by
Rhythm Scene Staff
| Aug 03, 2022
ASI
3DME Gen 2 System
ASI Audio x Sensaphonics announces the launch of the second-generation 3DME Gen2 Active Ambient Monitoring System, which features ASI Audio App and belt pack enhancements to expand the system feature set based on user requests and customer needs, along with extended battery life. The core remains the 3DME system’s application of patented Active Ambient technology to give users a high-fidelity in-ear monitor mix with natural room sound from their bandmates and the audience.
"Our mission at ASI Audio has always been two-fold,” says ASI Audio x Sensaphonics Chairman and 3DME’s inventor, Dr. Michael Santucci Au.D. “We want to give our customers the ultimate stage monitoring experience as well as help protect their hearing. The 3DME Gen2’s enhanced feature set aids in both of those goals.”
"With Gen2, we’ve added options that touring musicians will appreciate,” ASI Audio System Engineer Stephen Julstrom elaborates. “One allows the Monitor In signal to bypass the limiting and EQ stages to enable professional monitor engineers to maintain full unimpeded control over the mix they deliver. Another optimizes the system for use with either the standard full-range dual-driver earpiece or the new Custom Pro quad-driver earpiece."
Evidencing the ASI Audio team’s commitment to listening safety and hearing health, several new options are designed to accommodate listener comfort. The internal limiter’s lowest Limiter Threshold setting is now stretched down from 84 dB-SPL to 76 dB-SPL for those with especially sensitive hearing, along with subtle improvements in the attack characteristic of the limiter and the linearity of extremely high frequencies. The selectable Start-Up Squeal Suppressor (formerly called the Safety Limiter) eliminates the rare, unharmful feedback squeal that was possible when users covered the ambient microphone with their finger while inserting the earpieces with the system powered. Similarly, turn-on and turn-off “thumps” heard when powering the system with earpieces inserted are now greatly reduced. For musicians and other end users who can hear very little in one ear—single-sided deafness (SSD) or unilateral hearing loss, which creates a head shadowing effect that negatively impacts clarity and timing—the CROS (Crosslateral Routing Of Signal) option restores intelligibility by combining the binaural signals and removing all sound to the impaired ear.
The 3DME Music Enhancement IEM System Gen2 consists of Active Ambient earphones with embedded binaural MEMS ambient microphones, a bodypack mixer/controller/DSP processor/headphone amplifier and the Bluetooth-enabled ASI Audio App for control. The free ASI Audio App allows untethered adjustment of the system’s 7-band stereo EQ and limiter threshold. The App also offers an Audio Seal Test to confirm perfect IEM fit and allows the saving and recall of User Presets to ensure repeat access to preferred sound signatures. In operation, after locking in the preferred EQ and limiter settings, up/down switches on the bodypack make it easy to add the perfect amount of ambience to the monitor mix, so performers can hear exactly what they want, no matter the style of music or type of venue. When used without a monitor mix, 3DME functions as variable-level, high fidelity earplugs. The universal-fit earphones supplied with 3DME can be converted to custom fit with silicone sleeves from Sensaphonics or upgraded to Custom Pro earpieces.
For more information, visit asiaudio.com.
EVANS
dB Reduced Volume Drumheads and Cymbals
Evans is introducing a new suite of products: dB reduced volume drumheads and cymbals. The dB product suite includes dB Zero, a rebrand of the popular SoundOff mesh drumheads, and the introduction of dB One Drumheads and Cymbals.
Drummers now have two options from Evans. dB Zero reduces the drumhead's volume to the lowest level possible and is ideal for silent practice and use with drum triggers and sensors. With dB One, drummers can maintain their acoustic kit's natural tone and feel, but at only 20% the volume of traditional acoustic heads.
Available in patented tom, bass, and snare heads, dB One drumheads experience an authentic bounce and attack with ShockWeave Mesh, Kinetic Transfer Foam (KTF), and dB One's innovative Impact Patch striking surface. Additionally, the wire-free Snare Sim treatment tackles the once impossible-to-fake buzz and crack of acoustic snares at a reduced level.
The new dB One suite is rounded out by dB One Cymbals, the first cymbals to sport the Evans brand and designed to balance and match with the dB One heads as a system. In addition, each cymbal features Evans’ patented dBalance technology, a precision-perforated volume reduction system punched directly into the nano-plated stainless alloy surface in a mesmerizing spiral pattern. This meticulous approach to attenuation achieves a chime and resonance as articulate as many full volume sets but at 20% the volume.
To learn more about dB, visit ddar.io/dBOne.PR.
GRETSCH DRUMS
USA Custom Ridgeland Snare Drum
Gretsch Drums has introduced the USA Custom Ridgeland Snare drum to their range of snare drums. At almost half-inch thick and made from a fusion of woods, this new drum has a sound that is warm, powerful, and loud!
