Sound Archives - Core Sector Communique

Plattan 2 is the grown-up version of an Urbanears classic, upgraded to deliver a next-level experience in sound and ergonomics

Chawm Ganguly — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 11:31:18 +0000

EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT.

STILL THE SAME PERFECT CLASSIC.

Plattan 2 is the grown-up version of an Urbanears classic, upgraded to deliver a next-level experience in sound and ergonomics. While staying true to the legacy of a headphone that has sold in the millions.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Dec. 13, 2016 – Today, Urbanears releases a new version of Plattan, their best-selling on-ear headphone. Plattan 2 features an improved frequency response for clearer definition, extra isolating ear cushions, and a 3D Hinge for a more customized fit. Plattan lovers will still recognize all the iconic details that make Plattan, Plattan—like the fabric cord, built-in mic/remote, and ZoundPlug for instant music sharing.

“Plattan has been upgraded some 50 times since 2009, yet none of those upgrades were big enough to name it Plattan 2—until now,” said Oscar Axhede, co-founder and creative director of Urbanears. “Plattan 2 embodies everything we’ve learned over the years, while staying true to the classic traits that make Plattan a favorite, and a mainstay in our collection.”

Plattan has become one of Urbanears’ most popular headphone models, with 3 million sold since its launch in 2009. Plattan 2 is now available for purchase online at urbanears.com, and at select retailers worldwide for $50.

3D HINGE
The 3D Hinge gives your headphones some impressive flexibility so they can adapt to the shape of your head for a perfect fit. You can go ahead and thank your 3D Hinges for that otherworldly fit. Sort of like double-jointed kneecaps, they give your headphones some impressive flexibility so they can adapt to the shape of your head and ears.

SOUND

Prepare your ears for next-level sound— now re-tuned and reconstructed for a clearer, more well-defined listening experience with extended Frequency response and better definition. Thicker and softer than ever before, Plattan 2’s ear cushions create the ideal, isolated listening environment. What better to listen to redefined sound with?

ZOUNDPLUG
The ZoundPlug isn’t really a plug but a socket that lets you share your music with your best bud, or a full daisy chain of friends. Simply plug into another pair of headphones via the empty ear cap outlet and enjoy.

MIC & REMOTE
Listen to a lot of music on your phone? Thought so. That’s why these headphones come with a built-in mic and remote. Use it to pick up calls, skip between tracks, and send messages to the universe.

COLLAPSIBLE
Take your headphones wherever you go. Plattan 2 is fully collapsible with a convenient place to twist up your cord. Simply fold them up and be on your merry way. You’re so tidy.

COLORS
Plattan 2 is available in Black, Dark Grey, Indigo,Tomato and White; and fall/winter 2016 colors Powder Pink and Snow Blue.

ABOUT URBANEARS
In the present, recently known as the future, Urbanears strives to create magic where people and technology meet – a task the company tackles passionately with human centered design and innovation. Founded in Stockholm, Sweden during a time before pocket computers (2008), Urbanears has grown to see their headphones spread like wildfire all over the world. Today Urbanears can still be found in their hometown of Stockholm, creating electronic gizmos and a kaleidoscope of their beloved headphones, only in a slightly bigger office.

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ROLI extends leadership in music technology innovation by acquiring FXpansion, a sound and software pioneer

Chawm Ganguly — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 10:03:04 +0000

ROLI will continue development of FXpansion products, as it integrates technologies to create musical instruments of the future

September 1, 2016

London — Music technology leader ROLI has acquired FXpansion, the renowned maker of software instruments, as it accelerates development of the musical instruments of the future.

London-based FXpansion adds a vast collection of sounds and effects to ROLI’s growing ecosystem of music creation tools. The Seaboard, ROLI’s touch-responsive instrument that is acclaimed as “the future of the keyboard,” will now be developed alongside FXpansion’s virtual instruments including BFD3, the world’s largest collection of acoustic drum sounds, and Strobe2, the analogue-modeled software synthesizer. The combined ROLI team will integrate its technologies, as ROLI creates a new class of digital instruments that are more expressive and versatile than anything before it.

