With these gamer cans ready to bask in their full Xbox-certified glory in stores this week, we took the chance to hit up Tritton’s stand here at CES to try on its Primer. Despite the call-center employee appearance [above], the earphones are relatively comfortable, although the head band seemed a bit tight. While the Primer offers a 33 foot reception radius, we found its limits of receiving audio were closer to 40 feet. The mic arm is flexible, with the adjustable headband affording a certain degree of customization. Despite the 0 price tag, Tritton fans looking for something more subtle than recent efforts will be happy — just don’t walk around a conference hall kitted out in it.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Mad Catz/Tritton’s Primer gaming headset arriving this week, we go ears-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that Latitude ST that Dell gave us a sneak peek at earlier in the week? Well it’s slowing inching its way towards an official release, appearing on Dell’s Corporate Blog early this morning. The Windows 7-based enterprise tablet is powered by an Intel Atom processor and includes a 10-inch multi-touch display with stylus, WiFi, mobile broadband options, front and rear webcams and a mic. There are also durability features like Gorilla Glass and a rubber bumper, enabling it to survive violent impacts with plush office carpeting. Port details are rather vague in the PR, though USB, HDMI and an SD card reader get their 15 seconds of fame in the promo video. There are also security features, like remote hard drive wipe, Microsoft Bitlocker support (this is a Windows 7 tablet, after all) and a Kensington Lock slot. Pricing details are absent and the product page isn’t live quite yet, but we could see these ship as soon as November 1st. Ready to get your tap and sketch on? Jump past the break for an enterprise montage, complete with doctors, educators and suit-sporting business pros.

Continue reading Dell Latitude ST tablet gets official with vague press release, dead links (video)

Dell Latitude ST tablet gets official with vague press release, dead links (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The intended use for a microphone needs to be the single most important issue that will determine the sort of microphone to buy. The intention of  microphones may vary from recording, voice-overs, karaoke to help public address. Once you have identified the intended function of the microphone that you wish to buy, you may then proceed to view the different types of microphones which have been on offer. There are four major kinds of microphones namely Condenser, Active, Ribbon and Electret microphones. Most of these microphone types are talked about below.

Types of Microphones

Condenser Mike: The condenser microphone operates by creating a variation in the number of electric charge stored internally in a microphone’s electrical system. These microphones have exceptional volume response, hence are well suited for studio recording. A phantom power source is necessary for the operation with this microphone.

Dynamic Microphone: Electromagnetism would be the principle behind the pattern of dynamic microphones. It uses a similar concept to that with the loud speaker to generate sound. Therefore, these microphones are made for applications such public target systems, where high frequencies usually are limited, and instead the emphasis is around the mid-range frequencies. Therefore, these microphones don’t require pre-amplifiers for typical operation.

Ribbon Microphone: These high frequency microphones are you might say related to dynamic microphones, given that they both operate on this electromagnetic principle. The only difference is how the ribbon microphone uses electromagnetic induction to come up with voltages between the magnetic poles, through a ribbon made from thin metal placed in between the poles. The high frequency capability makes this microphone well suited for voice-overs and studio saving.

Electret Condenser Microphone: These are an advanced from on the condenser microphone, with the difference being that they have an electret material is needed in making the condenser platter. Even though a power source isn’t necessary for these microphones to function, they have a pre-amplifier, which has to have a power source.

Common Microphones You can find

· Shure 55SH Series II Active Microphones: These microphones have a rich history since for quite some time; they were commonly for live performances. The Series II has the classic look and feel of the Elvis Presley days and nights, but when it concerns operation, it possesses the ultra-modern processing power for a digital audio. This microphone is essentially unidirectional.

· Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone: This is the latest release from the Glowing blue Microphones family. The fact it is USB microphone places it prior to its competition, due to its plug and perform nature. It is more popular for its superior good quality sound processing capabilities. On the other hand, it is considered a tad bulky.

· AKG PERCEPTION 220 Microphones: These microphones are in the condenser type, and have a large diaphragm, which provides them excellent quality music processing capabilities. As such, it is popular with professional recording studios, specially in recording acoustics.

