Rode University on Tour

The Rode University Tour bus is just about to land at Factory Sound.
We're eagarly awaiting Thursday 21st May 2009, with the welcome mat rolled out from 5.30 - 7.00pm, at Factory Sound.

Anyone who registers prior to coming will be able to claim a free Rode PopShield. In case you haven't registered yet, send an email off to us (to the infopool address) and we'll pop you on the list. We are closing registrations at 5pm on Wed 20th May - that'll give us the day to organise some nibblies and drinks for all!

Apart from having every Rode microphone, Event Opal studio monitors, Presonus studio gear - including soundcards and their all-new StudioLive digital console on show, we're also hosting Craig and James from Rode. Craig has been the Australian representative for Rode Microphones for as long as we can remember, and James represents both Event and Presonus in Australia. They'll be ready for all your questions.

And, it almost goes without saying, there will be cracking specials for anyone who buys up on the night. We'll have lots of stock - so take advantage!

www.factorysound.com

3-day bargain-fest to finish 2008 in style!

December 29-31. It's our end of year bonanza!
By the end of today (assuming the planets align for us) you should have received an email with a hint of the stupid pricing we'll be putting on for the last 3 days of 2008. If you're not currently a Factory Sound InfoPool member, you'll just have to come in after Boxing Day and get stuck into the bargains!

As a little tease, here's a couple of prices:
Mann M21 Studio Condenser just $195 (RRP $695) - 45 only in stock, NO rainchecks.
JBL PRX518S Powered Subwoofer $1750 (RRP $3899) - 3 only in stock, NO rainchecks.
TC Electronic M350 Dual Engine Effects $299 (RRP $575) - 3 only in stock, NO rainchecks.

OK, you get the picture.
Get in quick, or the boat will set sail without you.
The usual disclaimers apply (see below).

And if we don't see you before the New Year arrives - warmest wishes for a lovely Christmas and New Year period.

RRP is the Recommended Retail Price, as suggested by the respective importer/wholesaler of each product. RRP does not reflect what price these models have been sold for in the past, or what price they will be sold for in the future at Factory Sound. RRP is listed here as guide. All other prices listed are the 3-day-sale special prices (valid until 31^st December 2008, or until stock items sold out - whichever comes first). No rainchecks available. Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, Factory Sound will not be held accountable for any errors within this post. No exceptions.

Our night at the AVPA 2008 awards

Factory Sound at the 2008 Australian Video Producers Association Awards...

Tone & Artie stepped out for a ripper night of awards, celebrating another year of the AVPA looking out for its members by, like any mate should, coming together and lending a hand for whatever is needed. The night was made even more special this year, as AVPA was celebrating 20 years since its inception.

We had a few beers while watching a vast array of category winners' clips. Of course, we were secretly hoping we'd get a surprise award for the latest episode of Factory Sound TV.
Some of the categories included: TV Commercial Over $10,000, CORPORATE Over $40,000, DOCUMENTARY, SHORT FILM, MUSIC VIDEO (sponsored by Factory Sound), and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was a highlight, because it was awarded to Ric Stone, voiceover extraordinaire. For anyone who grew up with a tv commercial that began with "this man is a dentist...so we can't show you his face", that was Ric (the voice, not the dentist).
The coveted MUSIC VIDEO award this year went to Guy Barwood of Glass Eye View, for his production 'You never know' - The Fry Brothers. Guy was a finalist in the same category last year.

Artie & Tone throwing their arms around flanking Tim Fry (inside L) and Guy Barwood (inside R) of Glass Eye View.

We talked with many people throughout the night, and it was good to get so much positive feedback. Seems that many video producers come to Factory Sound because they know (i) there's usually the items they need in stock all the time, and (ii) the right advice is backed up with a great price.

We're not sure who was the first video producer to come in all those years ago, but the word has certainly spread since then, so thank you!

Drawmer KickBox 4x4

We received something new from Drawmer in the shop last week. As anyone who's used any Drawmer gear since the early 80s will testify, they make great sounding gear that really delivers on the promise. This one's a little different to all that have gone before it... cause it's not the full 19 inches. But don't worry, 4x4 comes pre-packed inside its own 'road proof case' with detachable lid for 'unhindered access to all controls and connections'

The detail: portable 4 input/16 output active distribution amplifier. AKA mic and media splitter.

Of course, in typical Drawmer fashion...there's little extra than you'd get with the usual.

Each of the 4 channels has 66dB of gain (twist the pot), and an 8-segment LED ramp for metering. Select mic or line with a button, choose +48v via a button, and hit the 'listen' switch if you want.

Top left hand side of the 4x4 is a headphone output jack, with a level pot right next to it. With a decent pair of cans, you can effectively check how the incoming signal sounds. Then it's just up to the outputs...

4 outputs per channel, they're pairs of optionally selectable transformer isolated XLRs with LED status for transformer load. You can select a variety of input / output options:

• 4 x 1 in / 4 out
• 2 x 1 in / 8 out
• 1 in / 16 out
• 1 in / 12 out and 1 in / 4 out

The 4x4 from Drawmer is part of their new 'KickBox' series. Any thoughts on what's coming next? The great little 4x4 has a Recommended Retail Price of $2399, and as usual, introductory deals are there to be done! Now in stock.