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Amadeus Releases ‘C Series’ Speakers

Amadeus has started shipping a new horn-loaded point source speaker series, initially engineered for the Paris-based Théâtre National de Chaillot

400C_Series Designed by Amadeus, the new C Series is a high-definition series of point source speaker systems combining Amadeus’ deepest innovation and technology. Initially designed and manufactured specifically for the Paris-based Theatre National de Chaillot (Chaillot National Theater), which houses the most prestigious dance and theater companies from Europe and throughout the world, the C Series (‘C’ is a tribute to Chaillot) is Amadeus’ latest speaker innovation.
The new “C Series” speakers started shipping in May 2018.

The C Series comprises two different models, with plans for other models in a near future. The C12 is based on a 2-way point source transducer featuring a 12-inch woofer, and a 1.75-inch driver. The C15 is based on a 3-way point source transducer featuring a 15-inch woofer. The C 15 also features two neodymium diaphragm compression HF drivers, coaxially mounted with a single acoustical output, and coupled to an individual waveguide. Both models include a unique diffraction horn, each is specific and optimized to get a vertical dispersion of 60° and a horizontal dispersion of 90°, which can be inverted by rotating the system 90-degrees. This type of load ensures a perfectly uniform coverage and an excellent spectral quality throughout the whole listening area.

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The Inside Story of the Making of the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano

Master craftsman and designers, Fred DiLeone and Chris Carroll, reveal the inside secrets of how they created their unique Vintage Vibe Electric Tine Piano

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Vintage Vibe has been repairing and restoring classic Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Clavinet keyboards since the late 1990s. In 2008, the company’s founder, Chris Carroll, along with master technician Fred DiLeone, embarked on a quest to build their own electro-mechanical keyboard in the style of the Rhodes, infusing it with their own ideas of improved performance, reduced weight, and customizable, sleek new looks. Today, Vintage Vibe has published the inside story of their adventure of creating a unique new analog instrument—an instrument embraced by some of the greatest musicians of our generation—the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano. Visit the Vintage Vibe website blog to read the complete epic tale: (http://bit.ly/Inside-Story-Vintage-Vibe-Pianos). Here are some highlights…

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‘McKechnie & de Benedictis’ Re-release 1980s “Inside Your Head”

“A dream-state assemblage of otherworldly musical landscapes.”

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The album is a reissue of live-to-tape synthesizer music, originally issued as a cassette tape in 1984, now
re-mastered for digital and available on major streaming and download platforms…

The path to partnership can be instantaneous or a journey. In the case of McKechnie & de Benedictis, it was a journey. From teacher and student to colleague and partner, developed over years in the studio programming synths and experimenting with recording and mixing, and after getting Rhodes Chroma synthesizers in 1982, (serial numbers 104 and 105). The duo starting making music and playing live together, first as “New Logic”, then McKechnie & de Benedictis, and ultimately as partners in “The San Francisco Synthesizer Ensemble.” Today, they re-release “Inside Your Head”—a 60-minute work of extended live-to-tape synthesizer improvisations and compositions, re-mastered for digital and available on streaming services including Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music, and download platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

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John Ginty Rocks with Vintage Vibe

John Ginty plays rock keyboards for top artists and his own band and always features his Vintage Vibe Electric Piano and Hammond B3 organ for a full-on roots-rock experience

400John-Ginty2Keyboardist John Ginty is a seasoned rock player, laying down tracks and playing live with the likes of Ryan Adams, Robert Randolph, Citizen Cope, Santana, Matthew Sweet, Jewel, Smashing Pumpkins, and recently a reformed rock-focused Dixie Chicks. As a bandleader, Ginty’s masterful use of Hammond B3 organ and Vintage Vibe Electric Piano take center-stage in his classic roots-of-rock sound. With four award-winning albums to their credit, including Bad News Travels, Rockers, and No Filter, Ginty and company’s songs have graced the charts of both Billboard and the Roots Music Report.

