Shure Wired KSM9 Condenser Mic

Drawing upon the technological developments advanced within the company’s KSM line of microphones, Shure’s new hardwired KSM9 condenser mic brings all of the demanding detail and nuances required of studio vocal reproduction to live performance applications. First offered in a wireless configuration earlier this year, the hardwired KSM9 employs a dual-diaphragm design, advanced two-stage shock mount, and an industry first for a hand-held mic: Switchable cardioid or supercardioid patterns.

Selectable via a convenient two-position switch, the KSM9’s twin choice of polar patterns brings a wider range of use to constantly changing audio environments, while the microphone’s dual-diaphragm design provides higher gain before feedback, exceptional consistency across all frequencies, and minimized proximity effect insuring accurate low-end response. Providing an audible reduction of handling noise, the mic’s two-stage shock mount is a proprietary design built to stabilize both horizontal and vertical movement.

With a frequency response extending from 50 to 20,000 Hz, the KSM9 has a sensitivity of -51 dBV/Pa, and a maximum SPL rated at 153 dB (@1000 Hz/2500 ohms). Playing a prominent role in creating the microphone’s smooth, pronounced high-end and natural sounding upper midrange, the KSM9’s dual diaphragms are made from low-mass, 3/4-inch, gold-layered Mylar(r). Just as vital to the mic’s design is its discrete Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry, which provides fast, transparent transient response lacking any crossover distortion or minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion.

www.shure.com

New Signature Guitar and New 4-String TRB Series Bass From Yamaha

When the worlds of classic instrument design and progressive, heavy rock collide, the result is the SA503 TVL limited edition signature electric from Yamaha Guitars. Developed at Yamaha’s USA Custom Guitar shop, the SA503 TVL is a semi-acoustic, double-cutaway electric designed in the tradition of classic archtops and named for Queens of the Stone Age axeman Troy Van Leeuwen.

“Troy has been affiliated with Yamaha for some time now, and it’s fitting to release this signature model,” says Ken Dapron, director, Yamaha Guitar Development. “The SA503 TVL has Troy’s custom features on a proven classic design. It has the look and sound that is both vintage and sophisticated, but still appropriate for today’s music.”

Constructed of multi-ply bound Maple with a 24 3/4” scale set in Maple neck and bound Rosewood fingerboard, the SA503 TVL can deliver a thick, bluesy sound or just the right amount of focused cut. Electronics include three soap bar style, single coil pickups and a custom “all access” multi-function switching system with dual 3-way selectors. A Chrome pedestal bridge and a licensed Bigsby tremolo add to the vintage feel and sound. The SA503TVL is available in Blood Translucent Red and Black.

Yamaha has also been busy in the bass department. Their new TRB1004 delivers massive tone through clean-sounding, hum-canceling pickups. As the first four-string in the TRB line, the TRB1004 offers professional features such as premium woods and prime construction.

“Like its cousins, the TRB1005 and TRB1006, the new model contains high-end highlights that are still affordable,” says Bryan Savage, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. “It’s ideal for players of any level, and any genre.”

The body of the TRB1004 features high-grade Alder wood capped with a premium-quality Quilted Maple top, a solid three-piece bolt-on Maple neck and a 24-fret Rosewood fingerboard. The 35” super long scale offers a tight feel with plenty of bite, even on the lowest notes.

Two Alnico hum-canceling pickups feed a proprietary active preamp with three-band EQ, master volume and blend controls. The TRB1004 includes black hardware and a black solid brass bridge. Finishes include Translucent Dark Red, Translucent Black and Natural.

www.yamaha.com

SoundTech AMP3 5

SoundTech Professional Audio announces the AMP3 guitar amplifier and computer music center, a versatile speaker system featuring solid wood construction, an input for iPods, other mp3 players and PCs as well as guitar amplifier features including a built in instrument tuner and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) amplifier modeling effects. With an input to connect an mp3 player, CD player, or computer, the SoundTech AMP3 is the perfect solution for musicians who want to play along with their favorite tracks or easily record their own songs.

The AMP3’s guitar input features four amp sounds — Clean, Hot Tube, Over Drive and High Gain and a tone expander control that changes the sound of a guitar from warm and rich to bright with heavy undertones. The AMP3 includes an extension speaker for a big sound and a headphone jack for quiet “practice sessions.”

AMP3 customers can easily plug in their mp3 or CD player and listen to their music collection. Should inspiration strike, simply plug in a guitar to the AMP3 guitar input, tune-up with the integrated tuner and play along using the AMP3 built-in DSP effects. The AMP3 features a line-in and line-out making it a perfect companion for listening to and recording music on a PC or mp3 player.

www.soundtech.com