Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Believe in Music Week update: Martin, Gibson, EBS, beyerdynamic, Native Instruments, more!

Here is a roundup of some of the audio news coming with the arrival of NAMM's Believe in Music Week...Robert Kinsler


Martin to host 'The Making of the David Gilmour Signature Models' today from noon to 12:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)


3:00 - 3:30 PM EST - On the Believe In Music Platform
 A live conversation with Martin VP of Product Development, Fred Greene and Product Director, Skip Beltz discuss the details on how the David Gilmour signature models came to be. Great chance to ask more questions about these awesome models.



Gibson: Kirk Douglas Gibson SG Signature available worldwide now

 
New Models Mark Second Guitar Collaboration with GRAMMY-Winning Guitarist of the Legendary Hip-Hop Group The Roots and Gibson
 
Tune-in Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30pm CT to Watch Kirk Douglas LIVE On Gibson TVFacebook and Instagram
Above: Captain Kirk Douglas with his new Gibson Kirk Douglas SG signature guitars in Inverness Green and Ebony.



NASHVILLE, TN (January 19, 2021) After more than century, Gibson artists, players and fans continue to experience Gibson rejuvenated. Gibson has shaped sound across generations and genres for 127 years and has emerged as relevant, played, and loved around the world. Gibson is proud to announce the new Kirk Douglas SG signature guitar. The new signature guitar marks the second instrument collaboration with the American-made guitar brand and Captain Kirk Douglas, guitarist for the legendary, multiple GRAMMY-Award winning hip-hop group The RootsKirk’s newest Gibson signature guitar illustrates Kirk’s own modern take on the classic style known as the Gibson SGToday, January 19 marks the release of the new Gibson Captain Kirk Douglas SG; available worldwide on www.gibson.com.
 
“What I love about the Gibson SG is I am able to get my Les Paul tones and I’m able to get the single coil pickup tones, this guitar is extremely versatile, and by utilizing the pull up feature on each volume knob you can get a lot of tones,” says Kirk Douglas. “I find with the SG you are able to get a lot of different musical colors, all out of this one guitar.”
 
“Captain Kirk Douglas is a talented vocalist, guitarist, all-around musician, and Gibson Alliance member who has taken a classic design such as the Gibson SG, and modified it with modern concepts that fit his playing style,” says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. “It’s been an incredible journey for us and this guitar is a perfect example of how we put the Gibson Innovation Lab to work in service of our artists and the outcome in this case is pretty epic; we are all in love with this new signature SG.”

As the guitarist for The Roots, the beloved house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBCCaptain Kirk Douglas has developed a well-earned reputation as a stellar player. His guitar collection includes several Gibson models, but arguably the best is his three-pickup Gibson™ SG™ Custom, which is now commemorated in the new Kirk Douglas signature SG from Gibson USA. The guitar features non-locking Keystone tuners, a mahogany neck and body, rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and large block acrylic inlays, a Graph Tech® nut, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Kirk Douglas signature "Captain" Lyre Tail Vibrola tailpiece, black Top Hat knobs with metal inserts, and three BurstBucker™ humbucking pickups. Like the Captain himself, the pickups and controls on his SG are incredibly versatile. On a basic level, they operate somewhat similarly to a two-pickup SG, but with significant added capabilities. The three-way toggle switch selects the bridge pickupneck pickup, or both. Each of these pickups has its own volume control, and each is equipped with a push/pull pot that switches from humbucker to single coil when the switch is pulled out. A single master tone knob located in the usual lead tone control position, is provided, and where you’d normally expect to find the second tone control, an additional volume control (again, with a push/pull switch for coil tapping) is installed. This controls the middle pickup and can be used to blend its signal in with the other (one or two) pickups, regardless of how the three-way pickup selector switch is positioned. This means you can run the neck and/or bridge pickups alone or together, the neck and middle, bridge and middle, or all three pickups simultaneously, and at any relative volume amounts desired. Even better--once you have dialed up the exact balance you want, you can adjust the overall output level of the entire guitar with the pickguard-mounted master volume control.
 
Watch and share the interview below as Kirk Douglas talks about his music influences and the creation of his new Gibson Kirk Douglas SG: HERE.
Above: the new Gibson Captain Kirk Douglas SG in Inverness Green and Ebony.