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Gaîté Lyrique Theater Upgrades to Amadeus DIVA M2 (M-Squared)

Amadeus recently upgraded its original speaker install at the famous Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater to include the newly released DIVA M2 (M-Squared) speakers

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Amadeus, based in France, one of the premiere manufacturers of high-end sound reinforcement systems and custom studio speakers, has announced the install of the company’s newest array speaker, the DIVA M2, at the prestigious Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater digital arts and modern music center. Initially equipped by Amadeus for the theater’s 2011 re-opening with the company’s EtherSound-enabled speakers, DIVA XS and XL Series, among other Amadeus models, La Gaîté Lyrique decided to upgrade its Front of House speaker system in the facility’s Large Hall and naturally has chosen the newest Amadeus DIVA M² array speakers (pronounced ‘M Squared’). Along with the fourteen DIVA M² loudspeakers, Amadeus has also installed four new DIVA M² SUB bass complements, paired with Lab.gruppen amplifiers and LAKE controllers.

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Peter Levin Brings ‘Vintage Vibe’ to Muscle Shoals

Gregg Allman and Blind Boys of Alabama keyboardist Peter Levin records his solo album at Muscle Shoals FAME Studios

400Peter_Levin_FAME1Keyboardist Peter Levin made the trip back to Muscle Shoals and FAME Studios to record his solo album-and he brought along his own Vintage Vibe. That is, the Vintage Vibe Piano and Vibanet, modern takes on Rhodes and Clavinet keyboards designed and manufactured by Vintage Vibe (www.vintagevibe.com). Levin is no stranger to FAME Studios having recorded keyboards on the recent Grammy-nominated album, Southern Blood, Gregg Allman’s musical farewell. Levin has also recorded keys at FAME with alternative country/southern rockers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and the gospel-flavored Blind Boys of Alabama.

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SPL Expands Mastering Series

SPL debut new stereo mastering console, 16-channel mastering monitor controller, and highly updated passive mastering EQ

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SPL of Germany announced they are expanding their Mastering Series hardware line with three new devices, all to be demonstrated for the first time in their US distributor’s booth, Audio Plus Services. The three new units are the updated PASSEQ, passive mastering equalizer, the DMC, stereo mastering console, and the 16-channel analog mastering monitor controller, MC16 – a first of its kind. Spring 2018 is the target release date for all three products.

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Focal Debuts New “Listen Professional” Headphones

New “Listen Professional” headphones designed for music production

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Focal has debuted their new “Listen Professional” headphone model built for music production. The ‘Listen Professional’ headphones are packed with Focal expertise. For six years, the French manufacturer’s design knowledge in high-performance transducers has been directed at a new specialty: headphones. ‘Listen Professional’ over ear closed back headphones are the essential work tool for music production. They confirm Focal’s ambition to establish itself as a leader in the professional headphone market.

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Focal Premieres “Clear Professional” Reference Headphones

Focal premieres new high-end “Clear Professional” reference headphones with listening quality aimed to match the ‘best monitor speakers in a room with perfect acoustics’

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Focal revealed their new high-end “Clear Professional” reference headphones with listening quality aimed to match the ‘best monitor speakers in a room with perfect acoustics’. Focal affirms its position as an innovative manufacturer with the arrival of its very first open-back, circumaural professional headphones, designed and manufactured in France. The result of research and development that began with the Company’s Elear and Utopia high-end headphones, the goal for these high-end headphones is to become the undisputed leaders for the most demanding audio production professionals.

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Focal Expands Monitor Range with “Shape Twin”

One year after the launch of Shape 40, 50 and 65 monitors, Focal is expanding its monitoring range with the line’s new benchmark product: Shape Twin.

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Focal has expanded its Shape professional powered monitor series with the introduction of the “Shape Twin.” This new standard bearer of the Focal Shape series features two passive radiators, woofers equipped with a new Flax cone, and the latest ‘M’-shaped Aluminum/Magnesium inverted dome tweeter. Shape Twin is made in France, just like Shape 40, 50 and 65. Designed to meet the needs of near-field monitoring, these monitors combine an ingenuous design and numerous settings optimized for the acoustics of small listening rooms. Shape Twin stands out through its excellent rendering over the whole audio spectrum, its broad frequency response in the low end, and its high SPL considering its size. The compact design makes it easy to integrate even into the most cramped of rooms. Finally, its 2.5-way design gives it a decisive advantage when it comes to controlling the bass and lower mid-range registers, which are the hardest to control in small rooms.

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