tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54277646842929246622024-03-04T08:02:38.035-08:00Home Recording WeeklyThe blog for recording musicians.Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-76989068238407767982012-06-01T10:36:00.002-07:002012-06-01T10:36:42.085-07:00We have moved, and a podcast!<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">That is right, we have moved, and the Home Recording Podcast now is up! </span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style1">Home Recording Weekly has moved over to </span>
</span><a href="http://www.homerecordingweekly.com/"><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size: large;">a new
website</span></span></a><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size: large;">. Here is the cool new "</span></span><a href="http://www.homerecordingweekly.com/category/all-about-hrw/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size: large;">about
me page</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style1">". The new site link is </span>
</span><a href="http://homerecordingweekly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style1">Home Recording Weekly blog</span></span></a><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size: large;">,
or </span></span><a href="http://www.homerecordingweekly.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style1">www.HomeRecordingWeekly.com</span></span></a><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size: large;">
, and the move was simply to serve you all better. </span></span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">We needed to re-locate, and decided a new and fresh look
was needed too. We needed more pages just to hold all of the new and exciting
pages that are coming to you! The first episode of The Home Recording Podcast is
up, on the new website, and ITunes is working hard to provide you with a
"podcast catcher" too. I will have to announce when it goes live, on Itunes!</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to everyone that has been with us over the years,
here on blogger. I have changed things up so many times, and it still just
looked like a blogger template. Well, I hope those days are over now.</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please, add the new website to your favorites tab, and
check it often. You will not want to miss the next post over there! Big news is
coming very soon. This news will also be posted in a brand new video, so look
out for that on YouTube, and the new website too!</span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
</div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-84657246542790614502012-05-16T08:14:00.003-07:002012-05-29T14:59:39.176-07:00Is the most important gear that we have telling us lies?<div class="auto-style1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">The most important gear that we all have are our ears.
Maybe they don't lie to us, but they will misrepresent the truth. The longer we
listen to a particular mix, the worse our ears will distort the truth. What does
this mean? Well here is an example, and what we can do to achieve better mixes.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">First, as we start to mix a song, we listen very close to
certain tracks, perhaps one or two at a time. As we bring in other tracks, we
tend to not "hear" the former tracks as much. Often times things will start to
come together, in our minds, when they are not together at all. Sometimes, when
we spend a great deal of time on a mix, and then bounce it down for listening in
another system, we stand in shock as it just sounds bad. How can this be?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, it is our ears playing tricks on us. The good
news is that this very thing happens to all of us, so you are not alone. The
great news is that we can help our mixes get better and better by simply doing a
few different things as we mix.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">First of all, with the passing of time, we will learn our
monitors and headphones. Every system adds to or takes away from certain
frequencies. We should pay attention to the mix, as we play it back in our DAW's
and as we play it back on other systems. What is different? What is missing, and
what is too much, in frequencies, and volume too? Learning what our monitors and
headphones take away, or add too, a mix is very important. This comes with time.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, as much as you love to spend great lengths of time
mixing, take more breaks. I can't list the number of times that after taking a
quick break, I have heard a glaring issue that I had missed before the break! We
create an environment, an illusion, as we sit in our mixing environment, and
things just sound different in the rest of the world. So, get up from time to
time, stretch your legs, and rest your ears.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, as much as I had heard this next idea, over and
over, it wasn't until recently that I implemented it into my mixing routine.
Because of this next idea, massive changes have come to see the light of day.
Bring a reference track into your mix! This is as simple as importing a song,
that you know forward and backwards, and of the same genre as the song that you
are mixing, onto a stereo track, in your mix. I like to bring in a song that is
off a CD, and it has been mastered as well. Solo the reference track, and listen
to the EQ, the loudness of the bass and drums, and "re-set your ears". Then,
listen to your mix.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Wow, now your mix sounds completely different! What a way to
bring your mix to the next level. This step alone will save you so much time and
hassle, and you will soon forget all of those trips out to the car and back just to check
the mixes that you are constantly mixing again and again. Believe me, my
mistakes are here to save you time and frustration! Take advantage of this
stuff, please! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, mixing at a loud volume will cause you a lot of
trouble. There is a famous rule, called the Fletcher-Munson Curve, that deals with this
very issue. The issue is that the louder a mix, the more "volume" is applied to
certain frequencies. So, the louder a mix, the louder the bass, let's say. So,
you turn down the bass to make up for it, and then you make a bounce. When you
listen to the bounce elsewhere, the bass is gone. Turn down your mixes, and
listen critically. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">These are not my ideas. I have not done the studies that
prove all of this stuff. I like to listen to people that know more than I do,
and learn from them. One person that has recently said most of this stuff is
Graham Cochrane, from "</span><a href="http://simplyrecordingpodcast.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Simply Recording Podcast</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">", and on the pages of "</span><a href="http://therecordingrevolution.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Recording Revolution</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">" website. He does the podcast with Joe Gilder, and his
website, "</span><a href="http://www.homestudiocorner.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Home Studio
Corner</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">", is packed with great information too.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-63362165438701903672012-05-06T20:55:00.001-07:002012-08-05T09:07:40.036-07:00JamUp Jam Plug and JamUp App from Positive Grid.<br />
<br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">Playing and practicing the guitar has never been as easy
as it is with the technology that exists. We can use any IOS device (IPhone,
IPad, IPOD Touch) to get amazing tones now, thanks to products like the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
(19.99 U.S), </span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-lite/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp Lite</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> (free), and
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Pro</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (9.99), all of which are from
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
Positive Grid</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1rorn-PaZE/T6c8h-9g2zI/AAAAAAAACKk/JrdI_E8qfOs/s1600/ampvox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1rorn-PaZE/T6c8h-9g2zI/AAAAAAAACKk/JrdI_E8qfOs/s320/ampvox.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="auto-style6">
<br /></div>
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This technology just makes one want to forget those
things that we used to use when practicing, uuuummmmmm, oh yea, guitar amps and
effect pedals. I love the freedom that practicing on the couch brings me, and
there is a lot to be said about the whole "noiseless factor" while headphones
are in use. I know my wife likes that part of the equation anyway With a back
injury too boot, I don't mind lifting my IPhone from place to place, about the
house, where my amps......., well, not so much. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a review of the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">,
</span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp Pro</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> app on the IPhone. Let me just
say that if you must choose one app and one adaptor for your guitar, let the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
and
</span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp Pro</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> be the ones! I am giving this
little package the "both thumbs way up" seal of approval! I am really taken back
by the tones that are coming out of this app!
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Pro</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> rocks! Don't miss read this, the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-lite/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Lite</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> rocks too, and it is free!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you do not see the video, below, please head over to <a href="http://www.homerecordingweekly.com/">WWW.HomeRecordingWeekly.com</a> to watch. Some subscribers may not see it as email.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TpbcmFlPn4I" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<br /></div>
<div class="auto-style2">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">The
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
is elegant and yet simple in design, but the real star here is the
</span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp Pro</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> app, due to the solid workings of
the app, the amazing tones from the amp models and effects, and the extremely
low latency. So many apps of this type suffer from latency issues. This is just
not the case with the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-lite/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Lite</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Pro</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> versions of the app. In fact, I
can't detect it at all, even though I know it must exist, since a chip is in
use. </span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">The
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> works with a lot of the other guitar apps
out there, (Apogee JAM, Alesis IO Dock, Line 6 Mobile In, Griffin Technology
StudioConnect, IK Multimedia iRig, Peavey AmpKit Link, PocketLabWorks iRiffPort)
but why not stick with the folks from
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
Positive Grid</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, and use it with
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-lite/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Lite</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> or
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
JamUp Pro</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">? After all, they should work hand in hand, right?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">I just love it when companies go the extra yard, and put
some thought into a products packaging design. The
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
comes in a very cool tri-fold package with graphics on all available real
estate, and a nice black felt holder for the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
itself.
</span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">Positive Grid</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> gets extra props from me due
to the fact that they didn't just toss the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
in a vacuum formed plastic bubble. I know that this will not make the product
function any better, but you just get the feeling that
</span></span>
<a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank">
<span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;">Positive Grid</span></span></a><span class="auto-style5"><span style="font-size: large;"> is proud of there
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.
The extra touches are not lost with me.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<br /></div>
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">As taken from the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
Positive Grid</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">,
website...... </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">"JamUp™ Lite is a Multi-Effect Guitar App for iPad,
iPhone and iPod Touch. Powered by the newly developed multi-stage modeling
engine, JamUp™ Lite provides authentic tone, sound-on-sound phrase sampler and
incredible jamming experience.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">It supports up to 5 simultaneous amps and effects through
an easy drag and drop signal path, which also allows easy arrangement for pre
and post effect position. There’s no digging through menus, no learning process
and no hassles.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">JamUp is born with great “play alone” capabilities. The
phrase sampler can capture loops and riffs and create sound-on-sound overdubs.
It’s the easiest way to create a one-person-band sound in minutes. And with the
time stretching iTunes player, users can not only play alone with any track from
their iTunes library, but also can create a loop and slow it down for further
study."</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have taken a name from the contest, and declared a
winner for the JamUp Jam Plug, and I have made contact with them. Congrats, and
thanks to everyone that had entered! I love it when people "like" the blogs'
FaceBook page. I check out everyone that "Likes" me there. Please help me grow,
and let others know that I am online, and on FaceBook. Share any post that you
feel is worthy!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<span style="font-size: large;">Make sure to subscribe to the Home Recording Weekly blog,
by simply putting your email in the box, over on the top and the right of this
page. Make sure you "like" me on FaceBook, just so that I can "see" who you are!