Captain Kirk Douglas fell in love with the guitar before he even had the chance to hold one. "There was a music store in the town where I grew up called Family Melody,” says Kirk Douglas. “I used to just gaze at the different guitars they had in there. Being able to hold one and try to play one felt so out of reach for me." Growing up in a Jamaican household on Long Island proved to be an inspiring atmosphere for a kid fascinated by music. "My parents would play reggae classics of the day, alongside melodic ballads by the Commodores and Bee Gees. Sunday mornings would always be Bach and Handel playing. But at school from 8am to 3pm it was a world dominated by Rock and Roll. KISS, Van Halen, Ozzy were in heavy rotation at the time. I soaked it all in from home and school. When my parents broke down and got me an electric guitar (a one pickup baby strat from a company called Memphis) my world was never the same." By the time his teens rolled around Kirk’s tastes grew to appreciate Motown and Zeppelin. Then Living Colour and Fishbone and then bands like the Smiths and the Cure. All while trying to figure out how to get the guitar to make the sounds and songs like the bands mentioned. 
  
After moving into New York CityKirk made connections with fellow musicians and found himself playing with over 10 bands at one time, which provided Kirk’s biggest musical education. Playing with a wide array of musicians of various styles and approaches this led to a few chance meetings with the Roots. After being recommended to them by many sources Kirk auditioned for the band and got the gig that would alter the course of his life. Since joining the Roots, many dreams have been fulfilled including getting to tour the world playing musicplaying guitar with his childhood musical heroes and recording an album of his own with his solo band Hundred Watt Heart
 
Kirk is currently in midst of making the follow up to his last album Turbulent Times, all while simultaneously playing with the Roots on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and working on what will be the next Roots album. "I feel extremely fortunate to have a place to channel the joy and frustration of the human experience,” explains Kirk Douglas. “Music has always given me that gift. A way of processing the world that just leaves me feeling better about life itself.” 
 
Tune-in on Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30pm CT to watch a live interview with Kirk Douglas oGibson TV, Facebook and Instagram.
Above: Captain Kirk Douglas with his new Gibson SG signature guitars.
Kirk Douglas:
 
 
Gibson:

 
Epiphone:


Kramer:


MESA/Boogie


KRK:

 
About Gibson:
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on TwitterFacebookGibson TV, and Instagram.


NEW: EBS High-Performance Flat Patch Cables, 2021 Edition

Now with 30% reduced size contact housings


Create space and maintain premium-quality signal through your pedalboard with EBS High-Performance flat patch cables. The High Performance (HP) series features a tin-plated copper braid shield for maximum shielding and improved durability. Extremely low capacitance and resistance also help to maintain the signal quality.  A new version premieres at Believe in Music with 30% reduced size contact housings and 24K Gold Plated contacts.

Available with 10, 18, 28, and 58 cm cable lengths.

Price in the USA:  $14.99/15.99/16.99/19.99 

More info at www.ebssweden.com
 


 

Notable: EBS 802 High Dynamics Linear Bass Head awarded 'Bass Head of the Year'




The EBS 802 High Dynamics Linear Bass Amp is a 100% analog, solid-state bass head. The amp, that was released at the NAMM Show 2020, won Bass Player magazines 'Bass Head of the Year' when wrapping up 2020 in their final issue for the year.

The amplifier is powering the likes of Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops and Alex Al, and is the new top-of-the-line bass amp defining the EBS sound. 

More info at www.ebssweden.com

 


Notable: The EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp

Decades of experience converted into a toolbox for acoustic players.


The EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp was released in November 2020. 

The intention with this piece of gear was to create the ultimate analog toolbox for acoustic players, based on Stanley's input and EBS more than 30 years of experience in developing analog sound processing tools. The rave reviews from customers and media alike confirm the success. It seems to have filled a gap for the upright bass players' needs since it is now a top seller at several major dealers.

The sessions provided by EBS at #Believe In Music also shows that this preamp is very well suited for acoustic guitar.  Find out for yourself by watching the EBS Sessions with guitarist Robi Svärd as well as with the duo, bass player Rubem Farias and acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam at the Believe In Music Week (the videos are also available at youtube.com/ebssweden). 

More info at www.ebssweden.com

 


Notable: Live video recording with Henrik Linder & The Effect to premiere during the Believe In Music Week. 


A live video recording took place in Stockholm on January 13 featuring Henrik Linder, the bass player from Dirty Loops, with a fusion project called The Effect.  

