Category Archives: Technology: Electronics

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Kenko Tokina announces release of the NEW atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE


Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE lens

This is a very exciting new lens series for Tokina” says Yuji Matsumoto, President at Kenko Tokina USA. “The mirrorless camera market continues to expand and the atx-m series will address the needs of photographers using different camera mounts and sensor sizes.

Kenko Tokina, Japan’s leading manufacturer of premium camera accessories, is releasing the Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. It is the debut lens for Tokina’s atx-m series of mirrorless lenses that will include lenses for multiple mounts and sensor formats.

The atx-m 85mm f1.8 FE lens features a clean design with high quality optics housed in a beautifully anodized, semi-satin black metal lens barrel. The fast f/1.8 aperture is perfect for portraits, low light shooting and produces beautiful bokeh.

The optical design has 10 glass elements in 7 groups including 1 SD (Low Dispersion) lens that offers excellent resolution, sharp edge-to-edge results, and well controlled chromatic aberrations. Tokina’s exclusive Super Low Reflection Multi-coating provides natural color and excellent contrast along with superior water, oil, and dust repellant properties.

The new ST-M auto-focus motor is quiet, fast, and accurate in still and video modes and thanks to an all-metal focus unit and high-quality lubricants; manual focus is tactile, smooth and precise.

The atx-m 85mm FE is developed and manufactured in accordance with Sony-licensed specifications and communicates all required data to the camera to take full advantage of the latest Sony features including 5-axis image stabilization, Face/Eye Priority AF, Real-time Eye AF, MF assist, and electronic distance scale.

“This is a very exciting new lens series for Tokina” says Yuji Matsumoto, President at Kenko Tokina USA. “The mirrorless camera market continues to expand and the atx-m series will address the needs of photographers using different camera mounts and sensor sizes.”

Worldwide sales of the Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE lens will begin on February 7, 2020 with authorized Tokina USA retailers taking pre-orders January 17, 2020. Estimated USA Street Price of $499.00

More information is available at https://tokinausa.com.

CONTACTS:

Sales and Marketing

Greg Napoli

gnapoli@kenkotokinausa.com

Technical Information

Glenn Nash

support@tokinausa.com

http://www.tokinausa.com

ABOUT KENKO TOKINA USA, INC.:

Kenko Tokina USA, Inc. is the exclusive U. S. distributor for Tokina lenses, Hoya filters, Cokin filters, Kenko photo accessories and SLIK camera support systems. Kenko Tokina USA provides marketing, sales, distribution, and technical/consumer service and support. Kenko Tokina is located in the original Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA and on the Web at http://www.kenkotokinausa.com.

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Meet the Rugged PMI Series That’s Ready to Get to Work


VCC’s New CD Series is Resistant to Moisture, Vibration, and Calling it Quits

VCC’s New CD Series is Resistant to Moisture, Vibration, and Calling it Quits

At VCC, we’re just as demanding when it comes to visibility, durability, and performance. The CD Series meets our design expectations and more

Visual Communications Company (VCC), a recognized global leader in the illuminated electronics market with advanced indication and HMI solutions, rolled out a new PMI series made to perform when conditions are at their worst — the CD Series.

Over-delivering in every way, the CD Series is ideal for applications in machines, status indication, automation, controls, and aircraft instruments. For designers, OEMs, and end-users, VCC’s CD Series provides benefits that won’t quit:

  • Keeps moisture and dust out – an IP67 Rating ensures moisture and dust don’t get in the way of a job well done.
  • Provides high daytime visibility – a protruded 3mm LED and prominent nickel-plated bezel ensure this indicator is easy to see while the sun’s rays are beating down.
  • Resists shock, vibration, and more – designed for hostile environments, the CD Series includes a lock washer, hex nut and gasket seal for protection from vandals, shock, and vibration.
  • Fosters safe operation – depending on the model, viewing angles of 25° to 60° make the CD Series easy to see from a range of vantage points.
  • Allows for design flexibility via power options – optional resistor for 5V-28VDC and 120VC mean more design possibilities in a single indicator.
  • Guarantees reliable indication for the long haul – the CD Series was made for long life, with LEDs averaging 50,000 hours.
  • Enhances visual communication – LEDs are available in the single colors most commonly used for indication, including red, green, yellow, blue and white.


