Interesting new developments in audio technology
A perfect companion for jamming
The new compact Boss Katana Go is a powerful headphone amplifier that delivers the authentic tones of Katana stage amps for both guitar and bass. It also includes tools for practicing, wireless streaming, and sound editing. The built-in spatial technology creates an immersive, three-dimensional playing experience, while the Boss Tone Exchange library offers inspiration for any style.
Designed for high-quality sound in everyday practice, the Katana Go eliminates the need for traditional amps, pedals, or audio interfaces. Simply put on your headphones, select a preset, and start playing.
Volume, preset selection, and other functions can be controlled with dedicated knobs, while the display shows the active memory slot and tuning information. A foldable plug makes the unit even more portable.
Priced at around €130, the Katana Go also functions as an audio interface for music and online content on computers and mobile devices.
Optional accessories include a wireless control pedal and a footswitch.
Read more: www.boss.info/global/products/katana-go
Mics for drums and guitars
Shure has introduced three new instrument microphones in the Nexadyne series, each designed with a purposefully non-neutral frequency response to capture the most desirable tones from different instruments.
Nexadyne 2 is a supercardioid microphone designed for kick drums, delivering a bigger, more defined low-end. Its enhanced high-frequency reproduction adds clarity to attacks, while its construction minimizes stage vibrations. The mic’s swivel mount is separate from the output connector, ensuring a secure setup without cable strain.
Nexadyne 6 is tailored for snare drums and toms, ensuring that every hit sounds natural and authentic. It offers crisp treble, smooth mids, and full-bodied lows. A sturdy clip is included to keep the mic firmly in place.
Nexadyne 5 is designed for guitar amplifiers, featuring a dynamic capsule that allows it to be suspended in front of a speaker without needing a stand. Like the other models, it has a supercardioid pickup pattern that minimizes bleed and stage resonance.
All Nexadyne microphones feature two precisely tuned diaphragms, which are said to improve pickup accuracy across the entire frequency range.
The new Nexadyne models are priced between €250 and €300.
Read more: www.shure.com/en-EU
Next-generation audio interfaces
Universal Audio has released the second-generation Apollo X interface lineup, with all models available in Essentials+ and Studio+ versions, each packed with a vast selection of effect plugins from Auto-Tune, Fairchild, and Teletronix, among others.
According to the manufacturer, the new Gen2 audio conversion delivers the widest dynamic range and lowest distortion of any Apollo device to date. The Apollo Monitor Correction Sonarworks feature ensures accurate headphone and speaker mixing, while the Auto-Gain function allows for quick and precise signal level adjustments.
Prices for the Gen2 series start at around €1,000, with the most compact and affordable model being the Twin X Duo Gen2. This 10×6 Thunderbolt audio interface features two analog Unison mic preamps, premium audio conversion, Bass Management functionality, and a comprehensive software package compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Read more: www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo.html
A more perfect guitar sound
Tonex Cab represents IK Multimedia’s next step toward achieving a more perfect guitar sound. Based on advanced AI-powered amplifier modeling, Tonex Cab is designed for guitarists who want to play through a guitar speaker while using modeling devices live, providing a different response and resonance compared to a stage monitor or PA cabinet.
As a compact FRFR (full-range flat-response) active speaker, the Tonex Cab offers 350W RMS power (700W peak power) and utilizes advanced DSP control to provide the best possible amplification for devices like modeling pedals.
The cabinet includes a 12-inch Custom Celestion speaker and a Lavocen compression driver, along with a three-band equalizer with presets and relevant XLR and jack inputs for instruments and outputs to PA systems.
Integrated legs allow for cabinet tilting, and with replaceable front grilles, the appearance of the cabinet can be easily customized.
Priced around €800, the Tonex Cab is expected to arrive in Finland by late spring.
Read more: www.ikmultimedia.com/
