AudioHotSpot

Crown XTi Series Review

2011-12-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

Whenever you think of professional grade power amps for large concert style PA systems, the name Crown immediately comes to mind, and for good reason. Crown has been making “tried and true” amplifiers since the late 50’s, which has established Crown as one of the leaders in audio electronics. Well a lot has changed in the past 60 years, especially in regards to music technology, but one thing has remained constant and that is Crown’s ability to harness new technologies to provide a quality power amp for just about any audio application big or small. Crown designs several different series of amps; each series usually incorporates 4 different models that offer various power levels but house the same great features. This way there is sure to be a Crown amplifier that fits your needs and budget.

One of the newer series that offers this great versatility and some staple features that Crown is known for, is the XTi series. Available in a 1000, 2000, 4000, and a 6000 this particular line offers great functions like integrated DSP that allows you to quickly and easily configure crossovers, EQ, limiting and delay, along with tools like a pink noise generator, subharmonic synthesizer, and universal tracking switch-mode power supply, which reduces power draw and waste heat. And as the first line of Crown amps to use Icepak™ thermal modeling software, they are at the top of their class when it comes to thermal efficiency and lightweight portability.

Here is a breakdown of the key features that the Crown XTi series amp offers:

•Integrated speaker presets with LCD front panel display

• Accurate, uncolored sound with very low distortion for the best in music and voice reproduction

• Advanced protection circuitry guards against: shorted output, open circuits, DC, mis-matched loads, general overheating, high-frequency overloads and internal faults

• Extremely versatile, handling a wide range of speaker impedances and outputs

• Switch-mode universal power supply

• Speaker presets for crossover frequencies, EQ, limiting, and delay

• All products ﬁll 2U rack spaces and weigh under 19 lb (24 lb for XTi 6000); weight sets a new standard in lightweight amps

• Speakon® and binding post outputs, XLR inputs and loop-thrus

• Comprehensive LED status per channel

With features and functionality like these, the XTi series proves once again that Crown is king when it comes to making great quality amplifiers and sound reinforcement products. Check out the XTi series today to find one that fits your needs! OnlyFactoryDirect.com offers free shipping and a 30-day Money Back "No Hassle" Guarantee.

Support A Small Business Sale

2011-11-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

Support A
Small Business Sale

To show you our appreciation for supporting a small business like us, we made three very special offers just for you. Four days only starting Thanksgiving through midnight Cyber Monday.

Choose from three items for only $29.99

In Ceiling 5.25" Speakers

Theater Solutions Pair of In-Ceiling 5.25" TS50C Speakers are smaller affordable speakers for your whole house audio installation. Theater Solution's new TS50C line of in-ceiling speakers can handle 200 watts RMS per pair and 400 watts Max per pair. You don't need an expensive amplifier to power these speakers, they are highly efficient and don't let the price fool you. These in-ceiling speakers are constructed with a woven kevlar cone and a 6db crossover to deliver clear pleasing audio. These little guys deliver quality sound while staying soft on your pocket book. Theater Solutions in-ceiling 5.25" speakers, the perfect choice for your multi-room installation.

Computer Speakers 2.1 System

New 2.1 Computer Multimedia Speaker System is compatible with PCs, Laptops, DVD players, Mp3 players, Televisions, and Gaming Consoles

200 Watts RMS System Power
Built in USB memory device input and SD card Player
Mobile and Modern Design
Professionally designed built-in amplifier, subwoofer, and 2 satellite speakers

Sycho Sound Car Amplifier

click image for user reviews

This SY2K is a high performance two channel amplifier will rock your vehicle all day and all night long.

Sycho Sound SY2K 500 Watt Amplifier
Dynamic Power 500 Watts Max
Class A/B MOSFET Amplifier
50 Watts RMS x 2 channels at 4 ohms (bridged) and <1% THD+

Have an iPhone 4s - Here Is A Gadget You Need

2011-10-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Scott shares some great tips using his SendStation with his new iPhone 4s. Check it out!

Visit OnlyFactoryDirect.com to buy this item.

STELLAService Awards “EXCELLENT” Rating To OnlyFactoryDirect.com

2011-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

OnlyFactoryDirect.com an on-line audio and speaker store receives recognition for providing top-rated customer service.

OnlyFactoryDirect.com, a leading supplier of home audio and pro audio speakers and accessories, has been awarded an EXCELLENT rating by STELLAService, a company dedicated to publishing objective, in-depth ratings on the customer service performance of online businesses. STELLAService assesses Internet retailers across three main areas: 1) online user experience; 2) shipping and returns; and 3) live customer support. STELLAServices reports that less than half of the thousands of companies they rate pass their meticulous rating process.

OnlyFactoryDirect.com’s owner Mike Lewis comments, “I am so proud of our OnlyFactoryDirect team; from the day we launched OnlyFactoryDirect.com we focused our energy and efforts on customer service. We lead the way years ago with Free Shipping and our “No Hassle” return policy. We have made decisions at every turn based on how it will impact the customer experience, receiving an EXCELLENT rating from STELLAService, is a direct reflection of our commitment to our customers.”

John Ernsberger, Co-founder of STELLAService comments, “Everyone claims to have world-class customer service,” he continues, “through our comprehensive and objective evaluations of each site’s customer service performance; we’re able to cut through the noise and uncover which sites are truly delivering the best online customer experience. We are excited to highlight leading e-retailers when it comes to customer service while also providing online shoppers with direction to the best sites in each product category.”

Online electronics is one of the fastest growing categories for e-retailers. Forester Research predicts that online purchasing will grow to a staggering 250 Billion by 2014. One of the top product categories that represent more than 44% of those online sales are consumer electronics. Sasha Letourneau, Director of Sales & Marketing for OnlyFactoryDirect.com explains, “Research shows that people are more e-commerce savvy and surprisingly enough, customer satisfaction of online shopping has been rated much higher recently.” Forrester reports that 82% of those who end up buying online are satisfied vs. only 61% who walk in to a physical store during their purchasing cycle. “I believe most consumers are on a tighter budget and realize that brick and mortar stores have more overhead, so their prices are higher and frankly many times it’s difficult to find a human that is an authority on the item you are interested in.” She continues, “It is the perfect timing for a company like STELLAServices to help consumers navigate all the online retailers to find the best product at the best price, with the best customer service. We are very pleased to wear the seal of EXCELLENCE.”

About OnlyFactoryDirect.com

OnlyFactoryDirect.com is an online retailer of home audio and pro audio goods. OnlyFactoryDirect.com offers a 30-day “No Hassle” Guarantee and Free Shipping to the 48 continental states. They will send a pre-paid shipping label and offer you a full refund if you are not satisfied with your audio purchase. An audio technician is available M-F 8am-4pm PST or Chat Live online Tues-Sat.

User Review of Technical Pro Urec5

2011-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

My name is Shawn C and I’m a front-of-house engineer as well as an active musician near Toronto, Canada.

I had a need to record live performances as well as rehearsals and was looking for a simple solution that I could mount in my road case and connect directly to my mixer. I happened across the Technical Pro Urec5 and it looked to do what I needed done.

To be quite honest, I was concerned about the fact that there wasn’t any online user reviews or content about the Urec5 unit. And, the price made me second guess my interest in the product, too– was this studio grade quality? Is it as good as $250 solution or even a $500 solution? After using it for a month or so I say to you, YES to all.

Upon opening the package and setting it up I was surprised to find out that I had to use an SD card that was less than 4Gb in size. I picked up a 2Gb card at the local Staples wondering if I should pick up another. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE! You can record hours and hours of content on this thing with files automatically converted directly to MP3. For editing, I drag them off the card and drop them directly onto a track in my audio workstation software (Cubase). The quality is clean with little to no noise. I get EXACTLY what the mixer is feeding it.

So, where’s the catch? Where’s the ‘it’s not as good as a costlier solution’?

There is no catch. It is what it is. And, considering no real mechanical parts are required with record-to-chip-memory technology, then one shouldn’t expect a lot in terms of mass.

This is a simple device: record and playback. There is no search or scrubber capability which means you have to move through a list of recordings one by one and play a song back from the beginning to find something in the middle. Is this a big problem? Not, really but, it’s inconvenient at times, especially during rehearsals where you want to listen back to a particular area of interest. Too, you can plug a USB drive into the device, as well as the SD chip, and play music during set-breaks which is a big plus rather than having to hang your IPOD off your rig or consume two channels on your mixer for your IPOD.