“Equipment operators and end-users in harsh environments demand performance every time, no matter how hard the job gets,” said Sannah Vinding, VCC’s Director of Product Development and Marketing. “At VCC, we’re just as demanding when it comes to visibility, durability, and performance. The CD Series meets our design expectations and more.”

VCC’s tough, durable and capable CD Series PMIs will be available to customers through its distribution channels in January 2020.

Learn more about the rugged CD Series and everything it can do here: https://vcclite.com/cd-series/

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Breast Cancer Detection Technology Available for Sale on the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask™ Market


Ocean Tomo Bid Ask Market Technology Lot 103

The breast cancer diagnostics market is projected to be $2B worldwide and $800M in the U.S. by 2022.

Ocean Tomo Transactions, LLC will auction a portfolio of 12 assets including six patents, five trademarks and 510 (k) FDA approval for breast cancer detection technology. This breast cancer detection technology in auction lot 103 utilizes military-grade thermal imaging to predict the likelihood of breast cancer. As a medical device opportunity that benefits from 8-year R&D and $18-million investment, the assets are advanced in different aspects. First, the assets support thermal imaging methodology to detect breast cancer at a very low cost and without radiation or painful procedure like a mammogram. Second, the analysis of the diagnostic tests utilizes a data analysis program that eliminates human error and improves the sensitivity of detecting the position of potential cancer in the breast.

The invention’s potential impact to save lives is huge as well with early detection, especially for women with conditions that make traditional techniques like Mammograms less effective. The breast cancer diagnostics market is projected to be $2B worldwide and $800M in the U.S. by 2022.

The patents, trademarks and 510 (k) FDA approval would be of interest to medical device/imaging companies, private equity investors among others.

To request bidder credentials or for further information on this auction or other auctions on the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask™ Market, contact Layna Guo at Layna@OTI.com or 1-312-327-8179.

About the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask™ Market

The Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask Market is an open on-line platform to buy and sell patents. This market is an important step forward, both as a simplified solution for patent transactions as well as a source of information on patent pricing. The Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask Market uniquely combines the efficiency of an online platform with an experienced team of brokers fluent in both English and Mandarin. The market uses standard transaction documents and is open, transparent and free to view.

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Yamaha Improves Popular P22 Upright Piano with Silent Piano Technology and More


“The P22 has long been the most trusted piano for school settings. The improvements in the new P22 and P22 SC2 are the result of listening to our customers as well as our long-standing passion for music education,” says Russ Hirota, Asst. Marketing Manager, Piano Group, Yamaha.

Yamaha today announced innovative upgrades to the company’s venerable P22 Upright Piano, which has been the first choice of schools and music educators for nearly half a century.

Known for its fine craftsmanship, tuning stability and durability, and all at an affordable price, the P22 has endured the test of time and stood up to daily use in classrooms, band rooms, music labs, houses of worship, and rehearsal studios the world over. Having listened to feedback from the very teachers and musical directors who rely on the P22 every day, Yamaha has introduced vital improvements guaranteed to make their jobs easier.

First, a redesigned music rack area allows the entire width of the P22 to support sheet music, which is key for when an instructor or student is juggling multiple pieces. The 75-degree incline and groove running across the bottom above the fallboard ensure that score sheets stay in place. Like on pianos costing many times more, the fallboard now incorporates a soft-close mechanism to prevent dropping. Instead, the fallboard will slowly glide to the closed position even if someone attempts to slam it on purpose. This protects both errant fingers and the piano itself, and the heavy-duty mechanism is designed to withstand literally decades of opening and closing.

