iRig Mic Field from IK Multimedia shipping; company announces iRig2 mobile guitar interface product

Here is breaking news on two fronts from IK Multimedia...

For immediate release

iRig Mic Field from IK Multimedia shipping:
Make professional audio/video recordings everywhere

Capture audio or video with high-quality stereo sound
on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

January 5, 2015 - IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation, today announced it's shippingiRig® Mic Field, the first ultra-compact, stereo digital microphone for audio and video field recording on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch - including the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. Slim, light and fully rotatable, iRig Mic Field lets anyone make great audio and video recordings with high-quality stereo sound everywhere.

High-quality stereo field recording
iRig Mic Field is the only mobile digital microphone designed to be used for both video and audio projects. It delivers superb stereo sound by connecting digitally to iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via Lightning connector. Its two high-quality cardioid electret condenser capsules, 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter (with 44.1/48kHz sample rate), 115 dB maximum SPL rating and built in low-noise, high-definition preamp allow for pristine sound capture quality at rehearsals, concerts, lectures, speeches, music practice and more, as well as field recording and on-the-move videography projects. iRig Mic Field can create accurate and faithful field recordings in nearly every imaginable context.

90 degrees of flexibility To better preserve the stereo image while recording audio for video, iRig Mic Field features a conveniently rotatable patent-pending design. With the touch of a finger it can be easily rotated 90 degrees and locked in one of two positions for an accurate stereo image in both landscape and portrait modes. This means that iRig Mic Field can record the proper left and right channel position in any situation - surpassing other mobile microphones that only produce a true stereo sound when held in portrait mode. Unmatched portability iRig Mic Field is lightweight and portable. It has a slim form-factor and slips easily into a user's pocket when finished. iRig Mic Field has been designed with elegance and durability in mind, and it can withstand the rigors of travel thanks to its durable industrial design and protective carrying pouch. Pocket-sized video production iRig Mic Field has also been designed with mobile video in mind. It can be used to record video on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with crystal-clear, professional sounding audio. It's never been easier to shoot a great sounding video and share it with friends, followers and fans. Now musicians, videographers, journalists, podcasters, casual users and more can get high-quality sound while on-the-go without sacrificing mobility or audio fidelity. Superior level control Capturing good sound requires more than just high-quality components; it also requires comprehensive control. iRig Mic Field has everything needed to ensure that sound is recorded at the perfect setting. It features a thumbwheel gain control, an audio-out jack for quality real-time headphone monitoring and a multi-color LED input level indicator for quick visual monitoring. Record with the power of apps For immediate stereo recording, an update to IK's iRig® Recorder app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch will soon be available to fully support iRig Mic Field. iRig Recorder lets users quickly record, edit, process and share their audio, thanks to its intuitive GUI, 8 intelligent effects processors and sharing capabilities. iRig Mic Field also works seamlessly with a wide variety of apps including Apple's GarageBand and iMovie apps, and iOS Voice Memo and Camera. Pricing and availability iRig Mic Field is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for only $99.99/€79.99 (excluding taxes). For more information, please visit www.irigmicfield.com IK Multimedia announces iRig 2, the sequel to the most popular mobile guitar interface of all time The successor to the guitar interface that sparked the mobile music revolution improves sound quality, adds features and allows wide cross-platform compatibility January 5, 2015 - IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation, is pleased to announce iRig® 2, the latest addition to its iRig range of products. The sequel to IK's groundbreaking and best-selling iRig guitar interface, iRig 2 builds on the design that made its predecessor so popular. It pairs great sound and streamlined convenience with new updated features like versatile input gain control, a ¼" amplifier output jack and Android compatibility. iRig 2 makes for a versatile tool that's perfect for practice sessions, live performances, jamming with friends, recording and more. Now everyone can plug in their guitar or bass to enjoy killer tone on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Android device - with the release of iRig 2, the world's most popular guitar interface is better than ever before. Powerful performance The biggest update that iRig 2 brings is its new ¼" amplifier output. This augments its 1/8" headphone output by allowing musicians to use iRig 2 and their mobile device along with their favorite amplifier, without the use of an adaptor. This opens up a whole world of opportunities when paired with AmpliTube®, IK's powerful guitar and bass multi-effects processor. iRig 2 now lets musicians easily use AmpliTube's vast library of meticulously modeled virtual stompbox effects, amplifiers and other gear as a part of their physical rig. iRig 2's added switch allows dual-mode operation: FX lets musicians send a processed signal to their amplifier's ¼" output from apps like AmpliTube. THRU sends a clean signal, letting musicians use their mobile device as a tuner, recorder or other utility while using their classic analog rig, which maintains the purity of a 100% analog signal path. Made for both practice and performance, iRig 2 comes with a removable support that, together with a Velcro strip, allows easy mounting of iRig 2 on any mic or music stand, making iRig 2 perfectly at home on stage during live performance. Plug and play simplicity on every device iRig 2 has been made to be compatible with the widest range of instruments and mobile devices possible. Its built-in universal 1/8" TRRS output connector provides a true plug-and-play experience on iPhone, iPod touch, Mac and Android. Likewise, its 1/4" instrument input works with any guitar, bass or line-level instrument. To ensure the best sound quality, iRig 2 comes with an input gain thumbwheel that allows musicians to dial in the perfect setting for their setup - iRig 2 works just as well when its connecting a wailing 3 humbucker electric guitar to a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 as it does a jazzy archtop or mellow electric piano to an iPhone 6. Killer guitar tone on Android iRig 2 is now widely compatible with Android smartphones and tablets. Its 1/8" output connector is compatible with many popular Android devices produced by manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC and more - any device with an 1/8" input that supports the CTIA/AHJ wiring standard works with iRig 2. Additionally, users with Android devices that support Samsung Professional Audio can enjoy AmpliTube for Android, a special version of the popular multi-effects processor that brings a full spread of meticulously modeled virtual gear to the Android platform. A full suite of apps iRig 2 is ready to go right out of the box. It comes with a powerful cross-platform suite of apps and software that includes free versions of AmpliTube for iOS, Android and Mac/PC. And while iRig 2 is the ideal companion to AmpliTube, it also works with any other recording, processing, tuning or music app. Pricing and availability The new iRig 2 interface will be available in Q1 2015 via the IK Online Store and select music and consumer electronics retailers worldwide for $39.99/€29.99 (excl. taxes). For more information, please visit: www.irig2.com www.amplitube.com