I thank everyone that has found me thus far, and it has been very cool "meeting
all of you". We are building a small army of audio nuts, one "like" at a time!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="auto-style6">
<br /></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-66801611766010524222012-05-01T06:38:00.000-07:002012-05-01T13:40:10.612-07:00Free JamUp plug<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to have a free JamUp plug? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am giving one away, in efforts to help promote the
demo/review post and video that I will be putting up very soon. Click here to
learn more about the
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-plug/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp plug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">,
the </span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">JamUp apps</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">,
and </span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/tone-experience/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
Positive Grid</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n20eLpIZ6sk/T5_nFTIDNYI/AAAAAAAACKY/cJuip4MZM3Q/s1600/JamUpplug4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n20eLpIZ6sk/T5_nFTIDNYI/AAAAAAAACKY/cJuip4MZM3Q/s320/JamUpplug4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">No strings attached, but here are the hoops that you must
jump thru in order to win it...........</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Find the Home Recording Weekly blog page,
</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Recording-Weekly-blog/240576362700652" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
over on FaceBook</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, and "like" me, if you have not done so already. <span class="auto-style2">Next, head over to the </span>
</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/positivegrid.us" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style2">JamUp FaceBook page</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style2">,
and "like" that too. </span>On the day
that the video goes live, right here on The Home Recording Weekly blog, I will
pull one of those names out of a hat. I will then post the winner on FaceBook,
just to let you know that you are the winner, and you will have to drop me a
line. Do not worry about postage, because "its all good". <span class="auto-style2">You can download the </span>
</span><a href="http://www.positivegrid.com/jamup-lite/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style2">JamUp lite</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size: large;"> app,
which is free, to rock out anytime and anyplace!.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just trying to make someone's day a little bit better,
that's all! Good luck to all.</span><br />
</div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-53262920299072945422012-04-24T18:29:00.000-07:002012-04-24T18:29:53.585-07:00Sound isolation as treatment<div class="auto-style2">
</div>
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have all heard about treating rooms for audio mixing. But what about
treating our spaces for Isolation, or sound that leaks in from outside our rooms? Using
Hyper Cardioid, dynamic mics can help reject a lot of this unwanted noise, but noise is
persistent! There is only so much that off axis rejection in microphones can do.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Case in point....</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have a room that I just adore. It is more like a music nook, but
there are some issues. From time to time I have some outside noise distracting
me. Since there is a window in my room, I do get some spillage. A lawnmower,
perhaps a loud motorcycle, and lets not overlook the car horns from afar, all
seep in and take my mind away from the task at hand. I like to record with
microphones, quite a bit, and I can't have unwanted noise creeping in to my
audio. Recently, I had to re-track a speaker due to a loud motorcycle "reving"
up as it passed by. I missed it as we tracked, but it was obvious as we listened
back to it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Without getting into treating this space for frequency and reflections, I
needed to try and remove some of the sounds from everyday life. I plan on
recording my podcast in here, and this room is off of our living space too! I do
not want to record only after 10 P.M. folks, I need ISOLATION first! Once I get
my space a little more quiet, I will tackle treating it for mixing. So, how can
we tackle the problem of sounds entering our rooms from the world at large? </span></div>
<div class="auto-style2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ohhn8hBqOPSK-Dvi4Cuwe_ramCLEg0Qd02uhSfWLXJ_avZXnRZzA3OoowEMkA1G4ADEo0l01GnWE4Cp2h1mDxp5w3qqJb9hZxetbaa_wyZzwURwDNlsKruSCaOQbOfyilOzT3QjXTgRn/s1600/audimute-logo-png-2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ohhn8hBqOPSK-Dvi4Cuwe_ramCLEg0Qd02uhSfWLXJ_avZXnRZzA3OoowEMkA1G4ADEo0l01GnWE4Cp2h1mDxp5w3qqJb9hZxetbaa_wyZzwURwDNlsKruSCaOQbOfyilOzT3QjXTgRn/s1600/audimute-logo-png-2011.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style3">Here is one simple, and elegant way to accomplish this task. I obtained some
</span>
</span><a href="http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com/band-rehearsal-space-soundproof-band-sound-proofing-a-room-for-band-practice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style3">Audimute</span></span></a><span class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size: large;"> panels from an ad on Craigslist. I was really comprehensive about
how good of a job it would do, but I had to do something! So, the day it went
up, I knew it was the right way to go. I hung two sheets or panels up in the
open doorway that leads into my space. Immediately, I noticed a very big
difference! Gone were any trace of echoes. Gone was 75 percent of the common
"House noises" than can enter into a microphone. I love how "dead" the room is
now, and I think that the material looks great. The real test was to happen at 4
P.M., as my wife came home.</span></span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUXRzbsichM/T5dRu6Jkt-I/AAAAAAAACJg/4wrMZn3pxi8/s1600/alt-2-blk-blk-sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUXRzbsichM/T5dRu6Jkt-I/AAAAAAAACJg/4wrMZn3pxi8/s320/alt-2-blk-blk-sheet.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style3">She does not have the same eye that I have. I like to see racks of mixing
gear, monitors, speaker cabs, guitars and guitar amps, mic stands, and drum
risers. The </span>
</span><a href="http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com/band-rehearsal-space-soundproof-band-sound-proofing-a-room-for-band-practice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style3">Audimute</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style3"> panels look sexy to me. My wife remained silent about the looks.
So, the
</span>
</span><a href="http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com/band-rehearsal-space-soundproof-band-sound-proofing-a-room-for-band-practice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style3">Audimute</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style3"> panels passed the first test. The next thing that my wife noticed
was just how much the room had changed. Her exact words were "there is no echo in
here". The </span>
</span><a href="http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com/band-rehearsal-space-soundproof-band-sound-proofing-a-room-for-band-practice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style3">Audimute</span></span></a><span class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size: large;"> panels had just passed the second test.
I had turned my space into a "dead zone", and it is noticable. It is almost like
your ears are popping or something like that.</span></span></div>
<div class="auto-style1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-waLeQf2uQ/T5dSKg8-atI/AAAAAAAACJo/T22q2XKB4OU/s1600/alt-1-blk-blk-sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-waLeQf2uQ/T5dSKg8-atI/AAAAAAAACJo/T22q2XKB4OU/s320/alt-1-blk-blk-sheet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="auto-style3">The
</span>
</span><a href="http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com/band-rehearsal-space-soundproof-band-sound-proofing-a-room-for-band-practice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="auto-style3">Audimute</span></span></a><span class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size: large;"> panels
are made in the U.S.A. and they come with a 100 percent guarantee. They,
however, will not improve the sonic frequencies in your room, but they
will prevent a lot of "audio spillage" from entering your room, and more
importantly, entering your microphones!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sfT2Y2GDOMU" width="560"></iframe></center>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="auto-style2">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The window in my space is still bare, and I have
more material left. I will be
trying to solve that issue too. I hate to block the light from entering into the
space, but the window is a source of noise. That is, noise enters through that
wall.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I will keep you posted on this, and what I happen to come up with. What
about you? Have any of you had to isolate a room with windows? If so, what did
you do? Please, let me know, and I will pass that information on, right here on
the blog!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="auto-style2">
</div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-76176723792517058542012-04-24T05:20:00.001-07:002012-04-24T05:20:49.738-07:00<h1 class="auto-style1">
</h1>
<br />
<div class="auto-style1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XahtkqaXGuc/T5aaCuQdT8I/AAAAAAAACJQ/rGm35CYNu-g/s1600/strumschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XahtkqaXGuc/T5aaCuQdT8I/AAAAAAAACJQ/rGm35CYNu-g/s1600/strumschool.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>As taken from the press release.......</strong></span><br />
<h2 class="auto-style1">
StrumSchool.com, a free web-based service that uses a
curriculum of instructional videos, downloadable documents and a dash of
personal attention to teach aspiring musicians how to play the guitar, has
announced its beta launch. </h2>
<h2 class="auto-style1">
StrumSchool's service is geared towards teaching
beginners basic guitar fundamentals. The site uses an easy-to-follow curriculum
of instructional videos, downloadable lesson plans and personal attention from
professional teachers to help its students learn how to play any genre of music.</h2>
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hEfRnLpQ_8U" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<h2 class="auto-style1">
<a href="http://www.strumschool.com/" target="_blank">StrumSchool </a>was
designed to teach aspiring musicians how to play the guitar at their own pace
and on their schedules. Irregardless of how much previous experience its users
may or may not have, <a href="http://www.strumschool.com/" target="_blank">
StrumSchool </a> focuses on making the process of learning basic guitar
fundamentals easy and free. </h2>
<div class="auto-style1">
<br /></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-60900500340066964742012-04-22T06:16:00.001-07:002012-08-05T09:21:02.688-07:00Using Expanders in audio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrsWAGCBvaQ/T5GTIT85CII/AAAAAAAACJI/UNAuuMzsjUA/s1600/expander2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrsWAGCBvaQ/T5GTIT85CII/AAAAAAAACJI/UNAuuMzsjUA/s1600/expander2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />I was talking with a very good friend of mine, recently, about posting topics for the Home Recording Weekly blog. I expressed that I have been tossing around the idea of writing a "series of posts" covering some of the basic tools of our trade. He liked the idea, and he agreed with the idea, and then added to it by saying "Content is king". Simply put, and yet right on the mark. Content is king indeed. Not only have I decided to write this series of posts, but I have decided to start with a tool known as the expander.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwrZVrbJ3Yp2Luw_NRLZrhdOr4I9AGzYQvpHJOnz-2c4cJznYF3AJCQrPjq0W7ETaWUPsXHNDqjgQB1JeBOz3ZTyso0_EGprafEkUOVMhybDEriyXiseGxfB2azIwHZD5z1alQjEam4wM/s1600/expander1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwrZVrbJ3Yp2Luw_NRLZrhdOr4I9AGzYQvpHJOnz-2c4cJznYF3AJCQrPjq0W7ETaWUPsXHNDqjgQB1JeBOz3ZTyso0_EGprafEkUOVMhybDEriyXiseGxfB2azIwHZD5z1alQjEam4wM/s200/expander1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Expanders..... What are they, and how do we use them in our audio? These are some great questions, and I really hadn't used one before too long ago. Recently, I was using a different "audio tool" in place of an expander, and the results were less than stellar. Since then I have fallen in love with Expanders, and need to share what I have learned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me detail what it is that expanders do, and then I will tell you what I was using in its' place. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Expanders are a tool that we can use in out tracks to help clean up audio. Expanders can be set, much like a compressor, to "work" or "turn on" once a threshold has been crossed. Compressors do not operate until a threshold has been crossed, and once they turn on they reduce the output or reduce the signals output. However, unlike a compressor, once the desired threshold is crossed in an expander, the expander then acts more like a switch. Once the threshold is crossed, the expander "opens" and allows audio to pass through untouched.<br /><br />You might be thinking about noise gates right about now, and asking yourself why I didn't use a noise gate as a comparison in this post, you know, instead of a compressor. Expanders can be thought of as a noise gate, but they do operate differently than noise gates. There are some important features that expanders have that most noise gates do not have. For example, expanders will not only allow a threshold to be set, but you can adjust the range, attack, release, and most importantly, "the hold".<br />Most of the noise gates that I have used in the past, are either "on or off", or "allowing audio to pass or not allowing a signal to pass". There are no settings like "the hold" feature found on an expander.