December 2010
Make way for the new breed of PA speakers
Seems our last few posts have been 'new this' and 'new that' - all for the studio world though. But seeing as the sun is finally shining on our festival and gig-a-rama season, here's a few nice new releases to get it going on.
If you're looking for some serious flexibility do help with a large variety of gigs, you're probably already across the HK Audio Elements range.
But in this case, we're interested in a simple 'stick-it-up-on-a-pole' solution that is a little bit of one size fits all, and a little bit of "shove a sub under here to really get this place pumping". So here's a couple of ripper new series: one from RCF, another from QSC.
If you're simply after a high performing powered PA speaker option, the newly arrived RCF ART4 series is both lightweight and powerful. We've still got ART3 series in stock, and ART7 series, but this new ART4 range is very nice indeed. Ready for you to audition in our demo room at any time.
Should you have more a powerful wooden box inclination, the new KW Series from QSC could be just the ticket. They've already proven to be well-received, with a nice big stack moving in and out of the speaker room before we could even stick them up on our website! KEY FEATURES of the KW Series include 15mm birch ply cabinet, 1000w worth of digital power, and a great sound thanks to quality components and well-chosen voicing.
And no, KW Series does not replace the tight, compact and powerful K-Series. It's a step up the sound reinforcement ladder. If it's time for you to either upgrade your speaker system, or perhaps you're dipping your toe into the waters for the first time, now is an excellent time to come and talk deals. You know we'll get it sorted proper for you - pricing is the easy bit here, we make sure you get looked after.
Build your own Studio hamper - here comes the party!
There's nothing like a festive season to bring out the party specials, that coupled with a strong Australian dollar means you can build the exact studio hamper you're after this year, for far less of your hard-earned.
We're merely scratching the surface here, but a quick gather of some of the new arrivals and studio favourites at Factory Sound saw us build a little stack really quickly. In fact Leigh (who actually spends dangerously too long in the studio) got a bit excited walking past while we were setting up this shot.
But back to the real story - we're not making any pre-packaged bundles this festive season. The prices on ALL our gear are super sharp thanks in part to our rocking Australian dollar, and also because that's how we roll (but you already know how we swing).
So the message is build-your-own bundle, and we'll make sure you get looked after. Some highlights at the moment include:
Waves bundles at around 55% off RRP
Fostex T20RP-MkII Studio headphones at just $92
Presonus FireStudio Mobile for a killer price (sort it out with the boys)
Apogee Duet - new stock arriving this week
Avid - New MBox 3rd generation now in stock
Avid - ProTools 9, unlocked
iLok2 - now holds up to 500 licences
RME - Babyface, new FireFaceUFX, plus other usual winners at killer prices
Festive season opening hours
While we were all busy keeping up with the sudden deluge of gigs, functions and general shenanigans that happen upon us all at this time of year, the reason that we all seem to have gotten so busy has snuck up behind us like secret Santa in a ninja suit.
Not that anyone is complaining, it's been great seeing everyone come into Factory Sound trying to work out how they're going to get through a season of gigs - it's all of a sudden Eight Days a Week stuff. Love it!
Anyway, just for the record here's how we're situated over the coming couple of weeks:
Wed 22nd Dec: 9.30am - 6pm
Thu 23rd Dec: 9.30am - 6pm
Fri 24th Dec: 9.30am - 3pm (early close)
Sat 25th Dec: Closed
Sun 26th Dec: Closed
Mon 27th Dec: Closed (Xmas public hol)
Tue 28th Dec: Closed (Boxing public hol)
Wed 29th Dec: OPEN - Sale time! 9.30 - 6pm
Thu 30th Dec: OPEN - Sale time! 9.30 - 6pm
Fri 31st Dec: OPEN - Sale time! 9.30 -3pm (early close)
Sat 1st Jan: Closed
Sun 2nd Jan: Closed
Mon 3rd Jan: Closed (New Year public hol)
Tue 4th Jan: OPEN FOR 2011
There you have it. Quite the list this year. We wish you a safe and happy festive season. Play safe out there, and we hope to see you soon!
Read full postNew iLok2 - now in stock
Much to Ollie's pleasure, the new iLok has landed by the bucketful. And talking of large vessels, this Generation 2 iLok is one big hombre, with space for 500 licenses.
So why is OJ in such a blissed out nirvana-like state of authorisation ecstasy? He's just heard that the OMF interchange on Avid's newly opened ProTools 9 software means he can jump files across from Logic sweetly. And of course, once you've got the iLok account up and running, it's easy enough to consolidate all the licenses from your old iLok, and scoot them all across to live happily inside your new iLok.
Newly opened ProTools 9? Let's not let that slip through to the keeps just yet. Yes, it's big news. "And the collective pool from a rabidly salivating audio world is something to behold." Who writes this dribble...
