Computer Cases & Towers

Altec Lansing Uhp336 Snugfit Earbuds

Altec Lansing has designed a great set of earbuds for well under $50.  The UHP336 Snugfit earbuds are among the highest rated earbuds in their price range and provide excellent, precise sound quality.  Altec Lansing markets their UHP336 Snugfit earbuds as being "The Upgrader Series", and this is a very accurate description of this great little set of earbuds.  Don't let the price fool you either.  Price is only a small part of the equation for most consumers with the real test being the sound quality of this great little set of earbuds.

Altec Lansing UHP336's produce an extremely precise sound through the highs and mids, with smooth yet sturdy bass that very much compliments the other tonal ranges.  You wll definitely notice the incredibly natural instrument and vocal digital representations of your favorite songs and performances.  Believe me, you will hear aspects of songs that you've never heard before on those old favorites that you swore you new backwards and forwards.  Many new users report a short "break-in" period that is necessary with these earbuds.  After a day or two of steady use, you will notice a bit more clarity in the lower ranges, so don't think you have a defective pair when you first take them out of the box.  The drivers are also precision vented to provide the space needed for accurate lows.

As far as construction, Altec Lansing incorporated some great design characteristics, ensuring the UHP336's really stand out compared to their competition.  To start, the construction is extremely sturdy and durable, making certain you wont be out buying a new pair after only a month or two of use.  On the contrary, the earbuds themselves can with stand heavy use, and they feature a detachable cable in case it may need replacement.  And at a mere third of a pound, you will hardly realize you have them in your ears as you enjoy very high fidelity sound.  The gold plated 3.5 m stereo plug also ensure you get great connection and the ability for higher volume settings.

UHP336 earbuds come with what Altec Lansing calls a "Universal Fit Kit".  Basically you get five different pieces to add or take away from the earbuds so you can get a near custom fit.  They come preinstalled with a double-flanged earpiece set that you can switch out for a single flange piece.  Either flange set provides great sound isolation, terrific for those noisy train rides or bus stops.  An added foam ring is also available for even greater outside noise reduction.  The fit is outstanding too, making the UHP336 earbuds a great set for working-out or running.  The Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit earbuds come with a neoprene carry case so you can wrap up and store your earbuds when they are not in use.

Here are some specifications for the Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit Earbuds:

• Frequency response: 15 to 20000 Hz
• Noise Isolation: 26 dB
• Input Sensitivity: 115 dB/mw
• Impedance: 13 Ohms
• Cable length: 46 inches (1.2 meters)
• Connector: 3.5 mm gold plated stereo plug
• Weight: 05. oz

Bottom line, Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit earbuds are easily among the highest rated earbuds for under $50.  Great design, easily customizable, and amazing sound quality.  You wont regret buying these earbuds.

About the Author

Joel Henderson is an avid writer and music enthusiast.  You can read more about the subject of this article at Highest Rated Earbuds.  For some good advice about music and singing, check out Vocal Domain.

EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera Evaluation

The right EOS for superior amateurs and professionals alike, the Canon 20D Camera sets new standards in its class. Featuring an all-new 8.2 MP CMOS sensor, a second-generation DIGIC II picture processor, 5 fps efficiency for as much as 23 consecutive frames, and a 0.2 second begin-up time, the Canon 20D Camera is designed to seize richly detailed, completely exposed photos with velocity previously found only in cameras a number of occasions the price. Different features include a prime shutter speed of 1/8,000 seconds, flash sync at 1/250, a brand new high-precision nine-level AF system, a constructed-in multicontroller for fast focusing point selection, and a refined magnesium alloy body for rugged, go-wherever photography. Compatible with not solely Canon's new EF-S lenses however all the EOS system of lenses and flashes, the Canon 20D Camera is a professionally featured camera with a consumer price tag.

8.2-Megapixel CMOS Sensor
Canon's all-new large-space CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures photographs with distinctive readability and tonal vary, and affords essentially the most pixels in its class. This second-generation APS-C-dimension sensor (22.5 by 15.0mm) has the identical three:2 ratio as movie cameras, enabling an efficient angle of view that's 1.6 times the traditional EF lens focal length. The Canon 20D Digital Camera has an in depth ISO range (from a hundred to 1600 plus ISO 3200 in prolonged mode), and the sensor contains a newly developed set of slim-hole microlenses and noise-reduction circuits to enhance performance at high ISOs and optimized photodiode configurations for improved performance at all ISOs. This leads to larger, clearer, sharper, and extra detailed images right from the start.

