Podcasting network Wizzard Media has announced the launch of a web-based “premium podcast” subscription service for publishers using the Libsyn platform. This service allows podcast publishers to sell individual podcast episodes, and create paid subscription packages for their premium content, delivering the content via the web, which the company calls “a natural extension” to the mobile App subscription products recently launched by Wizzard.

Content creators who have been testing out the new subscription service over the past two weeks have reported initial sales of premium content subscription packages via the web already rivaling those for mobile App subscription sales, according to Wizzard spokesmen. “We continue to build tools and services for our publishers so that they may reach their audiences and monetize their content no matter where or how the content is enjoyed,” said Chris Spencer, Wizzard Media CEO.

Wizzard Media partnered with online subscription expert MediaPass to offer this new service to its publishers. Integrating MediaPass extends podcasters’ smartphone-based monetization models to the web. The potential benefit to the subscription revenue model is that it builds on itself over time through renewals, unlike advertising-only models.

“While a lot of current podcast content will continue to be free for audiences, this new feature allows our publishers to boost revenues through customized subscription models, targeting the optimal mix of free and paid content,” says Laurie Sims, President, Wizzard Media. “Implementing this new service is as easy as AdSense and takes less than 15 minutes, delivering to our publishers the benefits of a sophisticated paywall without the immense startup costs.”

From the 2011 NAMM Show: Blue Microphones has given a sneak peek at its new Reactor mic, which is coming to market this spring. A multi-pattern, large diaphragm condenser microphone, the Reactor “pushes the envelope” of microphone design in its functional versatility, sound and aesthetics.

Reactor combines Blue’s large-format capsule technology with an innovative approach to professional multi-pattern flexibility in this microphone. Reactor unites an innovative pattern selection method with a swiveling capsule head for precise positioning. Featuring Blue’s premium condenser capsule and proprietary pre-amp circuit, Reactor allows for noiseless live switching between the three distinct patterns (cardioid, omni or bi-directional).

The noiseless, live pattern switching capabilities allow the Reactor microphone’s sound to be tuned to specific uses such as full and present vocals, warm guitar acoustics, even capturing the room frequencies of drums.

Featuring an innovative swiveling design, Reactor’s capsule head rotates fluidly across a 90 degree range. Facilitating ease-of-use in multiple mic setups such as Mid/Side or X-Y recording, Reactor’s swivel head allows for accuracy and fine-tuning of setup geometry and microphone tone. Reactor’s recording pattern selection features a LED-backlit pattern indicators and a unique magnifying optic.

Reactor comes with a coordinated carrying case for protection and storage, along with a custom-tailored shock mount. A custom pop filter will complete the recording experience. The suggested retail price for Reactor is $499, which is expected in stores Spring 2011.

At the 2011 NAMM Show: Olympus has unveiled its compact new LS-7 “pocket” linear PCM audio recording device.

At just 4.4 inches and weighing 3 ounces, the LS-7 fits is about the size of a candy bar, and fits into a pocket, but can record uncompressed 24 bit/96kHz linear PCM audio in WAV, MP3 and WMA formats using either its internal mics or by plugging in an external mic. The recorder should be available for purchase around March 1, with a suggested retail price of $199.

Equipped with a generous 4 gigabytes of internal flash memory, the LS-7 has the capacity to grab lengthy, uncompressed PCM recordings. It also features a microSD removable media card slot. The LS-7 operates on two rechargeable AAA batteries. An optional RS-30W Wireless Remote enables users to start and stop the recording without touching the unit [a nice feature for live gigs].

The LS-7 employs two condenser stereo mics and a center, omni-directional mic capable of capturing lower bass ranges as low as 20Hz. The 45-degree outward positions of the two condenser mics enable users to record with wider stereo sound.  In addition, the LS-7 can play back audio on its built-in speaker. Finally, the LS-7 features a switchable low-cut filter that enables users to eliminate low-frequency sound from 100Hz and 300Hz.

Another cool feature of the LS-7 which I had not seen before in a portable digital recorder is voice guidance, whereby the recorder can provide audio menu prompts for users with assistive needs. This helps the user operate the device without needing to see the menus or buttons.

In addition to Olympus Sonority software, the LS-7 is packaged with a USB cable, windscreen, carrying case, two rechargeable AAA batteries, strap, an instruction manual and Olympus warranty card. Optional accessories for the LS-7 include the infrared RS-30W Wireless Remote, WJ2 Wind Jammer and A514 AC adapter.

See more product specs and pictures at the Olympus site.

From NAMM ’11: Microphone innovator Blue Microphones was promoting its recently-released Spark, a cardioid, solid-state condenser microphone, with high-quality, fully discrete components and an innovative Focus control offering two sonic signatures. Along with its attractive design and wide range of recording capabilities, Spark also comes with a custom shock mount and pop filter in a wooden case for a suggested retail of $199.

The Spark microphone features Blue’s premium condenser capsule, which promises low noise, high efficiency, and rapid response in any recording situation. Blue introduces with this model what it calls “the Focus control,’ which, when selected, results in a tighter, more direct and focused, “present” sound.  The circuit design of this mic pairs Spark’s condenser capsule with a phantom-powered outboard amplifier to drive the capsule with linear control and accuracy.

The Spark microphone package also provides a detailed recording guide showing complete setup and recording tips for a variety of instruments and vocal sounds. Spark comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.