In March, I had the privilege of visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the launch of mission STS-123. Both NASA and media outlets covering human spaceflight are using some remarkable technology to bring NASA's activities to your home!

In part one of a two-part article, I go behind-the-scenes with HDNet, a Dallas-based all-high-definition network, the first network to offer true high definition coverage of space shuttle launches. They're using some great gear and some complicated techniques!

Stay tuned for part two, when I visit with NASA's phenomenal NASA TV production team at the Kennedy Space Center as they bring the STS-124 launch live to millions via their network (and to the millions of viewers seeing their work on other networks worldwide)!

Through June 25, Digidesign is offering a free, fully functional preview copy of their latest product, Transfuser. Just what is Transfuser?

Transfuser is a real-time loop machine, phrase sampler, and groove creator, all in one RTAS plug-in product for all flavors of Pro Tools. Transfuser looks to be extremely intuitive; designed for primarily home recording engineers needing powerful sampling and looping from within Pro Tools, Transfuser will undoubtedly become a favorite of pro engineers everywhere.

The time-limited, free version of the software is available now at www.digidesign.com. You'll need a recent version of Pro Tools (LE, HD, or M-Powered), as well.

With AES in Amsterdam just around the corner, the world of audio is buzzing about some new products rumored to be introduced at the show!

Among the products to be introduced are brand new loudness metering from DJ Technologies; CharterOak Acoustic Devices -- known for their microphones -- will release several new products, including a solid-state compressor; and JBL, introducing a new VERTEC live speaker system. Stay tuned May 17-20 for more coverage of AES Amsterdam!

BBE Sound -- manufacturers of great music gear and, most importantly to sound & recording folks, the BBE Sonic Maximizer -- have released a new piece into their sonic maximizer family, the miniature VG-360!

The VG-360 is a quarter-rack-space unit with the home recording engineer, gamer, and A/V geek in mind. It's designed to give added sonic clarity, depth, and punch to your audio. BBE's Sonic Maximizer technology is the secret weapon of many recording studios and performers, and priced at only $99, the VG-360 is poised to bring that technology to even more. Stay tuned for a review!

Just when I think I've heard the best of the cheap mics, another one comes along and blows me away. This week, the Superlux S241 from Avlex really surprised me. Smooth lows and mids, shiny highs, and heavy-duty construction, all for $125!

Check out the review!

I remember when I started audience taping, I was using a stereo Sony WM-D6 tape deck. Then came DAT, and finally stereo hard disk recorders. Once Sound Devices' 744 and Edirol's R4 came out, multi-tracking was becoming a quick reality for field recorders. Now, Sound Devices has continued the trend -- introducing the 788T at NAB.

While Sound Devices' products are made for professional news gathering and location sound, those recording music will find the 788T useful (that is, if you can justify the $6,000 pricetag). Inside, a 160 GB internal SATA hard disk drive provides up to 30 hours of 8-track, uncompressed 24-bit audio. The 788T also supports external storage. Sound Devices expects to begin shipping shortly.

Far gone are the days that high-quality ribbon mics were reserved for the elite studios that most of us couldn't afford to record in, anyway!

The Superlux R102 is a fantastic ribbon microphone -- it's cheap, it sounds amazing, and it's built like a tank. What more could you ask for? Check out the review!

Following the lead of several gear manufacturers by offering glamorous versions of their gear, Neutrik -- a name synonymous with some of the highest-quality cable connections on the market -- has begun offering a flashier version of their high quality XLR connectors -- the CrystalCON.

Other than gold-plated connectors and Neutrik's legendary build quality, Swarovski crystal inlays give the CrystalCON a touch of glam. No price was given, but they'll be available in May of 08.

Showing off even more of their marketing genius, Radiohead has announced that their new single, "Nude", has been released -- with the re-mixable raw tracks packaged alongside the single!

Available on iTunes for just under $6 US, "Nude" comes with bass, vocal, drum, guitar, and strings/effects tracks all separated for your mixing pleasure. The remixes can be voted on -- while there's no prize at stake, Radiohead wants to hear the best versions of their single from mixers like yourself.

As part of About.com's brilliant redesign, our forums have gotten a major update!

Looking to make friends with fellow engineers, share ideas, or show off work? The brand new About.com Home Recording Forum is the place for you! Enjoy!