Second-Generation DIGIC II Image Processor
The Canon 20D Body benefits from Canon's in-house growth: The DIGIC II image processor was developed originally for the EOS-1D Mark II and enhances every aspect of picture capture. Info captured by the CMOS sensor is processed and assembled into photos of outstanding quality by this new image processor. With the DIGIC II picture processor on board, photographers can count on precise, natural colors and spot-on white steadiness in any variety of lighting situations. By refined signal processing algorithms, the DIGIC II picture processor even accelerates all facets of image seize, whereas consuming less energy than other processors.

Each Operate Optimized for Speedy RAW and JPEG Capture
The Canon 20D Digital Camera has been designed to seize photos with speeds that had been reserved for professional-level cameras. Whether or not it's the 0.2 second start-up time, the high-pace mirror drive, the class-main 65 microsecond shutter release lag time, or the predictive AF focusing at speeds up to 5 frames per second, the Canon 20D Digital Camera will amaze and delight photographers who don't need to wait for his or her digital camera when they're ready to shoot. The 20D's CMOS sensor permits four-channel high-velocity information readout, and the DIGIC II image processor processes the information rapidly, writing information to the CompactFlash card faster, and allowing continuous shooting for as much as 23 frames (JPEG Large/Effective) with vital reductions in buffer clearing times.

JPEG or Simultaneous RAW+JPEG
Whenever you shoot the Canon 20D Camera, you can select to have it file RAWs or JPEGs alone, or in RAW plus JPEG formats simultaneously. The JPEG recording format is good for purposes such as Web picture transfers that require lowered file sizes. Canon's proprietary RAW (.CR2) format, alternatively, employs lossless compression to ensure the highest doable picture high quality, and is recorded at 12 bits per pixel to offer a wider vary of tones and superior element in bright highlights and deep shadows in comparison with JPEG files. RAW information have to be processed earlier than they are often opened in your computer's picture-editing software. This conversion process typically takes only some seconds utilizing the dedicated driver software program, which will convert the RAW file into a typical eight-bit-per-channel JPEG or TIFF file, or for max tonal range, a 16-bit TIFF. There are six selectable settings for in-digicam JPEG picture high quality, when CF card house is at a premium.

Expansive Sensor Array for Simpler Composition
The Canon 20D Camera has a newly developed excessive-precision 9-point AF system for speedy and correct focusing in any situation. An improved focusing display screen with precision matte end permits brighter and easier handbook focus.

A newly developed multicontroller, conveniently situated on the back of the digital camera for thumb-controlled action, permits the photographer to immediately select any of the nine focus points or direct the camera to decide on them automatically. Focusing factors are positioned in the viewfinder in a large diamond-formed array, permitting the consumer to attain focus shortly in numerous compositions and situations.

Options Previously Offered Only in Canon's Professional Cameras Allow for Extra Fantastic-Tuning
Photographers will discover their choices for coloration settings enormously expanded within the new EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera. Taken instantly from the EOS-1D Mark II, the white-steadiness compensation function utilizes the new multicontroller and a nifty LCD monitor show to tune any white balance setting up to +/-9 steps in blue, amber, magenta, or green hues to make sure spot-on color. The brand new white-stability bracketing feature produces a series of three recordsdata various white balance from magenta to inexperienced or blue to amber, depending on the lighting situation.

Images could be processed straight for the business print customary Adobe RGB or normal sRGB, and are compatible with DCF 2.0 and Exif 2.21 requirements for greater flexibility. A range of in-camera picture processing parameters can optimize JPEG recordsdata for direct printing or post-processing, or might be personalized to the consumer's tastes and needs.

The Canon 20D Digital Camera additionally features a built-in monochrome mode, a primary in Canon digital SLRs, which uses digital processing to re-create the results of a variety of different black and white filters and toning effects. These options assist to take the guesswork out of black-and-white images, lowering the necessity for publish-processing by delivering the specified detail and contrast of a black-and-white image from the start.

Strength and Elegance Mixed
The Canon 20D Camera feels strong and rugged in your fingers, ensuring steady, straightforward handling. Its rigid chassis combines engineering plastic with chrome steel and is roofed by sturdy, lightweight magnesium alloy panels on the highest, front, and rear. Controls are ergonomically shaped and positioned to sustain the EOS custom of ergonomic excellence and positive-hearth operation. The newly designed grip, shutter button, and rubber pores and skin contribute to this glorious holding comfort, and the camera's excessive-profile constructed-in flash is compact and hides itself neatly into the highest of the body. A newly refined finish provides to the elegance of the camera body.