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, what is "the hold" feature? The hold feature tells the expander how slowly, or how quickly, to toss the switch once the threshold is released, or shut off. This can act like a simple fade, so that the switching on and off does not stand out. The "hard" clicking on and off of audio can be noticed. That is the reason noise gates can often times be "heard" when used, and expanders can not be "heard" or audible. That is why I decided to use compressors as a reference, and not a noise gate.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me explain how I have been using an expander lately, and why a noise gate would not work in this particular case.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been mixing a rather popular, and new podcast. This has proven to be a blast, and I look forward to each new episode that I am handed. As usual, I had some interviews that needed to be mixed in with the podcast. The interviews are actual conversations via Skype, with each person using headsets, and recorded using Audacity. These interviews come to me on two mono tracks, with one speaker on each track. So, as one speaker stops talking, the other speaker starts talking. In between the talking there is a lot of noise, like interference and electronic jittering. I almost started to remove this noisy, dead space in between the speaking parts by simply deleting it, and then use fades to bring the speaking parts in and out. This would have taken a very long time, and been rather tedious. So, I decided to "drop" an expander on each of the two mono tracks, and see just how well I could do at removing this noise. You will need to watch the video to see how I set it up, but let me just say that it worked like a charm. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LjhNXeyv-kA" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The important thing that I hope you retain, here, is that I saved myself a lot of time and frustration by using an expander. Since this mixing gig is a paying job, the less time I spend editing, the more money I make. Well, when figured out using the "paid by the hour" formula anyway. Truth be told, I make a set fee with each episode that I mix. So, in this case, time really is money. Plus, I avoided a major headache by not having to delete a ton of track, and then add fades all over the place. Yet another thing thing that I want you to remember here is that a noise gate (most likely) would not have worked as well, if at all, in this particular situation. Why not? Great question. Let me answer that one.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Without the "hold" feature found on expanders, the "switch" that allows audio to pass through would either be "on, or off". This hard switching on and off is not only audible to the listener, it can become very annoying! Most people would not want to listen to the interview, let alone the podcast, and that would be bad news for me! A noise gate has its' place in audio, and can be wonderful for a lot of things, but an expander is just way better for this particular application. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Once more, I wish to just say "Thank you for stopping by the Home Recording Weekly blog". You are the reason I blog, and You mean everything to me! Let me know about anything you might want to see here, and I will do my best to make it happen. Please just drop your email in the little box up at the top of this blog, and to the right, just so you can get Home Recording Weekly as email. This way you will never miss a post. You should find </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Recording-Weekly-blog/240576362700652" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Home Recording Weekly on FaceBook</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, by following the link, and "Like" it. I like to know who my readers and followers, and a simple "Like" allows me to see you. </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/100639589136141412027?hl=en#100639589136141412027/posts" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">I am also on Google+,</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and if you are too, follow the link and let me know you are out there. Thanks for all of your support, and until next post, "Have fun and be kind to one another!</span>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-69822131561381932572012-04-06T13:16:00.005-07:002012-04-06T13:32:12.536-07:00Audiofile Engineering apps that I love, and use a lot!<div> </div><p><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 237px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728384872174382722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NC-mHsvqRz8/T39PsOKs7oI/AAAAAAAACDE/Y6QWXrhx0aU/s400/audiofile-1.jpg" /><span class="auto-style2"><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Audiofile Engineering</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span>has some very cool apps for iOS devices. </span><a href="http://homerecordingweekly.blogspot.com/2012/03/quiztones-frequency-ear-training.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">I demo'd</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> their "</span><a href="http://audiofile-engineering.com/quiztones/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">" app on Home Recording Weekly some time ago, and that was cool all by itself. They are cool because they are very simple to use, elegantly laid out, and made for capturing sound! I highly recommend that you look into purchasing these two apps. Why? Here are the two main reasons I will give you to head over and get them. One; because I use them often and have fallen in love with the ease of use when capturing sounds. Two; the easy to use editing functions found within!</span></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 236px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728384734587515714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEfRy5ycLaU/T39PkNnb80I/AAAAAAAACC4/E5NqNyuxJiI/s400/FiRe2.jpg" /></span><p><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">First of all, there is the </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe 2</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> field recorder for recording sounds into your iOS device. It is a fast way to record sound, when you want to, and where ever you are. Not only will the </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe 2</span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> field recorder record sounds, but it allows for some editing too! Here is some information and specs, as taken from the </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Audiofile Engineering</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> website. </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">"</span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe2</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> will again revolutionize what you expect from a portable recording application. FiRe was the first iPhone recorder to display an accurate audio waveform in real time, the first to support markers, Broadcast WAVE metadata, and the instant downloading of files in multiple file formats. FiRe was the first application on any platform to offer native SoundCloud integration. Now </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe 2</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> incorporates into its original elegant design a stunning list of powerful<br /> new features including": </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Advanced editing suite with SmartEdits, Bezier fades, change gain, normalize, looping playback, regions and more </span></p><div class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Improved Transport screen with faster and smoother drawing and larger waveform view</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div class="auto-style1"><br />- EQ and Dynamics effects by Audiofile Engineering</div><div class="auto-style1"><br />- iTunes File Sharing</div><div class="auto-style1"><br />- Enhanced input processing powered by iZotope™</div><div class="auto-style1"><br />- Record in background<br /></div></span><div class="auto-style1"><a title="Dropbox" href="http://dropbox.com/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Dropbox</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> integration </span></div><div class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Regions </span></div><div class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 236px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728387464981048498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxXoxLelIFWIi41FA9ohxCBPgAxkiw3RW8G1FRmZT-rvrxOcvB5JP-iILNxcf4LJFPGIDocryY_OCwjofcDsrJBHcVC4Ururl3K157WWgBjDWTaDb-Bf2l38V3rjMGZnVcJW0YzEQWZY_/s400/FiRe+studio.jpg" /></span></div><div class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> is the second app that I wish to tell you about. This is like </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe 2</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">,</span><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> but with 8 tracks to record onto, and a robust multi-track mixer! Here is some information taken from the </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Audiofile Engineering</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> website. </span></span></div><div class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div class="auto-style1">"<a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> was created for audio professionals by audio professionals. It's powerful enough for the most experienced musicians and recording engineers, and its efficient workflow and intuitive interface makes it a breeze for business and casual use. </span></div><p><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> is built exclusively for iPhone and iPod touch and is brought to you by the minds at </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Audiofile Engineering</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Combining powerful, elegant and uncluttered audio utilities with unparalleled technical support, </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Audiofile Engineering</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is one of the most innovative and experienced audio software developers for OS X and the iOS. "</span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- Editable Markers and Regions</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- Detailed Mixer (rotate to landscape view in a mix)<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- Click track<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- Unlimited number of mixes<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- Configurable track colors<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">- File export via iTunes File Sharing & FTP<br /><span class="auto-style2"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style2">- </span></span><a href="http://www.soundcloud.com/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">SoundCloud</span></a><span class="auto-style2"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span></p><p><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">- </span><a title="Dropbox" href="http://dropbox.com/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Dropbox</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style2"> integration </span><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><p class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">These are two great apps, and I love them both. But how do I use the <span class="auto-style2"> <a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/fire/" target="_blank">FiRe2</a> and the</span> </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">? Well, this is just an example, but true none the less. I sing my five month old son to sleep most nights. This is fun for me, but I had an idea. What if I could sing to him, with a backing, multiple track? So, I opened up </span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and laid down six tracks of the "sleepy time song". Now, oftentimes, I will pull out my IPhone, open<br /></span><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/firestudio/" target="_blank"><br /><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">FiRe Studio</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, find the "Sleepy time song", and press play. I don't do this all the time, but it is something that makes my life a little more high tech-like! Thanks to <span class="auto-style2"><a href="http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/" target="_blank">Audiofile Engineering</a></span> for making such cool apps for the recording nuts in us all!</span></p><p class="auto-style2"> </p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-62151715817014108712012-04-05T05:33:00.015-07:002012-04-05T15:25:43.893-07:00Figure by Propellerhead<div><div><div><p class="auto-style3"> </p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 180px; height: 120px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727897840125601154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa_Ypb9Tots/T32UvOZp5YI/AAAAAAAACCU/ppGwopWcwMo/s400/Figure1.jpg" />Let me tell you right now that </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> is not </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/reason/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Reason or Record</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">. So, what is </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">? The most fun you will have for a buck!</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> Since downloading </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> I have been pasted to my IPhone. My neck is getting sore from bobbing my head to the beats that I have been creating.</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> looks like no other app out there. The colors are rather pastel, and the interface is simple. It just looks like the folks over at </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Propellerheads</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> have used their design muscle once more. You have seen what is possible, with the </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Balance</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> unit, why did we think that </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> would be any different? </span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 180px; height: 120px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727897651275395970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC_pk6Bzx2E/T32UkO4Qc4I/AAAAAAAACCI/6GBAD2nONx0/s400/Balance.jpg" /></span><p class="auto-style1"><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style2"> acts like no other app out there. The speed and simplicity is king. With just one finger you can get some rather dope beats, bass, and leads going, and then save them for later. </span><br /></span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><br /><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> is not a DAW, nor a workstation, but simply a music making app meant to help us all pass some time, and look and act very good along the way.