It has never been easier to dive right in and create high quality podcasts then with the Technical Pro PM-22. If you have been using a basic headset microphone then it is time to step out of the stone age and really step-up your production quality. The PM-22 Podcast Mixer board has gold-plated inputs for 2 microphones, 2 headphones, an MP3 input and a RCA channel input. Each channel has its own volume, bass and treble controls to fine tune your sound output. As a dual system setup, it’s easy to invite guests onto your podcast with their own microphone and control. The PM-22 connects to your computer via a USB cord for a no fuss installation. The mixer is powered by an AC/DC adapter that plugs into any wall socket; however a 9V battery system gives your podcasts mobility for on-the-go recording sessions.
The pro-grade high sensitivity dynamic XLR microphones pick-up every “um” and exhaled breath note with clarity. These can easily be removed with the included software for professional and seamless audio tracks. For convenience, microphone stands are included to keep your mic at a proficient distance that will pick up your voice clearly while decreasing unwanted background noise. The comfortable HP-20 headphones bring the studio home so you can listen to every nuance of your podcast in detail before uploading it to the web.
Hardware aside, the PM-22 comes with Audacity software to create and edit your audio tracks as well as export them in MP3 format. You do not need to be tech savvy or a sound engineer to unleash your podcast potential. Step-by-step instructions can guide you through the entire podcasting process whether you’re new to the experience or a veteran. If you need to increase the production value of your podcasts and make them more appealing, the Technical Pro PM-22 will increase your sound quality and polish off your handy work. Podcasting has never been easier!
For the first time in Kicker history they have 5 lines of amplifiers that have been rolled out for 2010. The Warhorse remains unchanged while the ZX series amplifiers have been redone and brought back with slimmer chassis and a decal ready design. The new IX and DX series amplifiers boast extremely energy efficient class D designs and flat grey chassis also ready for decal application. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of KICKER’s main amplifiers for 2010:
IX-Series amplifiers use high-efficiency class D technology to deliver immense power from a super-small footprint. The IX amplifier chassis are the smallest ever developed by KICKER engineers. Three supreme models are available; two mono subwoofer amplifiers and one four-channel amplifier make up the IX line. The environmentally conscious will appreciate the small footprint, low weight to power ratio and stackable design which increases cargo space and decreases fuel consumption. The simplicity of the IX amplifiers attracts more do-it-yourselfers and installers because all connections are located on one end, while the user controls are on the other. For those audiophiles, KICKER included a muting circuit that eliminates any worthless audio residue that might find its way in the lines. To finish everything up, the IX chassis feature a tapered blue illuminated model badge to let everyone know you aren’t playing around.
ZX-Series amplifiers have stood the test of time and continually provide trouble-free amplification and reliability that knows no bounds. The ZX lineup features subwoofer mono, two-channel, four-channel, and a five-channel hybrid amplifier to satisfy anyone’s craving for great sound. The ZX mono subwoofer amplifiers range from 300 to 2500-plus watts so everyone can tame their inner bass head. Multi-channel amplifiers give audiophiles full control of their speakers with variable high and low pass crossovers. Optional endcaps are available for all ZX amplifier models as well as vinyl skins for complete customization. Kickers ZX-Series amplifiers still offer the same trouble free amplification we have grown to love from previous models, just in a newer design.
DX-Series amplifiers are high-performance amplifiers that simply provide reliable power at an affordable price. The monoblock subwoofer DX amplifier is stable at one ohm allowing it to pound any woofer. The subwoofer amplifiers offer a variable high-pass subsonic filter to keep unwanted lower frequencies away from your subs, preventing damage and distortion. A choice of three automatic turn-on modes provides extensive flexibility on all of the DX series amplifiers. The multi-channel amps come with a bass boost centered around 40 Hz should you decide to run subwoofers instead of standard speakers. For ultimate flexibility, reliability and power handling the DX series amplifiers offer allot of features for everyone.
All of our Kicker amplifiers are backed by a 2-year Manufactures warranty. Kicker is so confident in their product that they will provide an additional one-year extension to the warranty with the purchase of a qualifying Kicker amp kit at the time you purchase an amplifier. For trouble free amplification, legendary bass, and audiophile sound quality, KICKER is right every time and every configuration.
