Saturday, March 17, 2007

Sony Headset: Perfect For Your MP3 Player

MP3 players are continually becoming more and more popular with young and old alike. Everyone, it seems, has an MP3 player today. That's because with an MP3 player, you can download all your favorite songs into it and then you can listen as long as you want to. MP3 players make the use of CD's obsolete. There's no need to carry your music with you, you can just put it in your MP3 player and then you have your entire music collection literally in the palm of your hand, ready to listen whenever you feel the urge. However, you want a good set of reliable headphones that allow you to listen to your MP3 player. Believe it or not, a good headset can make all the difference in the world. You want a headset you can trust and you want a brand that knows music. For this reason, you should choose a Sony headset as your earphones of choice for your MP3 player.

Hear Things You've Never Heard Before

If you've been listening to your MP3 player with another brand of headphones, give a Sony headset a try. A Sony headset will literally let you hear things you've never heard before. Sometimes, when listening to an MP3 player with inferior headphones, you can miss certain sounds, certain melodies, that can only be heard with a good set of headphones. There's nothing like hearing your favorite song through a good, reliable set of headphones. That's why there should be no other choice than to buy a Sony headset for your MP3 player.

You can find a Sony headset at the Sony website or at your favorite electronics store. You can even find them on the internet. Simply type Sony headset into the search bar of your favorite search engine and you'll likely find many websites for online stores that have great deals on your future Sony headset. Or, you can try an internet auction site, such as Ebay, where you can bid on your favorite Sony headset. However you go about obtaining a Sony headset, you won't be disappointed at the sound you hear coming through the earphones.

A Sony headset, while perfect for your MP3 player, can be used for other things, as well. You can use a headset for your computer, your TV or even your cell phone. Sony knows how to make a good headset and they offer many variations. Simply visit your local electronics store today to see all the varieties they offer. Get one or get them all. Sony is a name you can trust and, therefore, a Sony headset sounds like a great investment for your entertainment needs.

Source: http://www.quickregister.net/partners/

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The iPod Convenience

A New Compact Way To Listen To Music

The small and smart iPod music technology is here and it is busy changing the way people listen to tunes. The first mobile device to listen to music came out in the 1980's when people were seen walking the streets with big boxes beside the ear on the shoulder. Though not very good to look at, these boxes were nevertheless very popular. The iPod has evolved from this big box and not only is it small and convenient, but it is cute as well. It has already become hugely popular. This gadget, working much like a computer is able to store songs by the thousands when they are downloaded from the computer. The storage capacity is enormous so there is no need for the CD's and cassettes.

Carry The iPod Music Everywhere You Go

Mobility is a major advantage of iPod music technology. Just make a unique installation to your car stereo and you can listen to the iPod music as you drive too. Or you can carry it to your gym and listen to your music while you are working out. An abundance of music can be stored on the iPod so that it can give a much needed lift to the listener when exercising rigorously and to keep one focused and energetic. Planning to go on a holiday or a business trip? Carry your iPod music with you and listen to your music while you travel in flight or in a car. When you are traveling in a group and listening to the radio not all will like the music that is played. But with your music on your iPod and a pair of headphones, you can listen to exactly what you prefer, and not disturb the anyone else.

With the iPod, there is no need to buy compact discs anymore. And anyways, if you are a music lover you may end up spending too much in CD's, and they also get damaged from scratches. Alternatively, just visit a few websites online and at a minor cost for each song, download all the iPod music you need. Or you can also get a few CD's and download the songs into your computer and transfer them to your iPod. A product of cutting edge technology, and the sound system of the speakers in iPod headphones can be superior. The price of the iPod music is going to vary though depending on where you download. It is very convenient, and will not hamper your activity. Perfect for the music lover on the go.

About the Author

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Thursday, February 15, 2007

Samson Zoom H4 Handy Recorder



The Zoom H4 mobile digital recorder packs a lot of recording punch into its six inch size including features such as four track recording, two XLR/TRS (1/4”) inputs and built in phantom power allowing you to connect phantom-powered microphones directly to the unit. You can also plug guitars or other instruments into the 1/4" inputs for direct recording. It also features a built in limiter, compression, as well as other digital processing effects and four track recording with amp modeling. Its two studio-quality electret condenser microphones are configured in an X/Y pattern for superb stereo sound that rivals much more expensive microphones and recording setups. A 1/8” headphone jack is also included on the unit for easy monitoring.

According to the manufacturer, the H4 is “ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars.” Songwriters and musicians alike will also love the combination XLR-1/4 in. high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. The backlit LCD display is just 128x64 pixels; bigger could be better, however this size is adequate given the size of the H4.