The Effect is a trio that features Henrik, drummer Jonathan Lundberg, and guitarist Carl Mörner Ringström. 

The performance was recorded in one take (the first take). It consists of original songs by the band members and will be launched on January 20, 1PM (PST)/ 22:00 (CET) during the Believe In Music Week. It is part of EBS sessions program at Believe In Music.

The EBS sessions are found under the "Sessions" tab on our brand page and under the "Full Schedule" tab on the events main menu. 

More info at
www.ebssweden.com


Creator Pro

The Creator PRO Bundle pairs the FOX Professional USB Studio Microphone with a studio legend, the DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm headphones — which is recognized as the most frequently used studio headphone in the world. The bundle also includes a free Cubase LE 9.5 license. Cubase LE is a special, compact version which uses the same core technologies as Cubase Pro. It provides all the basic tools for recording, editing and mixing - from the initial idea to the final masterpiece. The Creator PRO Bundle gives producers, artists, and podcasters the complete toolset to create professional-grade audio.

The DT 770 PRO is a closed, dynamic headphone with exceptional sound quality, long term comfort and accurate performance. The DT 770 PRO is the perfect monitoring headphone for recording studios, post-production, and broadcasting studios. Built with a low mass coil and diaphragm assembly, the DT 770 PRO produces a transient performance for the most demanding professional and audiophile applications. The DT 770 PRO features a carefully tailored frequency response to highlight natural and balanced sound, meanwhile, it’s soft earpads and adjustable earpieces created unparalleled listening comfort.

The Creator Pro Bundle is rounded out by the Fox USB Studio Microphone, a 24-bit 96 kHz studio grade quality designed for professional recording studios. With accurate signal conversion via a large diaphragm condenser capsule, the Fox mic includes a headphone output, mute button, and gain switch for recording voice or instruments.

MSRP $249.00 US 

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/creator-pro.html
 

Creator 24

A picture containing text, indoor, electronics, computerDescription automatically generatedCreator 24 bundle includes DT 240 Pro headphones and the FOX USB microphone with a Cubase LE 9.5 license. The Creator 24 bundle is ideal for mobile recording.
The compact over-ear DT 24 Pro headphones ensure trusted beyerdynamic sound with a clean, deep bass, vivid midrange, and precise treble. The smart FOX headphone output comes with zero latency monitoring and gives maximum precision while recording. This clever combination makes a professional recording setup you can rely on in any environment.

Download the free Cubase LE 9.5 license to make single or multi-track recordings and edit your projects professionally with ease.

MSRP $199.00 US 

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/creator24.html
 

DT990 Pro

A pair of headphonesDescription automatically generated with medium confidence
The DT 990 Pro headphones have been studio legends for the past several decades. The open-back over-ear headphones are designed for professional mixing, mastering, and editing. The DT 990 Pro’s are known for their transparent spacious bass and powerful sound. This is a robust product designed to be worn all day with replaceable velour earpads and adjustable spring steel headband.

MSRP $159.00 US 

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/dt-990-pro.html
 

DT 1990 Pro

A person wearing headphonesDescription automatically generatedFor our audiophiles and most serious audio engineers and musicians, the DT 1990 Pro are Tesla-technology driven studio reference open headphones for sophisticated listening, mixing and mastering. They are 250-ohm and have a single-sided, detachable cable with a mini-XLR connector.

The efficiency of our latest Tesla driver technology is characterized emphatically by high resolution and high output power. Brilliant highs, a richly detailed midrange and precise bass combine to ensure sublime sound quality that is second to none. 

MSRP $599.00 US

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/dt-1990-pro.html
 

DT 1770 Pro

A person wearing a gas maskDescription automatically generated with medium confidenceThe DT 1770 Pro headphones are the closed version of our Tesla reference headphones for mixing, mastering and monitoring.  Rated at 250 ohms with a 45 mm Tesla neodymium driver, the DT 1770 Pros give high resolution and well-balanced sound that set new standards in terms of comfort and workmanship. 

DT 1770/1990 Pro headphones combine experience, German engineering and cutting-edge technology. They are so comfortable you will almost forget you are wearing them. Maximum comfort is also guaranteed thanks to optimized contact pressure together with the latest high-tech textiles. The fine-tuning of the headband construction makes the headphones ideal for long studio sessions thanks to their perfect fit.