For the first time, the P22 can now be fitted with optional Yamaha SC2 SILENT Piano™ technology, ideal for quiet practice or a lab where multiple pianos are located in the same room. When the center pedal is depressed and locked, the hammers stop just short of striking the strings even though the feel of the keyboard is completely unaffected. Sound now comes from a high-quality digital tone generator featuring the voices of the world-class Yamaha CFX and legendary Bösendorfer Imperial concert grand pianos. Binaural sampling of the CFX voice “hears” the sound as the human ears would for an authentic playing experience through headphones, and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) reproduces all of the internal resonances of the strings and soundboard, further ensuring absolute realism.

Housed in an unobtrusive control unit tucked under the bass range of the keyboard, the SC2 SILENT Piano system can also record performances internally or onto a USB thumb drive (a perfect tool for evaluating students’ progress) and interface to computers as well as the Yamaha Smart Pianist app via its USB-to-host port, or wirelessly using the UD-WL01 wireless adapter. Dual headphone jacks make side-by-side practice possible, and the P22 SC2 can also output audio to a music lab system such as the Yamaha MLC-200.

The appearance of the rear surface, posts, and beams have also been improved, since the backs of pianos are often facing the class or audience in an educational setting. Last but certainly not least, redesigned bass strings both contribute to better sound and are more resistant to breakage.

“The P22 has long been the most trusted piano for school settings,” says Russ Hirota, Asst. Marketing Manager, Piano Group, Yamaha Corporation of America. “The improvements in the new P22 and P22 SC2 are the result of listening to our customers as well as our long-standing passion for music education.”

Pricing and Availability

The new Yamaha P22 (MSRP starting at $7,849.00) becomes available through authorized Yamaha dealers in March. For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2020 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 16-19, 2020, or http://yamahapianos.com.

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About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multiroom audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets.

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Yamaha THR-II Series Expands the Desktop Amp Concept with More Sounds and a Rich Wireless Experience


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Yamaha today showcased the THR-II series, comprising the THR10II, THR10II Wireless, and THR30II Wireless desktop guitar amplifiers. Upon the introduction of the original THR series in 2011, Yamaha established the desktop amp as an entirely new category of guitar amplifier. Neither a performance amp nor strictly a practice amp, THR represented a third amp category offering guitarists features they need when they aren’t on stage or rehearsing, in addition to exceptional sound and responsiveness at any volume.

The THR-II series expands upon this concept by delivering three times as many realistically modeled tube-amp sounds as the original THR10, new wireless features, more power, and a refreshed, stylish design that complements any home décor. The THR30II Wireless also includes stereo ¼” line outputs for additional flexibility.

THR-II amplifiers employ Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology to deliver the tone, feel, and expressive nuances characteristic of boutique tube amplifiers. The new amps provide 15 different amp tones, three modeled microphone sounds for acoustic-electric guitars, three bass amp models, and three flat voicings for use with other instruments. Stompbox-style modulation effects and studio-quality reverbs and delays allow players to further enhance their tones. Stereo reverbs and audio playback utilize Extended Stereo Technology (EST), resulting in a more immersive listening experience than standard stereo. A specially-designed speaker enclosure was optimized by the award-winning Yamaha Audio Visual Division to handle both amplified guitar tones and audio playback with hi-fi sound quality.

All three THR-II desktop amplifiers provide Bluetooth support for audio playback and more. The THR30II Wireless and THR10II Wireless also feature a built-in rechargeable battery and an integrated wireless receiver which, when combined with an optional Line 6® Relay® G10T transmitter, offer players a fully cable-free experience. There’s also a USB port for direct recording and playback, and THR amps come bundled with Steinberg software for desktop and mobile recording. The free Yamaha THR Remote editor/librarian app is compatible with Mac®, PC, and mobile devices.

The new Yamaha THR-II desktop amplifiers provide players of all types with a perfect combination of professional-quality tones, convenient wireless operation, and stylish good looks — whether they are practicing, recording, or playing along with their favorite music.

Pricing and Availability

Yamaha THR-II amplifiers are now shipping.

  • THR30II Wireless: $790.00 (MSRP)
  • THR10II Wireless: $710.00 (MSRP)
  • THR10II: $465.00 (MSRP)

For more information, please visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2020 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 16-19, 2020, or https://yamaha.io/THRII

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About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multiroom audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets.