Read full postFostex T20RP-MkII Headphones - JUST RIGHT pricing!
What about this for a serious deal - our old favourite studio headphones Fostex T20RP-MkII, just in time for the holiday season. Forget that they have a Recommended Retail Price of $229 in Australia, we've got a strong dollar and all the news outlets are suggesting the time to purchase overseas is now.
Well forget that, as we've always promised at Factory Sound, we're sticking our prices in a place they love: below the cost that 'normal' shops are paying. Don't ask how, just let it be known that Factory Sound is NO 'normal' shop, that we have always been committed to fair pricing for all pro audio, all the time. Whether you're a professional, student, enthusiatst, or ('tis the season, after all) buying a gift for a loved on, we buy in BULK and make sure the savings get passed straight to you.
So after all that, how much for a pair of Fostex T20RP-MkII? Half price? No, let's break below the $100 barrier. In fact, we've got so many in stock that let's call it $92. No mucking around, $92. There, we've said it.
We don't expect them to last very long at this price, so if you're keen...you'd better get busier than Warney or you'll miss the cheese.
Read full postSennheiser microphone specials - it's that time of year
Because the season of giving is upon us quicker than we can say 'what happened to Summer this year?', we've gathered up a hamper of cracker-jack Sennheiser specials to pack some excitement in your bon bons.
What's the deal? Basically we've prepared a list of specials here.
We're talking e900 series wired microphones, and a bunch of Evolution Wireless microphones (and in-ear monitoring systems).
The prices are very sharp, but if you're simply too busy to click the link, here's a rundown:
e906 - Guitar cab microphone RRP $399, special $232
e904 - Tom / snare microphone RRP $329, special $190
e935 - Stage vocal microphone RRP $399, special $225
and some wireless to really get your appetite started:
EW172G3-B - UHF Wireless guitar system RRP $1299, special $779
EW112PG3-B - UHF Camera mount lapel rig RRP $1299, special $779
EW145G3-B - UHF Handheld wireless sys RRP $1399, special $839
EW300IEMG3-G - UHF In-ear monitoring RRP $2199, special $1319
Go on, have a quick look at the rest of the list, in case there's anything you desperately need for the Summer season!
And because we're going to be pulling bon-bons before you know it...
Q: What do you get when you cross a stereo with a fridge?
A: Really cool music
Just in case you'd forgotten how bad the jokes inside your paper crown really are.
Read full postNew packaging, same K&M stands (and some explanation)
Slight shock when our latest truckload of K&M stands rolled up yesterday: new packaging for a few of the models. Now, it's not like we're scared of a little change every now and then, more like we're scared of a big change. But on closer inspection, our favourite microphone and speaker stands are still made in Germany. They still come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect, AND we're still keeping heaps in stock to ensure (i) you don't need to wait when you desperately need a stand for the weekend's gig, and (ii) we're buying in bulk to make sure we are able to hand you over the best price possible on genuine K&M stands designed and manufactured in Germany.
And talking about K&M...
Which stand is best suited for stage vocals and studio vocal recording?
That could be easily answered by saying "K&M - for reasons explained above", but even within the Konig & Meyer range, there are quite a few vocal mic stands.
Straight: These boom-less stands are great on stage if you don't play a guitar or other instrument. Also handy in the studio for vocal recording. Round bases mean less chance of tripping over a tripod leg. Our top choice is the 260B, as it's got a very heavy base for stability, and the circular base (pictured) has some nice shock absorbing rubber all the way around to stop those nasty vibrations causing low end rumble on your recording (or stage). A slightly cheaper alternative is the lightweight 260/1B, but spend the extra few $$ if you can on the 260B - it's definitely worth it.
Boom Stands: Three models stand out here. 21070 is the budget model, straight boom (fixed length) and ideal for light duties. 210/6B has a heavier cast base, and so is well suiter to support heavier microphones (ie, studio microphones), or more robust stage use. The 'pro' model is 210/9B, featuring telescopic boom - allows you to fit into a tighter space - and a super strong T-bar swivel tightening mechanism (pictured). 210/9B is a great choice for either studio, or heavy duty live use but it's a bit more expensive than 210/6B.
Overhead boom stand: to get your overhead microphones seriously up and over the drum kit (safely), choose 21021.
And while we're at it,
Lightweight Speaker Stand: Far-and-away our most popular speaker stand is 21435. BUT if you're searching for an aluminium (lightweight) version, have a look at 21436.
Remember that Factory Sound is Australia's largest reseller of genuine K&M stands for stage or studio use. Microphone stands, speaker stands, and plenty of accessories (including the ever-popular 160/2 stage drink holder). We'll always make sure you get looked after with the right model to suit your needs, and the best possible price in Australia.
Read full post
Loading latest FS tweets...
FS links