Music - SlashGear

‘Music’ Stories

Skullcandy Mix Master over-ear headphones hands-on

Chris Burns, Jan 14th 2012 Discuss [2]

We decided to go on a bit of a headphones and tiny speakers spree in the last couple of days at CES 2012, ending up all over the place for sound quality and notoriety in the industry, finding such odd gems as this: The Mix Master over-ear headphones by Skullcandy. While you can pick these up in a shiny black version, we went straight for the wildest color scheme we could find, the specs the same no matter which colorway you decide on. These phones hold the special distinction of having Propriety Mylar Drivers approved by none other than Mix Master Mike himself. Read The Full Story

CES Live

Cygnett InSound Noise-Cancellation headphones hands-on

Sam Koutroulakis, Jan 12th 2012 Discuss [1]

The InSound noise-cancellation headphones were on display at CES: ShowStoppers 2012, and we took them home with us to put them to the test. After opening the protective case, it contained the headset, two audio cables (one red, one black), and an in flight adapter. Unlike conventional headphones, they require two AAA batteries to operate - noise-cancellation engaged or not. After installing the batteries, I tested to see how effective the noise-cancellation setting actually were. Read The Full Story

Philips Fidelio SoundSphere wooden limited edition revealed

Chris Burns, Jan 11th 2012 Discuss [0]

Philips have expanded their line of SoundSphere AirPlay-capable devices with the SoundScphere DS9860W, this adding to their already powerful SoundSphere 9800W and SoundSphereMini set of similar speakers. Each of these speakers has the ability to wirelessly stream music directly from your iDevices such as iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad as well has through their AUX-in which essentially allows any device to blast audio through these lovely chassis. This newest model brings a new price point, premium finishing, and a limited edition cool factor - the outsides are made of seventy-pieces of natural wood. Read The Full Story

Moog Minitaur brings squelchy analog bass for $679

Chris Davies, Jan 6th 2012 Discuss [1]

Legendary synthesizer firm Moog has revealed its newest model, the Moog Minitaur, bringing delicious analog squelchiness to a $679 price point. A keyboardless analog bass monosynth, unlike feature-packed soft-synths the Minitaur is designed to deliver classic Moog sounds with direct control: a knob per function. Measuring in at 8.5 x 5.25 inches and under 3lbs, it's the first in the Moog Taurus family to lack foot pedals, but makes up for that with a choice of USB, MIDI and analog CV connectivity. Read The Full Story

Pioneer N-30 and N-50 Elite Networked Audio Players revealed

Chris Burns, Jan 4th 2012 Discuss [1]

It would seem that Pioneer has a few surprises before the big events next week, today revealing their line of networking devices will expand with two new Elite branded audio players by the name of N-30 and N-50. Both of these players will be equipped right out of the box with AirPlay and DLNA 1.5 wireless technologies, with vTuner Internet radio as well as both Android and iPhone control apps in tow. Your lovely 2.5-inch full-color LCD display will be showing off all the action right up front as your whole room is filled with explosive sound. Read The Full Story

The Pill iPod Nano 6G dock medicates your media needs

Chris Burns, Dec 27th 2011 Discuss [0]

There's a way to turn any device into the masterpiece you always though it should be, and in no greater environment is this true than with the iOS suite of devices - quite evident here with The Pill for the 6th generation of iPod Nano. You've got your little display-toting machine plugged in to the middle of this pill, the pill itself being a stark red and white on either side, the speakers for the sound you'll be blasting eschewing forth from either side with skill. This look like the key for the beat junkie in you? Read The Full Story

Roland R-26 Portable Recorder officially shipped

Chris Burns, Dec 22nd 2011 Discuss [0]

This week we're jumping out of our seats at the news that legendary music machine makers Roland have shipped their newest sound recorder: the Roland R-26 with six-channel audio recording and two types of onboard stereo mics. This is no low-end recorder, ladies and gentlemen, and what it lacks in aesthetic appeal for all you thin and cute loving electronics owners out there it more than makes up for in sound recording power. This device records directly to your SD/SDHC card and has XLR/TRS combo inputs for ultimate ease in integration with the equipment you've already got. Read The Full Story

Rhapsody music service claims top paying customers spot in the USA

Chris Burns, Dec 22nd 2011 Discuss [0]

There's a site out there folks by the name of Rhapsody, one that's been around for 10 years now, averaging now more than 10 million songs running through its halls per day, and this week they've claimed their spot as the number one premium music service in the USA. Their other big claim to fame this week is that they've now got over one million paying subscribers, no small feat in itself. All this of course makes us not forget their recent acquisition of the infamous Napster back in November of this year. Read The Full Story

Apple drops 180-day deadline for Complete My Album discount

Shane McGlaun, Dec 22nd 2011 Discuss [0]

Apple has been offering the Complete My Album upgrade program for a while now. The program allowed you to upgrade at a discount to the full album of your favorite artist's latest works, after you purchased a few single tracks from the album, at a discount. The discounted price depended on how many of the individual tracks you had purchased. Read The Full Story

Steve Jobs honored with Grammy win for “significant contributions to music”

Paul Fang, Dec 21st 2011 Discuss [9]

So, the Recording Academy just announced today the recipients of its 2012 Special Merit Awards, with Steve Jobs being named a recipient of a Trustees Award for 2012 for “outstanding contributions to the industry in a nonperforming capacity.” The Trustees Award category is designed to bestow recognition on individuals who have made "significant contributions to music in areas other than performance". Well, there's no doubt that if anyone has had a significant contribution to music, it's the Apple co-founder himself. Read The Full Story

iTunes Match goes live internationally

Chris Davies, Dec 16th 2011 Discuss [2]

Apple has rolled out iTunes Match for international users, offering those in the UK, Canada and other countries the chance to replicate their music collection in the cloud. After a premature - and quickly yanked - start earlier this week, the system is now live in numerous locations, priced at £21.99 in the UK and CA$27.99 in Canada. Read The Full Story