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Yamaha STAGEPAS 1K Offers Enhanced Portability and Power With Remote Editing App for All-in-One PA System


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“The STAGEPAS 1K combines the best of all worlds, offering professional functionality, simple operation and portability in a single package, along with a compact and powerful subwoofer necessary for performances…,” said Nithin Cherian, product marketing manager, Yamaha Professional Audio.

Yamaha today showcased the STAGEPAS 1K portable PA system, improving upon previous models with a more powerful yet compact system and STAGEPAS Editor iOS/Android app.

The STAGEPAS 1K is driven by a high-frequency array speaker packed with 10 small-diameter 1.5″ drivers that provide professional-level accuracy and clarity. The system features a 1000W Class-D amplifier, a significant upgrade in power from its predecessors, the STAGEPAS 600BT and STAGEPAS 400BT. A 12″ subwoofer was developed to simultaneously house the sizable speaker and improve portability with its streamlined construction and reduced weight. To provide a clearer, stronger, distortion-free low end, Yamaha added the company’s own Twisted Flare Port technology to the subwoofer to effectively reduce wind noise in the bass reflex port. The array speaker is simply affixed to the subwoofer cabinet, requiring no cables or speaker stands, for a fast and easy setup.

The free STAGEPAS Editor iOS/Android app allows users to operate their remote parameter adjustments of volume and EQ. Additionally, to enable a more efficient rehearsal and performance workflow, settings may be saved and recalled for future sessions.

The 5-channel digital mixer, located in the back of the subwoofer, features three channels of mono microphone/line inputs and stereo inputs, with two of the mono input channels fitted with Hi-Z connectivity for direct input of acoustic-electric guitars and other instruments. Like its predecessors, this mixer supports 1/8″ mini jacks, playback with Bluetooth devices, as well as a wide range of input sources from instruments to CD players, PCs and smartphones. The mixer also comes equipped with professional-level sound engineering tools, including 1-Knob EQ that handles multi-band processing simultaneously, high-quality SPX digital reverb and an output Mode feature to adjust optimized compression settings to suit various applications, such as Speech or Music. By selecting the setting closest to the application, a more professional edge can be added to the sound without having to learn difficult compression/sound engineering principles.

The system also includes a carrying case to protect the speaker during transportation and storage, along with an optional DL-SP1K dolly for more convenient transportation.

“Our next-generation STAGEPAS PA system puts the emphasis on efficiency and performance,” said Nithin Cherian, product marketing manager, Yamaha Professional Audio. “The STAGEPAS 1K combines the best of all worlds, offering professional functionality, simple operation and portability in a single package, along with a compact and powerful subwoofer necessary for performances that need a more robust low end or monitor mix.”

Pricing and Availability

The STAGEPAS 1K ($1,599.00 MSRP) is currently shipping.

For more information, please visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2020 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 16-19, or visit https://yamaha.io/2BX6aue

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multiroom audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets.

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Mastering Audio with New WaveLab 10


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“Releasing WaveLab 10 rounds out a very successful year for the Pro Audio business unit at Steinberg…and we’ve been working hard in order for the new version of WaveLab to remain the apex for advanced audio editing and mastering,” said Timo Wildenhain, Steinberg’s Head of Pro Audio.

Steinberg today showcased WaveLab Pro 10 and WaveLab Elements 10.

WaveLab offers two editions of its award-winning audio mastering software. WaveLab Pro offers a comprehensive feature set that meets all demands of mixing and mastering studios, post-production facilities, sound designers, musicians, journalists, broadcasters and other audio creatives. Used by many musicians, radio journalists and podcasters, WaveLab Elements is a highly cost-effective editing and mastering environment for analyzing, editing and enhancing audio material.