The 0.4-inch shell, made of maple, gum, and poplar, features a hybrid bearing edge that combines the classic Gretsch 30 edge with an old-school Broadkaster-style roundover. The result is a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of attack. These new snare drums are equipped with sturdy 4mm diecast counterhoops, a Lightning Throw-Off, 20-strand snare wires, and Gretsch Permatone drumheads. Custom made, the Ridgeland Snare Drums are available in 5x14-inch and 6.5x14-inch sizes and in all Gretsch Nitron, Satin, or Gloss Lacquer finishes to perfectly match any drum set.
For more information about the USA Custom Ridgeland Snare Drum, other Gretsch drums and artists, visit gretschdrums.com.
New USA Custom, Broadkaster, and Brooklyn Colors
Gretsch Drums is expanding the available colors options for the USA Custom, Broadkaster, and Brooklyn drum kits ranges in 2022. Turquoise Pearl and Tangerine Metallic have been added to the USA Custom and Broadkaster finish choices, and the Brooklyn kits can now be found in Antique Oyster.
The new bright, vivid colors offer an arresting choice to drummers who want to add a visual statement to the acoustic excellence of the USA Custom and Broadkaster kits. To find out more about the new colors and all the other Gretsch Drums, visit gretschdrums.com.
PEARL
Awakening Series Handpans
Handpans are a subset of the steelpan. The tonal characteristics will remind you of steel drums. Still, handpans are played by hand, with no sticks or mallets, so the sound has reduced attack but is much more mellow.
The shape of Pearl’s 22-inch Awakening Series Melodic and Euphonic handpans feature a center tone field surrounded by eight tone fields. Each tone field has a fundamental note, an octave, and an overtone, so each field has three notes. The hand-crafted steel construction of the instrument is designed so each tone field holds its tuning.
The Melodic handpan features a patina finish and is meticulously tuned to the D Minor scale, and responds to your finger strikes with excellent sonority. This gray Euphonic handpan is designed for budget-conscious players and tuned to F minor. Both models include a sturdy, PVC reinforced backpack-style bag to protect the handpan during travel and storage. Tabletop and floor stands are also available but sold separately.
To experience the pleasing tones of the Awakening Series handpans, visit pearldrum.com.
New Djembe Finishes
Pearl’s Folkloric Percussion line features authentic Cuban and Brazilian instruments plus traditional West African djembes. Our rope-tuned models are hand strung by master craftsmen. Extra tuning rope is included on each drum. Our top tuned models feature a counterhoop and lugs plus a large handle wrench that makes tuning a breeze. Pearl’s synthetic djembes feature one-piece construction for increased durability and are available in two sizes; 12 inch and 14 inch. In addition, the seamless shells boast two new hand-painted finishes.
The drums feature synthetic heads that resist detuning from moisture and temperature changes and are easy on your hands. Pearl’s Folkloric Djembes produce a deep, resonant sound that vibrates in your core and is ideal as a solo instrument or part of a large percussion ensemble or drum circle.
Pearl shares a portion of the sale of each djembe with The Rhythmic Arts Project. TRAP’S primary objective is to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their typical peers in all aspects of everyday life.
For more information about these djembes, visit pearldrum.com.
Redesigned CX Airframe Carriers
Pearl Corporation introduced its next generation CX Airframe 2 Carriers. Built off the performance of Pearl's CX Airframe Carriers, the CX Airframe 2 models feature the same lightweight profile with rugged durability, yet have been reengineered for increased comfortability to suit players of all genders, body shapes, and sizes in the marching arts.
CX Airframe 2 Carriers feature reshaped Airframe shoulder and chest sections for improved comfort and maximum range of motion and support for an all-inclusive variety of body styles. Affixed to a lightweight, customizable belly plate and featuring Pearl’s Agility Control System (ACS) Belt and CX mounting hardware, CX Airframe 2 Carriers deliver a highly adjustable and comfortable marching experience.
Available separately as add-ons for CX Airframe 2 Carriers, new PLUS Size Shoulder Assemblies provide an expanded form, ensuring a comfortable fit for performers benefiting from the added space. For more information, visit pearldrum.com.
Willie Seymour Sparks e-Cajon
Pearl’s new Willie Seymour Sparks electric cajon allows you to plug in when extra sound volume is needed. The body is constructed with 11mm thick Shorea plywood and features a 1/4-inch jack on the back of the cajon. The front faceplate is made with 3mm thick meranti with a piezo trigger. Meranti is a wood known for its relative hardness and straight grain, making it ideal for cajons. The cajon feature a patented, built-in rear bass port that magnifies the massive low-end of the cajon, and two sets of fixed snare wires provide a crisp snare response.
The faceplate of Willie Seymour Sparks cajon features a stylistic graphic that is a nod to the early days of electricity. The one-color graphic is expertly silkscreened to complete the electrifying look. Whether you are plugged in to a P.A. system or playing acoustically you’ll be impressed by this cajon’s full-bodied sound. To see and hear the new e-cajon, and Pearl’s large selection of acoustic cajons, visit pearldrum.com.
