FLAC on the Mac – A brief summary of digital audio file formats

This article covers the most common digital audio file types. I discuss why they were developed, how they’re used, and their advantages and disadvantages. Then I explain how best to preserve and protect a music collection from physical loss, or loss of compatibility with current hardware and music players.

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Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Over-Ear Headphones – User Report Review

These moderately-priced over-ear headphones are large, comfortable, lightweight, and bizarre in appearance. Sound performance is good to very good, depending upon your listening settings and personal audio standards. They do not have the claimed extraordinary sound quality to satisfy the most discriminating listeners, despite the company’s statements. But keep reading; it gets better.

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Deezer Elite on Sonos High Definition Worldwide Music Service – Nemo Memo

Deezer Elite and Deezer Premium Plus are the best streaming music services you have never heard or seen. Deezer is available in more countries than Spotify. Deezer’s user interface experience is superior to Rhapsody. Deezer has a more comprehensive range of listening and sharing options than other services. Deezer Premium Plus like/dislike customization is better than Pandora. Deezer Elites tracks areequal in audio quality toTidal. And Deezer is way more stable and mature than Apple Music.

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Sibelius 8 from Avid

Sibelius 8 – Review

Jean Sibelius, the 150th anniversary of whose birth we celebrate this year (he lived from 1865 to 1957), officially composed only seven symphonies. Certainly only seven were published. Yet fragments of an 8th do exist; and indeed were performed in 2011 barely three minutes long, though. Sibelius certainly withdrew and tried to suppress his 8th.

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Beep Dial Wi-Fi Streaming Music Player – User Report Review

Beep is a small Wi-Fi music player that connects to any speaker system and lets you cast music from your phone. That is the official description, humble and understated. In actual use, Beep Dial, a new company’s initial product, is the most innovative wireless audio iOS streaming invention in 2015, with the best dancing demo video. Beep Dials are assembled in San Francisco.

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Audioquest Nighthawk Stereo Headphone – Audiophile Review

How to describe the sound of the Audioquest Nighthawk? The term liquid comes to mind, as a smoothness that’s like water on a plate. As I’ve been listening the past few days I thought “This is like listening to average solid-state amps for years, and then hearing a highly-regarded tube amp for the first time.” That’s an imperfect analogy, since I’m dealing with the complexities of sound, and audiophile sound at that.

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Bluedio M2 Sports Bluetooth Headphones

Bluedio Melody Sports M2 Bluetooth HeadPhones – Review

It would be easy to dismiss a set of headphones costing less than $20 as basic, even if those headphones feature Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluedio Melody M2 Bluetooth headphones set aside that notion, providing great functionality at a great price in the form of a competent set of headphones that equal those white buds from the fruity based company.

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iRig 2 from IK Multimedia – Guitar Interface for Mac, iOS, and Android – Review

IK Multimedia continues their wave of innovation with the release of iRig 2, an analog guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and select Android users. iRig 2 adds an adjustable input gain control, 1/4″ output, and a new direct passthrough mode, making it a worthy successor to the original iRig from 2010. IK’s ability to add these new features while maintaining the same affordable price make the iRig 2 a must-have for any musician interested in mobile music production.

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iKlip Grip from IK Multimedia – multi function iPhone/iPod stand

I nominate iKlip Grip from IK Multimedia for Most Innovative and Versatile iPhone/iPod Accessory of 2015. iKlip Grip is four products in one package at a reasonable price: table top tripod, selfie stick, extension handle, and tripod adapter, in order of probable usage. As a bonus, a Bluetooth remote control shutter release is provided.

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VisionTek USB Pocket SSD External Pocket Drive – Nemo Memo

The future is here. You can copy large quantities of data from a computer onto fast, small, external SSD thumb drives that can be shuttled between home, work, school, and everywhere else. VisionTek’s affordable and rugged models come in two capacities and prices. Never again will lack of space or slow transfer speeds inhibit data portability.

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iRig Mic Field – Nemo Memo user report

This high quality compact and versatile iOS Lightning port microphone is much better than the built-in mic on Apple’s iOS equipment. Recordings are clear and crisp. Audio fidelity is very impressive at all sound levels. A turn knob on the side of the unit adjusts input volume. This microphone works with all Apple and third party iOS recording apps. Thick-edged iDevice cases may obstruct the Lightning tip’s insertion.

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Creative Sound Blaster Roar Megastereo Cable – Review

I continue to use Creative’s Sound Blaster SR20 Roar Wireless Speaker daily for personal listening and music teaching. It is the best one piece speaker I have ever heard for the combination of clarity, volume, and price. I recommend it to my students and friends. Many of them purchase it, and they are immediately amazed at how good it sounds at all volume levels.

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TV/HiFi Wireless Headphone System – Review

Sennheiser’s new wireless RS 175 Headphones provide excellent sound quality and they contain several features and surprises that aren’t obvious at first glance. These headphones are primarily for personal use with your home entertainment center. When connected to your TV, they provide great sound wirelessly with two levels of surround sound simulation as well as a bass accentuation setting. The explosions in your favorite movies and TV shows will be even more realistic and percussive.

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ThinkGeek Touch Mini Boombox Speaker – Review

This little giant is the easiest external wireless speaker in the world to use with your iPhone, iPod touch, or other compatible audio source equipment. Charge the lightweight speaker using the included USB micro cable with your iOS or other charger unit and switch on the speaker’s power. Place your iWhatever in Touch Mini Boombox Speaker’s slot, and either stand the combo pair upright or lay them down on your table or desk or dresser or night stand. Done.

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Creative Muvo Mini Portable Water-Resistant Wireless Speaker – Review

Creative’s new Muvo Mini go-anywhere speaker is the best new audio product MyMac has reviewed so far this year. It looks good, sounds great, has decent Bluetooth wireless range, and is water resistant. You can take a shower with Muvo, bring it when you go camping, and use it everywhere you want full spectrum personal audio. The low price is remarkable, and four colors are available.

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