Operationally, you set the Urec5 device to ‘record’ mode; press the record ‘arm’ button and then press the ‘go’ button. To play back you disarm it, set to ‘play mode’ and press ‘play’. The device has its own EQ and volume control so sending it back through your mixer’s TAPE IN saves you from having to consume mixer channels.

As far as construction goes, the container is adequate but I’d be concerned about placing something heavy on top of it. It works well in a rack situation which, reminds me: the rack ears are packaged separately inside of the Styrofoam supports so LOCATE THESE FIRST BEFORE TOSSING OUT. The front panel is solid and there’s a substantial tactile presence to the buttons and knobs. There’s no ‘click’, per se, when the SD card goes in – it just gets to the point where it won’t go any further so don’t force it.

With respects to connectivity there are both RCA and ¼ unbalanced connections going in and out of the box. I feed to the UREC from my TAPE OUT and return through the TAPE IN connections on the mixer. I’ve also sent a feed from the ¼ out (concurrently to the RCA outs, btw) to an M-Audio digital interface which worked well providing you didn’t jiggle the cables which caused a bit of noise.

Remember, too, that this device will probably be fed from a mixer with just enough output to power a set of headphones. This will not be the same sound that people hear in the venue you’re playing into. The fact is your choice of PA drivers, speakers, subs and cabinets all affect the color and tonality of your end-sound. So, what comes out of the mixer may lack a degree of personality that those other components provide. Like I said, you get what ever your mixer gives.

Yes, I’d buy another. Yes, I’d recommend this to a family member. And, Yes, I’d buy from Only Factory Direct again.

permission to republish from Shawn C. for OnlyFactoryDirect.com only

Get a Free Speaker Bag With Any SRM450v2 or SRM350v2

2011-09-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mackie pushing to finish a strong 3rd Quarter has announced a rebate program for their top selling SRMv2 series active speakers. The SRM series has been a decade long staple for Mackie, recently Mackie re-engineered the series and released the new SRMv2 Series. Mackie’s newly designed SRMv2 Series received rave reviews from their critics, recognizing the sophisticated electronics, featuring separate Linkwitz-Reilly 24dB-per-octave crossover circuits for the LF woofer and HF compression driver. The SRMv2’s electronic crossover circuitry effectively splits input signal frequencies into highs and lows for the transducers, and eliminates unwanted phasing issues. Also, the new Class-D with servo feedback fast recovery amplifier gives the SRM45v2 and SRM350v2 more power (300 W), and pair that with a second Class AB amp (100 W) that drives the new 1.75” high frequency titanium dome compression driver connected to a multi-cell horn and you get more clarity and punch than ever before.

Mackie is offering a Free speaker bag with any purchase of a SRM450v2 or SRM350v2 from an authorized dealer now through October 15th, 2011. Rebate forms are available at OnlyFactoryDirect.com or Mackie.com and must be submitted with receipt by October 31st, 2011. See rebate form for specific details.

SM Pro Audio XPH4 Headphone Amp Video

2011-09-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

SM Pro Audio XPH4 Headphone Amp Video

Input Connectors: stereo 3.5mm mini TRS and RCA
Max gain: 19dB/Channel
Input Impedance: 100K unbalanced
S/N ratio: > 98dB
Max input level : + 22 dB
Power: 12-18V DC adapter (optional accessory, not included)
Output connectors: 1/4” stereo TRS phone
Size: 88 x 54 x 38 mm
Output impedance: Minimum 10 ohms each output

Many times when you are in the studio, more than one person would like to hear the mix or each person wants a different volume level than the other. The SM Pro Audio XPH4 Headphone Amplifier is a convenient studio accessory that powers up to 4 headphones. There are two inputs, an RCA and a 3.5 mini connection to connect directly from any form of headphone output or use a line level output. The back side houses four 1/4" stereo outputs, each connection is a 10 ohm output. One advantage to using a separate headphone amplifier is managing the crossfeed. Crossfeeding blends the left and right stereo channels slightly, reducing the extreme channel separation which is characteristic of headphone listening and sometimes can cause headaches. The XPH4 allows you to switch from stereo to mono, this is especially nice if you are spending long hours in the studio with headphones.

Bottom line: The XPH4 is an extremely useful studio accessory built solid with a few basic features. Over all it does exactly what you would purchase a multi-channel headphone amplifier to do with a reasonable price point of $49.99.

Buy it now at: www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com

Football Season Kick-Off Sale

2011-09-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Take 15% Off any purchase over $249 on Pro Audio Gear or Home Audio Gear

Save for 4 days only. Save on brand names like Alesis, Auralex, JBL, Podium Pro Audio, Numark, Pioneer Jamo, SM Pro Audio, Mackie and more pro audio gear and home audio brand names.

Promo Code Available Exclusively at www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com

5 Reasons an Audio Technician or Musician Should Have an Audio Cable Tester

2011-09-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Professional Audio Technicians, Mobile Audio DJs, and Musicians alike rely on their equipment and speakers to perform perfectly, and when this doesn't happen it could have a lasting impact on their pocketbook. This is why Audio Professionals generally carry with them a basic tool box that can assist in pin-pointing the defective piece of equipment in the line up. This can be very time consuming and difficult depending on the scale of the venue. There is one tool in the box we believe that no Pro Audio Technician, DJ, or Musician should be with out, the SM Pro Audio CT-2 Audio Cable Tester, and here is why.

1) Saves Time: When someone calls with unwanted distortion or sound degradation, I always recommend swapping out the cables first, or if you have an Audio Cable Tester, to test the cables. Here is the first advantage of the SM Pro Audio Cable tester, the CT2 offers many common connectors such as Speakon, XLR, Phono, BNC, DIN, TRS, TS, DMX, and Banana. To swap out every cable with a new cable just to diagnose if that is the root of the issue would be too burdensome and time consuming. The CT2 allows for testing cables even with different connectors at each end.

2) Saves Money: The connectors and the wire junction points at the connectors is responsible for approximately 90% of all cable failures. Most frequently, these are where the flex points are and the wire breaks right where it is attached to the connector. The CT-2 Audio Cable Tester from SM Pro Audio actually will help determine if the cable is dead or if it is repairable with a new connector. We tested several old balanced 1/4" jack cables, and the LED light display tells us if the sleeve, tip, or ring are good. The user can easily determine if swapping out the tip for a dollar will solve the issue rather than tossing the whole cable.

3) The price point. Any other Audio Cable Tester that has similar features and functions will easily cost you $60-100. The CT-2 retails for only $39.99.

4) Convenience & Portability: The CT2 audio cable tester only measures 8.9cm x 14cm x 3.7cm and requires only a 9volt battery for operation. The construction of the CT2 audio cable tester is durable.

5) Ease of Use: This is not a complicated tool, it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles however, it is an extremely functional tool that may save a gig or two in the end.

Purchase the CT-2 Audio Cable Tester Now at: www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com

Mackie Onyx BlackJack USB Interface Review

2011-09-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Mackie ONYX BlackJack is a rugged bus-powered USB audio interface that is small with great sound quality and versatile monitoring, making it an ideal portable companion to a laptop but equally at home in a fixed location such as a personal studio.

Mackies ONYX BlackJack offers the quality preamp so recognized in their higher priced line of Onyx Mixers, but for a lot less money. The BlackJack features two Onyx preamps, having mic/line inputs on combination XLR / ¼” jacks, with individual DI switching for using the line jacks as high-impedance inputs, and switchable global phantom power. The monitor outputs are on balanced quarter-inch jacks, governed by the Monitor level control, and there’s a headphone output and accompanying level control on the front panel.

The Onyx preamps are designed to go beyond standalone microphone preamps in headroom, transparency, and fidelity. Additionally, the Onyx preamps have a full 60db gain, improved radio frequency (RFI) rejection and an ultra-wide dynamic range. Onyx preamps rival even the most expensive boutique mic preamps for sound quality due to the Cirrus Logic converter. Power for the circuitry comes from the USB port, so there’s no need for a separate PSU. The 24-bit Cirrus Logic converter is capable of a 114dB dynamic range (A-Weighted), which is way beyond the signal-to-noise spec of most studio gear. The BlackJack performed well with sampling rates of up to 95kHz, and the playback quality has proven to be excellent. Importantly, the gain staging within the unit means that the preamp circuitry is correctly matched to the A-D conversion, to sustain headroom while minimizing noise and distortion. Zero latency recording is possible by routing the input directly into the monitors and into the computer simultaneously, reducing any audible delay from player to computer (allowing the computer buffer to be directed towards the CPU). It also allows you to track in mono or stereo.

