B&H Photo News Roundup: Week of August 4th, 2024

This week, we’re talking about teenage engineering’s new medieval-inspired EP-1320 sampler, the ultracompact H1 XLR audio recorder from Zoom, Godox’s all-in-one AD600Pro II strobe, and more.

teenage engineering gets medieval on your musical aspirations with new EP-1320 sampler

Have you ever dreamt about creating your own D&D-themed composition? Well, now you can make that dream a reality with teenage engineering’s EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer. This one-of-a-kind Middle Ages-inspired music-maker features a slew of medieval sounds and samples, allowing you to craft the perfect bardic ensemble. Did I mention there’s a dragon sound effect?

teenage engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer

Hundreds of medieval instruments in 46 kHz /16-bit resolution—from lyres to drums to sword clanging and other themed foley—make up the EP-1320’s comprehensive catalog of sound. A total 128MB of storage consists of 96MB hardwired medieval content and 32MB user storage. A stereo 3.5mm input and internal microphone give you the creative freedom to sample your own sounds. Six stereo and 12 mono voices, a high-resolution sequencer, seven medieval effects, and 12 punch-in “pocus” are additional features of this device. If the fairytale-font pads are not to your preference, connect the sampler to an external MIDI keyboard.

Our video team had a blast creating a video for this new product a la Monty Python to show you its potential. While this sampler may not be a staple for every musician, it offers something we surely haven’t seen before.

Zoom H1 XLR gives you high-quality audio recording in a small package

Ever since I first started shooting video in my high school’s film and television classes, I’ve been a Zoom fan. My Zoom H4n Pro has been with me since freshman year of college, and I’ve always turned to them as a trusted brand in field audio recording. Now, they’ve come out with a nifty new recorder specifically designed for content creators. With the new H1 XLR, Zoom eliminates the built-in mics familiar to other H1 models and exchanges them for two XLR/TRS combo input ports while maintaining an ultracompact form factor. There’s no need to ride your levels with this device thanks to its 32-bit float recording with extensive dynamic range which is compatible with PC, macOS, iOS, and Android devices when connected via USB-C.

Zoom is positioning this recorder as a tool for musicians, DJs, podcasters, and general content creators who utilize shotgun microphones in their typical loadout. While the H1 XLR will appeal to the audio-focused individual, many creators prefer the ease of a wireless microphone system over what might be considered a daunting interface. It’s great to have a built-in mixer and record your audio separately, but for those looking for efficiency in post to get their content out there, or working as a one-person show, they might not bite. Ultimately, the H1 XLR is designed for creatives looking to improve their audio-for-video game with a tool at an accessible price point with a reputable manufacturer to boot.

Godox AD600Pro II improves the user experience

Event photographers should be thrilled with Godox’s newly announced AD600Pro II, a powerful 600Ws strobe featuring a long list of upgrades and enhancements, including support for Godox’s new X3 trigger. Just set up your light for the perfect shot of the wedding party and get shooting without needing to manage complicated channel setups thanks to its wireless instant sync. On top of this, the strobe’s UI has been totally redesigned for a more intuitive control experience, enhancing the High-Speed Sync and Freeze modes. Low recycling times as well as wide ranging shutter speed and flash durations can capture fast moving action in sports and dance photography.

Whether it be for freelance event photographers or editorial photographers with dedicated studio space for multi-light setups, the AD600Pro II can accommodate it all. A 2.4GHz wireless transmission communicates from up to 328’ away and utilizes 16 groups and 32 channels with color identification. This makes more complex lighting configurations easier to manage.

Keeping all of this in mind, as well as the compatibility across multiple camera brands from Canon to Leica, this upgrade is sure to continue the Godox reputation as a reliable part of any photographer’s kit.

In other news…

Vanguard introduces the VESTA GO series tripods designed for on-the-go adventures. Options are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber construction with ball, video, or 2-way pan heads.
The Manfrotto Befree tripods receive an expansion with the Befree GT Befree Advanced models for hybrid shooters and travel photographers. This ensures the line caters to even more use cases, considering both studio and travel needs.

See you again soon!