Podcast Gear and Podcast Audio is HERE! …New Media Gear

Welcome to the 2007 Edition of the PodSqod Holiday Product Roundup!

When I started Studio1A Productions, I never envisioned growing out of a single line phone system. …well, actually I did. I pictured a huge high-rise, broadcast studios, a mamoth lobby with waterfall, corporate jet, receptionist, etc.

At least the broadcast and production studios came out just as expected. I’m still working on most of the other items.

Thanks to TalkSwitch, however, our multi-line PBX is even more robust and sophisticated than I would have ever expected.

As we outgrew a single business line, the next step was critical because the type of phone system you get is often quite pricey, dictates specialized phones along with topology planning and integration with your phone company.

As I Googled for a solution, I found many high-priced turnkey systems and a few excellent software solutions. All of them required more care and/or money than I wanted to invest.

When I found the TalkSwitch solution, it exceeded my expectations. Mix and match analog and VoIP lines, 4 local extensions, and room for scalability were all key features. Oh… TalkSwitch also installed in about 5 minutes and used about as much space as a cable modem. Programming the TalkSwitch takes much longer than 5 minutes, but it’s all point and click. The key to programming a TalkSwitch is to have a plan before you start configuring the auto-attendant and local/remote extensions.

VoIP integration worked perfect and the price (for my model) is $695 retail. Use standard phones as extensions, feature-enhanced models or a mix of both. I could type quite a few pages on the capabilities of my TalkSwitch, but we’ll cover some of the key features on the show. The best source of detailed information is TalkSwitch, considering the complexity and varied options.

Suffice it to say that I have never looked back. I can now setup call routing, an auto-attendant, music-on-hold, extension transfers, business open/close day parting and so much more, all with one small box. Best of all, I can configure the logic using a simple remote (ethernet or USB) connection on my laptop. Take a look at the TalkSwitch site and find out just how much telecommunications power can be at your fingertips.

©2007 Centrepoint Technologies. TalkSwitch is a registered trademark of Centrepoint Technologies Inc.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to try out the Little Dot MK III Headphone Amplifier. For me, the mystique and intrigue of vacuum tubes will always be compelling. As I set out in search of a reasonably priced tube amp, there were none to be found! It seems the audiophile market has taken tube amps well into the $1000+ realm. As I searched out smaller, tube powered headphone amps, I was amazed to find that they too are incredibly over priced, especially considering the simplicity of most tube circuits.

Enter the Little-Dot MkIII headphone amp that won’t break the bank at $199. The Little-Dot family has several amps in their lineup starting at $59.

The first thing you’ll notice is the heft of this little amp. The transformer needed to light up the tubes is incased in metal, as is the rest of the unit. Nice looking gold colored collars hold the compliment of 4 tubes snugly in place. As with most tube amps, the Little-Dot MkIII is pure simplicity when it comes to operation. Just plug the 3-pronged AC cord (no DC wall converters needed) into an outlet, flip the power switch and watch the tubes warm up.

On the back are 4 very nice quality RCA inputs AND outputs, allowing the MkIII to act as a pre-amp if you like. On the front panel, a single LED indicates power-on. You’ll also find an oversized volume control and 1/4″ headphone jack on the brushed aluminum front panel, which contrasts nice with the muted black case.

An important question (I almost forgot) is how it sounds? Tubes are a strange commodity. Like seasonal fare at a restaurant, a manufacturers supply of tubes may vary. With my compliment, I noticed a nice warm sound, very smooth on the ears.

There is plenty of power to drive even high-impedance phones. You can find better sounding tube headphone amps, but be prepared to add an extra zero at the end of the price ; )

I found the Little Dot to be a great value and use it in the office almost every evening.

You can find Little-Tube on the web.

Laptop Power To Go® Cordless AC/USB Power Supply*

Model # CPI100B

How could anyone not like power tools? Black & Decker is synonomous with helping us get the job done. Laura recommended against me trying out any form of radial saw, belt sander or drill press, (in fact, I’ve been directed to stay away from products with sharp edges.)

For year number 2, we’re happy to welcome back Black & Decker with their really cool battery powered AC/USB power supply.

With several sizes available, I tried the 100 watt model. This model gives you 1 AC 3-prong outlet and 2 USB jacks for power. You simply charge the battery (using the included wall adapter.) The charged battery supplies power to a voltage up-converter at about 145 volts. Then, the voltage is converted from direct current to alternating current at 60Hz.

The AC voltage supplied by this device (and most every other device at this price point) is a modified sine wave. This simply means that critical audio devices may not run smoothly without further filtering. Most everything else will not even know the difference.

This is certainly a handy backup device or when you need a bit of AC power and find yourself without an outlet.

Stay safe and be sure to follow the manufacturers directions!
Copyright 2007 - Black & Decker.

Laptops are becoming a mainstay in our lives, both personal and professional. I’m currently typing this on my laptop using the Futura laptop desk from LapWorks. I met the people at LapWorks (laptopdesk.net on the web) during the last Podcast Expo as they were showing off their new “Futura” model. For $29, you get a foldable dual-purpose lap-desk or a nicely slanted desktop stand that fits right into a laptop case.

The Futura is unique in a few different ways. First; it’s easy to carry around because it folds in the middle allowing an easy fit in my laptop case. It’s extremely light, yet holds my huge 17″ powerhouse with ease. The most important part is heat dissipation. As we all know, laptops get hot. The Futura has specially designed ports that allow passive airflow under the laptop while keeping the platform solid.

For the price, portability and ease of travel, this one’s a keeper.

2007, LapWorks, Inc.

Happy Holidays from Studio1A!

Best,
MarkJensen

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