NAMM 2015 preview: IK Multimedia to showcase latest products in Anaheim, Jan. 22-25

Although I won't be attending the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, I will definitely be attending the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 22-25. News is already flooding my inbox about many of the cutting edge products to be showcased at both CES and NAMM. Here is a roundup of news from IK Multimedia of particular interest for those with both Apple and Android devices who enjoy the process of mobile music creation...for those attending the 2015 NAMM Show, visit IK Multimedia at Booth #6250. 

Pro quality performance and recording made easy

Make quality audio and vocal recordings anywhere on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

iRig Mic is the first handheld, quality condenser microphone for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad designed for all of your mobile sound needs. Now you can make professional audio and vocal recordings anywhere on your iOS device.

iRig Mic is ideal for the singer, vocalist and songwriter on the move, but also perfect for recording speeches, instruments, performances or other sound sources in the studio, on stage or in the field.

The iRig Mic features a highly unidirectional condenser-electret microphone capsule that provides quality recording in both close mic and long distance mic conditions, and provides real time monitoring with its dual mini-jack connector design. A three-level gain switch makes it instantly adjustable for any sound pressure condition — from soft speaking to loud playing. Its familiar form is perfect for handheld performance, plus it allows you to mount it on any mic stand leaving your device free for operating your favorite app. Its rugged metal body is road-ready for the mobile musician.

iRig Mic also comes* with VocaLive FREE, IK’s new real time effects processor suite for the singer and vocalist, and AmpliTube FREE for guitar players and songwriters and iRig Recorder FREE, an IK app for quick audio recording and processing. iRig Mic also works with a wide variety of other vocal and audio processing apps for the iOS platform.

Features:

• Ideal for all vocal applications from singing to speech
• Great for all types of sound recording or processing in music or any other audio application
• Quality condenser-electret unidirectional capsule
• Dual mini-jack connector allows real-time monitoring on headphones, speakers, mixers, PAs
• Rugged, durable metal housing
• Easy to set-up for any sound source
• Can be handheld or placed on a standard mic stand
• Comes with apps for singers and songwriters
• Works with your (other) favorite audio apps

For more information, visit IK Multimedia's site here.