</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Here is a snippet from the </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Propellerheads website</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> ......</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">"When we set out to create </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> we knew an amazing sound was crucial to its function and simple enjoyment. Fortunately, we didn’t have to look far to find amazing sounds. Powered by Reason, our flagship desktop music production software, </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> puts our advanced Thor Polysonic Synthesizer and Kong Drum Designer in your pocket.</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Playing bass, drums, and lead melodies on </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> all happens through the performance pads. These have been designed for touch control from the beginning. You can tap them like traditional keyboards or pad controllers or you can simply hold your finger down and let the rhythm wheels provide a pattern for you. You can easily tap into the sound-sculpting power of Thor’s filters, envelopes, and effects by adjusting each preset’s “Tweaks”.</span></p><span class="auto-style2"><p class="auto-style1"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Don’t know what a filter or envelope is? No problem! Just move your finger along the same performance pad and listen to the changes in sound."</span></p></span><p class="auto-style1"><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> consists of many different drum kits, bass samples, and lead samples to write with. You choose the BPM, the instruments, and the key of your song too, and then get to playing! With one finger you can tweak all sorts of parameters, with options such as envolopes and delays.</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> There are diferent "screens" to play with, with titles like "Pattern, Tweaks, Song, Mix, and System". While on the "Pattern" screen, you can choose the samples, the tempo, the range of notes to be plyed, and the number of steps within the selected scale. Here is the breakdown of each "page", and what you can select on each of the pages......</span></p><p class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size:130%;">The "Tweaks" page, allows for tweaking with effects like filters and delays and the like. You choose the instrument to alter, and then get that finger ready!</span></p><p class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size:130%;">The "Song" page is where you select a musical key, and the tempo that you wish to work in.</span></p><p class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size:130%;">The "Mix" page is just as you might think, a three channel mixer. You will also find a dial or slider marked "pump", and that is customizable too.</span></p><p class="auto-style3"><span style="font-size:130%;">Lastly, the "System" page is where you can clear your new creation and find the online manual if needed.</span></p><br /><p class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727897471435039026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS48d_3awdYfzXJJUB8dC25K5uzhTw7j5Gh4pOmNlzNleVTsgy6tsCIuxV-Dgo0uTIDGzdw28GV2kTM7vmt1EMojtDxAJR2mSxKTUVIKvoepQsQfjBymg8BFEdiYh4xbnXYjDEEyDH7Ip/s400/Feature_screenshot.png" /><br /></span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><br /><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style2"> is simple, elegant, and well designed. It is fun to play with, and the sounds are wonderful. </span><br /></span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/figure/" target="_blank"><br /><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;">Figure</span></a><span class="auto-style2" style="font-size:130%;"> is powerful, and addictive too. With a price of only one dollar, what are you waiting for? Go and get this cool new app!</span></p><p class="auto-style1"> </p></div></div></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-7892947783231401082012-04-01T07:33:00.011-07:002012-08-05T09:21:37.953-07:00Mobile Keys 49 from Line6<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGRSCR4sSh4/T3hupIhbzxI/AAAAAAAAB_s/AMXWToqToZY/s1600/mobilkeys492.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726448579142995730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGRSCR4sSh4/T3hupIhbzxI/AAAAAAAAB_s/AMXWToqToZY/s400/mobilkeys492.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 194px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://line6.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Line6</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> has been in the music product business for some time now, and has been making some big noise the entire time. With amp and effect modeling devices like the </span><a href="http://line6.com/effects#pod" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Pod series</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> being their bread and butter, it is nice to see new products coming forth. Products like the new </span><a href="http://line6.com/stagescape-m20d/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Stage Scape M20d</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">, and </span><a href="http://line6.com/amps" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">their amp line</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> have been very successful, and well received. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 25</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> and the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> are the newest offering from the very innovative </span><a href="http://line6.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Line6</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">. Why do we need a mobile keyboard at all? Well, here is just one reason....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">There have been many a night where I hurry to get home. I was trying to avoid loosing the song hook that I was playing over and over in my head. After one last stoplight, I sigh, as I know that it has been too long, as that idea is just about gone forever. If only I had a way of recording that hook right there, on the side of the road, on the bus, or where ever you find yourself.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> 25, and 49, were made for just one reason, and one reason only. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile devices! The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> 25 and </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> 49 work awesome with your IPad, IPod touch, and the IPhone! Your IOS device of choice actually powers the unit once you plug in the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">, and then you are ready to start rocking! This is "plug and play" at its' simplest form! Included in the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> package is a cable for plugging in your device to your IOS device, a "midi shortcut" sticker, and a manual. The sticker is more a keyboard shortcut type, and is to be applied to the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> for making midi changes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> is the unit that I am reviewing today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">First, let me start with the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> controller itself. This unit feels nice in my hands. There are two rubber coated "velocity wheels" to the far left of the unit, with one for altering pitch on the fly, and one for grooving out with modulation effects. There are only two knobs for us to twist, both coated with a nice "gripping" rubber. One of these two knobs is for volume level, and the other one is for left/right panning. There are three rubber coated buttons/pads on the unit too. The first one is labeled "shift", and this is for editing the midi commands. The other two buttons/pads are for changing the octaves up or down. I wont get into the midi editing features here, just know that you can change things like send and receive channels and other global data. Every button works well, and feels very nice in my fingers. A simple and elegant design. Well done </span><a href="http://line6.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Line6</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The touch sensitivity of the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> is very good. The 49 keys are full size, ahh um well, as far as this guitar player can tell anyway. When compared to my full size midi keyboard (which is for the home and not mobile at all), the key sizes look like a perfect match. However, only one will ever be able to leave the home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">!The </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> units are perfect for writing while on the daily commute to and from work, perhaps while lounging on a couch, or while messing around with in bed. Where ever you might find yourself capturing ideas is where the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> comes in handy! Writing hooks is what we all do. Getting them down when and where they happen is the name of the game for the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">It is true that the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 25</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> unit is far more mobile than the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">, but I am a "two hander" type of player by nature. I dislike writing and playing with one hand, and choosing octaves with the other. That very reason is why I like the larger of the two units. Although, you will need to select octaves, with either of the mobile keys devices, but the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> is "almost" twice as big. You probably knew that, so please ignore my poor attempt at humor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Both the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 25</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> and the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> perform perfectly well, feel great, and "reek of portability". I decided to use the </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobilekeys/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys 49</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> with the free "50in1 Piano app", and it was complete and total "plug and play". A perfect match. I was making music, sweet portable music, in seconds flat. This made me warm inside, as I knew that I might never forget another hook for as long as I may live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Thanks for visiting the </span><a href="http://www.homerecordingweekly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Home Recording Weekly blog</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">, and please do yourself the favor and subscribe right now. This way these demos show up right in your email! Feel free to drop me any questions, comments, or concerns, via email or here on the blog. Remember to like me on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Recording-Weekly-blog/240576362700652?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">FaceBook</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> for a refreshing wave of cool news and the like. I am also on </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/100639589136141412027?hl=en#100639589136141412027/posts" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Google+</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">, and I hope to see you there as well. Rock on, and get portable with </span><a href="http://line6.com/mobile#mobilekeys" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Mobile Keys</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">.</span></div>
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Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-29124295803729712032012-03-18T20:39:00.012-07:002012-04-18T08:06:20.006-07:00EZKeys Grand Piano from Toontrack!<div><div><div><p> </p><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 220px; height: 124px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721448559803804754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPepfa86OnFLM5xoNnl0L8WVnVf2lwtDCRsRdLAHYfxnvTO1J7FMh690L-FdPZqg5KtUsZhyphenhyphenNNsnWl0yewKOXZnuo8eaKeVcDKgqAFTPhAgF7lM57-RmDysigBWMLDuvvjlXjrHHHA-1i/s400/keys1.jpg" /><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">What a complete joy </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Grand Piano is to work with! When was the last time that you heard someone say that about a plug in?<br /></span></span><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have found the new midi piano writing tool for all of the music that I will write from now on! </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> from </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">! I actually found myself letting everyone that I came in contact with know that I have found the best midi piano plug in ever. I have never done that before either.</span></span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">I can't believe how good </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> sounds! Top that off with an amazingly fast workflow, and the ease of tuning the included midi files to music that you have already recorded, and a true winner is born. Truth is, that within 30 minutes, I had found the perfect midi files for a new theme song, for my new podcast that is in the works. I easily cut, copied, and pasted the midi files to taste, in minutes flat, to better fit within my tracks. Then, with a super fast chord change here and there, my work was done! I love that! I used to spend hours upon hours writting midi for piano.