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Adobe Stock Audio

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Adobe Stock Audio is here to kickstart your creative juices and level up your projects!

Launched in 2015, Adobe Stock is a service that provides creatives all over the world access to high end stock images and video  for your creative projects saving you hours of time looking for that perfect bit of visual content and more importantly allowing you to spend more time doing what you do best.. creating . Could not get any better than that right? 

WRONG

To celebrate Adobe Stock’s five-year anniversary, Adobe announced the launch of Adobe Stock audio, an exciting integration between Adobe Stock and Adobe’s video editing program “Premiere Pro” that enables you  to access over 30,000 audio tracks without having to leave your video editing software. 

No scrolling through tabs after tab on the Internet signing up to music other music libraries, trying to read the small print to find out what kind of license you need for your project…no forget that…..all of it can be done inside the premiere pro software saving you time and letting you get on with what you need to do best. create awesome content

To prove how kick ass it is, Adobe teamed up with 13 talented filmmakers from all over the world and challenged them to produce a film in under five days with unlimited access to Adobe Stock footage, and Adobe stock sound.

The shorts were premiered at the Adobe Stock Film Festival’s. The first ever film festival to be created without a single camera. Keep listening to the show to find out how things went down.

But don’t forget. For all of your stock image video and now audio needs all in one place….save yourself a bunch of time and use adobe stock audio!

Adobe Stock Audio

Music plays a key role in adding emotion, feeling and mood to a video, podcast or any creative project for that matter! As it determines how an audience feels and engages with the story. So, this is where Adobe Stock comes into play. Adobe Stock audio gives you access to thousands of high quality, royalty free music tracks.

These audio pieces are sourced from world class award winning artists and industry providers. They are really really good as well, they’re fantastic! The service is incredible too as it can easily find the perfect track for whatever you’re working on in minutes!

Right from within Adobe Premiere Pro, with an intuitive in app search experience. Allowing you to browse expertly curated music libraries to get the right tone for projects.

There’s an effortless licensing process and flexible pricing plans, Adobe Stock audio gives you access to royalty free music for all types of media projects. Adobe Stock audio’s providers of mood and genre music from Epidemic Sound and Jamendo!

Features

  • Effortless one-click save and license feature
  • Easy access with Premiere Pro Integration
  • Intuitive and powerful search using Adobe Sensei

Adobe Stock is working in partnership with Epidemic Sound to launch ‘Storytellin Smooth’ an inspiration meets educational content series of compelling stories from creators who understand the importance of music and showcase the impact it has on video production.

Check out Adobe Stock on Instagram for ongoing updates around this!

(Adobe Stock)

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We’re An Award Winning Podcast!

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Zoom Q2n-4K

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We recently had James Haskell on the show and he told us about an amazing piece of kit! The Zoom Q2n-4k! It combines unrivaled audio with crisp 4K imaging making for an amazing little device! Revolutionising rehearsals, performances and live streams!

You can capture a full band, or a solo act or anything you want with five field of view settings. Plus the 150 degree lens and colour LCD will allow you to easily frame the perfect shot! Furthermore it’s in 4K Ultra HD resolution!

Features of Zoom Q2n-4K

The Zoom Q2n-4K has X/Y stereo microphones which will handle everything you throw at it easily! The Q2n-4k has a high dynamic range technology which will automatically the exposure. Making sure your lighting won’t blow out the shot.

12 ‘Scene’ presets will allow you to record in a range of different environments. Such as Jazz Clib Concert Light and Dance Club. There’s also an “Auto” setting which will detect your lighting and select the appropriate balance for you.

Love your sound? Monitor the audio via the 1/8″ stereo output jack! Connect it to a HDTV witht the HDMI Video Output. Plus get 4x the recording time with the BCQ-2n battery case! It can also be powered by any 3rd party USB Power supply.

Streaming

Stream to all platforms such as Twitch, YouTube or Facebook. Furthermore you can output the Zoom Q2n-4k’s audio to your iOS device for mobile podcasting and streaming!

Video and audio file types

Video (with audio) is recorded as a MPEG-4 (MOV) file.

When using the “Camera Off” mode, audio data can be saved independently in uncompressed WAV format (up to 24-bit/96 kHz).

Extended recording times

The Q2n-4K can record on microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards. While if you use a microSDXC card, you can record longer sessions (up to 256 GB) as a single file!