The recording interface allows you to capture a great sonic spectrum when recording in 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as when recording in MP3 format with bit rates up to 320kbps. The H4 records onto Secure Digital (SD) cards and with a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (wav audio), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. Running on just 2 AA batteries, the H4 provides up to 4 hours of continuous recording.

In a pinch the H4 even acts as an audio interface for recording directly to your PC. So far it is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as a USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. Or to transfer your recordings to your Mac or PC, simply plug in the SD card into a high speed card reader, or download the files via the built in USB interface.

It comes complete with a 128MB SD card (which you’ll probably want to upgrade) as well as an AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and a tripod adapter (a handy mounting sled with Velcro straps to mount it to a camera/video type tripod stand). The H4 also comes bundled with Cubase LE, 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation software for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.

This feature packed device that fits in the palm of your hand can be a little difficult to learn at first, but with the included 100 page manual, getting the hand of it should be a snap.

It’s a phenomenal value and represents the “bang-for-the-buck” combinations in home or mobile recording. Its price undercuts its main competitors in the market such as M-Audio, Edirol and Marantz. All in all the Samson Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder represents the best value in portable or home recording that I've ever seen -- and if you’re looking for such a device, I strongly recommend you seriously look into purchasing the H4.


For more information, check out Planet Gizmo.

Planet Gizmo

Here is a review of a brand new site that sells all kinds of gadgets (mostly audio related)

Planet Gizmo, just as the name entitles in an excellent source for electronic gizmos. If you have something in mind, or just want to browse the latest swag, you can check it out at www.PlanetGizmo.co.uk. As the URL suggests, they’re located in the United Kingdom, providing a reliable source for gear in central UK. Whether you’re in the market for a digital recorder, a pair of headphones, DJ equipment, speakers, mobile phone accessories, satellite, handheld GPS, a PDA or even a pink, powered ride on jeep you should check out this site.

The site’s layout is clean and simple and all products are neatly organized into an easy navigation system. For a faster find, they also have a site search so you can get the specs on your favorite electronic gizmo in a flash.

The order process is also simple and easy as can be, just add what you want to their online cart, click the checkout button and pay with any major credit card. One thing I also really like is that they accept PayPal which allows me to pay directly with my bank account. If you’re still not comfortable ordering online, no problem, just give them a call toll free at 1-800-612-2150 to order by phone. They even have a 14 day money back guarantee in case you need to return or exchange anything for any reason. Or if you’re still not entirely sure on what you want, just add it to your wish list for easy future reference.

Some other things that set Planet Gizmo apart from run of the mill sites is that they offer free shipping on all orders over £75 and they get them out fast. To be more precise, they ship same day for all orders in before 3:00pm. There’s no 48 or 72 hour delay, and they tell you if it’s in stock right on their site.

Headphones tend to be their specialty and whether you are looking for pro DJ headphones or high-end in-ear monitors, they should be your one stop headphone shop. With over 28 models to choose from, including wireless RF models, a variety of ear buds and closed back studio monitors from the industry leaders in professional audio gear including Sennheiser, a complete range of Skullcandy ‘phones,’ Stanton, Technics, AKG, Denon, PIONEER, Gemini, JBL, Rane, Klipsch. Or if you are one of the hundreds of millions of worldwide iPod users and want to replace your passé stock phones, here’s your chance to grab something a little more hi-fi.

Planet Gizmo also includes a variety of important cell phone accessories that are essential for everyday life. Need a hands free kit for your car, a sophisticated Bluetooth headset or simply a place to set your cell in your car, you check out accessories by telecom and electronics giants Nokia, Sony, Ericsson and Motorola.

Lost? Don’t know where to go? Just pick up a portable, handheld or car ready GPS navigation unit from Garmin, Navicore or Novogo at a superb price. When you combine that with free shipping, why would you shop anywhere else. These prices can’t be beat!

Or maybe you need to beef up that portable player or looking for some computer speakers that really kick? You’ve got to check out some of the booming add-on JBL or Klipsch speakers for your portable player, laptop or desktop.

If you’re looking for a great gizmo gift for a techie friend, or simple a hassle-free online ordering process then I strongly invite you to check out Planet Gizmo.

How to Choose Noise Canceling Headphones

In noisy environments, noise canceling headphones will provide moderate amounts of noise reduction among mid and low frequency sounds thus making your listening experience that much more enjoyable. Noise canceling headphones are great for frequent fliers, someone who works in a distracting environment or anyone who just wants some extra peace and solitude once in a while.

