Blue Cow

Portable Recorders

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

It seems like every audio equipment company has started making hand held digital audio recorders. With so many around it's difficult to choose one. That's why we created the Blue Cow Portable Audio Recorder Comparison. We have compiled a table listing the specifications of the most popular models we've sold lately. The side-by-side listing makes for easy comparison of each recorder's features. Find the one that suits you and give us a call.

Hindenburg

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Our friends at the Children's Radio Foundation recently introduced us to Hindenburg. It's a low cost audio editor for Mac and Windows designed for journalists, podcasters and "storytellers". There are great tools to automatically correct levels, sweeten voices and upload files to web services from within the programme. It's not a music maker - it's a radio maker and we're impressed. Hindenburg systems will be available from Blue Cow shortly.

Soundproofing?

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200

We have consulted on numerous "soundproofing" problems. Unfortunately it is an area which is clouded with more folklore, rumour, guess work and sheer nonsense than most. Blue Cow's Sound Isolation Primer explains some fundamental concepts and a correct approach to fixing noise problems.

Floating Floors

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200

We are currently tackling the design and installation of a different kind of floating floor. LaRosa Dance Theatre in Cape Town wanted to reduce the impact floor noise of their dancers to minimise disturbing noise in their building. So we recommended floating the floor however the floor also needs to be portable should they relocate for the rented premises. We think we have the solution with some help from some new friends in Germany and we're looking forward to (not) hearing the results of the new floating floor system In early July.

Stellenbosch Journalism Upgrades

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Client: University of Stellenbosch (2011)

The Journalism department at the University of Stellenbosch underwent a major renovation at the beginning of 2011. The expanded premises and create an inspiring new media training centre. Blue Cow has been working with the department for many years and was tasked with creating four new multimedia editing booths as part of the renovations.

The booths were designed for journalism in a converged world of audio, video and web content. Built around a USB mixer simplifying audio routing in and out of software. Facilities for voice over and telephone recording are included. A relatively simple and inexpensive combination of software and outboard hardware create a powerful production system for journalism.

Edit Booth

USB Mixer

Tools of the Trade

Updated Stock List

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Here is a list of current stock items. Hopefully there is something there for you. Included on the list is a handy link to the product website where you will be able to see pictures and technical info.

There is some ex-demo equipment which means it has been used for client demonstrations, but is otherwise perfect and supplied with original packaging, manuals and so on. And we have some excellent second hand equipment going for a song, all of which is in good working order and has been serviced and tested in our workshop.
It's first come first served and we can only offer these prices on the ex-stock items. Delivery is free for orders over R3000 within Cape Town.

We've moved!

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0200

We've had an exciting start to 2011 as we are now in new premises. We've left slightly far flung leafy Stellenbosch for very central yet still leafy Monte Vista. We're completing the renovation of the new office space and we're excited about having a purpose built space much closer to many of our clients and suppliers. Our land line number has changed with the move and you can now reach Blue Cow on 021 558 5684

Allen and Heath XB-14

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0200

We've been quite taken by the Allen and Heath XB-14 broadcast mixer. Simply it is the most cost effective mixer with real broadcast features we've come across. Four mic channels, eight lines, built in USB audio, two telephone channels, remote starts, guest headphone outputs, speaker muting... it's all there and it's an Allen and Heath. Perfect for smaller studios, outside broadcast rigs and broadcast production.The price is just the cherry on top.

Acoustic Panels

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The purpose of an acoustic panel is to tame the unwanted acoustic characteristics of a recording or critical listening space. The operating principle is straightforward: The panel is made from a good quality sound absorbing material wrapped in a acoustically transparent fabric. When these panels are mounted panel on the walls or ceilings of a space sound striking the panels is absorbed rather than reflected. Reducing the amount of reflected sound generally improves the quality of the listening or recording experience in a space.

We make two standard size panels: a wall or ceiling mount absorber (1244mm x 644mm x 60mm) ideal for listening spaces and a large mobile absorber mounted on castors (1800 x 1000 x 100mm) which is ideal for recording spaces. We used these extensively in the studios at SAE Institute Cape Town and there are several photos on the project page here.

Radio Atlantis 107.9FM

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Client: Radio Atlantis 107.9FM (RAFM) (2008-2009)

Radio Atlantis is a community radio station located in Atlantis North of Cape Town. The station had been operating with the same equipment for more than a decade and was in dire need of an upgrade. The station with support from the MDDA commissioned Blue Cow to oversee the move of the station's studios to new premises, the construction of a transmission tower, refitting of the station's office equipment and a new on-air studio.

RAFM Station Manger Rachel Watson	Radio Atlantis On-air Studio	Radio Atlantis On-air Studio
The new mast going up...	Completed Transmission Mast	Radio Atlantis On-Air Studio

Digital radio listening dropping in U.K.

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0200

"Hopes for digital radio switchover in the next five years in the U.K. suffered a blow as the growth in popularity of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio went into reverse. DAB radio (the Eureka-147 system), the likely broadcast replacement for analog AM and FM, saw its share of listening drop, to 15.3% from 15.8% in Q2. On the flip side, the popularity of analog AM and FM continued to grow there, with a 67.6% share, up from 67% in the previous quarter and 66.1% a year ago." more at RBR.com.The article concludes with the suggestion that listeners might purchase a digital receiver only if there was a compelling reason to.

Blue Mikey

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200

We've seen a few of these types of devices but this one seems a standout. Blue Microphones have a reputation for quirky design delivering excellent results. The Mikey for iPod plugs into the dock port to add a high quality stereo microphone and line input to an iPod.

Digital 101

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Digital 101 is a great primer on digital audio recording from Echo. It explains a variety of often confused terms. A-to-D conversion, levels, headroom, unbalanced and balanced connections, S/PDIF, AES/EBU and more are explained

PASS DJ Furniture

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The new custom desk secures the CDJ's, turntables and mixer for additional security in the performance space. The equipment is logically laid out at a good working height. The desk includes a utility shelf for the laptops, controllers and other hardware which frequently visit the DJ booth.

Royal Bafokeng Youth Centre

no-reply@bluecow.co.za (Martin Sims) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Client: Royal Bafokeng Authority (2009)

Blue Cow installed studio and public address systems at the Royal Bafokeng Youth Centre in Luka Township, outside Rustenburg in the North West.

Portable PA System in cases	Bafokeng Y 09 025 (Large)	Studio Taking Shape
Portable PA System	Bafokeng Youth Centre Rustenburg