I am writing today on an issue that some of you might find VERY interesting! As the year comes to an end the anticipation of the FCC’s ruling on wireless use comes very soon. There are 2 very different issues at hand. There is the 700 MHz  issue and the White Space issue. The 700 MHz issue is what brings most concern to us during this time. As the RoadDogs, we want to make sure those of you who use wireless are well informed as to what is happening, why it’s happening, and what we are doing to help our customers out!

First of all, if you are not familiar with this situation, the FFC has opted to auction off the frequency range 698-806 MHz of to the highest bidder. This decision was good for the major cell phone companies, but not so good for our RoadDog customers. On Feb. 17^th these frequencies are granted and on the 18^th they become illegal for any other users.  This means that anyone with wireless systems in this range must start to think about the future of their wireless marriage.

OK, That was the Bad news…….. But here’s the Good News!

RoadDogOnline and Shure  www.Shure.com are partnering up to offer help during this time.  Shure is bending over backwards to provide customer rebates that will Blow Your Mind! Shure is offering mail-in rebates up to $1,000 with the purchase of a new qualifying Shure wireless system when they return Shure or other manufacturers’ 700 MHz frequency band wireless systems.

Customers need to follow 3 Easy Steps:

1.       Purchase a qualifying new Shure Wireless System and, if applicable, qualifying Shure components.

2.       Complete and sign the form and return it to Shure, along with the other required documentation.

3.       Send in your qualifying trade-in 700 MHz frequency band wireless system and, if applicable, qualifying trade-in components via UPS.

They don’t care what it is, how old it is or what condition it’s in. If it’s been in your attic because it broke 2 years ago… if it’s on your back porch and water logged… I’m telling you! It Doesn’t Matter!

Also! It’s still under warranty… turn your system in for a Free Replacement of the same system! This is incredible!

These promotions apply to Shure wireless purchased before February 1,2007 and any competitive 700 MHz wireless systems. Rebate is also only good through authorized dealers only.

Stay tuned to our website as more information will be provided shortly. All rebate prices will be provided plus new specials coming from us! We really do want to help make this transition easy for you. This all is a lot to swallow so if you have ANY questions, PLEASE give us a call to talk you through this a little better. As always, we appreciate any comments you might have on this blog as well.

For additional information from Sure, please check out some of these links:

http://www.shure.com

www.shure.com/rebate

Yup, no doubt, its that time of year again. We are all looking for the right gift for the audio person.Here is a list of Hot Products here at RoadDogOnline that are perfect gift ideas:

Westone 3 Earphones - The newest product for RoadDogOnline and they are flying off the shelf. Triple drivers are the new trend in earphone manufacturing. Westone’s UM1 and UM2 have been staples in the high-end earphone industry and Westone has just one-upped itself again! Get a pair today!

Audio Technica ATH-M50 Studio Headphones - Want to really give back to your up and coming studio engineer? The ATH-M50’s will allow them to listen to their mix in some of the highest quality headphones on the market. Or maybe you are sick of them playing their guitar really loud at night, the ATH-M50 headphones are the solution.

Neumann Microphones - Got a loved one getting ready to record a song? Maybe they are looking for their sound… Look no further! Neumann microphones are a great gift that will really help musicians find their sound in a live environment or a studio environment.

Lexicon Omega and Lambda - Home recording is one of the most popular things for musicians to do in this day and age. Lexicon produces the Omega and the Lambda which make it easy to record music on your computer giving you the most flexibility at a smokin’ hot price. Check out the Omega or Lambda today!

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone - This is the most die hard microphone on the market. Any rough, tough rocker with a set of vocal cords should own one of these. Interview one music industry professional and ask them what the most popular microphone on the market is, they may say a few…..but I guarantee that the Shure SM58 will be in that list somewhere! (There is also a $10 mail-in rebate available on this mic until the end of the year!)

If you know of a product that should be on this list please comment! We want to know what you think!

-Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

The gang here at Road Dog are all musicians or at least music fans and we get into some pretty ‘heated’ discussions on the best bands, guitarists, drummers, bassists…well, you get the picture.  So we wanted to take a moment to honor what we feel are the top 10 music videos of all time.

1. We obviously have to start by paying tribute to The Buggles. Their song "Video Killed The Radio Star" was actually the first music video played on MTV and quite literally changed the way people view music.

2. Another video that has an MTV reference would be the Dire Straights with their video "Money for Nothing," where Sting phrased the infamous "I want my MTV." I can’t decide if my favorite part of this music video is the old school neon video effects or the 3-D Animation….any thoughts?

3. We absolutely must mention Michael Jackson’s video of the chart topping "Thriller." How could you forget the dancing zombies? or the red jacket Michael wears? This video is truly a classic!

4. "Walk this Way" by Aerosmith and Run-DMC bridged the gap between rock music and rap music. This video was definitely a trendsetter for many generations to follow. I know I went out and bought a set of Adidas after watching that video.

5. A-HA! I got it! Well actually, A-Ha is the band and the song / video is: "Take On Me." This was definitely one of the first videos to incorporate drawing, animation, and video. I hope that the next time I am sitting in a restaurant, reading a magazine that a large hand doesn’t jump out and grab me.

6. This one will put the "boom boom into your heart"…"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham! I’m fairly sure that George Michael is famous because of this video. I personally think the guy playing saxophone at the end with the hat is the best!

7. Ok, kinda creepy video, but all the same, Peter Gabriel’s "Sledgehammer" If you don’t know what video I am talking about, please YouTube it at your earliest convenience. I’m a big fan of the train that spins around Peter, and not such a big fan of the opening sequence…

8. Nothing like salmon colored pants and a headband….except maybe being "Hungry Like the Wolf." That is pretty hungry too… Anyway, the war paint is awesome. Thanks Duran Duran!

9. "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake is one of those videos that will never be forgotten. The video featured actress Tawny Kitaen dancing on lead singer David Coverdale’s Jaguar. Although, the song is a hair metal classic, the video is recognized by a good majority of the music industry.

10. Robert Palmer, "Addicted to Love." I think thats enough said, but for those of you who don’t agree…5 Beautiful Models with pale skin, heavy makeup, and dark hair….all playing an instrument. I think I’m addicted to this music video…

Honorable Mention: (we couldn’t cover everything with just 10 so…hence this extra list)

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

2. Beat It - Michael Jackson

3. Vogue - Madonna

4. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

5. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

I would like to be the first to announce that we here at RoadDogOnlineare very excited about our new partnership with Head-Fi.org. Head-Fi has a number of sub forums, dealing with equipment and music, as well as a general discussion forum. It is one of the largest high fidelity discussion websites, with over 60,000 registered members, 3,000,000 forum posts, and 200,000+ unique monthly visitors. Head-Fi.org has primarily been helpful to offer advice, opinions, and suggestions about headphones and other similar pro and consumer audio products. We will now be able to have a voice in these forums and offer our expertise on certain products that are of interest to consumers. Please feel free to check out our forum on Head-Fi.org.

P.S. As Christmas creeps closer, headphones are becoming more and more the gift of choice during this season! Please give us a call to find out what our most popular sets are this year…

Until next time… WOOOOH WOOOOOOOOF!

Jason Polk

Looking for reliable power at a fair price? Look no further, The Crown XLS Series is the way to go!

Crown’s XLS Series offers a STANDARD 3 YEAR WARRANTY. This way you don’t have to worry about something going wrong.

I generally recommend the Crown XLS Series to my working musicians. These amps are rugged, tough, mean, and just all around suited for the person that will be using them everyday. The amps play well with the JBL JRX Series as well as the JBL MRX Series Speakers.

