakers in Settings and pair again, however.

For such a small form factor, the Logitech Wireless Boombox produces an impressive aural experience with deep bass, clean midrange, and sharp treble, even at louder volumes. A pair of three-inch laser-tuned neodymium drivers, half-inch tweeters, and four two-inch passive radiators produces rich sound from any source. There are no EQ adjustments on the Boombox itself, but in our experience, you won’t need them.

The bottom line. For everyday use, we prefer a dock-connected speaker system for keeping our gear charged while playing, but the Logitech Wireless Boombox is an excellent choice for cutting the cord. A great addition to any mobile user’s arsenal, it produces rich sound on a budget with Bluetooth streaming for checking email, Facebook, or web browsing while enjoying your favorite tunes.

Review Synopsis

Product:

Logitech Wireless Boombox

Company:

Logitech

Contact:

logitech.com

Price:

$149.99

Requirements:

Bluetooth A2DP capable mobile device or 3.5mm line output

Positives:

Great portable sound with deep bass, rich midrange, and crisp highs. Long-life NiMH battery and Bluetooth are perfect for taking music on the go. Compatibility for any device with a 3.5mm audio output.

Negatives:

No dock connector for legacy iPod use or device charging. Audio is output exactly as streamed (no onboard EQ or adjustments other than volume). Occasional trouble re-pairing with the original iPad.

Score:

4 Great

Sound Step Recharge iPad Speaker Dock Review

Ray Aguilera — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:21:24 +0000

Sounds about right

There are tons of audio docks for your iPhone or iPod touch, but models for your iPad are much harder to come by. The Sound Step from Soundfreaq is built to accommodate your iPad or any other dock connector–equipped device. But the connectivity doesn’t stop there. This small speaker dock is also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can stream wirelessly, and there’s also an auxiliary input, so you can connect with just about anything. But for those times when you just want to disconnect, the Sound Step Recharge also comes equipped with a rechargeable battery so that you can cut the cord and take your tunes on the road—or at least to the backyard.

It’s easy to carry anywhere you need a little musical accompaniment, but if your Sound Step is more likely to stay anchored to a desk, you can save yourself 20 bucks on an otherwise identical battery-less version. Despite its small size, the Sound Step is packed with features. In addition to all the connectivity options, there’s a powered USB port in the back to charge additional devices—your Apple gear charges via the dock connector. If you somehow can’t manage to find enough audio to listen to with all of your devices, the free Soundfreaq companion iOS app allows you to control the Sound Step’s built-in FM radio. It works, but it’s a bit cumbersome, and the app doesn’t have much else to offer.

While the Sound Step’s many bells and whistles are sure to please, the smaller size does offer a few drawbacks. For one, the Sound Step’s sound quality is a few steps down from its larger sibling, which we reviewed last year (Feb/11, p66, 4.5 stars). Sound Step heavily favors midrange tones. That said, it’s not a bad listening experience, and the Sound Step will be right at home on your desk or nightstand.

The bottom line. The Sound Step will connect to just about anything. It’s not a party-starter, but for more modest needs, this small dock has a lot to offer in the way of portability and connectivity.

Review Synopsis

Product:

Sound Step Recharge

Company:

Soundfreaq

Contact:

soundfreaq.com

Price:

$159.99

Requirements:

iOS device or other music source

Positives:

Small enough to be truly portable. USB port charges other devices. Can connect to just about anything.

Negatives:

Otherwise lackluster app is the only way to control FM radio. Remote feels like an afterthought.

Score:

3.5 Good

New iPod Touch & iPod Nano Reviews

Ray Aguilera — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:24:04 +0000

These aren’t next-gen music players -- This time, it’s all software

The iPhone 4S actually does have some killer new features. The 2011 iPod refresh, on the other hand, is just that -- a refresh. But sometimes good enough is plenty good enough. Though the newest iPods lack any whiz-bang new features, they’re still the best music players out there. You could buy a no-name MP3 player, or a Zune (oh right, not anymore!) -- but why would you?