<br /></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><center><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WUQqpdIWW2g" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>></center><p></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">The </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> interface is so darn simple to use. Each genre of included midi files has several choices for each of the parts of a song (intro, verse, chorus, ect.) All you need to do is audition them, and then, as you find that perfect midi file, grab it! Drag and drop the midi file that best suits your tracks into the plug ins midi workflow area. Don't worry if it is in a wrong key, too long, or too short. Listen to what is being played. Why? Because you can simply use the provided tools to cut it up, copy and paste the midi parts around, just to get the midi performance perfect. I do that very thing in the video. Once you cut and paste to taste, you simply join the splices to make one long file. Dragging and dropping this "new long midi file (sequence) into your daw is easy, and a song was born. In the past, I often have written my midi in, note by note, but those days might just be over. </span></span><br /><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><br /><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> is just too darn fast to work with for me to ever go back. </span></span> </p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> works fine as a stand alone instrument too! The sounds are wonderful, and the effects, like reverb, are just amazing. You might want </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=125" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">EZKeys</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> just for the stand alone qualities alone! It sounds this good! I am also using my favorite </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> plug in for the drums too, in the video, and that is Superior Drummer 2.0. However, EZDrummer is just as good, and it will do almost everything that Superior Drummer 2.0 will, except for the mixing and effects parts of the software.</span></span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">I can envision some new sample packs and different piano types in the works, but this is not fact. Just one of my dreams for the future. If </span></span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></span></a><span class="auto-style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"> repeats what they have done for EZDrummer and Superior Drummer 2.0, with both midi packs and kit/studio packs, then we are in for a long ride! Lets all pray that the past repeats itself!</span></span></p><table style="width: 404px; height: 150px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody><tr><p> <p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><p></p><td valign="top" width="10%"></td><br /><td valign="top"><p> </p></td><p></p></tr></tbody></table><p class="auto-style1"> </p></div></div></div></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-85522883986285882722012-03-08T05:04:00.010-08:002012-04-18T08:08:18.830-07:00Quiztones Frequency Ear Training<div><p class="auto-style1"> </p><p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style1"><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Frequency Ear Training for Mac & iOS demo and review!</span></span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">From the </span><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a></span><span class="auto-style1" style="font-size:130%;"> website: "Quiztones is a frequency ear trainer for amateur and professional audio engineers, producers, and musicians." </span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 243px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717511883814502818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVfEfamUe8c4AUDDRLtSQI8x74QN69uUhhaEQQvguaV9kRFjVOTy9EZ7sX-fdlHtKIRF3gAVIHqEnZifZLc5dEBqBSZ_gn-qrxBOQ6uZumbekNFCZ61j3DnK5WaX5bSRdvYwnjOzHTn5I/s400/Quiztones.jpg" />What an awesome tool, and a fantastic idea </span><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a></span><span class="auto-style1" style="font-size:130%;"> is! If you find yourself mixing, mastering, or just using EQ, you will need to train your ears. Training your ears is fundamental, but how does one get the training? Here is the tool that makes learning fun! First, here is how </span><a href="http://quiztones.net/index.html" target="_blank"><span class="auto-style1" style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones Frequency Ear Training</span></a><span class="auto-style1" style="font-size:130%;"> for Mac & iOS works!</span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is broken down into two separate tests. The two tests are called "Tones", and EQ".<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The tests that fall under "Tones" play sample frequencies and then supplies you with four answers to choose from. Three of the four answers are close, but only is correct. You only need to pay attention to the sample, and make your guess. I was very impressed the first time through! My score, however, was not as impressive, a 575. But that is the whole point. I need to get better at knowing the spectrum, and this is a fun way to get better! In fact, this was a great, and a fun way to learn how to pay attention to what I was hearing. The 4 answers, supplied for us to choose from, are close to each other, as to be a better challenge. What I mean by this, is that you have to think about what you just heard as you make your choices. There are no giveaways here.</span></p><p class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">The second test option, "EQ", is where I find myself spending most of my time. This section plays samples of instruments, or entire songs, and then applies a chosen frequency boost or cut to that. You can audition the sample over and over, and you can toggle the "applied EQ" on and off. This makes "Hearing" the applied EQ easier, and choosing less like guess work. Here is a list of what is inside the "EQ" part of the app.....</span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">The "EQ" section of </span><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a></span><span class="auto-style1" style="font-size:130%;"> has many choices from which to choose from. There are Music Library, Acoustic guitar, Bass, Drums, Electric guitar, Orchestra, Piano, Pink noise, Strings,<br />Strings 2, and Vocals. All of these instrument selections have sub-categories to select from, such as "Easy +10db", "Hard +6db", and "Hard -10 db". The "db" part is how much (in decibels) or how less of the "EQ" is applied to the samples. The samples are well recorded, and make this app so much more than some sort of game. I am learning here, um, and keeping score!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style1">Choosing the "Music library" selection actually imports audio (that you select) into it, and then </span><br /><span class="auto-style1"> <a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank">Quiztones</a> adds the frequencies of question to that song. This makes perfect sense too. Wouldn't it be great to hear a particular frequency boost in a piece that we already recognize, forward and backwards, and then decide which frequency range it is? After all, don't we often ad an EQ onto a master buss? This makes sense for the mastering folks out there too.</span></span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><br /><center><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ekB7RFfd1N4?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></center></span></p><p><span class="auto-style1"><span style="font-size:130%;">Head over to the </span><a href="http://quiztones.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Quiztones</span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="auto-style1"> website and grab the app for yourself today! It will work on Macs, and Iphone/Ipod touch. For 4.99 </span><span class="auto-style1">U.S.D., my ears are going up in worth each time I play through a "set". </span></span></p></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-85602189025832384772012-02-27T06:55:00.006-08:002012-04-01T16:31:22.184-07:00HRW on Facebook!<div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Hello everyone, I hope all is going well in your studios. This post is simply a little note to let you know a few things.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 162px; height: 153px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715060429305042322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-1JUV_l-i9Yy9Qnz1cXSaIFRFWGSn-M0d6A3h5foYu4o5KvkrCQqCsm2C6W9OLeLhXDzA5S_1ttRbC5pHJT18lC-RMCsgrglHsgAcM03xkjDXZKN0SyuC83VmtZy-eFSfmjgiDIoEVWn/s400/hrwfinFB-1.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">First, Home Recording Weekly is now on Facebook! Here is my new </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Recording-Weekly-blog/240576362700652?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Facebook page link </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Please head over there and send me a friend request. I want to have as many of you on my friend list as I can. This will make give aways so much easier!</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Secondly, if any of you wish to reach me directly, with any questions about the blog, I have a new email for you all. </span><a href="mailto:Kern@HomeRecordingWeekly.com"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kern@HomeRecordingWeekly.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is the email for that. So, if you have concerns, issues, or ideas for me, please feel free to drop me an email!</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thirdly, I have been so busy raising my newborn son that I have not posted in some time! Please excuse me for my absence! I am the stay at home dad, and all is well, but busy as all get out! Trust me, there are some cool demo video projects in the works, as well as some cool ideas.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div><br />Thanks for stopping by today!</div><div></div></span><div> </div><div> </div></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-13334899129166462322011-12-19T07:32:00.001-08:002012-04-01T16:34:08.429-07:00A dedicated controller for Reason!<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCCfbS0yOtgWL21ooTT_F3XGCvmcHIOwznqZ4yjvjANINkWcgOqMLXOv2aF1LBvUnwcOGsa6GCdsaiDiOZmCrRRD74z2-9FJDhVZXRzAjXcP4ReXY8LeqbA9pRPQBk42l0Ex38414_7RT/s1600/Panorama+P4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 167px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687862832414840034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCCfbS0yOtgWL21ooTT_F3XGCvmcHIOwznqZ4yjvjANINkWcgOqMLXOv2aF1LBvUnwcOGsa6GCdsaiDiOZmCrRRD74z2-9FJDhVZXRzAjXcP4ReXY8LeqbA9pRPQBk42l0Ex38414_7RT/s400/Panorama+P4.jpg" /></a><br /><div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">New from Nektar, a “all-in-one” controller for Reason and Record! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is the press release, and You could win one for yourself too!<o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nektar Technology, Inc. - December 19th, 2011 (ictw) - </b>There have been already a lot of rumors about it, now it is official: Nektar, the California based new brand for Advanced Control * Enhanced Workflow<br />Controllers</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;"> announce Panorama P4, the first dedicated Controller Keyboard for Propellerhead Reason. This couples with a great prize competition. Musicians can win the very first Panorama P4 rolling off the<br />production line, by submitting their competition entry at </span><a href="http://www.nektartech.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">www.nektartech.com</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">.</span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Panorama P4 is Nektar’s vision of how a great controller keyboard should work. As there are many controllers on the market already, it is still a challenge to find one that offers the feel and flow of<br />operating the software, as if it’s hardware.</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Panorama P4 uses a communication protocol that has been<br />custom designed for Reason 6, putting control - every control - at the musician’s fingertips. Panorama, in addition, of course also features traditional MIDI controller capabilities, including a MIDI output, so its possible to switch between the virtual and a hardware instrument rack in real-time. Panorama P4 really provides access to all areas.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Panorama P4 will be shown to the public for the first time at the NAMM Show 2012 in Anaheim, January 18th – 21st 2012 at booth #4912.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Now it is possible to win the first ever made Panorama P4.</span> <span style="font-family:Calibri;">And the rules are simple: Answering the the questions and including one’s real name and email address.</span> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The competition will run until NAMM and if more than one submission got all answers right, Nektar will pick the winner through a random draw. As there is one question even Nektar do not know the answer to yet, everybody is invited to make a good<br />guess.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Panorama is expected to be available in Q1 2012. Price tba.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">More Information you can find at:</span></b><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.nektartech.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">www.nektartech.com</span></a><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-7561175863850528982011-10-04T06:13:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:09:51.978-07:00<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN"></span></p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN">Buy <a href="http://www.toontrack.com/tv.asp" target="_blank">Toontrack Music'c latest EZX® expansion, Americana</a>, before the end of October 2011 and automatically enter the competition to win a hand carved, custom designed and one of a kind guitar. On top of that, once you've won - we will have your name or custom inscription carved in the pickguard. How cool and unique is that?</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><br /><center><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zwpW7DIbX2o" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN">Contest Rules:<br />• To be eligible to participate, a copy of <a href="http://www.toontrack.com/tv.asp" target="_blank">Americana EZX</a> must be registered to your personal Toontrack account before the end of the month of October 2011.