At CES 2010, Kicker unveiled its new line of subwoofers that are sure to be a big hit this coming year. They have redesigned all of their round subwoofers after the Solo-Classic subwoofer, which successfully came out in the beginning of 2009. Today we are going to talk a little bit about some of the models Kicker has to offer.
The Kicker CVX line has improved technology that enhances bass response and provides maximum durability for the woofer. The Kicker CVX104 is a 10” 1200W Dual 4 ohm subwoofer with an injection-molded Solokon cone and ribbed santoprene surround. This new model is made with a smaller and lighter cone giving it better response and ultimately providing better music reproduction. Now, you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between this CompVX and a Kicker L7? Well, the answer is just in the shape. The CompVX is a round version of the L7 and it has the same motor structure, magnet and voice coil. So if you limited on space, the CVX subwoofer is the way to go and will fit great an either a large, ported enclosure or a small sealed box.
If you are looking for something with a little less power but still with that great Kicker name, the CompVR line is the way to go. The 10CVR122 is a 12” 800W Dual 2 ohm subwoofer with a stiff, rigid injection-molded SoloKon cone woofer and santoprene surround. Now, a similar subwoofer to this one is the CompVT which is essentially a shallow mount version of the CompVR. So if you are limited on space, the CompVT will be your best bet while still providing exceptional sound. Both woofer lines have basically the same motor structure, materials and overall performance and will perform great in a ported box.
Last but not least is Kickers most popular subwoofer, the Comp Series. The 10C124 is a 12” 300W Single 4 ohm Competition series subwoofer. This subwoofer has all of the same great features as the ones above while putting out excellent bass. It has been redesigned for the New Year with a brand new cone technology that is the same as the SoloX sub. Although it has been redesigned, it still has the same power handling and sound quality as the ’09 version.
As you can see above, Kicker has some of the best subwoofers on the market that are not only reliable but provide you with the most amazing sound quality. If you’re in the market for a great subwoofer, Kicker is definitely one to look at!
Through the years, CD Players have become increasingly popular but with the rough economy, it has become even harder to find a great receiver at an awesome price. Well, we have an amazing offer to get you through these hard times with music that you love. The Eclipse CD1200G was released as an exclusive deal for premier installers only, but they were unable to sell them due to the hard times. Never fear though, Sonic Electronix stepped up and bought the entire line and it is now being offered to you at an insanely low price. Eclipse is known for making high quality electronics and CD1200G is no exception. It is a reliable unit and with a price of only $109.99, you will be saving money for the New Year while stilling get exceptional sound!
The Eclipse CD1200G features an OEM factory look with a double DIN face and large buttons that make everyday use of the unit simple. And with a bright blue text display and switchable green and red button lighting, it will match your car’s interior perfectly.
There are multiple audio expandability options that come with this unit. It iPod ready with the use of an Eclipse IPC-009 and allows you to control the iPod directly from the stereo. Not only are you playing all your favorite tunes but you are keep the device charged as well. Along with the ability to play iPod music, it comes with a 3.5mm auxiliary jack and front USB connection. So if you don’t have an iPod, flash drives and MP3 Players are compatible as well.
With great features, incredible sound quality and multiple expandability options the CD1200G is sure to make anyone happy and with its low price, it can’t be beat!
During the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, also known as CES, Sony exhibited a brand new digital media receiver that took their car audio booth by storm. The Sony DSX-S100 is a unique “mechless” in-dash receiver that is designed specifically with the Apple iPod in mind. Unlike other iPod compatible units that have a front USB connection that requires the iPod to be completely visible or other units that have a rear USB with a cable run a certain compartment in the car, the DSX-100 conveniently conceals the iPod inside of the in-dash receiver. This is made possible since the media receiver does not feature a built-in CD player. Instead, Sony has taken this area inside of the unit and installed a sleek, slide-out tray with the USB cable attached to it. To dock the iPod without the use of the long, white iPod-to-USB cable that Apple included with the iPod, Sony includes a slim USB-to-iPod adapter that will make the connection. The tray then slides back behind the faceplate, leaving the iPod completely hidden and fully connected. This is perfect for those that have left the audio CDs behind and upgraded their entire audio collection to their iPod. The Sony DSX-S100 is fully compatible with the iPod, iPhone, thumb drives, and other USB based drives. Since the unit is USB based and includes an iPod-to-USB adapter, there is possibility of the unit being compatible with the Microsoft Zune.