Exclusive Pro features

WaveLab 10 offers several tools and enhancements that are exclusive to the Pro edition, such as allowing users to integrate external effect devices into the signal flow by providing more flexible ways to integrate external hardware effects. New to WaveLab Pro is also Reference Track for adding a reference audio file and then toggling between the reference audio file and other tracks. WaveLab Pro now also opens up to other audio editors, providing users the option to access and modify audio with other editors like SpectraLayers from within WaveLab. Highlights of Audio Montage include the support of multitrack recording and non-destructive inline editing. WaveLab Pro 10 also records and renders live input streams through the Master Section and the inserted plug-in chain.

Covering common ground

Both Pro and Elements versions now offer video playback support, letting users arrange, edit and process the audio of video within Audio Montage. The Audio Editor now includes undo/redo edit history in order for users to move from one edit to the next and recover previous versions of edited part without losing the changes made to the rest of the audio. The former Effect Tool Windows has been redesigned and renamed the Montage Inspector, making it easier to use. The track list in the Audio Montage has also witnessed an overhaul, with several improvements to the user interface. Due to the enhanced audio I/O routing provided in WaveLab 10, the audio connections settings dialog has also been renewed.

The many other features

There are many more feature additions to WaveLab 10, making this major update move further ahead.

  • Import markers from XML files (Pro only)
  • Move markers to their nearest zero cross position (Pro only)
  • Increased number of effects and playback processing slots in the Master section (Pro only)
  • New Follow Playback control in the Marker window of the Audio Editor and Audio Montage
  • New performance monitoring meter in the transport bar (Pro and Elements)
  • Offset information now available in fade out tool-tip (Pro and Elements)
  • Additional Riff meta data now available (Pro only)
  • CD Tool Window now displays CD album title (Pro only)
  • Option to remove all batch processor plug-ins from a chain at once (Pro only)
  • Enhanced preview in File Browser
  • Real-time rendering with audition
  • Improved third-party VST plug-in support (Pro and Elements)
  • Improved playback performance (Pro and Elements)

Steinberg’s Head of Pro Audio, Timo Wildenhain, commented: “Releasing WaveLab 10 rounds out a very successful year for the Pro Audio business unit at Steinberg. After Nuendo 10’s overwhelming launch, we successfully introduced the sixth version of SpectraLayers Pro to the industry. And we’ve been working hard in order for the new version of WaveLab to remain the apex for advanced audio editing and mastering.”

Availability and pricing

The WaveLab Pro 10 and WaveLab Elements 10 full retail versions are available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. The suggested retail price for WaveLab Pro 10 is US $499.99; the download version is US $472.00. Until December 31, 2019, the introductory price for WaveLab Pro 10 is US $377.60. The suggested retail price for WaveLab Elements 10 is US $99.99.

Various downloadable updates and upgrades are exclusively available through the Steinberg Online Shop.

Customers who have activated WaveLab 9.5 or earlier versions of WaveLab since September 17, 2019, are eligible for a free, downloadable Grace Period update to the latest corresponding version.

Key features

  • Video playback support to arrange, edit and process the audio of a video file in synchronization with the visuals.
  • Extended external effects support for integrating external effect devices into the WaveLab signal flow via external FX buses (Pro only).
  • Reference Track for adding a reference audio file to the Audio Montage, allowing switching between it and the audio files being worked on (Pro only).
  • External editor support for integrating other audio editors into the WaveLab workflow, allowing clips to be modified in those applications from within the WaveLab session (Pro only).
  • Undo/Redo History is a completely new undo/redo edit history system, also now available for the first time in the Audio Editor workspace.
  • Multitrack recording in the Audio Montage (Pro only).
  • Audio Montage Inspector and track list overhaul which delivers user interface improvements in the Audio Montage window, with dedicated controls for audio, reference and video tracks.
  • Audio Montage Inline Editing allows complete clips to be opened from within the Audio Montage and non-destructively edited in the Waveform Editor or Spectrum Editor (Pro only).
  • Live input stream recording which lets as many audio streams as the input device/system can handle be recorded/rendered through the Master section and inserted plug-in chain (Pro only).
  • Further improvements including an enhanced audio settings dialog; Marker list and CD list follow playback indicator; import markers from XML files (Pro only); more effects and playback processing in the Master section (Pro only); performance monitor; CD album display in the CD Tool window; real-time rendering with audition; improved third-party VST plug-in support; improved playback and more.