IK Multimedia brings real time vocal processing to
Samsung Professional Audio devices with EZ Voice app and presents iRig Mic HD-A, the first digital microphone for Android

IK's vocal effects and recording app is now available for Samsung Galaxy Note 4,
Galaxy Note Edge and more, together with the first digital microphone for Android

IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music apps and accessories, is pleased to announce another breakthrough in mobile music creation: the release of EZ Voice™ and iRig® Mic HD-A. Together they bring real-time vocal processing and digital audio microphone recording to Android devices for the first time.

With EZ Voice, users will be able to enjoy real-time vocal processing and recording on the latest generation of Samsung devices with Samsung Professional Audio, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge and more.

iRig Mic HD-A is the first digital microphone compatible with all Samsung devices running Samsung Professional Audio as well as other devices running the just released Android 5 "Lollipop" operating system thanks to its new USB audio support.

Real time vocal processing on Android
The new EZ Voice for Samsung Professional Audio devices offers a simple and intuitive way for every singer to create and capture great sounding vocal performances while on the go.

EZ Voice users can process their performances with effects in real-time by applying up to 3 of the available 9 high-quality effects. EZ Voice includes traditional studio standbys like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, EQ, Filter and Level. It also features creative options like Tune, Morph and Choir, which let users apply more radical alterations like changing a vocal performance's key or gender or even adding in extra voices and harmonies. Users can apply these effects individually or select from a number of included presets for a truly immediate recording experience.

EZ Voice also features a streamlined interface that takes the work out of the recording process - it lets users import any song from their music library and use its included "NO VOICE" function to quickly remove the original vocal track. It clears the way for anyone to step in and give a show-stopping performance.

Available on the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge - and soon to be available on the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3 and other devices - this app allows singers and vocalists to enjoy real time effects processing anytime and everywhere.

The new Samsung Professional Audio compatible devices come with Samsung Soundcamp, a free and full-fledged music studio app that lets musicians record and compose full songs entirely within the device. The EZ Voice app can be used as a standalone application but also as a plug-in inside the new Soundcamp studio for full recording and play-along uses.

Digital audio capture on Android
And now Samsung and all Android 5 users can enjoy high-quality digital recording thanks to iRig Mic HD-A. It's the first pro-quality digital microphone for Android that allows plug-and-play connectivity via its included USB OTG cable (an additional USB cable is also available for use with PC). The input signal can be set using the onboard gain control while a multicolor LED provides sound level monitoring.

Featuring a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter, a 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate and a low-noise/high-definition pre-amp, iRig Mic HD-A offers unmatched versatility: Singers can perform and record their voices. Musicians and audio engineers can record instruments in the studio and on stage. And broadcasters and journalists can record interviews and other audio sources while in the field. In all cases, iRig Mic HD-A produces recordings with high-fidelity digital sound and superior clarity previously unavailable on the Android platform.

Along with the iRig Mic HD-A, users can also choose from IK's current range of analog microphones, like the iRig Voice, iRig Mic and iRig Mic Cast. All of these use the mini jack for the input/output connection with the device. Now singers, vocalists and everyone who needs to capture high-quality audio on their Android devices have multiple options suiting a wide variety of needs, applications and budgets.

But there's more to IK's line of microphones than EZ Voice, they're also compatible with iRig Recorder (IK's quick and easy audio recorder) and any other Android app that uses the mini jack or USB input to record and capture audio.

Pricing and availability
The new EZ Voice app for Android/Samsung Professional Audio is available through the Samsung Galaxy Apps store for only $4.99/€4.49. A free version is also available. EZ Voice and iRig Recorder are also available on the Google Play store.

The new iRig Mic HD-A digital microphone is available via the IK Online Store and select music and consumer electronics retailers for $129.99/€99.99. The iRig Voice microphone is available for $39.99/€29.99, the iRig Mic is available for $59.99/€49.99 and the iRig Mic Cast for $39.99/€29.99 (prices excluding taxes).