MSRP $599.00 US

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/dt-1770-pro.html
 

TG I51 Instrument Mic (Cardioid)

beyerdynamic’s Touring Gear TG I51 instrument mic, named a ProSound News’ 2020 Gear of the Year winner, gives an array of usage options for instruments. Manufactured with high-quality materials at the company’s manufacturing facility in Heilbronn, Germany, the TG I51 microphone has a tough die-cast zinc housing and compact design, features that enable them to excel in both the studio and on stage.

The jack-of-all-trades TG I51 brings out the best in every instrument – from snare and tom drums to electric guitar amplifiers and wind and brass instruments. The microphone amazes users with its remarkable sound quality. This lean microphone with the short shaft is a snap to attach to the stand or a snare drum with the help of beyerdynamic’s highly popular microphone holder MKV 87. The microphone enhances the toolbox used by producers and sound engineers while making their lives much easier.

The dynamic cardioid instrument mic has a natural sound with well thought out and superior construction. The TG I51 is a versatile partner for producers, sound engineers and artists. 

MSRP is $129.00 US

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/tg-i51.html
 

TG D70 (Mark II) Dynamic Kickdrum Mic (Hypercardioid)

A close - up of a microphoneDescription automatically generated with low confidenceThe second generation of the TG D70 is the specialist among drum microphones. The large diaphragm microphone was designed specifically to record the kick drum in action. With this microphone’s help, recordings can be made quickly and easily. The TG D70 is compact and can fit into every hole on a typical kick drum as a result. The microphone can also be set up on a cajón and bass guitar amplifiers to optimally record the instruments’ sound.

The refinement of beyerdynamic’s world-famous M88 capsule in the second generation of the TG D70 takes sound quality to a level never dreamed of by its predecessor model. The capsule system has elastic suspension, a feature that prevents impacts from the floor from being transmitted through the stand. The legendary microphone capsule distinguishes itself with natural, crystal-clear sound.

MSRP is $249.00 US

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/tg-d70.html
 

M 88 TG Touring Gear Dynamic Mic (Hypercardioid)

A picture containing microphone, object, silverDescription automatically generatedYou will have to look long and hard to find a microphone that shaped 20th century music history the way the M 88 TG has. The classic mic is all about broad frequency response. It’s a quality that enables the microphone to work perfectly with the widest array of instruments, a role that can extend from duties with vocalists to service on a kick drum. Its warm, rich sound creates the weight that every performance needs.

The M 88 TG excels in the studio with the help of its multifaceted flexibility. No matter whether the job involves vocals, horns, guitar amplifiers or drums, this mic is the perfect choice for the widest range of sources. It is all the result of its exceptionally broad frequency response and rich sound.

MSRP is $399.00 US

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/m-88-tg.html
 

M 160 Double-Ribbon Microphone (Hypercardioid)

A picture containing microphone, bottleDescription automatically generatedThe M 160, a multiple award-winning ribbon microphone, is the true star of the M Series. Delicate workmanship teams up with precision components in this mic. The M 160 is fondly called a gem, for obvious reasons. The microphone has refined hit after hit for decades with its fantastic sound – good bass response, warm mid-ranges and silky highs meld together in a special vintage sound. Any who know anything about this mic is certain of on thing: The M 160 is without equal.

Having made its name on popular recording with guitar amplifiers and drums, the M 160 has proven itself to be a standout performer. On the drums, it shows off its skill by capturing the entire set, thanks particularly to its ability to reach the deep drums quite well.

The M 160 was inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Technology Hall of Fame in 2019 for its contribution to the advancement of audio technology.

MSRP $699.00 US
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/m-160.html

 

M 201 TG Dynamic Mic (Hypercardioid)

A picture containing gun, weaponDescription automatically generatedThe M 201 TG embodies natural sound reproduction like no other dynamic microphone. It reproduces signals with exceptional clarity and detail. These are the qualities that have led many people to select the M 201 TG as an alternative to condenser mics and enabled them to enjoy the strengths of the dynamic pendant. The M 201 TG is a one-of-a-kind member of the microphone market, the result of this unique combination and the high-quality workmanship that defines beyerdynamic as an enterprise.

In the studio or on stage, the precise sound reproduction that is brought to life by the remarkable linear frequency response of the M 201 TG generates an exact signal. It is a signal that makes itself heard in the mix and opens up a world of post-production opportunities. The small design of the M 201 TG also enables the mic to be easily positioned and gives artists the support they need in their quest to create perfect sound.