New Xylophone Education Kit
Pearl’s PX905C Xylophone Kit's all-new design features folding telescopic, height-adjustable legs for easy setup and transport, and a 2.5-octave range of Padouk bars. The kit includes a durable 8-inch rubber practice pad with a separate free-standing, height-adjustable tripod base stand, as well as 5B drumsticks and medium rubber mallets, all conveniently packed in a nylon-padded carrying case with durable reinforced zippers, heavy-duty retractable handles, and easy-roll wheels.
To learn more, visit pearldrum.com/products/concert/education-kits/xylo-kit-px.
Power-Centered, Fully-Connected “Smart Snare”
The Chainsmokers’ drummer Matt McGuire’s new Pearl Signature Snare drum is crafted to not only bring arena-filling sound, but also connect to any drummer who owns it directly to Matt himself! Its unique tonal bite comes from a 1mm Rolled Steel shell that features 30 reinforced 1/3-inch vents around the bottom edge. This unique design enhances snare response, channeling the force of each hit through its 6.5-inch deep chamber and outward in every direction like a shock wave.
Its powder-coated Matte Black finish further tempers its uniquely bright tone, and Pearl's reliably durable SuperHoop II 2.3mm Hoops and CL Bridge Lugs add weight for increased projection. Finally, this Tour Edition of Matt's snare includes two additional badges featuring The Chainsmokers logo and Matt's Signature.
Each McGuire Signature Snare comes with an NFC chip that connects any smartphone to exclusive content curated by Matt himself, making it the World’s first “Smart Snare.” The exclusive content will take you behind the scenes, backstage, and in the studio for cover video breakdowns from Matt plus so much more.
For more information on this and other Pearl Snare Drums, visit pearldrum.com.
Three New Primero Crate Cajons
New for 2022, Pearl introduces three new Crate style cajons with graphic front faceplates: a Music Genre theme, an Acme Explosives theme, and a Coffee Bean crate design. The body of the Acme Explosives and Coffee Bean cajons is constructed with 11mm thick Shorea plywood. The body of the Music Genre Cajon is medium density fiberboard. The front faceplate of each cajon is made with 3mm thick meranti. Meranti is a wood known for its relative hardness and straight grain, making it ideal for cajons. In addition, the cajons feature a patented, built-in rear bass port that magnifies the massive low-end of the cajon while fixed snare wires provide a bright, crisp snare response.
The faceplate of each new cajon has become a canvas for stylistic graphic treatments that give each instrument a unique look. The one-color graphics are expertly silkscreened to complete the crate designs, but the true beauty is in the thunderous sound.
To see and hear the new Primero Cajons, visit pearldrum.com.
Midtown Series Kit adds Pure White Covered Finish
Pearl's ultra-portable Midtown Kit is vital for the gigging drummer on the move. New for 2022, a Pure White finish has been added for a visually versatile setup. This 4‐pc. shell pack boasts a compact footprint that is ideal for tight spaces, but sounds as big as a full‐sized drum rig.
For more information on Midtown Series, visit pearldrum.com.
President Deluxe Series Features Expanded Finishes and Components
Having revived the classic President Series in 2021 to celebrate their 75th Anniversary, Pearl expands the President Series Deluxe drums with added finish and component options to complement available shell packs.
President’s prime vintage style now comes with the option of added 24- and 26-inch bass drums (both with old school “Gullwing” spurs and shell‐mounted cymbal holder), an 18-inch floor tom, 14- and 10-inch toms, and a specially priced concert tom set featuring 8- and 10-inch single‐headed drums on a double slide‐mount stand.
President Series Deluxe drums feature Pearl’s original "Battleship" lug, adjustable tone mufflers, and script logo badges in a choice of new Silver Sparkle or two classic wrapped ripple finishes.
For more information on these and other Pearl Drums, visit pearldrum.com.
Roadshow Series adds Pure White Covered Finish
Pearl's Roadshow Series is an all‐in‐one drum set solution for the student drummer. With four different drum set options for every size and style of drummer, Roadshow features everything new (or revisiting) players need to begin their rhythmic journey. New for 2022, Pure White finish is added for a visually versatile setup in all available Roadshow Drum Set packages.
For more information on Roadshow Series, visit pearldrum.com.
Session Series Studio Select Gets an Ash Finish Makeover
Introduced in 2018, Pearl’s Session Studio Select drums deliver power, tone, and a refined sonic playing experience for the touring pro at an unbeatable value. New for 2022, a Black Satin Ash finish is added for a unique, luxurious drum set presence. Session’s Birch/African Mahogany shell is outfitted with a richly‐grained Ash veneer and satin lacquer finish. This finish will be featured on all Session Studio Select shell packs, snare drums, and component drums.
For more information on Session Studio Select, visit pearldrum.com.