In addition to the innovative iPod connection and control features that are built-in to the DSX-S100, it still features all the great audio quality features of the other Sony head-units. These features include the Sony ZAPPIN function, EQ3 Equalizer, DM+ (Digital Music Plus), low-pass filters, high-pass filters, Sony Quick-BrowZer, as well the possibility for HD Radio and Satellite radio. Sony believes that the digital media receivers should not have to sacrifice all the great features that the in-dash CD players have. This unit is a dream come true for all us that have left CDs behind and graduated to the iPod for our entire music collection!
Introducing the UN55B8500, Samsung’s brand new ultra-thin 55″ LED Television. This LED Television is equipped with 1080p and anti-blur technology. Images seem to come to life with amazing contrast, color and clarity. One thing that will be noticeably different is the 7,000,000:1 Mega contrast that provides an incredible range of brightness from the blackest blacks to the whitest whites. This TV also features Advanced Color Processing enabling a wider range of natural colors and provides a greater depth for a more appealing picture. And with the Auto Motion Plus technology to eliminate motion blur, the result is an unbelievable picture.
Just like the UN55B8000, this television has a slim design at only 1.6” deep. This razor thin screen can be mounted on any wall, just like a picture frame, making it convenient for tight spaces. And with the gray “Touch of Color”, it looks more like a work of art than a television.
The Samsung 8 Series televisions have easy to use widgets that let you watch TV, view photos on Flickr and even check the stocks on Yahoo. Access your videos, music and photos from your PC wirelessly to enjoy them on your television or use the USB 2.0 input to upload your pictures straight to the LED TV. If you don’t feel like watching television, visit the Content Library Flash feature where you can play a game of chess or find cooking recipes. There are hours of built-in entertainment features that you can personalize to suit your needs.
The UN55B8500 is an innovative flat-panel television that has an incredible picture and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
There are ordinary car stereos, and then there is the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT. This model replaces the AVIC-Z3 in the line of Pioneer in-dash stereos. Talk about an upgrade – the AVIC-Z110BT is loaded with extra goodies. It has built-in Bluetooth, higher preamp voltage (4V as compared to the paltry 2.2V found in the AVIC-Z3), a 7-Band graphic equalizer with 6 presets (as opposed to the 3-Band, 5-preset EQ found in the AVIC-Z3), built-in flash memory maps, a built-in traffic tuner (the Z3 required an additional purchase), a speed display in navigation mode to help you avoid tickets, 1 set of RCA outputs, a rear USB input, and a SD card reader. Yeah, you might say it’s an upgrade.
This double DIN head unit is replete with a plush 7″ LCD Monitor that nearly spans across its entire frame. You can use the touchscreen monitor to access the built-in GPS navigation, Bluetooth, and to play media loaded on the SD and USB inputs. This receiver will also play your DVD’s, audio CD’s, and MP3’s. What’s more, you can use your iPod or iPhone with this unit to play any media stored on your Apple devices. Best of all, the AVIC-Z110BT has a customizable home screen, which allows you to set up shortcuts to all of your favorite devices. This makes it quick and easy to access them. And for those of you who really like to personalize your car stereos, you will appreciate how this unit allows you to use one of your personal photos as its background.
In comparison to the AVIC-Z3, the AVIC-Z110BT provides noticeably better sound quality due to the higher preamp voltage. The 4V makes a difference when transferring your audio to the rest of your components in your car audio system. Beyond excellent preamp voltage, its voice activation controls are worth mentioning. You can vocally command the AVIC-Z110BT to run your navigation, play music from your iPod, or to make calls with the hands-free Bluetooth function. And this unit is smart enough to talk back – the text to speech technology announces the actual street name to help keep your eyes on the road and on the lookout for upcoming turns.
Lastly, the AVIC-Z110BT does not skimp on expandability options: besides everything mentioned above, you can add Satellite radio, HD radio, a rear camera, and even retain your steering wheel controls. There is very little this stereo can’t do – it is truly a 5-star model worthy of the price tag.