This year, the fourth-gen iPod touch gets an external makeover. It’s now available in white, as well as black. Beyond that, it’s the same iPod touch you’ve come to know and love -- although the price of the 8GB model has dropped to $199. The 960x640 Retina Display is there, along with 720p back and VGA front cameras, and Wi-Fi & Bluetooth built in. Apps, games, and all the other iOS goodness is there, and you can take advantage of awesome new iOS 5 features such as iMessage, and iCloud features such as document and music syncing, Photo Stream, and more.

But if all you really need is an inexpensive music player, the refreshed iPod nano offers some new features, along with a smaller price tag to boot. 8GB models are down $20 to $129, and the 16GB version sells for $149, compared to $179 last year. Unlike the touch, the outward appearance of the new nano is the same. What has changed is the software inside. Version 1.2 ditches the four-up icon display for a simpler one-at-a-time view (but you can go back to the old style if you like). Flick between icons to activate different functions, and the display shows the edges of surrounding “apps” to help your navigation. But remember, iOS this is not. You can rearrange the icons, or hide functions you don’t use, but the nano doesn’t use apps from the iTunes Store.

Fans of iPod nano wristwatches will find much to love. There are now 18 clock face options, including a few that are matched to the color of your nano. In a nod to the most likely customers for the nano, Nike+ functionality is now built- in, without the need for a dongle or shoe sensor.

The bottom line. If you need an iPod, these refreshed models are good buys. But the best news is that owners of previous models can gain all the new functionality with a software update-- so everyone wins! Thanks, Apple.

iPod Touch

Apple
apple.com

Price: $199, 8GB; $299, 32GB; $399, 64GB

Requirements: Mac OS 10.5.8 or later, iTunes 10.5 or later

Pros: Now available in white. iOS 5 and iCloud baked-in. Lower- priced 8GB model.

Cons: Camera is lower-quality than the iPhone’s camera. No bundled headset/remote, just standard Apple earbuds.

iPod Nano

Apple
apple.com

Price: $129, 8GB; $149, 16GB

Requirements: Mac OS 10.5.8 or later, iTunes 10 or later, USB 2.0 port

Pros: Updated software. Includes Nike+ features, without a dongle.

Cons: No bundled headset/remote, just standard Apple earbuds.

iHome iW1 Speaker Dock Review

Nic Vargus — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:20:26 +0000

Party on!

Imagine every feature you could ever want from an iPod dock. Go on, make a list. Ours includes AirPlay, solid sound quality, an iPod charging dock, and a reasonable price tag. This is good news for the iW1, which includes all these features and a boatload of others we didn’t even know we wanted.

iHome’s new flagship AirPlay speaker comes packing touch capacitive controls, a remote control so you never have to use the touch capacitive controls, and an app for your iOS device so you never have to use the remote. Sure, it’s redundant, but certain settings—like shuffle, mute, and a toggle for the all-important Bongiovi Acoustic mode (which aims to equalize the music so that vocals truly shine)—can only be accessed by remote or app. We found that most music did in fact sound better with the Bongiovi Acoustics switched on (which is enabled by default). Many songs sounded flat after turning it off, but you can also perfect the iW1’s sound with bass and treble controls. The iHome sounds great at midlevel volume, but crackles a tad on full tilt. AirPlay works, but reliability depends largely on your Wi-Fi network, and there is a bit of latency between button presses. However, its convenience far outweighs these minor quirks.

In more ways than one, the iW1 is the boom box of a new generation. It sits on a charging pad so it never has to be unplugged from that hard-to-reach outlet when you decide to carry it around—a feat that’s easily accomplished due to the lightweight 6lb body and carrying handle. Even though AirPlay won’t work without Wi-Fi, you can easily plug your iOS device into the USB port on the iW1’s back and rock out in the park.

The bottom line. The iW1 is a good mid-priced AirPlay option. The remote, app, and rechargeable battery make it ultra-convenient to use in a wide variety of situations—and it’s got great sound to boot.

