Shure adds SE215 buds, cans for DJs and studios alike

The NAMM trade show -- also known as the musician's candy store -- is kicking off today out in Anaheim, which means that audio-focused press releases are starting to pour in. Headset and mic manufacturer Shure is beefing up its line with the introduction of three new models

a set of buds plus two cans. On the bud side, the SE 215 slots in predictably beneath the SE315, offering a budget-friendly single driver in your choice of black or fancy translucent casing; it comes in at a retail price of $99, some $100 less than the SE315. Moving to cans, the SRH550DJ (pictured center) is -- as the name implies -- targeted at DJs with a "super-aural design" for full isolation and a 90-degree swiveling headband for flexible wearing positions; this one will set you back $99 on the store shelf. On the upscale side, the SRH940 is billed as a reference set with a premium padded headband, and you'll pay for it: it's $299 at retail. All three models will be available this spring; follow the break for the press releases.

House of Marley Debuts Bob Marley Branded Headphones and iPod Docks

Believe it or not, Bob Marley will be gone 30 years next year, but his music lives on. I mean really…without Bob Marley, reggae would never have made it into the mainstream back in the 70′s and 80′s. Now his likeness and spirit are being utilized this time again for a whole new generation, in the form of audio accessories that will adhere to the Marley family core values: “equality, unity, authenticity, charity and sustainability.” You can expect to see boom boxes, docking stations, earphones and headphones. Currently the collection contains three different lines: Jammin’, Freedom, and Destiny. Each one is geared towards a specific consumer, be it teenagers or audiophiles.

The collection looks so awesome that you’ll be tempted to get out a tie-dye shirt and go jammin’ minus the ganja.. .The House of Marley audio collection will launch sometime in 2011.

Nox Audio Scout mini headset on sale now, boasts world's smallest mic button and some decent sound

NOX Audio sprang out of obscurity this year with two pairs of stylish 'phones -- the moderately disappointing Specialist supra-aural cans with a retractable, flexible mic, and the promising Scout earbud headset pictured immediately above, now on sale. Even at first glance the Scout's not your average pair of in-line earbuds, connected to your phone of choice via a piece of rubber linguini that acts as a no-tangle cord, but they also have balanced armature drivers that delivered some surprisingly good sound even in the bustle of a busy trade show. (They've also got a ludicrously tiny send/end button for the headset buried in the cord's joint, if you're fond of playing spy.) We haven't had a chance to put our review unit through its paces quite yet, but if you want to give NOX the benefit of the doubt, you'll find the Scout at "select retailers" and the company's online store for $80 right now.

engadgets.com

Astro Gaming A*Star In-ear Headset

Astro Gaming has just releases a new in-ear headset that is called A*Star. The new headset has a bold design and features in-line Medallion control center with windshield microphone, volume control and answer/end button for use with mobile phones. The A*Star sports 9mm drivers with 20 – 20,000 Hz frequency response range to deliver clean, clear sound at every frequency.

The Astro Gaming A*Star comes with durable flat tangle-resistant cables, and a multi-function pocket-size soft case. The headset is priced at $79.99 and is available in black, white and silver.

[astrogaming.com]

Victor-JVC HA-FR25 Headphones for iPod, iPhone and iPad

Victor-JVC launches in Japan the HA-FR25 in-ear headphones designed for iPod, iPhone and iPad. The HA-FR25 comes with in-line remote control for music control and phone control and microphone for phone call. It features 10-23000Hz frequency response, 16ohm impedance and a 1.2 meter cord with gold-plated 3.5mm plug
The Victor-JVC HA-FR25 comes with three sizes of ear-tips and a cord concealer. It is available in blue, white, red and black. The headphones works with the following:

• iPod shuffle (3G, 4G)
• iPod nano (4GB, 5G, 6G)
• iPod classic (120GB, 160GB)
• iPod touch (2G, 3G, 4G)
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad

[jvc]

Sony MDR-Z1000 and MDR-EX1000 High-end Headphones

Sony introduces two new high-end headphones, the MDR-Z1000 and the in-ear MDR-EX1000. The former sports 50mm HD neodymium sound drivers while the latter gets 16mm drivers.

Beats by Dr. Dre Red Sox Edition Headphones

Monster and Beats by Dr. Dre have teamed up to create the new Red Sox Edition Headphones featuring official Boston Red Sox team colors and insignia. This Red Sox headphones has an iconic Beats Studio look and has a folding design for easy carrying. It is equipped with high powered digital amplifier and large speaker drivers for super deep bass.