The Blackjack works with both Mac and Pc computers and compatible with all the major DAW software (except those limited to a manufacturers own hardware). I f you are running Windows, users are advised to to download and install the latest ASIO driver from www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack for optimal performance. The Blackjack comes bundled with a copy of Mackie’s Tracktion 3 software, an amateur friendly introduction into computer recording if you’re not already familiar with another DAW.

Bottom line, there are less expensive interfaces on the market, but overall, comparable interfaces do not possess this sound quality. In fact, many of the USB interfaces that are three times more expensive don’t offer the headroom and fidelity that Mackie’s Onyx BlackJack does. Finally, the BlackJacks compact portable and durable design and reasonable price point earns a 4.5 star rating out of 5 stars.

Mackie Onyx BlackJack Features

· Industry standard 24-bit recording/playback on USB with 2in/2out audio. Bus powered.
Two high-quality Onyx mic preamps with superb fidelity and dynamic range
· 48V Phantom Power to use with Condenser Microphones
· True Analog monitoring of inputs for zero latency recording
· Built-in DI on each input for direct guitar/bass connections
· Premium Ciruss Logic AD/DA converters with 114 db dynamic range

Available Now at www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com

Technical Pro RX35U Review

2011-09-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Technical Pro RX35U Review

The RX35U Audio Receiver with Tuner is nicely packed, and the manual included is moderately informative, but gives you all the necessary information required except, more detailed specifications regarding the wattage. It is a personal pet peeve of mine that almost all amplifier manufacturers are overly optimistic or intentionally confusing on their stated specifications. We will hook up the system and share our guesstimation as to the continuous wattage, later. The amplifier itself weighs 8lbs and overall has a clean professional look. The front panel of the RX35U, there are 22 features including volume/tuner knobs, USB, SD card, mp3 player inputs, DVD, Aux, MP3/SD/USB, Play/Pause, Previous, and Next Buttons, two microphone inputs and three knobs to control the microphone's volume, echo, and tone and finally three controls to manipulate bass, treble, and balance.

We are currently in the midst of building outdoor theater packs for next summer, so Technician Scott and I hooked up five 800C speakers using a laptop and Alesis-4USB mixer. The sound was really incredible, we tested several scenes from "Lord of the Rings," and "Harry Potter," because they both have excellent surround formatting and we wanted to test the surround capabilities. We were really impressed by the overall sound quality and therefore wanted to push the amplifier to see if the RX35U could handle some bigger speakers. We switched the front Podium Pro 800Cs for the larger Trap12 models in the front and "wow" it really created a surround system that could easily cover a 50 person venue. Connecting the system was simple, and well laid out.

Next, we tested the USB and SD card inputs, and again the over-all performance was good. We didn't bother setting up an antenna to test the tuner. I would estimate the actually combined RMS around 300 watts @ 8ohms.

The coolest thing about this receiver is that I can see it being used in so many different capacities, from my daughters dance studio, to our home surround theater, outdoor theaters (amp is not weather resistant), restaurants, and small venues.

Bottom line, I would say that for the ridiculously low price of $124.99 and taking all the features, power, and sound quality in to consideration the Technical Pro RX35U is absolutely a great buy.

You Rock Guitar Review

2011-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

In the past 5 years or so there has been a huge influx of popular video games focused on “virtually living the dream” and promising to transform your youngster or teen into the next “Guitar Hero”. This insurgence of guitar based gaming has done a great job of reintroducing REAL guitar driven music to the modern music market and has introduced countless young potential shredders to some classic music that they may have never been exposed to otherwise. The drawback to these games is that they never really focused on true musicianship or had anything to do with even closely simulating actual guitar playing as pressing colored buttons has absolutely zero benefit to learning notes, pitch, fingering etc. But a little company called Inspired Instruments wants to change all of that with the new You Rock Guitar!

The You Rock Guitar is a fully functional game controller that features real feel and playability using real strings to pick and a touch sensitive fret board complete with simulated strings, fret markers, etc., all created in a way that makes gaming much more like actually jamming! Impressive right, but that’s not all! The You Rock guitar is MUCH more than just a game controller (which in hindsight is really the least impressive function this little sucker packs), it’s a fully functional instrument that can be used with an amp, headphones, your computer, your mobile phone, and even works as a midi controller (a function that I think is amazing considering how difficult it is to accurately replicate stringed instruments when using the standard midi keyboard to trigger sounds). The You Rock boasts 25 sound presets for guitar, an additional 50 guitar synth presets, 25 jam tracks with “You Rock Modes” for learning scales etc., 50 built-in drum tracks, 65 alternate tunings with open space to save your own, 100 customizable parameters and presets, multiple play modes, removable neck for travel or storage, multi-directional whammy bar, game controls, and the ability to interchange headstock designs.

Overall a very impressive little unit! The tracking is fast so for recording with midi alone this is a great tool for the recording guitarist. The preset sounds are decent and have a vast array of tones and effects making this a great axe for practicing or jamming anywhere. The removable neck makes it easy to toss in a backpack and take anywhere (even on a plane). You Rock comes complete with chord and scale charts and some other beginner guitarist training tools and the ease and versatility of connectivity to so many different applications makes this a piece of gear that is no one trick pony. So saddle up and take one for a ride, you may just be the coolest cowboy at the rodeo! Check one out today!!!

Quick Review of JBL PRX612M

2011-08-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

We just got these bad boys in, here is a quick review….

LIGHTWEIGHT!! I know, you have already read that they are incredibly lightweight, and so had I, so why would I mention it first thing? I work every day around thousands of speakers, active speakers are heavy, the PRX612Ms aren’t. If you are a mobile audio DJ, or a working musician, the mere 34lbs will be such a relief! Besides being lightweight, they seem durable, and the sealed design and heavy scratch resistant coating on the exterior makes me believe these will endure the test of time.

Setting them up was easy, however, I must say I was a little surprised at the lack of features on the rear, I expected more EQ capability out of JBL. It has a Monitor/Main control switch basically means if you are using them on their side or on the floor as monitors, they roll off at about 90dB to keep from sounding muddy and produce less coupling. That might be a cool feature for bands, not a big advantage for mobile audio djs.

The overall sound is AWESOME and wow…they get so loud! The specifications state that they are an incredible 134db, and I absolutely believe it. The PRX612M reproduce tight low end with very crisp mid and highs. Pair with a stand alone sub like the EON518s, if you are looking for booming bass, but for this size of speaker, the PRX kicks some decent bass. The sound quality is excellent, one of the best that I have ever heard and add that to the sheer awesome power and lightweight cabinet the PRX612M is the perfect mobile audio dj / karaoke speaker.

Mackie's Onyx BlackJack Recording Interface Review

2011-08-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mackie ONYX Black Jack

The Mackie ONYX BlackJack is a rugged bus-powered USB audio interface that is small with great sound quality and versatile monitoring, making it an ideal portable companion to a laptop but equally at home in a fixed location such as a personal studio.

Mackies ONYX BlackJack offers the quality preamp so recognized in their higher priced line of Onyx Mixers. The BlackJack features two Onyx preamps, having mic/line inputs on combination XLR / ¼” jacks, with individual DI switching for using the line jacks as high-impedance inputs, and switchable global phantom power. The monitor outputs are on balanced quarter-inch jacks, governed by the Monitor level control, and there’s a headphone output and accompanying level control on the front panel.

The Onyx preamps are designed to go beyond standalone microphone preamps in headroom, transparency, and fidelity. Additionally, the Onyx preamps have a full 60db gain, improved radio frequency (RFI) refection and an ultra-wide dynamic range. Onyx preamps rival even the most expensive boutique mic preamps for sound quality a good part due to the Cirrus Logic converter. Power for the circuitry comes from the USB port, so there’s no need for a separate PSU. The 24-bit Cirrus Logic converter is capable of a 114dB dynamic range (A-Weighted), which is way beyond the signal-to-noise spec of most studio gear. Importantly, the gain staging within the unit means that the preamp circuitry is correctly matched to the A-D conversion, to sustain headroom while minimizing noise and distortion. Zero latency recording is possible by routing the input directly into the monitors and into the computer simultaneously, reducing any audible delay form player to computer (allowing the computer buffer to be directed towards the CPU). It also allows you to track in mono or stereo. Overall, comparable interfaces do not possess this sound quality, and audio interfaces that do typically cost ten times as much as the Mackie Onyx Blackjack.