Specifications Zoom Q2n-4K

  • High-quality 150° wide-angle lens (f2.8/15.2 mm)
  • 12 ‘Scene’ options for use in different lighting environments, including ‘Auto’ setting that intelligently adapts to your environment
  • Built-in X/Y stereo microphones capable of handling sound levels up to 120 dB SPL
  • Can be used as standalone audio recorder with data saved in WAV format up to 24-bit/96 kHz
  • 5 field of view (FOV) settings
  • Records directly to microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 256 GB for extended recording times
  • Easy one-button recording
  • Color LCD

Cont…

  • Support for three HD video modes: 720p, 1080p and 4K
  • Video bitrates up to 76 Mbps for improved image quality
  • Frame rates: 4K/30fps, 4K/25fps, 4K/24fps, 1080p/60fps, 1080p/50fps, 1080p/30fps, 1080p/25fps, 1080p/24fps, 720p/30fps, 720p/25fps
  • HDMI video output for connection to HDTVs, selectable between NTSC and PAL
  • Records video (with audio) in MOV format
  • Analog-style level control with onscreen digital metering
  • Auto Gain function gives automatic control over audio input level
  • Stereo input for use with external devices plus support for plug-in power
  • Headphone/line-level output for fast audio monitoring
  • Low-cut filter for the elimination of low-frequency noise and rumble
  • USB interface for live streaming and data transfer
  • Compatible with OBS Open Broadcaster Software, Skype and other popular streaming applications
  • USB mic function (with low-latency direct monitoring) when used with computers and iOS devices (Apple Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter required for use with iOS devices)
  • Operates with two AA batteries
  • Built-in standard tripod mount

Purchase one by clicking here!

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Sound Over Laser: AudioLaser?

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So, get this MIT have managed to transmit audio over laser. Somehow. So it’s AudioLaser – I guess?

Scientists over at MIT have figured out how to transmit audio over a laser beam. This is any type of audio, so that can be audio, it can be music anything at all. This is without a receiver either.

“Our system can be used from some distance away to beam information directly to someone’s ear… It is the first system that uses lasers that are fully safe for the eyes and skin to localize an audible signal to a particular person in any setting.” Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Charles M. Wynn via a press release.

The groundbreaking discovery was published in a paper in an journal called Optics Letters. The paper goes on to describe how an MIT team developed two differing methods of transmitting audio via laser.

How?

The way that the MIT researchers managed to do this was via a photoacoustic effect. This is the formation of soundwaves as a result of a material absorbing light. In their case they used water vapour that in the air, if they ‘swept’ a laser beam at the speed of sound. By changing the length of the sweeps they were able to encode different audible pitches.

Both methods allowed them to transmit sound a total of 8.2Ft away at 60db. In comparison this is about the same level of loudness of background music. Yet in this instance only the sound maker and the sound ‘target’ were able to hear it.
On the other hand they were able to encode an audio message by adjusting the power of the laser beam, however, this resulted in a much quieter result. Yet it was a clearer result than the prior method.

AudioLaser – Safety

The MIT team want to use this tech to allow the transmission of audio in situations that can be quite dangerous. For example at a mass shooting. Authorities could beam instructions to those in trouble, without anyone else hearing.

“We hope that this will eventually become a commercial technology…There are a lot of exciting possibilities, and we want to develop the communication technology in ways that are useful.” researcher Ryan M. Sullenberger

(Futurism)

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Green Man Gaming Logo

Green Man Gaming (EXPLICIT WARNING)

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We recently discovered this amazing smaller YouTuber called Green Man Gaming and they’re amazing! We think that they deserve a lot more eyes on them! So have decided to showcase them here on How To Kill An Hour.

They do a whole host of different types of videos, like the comedy style above, to a historic look through at games. For example, they looked at Ace Combat through the years, giving a good insight as to how the game has developed over the years. As well as longer play through’s they also do miniature (sub 10minute) play through of games, their most recent one was of Rage 2. Furthermore they also do a pretty cool Throwback Thursday features where by they look at past games, in this one they look at Super Mario 64. However, we cannot go by and not mention the really cool video they did before Christmas. It was called Video Games Rock. It’s a mash up video of video game’s dancing to Jingle Bell Rock. It’s worth a watch. Even if it is February!

Subscribe to Green Man Gaming here!

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Shure MV88+, THE tool for vloggers

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MV88+ and Lexus RX F 450h Sport!

The Lexus UK RX 450h F Sport is a fantastic car, a real powerful SUV. It's the 4th generation of Lexus' range of the Lexus RX Luxury SUV. We captured it using the incredible Shure UK MV88+ Vlogging kit!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 16 January 2020

We’ve been testing the Shure MV88 microphone for a while now and have used it on a number of projects. We recently got a chance to give it’s big brother a spin. The MV88+. An upgrade on the MV88 as the + has a whole host of kit which is perfect for the vlogger!