The M 201 TG is perfect for snare drums and acoustic guitars proving uncommonly good performance. It is equipped to deal with noise suppression and feedback with the help of its hypercardioid features and compensation coil. Crosstalk is also eliminated to the greatest degree possible.


MSRP $299.00 US 
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/m-201-tg.html  
 
 
About beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic is one of the world's leading manufacturers in the audio industry. Founded in Berlin in 1924, the company stands for numerous audio innovations and high-quality, hand-crafted products engineered and developed in Germany. Two business divisions, Consumer Audio and Pro Audio & Installed Systems, provide tailored solutions for professional and private users. Most of the products are manufactured by hand in Germany – from hi-fi headphones to stage microphones and conference and interpretation systems.

For more information, please visit https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/.

Native Instruments announces new investment partnership with Francisco Partners

Native Instruments to partner with Francisco Partners, helping the company realize its ambitious vision to create a more seamless experience for music creators of all levels.

January 20th 2021, Berlin. Native Instruments, EMH Partners, and Francisco Partners announce an agreement to sell the majority shares of NI to leading technology-specialized investment firm, Francisco Partners. Both EMH Partners and the founding shareholders will remain involved with NI as significant minority shareholders.

In 2017, EMH Partners invested 50 million Euros in Native Instruments, followed by a further investment in 2020 to achieve majority ownership in the company. The management and board of Native Instruments, together with EMH, have developed the company significantly and expanded its position in the industry:

  • Monthly active users more than doubled to 1.5m by the end of 2020
  • Revenues in NI’s music creation tools increased by 60% since the investment in 2017 
  • Industry partners on Native Instruments’ technology platforms increased by 60%, cementing the company’s global technology leadership

Since the company’s formation in Berlin in 1996, Native Instruments has established itself as the leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based audio production and DJing. Today, NI is one of the largest and most influential companies in the music technology industry, providing creative tools to millions of music creators , and employing more than 400 staff throughout its seven offices worldwide. In August 2020, NI announced a new leadership team, marking a fresh chapter in the company’s 25-year history.

With the support of Francisco Partners, Native Instruments is now planning to further enhance its product experiences, building on the company's leadership in technological innovation and deep connections within the community and industry to create more seamless experiences for music creators, with more accessible points of entry for new and established creators alike. 

Constantin Koehncke, CEO of Native Instruments, says “There’s never been a more exciting time in music, with more creators producing more high-quality music all around the world. We’re thrilled to team up with Francisco Partners to enter the next phase of our journey, combining their global resources and expertise with our passionate team, deep relationships within music and proven track record of technical innovation. Together we can realize our mission to empower and inspire the global community of music creators and help them to unlock their creative potential.

Thanks to the support of EMH Partners over the past years we were able to further reinforce and expand our position as the leading digital music creation company, and now look forward to working with Francisco Partners, EMH Partners and the founding shareholders to continue on this amazing journey.”


Matt Spetzler, Co-Head Europe and Partner at Francisco Partners, who will join the Native Instruments board of directors adds, “As an innovator in digital music creation, with a supreme brand recognition and outstanding software technology, Native Instruments is a perfect platform and partner for Francisco Partners. We look forward to working together with the management team and the existing shareholder group, utilising our broad operational and strategic experience and M&A capabilities to help the company accelerate its growth trajectory.”


About Native Instruments
For more than 20 years, Native Instruments has been at the heart of musical innovation. We’ve created communities, pushed technological boundaries, and opened new creative horizons for amateurs and professionals alike. Today, driven by our mission to make music creation more inclusive and accessible, Native Instruments hardware, software, and digital services provide fully-integrated solutions for musicians, producers, and DJs of all genres and levels of experience.

About Francisco Partners
Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has raised over $24 billion in committed capital and invested in more than 300 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. The firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit franciscopartners.com.

About EMH Partners
EMH Partners is an owner-led investment firm by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. As a next-generation private equity company and one of the leading investors in the DACH region, EMH Partners supports the growth of Mittelstand companies with capital, digitalization and expansion expertise. EMH Partners invests in market-leading, owner-managed companies to accompany them in partnership during the next growth phase. Today, EMH Partners manages more than €1 billion of committed capital. For more information on EMH Partners, please visit emh.com.

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