The Onyx Blackjack’s overall design is rugged and due to the unique 25 degree angled structure making it easy to see the controls, extremely user friendly. On the front there are five knobs, two gain (-20dB to +40dB), one “To Mon”, Monitor, and Phones knob. The gain knobs are linked to an LED light that remains green to show a healthy signal and blinks red when it is experiencing overload. The Monitor knob offers Mute to Max control with a Mono/Stereo button. The “To Mone” knob sends the input signal directly to the monitor outpurs for no-latency, analog monitoring. The Monitor and Phones knob also is Mute to Max with a 48V Phantom power button to drive condenser mics and then a headphones ¼” jack port to the far right. The sensible lay-out of the components, add to the usability of this unit. The back of the Onyx Blackjack has a USB port, R/L Monitor Outputs for balanced or unbalanced ¼” jacks, and two XLR & ¼” combination mic analog inputs. This unit is built like a tank and we give the overall usability an A+.

Overall the Onyx BlackJack is considered a real bargain and a very affordable interface and delivers both superior sound quality and flexibility. If you want to make high quality recordings this is the unit for you.

Available Now at www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com for only $149.99 with FREE SHIPPING in the main 48 states.

What's the Deal with this Auralex Isolation Padding? MoPads Under Review

2011-08-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Auralex MoPad Isolation pads are one of the most affordable ways to sonically take your recording studio to the next level. It's hard to believe that having your monitors on a shelf, cabinet, or desk could cause so much excitement, but that is exactly what it does. It "excites" or vibrates the wall or surface that it is in contact with, especially during the low frequencies. Adding Auralex Mopads to your set-up, your monitors will sound deeper, the bass will be tighter, and your overall sound will have more definition. Even adding them to inexpensive computer speakers will make a huge difference.

The official terminology is "acoustic decoupling" or Acoustic quieting which is the process of making quieter by damping vibrations to prevent them from reaching the observer. Speakers vibrates, causing soundwaves in air and negatively impacts thesound or recording. Quieting is achieved by absorbing the vibrational energy or minimizing the source of the vibration.

In addition to the acoustic benefits, MoPads also have a cool little feature that allows you to angle your monitors up or down by 4 or 8 degrees using a fiew extra pieces of angled foam. Ideally, your monitors will be placed at ear-level height, so if your desk or shelf is too high or low, make the adjustment using the Auralex foam. All in all, again this is a super affordable way to improve the sound in your home studio, and you won't regret the investment.

How do the Podium Pro Audio PP1204CA Powered Speakers Stack Up?

2011-08-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

As most musicians will tell you, finding good quality PA speakers without breaking the bank is no easy task. To make matters worse, many affordable products are either cheaply made, lack quality, or are totally void of important functions and accessories. Well, I have discovered an exception to the rule; Podium Pro Audio’s PP1204CA Powered Speakers with built in Mp3 Player. Although fairly unknown to most, Podium Pro Audio provides very functional and cost effective products backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect (something almost non-existent anymore in the music retail world). When stacked against other name brand items of similar caliber, the Podium PP1204CA not only held its own but outshined its higher priced competitors in some areas.

The PP1204CA is a powered 2 way PA speaker featuring a Class A amplifier that delivers 300 watts (RMS) & 600 watts (Peak Power) to a Deluxe 12" woofer with a 75oz Driver with a 3” voice coil and wide dispersion titanium membrane tweeter. It also features an onboard MP3 Player that works with a USB thumb drive or SD card (a 4gb thumb-drive is provided), a very sensitive EQ with Master Volume, Treble and Bass Control Knobs. The PP1204CA powered speaker also offers two XLR or ¼ inch inputs, an additional XLR or RCA input, and an XLR or ¼ inch line level output to connect multiple speakers. The rugged ABS plastic housing features top & side handles, as well as wheels on the rear bottom for ease of transport. The rubber feet are also contoured so that they can be easily stacked on top of one another and can be elevated with speaker stands with the built in pole mounts.

Here are a few of the key ingredients that make this product a delectable delight. As I mentioned, the tone controls are very sensitive meaning the slightest adjustment makes a huge difference in the tonality of the speaker. Most on-board equalizers or tone controls make very slight changes in tone (ie: you turn up the treble and just get a tinnier sound but no added clarity), however these controls really work to sculpt and color your sound with very little effort. The built-in MP3 player is also great for all kinds of jam on the go type events (such as BBQ’s, tailgating, sporting events, church camps, etc.) and makes it very convenient to just plug in a small memory card and have hours of music at your fingertips.

Ease of connectivity and portability make these great speakers to take on the road, considering the wattage and sensitivity for a pair would suffice for larger gigs or a single speaker for smaller gigs or functions. I see the smaller version of these used throughout a live band set-up as monitors. With the addition of a few small accessories like an Alesis LineLink cable and a Sendstation PocketDock, one can easily and safely hook up a laptop or iPod giving you endless musical possibilities! The only real drawback is the 50 lbs weight per speaker, but with the added top handle and rear casters the weight issue is offset by such conveniences.

So if you’re in the market for an affordable PA system with great sound and tons of awesome features check out the Podium Pro Audio PP1204CA, available exclusively from www.OnlyFactoryDirect.com.

Review written by Scott “SVH” Von Heldt, professional touring/recording artist, author, and journalist.

What Do I Need to Connect My Laptop to My Speakers?

2011-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video Scott our Pro Audio Technician made to explain why it is important that you use an audio interface with your powered speakers. He also reviews several Alesis Cables, the Alesis LineLink, MicLink, PhonoLink, and GuitarLink.

Guitar Tuning Made Easy...GoGo Tuner TT-1

2011-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

There are many tuners on the market that clip on to your headstock and most all of them really work the same way, they effectively get you "in tune" very quickly in just about any setting. They all seem to work the same by using either a built-in mic or the vibration of the instrument to pick up the note values and the GoGo Tuner TT-1 works the same way. However, this little puppy has some pretty cool little features and conveniences that make it stand out a bit above the rest.

The main features are its fast accuracy up to ±.5 cent and a range that covers from A0(27.5Hz) - C8(4186.00Hz), and can be calibrated for alternate tunings with a pitch range from 430-450hz. The TT-1 also precisely tunes a multitude of instruments including Acoustic guitar, electric bass, violin, viola, ukulele, electric guitar, brass and woodwind instruments, and has 5 settings Chromatic/Guitar/Bass/Violin/Viola. It uses a single battery and comes with an Auto Power-Off function that preserves the battery life (something I think any musician can appreciate).

The real stand out features are the large bright LED screen which illuminates red when out of tune and green when in tune while simultaneously showing you if you are sharp or flat etc. The 360 degree swivel arm bracket makes positioning the TT-1 a snap in any direction. Such a design makes this a great tool for learning note names as you practice (if playing scales slowly this tuner will pick up each note, helping you develop a better sense of what notes are where on your fret board and aiding in the development of your ear to distinguish pitches accurately). The swivel also makes it easy to hide the bulk of the tuner behind your headstock, therefore leaving it intact to “tune on the fly” during gigs without having a huge eyesore on the end of your axe. The clamp is very rugged and durable as well and has a soft rubber inside the clamp that clings tightly without scuffing or scratching your prized instrument.

With these few added features and intuitive functionality the TT-1 is one of the coolest little headstock tuners on the market today and at a price of $29.99 a smart buy on a tool of the trade you can’t live without.

Review: Theater Solutions B1 Two Way Bookshelf Speaker

2011-07-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Theater Solutions B1 Two-Way Bookshelf Speaker is a part of Theater Solution’s Reference Series speaker line, steady performers that offer warm and precise sound reproduction in a most reasonable price range. As I scan the specifications, I am impressed with the stated frequency response range of 45Hz to 22,000 KHz which is lower than many bookshelf speakers in its class and the highs are considerably higher than many of its competitors. Also, the Theater Solutions B1 measures a modest 9.5" x 5.875" x 6.25" making it very compact and versatile, which ultimately is the grand appeal of bookshelf speakers in general. Upon closer review, the specifications appear above average for the over-all size of the speakers and price, but let’s open the box and take a closer look.

At first glance the packaging is disappointing; however, as I open the box, they are tightly secure with thick Styrofoam completely surrounding the speakers. As, I unpack the speakers the cabinets feel well constructed with solid MDF construction and a light black woodgrain finish.

In terms of sound I must admit, I was completely caught off guard. The Theater Solutions two-way bookshelf speaker is very responsive and produces clear, precise tones across the frequency response range. Its enclosure utilizes a bass reflex design, which basically means it is ported to the rear. The four inch woofer sustains low end sound surprisingly well, while the 1” titanium tweeter sparkles. The woofer and tweeter are shielded magnetically so that they can be safely placed on a shelf close to a television screen. As suggested with any bookshelf speaker, these would have to be paired with a subwoofer to recreate truly full-range sound, this is true with even top brands such as Boston Acoustic or Pioneer.