It’s a portable audio and video recording kit, which is just the right size and weight for all vloggers. It gives you all the tools you need right out of the box. Including a really sturdy and easy to hold tripod. The Manfrotto Pixi Tripood. A phone clamp and mount to securely hold your smartphone. iOS and USB-C cables for compatibility and connectivity. It really is as simple as plug and play. Plus, we cannot forget the incredible MV88+ microphone! You’ll be capturing content as quickly as we were!

We’re not kidding when we say that the audio on this device is incredible. It really is. Creates high quality crisp audio and it’s all connected to a smartphone! Furthermore the Shure Motiv Video App, allows you to change video settings right from within the app. You can also check and monitor your audio right in front of you on the app!

Shure MV88+ Features:

  • Includes industry leading Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, phone clamp & shoe-mount, USB-C & lightning cables
  • Includes neoprene roll-up bag to keep all your accessories in one place
  • Built-In Headphone Output for real-time monitoring
  • Pristine audio for multiple set ups
  • Included phone mount is also compatible with any tripod with a ¼” connector
  • All metal construction
  • Detailed stereo capture, five DSP preset modes
  • Shure MOTIV Audio App for pro-level recording
  • Shure MOTIV Video for onscreen control
  • Allows for phone charging while mic is in use (requires USB-A cable and Apple USB3 camera adapter)- iOS users only

Download:

Motiv Video App – Apple / Android

Motiv Audio App – Apple / Android

(Shure)

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Marcus Bronzy

Sky Soundbox

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The Sky Soundbox is the piece of audio hardware to revolutionise your tv viewing experience! For £299 (£499 for Non Sky Tv customers) it’s the perfect piece of tech to compliment your Sky Q package.

Sky partnered with Devialet, who are one of the most innovative names in audio to bring you the Sky Soundbox. Combining the power of Sky Tv intelligence with Devialet’s incredible, groundbreaking acoustic technology. Together with Sky Q the Soundbox delivers crisp, crystal clear bespoke sound across all of the content you love. Sports, Music, Cinema, it can handle it and produce the very best audio experience to compliment the very best visual experience with Sky Q.

The Sky Soundbox brings immersive 360 degree’s of audio experience. Putting you at the heart of the action. Home cinema quality sound from a single speaker. Simply plug and play.

Sky Soundbox produces powerful bass, dynamic volume and huge power, all from a single box. Worried about the depth of the bass. There’s no need for an external subwoofer with the Sky Soundbox, so no need to worry! It is very intelligent and can adjust volume levels automatically to ensure 100% clarity.

Purchase your own by clicking here!

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Sonos Play 5

Sonos Play:5

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We killed time with a MASSIVE Speaker this week. The beautiful Sonos PLAY:5

  • Fills a large room with pure, brilliant sound.
  • Bold. Pure. Dynamic. Intense. With deep bass that packs a punch.
  • Uncompromised sound whether vertical or horizontal.
  • Convenient, ultra-responsive top panel touch controls.
  • Line-in. Plug in any device you want.

Attention obsessive audiophiles and hard-core music lovers. PLAY:5 is your speaker. It’s our biggest and best-sounding. So whether you’ve got a big room to fill with music or a discerning ear for divine sound, we’ve got you covered.

You’ll hear each separate instrument, voice, and sonic detail in all its glory. Six Class-D amplifiers with six dedicated speaker drivers deliver crystal clear, rich, deep, stereophonic sound with zero distortion. So go ahead and crank up the volume.

Thanks to three mighty woofers and a completely sealed architecture, PLAY:5 delivers big, precise bass response without reverb or echoes.

CREDIT:Sonos.com

To buy your own Sonos Play:5 please click here!

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Facebook Live Audio!?

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As like most social media platforms in 2016 Facebook put a lot of time and effort into “LIVE” broadcasting. As of now the social media platform is launching LIVE AUDIO for a select few publishes and content creators with plans to open up the feature to a wider audience in 2017.

The audio only service could bring podcasts into peoples news feeds just like live video does for video. This could potentially help those in areas where broadband and internet speeds is incredibly poor or to those that require less heavy data efficient media.

Facebook sees LIVE AUDIO for other uses such as semi professional stage for events like book readings and interviews coupled with the services comments section this could create incredible amounts of creative content. As of yet the audio only live service is only open to the BBC World Service, Talk Radio’s LBC (Leading Britains Conversation) Book Publisher Harper Collins and authors Adam Grant and Britt Bennett.

Android users can keep listening to a LIVE AUDIO broadcast whilst doing other things though iOS users have to stay within the Facebook App.

To listen to the guys chatting about this please click here!