Deepening ROLI’s capabilities in sound and software, FXpansion products also extend ROLI’s stack of technologies — which is already more diverse than any other in the music technology space. Beyond the Seaboard ROLI has developed Equator, the software synthesizer; NOISE, the free app that turns iPhones into musical instruments; Blend, the social platform for music collaboration; and JUCE, the C++ coding framework for audio developers.

Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI, said, “We are creating a Connected Music ecosystem of devices that will change the way people make and enjoy music. Our leadership in music technology innovation — across both software and hardware — strengthens with every link we add to ROLI’s toolchain. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of musical expression and technological innovation with FXpansion, which has been at the forefront of audio software development for the past 15 years.”

Angus Hewlett, founder and CEO of FXpansion, said, “This acquisition is a momentous opportunity for FXpansion. Together ROLI and FXpansion can create best-in-class instruments, even as we continue to develop the FXpansion products our users know and love.”

The acquisition follows ROLI’s $27 million Series B fundraising — led by U.S.-based Foundry Group — in May 2016. It concludes a transformative 12-month period during which ROLI released the Seaboard RISE, a touch-responsive MIDI controller that the Consumer Technology Association hailed as the most innovative Computer Peripheral product of 2016.

ROLI will support and develop FXpansion’s family of products which also includes Geist2, the beat production system, and a range of sound effect plug-ins such as Maul and Bloom. FXpansion products will continue to be sold in their current form. Customer support and product maintenance will be available on all of the current channels. Anticipated updates — including the release of BFD 3.2 and Cypher2 — are progressing.

All FXpansion team members will join ROLI, where they will take on new roles as they continue to develop FXpansion’s products. Angus Hewlett will become Head of Sound Synthesis and Lead Software Engineer. Rhiannon Bankston-Thomas, FXpansion’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will become ROLI’s Head of Software Program Management. Skot McDonald, Chief Technology Officer, will become ROLI’s Lead Software and Research Engineer.

About ROLI

ROLI is a London-based technology company that is creating a Connected Music ecosystem. The award-winning Seaboard RISE and Seaboard GRAND are revolutionary musical instruments that let music-makers express more on a soft, touch-responsive surface. NOISE, the free app, turns the iPhone into a fun and powerful handheld instrument. Equator, ROLI’s groundbreaking software synthesizer and sound engine, enables multidimensional musical expression on a range of compatible instruments. JUCE, the leading C++ framework for audio applications, is making music programs run faster in real time. Blend is building a community for music collaboration by letting artists share their projects on an open social platform. Through hardware, software, social, and audio-developer products, ROLI is creating a chain of music-making tools that lets people express more.

About FXpansion

FXpansion is one of the world’s leading developers of audio instruments and effects for software platforms. Its mission is to push the boundaries of audio software and provide professional-grade products that are also accessible to prosumers. Founded in 1999, FXpansion’s first products included DR-008, a powerful drum synthesis and sampling instrument. In 2003 it released BFD, a revolutionary acoustic drum sample instrument that has been continually updated, offering the world’s largest collection of studio-quality drum sounds to musicians, composers, and engineers. FXpansion’s industry-renowned synthesis products include Strobe2, which features accessible user interfaces that make sound design more intuitive. Geist2, its beat production system, released in April 2016. Other products include Tremor, Bloom, Etch, and Maul.

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Libratone Introduces New ZIPP Line-up, featuring SoundSpaces™ Enabling Sound to Take Center Stage at Home

Chawm Ganguly — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 09:13:20 +0000

New portable wireless speakers deliver rich, bold 360° Fullroom sound,

multi-room functionality and can ‘Stream Anything’

October 20, 2015 – Award-winning audio company, Libratone, announces the launch of a new line of its iconic top-selling ZIPP wireless speakers. The new ZIPPs continue the pursuit of liberating sound by combining exceptional 360° sound quality with portable multi-room connectivity, and are made to suit today’s “elastic lifestyle”.

