Thunderbolt Peripherals Offer Ulra-Fast I/O For Macs And PC

The fastest I/O (input/output) on the market. Until very recently the tech world was raving about the release of USB 3.0 SuperSpeed. However, a Mac-Intel project codenamed "LightPeak", completely foreshadowed this release with ground breaking speeds, diasy-chain capabilities, and 2 channel data transfer. This means a flux of companies striving to release USB3.0 and Thunderbolt peripherals and devices.

New MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt technology

The definition of high definition continues to expand as companies release newer and better HD products. Until very recently, transferring large amounts of data, visual or audio could eat up hours of time, and essentially incapacitate your PC or Mac. Two channel Thunderbolt intends to solve this issue with high speed dual way 10 Gps connection.

While it seems like Apple inspired FIreWire 400 and 800 are going by the sidelines, this new inventions far outperforms either format. Functioning at 12x the capacity of FIreWire 800, Thunderbolt sets to define professional transfer speed for home and pro use. For professional photographers, home movie makers, or contacting distant relatives, Thunderbolt technology supports realtime editing of uncompressed HD Video.

The everything port - Thunderbolt is not only a data transfer method, its a completely redesigned Mini DisplayPort. Intended as a high-speed universal port, Thunderbolt combines the benefits of USB, FireWire and Mini Display ports. Its meant as a fast I/O that can hand about any peripheral.  Operate Thunderbolt peripherals, use Apple LED Cinema displays, use a converter to connect to HDMI televisions. Incredibly, you may daisy-chain as many as six Thunderbolt peripherals through the port; simultaneous audio, video, and data transfer.

The ingenuity of the Thunderbolt connection technology is its design. Rather than being designed to function as a specific connection port, Tbolt was based on the PCI Express. The idea being that rather than have multiple ports for connecting different devices, a single port that can connect to most computer peripherals. With the correct adapter Thunderbolt is capable of functioning with existing USB and FireWire devices, as well as Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel Networks. It also may handle DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort or even VGA display connections (again with the right adapter), all through one small port.

Review of the Sony CMTBX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System

If your looking for well recommended micro hi-fi component systems for home or computer audio, the Sony CMTBX20i is an excellent choice. This micro hifi system delivers quality playback for movies, music, or radio programs. It includes not only AM/FM and CD player capabilities, but aux-in (for laptops or tv) and iPod docking support. These PC high quality speakers are not too loud to disturb the neighbors, but not too quiet that you would ever want to return them.
The CD tray is one of the best features. It plays factory and burned CDs, but more importantly offers MP3 disc playback (even with ID3 tag support). Despite only having one CD tray, I've never encountered an audio disc incompatible with the micro HiFi stereo.

Sony CMTBX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System
Even if you do lose the remote, all the device's operational features are placed on top. Its essentially three boxes (four if you don't lose the remote), but despite being blocky and a tad boring on the outside the Sony Micro Hi-Fi system offers incredible audio quality. Enough volume for a group of people, but consistent playback for quiet use as well. One of the best desktop speakers for office or small to medium room. The clean audio remain distortion and clipping free even near top volume.
These are some of the best studio quality desktop speakers without going to a pair of studio reference monitors. The micro Hi-Fi shelf system lacks a subwoofer, but its micro component speakers deliver more compensating with high quality frequency response. If your into heavily bass driven music, this is probably not the system for you, but otherwise its a great 2 speaker unit.

Camping Equipment for those on a Budget

Its already the beginning of April, and soon all the wonderful camping site across America will be bustling with tourists. Its easy to get discouraged when interested in taking a camping trip; both by the lack of amenities, and by the amount and prices of camping gear. But rest assured there are many opportunities that make camping much more affordable for anyone.

Tents are not always just tents. Even though they all say tent on the box, some tents last longer, are easier to put up, and more manageable to carry than others. Why waste money on a starter ten, when you could get a reliable one for an affordable price to begin with. Its simply a matter of determining what you want out of a tent, and going on from there. Many companies offer affordable tents that will provide years of use.

Coleman SunDome t 3-Person Tent - Good tent for a Great price

Cooking around the campsite can be as easy as cooking at home. With either a portable stove, or the right campfire worthy cookware, you can be preparing cooked means in no time. Some camp-ware even is worthy of kitchen use. In fact, cast iron cookware, which is more than durable enough for any campfire, will also make any excellent addition to any kitchen (as well as flavor).

Camping only has to be an expensive thing if you want it be. It is still very easy to go on a wilderness endeavor (long or short) without having to invest a large amount of capital. If your looking for a cheap vacation, or are a serious hiker/camper getting good deals on camping gear is always a plus 

 

 

 

Studio Audio Reference Monitors - High Quality Recording Equipment for Mac or PC

If your looking to start you own home recording studio for Mac or PC nothing beats having a good pair of studio reference monitors. These high quality speakers are designed to bring out the subtle qualities of any music and are ideal for focusing on minute details while mixing. Unlike common speakers, reference monitors deliver clear audio across the entire frequency spectrum. Good studio monitors will provide this clear audio quality at any volume, or place in the room.

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers

There are essentially two variants of studio monitors, power and unpowered speakers. Basically powered monitor are the same as unpowered, except with an amp built in. Unpowered speaker sometime function passively (without amplification) but usually one is required to provide an amplifier for such speakers. Honestly, active monitors have a couple of advantages over passive speakers. Namely, powered monitors have built in power amps designed to work with the drivers, and generally are made to provide the most optimal audio performance. Unpowered speakers sometimes do not deliver such audio quality. Bi-amplification further refines the concept by dedicating separate power amps to the highs and lows. Combined with a finely tuned crossover, this design insures that both the high- and low-frequency drivers are asked to deliver only the frequencies they are most efficient at reproducing. Most high performance monitors will come with bi-amplification (possibly more though).

Reference monitors are designed to deliver true audio quality (not adding or detracting from studio recordings). This means crystal clear sound for focusing on the minutest of textures (sometimes a good or bad thing). Due to the high resolution performance of studio reference monitors they are the ideal multi-channel mixing in any studio environment. These type speakers are intended for critical listening applications, other bookshelf home stereos and even the best desktop speakers simply don't cut it when it comes to mastering applications. The dynamic ranges and bass response of studio quality speakers or studio-headphones simply deliver much realistic sounding audio. While they come at a significantly more substantial price, the added precision in mastering will more than compensate. Audio engineers and producers all choose either studio quality headphones or reference monitors in order to get the desired audio fidelity. 

Alesis M1 Active Studio Monitor Pair

Most reference monitors will have at least two speakers. Well, in reality it has one high resolution tweeter and a specially designed woofer. A good pair will be design to provide a broad listening zone, and not focus the stereo on one spot. This means multiple listeners can achieve and ideal perspective of the stereo image throughout the listening room. A set of great reference monitors will avoid causing significant ear fatigue after hour of use, granting hours of listening without providing annoying treble or invasive bass. Some monitors feature magnetic shielding to eliminate buzz and interference that can exist with other electronics. Shielding reduces the effects monitors have on computer monitors and reduces buzz. 

As stated, if you have interests in creating your own music recording studio, a good pair of studio reference monitors is a necessity. Whether its your collection of recording equipment for Mac or PC you would wish to add to, monitors will deliver the high quality performance for true professional quality mastering.