· Sennheiser MKE 300 Shotgun Microphone: This   microphone can be popularly used while recording videos via handheld camcorders. It comes with a compact design that is incredibly durable and versatile. It is able to suppress background, hence so that it is suitable for video documenting.

There are lots of types of microphones that can be categorized according to their polar pattern. That is the direction from where the sound is picked up, the technology being used, or even the connectivity technology used by each kind of microphone. The computer microphone is a borderline category of microphones that did sprung up quite recently. Computer microphones can use virtually any technology, connectivity technology or polar pattern. The most basic requirement for a computer microphone is that it be compatible for use with a Personal Computer. Check here Computer Microphone Reviews to know more about the best computer microphones, and here Wireless Microphones for the best wireless microphones.

We are quite prone to use computers to perform many of our day-to-day functions. Those days, computers are used mostly for voice communication and also for sound recording. For that, we do need computer microphones. Computer microphones can connect to a Personal Computer in 3 ways:

Via USB: The computer microphone will connect using the Universal Serial Bus port of the computer. Such kind of microphones are easy to configure and to connect to your PC. Such ports are made so they can be used with USB ports.
Using the ‘Mic In’ port on a sound card – With onboard, or peripheral sound cards, your computer can manipulate audio. Every new sound card is coming equipped with a jack type ‘audio in’. You can connect a microphone to that. Such microphones will require a converter that can be fully compatible with the 3.5mm audio in jack found in such sound card.
Via Wireless system: Wireless microphones are designed to use radio frequency signals to transmit data from the microphone to the computer. Computer microphones which use wireless technology come with a receiver that can be connected to the computer via USB or audio in jack.

Computer microphones will make it easy to change your computer system into a comprehensive audio recording workstation.

• Uniquely designed plug-and-play USB mic connects to either a Mac or PC
• Dual capsule design and unique three-pattern switch can handle everything from soft vocals to loud garage band
• Switchable mic patterns for a variety of recording applications, including podcasts
• Swivel mount located on the bottom center of the mic body
• No additional software required

Includes: tripod stand.Blue Microphones Snowball – Round and white, the Snowball lives up to it’s name, and features a retro style that harkens back to the early days of audio. But on the inside, the Snowball represents only the most modern in microphone technology. Bringing you professional quality audio recording on the PC or Macintosh via USB. It’s perfect for everything from soft vocals to a loud garage band. It’s also ideal for professional sounding podcasts. PC Requirements – XP Home or Professional Edition, USB 1.0 or 2.0 port, and a minimum of 64MB of RAM Mac Requirements – Mac OSX, USB 1.0 or 2.0 port, and a minimum of 64MB of RAM

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List Price: $ 99.00

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• The microphone capsule also serves as a Send/End button.
• The microphone capsule also serves answering and ending of iPhone calls
• No need to use any adapters
• Light Weight, compact, stylish, convenience
• Crisp, Excellence Stereo High Quality Sound

New Headphones Earphone Handsfree Headset with Jack Mic for Apple iPod Touch (iTouch) (2nd generation)

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Price: $ 0.30

In this post, we’ll go over a number of the standard characteristics and functions which you should know of when researching a mic to meet your needs as a musician.

Among the first points which you need to be conscious of will be the atmosphere where you will be utilizing the mic most often. Mics behave in a different way in various places and you’ll need a specific type of mic for a live performance in major areas as opposed to home recording inside your smaller studio place.

Typically a condenser mic like the Shure KSM141, would be excellent for the recording studio setting since it does a great job picking up vocals with precision. These types of mics will also be excellent for recording instruments in the studio. Condenser microphones tend to have a flatter frequency than dynamic mics that are much less sensitive.

Dynamic microphones would be the much better choice with regard to live performance settings generally as they are more flexible to the increased noise ranges and interference from outdoor options. This sort of microphone doesn’t need phantom power typically which is frequently not the case in relation to condenser microphones. You simply must opt for some gain on your own preamp, however, to get respectable levels while using the dynamic mic.