Links

Product page: http://www.steinberg.net/wavelab

YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/wavelab

About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH

Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software and hardware solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post production and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers and producers. The company also offers business customers license-management and copy-protection systems.

Visit http://www.steinberg.net for further details.

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“Crazy idea” leads Florida Poly students to take on the technology services market


Jared Nurse, Orel Yoshia, Djuan Gayle, Jaimie Davis, Logan Carlson, and Nicolee Brown are part of Madd Technologies LLC, a technology start-up run by students at Florida Polytechnic University.

“We learn by doing and one of the hallmarks of studying at Florida Poly is being able to get your hands on stuff,” Davis said. “But being in this company since my freshman year has really given me a lot more than I could ever expect from a college education.”

A group of Florida Polytechnic University students has found work with a great company that offers hands-on experience, flexible hours, fun co-workers, and the kind of boss most people only dream of – themselves.

Madd Technologies LLC, which stemmed from an idea friends had late one night, is a technology start-up helmed by Florida Poly students and focused on the consumer electronics and computer software markets. It provides services such as product design, website design, computer-aided design, app development, and more.

“We had this crazy idea to start a company,” said CEO Djuan Gayle, a senior majoring in computer engineering. “We’re going to a technology school and we want to change the world, so why not be able to put all of that under a company and just make it happen.”

That crazy idea and the company’s willingness to take on unusual projects are reflected in its name.

Recent Madd Technologies projects have included the design of a university app, and the design of a smart refractometer to measure grapes for peak ripeness for a client in the wine industry.

In addition to providing technology services for local businesses, Madd Technologies is working on developing its own products, such as an algorithm that uses artificial intelligence to recommend clothing to customers.

“When you’re an engineer, everyone in the industry is looking for experience and as a student it can be difficult to gain that experience,” said Jaimie Davis, a junior electrical engineering major and the company’s technology officer. “Being a part of this company and working on project management skills and overall communication really helps all of us become better engineers.”

The eight-person company formed in 2018 and found guidance from Justin Heacock, Florida Poly’s entrepreneurship coordinator.

“It’s been a learning curve because it’s not like we’re going to business school, and Justin has been really good at helping with that,” Gayle said. “We go to him and he just finds the time.”

Gayle said the company is hoping to soon grow to about 15 team members and move into an office space in Lakeland and hopes to eventually be located near the University, providing both jobs and internships to other Florida Poly students.

“For the whole four years of college, we’ve been entrepreneurial-minded,” said Logan Carlson, a senior majoring in computer engineering and the company’s research and development officer.

Madd Technologies’ leadership said they hope other students will see their success and be motivated to follow their own “crazy ideas.”

“We learn by doing and one of the hallmarks of studying at Florida Poly is being able to get your hands on stuff,” Davis said. “But being in this company since my freshman year has really given me a lot more than I could ever expect from a college education.”

Students who would like to join Madd Technologies and businesses interested in the company’s services can email maddtechnologies1@outlook.com.

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Yamaha Debuts Unique Electric Upright Silent Bass Capable of Modeling an Acoustic Bass


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“At Yamaha, we are always working to improve our instruments and provide performers with the best tools to perfect their sound and grow as musicians, and the SLB300SK helps them achieve this,” said Ken Dattmore, strings marketing manager, Winds & Strings, Yamaha

Yamaha today introduced the SLB300SK Silent Bass, the next generation of electric upright basses that allow the performer to control their sound from the instrument itself with the press of a button.

Silent Bass has been used on stage by notable performers who note its comfort and clear, rich and full “Upright” sound. The original design of the Silent Bass gave musicians a “true” ergonomic feel by including all the touch points of an acoustic upright bass.

Studio Response Technology (SRT) now allows the new SLB300SK to model an acoustic bass played through different high-end acoustic microphones, ranging from the clear, crisp sound of a dynamic microphone, to the well-balanced rich timbre and warm low-frequency emphasis of classic and vintage vacuum-tube microphones. SRT provides performers with complete control of their sound directly from the instrument.