The Theater Solutions B1 Two-way bookshelf speakers would be perfect for enjoying stereo music or being used as main surround speakers in a home theater arrangement. They have a respectable sensitivity rating of 89db, allowing even a modest amplifier to work to within its comfort zone. Over-all I give the Theater Solutions B1 Two-Way Bookshelf Speakers a 4 /12 Star Rating out of 5 Stars because of their versatility, clean sound, and the Life Time Manufacture Defect Warranty.

Connecting my speakers

2011-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most common mistakes made when connecting speaker wires to receivers (or amplifiers) is incorrect phase. The correct phase should be (+ to +) and (- to -) on both receiver and speakers. All receivers and speakers have a positive (+) and negative (-) terminal (or connector) and the speaker wires must be connected the same way on both components. Meaning, the negative terminals on the receiver connected to the negative terminals on the speaker and the positive terminal on the receiver must be connected to the positive terminal on the speaker for both left and right channels. Typically the negative terminal is represented by a (-) sign or the color black and the positive by a (+) sign or red color.
If the connection requires a raw speaker wire connection, split the two conductors of the speaker wire apart about 3 inches so that they form a "Y". Using the wire strippers, remove about 1/2 inch of the insulation from each wire. When connecting a speaker it is very important to retain the correct polarity / phase (improper polarity/ phase will cause reduced bass performance and unnatural imaging effects).

Most speaker wire is color coded, but if you have speaker wire that is not and one cable is silver in color and one is copper, here is an easy tip to remember which is positive and which one is negative. Just think of the change in your pocket, if the cable is silver like a nickel in color remember “N” for Nickel and “N” for Negative. The other cable will be copper in color the same color as a Penny. Use the same rule and let the “P” in Penny represent the “P” in Positive.

Also, remember that you must have the correct gauge or thickness of wire to carry the current without loss. If your wire is too thin, you may lose volume and also gain distortion. For more information regarding distance and gauge visit my Blog at http://audiohotspot.blogspot.com/.

If the connection requires RCA jacks, follow the color coding that should match the rear of your receiver to the rear of your speakers. Be sure you push the RCA connection securely and completely into the receptacles connector.

If you would like more information as to how to properly connect your speakers and would like to enjoy more informative videos click here: Only Factory Direct / How To.

5 Things to Enhance your Sound and Clarity

2011-07-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

1. Cables: Make sure that the resistance of the speaker wire is not exceeding 5% of the rated impedance of the system. Although there has been a long debate with strong support on both sides of the issues of brand name cables VS. affordable cables; both parties will agree the thickness of the cable absolutely makes a difference. What happens when the resistance gets too high? In simplest terms, there is power lost in the wire and the speaker will not play as loud. Here is a table based on this rating system.

Wire Size	2 ohm load	4 ohm load	6 ohm load	8 ohm load
22 AWG	3 feet max	6 feet max	9 feet max	12 feet max
20 AWG	5 feet max	10 feet max	15 feet max	20 feet max
18 AWG	8 feet max	16 feet max	24 feet max	32 feet max
16 AWG	12 feet max	24 feet max	36 feet max	48 feet max
14 AWG	20 feet max	40 feet max	60 feet**	80 feet**
12 AWG	30 feet max	60 feet**	90 feet**	120 feet**
10 AWG	50 feet max	100 feet**	150 feet**	200 feet**

I might note here that Theater Solutions uses much more conservative numbers and recommends that any run over 40ft. should use 14 AWG. I happen to agree with this approach.

Quality cables and the correct connection in a professional set-up for Live performances is equally as important, whether your in a band on stage, a mobile audio DJ, or solo artist. The longer the run, the more likely you will pick up hums and distortion; avoid these by using thicker cables with XLR connnections.

2. Your Audio Source: As music has been digitized we continue to remove information making files more manageable for our laptops, ipods, mp3 players, and storage devices. This compressed digital information is great for storage, but lousy for sound quality. Compressing music into small digital files can negatively impact sound quality and many times is the unidentified source of poor audio quality. However, there are a few things short of buying vinyl records and using a phono player and amplifying an analog signal, to improve your sound quality.

Some die-hard DJs are still lugging around boxes of vinyl, but utilizing a file with a high bit-rate can greatly improve detail and clarity. Solution; if you have enough storage space on your iPod or computer, try selecting a higher bit rate setting in your music software when ripping tracks from your CDs. If you are downloading music tracks, check to see if the song is available in a higher bit rate. Finally, purchase a receiver with features that offer the best possible digital to analog upgrading such as features like; ProLogic IIz, Advanced Sound Retrieving and Acoustic Calibration. This is also true for your mixing software, you should look for software that supplies a variety of features for importing audio files and applications for converting and improving sound quality.

3. Add a dedicated Subwoofer: A dedicated subwoofer helps extend your low end and alleviates your mains from reproducing power sucking lows. This is especially important if you are pushing your mains so hard you experience clipping or farting. A powered subwoofer adds action to a surround system and supports the drums and bass in a live system. This is an element that should be considered a non-negotiable.

4. Dial in your Subwoofer's Settings: If you have a powered subwoofer dialing in the crossover can make a big impact in your overall sound quality. Deep bass can be a dramatic addition to your home theater or assist in delivering the true low end punch of a performance, but if you have set your crossover frequency too low you may leave a low-end hole. If you set it too high it can sound muddy and boomy from phase cancellation. If your mains fall off around around 80Hz then equalize your subwoofer to pick-up from 79Hz and below. The low-pass filter's cutt-off on most subs are not that sharp, so some overlap will occur.

Most modern Home Theater A/V Receivers have delay controls that work similarly to phase controls, and through a microphone that is provided with the unit, and using pink noise testing, the system will automatically adjust the frequency and decibel levels sent to the subwoofer.

Placement of a subwoofer is key to achieving an overall balanced sound and because of the long length of the soundwave, sub frequencies are not easily localized. You might say the sound is non-directional, allowing us to place the sub in corners, behind furniture, or off center stage. When placing a sub in a room for a home theater, the easiest and usually most efficient is to place the sub in the corner furthest from large room openings. For additional techniques visit: OnlyFactoryDirect.com's Resource Center/Where To?

5. Sonic Maximizers and Signal Processors: I was absolutely amazed at the difference a Sonic Maximizer made in the volume and sound quality of a PA System, when I was introduced to the BBE Sonic Maximizer. One of our technicians performed some A/B testing on several systems, and demonstrated the value of a Signal Processor and/or Sonic Maximizer in a Professional Audio System. We offer a 30-day "No Hassle" Guarantee, just keep your original packaging. If you want to boost the level of volume and clarity in your system, this is a quick and inexpensive addition to any pro audio system.

CES: Earthquake Sound Couch Potato CP-8 Shakes Your Booty: BigPictureBigSound

2010-02-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

CES: Earthquake Sound Couch Potato CP-8 Shakes Your Booty: BigPictureBigSound

Live Sound: Les Paul: June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009 - Pro Sound Web

2010-02-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

Live Sound: Les Paul: June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009 - Pro Sound Web

Live Sound: Road Test In Process: Mackie HD1531 Three-Way Self-Powered Loudspeaker - Pro Sound Web

2010-02-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Live Sound: Road Test In Process: Mackie HD1531 Three-Way Self-Powered Loudspeaker - Pro Sound Web

A sunny future for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" - DVD Bluray

2010-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Clip

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG) Don't let the forecast scare you, indulge in this fun for the whole family flick.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller did an excellent job producing a visually entertaining animated movie with quirky fun characters while honoring the original children's book.

Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader)is an aspiring young inventor, who can't seem to focus his efforts on a worthwhile inventions; and because of the loss of his mother, his dad allows him room to continue to pursue his inventions well beyond the grow up and get a 'real' job age. Just as he is verging on pathetic and total rejection by everyone in the town and dad, by a crazy turn of events he launches a food reproduction machine into the sky.

This radical invention may save the dying sardine village and one course after another the town becomes revitalized.

This is when Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) comes on scene as an aspiring news caster missioned to cover this outlandish story. Strangely this movie has been reviewed to have nuances of a message against obesity, but it serves a much thicker layer of truth and our fallen nature than that. In this story every character faces a moment where the right choice is clearly set before them but they overlook doing the right thing for their own advancement or personal motivation. Well, don't we all at some point.