If you’re recording traditional acoustic instruments like various guitars, this may demand a unique set-up altogether with regards to microphones. Often, you will find that a mix of microphones work best with your instruments and specifically with traditional acoustic instruments to be able to pick up all the subtle sounds and such.

Microphones to use with drumming is yet another animal altogether. You’ll absolutely need to do your analysis with regards to finding the best microphone circumstance for the drums. The most important factor could be the ability for the microphone to take care of a high sound pressure level. If you don’t get this covered, you may absolutely be up against a sizable distortion level.

Whether or not you select the KSM141 or some other kind of condenser mic for the recording studio or live performances, do take the time to do your homework on the front end prior to making your buying decision. Look at the various makers which come up whenever searching to determine a number of the bigger and more well-known brand names with the market. Using virtually any mic from Shure is certain to be considered a good selection as this is a brand that lots of men and women have learned to know and trust as one of the better providers to order from.

• 7 hours of talk time
• Up to 8 days of standby time
• Supports A2DP profile
• Hear your outside world with a quick press of the OpenMic button
• Enjoy the full dynamic range of your music using bass-boost feature

Plantronics BackBeat 906 Stereo Bluetooth headset with Bluetooth adapter 3.5mm audio ports. This wireless headphones feature Altec Lansing sound technology for rich, full-spectrum stereo music and dual-mic AudioIQ noisecanceling technology for exceptional call clarity. This provides up to 7 hours of talk time and up to 8 days of standby time. It is equipped with A2DP technology.Enjoy full-spectrum stereo music and take your calls wirelessly with the Plantronics BackBeat 906 Bluetooth Headphones. With the included Bluetooth adapter, these ultra-comfortable wireless headphones let you stream rich stereo music from your iPod, iPhone or other music device, while smart dual-mic AudioIQ voice technology offers exceptional clarity for your cell calls. And with a quick tap of the headphone’s OpenMic button, you can immediately hear what’s going on around you without removing the headphones.

The included Bluetooth adapter lets you use the BackBeat with iPod

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• Wireless headphones for your stereo Bluetooth mobile phone feature
• Separate your voice from the noise using dual-mic AudioIQ technology
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• Personalize your fit with telescoping and swivel adjustments

903/R BACK BEAT HEADPHONEEnjoy full-spectrum stereo music and take your calls wirelessly with the Plantronics BackBeat 903 Bluetooth Headphones. These ultra-comfortable wireless headphones deliver rich stereo sound from your stereo Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or MP3 player, while smart dual-mic AudioIQ voice technology offers exceptional clarity for your cell calls. And with a quick tap of the headphone’s OpenMic button, you can immediately hear what’s going on around you without removing the headphones.

The SnugFit earbuds ensure a secure fit that is comfortable all day. View larger. Wireless Freedom for Your Music and Calls
Whether you are working or playing, walking or running, the BackBeat 903 lets you wirelessly take your calls and stream and control your music. These unique wireless headphones easily connect to your stereo Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or MP3 player to give you high-quality audio performance. (If you want to wirele

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• Element Of Condenser
• Condenser Element
• Polar pattern
• Omnidirectional
• Frequency response
• Condenser element and omnidirectional polar pattern
• Element; Condenser
• Freq resp: 50 Hz¿18,00 Hz
• Imp: 1000 ohm +/-30%
• Includes LR44 battery and 1/4″ adapters
• Omni pickup pattern offers full coverage
• Polar pattern; Omnidirectional

Audio-Technica’s newscaster-style omnidirectional ATR3350 lavalier is engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction. This high-quality condenser is ideal for video use, and is a favorite choice for aerobics/dance/sports instructors. Its low-profile design assures minimum visibility.Audio-Technica’s newscaster-style omnidirectional ATR3350 lavalier is engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction. This high-quality condenser is ideal for video use, and is a favorite choice for aerobics/dance/sports instructors. Its low-profile design assures minimum visibility. Engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction. Click to enlarge. Includes tie clip, battery, windscreen, 1/4-inch adapter. Capsule features an omni pickup pattern. Great for Video Use
This newscaster-style miniature mic is perfect for video use, or any other application where minimum visibility and a low profile a

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