Expanded Zoom Show Throughout Playback
Whereas viewing recorded images on the camera's 1.8-inch, excessive-definition TFT color LCD, you can enter enlargement mode and enlarge them as much as 10 times in 15 stops for detailed evaluation of lighting, composition, camera motion, focusing accuracy, facial features, and more. The new multicontroller allows horizontal and vertical scrolling, while the main dial enables viewing of the earlier or subsequent picture stored in the CF card at the same enlarged view. In the most reduced view, 9 photos are displayed concurrently on the display screen, making them quicker to find. The digicam may be set to mechanically rotate vertical photographs so they can be seen easily on the monitor and also after downloading to your computer.

Direct Printing with PictBridge-Compatible Printers
The EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera helps you to print stunning photographs with minimal time and effort--instantly from the camera. Simply connect the camera to any PictBridge-suitable printer via the high-velocity USB 2.0 port to print photos stored on the CF card. You'll be able to even set the Canon 20D Body to trim the picture, add a surrounding "body," superimpose a date, or print multiple copies.

The EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera's direct-printing feature complies with Exif v2.2 (Exif Print) and DPOF v1.1. With a bunch of transportable and residential printers available from Canon, together with the brand new PIXMA iP4000 and PIXMA iP3000 picture printers, getting tangible results from the camera has by no means been faster or easier.

Software program
The EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera comes bundled with three software program CDs: Canon's Digital Photo Skilled 1.1, the EOS Answer Disk 8.zero, and Photoshop Components 2.0. Every application is designed to optimize captured photos and streamline the digital workflow.

Includes EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
The EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is a standard zoom lens. Effective focal size is equivalent to 29-88mm in 35mm movie format.

Compact and lightweight

eleven elements in 9 teams, including one high-precision aspherical lens factor

Excessive picture high quality in any respect focal lengths

Optimized lens coatings to attenuate ghosting and flare

Fast AF velocity

Very close focusing distance (0.28 meters in any respect focal lengths)

Circular aperture provides a extra engaging appearance to out-of-focus background areas in images shot using the widest apertures

Lead-free optics

EF and EF-S Lenses
The Canon 20D Camera is appropriate with all Canon lenses within the EF lineup, ranging from ultrawide-angle to tremendous-telephoto lenses, and together with Canon's new EF-S sequence lenses, manufactured specifically for the 20D and Digital Rebel. The EF lineup employs advanced optical know-how and micron precision engineering to deliver unprecedented efficiency in all facets of the photographic process. Aspherical optics and fluorite components, for instance, are featured within the universally acclaimed L-collection lenses. Canon's image stabilization characteristic minimizes the effect of camera shake. By way of Canon's EF lenses, photographers can really maximize the quality and liberating efficiency of the Canon 20D Digital Camera.

Flash Photography
The Canon 20D Body options the acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering system introduced with the EOS-1D Mark II. Whether or not using its flush mounted integral flash (guide no. of 43/13 @ ISO a hundred m/ft.) or any of the flashes in the EX Speedlite line, E-TTL II offers stable flash brightness by means of quite a few exposures.

Further Equipment
Along with Canon's EF sequence of lenses and Speedlites, a number of other accessories are designed to work specifically with the Canon 20D Body. The Battery Grip BG-E2 adds a vertical shutter release, and is suitable with up to of Canon's BP-511/511A/512/514 lithium-ion battery packs, or alternatively a set of six AA batteries, for better comfort when traveling. Canon's Semi Onerous Case EH/7-L can accommodate the Canon 20D Body with a small zoom lens (EF-S17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM included), and the Canon 20D Camera is compatible with Canon's DVK-E2 image information verification equipment to check unique picture knowledge authenticity, whenever verification is essential.

Is there a drum head out there that has some type of noise reduction?

i've got a set of remo clear pin strip heads on my kit and it rings too much. is there a head out there that has a noise reducer built in instead of putting something inside the drum?

I use Evans drum rings on my toms - 10, 12, 13 and 16. They're clear rings. They go on the top of the head and you can easily take them off. Most music stores should have them. They reduce the ringing a lot.

Bass drum heads I put a blanket inside the shell before putting the head on. Although some heads (like Aquarian's stock) has a built-in silencer.

Ultra Desktop Noise Reduction Kit