Tag Archives: microphone

My Magical Mystery Tour of Abbey Road Studio In London

Have you ever experienced something surreal?

I had reason to visit and work at Abbey Road Studio in London, and it still seems surreal!! My colleague Jayson Tomlin, Gary Katz (producer of Steely Dan), and myself were there to do testing and evaluation of some new technologies we’ve been working on for broadcast and consumer applications.

We spent a full day working in one of the mix-down studios, along with members of the BBC, Scotland Yard, Abbey Road, David Perreau, Felix Konrad, and some of Gary’s record producer ‘buddies”…Hugh Padgham (Genesis, Rush, Phil Collins, Police, Sting, XTC), and Elliott Randall (studio guitarist for Steely Dan).

Frank with Hugh Padgham (left) and Gary Katz (right)
Frank with Hugh Padgham (left) and Gary Katz (right)

Our connection with Gary has enabled us to connect with key members of the music production world, which in turn has enabled us to further evolve technologies for broadcast, and soon the consumer markets. Our work at Abbey Road was another step along this process, and it raised the bar for us, on what is expected of our products.

Frank on the steps of Abbey Road Studios
Frank on the steps of Abbey Road Studios

Being able to set foot into the building and studio where the Beatles recorded and produced all of their material was breathtaking. I’ll never forget, as we were wrapping up the events for the day, the studio engineer, whom we were working with, said “hey guys come with me, two is now open!” In my mind I’m thinking “this is where all the ‘magic’ happened.” So, off we went, and sure enough we walk into studio #2, and it’s still pretty much the same as if John, Paul, George, and Ringo were there the day before.  Getting chills—again—as I write this!!

Jayson Tomlin and others take in Studio #2
Jayson Tomlin and others take in Studio #2

Probably the most gratifying moment that day was towards the end. Hugh Padgham had been listening to some tech I’d developed, and told me how he’d done work with the late George Martin. His comment was how he had a good sense about how George produced the Beatles, and could we apply my ‘gizmo’ to their music.

Abbey Road Cafeteria
Abbey Road Cafeteria

So…in the building they recorded the album Abbey Road, we added some treatment to the song “Golden Slumbers.” Together, all of us were in awe to hear the Beatles music, with some treatment from our efforts, done at Abbey Road!

Tape deck used in the recording of Sgt. Pepper's
Tape deck used in the recording of Sgt. Pepper’s

There’s a skylight in the ceiling of the studio we were working in. While listening, I looked upward through the skylight, and thought, “if Mr. Martin, Mr. Lennon, and Mr. Harrison are listening, my hope is you won’t feel I let you down.” I felt a tear trickle down upon having this thought. Quite possibly one of the coolest occurrences in this boy’s life!!

Frank between pianos used for the Beatles' “Get Back” and John Lennon's “Imagine”
Frank between pianos used for the Beatles’ “Get Back” and John Lennon’s “Imagine”

Modestly, it was reassuring when each of our well-known music industry guests gave us the “thumbs up’ for our efforts. Further indication of how our little organization keeps growing and raising the bar! In closing, my sincere thanks to Jayson Tomlin, Gary Katz, Hugh Padgham, Andrew Scheps, and Elliott Randall for your feedback and friendship!!

Recording mixer used to record Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon
Recording mixer used to record Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon

For the Silo, Frank Foti.

Audio-Technica Wireless Earbuds Offer High Performance And Style

The audio world and mobile world have been coming together by virtue of shared technologies.

One recent example that continues to trend are wireless earbuds. Once considered a ‘low fi’ alternative to audiophile ear covering headphones, high bit rate digital files and improved bluetooth protocols have opened the doorway to mobile hi-fidelity. Case in point: Audio-Technica SONICSPORT Model ATH-SPORT7TW and Model ATH-CKR7TW.

ATH-CKR7TW

When you take a moment to search what others are saying about these models you quickly realize everyone is impressed with their audio performance. Personal devices are highly subjective. Some of us prefer touch sensitive controls but others like physical micro-switch controls. If you are in the former read on and learn what these earbuds have to offer. With the exception of noise-cancellation technology, they are loaded with features.

SONICSPORT

The sound

In general terms both models sound about the same- that’s because they each have large diaphragms (a larger 11mm driver for the CKR7TW), superb DAC digital to analog converter circuitry and robust headphone amplifiers. The CKR7TW goes one step further by supporting both AAC codec (a high quality form of audio signal that can exist in various bit rates and frequencies making it a near audiophile format) and Qualcomm aptX (a low latency, super high quality bluetooth format that allows for audiophile 24 bit signal playback over bluetooth). Since the ATHSPORT7TW is designed for outdoor and active use (such as gymnasium or jogging in the rain) it makes sense that the aptX format is not included. After all, a noisy city street or busy country road is not the ideal place for long periods of scrutinized listening.

For comparison we avoided the usual reviewer method of “A-B” testing using the same source and decided instead to stream various audiophile files and test signals from YouTube- both in AAC and aptX. In our opinion a lot of this becomes a process of splitting hairs since high frequency AAC sounds about the same as low frequency aptX.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bOQbaH1_pU

What matters most is the fact that both sets of earbuds get the job done and sound great.

The looks and comfort

Both models come with 4 sizes of Ear tips to help you get the perfect fit. The ATHSPORT7TW also includes 4 sizes of Ear fins and Ear tips that have trademarked Sweatguard technology. If you haven’t guess already, the sport model is also sweat and water resistant with a IPX5 rating. That means full on high powered splashing of water won’t affect the model and that’s reassuring. Water is the absolute worse enemy of earbuds. The SONICSPORT ATHSPORT7TW looks very tasteful too- an all greyish-white colouring with a slightly subdued brand logo is anything but gaudy.

CKR7TW

Not to be outdone, the CKR7TW includes 3D loop support ensuring that long periods of listening are comfortable. We also slightly prefer the looks too- the brushed Rose gold accents paired with the grey coloring makes for a very attractive look and will have you standing out from the crowd.

Charging power a plenty

With all that high powered amplification and bluetooth functionality (Fully smart music controls and phone controls including a built-in microphone for answering calls) you’d be forgiven for thinking that these models are high drain on their battery. Would you believe 17 1/2 hours playback time (using the charging case) for the SONICSPORT and 15 hours playback time (using the charging case) for the CKR7TW? The charging case is almost jewelry box like in that it is beautifully designed and has a magnetic holding area that offers a very satisfying “click” when you insert the Ear buds for a charging session or for travel storage. Of course USB cables are also included if you prefer to charge from umbilical.

Phone use

Flawless. Crystal clear audio playback and a superb quality microphone. Not a single person we called complained about ‘echo voice’ or ‘long distance sound effects’.

Safety

Hardly ever mentioned in an Ear bud or headphone review is safety consideration and if you are a cyclist or jogger you know what I am talking about. The ability to hear audio cues from fast moving traffic or approaching vehicles is an essential part of safe outdoor exercise. The SONICSPORT alleviates this concern with a special pass-through circuit. This option can also be turned on to allow for listening of conversations.

Price

Just like in the automotive world, quality does not come cheap. Now that’s not to say that these models are prohibitively expensive, in fact, they are very competitively priced especially when compared to similar models from other manufacturers. With the Audio-Technica brand you know you are getting something special. The company has been an innovative player in recording studios and on stages worldwide for decades. That history and experience with both capturing and playing back sound is present here.
MSRP SONICSPORT ATH-SPORT7TW $200usd
ATH-CKR7TW $249usd. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.