For more information, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/ezvoiceandroid www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmichda www.ikmultimedia.com/irig For the complete list of Android mobile music accessories: www.ikmultimedia.com/android

Sights and Sounds: Bob Seger, The Empty Hearts,Ourlives, iRig Mic Mic HD

Happy Friday everybody! Here is a fun-filled roundup to get your weekend started... Bob Seger's new studio album 'Ride Out' is now available for pre-order Standard version of "Ride Out." Capitol Records recording artist Bob Seger’s highly anticipated new studio album, Ride Out, is available now for pre-order on iTunes.com/BobSegerand Amazon.  Fans who pre-order the album will receive two instant grat tracks, “Detroit Made,” a hi-octane tribute to classic cars, and the tender ballad “You Take Me In.”  Ride Outis also available in a special deluxe edition featuring three bonus tracks (see attached tracklisting). The Standard Album will also be released on 180 gram vinyl.  All versions of the album will be released in stores October 14th.   The official music video for Bob Seger’s “Detroit Made”  premiered exclusively on RollingStone.com.   On his 17th studio album, Ride Out finds Seger holding true to his legendary sound, effortlessly marrying blues, country, and heartland soul into his trademark brand of Motor City rock ‘n’ roll. Seger offers a collection of new songs, including “All of The Roads” and “Hey Gypsy,” that are a powerful and personal addition to the GRAMMY® Award-winning rocker’s extraordinary catalogue, rich with character and passion, and the great American songwriter’s always compelling take on the world around him. Deluxe version of "Ride Out." Seger also lends his signature style to several personal favorites written by other artists, including the driving first track, “Detroit Made” written by John Hiatt, “California Stars” featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie and music by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett, Steve Earle’s “The Devil’s Right Hand,” and “Adam and Eve” penned by acclaimed Australian singer/songwriters Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson. “I’m real excited about the album,” says Seger adding, “I hope the fans like it.  We worked real hard on it and here it is!” Produced by Seger, Ride Out was recorded at Nashville’s historic Ocean Way Recording studios, with backing from a stunning array of Music City’s greatest musicians: Academy of Country Music Guitar Player of the Year 2014 Rob McNelley (who also serves as lead guitarist in Seger’s current live band), bassist Glenn Worf (Mark Knopfler, Tammy Wynette), keyboardist and longtime live guitarist Jim “Moose” Brown (Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley), and drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Joe Walsh). Vince Gill lends harmony vocals to “Listen,” while background vocals throughout the album come courtesy of Laura Creamer, Shaun Murphy, and Barbara Payton. RIDE OUT was mixed by multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner Chris Lord-Alge (U2, Muse, Foo Fighters). Seger is a multi-talented artist, songwriter, producer, and bandleader whose indelible body of work has affirmed his place in the annals of American music.  Inducted to both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Seger has sold over 52 million albums and has earned 13 platinum and 7 multi-platinum RIAA Certified sales awards, including such landmark albums as Night Moves, Stranger In Town, Against The Wind, Live Bullet and Nine Tonight, all of which have sold in excess of 5 million units.  bobseger.com Pre-Order on iTunes.com/BobSeger Pre-Order on Amazon The Empty Hearts announce new tour dates "This is a pure delight. It's worth the investment, the time and the space in your mind. Fill the void with The Empty Hearts." Popdose