Noise canceling headphones come in all shapes and sizes and at many different price points from as low as $40 to a thousand or more. There are two types of noise cancellation; active and passive.

Passive noise cancellation works just like an ear plug. It simply works by blocking the unwanted sound from entering your ear.

Active noise reduction or ANR headsets use sophisticated circuitry to reduce ambient sounds by means of active noise control. They rely on tiny microphones placed in both cups on the headset to pick up ambient noise. The headphones then electronically duplicate the sound frequencies, but with a 180 degree, out of phase sound wave which creates destructive interference which essentially “cancels” or “nulls” annoying background noise that you would otherwise hear.

Also, active noise canceling headphones do rely on batteries to power their noise canceling circuitry, so when buying, be sure to look into battery life specs before you buy and whether or not it is rechargeable. It’s also nice if they can be run off regular batteries – that way if you’re on a long flight or trip you can swap out the used batteries for a fresh set. Also, keep in mind most active noise canceling headsets rely somewhat on passive noise cancellation, and the better they are at this the less power they need for the active circuitry.

There are two different design styles commonly in use; some fit around your ear (circumaural) , while others rest on your ear (supra aural). Generally, supra aural headphones are smaller, but they don't offer quite as good a seal against noise and may not be quite as comfortable when worn for a long time.

Another excellent reason to buy noise canceling headsets is that by blocking out “extra” ambient noise, they allow you to listen to music or that audio book at a lower volume level, thereby reducing the risk of hearing damage. Not only that, but by listening at a lower volume, you are less likely to experience listening fatigue, thus enabling you to wear headsets for longer periods of time.

Noise canceling headsets are not all fun and candy… there are a couple downsides, the main one being the price. Because of the circuitry, a decent pair should run close to $100 whereas a good pair could be a few hundred or more. Another problem created by the circuitry is that when coupled with batteries they add some extra weight. Weight can be compensated by using lighter weight construction materials all around, but then that adds to the price.

Something else you might want to take into consideration is the sound quality. Since noise canceling headsets rely on extra signal processing to be applied to the sound going through the noise canceling circuitry, there will invariably be some sound compromises. That being said, if you’re mostly going to be using them in a quieter environment, a pair of passive noise canceling phones will provide you with better sound quality at a much friendlier price.

All in all, in the right environment noise canceling headsets can be surprisingly effective, but as with any set of headsets, let your ears and wallet be the judge.

How To Choose Headphones For Your iPod

Your iPod sounds only as good as the headphones you use to listen to it. For normal use, the stock Apple iPod headphones may work perfectly fine. However at some point you may wonder is there are any iPod headphones out there that could offer crisper highs, more booming lows and better overall sound quality. With that being said, if you're only going to buy one iPod accessory, you should make it a new pair of headphones or ear buds.

Whether you're an average listener looking to replace your ear buds with something with something that comes sans wires, or you are looking for top audiophile sound quality, a quick Google will show that there are a variety of options to satisfy any ear, and any price range from a few dollars to hundreds.

The integral things to look for when purchasing a pair of headphones for your iPod include the:

• Ability to accurately transmit the sound
• Comfort level
• Affordability
• Durability

There are a few different things you need to consider. First, what kind or style of headphones do you want? iPod earphones are usually sold as ear buds simply because having a larger, full size pair of headphones partially defeats the purpose of the iPod being the size it is and having the portability it does. Since ear buds fit directly in your ear, comfort can be a bit of an issue if you have overly large or small ear canals so keep size in mind when buying. Ear buds are the most portable, the lightest to wear and can produce fairly high quality sound making them a perfect fit for an iPod, or any portable player for that matter.

Another common style of iPod headphone is the supra aural ones. These are simply speakers surrounded by pads that just sit on your ears and are fixed with band that goes over your head or behind your neck. Supra-aural headphones are extremely comfortable to wear, however they are not nearly as portable as a pair of ear buds and are not favored by some people as they mess up hair or can interfere with hats or earrings and can fall off when being active (jogging, doing yard work etc.).

The third type of headphones is the more full-sized circumaural headphone. This style of headphones fully covers the ear and is worn over the head. They have the ability to produce the best sound quality, in part because of their size and ability to block outside noise, and in part because larger and better sounding components can be fitted inside them. Because they are the largest of headphone styles, they are also the heaviest and the least portable. In fact they’re not really considered portable at all and are best suited for home or studio use. So they’re fairly uncommonly used with an iPod or any potable music player simply because they’re big, heavy and can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Once you decide which style of headphones you’d like to purchase, your next major decision is whether you want them to have any ability to block outside noise and/or if you want them to be without wires.

