GearBlog.org

Update time! So here is the scenario. You’ve got a rehearsal with your band, you’ve been using wedge monitor since, well…forever and you only have the ability to create 2 monitor mixes thanks to the single power amp in your jam space. Enter the new MyMix Networked Personal Monitoring Mixer and Recorder and get ready to live! Now, it may sound a bit cheesy but the truth is that until you have had the chance to build and create your own monitor mix, you have no idea of the full potential of your performance. Having a great sounding and well balanced monitor mix will greatly enhance your playing. Another ultra-wicked feature of this incredible new monitoring device is the ability to record your mix, in multi-track format to an SD card and later combine it with the other bandmates mixes…cool huh? Check out the video for some further insight on how this bad mamma-jamma works. Thanks for reading…Happy Monday!

-Ryan

As many folks just getting their feet wet in the world of recording, whether it is digital, tape or any medium in between, you probably know a lot about noise. It can present itself in many different ways, hum, hiss buzzing or a strange combination of all three. If you are all too familiar with this problem, allow me to introduce you to a friend of mine, IZotope Music and Speech Cleaner Software. Music and Speech Cleaner’s intuitive step-by-step interface guides you through the cleanup process without slowing you down. Based on the same advanced noise reduction technology the experts use, the program provides professional-quality results at a non-expert price. Music and Speech Cleaner works with a range of compatible file types, meaning it works with your favorite software, like Apple iMovie or Adobe Premiere Elements. Cleaned files can also be imported into iTunes to create MP3 or AAC files and then burned to an audio CD. This software is truly a time saver that will pay for itself in no time at all. Thanks for reading.

-Ryan

The industry has changed quite a bit in the last couple of decades. Most artists are producing and recording their own material thanks to the advancement in technology, making it simpler and more affordable for everybody. The one thing that has still been difficult to achieve without much invested time and money is CD duplication. Granted, there are consumer CD/DVD duplicators out there and American Musical Supply has them available to you but they require a lot of babysitting of the machine itself. Now, thanks to Diskfaktory and AMS, you can get your project duplicated easily and at very affordable prices. Check out the Artist Services we have available to you!

Simply said, through the new AMS Artist Services, we enable Indie-artists like us and you to develop better content, create a professional looking album, and promote your talents on a variety of digital and physical distribution formats that are available today.

• No Set up Fee
• Artist Development Services
• Disc Production Services: Graphic, Mastering, Disc, Packaging, Fulfillment and Distribution
• iTunes Distribution
• Low quantity & On-Demand Fulfillment Services
• FREE viral musician community and social networking

CD and DVD Products
CD and DVD duplication is now available through our easy to use portal. Just choose the quantity and presentation (jewel case, cd wallet, cd jacket, etc) followed by uploading your artwork and audio. Once your disk is complete, you can submit your order and have it shipped right to your door. Options include individual UPC codes, CD Text Encoding, Shrink Wrapping and much more. Finish off your project with style, flare and a much-needed professional touch.

-Ryan

We’ve all seen one USB mic or another in the last few years. After all, they have sprung up like weeds in a freshly tilled garden. The unfortunate side of having so many on the market is the disturbing fact that many offer less than ideal sound quality and are typically one-trick ponies. Most that I have seen first hand offer the same features in a slightly different looking package and these features are as follows. A standard USB/USB 2.0 connection, low or zero latency headphone monitoring and a volume control. It wasn’t until more recently that some started offering more bang for your buck like in the case of the Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone.

The Yeti is loaded with features such as three capsules and four different pattern settings making it the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer. The Yeti utilizes a high quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone. The Yeti’s exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone. Nice work!

-Ryan

I know what you’re thinking, that this can’t be possible since the competing units cost easily twice the price of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP Firewire Audio Interface. The truth is, in most cases you pay some for the name of the gear too. Example, how many fellow recording engineers that you know have never heard of Pro Tools? I’m almost positive that the answer to that would be ZERO. The reason is because Pro Tools has become a household name and because of that fact and the fact that no other manufacturers make compatible hardware, they can charge what they want. Now, this interface is NOT compatible with Pro Tools so don’t misunderstand but it does have ultra-high quality A/D converts and is just as professional nonetheless.

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP DSP is a 16 in and 8 out firewire audio interface featuring real-time DSP-powered tracking and mixing solutions tailor-made for the modern home studio environment. Alongside DSP-powered Compression and EQ for latency-free tracking and comfort reverb, is VRM; a Virtual Reference Monitoring technology that lets you hear your mix in different environments, through different speakers and from different positions, all just using headphones. Cabinet and room modeling isn’t just for guitarists anymore!

For more information on the Saffire Pro and VRM, click the above link. Thanks for reading.

-Ryan

The title of the post alone spark a lot of interest even in myself since I now need to think of a way to transition into the specific product I am referring, smoothly. Hmm, how can I imply that most studios appear dirty because the dimly lit atmosphere hides dirt. Anyway, one way of keeping a clean appearance to your studio is to go for the “white” look as many companies have steered away from lately. Computer companies especially. How many computers do you see these days that have white or even slightly off-white cases? Not many. One way to give the appearance of a ultra-clean studio is by adding a pair of KRK RP5G2 Rokit G2 Powered Studio Monitors in White. Yes, white…there are not many studio monitors that come in white anymore. Designed with the same exacting specifications as the black models in just an ultra clean white cabinet, these monitors are great near-field cabinets for studios of any size. Check them out and add a pair to your man-cave, it can only help. Not only will they brighten up your hobbit hole but your female counter-parts will dig them too!

-Ryan