Review Synopsis

Product:

iHome iW1 Speaker Dock

Company:

iHome

Contact:

iHomeAudio.com

Price:

$299.99

Requirements:

AirPlay-enabled device

Positives:

Big sound. Rechargeable battery. Works with AirPlay. Can charge your iPhone.

Negatives:

Touch capacitive plastic top is a smudge factory. USB input doesn’t charge iPads. Bass is a bit flat.

Score:

4.5 Excellent

Sonos Play:3 Wireless Speaker Review

Ray Aguilera — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:31:58 +0000

Free your music collection

Like the times, music keeps a-changin’. These days, it’s more often enjoyed on the go from your iDevice, rather than by dusting off a CD or (gasp) record. That’s part of why Apple’s AirPlay feature, which lets you beam tunes from iDevices to compatible speakers, gets us so excited…but there’s actually a better option, if you can afford it. Sonos’ line of wireless music players can send your tunes on tour all over the house, and they offer more power and flexibility.

The Play:3 is the most affordable entry point into Sonos’ wireless audio utopia. While $300 might seem a bit steep, especially considering that a $99 Airport Express can give practically any speaker AirPlay capability—what you’re paying for is quality. The Play:3 sounds better than most other speakers this size, and setting up a Sonos network is so simple that you’ll be playing music in less time than it took to get everything out of the box. Sonos devices talk to each other over their own mesh network, so your streaming music won’t tax your existing Wi-Fi. At least one Sonos unit will need to be hard-wired to your network—if there’s no Ethernet handy where you want to place your Play:3, a $49 Sonos Bridge connected to your router will let your other Sonos gear go cable-free.

We used multiple Play:3 units for an extended test period without problems; in contrast, the AirPlay devices on our network occasionally require rebooting or other fiddling to keep them connected. Unlike AirPlay, which can only handle a single stream, Sonos can send multiple streams to multiple devices.

As the little brother to the Play:5 (formerly known as the S5) the Play:3’s sound is less dynamic. There’s not much stereo separation, but then again, what do you expect from a unit that’s only 5.2x10.6x6.3 inches? For its size, the sound is impressive, and it’s perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens where the compact size will be an asset. Playing at full volume, the sound was clean and free of distortion. Ganging two Play:3s into a stereo pair gives a big boost in audio quality, and you can create pairs on-the-fly using the companion iOS app. With an iPhone or iPad as the controller, you can play tracks from your iTunes library, NAS drives, or streaming services like Rdio, Spotify, Rhapsody, Pandora, and more.

The bottom line. At 300 bucks, the Play:3 is the most affordable path into Sonos’ multi-room systems. If AirPlay isn’t quite enough, Sonos’ pricey entry-level wireless speaker might be music to your ears.

Review Synopsis

Product:

Play:3

Company:

Sonos

Contact:

sonos.com

Price:

$299.99

Requirements:

Mac running OS 10.4, 10.5, or 10.6; Ethernet port

Positives:

Good sound for the size. Doesn’t distort at high volumes. Easy to set up and operate. Lets you access your iTunes library and tons of streaming content in one place.

Negatives:

Sonos Controller software for Mac didn’t support Lion at press time, though Sonos was working on a fix. No aux-in or USB port for charging an iOS device. Expensive.

Score:

4 Great

Venom 12-Voice Virtual Analog Synthesizer Review

Roberto Baldwin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:41:19 +0000

Warm and fuzzy sounds at warm and fuzzy prices

Unlike the internet, analog synthesizers really are made of tubes. Well, not all of them, but the really nice ones do contain vacuum tubes. They range from ugly green metal boxes to incredibly beautiful pieces of art with wood cases. Someone looking to buy one of these instruments better be willing to pay a pretty penny—analog gear is not cheap. So while we’d all like a Moog, it’s hard to justify the premium price unless you’re a rock star. That’s why we’re impressed that M-Audio’s Venom brings the warmth of analog into the digital age at a price even enthusiast players can afford—and frankly, it does an incredible job.