Watch this demo of the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT to learn more:
Have you ever read the line that says “CEA-2006 compliant” on an amplifier’s features and thought to yourself, “I wonder what that means..”? CEA-2006 compliant is not just an advertising claim. If an amplifier is CEA-2006 compliant, that means that this amp has been tested by the Consumer Electronics Association to verify its ratings. By meeting the CEA 2006 standards, you can trust that the amplifier’s ratings are accurate. CEA 2006 tests the two most important amplifier ratings (and the two ratings that are the most likely to be fabricated): RMS Power (how loud it plays) and Signal-to-Noise ratio (how clearly it sounds). Both car amplifiers and car stereos undergo CEA 2006 testing in order to verify their external amp power rating. The CEA logo will appear on the boxes of products that meet the standards.
Are manufacturers required to submit their products to the CEA-2006 testing? Unfortunately, the answer is no. CEA-2006 testing is voluntary, so not all manufacturers send their products in for testing. Some manufacturers may overstate an amplifier’s power ratings to make it seem more powerful, and as a result, appear more valuable. This is why CEA-2006 testing is so important. In order to avoid buying amps with inflated power numbers, you should only believe the ratings of CEA tested products.
In order to make the testing uniform, CEA uses a standard that measures an amplifier’s RMS power and signal-to-noise ratio. This allows consumers to compare amplifiers across the industry. The consistency of the testing guarantees that all car amplifiers are measured equally, and most importantly, that they have accurate ratings. The CEA logo is officially licensed by the Consumer Electronics Association to guarantee that the product ratings comply with the CEA 2006 standard. Besides a CEA logo, CEA tested products mention CEA compliancy in the manual and on the manufacturer website. Avoid false marketing schemes and buy CEA tested products.
When it comes to amps, you don’t want to skimp on power. Did you know that slightly over-powering your subwoofers is actually better than slightly under-powering them? With the Eclipse XA1200 mono amplifier, power will not be a problem. If you wire this amp at 4 ohms, it will produce an impressive 500 watts of RMS power. Better yet, at 2 ohms it can produce 600 watts of RMS power. The advanced MOSFET power supply ensures a steady flow of wattage will be fed into the subwoofer from the amplifier. This amp is also designed with the special ICEpower technology, which means that for its power, this amp requires less energy and space than the average amp.
The Eclipse XA-1200 includes a wired remote bass level control, a key user-friendly feature. The bass remote allows you to adjust the bass output without having to access the amp itself. You can boost the bass from 0-8 decibels. In terms of heat dissipation, its heavy duty aluminum alloy heatsink allows you to push the XA1200 at the top output levels without overheating. While in action the amp’s blue led indicator lights up to signal that the power is flowing. This complements the black and silver finish.
With two 40A fuses and a built-in variable low-pass filter (40-500 Hz), this amp is well-equipped and will provide superior sound quality to your vehicle. Besides this amp, all you need is an amp wiring kit to install the missing piece to your great system. We recommend using a 4-gauge power and ground installation kit when it comes time to install your amp. And once you hook this amp up, you will be able to hear and feel the difference from the way your subs pound!
Everyone is looking for a great deal this holiday season, and if you’re trying to find a gift for the last person on your list, why not give them something that will give them joy and great music! A new CD player is a great gift idea for those in your life who need a unit that can do it all without a fancy display and confusing interface. Pioneer Premier head units are made with the highest quality materials and will give your vehicle the sound it needs for years to come.
The Pioneer Premier DEH-P410UB is an in-dash CD/MP3 receiver with direct iPod connectivity and a front 3.5mm auxiliary input. The rear USB connection is perfect for someone with an iPod. There is no need for additional iPod modules, which means less money and installation time. A great feature unique to this Pioneer unit is the Advanced Sound Retriever technology. This restores the lost audio frequencies in compressed music, resulting in enhanced music playback. This head unit has many more options besides great iPod playback and audio features. For example, you can add Bluetooth and Sirius Satellite radio.
As you may have noticed in our previous post, we have our own 12V testing bay. So of course, I had to take this unit and test out all it’s features before introducing it to you. The OEL (Organic Electro Luminescence) display showed my iPod information such as artist and song information right there on the screen. This is a major plus in my book since I always have to know who I’m listening to.
The Pioneer Premier DEH-P410UB is a great Christmas gift and with all of its wonderful features, it will make anyone happy!
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