Pribek

OK, so the technology has always been about more-better-faster, right? Not so these days according to PSFK….

These days, designers are looking for ways to add tactile experience and analog physicality to devices that have become virtual and digital.

What in the world does that mean? Analog physicality? Well, here’s what it means…

That’s the new digital music player from NVDRS…

It’s a digital music player, that uses limitations and physical movement to create a unique music listening experience. Keeping with the 45/60/90 minute limits of traditional cassette tapes, the NVDRS forces you to carefully select the songs you’d like to hear, and not just dump thousands upon thousands of MP3s onto it. Playback is controlled by a slider to play songs, and twisting one of the tape “spools” back and forth will fast forward or rewind the music. A tedious process that will also encourage taking your time and enjoying the songs. The other spool acts as a kinetic power charger – rotating this spool powers up the device.

Yes, I’m looking for a music playing device, preferably something that requires a tedious process.

I think that this thing would only work for me if they digitally simulated the sound of tape edge oxidization on all music released after 1979 (that’s roughly the year that all cassette tape manufacturers switched to a formula that oxidized much quicker and much worse thus, all of those drop-outs and funked up tape problems you had with your glam rock and new wave cassettes).

OK, you know I’ve been in to tube amps forever. You also know that I’m hopelessly out of the loop so this might be something everybody knows about already but I just heard about it and I’m scratching my head.

Tube amps for iPods.

Yep. that’s right tube amps for iPods.

Here is the iTube ValveDock at $498.00.

The entry-level Fatman product for use with iPod and any other audio device (e.g. CD). Utilising a hybrid-tube design platform, the iTube provides superb audio reproduction and attractive design at an affordable price. The performance of the amplifier and dock has been scrutinised by the world’s press and they have awarded it the best accolades possible. The dock allows any iPod to be used (except Shuffle) and this also comes with a full-function 27 key remote control (not just marketing speak) for a limited transport and menu control, but complete control over all iPod functionality. As one major h-fi magazine in the UK said, the iTube valve dock is a gloriously effective juxtaposition of old and new technologies… …keep it up Fatman!.

Evidently that is the industry standard as I found out when I saw a review of the new Logic3 iPod dock at AV Review.

Logic3 claims the hybrid vacuum tube amp balances the sound of MP3 files, eliminating the majority of noise distortion to deliver a ‘warm, harmonic’ soundstage that reaches up to 80W RMS total output.

Dual audio inputs allow users to hook up TV, DVD player, CD player and decks, while on the front sit output selection and volume controls. Everything else is controlled via the remote.

Extremely reminiscent of FatMan’s excellent and award-winning iTube valve amps, we can only hope it performs as well when it launches in December, priced at £300.

“Balances the sound of MP3 files”. I don’t know quite how that works but I’m glad they stuck the word “warm” in there because no discussion of tube amps should go without it.

Does this make any sense?

I forgot about this, I meant to do it earlier. Our good friend J has put together a very cool vocal arrangement of the National Anthem, very jazzy chords. And, he is graciously offering a free MP3 download of it. It’s great for kicking off your barbecue in style.

For your very own copy of J’s “Star Spangled Banner”, click Here.

And don’t forget, you can download my new song “Market Street” by clicking where it says “Download” in tiny little letters next to the tiny little picture of me located on the ReverbNation music widget in the sidebar. And, while you’re at it sign up for the mailing list.

Happy Labor Day!