M-Audio has crammed an army of analog-device sounds into a 49-key package. The Venom is small enough to lug to band practice, but large enough that you don’t feel like you’re playing a toy piano. The audio range goes from light, barely audible highlights to deep, crunchy lows. The interface allows you to quickly locate patches, and the included software allows you to attach the synthesizer to your Mac to adjust the Sound Bank lineup and to apply tweaks to the sound. Venom also acts as a MIDI controller for your favorite compatible software, including GarageBand. All of that adds up to less time twirling knobs and more time rocking.

And the knobs really make the difference. You adjust nearly every aspect of the Venom’s sound via knobs, giving you precise control over oscillation, filters, volume, and more. For anyone who’s ever played an analog synth, the Venom is instantly understandable. Buttons make navigation a snap. In fact, our only issue is that the silver-gray text on the unit can be difficult to see in low-light situations, like what you might encounter performing at a club.

The bottom line. The M-Audio Venom is an awesome piece of machinery that brings all the sounds and control of the analog world into our digital future without sacrificing sound quality.

Review Synopsis

Product:

Venom 12-Voice Virtual Analog Synthesizer

Company:

M-Audio

Contact:

m-audio.com

Price:

$599.95

Requirements:

Mac OS 10.5.8 or later; 1.8GHZ multi-core processor or higher

Positives:

Analog-synthesizer sound at a fraction of the price.

Negatives:

Gray text on keyboard can be difficult to read in live performance situations.

Score:

5 Awesome

Olympus LS-20M PCM Recorder Review

J.R. Bookwalter — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:53:05 +0000

Better audio…with a side order of HD video

If you use a pocket camcorder, you’re used to crummy, tinny audio being captured alongside your HD video. So, what if manufacturers turned such low consumer expectations on their ear and designed a high-quality audio recorder that just so happens to do video -- complete with a bump to 1080p HD? Olympus’ new recorder is just that -- a capable video device for audio enthusiasts that’s unfortunately hampered by one unique design decision.

Olympus bills the LS-20M as a “PCM Recorder” (for pulse-code modulation, the method used by digital audio devices for capturing analog signals), despite the fact that it also records full 1080p digital video using removable SD or SDHC cards. About an inch taller and three-eighths of an inch thicker than Apple’s iPhone 4, the LS-20M resembles a souped-up Flip camera with extra buttons, although the back of the unit swaps a 16mm speaker grill for the camera lens.

Quickly switch between video and audio modes with a button on the side.

The lens is mounted at the very top of the unit, sandwiched between a pair of microphones capable of recording stereo sound at up to 24-bit, 96KHz linear PCM in WAV format (MP3 recording is also available). Although it’s sold as an audio recorder, the quarter-inch, 5.32 megapixel CMOS image sensor mostly trumps similar video shot with the FlipMino HD. A bright, two-inch color LCD display for selecting options also doubles as a monitor for video recording and playback. A smaller monochrome backlit LCD below lets you keep tabs on audio levels, playback/record time, and battery life at all times.

Unfortunately, the main display doesn’t swivel or adjust, so you’re forced to hold the camera horizontally while shooting video, looking down at the display. It’s an odd compromise by the designers, although it does allow for clever shots you might not get otherwise. But yes, it feels awkward.

The included 2GB SD card is capable of recording up to 55 minutes of WAV audio only at the highest quality (three hours at 44k 16-bit WAV or 16 hours at 256kpbs MP3 setting), or 15 minutes of 1080p video (30 minutes in 1280x720 or a full hour in 640x480). The audio quality is indeed excellent -- you’ll hear details in full stereo that are simply lost with the iPhone 4 or Flip cameras. The LS-20M also includes a Magic Movie mode for live effects using one of four presets (Rock, Pop, Sketch, and Pin Hole), a typically so-so 4x digital zoom, mini-HDMI port, tripod mount, and a choice of three visualizers for audio playback.