For power specs and ratings, and just general features…go to: Crown’s Website

If you have any additional questions, contact me directly! 866.377.8808 ex.21

Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

Well it’s not quite as exciting as the first time you heard the Barking 12 Days of Christmas, but this is a BIG advance in the in-ear monitoring industry. Westone has just released the NEW Westone 3, 3-Way Earphones.

Okay, so other manufacturers have had triple drivers on the market for almost an entire year now… BUT, those competing earphones ARE NOT 3-Way Earphones, and the new Westone 3’s ARE!

The difference between 3-Way and your typical triple driver earphones are as follows:

• 3-Way Earphones - 1 Low Frequency Driver, 1 Mid-Range Driver , and 1 High Frequency drivers
• Typical triple driver Earphones - 2 Low Frequency Drivers and 1 High Frequency Driver

I have received many emails about comparing/contrast the UM1’s, UM2’s, and 3’s. Quite honestly, they are all very different animals. The UM2 is by far the most popular currently and has unprecedented low frequency production, and is extremely comfortable in respect to other manufacturers. This mainly has to do with the cable being smaller and a bit more flexible. The UM1 has same feel and same comfort without the high dollar, top of the line sound quality of the UM2. I would like to think of them as UM2’s on a budget. The Westone 3 earphones take the sound quality and comfort of the UM2 to a new level. Also, the 3-Way driver design of the Westone 3 brings clarity with a full range frequency response that is unheard of with any of it’s competition.

So if that doesn’t make you want to roll over, I don’t know what will! The new Westone 3 True Fit 3-Way Triple Driver Earphones are now in stock here at the Road Dog. As always we are offering a competitive price on these and other earphones so don’t hesitate to call today! 866.377.8808

Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

Can you feel the tension?! The juggernauts of studio monitoring headphones are in a ruthless battle against each other and I am here to set the score straight. In the right corner of the ring, we have Ultrasone "the German headphone company." To my left we have the German audio "Rockheiser," Sennheiser. If you don’t feel the tension at this point, I don’t know what I can do to help…but please, read on…

First, to settle the confusion between the two lines I have decided to describe the difference between open back and closed back headphones. Closed back headphones, such as the Ultrasone PRO Series (with the exception of the PRO2500) excel at both preventing outside noise interrupting the user while they are mixing or critically listening and preventing unwanted noise from reaching the microphone that you are using to record. Open back headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD Series , do not offer the same level of isolation as their closed back counterparts. Now you ask the question, why would I even want to think about using a open back headphone? Some will argue that the sound quality is much better with an open back design because it allows the space needed for low frequencies to be accurately produced. However, with the quality and truly unique design of the Ultrasone PRO Series, I personally do not notice a low frequency loss or any loss is the quality of the sound. On to the next point before we get swallowed here…

Second, another leveling agent between the Ultrasone PRO Series and Sennheiser HD Series is the placement of the drivers. Sennheiser uses the traditional left and right drivers that fire directly into your ear whereas Ultrasone incorporates their S-Logic technology with uses de-centralized (not center) drivers. The benefit to not have your headphones firing directly into your ear is that you can build an accurate stereo image. Ultrasone is the only company, that I know of, that manufacturers headphones that use off center drivers in order to build a true "studio monitor" headphone.

Lastly, I’ll be done explaining the differences and get down to the skinny. Honestly, you are not comparing apples to apples, oranges to oranges, or crumpets to crumpets with this competition. This makes it difficult to announce either Ultrasone or Sennheiser as the supposed winner. Instead, I will argue that each series is the best product you can purchase within their respective categories. Sennheiser most certainly takes the cake in regards to their open back headphones, more specifically the HD600 and HD650 models. Ultrasone wins, hands down, with their closed back headphones, specifically the PRO550, PRO650, PR750, and PRO900 models.