</span></p><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN"><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br />• Any place of purchase is valid</p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br />• Only new copies apply (second hand owners are not eligible to enter)</p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br />• One lucky winner will be randomly picked from all copies registered from September 30 through October 31 2011</p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></p></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN"><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=118" target="_blank">Follow this link</a> for more information about T<a href="http://www.toontrack.com/tv.asp" target="_blank">oontrack</a>s EZX® Americana expansion pack.</span></p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;" lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-63815728173972478542011-09-25T09:10:00.001-07:002011-09-25T09:13:33.155-07:00Review of Billy Penns’ “Guitar Set UP Guide” E-Book.<div><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';font-size:14;" ></span></p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656330503232402162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-761eXEFWf3E/Tn9Sn8lfsvI/AAAAAAAABw0/tDI0JaDpd1k/s400/gtrsetup.jpg" /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';" ><span style="font-size:130%;">From the creator of the popular </span><a href="http://www.300guitars.com/#axzz1JJBjVmS7" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">300 Guitars website</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> comes a new E-book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>that perhaps every guitar player should have. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';" ><span style="font-size:130%;">This is one thick </span><a href="http://www.300guitars.com/2011/09/guitar-set-up-guide-now-available-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">“E-book”</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. How about 46 pages of knowledge, packed with great images, relevant video links, and so, so much more! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';" ><span style="font-size:130%;">However, before I take you any further, perhaps I should explain both “who is Billy Penn”, and “why it is that we should we take his advice?”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';" >In Billy’s own words and with paraphrasing too…….</span><br /><br /></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="font-size:130%;">“I began my career as a guitar (and amplifier) tech out of necessity and pure love for the instrument. As far back as I can remember I was always interested in how things worked, came apart and went back together………..<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Around the age of 19 I got a job at Kramer Guitars in the stock room which was right next to the repair department. I used to hang out and watch to see how some repairs were performed. As I got older I started playing in bands but my full time day gig was as a Union Electrician. My band mates and their friends would give me their broken guitars and amps and I would fix them. I couldn't decide which I loved more, playing them or fixing them. So I decided that it would be cool to be the best I could be at both……….<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I then worked in various music stores doing repair work. I actually created a repair tech job at Outlaw Guitars which specialized in vintage guitars and amps. I got an education of a lifetime there working on all the different prized gear you can think of. I used to stay late and open every amp and guitar to see how they were built and how they all were different. I really got more interested in amps during this time and decided to start a boutique amp company.………<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Around this time the playing bug started to gain strength and I found myself touring for part of the 90's and spending a little time in Nashville. Being on the road and in the studio was another great education. This was the other side of the bench as I like to call it. Needless to say I took care of everyone's gear but I didn’t mind at all. So after about 20+ years working on countless guitars and amps (some pedals too) and having my own “Pennalizer” brand of amps I decided to go online with my passion and started 300guitars.com…….I actually have my own band called the Inside Drivers and play gigs regularly and record. I like to keep that aspect of myself “plugged in” so I can constantly learn more music and come up with ideas to better help players with my services.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, back to the review…….<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">This </span><a href="http://www.300guitars.com/2011/09/guitar-set-up-guide-now-available-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">E-book</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is geared towards electric and acoustic guitars, but not the types with “floating trems” and locking nuts. There will be another E-book coming soon which will cover these types of guitars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">As a guitar player, band member, songwriter, and over all guitar enthusiast, I have always wondered just which important guitar adjustments I should try to make on my own. With much regret, what I found out was that this information is “trade sensitive”, and that no guitar tech seems willing to just give this knowledge away. My guitars just seem to fall out of perfect setup as the gigs pass, and my guitars never seem to play the same ever again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="font-size:130%;">Billy Penn makes no bones about giving us the exact and precise information that we all need, and wish to know. Such knowledge is vital to the way that our guitars “play”, feel, sound, tune up, and perhaps most important of all, how long our guitars will last. It is like having a guitar tech with us, for as long as we keep our E-book Guitar setup guide that is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Within the pages of this </span><a href="http://www.300guitars.com/2011/09/guitar-set-up-guide-now-available-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">E-book</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, Billy Penn teaches us how to perform the most vital of guitar adjustments. Billy teaches us how to adjust our guitars’ intonation, truss rods, radius, action of the strings, pickups, and all of this with exact precision! The information that I have always tried to obtain is “just what substances should be used to polish all of the different types of guitar finishes”. Well, that is also in this excellent guide E-book!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Billy lists the best possible tools that we should have available before we begin our guitar work. He details what the work space should look like, what it should contain, and as we read along he details lot of great tips. Great tips that we can all use to make our job a lot easier. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">All of the fine measurements are in this E-book, along with a lot of images, video links, and knowledge that most “techs” do not like to give away. Thanks Billy Penn, for helping all of us guitar players! At $4.99 this is a steal, and a must have!</span></span></p><br /><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';font-size:14;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-2850066073213794612011-09-06T08:29:00.002-07:002012-04-18T08:13:26.409-07:00Winner for August songwriting contest!<center><iframe height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MmMw4Kzyd_8" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, one more month has passed, and one more songwriter has won.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Congrats to Genta Tamashiro, and a job well done!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I love this tune, and the story behind the song. Here is what Genta has to say about the song “ Left in the past 2”……<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Hello my name is Genta Tamashiro. I am from Denver, CO but I am currently going to college in Hawaii at the University of Hawaii. I went to Denver School of the Arts (which is a public school with emphasis on the arts in Denver) for middle and high school where I studied music. I recently started recording music and I love it. I have no formal training in recording or audio engineering but I hope to go to school for it soon. At the moment all I use to record is a copy or Logic Studio that was given to me from a good friend, an input box to hook up my mic to my laptop, and a Shure SM58 microphone.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">After much deliberation, I decided to send you this song I made that I call Left In The Past. I started making this song after a rather intense dream I had a few months ago where I was a soldier in some great war just to come home to have my wife leave me for being gone for so long. It is a strange dream considering I'm only 19 years old and have never been married! Never the less, it was a very strong dream and one of the very few that I can remember after waking. The song depicts one specific scene in my dream where my now ex wife is walking away from me while for some reason I do nothing to stop her.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">All the instruments in the song are played by me and all the vocals are me as well. The drum kit is not live but a used a series of sampled sounds. The marimba you may hear is a MIDI instrument inside Logic and the guitar is live. I hope you enjoy my song. I have more songs as well in many different styles that I would love to enter if possible, if not, I would still love to have you hear them if you wanted to, I am always looking for feedback in the music that I make. :)<br />Thanks A lot,<br />Genta Tamashiro”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:130%;">Enjoy your prizes Genta!</span> </span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-18376775378766721482011-07-31T08:31:00.002-07:002012-04-18T08:25:49.391-07:00Home Recording Weekly Songwriting contest winner for July.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 115%;font-size:130%;" ><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />This past month saw all sorts of entries. I got some musicals, some country, and some of that good ole’ rock and roll.<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">This is the song that “caught my ear”, and I fell in love with the “hook”. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">Congratulations, Cherell Willams, on a job so very well done!</p></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><center><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mJC3WmFOckk?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe></center><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here is what Cherell Willams wrote to me……<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br />“I am an amateur songwriter but not a performing artist. I spent years throwing away songs and recently I wrote a song and did my first home recording with the help of my husband and I was like "Wow, I finally wrote a song I actually like LOL ;)</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> We didn't have everything we needed but we used what we had and did the best we could with what we had. We had a regular old mic (we wanted a condenser mic), no pre-amp, and an acoustic guitar that rattles a bit and is not warm sounding at all. So it's basically a good quality song but the mix is not a very good mix. It definitely needs to be recorded over but I'm still proud of it LOL :)<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">We look forward to upgrading and getting little home studio up to par so we can produce a better quality recording. I'm excited now!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">In my recording of "It's a new day" I played the guitar I'm not a professional guitar player by the way. I can play a few chords and a few songs. I'm not a vocalist but I do what I can. Didn't have anyone to sing the song for me, so I sang it myself and my husband who is a very talented singer help me with the background vocals.<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">My influence is just music itself. The genres I like to call my songs are "Positive". Just positive, simple, clean music along with some contemporary Christian. I just hope my music will be a positive, encouraging, uplifting influence to many. I desire to have my songs placed in T.V./Film. Can you imagine movies without music! The music is what enhances the plot. Can you imagine a world without music!<br />Thanks<br />Willams~Songwriter <a href="http://www.broadjam.com/rellspositivemusic">www.broadjam.com/rellspositivemusic</a>”<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">Here is a list of prizes that Cherell has just won!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">1) A 30 day, Full Access pass, to <a href="http://www.groove3.com/str/training-videos/" target="_blank">Groove 3</a> training videos. With new titles like “<a href="http://www.groove3.com/str/reason-instruments-explained-v1.html" target="_blank">Reason Instruments volume 1</a>”, and “<a href="http://www.groove3.com/str/reason-instruments-explained-v1.html" target="_blank">Reason Instruments volume 2</a>”, and my personal favorite “<a href="http://www.groove3.com/str/mixing-rock.html" target="_blank">Mixing Rock</a>”, there are videos waiting for you, and your musical journey!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">2) From <a href="http://www.bias-inc.com/" target="_blank">Bias</a>, a copy of <a href="http://www.bias-inc.com/products/soundSoap2/" target="_blank">SoundSoap 2</a>! This is such a perfect tool for video, music, mastering, and on and on!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">3) From The Sound Guy, <a href="http://www.sfxmachine.com/pro/index.html" target="_blank">SFX Machine Pro</a> ! A wonderful plugin for any application. Need effects? Here they are!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">4) From <a href="http://www.loopmasters.com/" target="_blank">LoopMasters</a>, how about some DVD’s full of professional loops and samples! These are the best of the best!</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br />Thanks for all of the amazing entries, and there is still one more month of contest left to enter! Good luck to you all! </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">Please refer to <a href="http://homerecordingweekly.blogspot.com/2011/05/hrw-songwriting-contest-is-running.html" target="_blank">the post that details the rules for entering!