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For the past year, choir directors have been challenged with keeping their choirs singing together in any way possible. Hal Leonard and Shawnee Press have just released a series of Virtual Choir Toolkits that make directors’ tasks a little easier. Each kit includes downloadable demonstration, accompaniment, and part-dominant recordings along with licensing permissions needed to legally share their recorded performances online.
In addition to the printed octavos, these recordings are necessary for each singer to be able to practice then record their parts to submit to the director who will then be able to compile all the individual recordings into one video. All recordings are accessed online within Hal Leonard’s MyLibrary by using the codes the director receives upon purchasing the toolkits.
The kit includes a license to record and create videos, and stream and post them for one full year after purchase. Virtual Choir Digital Toolkits retail for $59.99 each.
The series is launching with 12 titles appropriate for worship throughout the year: All Creatures, Sing Praise; Change the World with Love; Every Valley Needs a Lily; How Can I Keep from Singing; Raise Your Hands; Until We Sing Again, and more, from composers and arrangers Joseph Martin, Brad Nix, Stacey Nordmeyer, Adam, and Matt Podd, John Purifoy, Heather Sorenson, and more. More titles will be added throughout the year.
halleonard.com
IK Multimedia announces iRig Pre 2, the pocket-sized mic preamp and interface that lets creators, musicians and journalists easily use XLR mics to record, perform and stream with an iPhone, iPad, Android device or DSLR camera. The sequel to IK Multimedia’s popular mobile mic preamp, iRig Pre 2 promises the same professional sound along with direct monitoring, auto-switching wiring for use with digital cameras, and much more.
iRig Pre 2’s two AA batteries provide true +48V phantom power for close to seven hours of continuous use. To use a favorite dynamic or ribbon mic, simply turn off the phantom power and the iRig Pre 2 does its job for up to 20 hours. A 3.5mm (1/8”) headphone output also now offers direct monitoring, letting users listen back and ensure the signal is optimal before they start recording or streaming.
Users can easily access their favorite apps while recording or performing by mounting the iRig Pre 2 to a mic stand, camera mount or other stage locations using the included Velcro strip slot. The iKlip series also offers a choice of flexible-mounting solutions for a connected smartphone or tablet. Users can get started right away by downloading two free IK Multimedia apps from the App Store or Google Play: iRig Recorder FREE (the easy-to-use audio and video recording/editing app) and VocaLive FREE (the premium vocal processor for live performance and multi-track recording). iRig Pre 2 can be ordered from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€49.99.
* Requires use of Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter (TRRS).
ikmultimedia.com