The story builds to an exciting and wild ending leaving this diner with the impression there is a sunny future for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs".

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra on Blu Ray Review

2009-11-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

I watched G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra on Blu Ray this weekend in our home theater with my husband. Since I had picked up two romantic comedies, I figured I should pick up something with some action, as well.

My husband hated it! We generally liked director Stephen Sommers previous works, including the Mummy movies and the Scorpion King. Movies that sound great in the home theater, and that the whole family can enjoy together. Sienna Miller's performance as the Baroness fell flat, she does not sell her tough kick ass traitor role and Channing Tatum just fell victim to a poorly written script, but truly the only performance I really enjoyed was Rip Cord's played by Marlon Wayanns. He keeps the movie moving. The other issue I have with G.I. Joe, is why produce a movie clearly targeted for younger audiences and make it overtly violence so it receives a PG-13 rating? The action was not worth it, would have been better off, focusing on a younger audience that might have a greater ability to shrug off ridiculous inconsistencies in the story. My recommendation: don't bother, I fell asleep.

Press Release - Onlyfactorydirect.com

2009-11-13T15:06:00.001-08:00

Press Release: Win a $50.00 Shopping Spree from OnlyFactoryDirect.com

What type of cable should I use for my in-wall or in-ceiling speakers?

2009-11-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Speaker wire is rarely considered early on by most people, however understanding your needs with speaker wire can greatly impact the sound quality of your system and potentially save you a lot of money. First, most speakers don’t include wire, and therefore whether you are having your speakers installed or you are taking the DIY approach, it is important to understand your needs. Even the greatest speakers won’t sound their best with poor-quality wires.

It is important to know the distance between your receiver or amplifier and speakers; longer distances can cause significant power loss, and thus require thicker cable. The distance of your run is how you will decide what gauge speaker wire you will require. For multi-room installs, it may be beneficial to buy two different gauges. A thicker gauge for the longer runs and a thinner gauge wire for your shorter runs. If you are using an installer, he/she should be able to assist you in this calculation. Otherwise use a string from your receiver location to each of the intended locations of your speakers. Carefully pull the string along and doorframes, corners, or other obstructions in the intended wire path. Allow plenty of slack for the wire to take gradual turns, since sharp bends can impair performance and allow for a margin of error.

Gauge is determined by the thickness of a wire’s conductive copper bundle as standardized by the American Wire Gauge or AWG number. The lower the gauge the thicker the wire (or more copper) and the better capacity to pass the amplified audio signal. While clear jacket cable is suitable for most in-room speaker installations, if you are running wire behind the a wall or in a ceiling, you need to use UL rated Class 2 or 3 rated cable (CL2, CL3) to be in compliance with most building codes. Class 3 cables will not degrade in extreme temperatures because it uses an extra plenim sheath to protect the cable.

Now that you have determined the distance use the chart below to determine the gauge speaker wire you need.

Distance from speaker to amplifier________Gauge
Less than 40 feet__________________________16
40 to 120 feet_____________________________14
More than 120 feet_________________________12

CL3 UL rated speaker wire can be affordable, however I have seen the price vary by $500.00 for a 500 foot roll of 14 gauge wire. One of the most cost effective ways to keep your price down for a low voltage installation is to purchase your own speaker wire and speakers. Remember, installers are essentially resellers of goods and installers, so if they can make additional money from an install by selling you the speakers and the wire, they will. Its good business, however as an educated consumer, you will save money by being honest and straight forward upon the initial bid, that you have the speaker wire and speakers, you are strictly seeking an installation only bid.

I urge you to compare pricing.

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/

Product Review Contest

2009-11-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Product Review Contest

$50.00 Shopping spree with http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/
All reviews are welcome, make sure to follow format
as listed in contest rules.
Read the official contest rules below and email your product reviews to sasha@onlyfactorydirect.com.

OFD Product Review Contest

The Onlyfactorydirect.com, Inc. Product Review Contest Rules & Regulations.

The Onlyfactorydirect.com Product Review Contest ("Contest") review submission begins on November 1, 2009. Contest ends December 10, 2009. One (1) winner will be chosen on December 15, 2009, based on helpfulness of review, over all coverage of product, and explanation of use of product. A winning review will be chosen by a team of employees of Onlyfactorydirect.com. Winners will be notified via blog post, twitter, and/or facebook associated with the winning Product Reviews by the 12/15/09 of the following month. Contest conducted by Onlyfactorydirect.com, 6433 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 175, Canoga Park, CA 91311.

1. Entrants/Winners must be legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older as the date the Product Review was submitted.

2. HOW TO ENTER:

1. Simply write a review of a product from one of our manufacturers (Podium Pro Audio, Tapco, Mackie, Theater-Solutions, Monster, Goldwood Sound, Eminence or SychoSound.)

2. E-mail your review to sasha@onlyfactorydirect.com

3. Title your E-mail “Product Review Contest Entry”

4. Include your name and state

5. Give a rating between 1 and 5, include coverage of product, what you like about the product, and how you use the product (set-up, karaoke, band, etc..).

6. Check your review and Send!

3. In order to review products, you must be a registered follower on twitter of OFDAudio or AudioHotSpot.blogspot.com or a friend of Onlyfactorydirect / Sasha Letourneau on facebook.

4. WINNERS: One (1) Prize: $50 Gift Certificate valid only on OnlyFactoryDirect.com. Only one entry is necessary for eligibility to win. Any expenses not specified herein are the responsibility of the winner. Winners will be notified via announcement on AudioHotSpot.blogspot.com and via twitter announcement. The Winners will be determined by helpfulness of review, and overall coverage of the product and will be chosen from all approved Product Reviews received from SashOFD@yahoo.com during the calendar month. Entries must be received by December 10th, 2009. Odds of winning are determined by the total number of Product Reviews received during the contest period. All prizes will be awarded. Limit one prize per individual/family or household per calendar year.

5. Limit of five (5) entries per individual/family or household per month. Any product reviews submitted in excess of 5 will not be entered, but will continue to be posted on Onlyfactorydirect.com, according to the Product Review Guidelines.

6. Any Product Reviews rejected by Onlyfactorydirect.com, as not within the posted Product Review Guidelines will not be eligible.

7. Neither OnlyFactoryDirect.com, nor any of its agents, employees, parents, affiliates or subsidiaries are responsible for lost, late, damaged, misdirected, incomplete, postage due mail, for hardware or software or any telephone, electronic, network or computer malfunctions, failures, errors or data inaccuracies. In the event this contest becomes technically corrupt in any way, electronically or otherwise, sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate or suspend the contest. In such an event, winners will be selected for any remaining prizes by random drawing from among all valid entries received before cancellation, termination or suspension.

8. Any prize notification returned as undeliverable through no fault of Onlyfactorydirect.com will result in disqualification of the potential winner and an alternate new entry will be selected. Potential winners will be notified by email and/or phone to the address/phone number provided by entrants, who are solely responsible for its accuracy. Potential winners may be required to verify address and must execute and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within 14 days of notification attempt or the prize will be forfeited and an alternate potential winner selected.

9. All aspects of the prize are NON-TRANSFERABLE and no substitutions are allowed. No cash equivalent or exchange of prize is permitted and any and all local and state or federal taxes resulting from winning and accepting this prize are the responsibility of the winner.

10. The contest is only open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older as the date the Product Review was submitted, excluding all full or part-time employees of OnlyFactoryDirect.com, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, as well as their agents and representatives. This offer is void wherever prohibited and subject to all federal, state and local laws.

11. Entrants, by participating in the Contest agree to waive (and potential winners in accepting their prize, must agree in writing to waive) any and all claims of liability against OnlyFactoryDirect.com, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies and agencies, representatives and employees from any accident, loss or injury occurring from this promotion or in any way related to the prize or the use or misuse thereof.

12. By submitting review entrants agree to the use, publishing, and posting of submitted review with name and state on Onlyfactorydirect.com and associated social media outlets.

13. Winners must agree in writing to the use of their names, addresses (city, state), photographs and likeness for purposes of advertising, trade and promoting in any and all media on behalf of OnlyFactoryDirect.com, without further compensation, except where prohibited by law.

14. The sponsor of this promotion is OnlyFactoryDirect.com

Don't Delay Contest Ends December 10, 2009!!

"Why are there two inputs on the rear of my Podium Pro Passive Speaker?"

2009-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

This video is for a Only Factory Direct customer named Billy, from Kansas. I have received this question several times in the past, so I thought it would be helpful if I answered your question in video format.