</a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-30051317316305660172011-07-12T17:03:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:32:38.618-07:00Big news from Propellerhead software today!<div><div><div><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">First of all, from </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=tech-specs" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Propellerhead</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, Reason version 6 has been announced! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 216px; height: 232px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628622236529804114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduOlUFfe9aaNrY4Q3JY3yJpc78rACDTpyKGJuXfEi_z7EFqAcCp71borjNT2Gd12jzTwVTXft_mwnhl2XyJn2Vj-auEl3icoFzKB9oW1ureCHBgc2sd1MvJif3P9O5hUolO5RogdJ0h_G/s400/reason6.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>New in Reason 6<br /></b>Combining all the features from Record, Reason version 6 adds audio recording and editing, along with </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=tech-specs" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Propellerhead</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:black;">'s acclaimed mixing console with masterfully modeled EQ and dynamics on every channel, multiple parallel racks, Line 6 amp models, new effect devices plus additional features. New creative effects designed for inserting directly into instruments and tracks include: Pulveriser, sound crushing effect with crunchy compression, dirty distortion and flexible modulation; The Echo, advanced stereo echo with modern delay and analog tape echo emulation: and Alligator, a three band pattern gate for complex rhythmic texturing. Interface enhancements, high definition audio transpose and true 64-bit compatibility highlight other new feature improvements.</span><br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 216px; height: 232px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628622016814771058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkOnyWImCkyO3Dbpx6enNwTQbqoILoPfdhEaoblJfuwAzZrGpaa2E3b8p8ib1qyvkBkkSm-V9cpPxkbnDUqXhek1aggMGOBhYmhCotzKCCduvh0FUd6NWQ-d3Cszuii-GK83-N8QSbcZf/s400/balance.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">But, as if that is not enough, </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=tech-specs" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Propellerhead</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> software has also announced their new </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=tech-specs" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Balance audio interface</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. This is very big news indeed. A lot of my blogs’ readers have asked a lot of questions about just which interface I feel is best to partner up with Reason and/or Record. </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=tech-specs" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a link to the spec page</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Wow, and just check out the all of the input options onboard of the Balance audio interface too!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Balance, a two-in by two-out audio interface for Mac and Windows, is designed for the single person operated home/project studio. Fully USB 2 powered with separate volume controls for monitors and headphones, it contains 8 input connections to keep all instruments, mics and devices connected and ready to record with the press of a button—without software pop-ups or control panels. The included Reason Essentials packs in all the recording editing, effects, instruments and mixing tools needed to create great sounding tracks.<br /><br /></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Lastly, a stripped down, but very powerful version of Reason has been released too, called </span><a href="http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=reason-essentials" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Reason Essentials</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. This is better than Reason Adapted ever thought about being. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 255px; height: 230px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628621459578292802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoJ3f7ZJ7wPzJq4h_0cw53NrJnjIYCXsLD63b2svJH7PuD7wktL-rbjr1GLhenKST4d1K0QkzeLtGQ6qHh4NIBtb0zgrb7VDEtGokKctBdShja83m5GWJOUEHtWHOzl9XoTGLujNWehFQ/s400/reasonessentials-1.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just for the record, with no Propellerhead pun intended, please keep the song entries coming in! There are still two more months of the Home Recording Weekly Blog Songwriting contest going! I still have prizes to give away to some songwriting subscribers!</span></p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p></div></div></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-13926454436490787092011-06-23T11:43:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:34:36.543-07:00Winner of the June Songwriting contest.<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Congratulations<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex Brown! The winning tune for the first leg of this three month long contest <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>is titled “ I know it’s true”, and it caught my attention for several reasons.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Alex writes……</span></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">“I am 15 years old and I started playing piano at age 12 and now I play guitar, drums, and bass. I got really into music and recording, and so I started a band, and we practiced almost every day on the weekends. We also started recording a lot. I started working on a lot of solo work the past year and writing songs, and I recorded this one in my room. I used Logic Express 9 to record it and a midi keyboard and an old vocal mic my dad gave me. I turned my room into a little, mini home studio that I recorded it in. I wrote and recorded this song in one night, and I played all of the instruments by myself! Thanks again for taking the time to listen it means a lot! I hope you like it! “</span></span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Like it? Nope, I love it! </span></span></span></p><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IN6DcCzDbMI?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IN6DcCzDbMI?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">First of all, the guy is only 15 years old! Secondly, the piano “hook” is simply wonderful. I do not ever wish to consider the quality of a recording for the contest, but the quality here is not bad at all. What a great flow of medley and vocals. I love this tune, and have added it into my own Ipod. Great job Alex Brown and friends!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is the list of prizes that Alex has won, and the prizes for the next two month long songwriting contests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">From </span><a href="http://www.bias-inc.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >Bias</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">, a copy of </span><a href="http://www.bias-inc.com/products/soundSoapPro2/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >Bias Soundsoap2 pro</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">. From </span><a href="http://www.loopmasters.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >Loopmasters</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">, two”artist series loop and sample DVD packs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From </span><a href="http://www.soundguy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >The Sound Guy</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">, a copy of their </span><a href="http://www.soundguy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >SFX Machine Pro plug in</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">. From </span><a href="http://www.groove3.com/str/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >Groove 3</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">, a full access, 30 pass to training videos!</span></span></span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">Next up, send in your songs for the month of July! For the complete list of the easy, simple, must follow rules</span><a href="http://homerecordingweekly.blogspot.com/2011/05/hrw-songwriting-contest-is-running.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">, follow this link</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">!</span></span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-38256133443925706952011-06-17T11:25:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:42:34.773-07:00Toontrack Musics Chuck Ainlay EZ Mix<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The other day I received a copy of the brand new </span><a href="https://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=106" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Chuck Ainlay EZ Mix preset package</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> from </span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. After a few long mix sessions using it, I decided to shoot a quick demo video for it, and the amazing sounds that it produces.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Part 1</span><br /><br /><center></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2WsdGWq_L4?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2WsdGWq_L4?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Part 2</span><br /><br /><center></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WfKpmAIMfrE?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WfKpmAIMfrE?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you wish to obtain professional mixing results as fast as possible, this is your EZ Mix preset pack! Available at the </span><a href="https://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=106" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack website for 29 U.S. Dollars</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-38717774643920064802011-06-01T13:01:00.000-07:002011-06-01T13:04:36.132-07:00Two new tools from IK Multimedia<div><br /><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">IK Multimedia announces 2 new mixing legends as add-ons to T-RackS: Black 76 and White 2A<br /></span></b><i><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">Available as single plug-ins or integrated within the new 64-bit T-RackS® suite of mixing and mastering processors </span></i></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">May 2011, Modena, Italy – </span></b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">IK Multimedia is proud to announce the release of two new T-RackS mixing plug-ins that are modeled on two of of the world’s most renowned analog compressors: the Black 76 Limiting Amplifier and the White 2A Leveling Amplifier. These prestigious effects are available as single plug-ins for the most popular DAWs, or they may be integrated in the new T-RackS suite of mixing and mastering effects, now updated with 64-bit compatibility, both in standalone and plug-in modes. </span></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613344173206254354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPUuytoWouY/TeaayOX3sxI/AAAAAAAABv4/MFgBF_H0SPs/s400/image.gif" /><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">The Black 76 Limiting Amplifier</span></b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';"> is modeled after what is probably the most used, most known, most wanted, and most universally recognized compressor / limiter in the audio industry. There are probably no professionally created records without tracks using this unit! It’s a true legend and a piece of history. The engineers that made this FET based compressor reached a level of cleverness and magic that only true visionary geniuses can achieve. While there are many revisions of this hardware, IK Multimedia modeled the LN version, revision E, because it's the one that has the most sonically recognized and wanted character, thanks to its input transformer and class A output stage.<br /><br /><b>This compressor can be used on literally everything: drums, drum sub-mixes, vocals, bass, guitars, piano, choirs, brass, strings, etc.</b> It adds its sonic footprint to the sound that for many reasons simply makes music sound better. Vocals, for example, will gain presence, consistency, clarity and punch in a way simply not obtainable with other units. Drums will gain power and density with total control over the level of "snap", and guitars will get a magic midrange zone that makes them truly sing. The Black 76 is a must for mixing, but thanks to the perfectly stereo linked version provided with the MS option, it can also be effectively used for mastering if used with care!<br /></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613344298563450018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjlUfXIHiXs/Teaa5hXWtKI/AAAAAAAABwA/aA60um4cyP8/s400/image2.gif" /><br /><b>The White 2A Leveling Amplifier</b> is based on a legendary vintage unit that is entirely tube-based. It’s a totally different device in terms of construction where all the compression magic happens inside an optically coupled element formed by a fluorescent panel and some photocells: the famed T4A element. There is no electronic circuitry involved with the compression itself. It's just a tube amp with photo-resistors, lit by a fluorescent panel driven by the output signal. At the time of this invention, there were not many ways of making an audio compressor: only variable-mu and optical. Optical was the simplest one, and if proper elements for both the light emitting panel and the photocells were matched, magic happened.<br /><br /><b>Originally intended for use in broadcasting, it immediately became a truly signature unit for music recording and mixing. It’s a must-have for both tracking and mixing vocals, </b>but it’s also tremendously effective on electric bass, upright bass, piano, winds and many other<b> tracks where you need a gentle compression with great warmth and consistency. </b>This is one of the few units in the audio industry that nobody will allow to be substituted for anything else.