The SLB300SK can be broken down into an easily transportable “subway friendly” instrument that can be packed into a TSA case without fear of being damaged en route. It also allows the player to take their acoustic sound to places where they may have feared to bring an expensive, classic acoustic instrument, such as an outdoor gig on a hot humid day.

“More and more professional and semi-professional players are becoming interested in an electric upright because it offers better portability and high-quality sound amplification. The SLB300SK is extremely portable and offers the best in microphone options that make it possible for players to use it every day and in any place,” says Ken Dattmore, strings marketing manager, Winds & Strings, Yamaha. “At Yamaha, we are always working to improve our instruments and provide performers with the best tools to perfect their sound and grow as musicians, and the SLB300SK helps them achieve this.”

Pricing and Availability

The Yamaha SLB300SK Silent Bass (MSRP: $4,495.00) is expected to ship in February 2020.

For more information, please visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2020 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 16-19, 2020, or https://yamaha.io/SLB300SKSILENTBASS.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multiroom audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets.

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Mainstream Technologies, Inc. Receives Elite Cyber Verify AAA Risk Assurance Rating


Mainstream Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has received the MSPAlliance® Cyber Verify™ Risk Assurance Rating for Managed Services and Cloud Providers. Cyber Verify is designed to provide consumers greater transparency and assurance when it comes to the cyber security practices of those providers.

Cyber Verify is based on the Unified Certification StandardTM (UCS) for Cloud and Managed Service Providers and governed by the International Association of Cloud and Managed Service Providers.

“Today, more than ever, the consumer needs assurance when it comes to matters of cyber security and IT risk. We are honored to award Mainstream Technologies, Inc. with the “AAA” rated Cyber Verify seal and congratulate them on their exemplary display of dedication towards providing one of the highest levels of assurance possible to the consumer,” said Celia Weaver, President of MSPAlliance. “Today, less than 1% of the global MSP community has achieved a AAA Cyber Verify rating, placing Mainstream Technologies, Inc. in a very elite group of managed service and cloud providers world-wide.”

John Burgess, President and Chief Security Officer of Mainstream, adds: “We are proud to receive this independent confirmation of Mainstream’s commitment to the security of our customers’ systems and data. Our customers can take our AAA Cyber Verify rating as further proof of how seriously we take our responsibility as their provider of Managed IT and Managed Security services.”

Cyber Verify Rating System

The Cyber Verify evaluates many different aspects of a company’s service delivery, paying particular attention to security. Cyber Verify evaluates internal service delivery security practices, business continuity of the provider, cyber insurance usage, and many other characteristics, which are important in the evaluation process of customers seeking out professional and secure providers.

Cyber Verify applies the following rating system:

●    AAA – evaluates the provider’s cyber security practices on a 3-12 month period of review

●    AA – evaluates the provider’s cyber security practices on a particular day

●    A – evaluates the provider’s cyber security practices based on a thorough and in-depth self-attestation examination.

Cyber Verify must be renewed annually. The Cyber Verify is a first in the industry and specifically designed for outsourced service providers and the customers they service.

ABOUT MSPALLIANCE

MSPAlliance® is a global industry association and accrediting body for the Cyber Security, Cloud Computing and Managed Services Provider (MSP) industry. Established in 2000 with the objective of helping MSPs become better MSPs. Today, MSPAlliance has a robust and global reach of cloud computing and managed service provider members across the globe and works in a collaborative effort to assist its members, along with foreign and domestic governments, on creating standards, setting policies and establishing best practices. For more information, visit http://www.mspalliance.com/

ABOUT MAINSTREAM

Since 1996, Mainstream (http://www.mainstream-tech.com) has evolved into one of the most established IT services companies in the Mid-South, serving clients from its Arkansas locations including headquarters in Little Rock, a second operations facility in Conway, as well as a sales office in Bentonville. Their staff of information technology professionals serves business and government customers across the nation with Managed IT Services, Custom Software Development Services, Cyber Security Services, and Hosting.

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