For my uses, I prefer the Ultrasone PRO Series specifically, the PRO750. I have yet to find a better headphone for mixing. Yes, there are other headphones that isolate better, but for studio monitoring, I have been hard pressed to find a better solution other than studio monitor speakers themselves. I believe in Ultrasone’s S-Logic technology. Never before have you actually been able to mix a project with headphones accurately. Now you can. I am not leaving my opinion here to say that I don’t like the Sennheiser’s. In fact, I think they are great if you have an environment is quiet enough around you. The Ultrasone headphones have produced great results for me in the past and I find them extremely versatile which for my uses, versatility is super important.

Time for the plug, thanks for reading……Call me if you have any questions! Thanks! 866.377.8808 ex.21

-Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

We are very excited about our new line of headphones that we have just picked up!!! Ultrasone is increasingly growing its hype of being a much demanded item in the “Headphone Lovers World”. It is starting to compete with such companies like Sennheiser and Audio Technica on quality, sound, and comfort. I talked to many people recently on this matter and they kept on telling me “Jason! You’ve got to pick up Ultrasone as a new line.” Jude Mansilla, founder of Head-Fi, finally convinced to proceed and am very glad now that I did. We have sold Ultrasone very well since picking it up and don’t expect to see any decline in sales anytime soon.

One product that brings alot of hype when talking about Ultrasone is their Top of the Line / Super Comfortable / Hand Crafted in Germany/ Yet Very Pricy  Edition 9 S-Logic Surround Sound Headphone.

I spoke with Paul Taylor, President of UltraSone, one day on the phone for about 20 minutes on just this one product. He was very excited about the way this product turned out. I tell you what… it pumps me up when someone gets that excited about one of his products. I haven’t heard them myself but becuase of our recent addition of their line, we should see them start rolling in soon.

Here are a few but incredible specs on this popular item. First of all, the ear covers are made of Etheopian sheep leather to give it the most comfortable fit possible. Are you kidding me?! Also because they are not mass-manufactured, they can garauntee top quality. They are individually hand made in Germany. The design and look of this set is also very interestingly accomplished. The icons on the side of each speaker is made by the same people who make the Rolls Royce hood ornaments. WOW!!!

Here are a few more manufacturer specs:

Type

Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones

Frequency Range

8Hz - 35kHz

Impedance

30 Ohms

Sensitivity

96dB

Maximum Input Power

Not Specified by Manufacturer

Connectors

Gold-Plated 1/4″ Stereo Plug with 3.5mm Adapter

Cable Length

10′ (3m)

Weight

10.9 oz (310g) (Without Cord)

Please let me know what you think. Have you listened to them? Have you heard anything else about them?

Forrest over here at RoadDog has listened to them and is going and explain without as much hype and more technically why these headphones are worth the money!!

Thanks for reading!

Jason Polk 

Sick of trying to align that last microphone stand on the snare drum mic? Maybe your drummer keeps complaining that the microphones on his kit are "in the way." Sennheiser has delivered a solution….the E604 clip-on drum microphone! With very high sound pressure level handling (in excess of 160 dB - louder than a big ol’ jet airliner!….kudos to Steve Miller….), is combined with a balanced, clear, undistorted signal similar to a high-end studio condenser microphone.

Personally, there is not a better tom / snare microphone on the market for the same price point.

Call me if you have any questions or concerns!

-Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove

Like I said with the Audio Technica AT4040, the AT4050 Multi-Pattern Studio Mic "combines studio quality with an exceptional price point. Many of today’s top home studios use this microphone every day for vocals, drum overheads, acoustic guitars, etc." The main difference between the two microphones is that the AT4050 is multi-pattern (and therefore has two capsules) whereas the AT4040 is a single pattern mic (only has one capsule). If you like your AT4040 and need something more versatile, the AT4050 is the choice. For those of you who don’t have a studio microphone yet, want to explore a variety of different mics, and only have the budget for one good mic, again…AT4050!

For a list of exact specifications on Audio Technica’s AT4050, visit this website: Audio Technica AT4050

Otherwise, give me a call…866.377.8808 ex.21

I’m out.

Forrest "F-Dawg" Colegrove