The bottom line. If you need to do budget-minded, quality field audio recording with the option for HD video, the LS-20M makes for an enticing package. The top-mounted lens is a fairly serious limitation for frequent users, especially considering the price, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find another pocket-friendly recorder capable of such uncompromising audio quality coupled with HD video.

Review Synopsis

Product:

LS-20M PCM Recorder

Company:

Olympus

Contact:

olympusamerica.com

Price:

$299.99

Requirements:

Mac OS 10.4 or later; USB port

Positives:

Excellent audio recorder at a budget price. 1080p HD video recording is a nice bonus, and image quality is on par with iPhone 4 and better Flip cameras. Nice variety of features, including tripod mount and 1/8-inch mic and headphone jacks.

Negatives:

Top-mounted camera lens limits video shooting in many situations. A few too many buttons. Recording video requires extra button press to switch to camera mode.

Score:

3 Solid

KNS-8400 Headphones Review

Ray Aguilera — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:30:21 +0000

Pro sound for your ’pod

The Mac|Life editors’ favorite new pastime (besides fiddling with our Apple gear, of course) is playing DJ. Most days, we can be found at turntable.fm/maclife spinning tunes and nerding out on music while we work. But office decorum dictates that we wear headphones while rocking out. Yes, technology has made it extremely easy for Robbie to go on a Smiths bender and take the rest of us along for the ride -- but Paul’s ban on Morrissey in the office is still very much in effect, and violators are punished swiftly.

KRK’s KNS-8400 headphones are a great solution to our musical civil war. These studio-quality cans aren’t cheap, but they’re solidly built, sound great, and comfortable enough to wear for all-day jam sessions. The earcups fit over your ears, providing a good amount of noise isolation, and the soft leather-like material conforms to your head without making you feel like you’re being crushed by Godzilla. I have a fairly large head, and the padded, adjustable headband easily accommodated my oversized noggin. But the 8400s work just as well for folks with less headspace -- I tested the ’phones on some less cranially endowed friends, and everyone was able to adjust them for a comfortable fit.

Our favorite touch, however, is the optional in-line volume slider. It’s sturdy and useful, although adding it to the headphone end of the cable leaves you with a really long wire to deal with -- kind of a pain if you use your headphones mostly while on the go. Both the cables and the padding are replaceable, ensuring you’ll be able to continue to enjoy your investment, and the earcups rotate flat for easier storage in the included bag.

But “comfortable and well-made” isn’t enough -- headphones also need to sound good. KRK has designed these ’phones for critical listening. Unlike other headphones aimed at boosting the bass from portable devices, KNS-8400s are built with neutral response in mind. They’re equally adept at pumping bass as they are at reproducing more delicate treble frequencies. And thanks to the closed-back design, you can safely blast “Who Let the Dogs Out” without arousing the scornful looks of your coworkers or seatmates on the bus. The $250 list price may turn off music fans on a budget, but the street price is about $100 less, which brings them into the realm of more casual music fans.

The bottom line. KRK’s KNS-8400 headphones are a great pair of midpriced cans, and the detachable in-line volume control makes them great for use with an iPod or other portable gear.

Review Synopsis

Product:

KNS-8400 Headphones

Company:

KRK Systems

Contact:

krksys.com

Price:

$249.99

Requirements:

iPod or other device with 1/4- or 1/8-inch audio jack

Positives:

Great sound at any volume. Replaceable cable and earcups. Includes 1/4-inch adapter and carry case. Street price is about 100 bucks less.

Negatives:

In-line volume control leaves you with a really long headphone cable. May not offer enough thump for bass-heads.

Score:

4 Great

Gallery: 15 Portable Outdoor Speakers To Get Your iPod Through The Summer

Ambika Subramony — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:33:47 +0000

With summer in full swing, it's time to start hitting the beach, throwing BBQs, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors. These portable iPod speakers will bring musical pleasure all your outdoor activities, be they climbing mountains and sleeping under the stars, or hanging out by the pool and grilling burgers.

What's your preferred mode of amplifying your iPod or iPhone outdoors? Let us know in the comments!