iZotope raises Spire, but how ‘no-hassle’ can wireless music recording be?
iZotope, Inc. is known for its award-winning audio processing software like Ozone and RX 6, but merely pushing code that works doesn’t seem to be enough for the Cambridge, MA company. It’s now getting into the hardware business with the announcement of Spire Studio – a portable gadget that looks like one of those smart speakers that Amazon and Apple are peddling. But it’s actually a wireless system meant to let musicians “capture, edit, and collaborate” music on the spot.
Spire Studio features a built-in recording microphone with Grace Design preamps, as well as two combo jacks to plug instruments and mics (complete with +48V phantom power) to grab the music you are creating. Recording levels are automatically set with a single button and there’s a LED touchscreen to quickly adjust volume, mute, and delete tracks. The unit operates on battery power, which is a necessity for portability and all-in wireless connectivity.
Ditching cables for full wireless connectivity (via Wi-Fi), the gizmo integrates with a free iOS app, programmed with intelligent audio processing and tools for mixing, layering, editing, sharing and uploading music. The app enables a wealth of recording effects, such as reverbs, delays, and amp models – with promised zero-latency monitoring. Recorded tracks are automatically sync’d between hardware and software. The whole experience is designed to be intuitive and hassle-free.
Price & availability
Starting Fall 2017, iZotope will be selling the Spire Studio for $349. It will be sold via the Spire.live website, and at “select retailers.” To promote the product, iZotope will tour the states in a retrofitted mobile recording studio and make stops at music hot spots & festivals like Hopscotch Music Festival, AmericanaFest, and Bourbon & Beyond. Spire Studio will also be collaborating with NPR Music in field recordings and performances.
Video
https://youtu.be/Awitb55A4WQ
More information
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