What is a stage monitor?

2009-10-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

What is a stage monitor?

A stage monitor is used for the musician or vocalist to hear themselves so that they are more likely to stay in tune and in perfect timing. There are several different types of monitors including the stage wedge, side fill, and IEM or In Ear Monitors.

The wedge monitor used in front of the stage because it is unobtrusive and does not block the audiences view of the performance. A wedge monitor is usually a speaker cut off at an angle or it can be super laid back such as the 12MO1 by Podium Pro Audio, this is so the angle of the speaker is pointed directly towards the performers head so they can hear more effectively.

Side-fills are generally larger, full-range speaker systems placed off to the side of the stage like Podium Pro Audio's Trap15. The purpose of side-fills is to provide the performers a more enveloping and well-balanced sound. This allows all performers to hear a good rough mix of the whole band, while still allowing for individual mixes to be provided for individuals at their position on the stage via wedge monitors. It is widely believed that the more full stage mix inspires better and more coherent performances among musicians. In past few years technology has made it possible to achieve a pretty full sounding mix at each position with relatively small wedge monitors so side-fills have begun to be used less.

What is impedance and ohms.

2009-10-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Purchasing separate components for your whole house audio system may save you money and provide greater flexibility, but there are some basic concepts and terms you need to understand before buying. Impedance is one of the most important terms to understand when configuring your needs for a whole house audio system; and will ultimately lead to better system performance and less installation frustration. Trying to understand impedance can be an intimidating process, but it was explained to me using a very simple analogy and I will do the same for you. First things first, the impedance value of a loudspeaker is more commonly expressed in Ohms. Most home speakers are 8 Ohm, but do not work under this assumption, ask the dealer or look on the box [All of Theater-Solutions are 8 Ohm].

Think of your water pipes and pump at home. The pipe diameter represents the impedance of your loudspeaker; the water flowing through it is power, and the water pump is the amplifier (or receiver). Now, if you have a pipe large in diameter, it allows a large amount of water to flow through it, but requires the pump to work extremely hard to keep up the pressure, this would be considered a “low impedance” situation, the large pipe does not lighten or impede the large flow of water. Likewise, if the pipe were small in diameter, it would allow less water to flow, we will call that “high impedance”, because the smallness of the pipe is impeding or slowing the flow of water, or electricity. Let’s recap: Low impedance equals large flow: High impedance equals slow or low flow.

Using this same analogy let’s consider voltage and current; voltage (water pressure) and current (water flow) together create power. Now, if your pipes at home were suddenly to widen in diameter the pump would still pump the same or voltage doesn’t change, but the flow (current) would; and therefore you would receive less water flow. The pump would have to provide more power to keep up the flow, therefore lower impedance (large pipes) requires a stronger amplifier (water pump). Now reverse that theory for high impedance, and remember if the pipe is small it is restricting the flow or impeding it and pressure can build up and flow becomes more difficult. Impedance is not difficult to define, it’s more defining the actual application of impedance that is challenging. So before we proceed, let’s review what we know from our previous analogy.

Low Impedance equals large or free flow of power, but requires the amp to work harder to drive enough current to maintain flow. This added demand can be too much for an amplifier and cause it to over heat and shut down.·

High Impedance equals slow or low flow of power, and can cause restricted flow of current. The level of current influences the volume at which the speaker plays; low current equals low volume.

The optimal range for most amplifiers, receivers, and speakers to work between is 4 to 8 Ohm. This is generally easy to maintain if you are just directly hooking up speakers to a receiver or amp, but when considering multiple rooms and speakers it quickly becomes increasingly difficult to identify the overall resistance. This is important because that will identify your receiver/amplifier needs. As you wire speakers either in series or parallel, or a combination of both the resistance either increases or decreases, therefore changing the loudspeakers Ohm. In the end multiple speakers should not be hooked up directly to a standard audio amplifier. The best solution is to use either an impedance matching speaker selector box with the protection enabled, or impedance matching in wall volume controls; "impedance matching" is underlined because not all volume controls are impedance matching. Using this speaker selector boxes and volume controls it is possible to wire your entire house using a single receiver/amp as long as your receiver/amp has the needed power.

5 things you should know about a Home Surround System

2009-10-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

1. Front Left and Right Speakers: In home theater, the front left and right speakers offer a wide soundstage that blends with the video to create a more realistic and exciting movie experience. Usually, intended to work in conjunction with additional surround speakers and a powered subwoofer to deliver a whole theater experience. Here the musical score and special effects will travel left and right in sync with the action on screen and sometimes will produce out of sight peripheral sound. The most popular front speakers today are in-wall speakers that are unobtrusive, unlike their predecessors, the floor or tower speakers and deliver full range of sound. In-wall speakers use the wall cavity as the enclosure and prevent unruly and unsightly wires. If you don’t feel comfortable with installing in-wall speakers, consider a mountable satellite (also referred to as indoor/outdoor) speaker. They don’t reproduce as much bass, so make sure you team it with a subwoofer. Finally, for smaller spaces consider bookshelf speakers, they can be placed on shelves or tables; make sure the speakers are “shielded.” Many televisions are adversely impacted when speakers near due to the magnetism of the speakers.
2. Center-Channel Speaker: The center-channel is a crucial piece of a proper home theater system, and is commonly completely over-looked. Center channel speakers are specifically designed to reproduce the vocals, and are responsible for more than 50% of the soundtrack, including almost all of the dialogue. It can be difficult to properly place the center channel because flat screens are so much larger. Again, ideally a center channel will go in the wall above or below the screen, however if this is not possible, use an external center channel on a shelf. It is important that it is in the center of the two front speakers and not off to the side, as this will disrupt your surround sound experience. Do not try to use the television as the center, it makes a very poor substitute.
3. Surround Sound Speakers: produce atmospheric, ambient sounds such as knocking on the door, thunder storms, and the rustling of leaves. They also work with your front speakers to deliver fantastic directional effects, like a helicopter flying by, or a bullet whizzing by. Ideally, your surround speakers should have the same performance capability as your front speakers, however homes being built with open floor plans, it’s not always that easy. If you are unable to put in rear in-wall speakers or mountable speakers, consider the newly released in-ceiling angled speakers. They allow the sound to be pointed directionally at the listening area, while still being unobtrusive. In modern homes, the thought is that speakers should be heard not seen. This mantra is different from the 70’s and 80’s where the larger the speakers and the system the cooler you were. Well, speaker technology has come a long ways, and you no longer need giant speakers to boast an impressive sound system. Because surround speakers produce, “directional sound” the proper placement of your surround speakers will heavily impact your over-all theater experience.
4. The Subwoofer: The subwoofer is available in both powered and passive – the advantage of a passive subwoofer, is the clean modern design, installed out of sight in the wall. It looks great, and for general music this is an acceptable option. You will need to use one of your additional channel outs or share one of your front speaker connections to power the subwoofer.

A powered subwoofer includes the amplifier in the enclosure, and connects easily to the “sub out” connection in the rear of your receiver. A subwoofer produces non-directional sound, so you may place it anywhere in the room, I recommend checking several locations to find the best sounding location before running your wire, and bare in mind these units require an electrical outlet. If I sound a bit partial, it’s because I am. Once you have experienced a home surround system with a powered subwoofer, you will never want to watch television or listen to music with out one. If you have an older model of receiver that does not have a subwoofer out, many subwoofers offer speaker-level signals connections from the amp and extract the bass sounds.

5. Frequency Response, Db, & Cross-overs: Here are three words that are generally foreign to the average consumer, but three important considerations when making a surround sound purchase. When purchasing a speaker consider the seller and their warranty, beyond that; compare these three characteristics of a speaker. First look for these ratings under specifications, you want a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 Khz, a sensitivity rating of 90 db or better, and the speaker should have at least a 2nd order crossover.

My family and I rarely go out to the movies, because it simply doesn’t compare to the convenience of home. I hope this article will help you to feel more prepared when embarking on purchasing your first surround sound system.

Audio Cents - Positive & Negative Speaker Wire

2009-10-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

I will have a great article on "5 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing a Home Theater" tomorrow, but here is a great audio tip to tide you over.

2009-09-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

It's overwhelming to accept the fact that 3/4 of the year has already come and gone, like a Saturday afternoon. Yet, it makes me smile to know that it's here, the greatest month of the year...October. This is the month that the uggs come out, heavy sweaters, haunted houses, crisp mornings with warm afternoons, it's the best.