Noise canceling headphones are great if you travel a lot, are in an all round noise environment or just want better sounding audio. They can also reduce the likelihood of causing hearing loss, because they allow you to listen to music at a lower volume and yea they do come in all shapes, sizes and styles, however they are more expensive than a non noise canceling set.

Wireless headphones are fantastic because there's no cord needed so you’re free to roam around your home or office and don’t need to worry about cords getting caught in earrings, zippers or being an all round annoyance.

A transmitter simply sends a signal to a receiver in the headphone that reproduces the sound in your ear. There are two different types of wireless headphones depending on the technology platform they use.
The cheaper models use infrared (IR) technology which transmits an infrared signal within line of sight of the transmitter, much the same way your television remote works.

The higher quality, more expensive models use an RF or radio frequency signal which allows the transmitter to transmit through things like your pants or jacket pocket. The most popular RF models use Bluetooth technology which keeps things small, transmits up to 30 feet and enables a batter life that rivals eight hours.
Here are some things to watch for when you purchase a wireless headphone.

• Weight and comfort, nothing will give you a headache faster than a heavy, uncomfortable headphone set.
• Make sure the volume control is easy to access and simple to use.
• Are the batteries rechargeable? Better yet, does it come with an adapter that you can plug directly into the wall?
• Do they come with any type of carry case or carry bag?

No matter which style of headphones you decide to buy, it’s always important to try them out first to ensure that they are comfortable to wear and don’t cause listening fatigue. If you aren’t able to try before you buy, then make sure they come back with a money back guarantee.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for Your Budget

Headphones have come a long way since they were first invented in the 1930’s by Beyerdynamic. Nowadays there are hundreds of different models to choose from ranging in price from a dollar or two to thousands of dollars or more. With all the choices, how do you possibly know which pair of headphones is right for you, and for your budget?

Above all else, you must consider what you will use them for: Watching late-night movies or TV, listening to an iPod or MP3 player, jogging, working, studio use, DJing, playing computer games etc.

For example, if you’re using the phones for exercising, you wouldn’t want them to come loose, so you might want ear buds, in-ear headphones or headsets with clip-on earpieces that are designed with active uses in mind. If you’re an audiophile and plan to use them in a distracting environment, you might want phones that offer sound isolation and better quality sound.

There are three main categories of headphones: Circumaural, Supra aural and canal phones.

Circumaural phones have big comfy pads that fit all the way around your ears and are usually used in studios where sound isolation is mandatory, by DJ’s in noisy environments or by the home audiophile where only the highest quality will do.

For casual listening most people prefer supra aural open air designs as they are much more comfortable, are less fatiguing to wear and provide a good quality of sound. These are also known as sport phones and consist of a pad that sits on the ear, or held to the ear by a clip. Open-air headsets come in a choice of either behind-the-neck or the more traditional over-the-head band style. Ear buds are also another form of so called open (or semi open) air designs.
Canal phones are another type of headphones with ear buds inserted directly inside the ear canal which provides better sound isolation with a deep bass response. They are usually used by musicians, are custom fit and thus are not for the average user.
Unless you require outside sounds to be blocked out such as a musician in a recording studio, or will be listening in an environment where sound leakage will be a problem, you’ll probably want to opt for an open air design.

Also, don’t worry too much about headphone specs, especially when it comes to frequency response. A pair of headphones with a response of 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz won’t sound any different (all other factors being the same) than a pair of headphones with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (within the average human hearing range).
One other quick thing you might want to keep in mind is the impedance of the headset you are considering buying. Headphones can range in impedance from 4 ohms to 600 ohms or more. The higher the ohms, the more power required to drive the tiny speakers. Thus a pair of headphones that are more than 64 ohms may not go very loud when driven by a portable music player like your iPod. Also, the lower the impedance, the less energy the phones use to create the sound.

Noise-Canceling Headphones:

If you need or want to block out sound for any reason whether you do a lot of traveling or work in s distracting environment noise canceling headsets can be godsend. Noise canceling headphones incorporate active circuitry which relies on tiny microphones to pick up the noises around you. Then the electronics inside the phones generate an identical out-of-phase signal that when played in the headsets cancels out the background noise. These headsets are a little heavier than normal headsets due to the special circuitry and batteries that are usually required.

Will You Go Wireless?

Wireless headphones open up a whole new world of listening possibilities. You can listen to your favorite music while moving around your home or office, doing yard work or anything else without carrying a portable player with you.