<br /><br /><b>Two years in the making, these two units have challenged IK Multimedia’s superior modeling capabilities and pushed them to the extremes. </b>These units have been modeled down to the finest detail in each of their stages, matching all the controls and their behavior, including the ultra-accurate VU-Meter response. Perfected with countless measurements and A-B listening sessions, IK has produced two of the most realistic emulations available in software so far. Other companies have attempted this with average results, <b>but with the Black 76 and the White 2A, it doesn’t get better when it comes to classic analog-modeled plug-in compressors.<br /></b><br /><b>Both the Black 76 and the White 2A are available as single T-RackS mixing plug-ins for all popular DAW platforms in RTAS, AU and VST formats. </b>They also give the flexibility to be perfectly integrated with the T-RackS suite of effects as they can be opened inside the T-RackS twelve-slot, serial-parallel processor chain, both in standalone and plug-in modes, taking advantage of T-RackS advanced routing, metering and preset capabilities. With the addition of these two new classics, T-RackS users will have a total of 12 superior dynamic and EQ effects to choose from, including a full-fledged professional metering suite for all of their professional mixing and mastering needs.<br /><br /><b>Furthermore, T-RackS and all its effect processors have been updated to version 3.5 – now supporting all 64-bit DAWs – and the update is available a free download to all existing T-RackS 3 Deluxe, Standard, shell and Singles users.<br /><br />The T-RackS 3.5 standalone application is fully compatible with the new ARC version 1.3, which also adds native 64-bit compatibility.<br /></b><br /><b>Pricing and availability<br />The Black 76 and White 2A cost only $99.99/€74.99 each (excluding taxes) and are immediately available as a download from the IK Multimedia online store or from selected music retailers carrying the T-RackS 3 singles in Multi-box format.<br /></b></span><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';"></span></b></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';">For more info:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family:'Verdana', 'sans-serif';"><br /><b><a href="http://www.t-racks.com/black76" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';color:blue;">http://www.t-racks.com/black76</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.t-racks.com/white2A" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';color:blue;">http://www.t-racks.com/white2A</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.t-racks.com/singles" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';color:blue;">http://www.t-racks.com/singles</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.t-racks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';color:blue;">http://www.t-racks.com</span></a> </b></span></p></div>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-48236941279463730172011-05-29T12:59:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:45:10.216-07:00Toontrack Songwriters drum pack 3<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack Songwriters drum pack 3 review/demo.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QPrMDhC3eig?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QPrMDhC3eig?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Once again the creative minds over at </span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> have put together a midi pack for all of us songwriters! </span><a href="https://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=109" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Songwriters Drum Pack 3</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is only 29 dollars, and chock full of great drum lines. The video posted is a listening to the midi found within </span><a href="https://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=109" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Songwriters Drum Pack 3</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. I am using Superior Drummer in order to audition the midi files, and I am employing </span><a href="https://www.platinumsamples.com/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Platinum Samples</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, </span><a href="https://www.platinumsamples.com/JoeBarresi.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Joe Barresi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Evil Drums”</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for the samples! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This midi pack is just as chock full of great midi as all of the other midi packs found over at the </span><a href="http://www.toontrack.com/index.asp?" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Toontrack</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> website. Sit back, and let me take you through some of the midi drum lines found within…….</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-21759010845522460572011-04-29T08:07:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:48:06.109-07:00Problem solved, by IK Multimedia of course!<span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 200px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601024074769185714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa7vvxLJa0ZC0BqAC6Tb8hrKXCUSC-ladq-Uuclyw3F7m0w6-xvXkxEWfun-jZ3Wp2dLGPKzQY__sW9tFK-Y3naZCAbhdN0PCbrHZR27r1zcyW1E_TiZ_asDNEqOcp-I9BWPDeQIj0aB_/s400/irig+recorder.jpg" /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the newest and coolest things in our world are the iPhone, iPad, and all of the musical apps that go with them. These apps are getting very realistic, with everything from guitars, guitar amp sims, pianos and organs, and vocal altering masterpiece apps. One of the main reasons that I have stayed away from all of these apps is due to the problem of not being able to save and then use our material; after a long session of writing with them. Well, that is not the case any longer. I welcome </span><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irig-recorder/id428498084?mt=8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">the iRig Recorder</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">! Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?MainPage.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">IK Multimedia</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for understanding our needs and our wants!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 186px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601024160578856610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfTlNPPZOpI/TbrVzG2u5qI/AAAAAAAABtc/oYBgEuGUqPk/s400/irigrecorder-iphone.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBAoUPX67zA" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a link to the new video for the iRig Recorder.</span></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigrecorder/videodemo/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">The iRig Recorder</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> organizes your recordings by date and time and also tags them with a geographic location for easy and reliable file management of your recordings. Export your files via email, Wi-Fi, FTP and iTunes File Sharing in a variety of sizes and formats (including CD-Quality uncompressed audio- 16-bit 44.1 kHz). This is cool for all of you field recording junkies, or you “on the go” interviewers! </span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">iRig Recorder features:</span></b><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Convenient, easy-to-use mobile recording and editing app: just launch the app and press record. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The perfect companion to </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irig/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">iRig</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmic/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">iMic</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for your podcasts, interviews, concert and field recordings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>One-touch recording with real-time monitoring. Intuitive, non-destructive editing tools to cut, crop and loop your recordings. Pitch and time–based effects include changing the speed of your recordings (without affecting pitch) to adapt your content to other media such as audio and video. Organize your recordings by creation date and tags with geographic location. Eight intelligent effects processors automatically optimize your recordings – no audio knowledge required. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">iRig Recorder App is available for $4.99 / €3.99 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at </span><a href="http://www.itunes.com/appstore"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >www.itunes.com/appstore</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427764684292924662.post-49597080312187017592011-04-22T10:23:00.001-07:002012-04-18T08:52:27.076-07:00Soldano and Orange amps from the IK Multimedia Custom shop!<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Not only can you now </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">download Amplitube 3 for free</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, but you can add amps, stomps, cabs, and rack effects like an “ala carte’” system, as you want them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Leave it to </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?MainPage.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">IK Multimedia</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to make shopping for gear more fun and easy! Introducing the new </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">IK Multimedia Custom Shop!</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Well, I took a little trip to the shop, and I was pleasantly rewarded. Brand new in the </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Custom Shop</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> are some amps, mics, rack effects, and new stomps. What is cool is that you can (of course) purchase or try out any of the amps, mics, rack effects, and stomps currently available in any of the <u>IK Multimedia</u> products such as </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/metal/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Metal</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/ampegsvx/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ampeg SVX</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, and </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/hendrix/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Jimi Hendrix</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Plus, there are some new faces.<br /><br /></span><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Pc2qB5tDZKI?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Pc2qB5tDZKI?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The new “tube amps” in the </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/features/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">IK Multimedia Custom Shop!</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><u> </u>are a few </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/gear/index.php?R=display&W=brand&PAID=39" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Orange amps</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Tiny Terror, Rocker Verb 50, the AD-30TC) and a </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/gear/index.php?" target="_blank" paid="47" r="'display&W="><span style="font-size:130%;">Soldano SLO-100 amp</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. These are a warm welcome, with no pun intended. As you will see and hear in the video that I have posted, these amp tones are right on and they work as their real cousins might.<br /><br /><center></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ClOzOK5Bi7w?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><embed height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ClOzOK5Bi7w?hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></span></object></center><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love the little things that are well represented here, like the quality reverb found in the </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/gear/index.php?R=display&W=brand&PAID=39" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Orange 50 rocker amp</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Simply put, it is just a very well done reverb, and that means a lot to me.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let me have your attention for another second here, and let’s check out the attention to detail found on the face of the </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/gear/index.php?R=display&W=brand&PAID=47" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Soldano SLO-100 amp</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">! Just like the original, there is a clean/crunch switch included. More to the point, it sounds familiar and awesome in clean mode, and even better while in crunch mode. The sustain that this amp seems to incorporate is very realistic, as are the harmonics and the slight “hot feel” that it gives to my guitars’ pickups. I just love the tones that I am able to conjure up from this warm rocker. The clean tone is very “tube like”, and can be used with your guitars’ volume to dial in that sweet spot. The crunch is a sonic treat for the 80’s rocker in us all too. Let us not forget the overdrive/normal switch, which again, is just like the real deal, and it works and sounds like the original too. Lastly, as for the switches that is, is the Bright/Normal switch. Yes, it works and sounds like the real deal. </span><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree/gear/index.php?R=display&W=brand&PAID=47" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hey, go ahead and check it out, for yourself, for free!</span></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Next, I would love to thank a couple of fellow bloggers for putting one of my songs on their podcast. </span><a href="http://show.homemadehitshow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >The Homemade Hit show</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> played a loop based song that I put together for my (at the time) girlfriend. Thanks so much Tony and Dave! You guys rock, and we all listen to the </span><a href="http://show.homemadehitshow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >The Homemade Hit show</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> as often as we can!</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Steven K. Ramsdellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997063679484193948noreply@blogger.com17