Photo: Robert Matheu Santa Monica, CA, September 11, 2014: The Empty Hearts, the band featuring members of The Cars, Blondie, The Romantics and The Chesterfield Kings, have announced tour dates in October on the east coast and in Japan (see dates below). The band features Elliot Easton on lead guitar, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clem Burke on drums, Wally Palmar on vocals, harmonica and guitar, and Andy Babiuk on bass. Co-produced by the band and Ed Stasium, The Empty Hearts is a raucous collection of tunes with each player's rock 'n' roll stripes on display - a bracing sound shaped by influences which span decades and include '50's American roots rock 'n' roll, 60's British invasion and 70's garage-punk. The album was recorded at Fab Gear Studios in Rochester, NY and also includes the Faces' Hall of Fame keyboardist Ian McLagan on Hammond organ and Wurlitzer electric piano. The Empty Hearts is available worldwide on 429 Records.  The Empty Hearts (a name coined by Little Steven from his secret list of unused band names), is a band who sound like musical cohorts - who all came of age in the 70's and 80's music scenes and play by a DIY punk rock code of ethics. A self-proclaimed band of "rock and roll lifers", the chemistry clicked immediately--they are all connected having come together as a band of friends.  Says Blurt Magazine: "What's great about The Empty Hearts' self-titled debut is that it proudly wears its influences on its sleeve and yet it sounds totally fresh. You get the feeling these guys had a blast making this record - which, apparently, they did."  Confirmed Tour Dates: 10/16    Londonderry, NH        Tupelo Music Hall 10/17    Ardmore, PA               Ardmore Music Hall 10/18    Brooklyn, NY              The Knitting Factory 10/19    Cranston, RI               RICPA - Park Theatre 10/22    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows) 10/23    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows)   For more information visit: http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/429details/d_theemptyhearts.asp To order The Empty Hearts visit: http://smarturl.it/TheEmptyHearts   429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA. Visit The Empty Hearts  Webpage: http://theemptyhearts.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theemptyheartsband Icelandic indie-rock band Ourlives will release new album on October 14 Stream Ourlives New Song “Blissful Ignorance” Now At InterviewMagazine.com Iceland’s best-kept indie-rock secret Ourlives will be releasing a new record, Den of Lions, on October 14 via Spartan Records. In anticipation, the band has premiered a new track called “Blissful Ignorance” today with InterviewMagazine.com. Den of Lions is available now for pre-order at iTunes and on limited edition vinyl LP from Spartan Records at http://spr.tn/denoflions. All pre-orders will receive an instant download of “Blissful Ignorance.” Hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, musical prowess and pedigree innately runs through Jón Björn Árnason and Leifur Kristinsson’s veins. Together they are Ourlives, and over the last nine years they have been meticulously assembling the lush and layered musical narrative Den of Lions. Contributing to the post-Britpop tradition of bands like Coldplay, Radiohead, and Travis, Ourlives fuses together delicate textures with driving guitars and drum work, and seamlessly transition between spare and intimate ballads and soaring, declarative anthems. “We’ve been in love with big sounding songs for as long as I can remember,” says Árnason. “With Den of Lions we tried to approach each song as honestly as possible. Each one had its own path, and we were not afraid to let it go where it naturally wanted to go.” Nearly a decade in the making, Den of Lions emerges as a heartbreakingly gorgeous examination of love and darkness, intimacy and isolation, and paranoia and clarity. The record features 12 tracks overflowing with lush soundscapes, many of which have already been featured in a number of U.S. television shows on MTV, ABC and NBC networks. By all accounts, Ourlives has received a warm and enthusiastic American reception. “Good music always finds a way to rise to the top, although sometimes it takes a little luck along the way,” says Árnason, “Icelandic artists have a good track record of getting heard outside of Iceland, and we are very proud and excited to continue that trend. Our label, Spartan Records, could not be more passionate about our band and they have been amazing to us. We have complete trust in them.” “Discovering Ourlives on a trip to Iceland in 2010 and now being able to call them my great friends is proof of how small music can make the world,” says Spartan Records owner/operator John Frazier. “We are honored to release the band’s debut US full-length and can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with them just as much as we have.” Den of Lions Track List: 1. Blissful Ignorance 2. Out of Place 3. Blurry Eyes 4. Núna 5. Anything Can Happen Now 6. A Sight To See 7. Seven Ways 8. Loose Lips 9. We Lost The Race 10. Too Much 11. Heart 12. Where Is The Way? For More Information: http://www.ourlivesiceland.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Ourlives.Iceland https://twitter.com/ourlivesband http://instagram.com/ourlivesiceland www.facebook.com/spartanrecords www.spartanrecords.com iRig Mic HD Now Available  The perfect mobile broadcast solution IK is proud to announce that iRig Mic HD, the first handheld digital microphone for all generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Mac and PC, is now available worldwide. iRig Mic HD was designed to be the ideal tool for the professional media industry. Now news presenters, radio broadcasters, journalists, videographers, announcers, television & film crews, and anyone else who needs to record high definition digital audio while on the go have a solution. iRig Mic HD is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $129.99/€99.99 (excluding taxes). An exclusive silver version is also available from the Apple Store. Order now to put the power of superior digital audio recording in the palm of your hand.