Wireless headphones use either an infrared (IR) transmitter that only works in line of sight, or use an RF (radio frequency) signal that can operate through ceilings and walls and has a potential range up to a few hundred feet or more. Obviously, you’ll probably want to opt for the more expensive RF model that has an extended range and isn’t bound by walls.

Since wireless headphones do run on batteries, models that come with a rechargeable battery that you can plug in to charge are great, and models that will automatically charge when set on the stand are even better.

Wireless headphones have come a long way in the last few years, but they still do have their problems: they’re more expensive then wired models, they have limited listening time (i.e. the batteries die) there are sometimes interference problems or added RF background noise.

The best advice I can give you is try before you buy and get the best pair of headphones while staying within your budget.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Advantages of Noise Cancelling Headphones

This article will explain what noise cancelling headphones are, and the benefits associated with using them instead of standard headphones.

In a nutshell, noise cancelling headphones are specially designed headphones with the aim of blocking out external noises to improve the clarity and quality of your listening experience.

Whenever your ears are exposed to a really loud sound, your overall hearing decreases a little. This hearing loss is usually temporary, and you regain your normal hearing after a short period of time. But repeated exposure to high volumes of loud music and sound is likely to reduce your hearing ability for good.

That's why it's generally a bad idea to crank up the volume on your headphones just so you can hear properly. You run the risk of suffering long-term hearing problems.

Noise cancelling headphones solve this problem by "cancelling out" external noises so you are able to hear every little detail in your music and sound without having to crank up to full volume. This enables you to listen comfortably at lower volumes, even in loud environments.

Using noise cancelling headphones can really save your hearing in the long term. They are popular for use on transport such as buses, cars, and planes because they eliminate the background noise of engines to allow you to listen in blissful silence. Noise cancelling headphones are also great for an immersive computer gaming experience on your PC or home console.

So if you're looking at purchasing some headphones for your computer, mp3 player, television, or whatever it may be, consider getting some noise cancelling headhpones for a better listening experience.

About the Author
If you are interested in noise cancelling headphones you can find noise cancelling headphones reviews at my personal website Build-Gaming-Computers.com.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

SkullCandy TI Headphones


Product review by Simon King

There are hundreds of headphones on the market. The majority of which are from the big companies such as Sony and Panasonic. These headphones however, are unique. Even the packaging itself just has this “fun” feel to it. The packaging is vacuum packed so as well as demonstrating the flexibility of the headphones, you can also rest assure that they are in as good condition as they were when they left the factory.

Once you finally get into the packaging, you will find other cool accessories. As well as the headphones, you will also discover Skullcandy stickers ideal for your skateboard, snowboard, bedroom door, etc. If you’re going with the snowboard/skateboard theme then you’ll be pleased to hear that Skullcandy have also included stencils for your board. If you travel around a lot or just generally like to keep your equipment in tip-top condition then I’m sure you’ll also be grateful for the high quality vinyl travel bag.

As well as these fun accessories, Skullcandy have also included more useful items. Firstly, there is an extra set of earpads in grey (black is the standard colour earpads) and secondly, the home stereo adapter means that you can use your headphones on the system in your living room.

Moving onto the headphones themselves and you will instantly fall in love with them as soon as you see them. A lot of attention has gone into the appearance of these headphones. Firstly, you will notice the quality stitching of the word “Skullcandy” across the headwrap. And on either side, you will also find two studs for that “extreme sports” feel. All materials used on these headphones are nothing but high class. For example, the headwrap and earpads are leather giving a soft, light feel.

You will also be pleased with the flexibility of the headphones. The two sides extend, meaning that they will certainly fit heads of all sizes and will also fit over hats and caps which I find particularly useful while snowboarding. The earpads also rotate resulting in easy and practical use.

The sound which these headphones produce is simply phenomenal. They give a great surround sound feel and absolutely brilliant bass effect. As I snowboard a lot, I often travel by Aeroplane. I find particularly useful the way the earpads block the majority of external noise meaning that you can listen to your music without having to listening to the bloke sitting next to you snoring.

If you are looking for headphones which can do outdoors as well as indoors and are reasonably priced, you should seriously consider these. The moment I unpacked these headphones, I fell in love with them. Their ease of use, practical usability, stunning appearance and above all, astonishing sound. Don’t be put off if you don’t snowboard/skateboard, these headphones are for everybody.



• 41mm Titanium driver
• Soft leather touch earpads
• Extra earpad set
• 90 Degree swivel speakers
• Leather headwrap
• Home stereo adaptor
• Travel bag

For more information on these headphones, check out Planet Gizmo