“The elastic lifestyle” is a phrase coined by Scandinavian trend institute The PEJ Group.Libratone CEO Jan McNair explains, “We have become accustomed to technology that makes life simpler. Out of this, we have developed a need for environments that can be twisted, expanded, and adjusted to different everyday situations. The elastic lifestyle requires that the elements in our home are functional, flexible, simple, and above all, they need to help us create the perfect mood for every situation.”

Libratone CEO Jan McNair says the new ZIPP line-up is a response to this megatrend.

“Today’s consumers expect their sound to be ever-present, portable and flexible. Liberating sound is at the core of the Libratone brand, and the classic ZIPP speakers have embraced many of these facets with their portable 360° sound experience, personalizable covers, and flexibility to stream anything you want via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The new generation of ZIPP speakers continue this proud tradition, and also feature SoundSpace Link, which lets you connect up to 6 speakers via Wi-Fi, place them anywhere in any room and move them around as you wish. It’s an exciting addition to the audio market, and we are proud to be the first to provide this comprehensive package.”

The launch of the new ZIPP line-up also marks the launch of Libratone’s new flexible listening concept, SoundSpaces, also being introduced for the end of October. McNair continues, “Conventional multi-room speakers are designed to stay put. SoundSpaces gives you the connectivity and freedom to move your speakers from room to room and link them as you see fit for the situation. As we say: finally sound takes centre stage.” SoundSpaces and the new ZIPP line-up are the first launches after Libratone welcomed new investors and brand strategy.

Based on award-winning design and technology

The new ZIPP line-up is based on the award-winning design and technology of the classic Libratone ZIPP, yet it’s priced lower.

McNair added, “Until now, the classic ZIPP has always been our best-selling product. It has continuously earned ‘best-in-test’ reviews and has won numerous awards for both design and technology, including the International CES Innovations Design and Engineering award. Nevertheless, we see the new ZIPP speakers as our most focused and refined achievement to date. And we’re so pleased to be able to offer them at lower prices.”

The new ZIPP line-up includes the ZIPP (100 W) and ZIPP Mini (60 W). Both speakers contain only specially designed elements – no standard components. With 360° FullRoom Sound, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as 8-10 hours’ battery life, they are ideal for streaming both at home and on the go. The new ZIPP feature set also includes Spotify® Connect and Apple Music compatibility, a new intuitive touch interface, speakerphone capability, streaming and storage of up to five internet stations controlled directly from the speaker. All features can be set up and controlled remotely via the new Libratone app, which was re-designed from scratch to give customers the best possible user experience. The app can be downloaded from the App Store℠ and Google Play store.

Colorful customization

Available online at Libratone.com from October 20, as well as on Amazon.com shortly thereafter, both the ZIPP ($299.99) and ZIPP Mini ($249.99) have a durable white base and a mesh fabric cover available in four colours: Cloudy Grey, Deep Lagoon, Graphite Grey, Victory Red. Extra covers are available in Atlantic Deep, Signal and Sangria and retail for $29.99. Both products are slated to begin shipping in early November.

About Libratone

Libratone is on a mission to liberate sound and to expand peoples’ experiences with music in the era of streaming. Founded in 2009, Libratone is one of the first audio companies to consider the aesthetics of speakers – to move them out of the corner of the room and into the centre and onward, for the consumer on the move. Designed in the Scandinavian tradition, Libratone creates high performing sound refined through plush fabrics for a warmer, brighter listening experience. In 2014, the company welcomed Chinese investment and technological insight, enabling an unprecedented technological leap forward. The 2015 launch of SoundSpaces and the new ZIPP line-up is the first launch under the new ownership and marks the launch of the revitalised Libratone brand. www.libratone.com

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