This year I thought I would video log a few of the scares we share with our local teenage population, so you can check back after Halloween for that. It is so fun!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine on BluRay Review

2009-09-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

X-Men Origins: Wolverine totally misses the “origins” mark, but delivers an exciting dark ride through Wolverines (Hugh Jackman) history. The thin plot and lack of truly “origin” substance, is made up by Hugh Jackmans believable performance as the undeniably sexy Wolverine. Assisting the film are several action packed fight scenes and one unpredictable twist in the end. We get under-developed characters (unlike Rogue) and suprisingly lame special effects, but then again, it is a comic book prequel to the 4th generation..come on..what were we expecting? I liked it..YES, it could have been much better, but still it had my home theater system humping.

Wolverines “Origins” begins in the early 1800’s where as a youngster James (later known as Wolverine) unknowingly kills his real father and discovers his good friend is actually his brother. Director Gavin Hood, completely skims over the core sequence of Jimmy’s childhood, which would have been fine if the title of this movie hadn’t included the word “origins.” So we don’t find out if the dad was a mutant, why Jimmy wasn’t living with his father, or any significant childhood experiences, except that Victor & James find their place as killing machines in the military. The credits then roll over a hundred years of various battles, including the civil war, world war I, and the Vietnam war, showing James and Victor storming one violent frontline after another, providing lineage as to how Wolverine is such a bad ass fighter, I suppose. Here, we experience Victor evolving into Sabretooth (Live Schreiber) who begins to savor the flavor of killing, and witness James battle to try and keep his violent brother in check.

Next, Logan and his brother Victor are forced to join forces with the ruthless Col. Stryker (Danny Hudson), who leads an elite, top secret military mutant unit including teleporting Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.I.Am, electricity manipulator Charlie (Dominic Managhan), and my favorite witty sword packing character, Wade (Ryan Reynolds). Logan becomes disgusted by the atrocities, they are asked to mindlessly perform, and therefore ditches the team disappearing into the woods, leaving his blood-thirsty brother behind. We catch up with our mutant hunk, six years later working as a lumber jack in Canada and living with his school teacher hottie girlfriend (Lynn Collins), who is perfectly casted for the roll. I bought in to their relationship, and it was truly the only portion of the movie that made sense and didn’t have giant contradicting holes. This relationship is the driving force as to why Jimmy,James, Logan ultimately agrees to undergo the procedure that bonds adamantium to his skeleton and gives birth to Wolverine as we know him today.

Ultimately, like I said, I enjoyed it mostly for the Surround Sound experience in my home theater. The action, explosions, and fight scenes delivered an unmemorable mark on the X-Men franchise, but is a great BluRay rental. I am most disappointed at the severity of the violence and the over-all darkness of the movie, which kept me from allowing my daughter to watch it with me. We really had enjoyed the previous three together, but she won’t see this one for some time. Bummer.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Why does my subwoofer hum?

2009-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

One common question I have received in Tech Support over the years with Onlyfactorydirect.com is, "why is my subwoofer humming?" In fact I had this same questions regarding a Powered Speaker, pro audio set up the other day. This information does not only apply to home audio powered subwoofer, but typically any powered audio DJ, band, or home application.

This is typically a result of a ground-loop in your stereo / home theater system. “Ground-loop,” you say, “what the heck does that mean?” Let me explain. A ground loop is caused by the difference in electrical potential at different grounding points in an audio/video system. A ground loop typically adds a loud low-frequency hum or buzz as soon as you plug in any variety of audio or video components, including subwoofers, cable-TV boxes, satellite-TV feeds, TV displays, amplifiers, A/V receivers or turntables. More simply put, a ground loop occurs in an audio system when you have two or more ground connections (three prong plugs) that are at slightly different electrical voltages. The two different grounds “fight” each other and an audible hum is the result.

The simplest way to solve this issue is to plug all theater/audio components into one power strip with a surge protector. If this is not possible, you will need to relocate some connections, we suggest starting with the cable-TV box, as it usually is the primary culprit. If disconnecting the satellite / cable TV causes the hum to disappear, you will need a Cable TV ground isolator.

To verify that you do indeed have a ground-loop, disconnect the RCA jacks or raw speaker wire connection with the subwoofer on and the volume turned all the way down. Once you have disconnected the RCA jacks/ raw speaker wire connection turn the volume back up. If it continues to hum after your increase the volume without the subwoofer being connected, then you have narrowed the cause to your home electrical wiring or the subwoofer.

If you establish that it is in fact a “ground-loop,” and you cannot connect all your components to one power strip than we suggest purchasing an inexpensive in-line ground isolator, if you have HDTV this is not an option. If the fore-mentioned is not an option, than your next step, is to look for all of the other ground points in your system. You will need to isolate the additional ground, and disconnect it; there are several options as to how to approach excluding a ground connection, using a cheater plug is one option.

If the hum is not caused by a “ground-loop” it could be caused by the cables. You want to use new high grade cables to connect your subwoofer. Old, mediocre quality, loose RCA jacks, or kinks in your cables can produce a hum by a broken connection in the cable itself.

It should be noted that ALL audio amplifiers have some degree of background hum. If you can easily hear the hum from your listening position there is cause for concern.

8 Steps to a Better Session

2009-09-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

I found this gem, while seeking the latest Pro Audio News. John offers great articles with valuable information. His blog is JohnSuitcase.

Article by JohnSuitcase
Recording is a time-intensive experience, and problems that arise often seem magnified. No one wants to wait for an hour while the guitar player runs to Guitar Center for new strings. So, to keep things going smoothly and efficiently, here are some things to do in preparation:

1. Practice! You'd be surprised how many bands come in to the studio obviously unprepared. If you can't play through the song without making mistakes, then you're not ready to record yet. Take the time to practice the songs you want to track thoroughly. This isn't to say that you can't be creative in the studio, but it's a lot cheaper to be creative on your own time.

2. Make sure your songs are finished. Going into the studio hoping to finish lyrics or parts on the spot is a recipe for dissatisfaction. You may be inspired by the pressure, but you'll inevitably listen back to it later on and think that you could have sang it better, or that you don't especially like this line or that phrase. You should bring a few copies of your lyric sheet with you to the session, as it can make doing punch-ins and overdubs a lot faster.

3. Record yourselves. It's very useful to record your practice using a simple tape recorder. The finished product won't sound very good, but you'll be able to hear if you're offtime, or off key. It may also make you aware that some parts of your song are dragging, or that other parts could be extended or more developed.

4. Get your gear in shape. Don't show up for a session that you're paying for with gear that doesn't work, cables that cut out, batteries that are going dead, or blown speakers. If you're afraid that your gear is less than perfect, make some calls. I can point you to some people in town that rent gear on a day-by-day basis, or to other musicians who might be willing to loan an amp or cabinet for a day or two. It makes a difference!

5. Tune your instrument. Drummers should put on new heads about 1 week before the session. The snare head should be replaced immediately before the session, and if you're doing more than one or two songs, consider bringing extra snare heads. Nothing sounds as good on tape as a fresh snare head. Read the Drum Tuning Bible for some great info on tuning your drums.Guitarists should put a new set of strings on a few days before the session. Bring extra strings, as you probably will break one or two. Bass players can replace their strings, although new bass strings can be a bit overly metallic. I would change bass strings a week or two before the session. Both Guitar and Bass should be properly set-up, with the intonation adjusted for the tuning of the songs you're recording. You can read some decent instructions here, or call a local guitar shop. I can set intonation for you, as well, though if your guitar needs more work, it will cause delays and headaches!

Welcome to Audio Hot Spot

2009-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to "Audio Hot Spot"

As a full time Social Networker for Onlyfactorydirect.com , I meet and network with interesting individuals in the audio industry fold and wish to share my experiences, and sometimes off topic random thoughts.

I previously worked in TechSupport and find that our customers are always so pleasantly suprised that we will take the time to assist them and truly seek an answer for them. This leads me to believe that there is a hunger for information in the ever growing DIY movement. I love it when the chiropracter with very little mechanical or technical back ground calls me to share in his joy of installing speakers throughout his office himself. "There's sound! Sasha..can you hear them...it sounds great," "I couldn't of done it with out you!" Truth be told, I didn't know anything about speakers when I came to Only Factory Direct, but it's learnable, as is almost anything if you pour yourself into it.

So here I am pouring myself in to social networking....and I will share my experience as I go and as our company continues to grow.

I urge you to contribute to this blog, email or twitter me your events, questions, and thoughts. Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/OFDAudio and please become a fan on facebook.