Bedroom Musician

Wii Wiimote Used To Control Ableton Live

2007-02-18T22:15:00.000Z

I don't know how this guy has done it, but he's managed to perform some voodoo and get the Wii Wiimote to control Ableton Live. This could be an awesome way to spice up those DJ or music sets when playing live. Check it out....

Technorati Tags: Ableton live, Wii

Reason 4 On Its Way

2007-01-24T06:28:00.000Z

Propellerhead Software gave a brief glimpse of what to expect from the next version of Reason at the recent NAMM trade show.

Their product specialist - James Bernard gave a brief demonstration of a brand new synth called THOR.

A new synth has been one of the most requested features from Reason users. This third addition to the synth lineup looks to be the best yet, with an infinite number of options to create your own synth sound, through combining different modules of filters, effects and oscillators.

There was no information as to when the new version will be shipping, but check out the following link for more information.

Technorati Tags: NAMM, propellerhead, reason, thor

Sennheiser HD-280 Pro Closed-Back Headphones

2006-12-12T04:22:00.000Z

The Sennheiser HD280 headphones are a fantastic addition to any bedroom musician armoury. I will be going into a bit more depth on professional headphones in a future article, but I just wanted to give a quick recommendation on these beauties.

I've owned several pairs of Sennheisers' over the years, but these are my favourite to date. They are a little on the large size but this also gives you good noise cancelling, which is great for example, if you're a drummer and want to hear a click track as well as the rest of the band playing.

The bass response from the HD 280's was excellent, with plenty of bottom end but not too much that they make monitoring or mixing difficult. The highs were pretty crisp but not overly. The mids were pretty good too.

The extra long cord on the headphones allows for a bit of extra movement, which is always preferable to those nasty short cords, which yank your headphones from your head as soon as you reach over for something.

Musician's Friend are doing a special on these headphones at the moment. The List Price is $199.00 but they have them on offer for $99 with Free Shipping.

Manufacturers Description

Features & Benefits
• Closed, dynamic stereo headphones
• Accurate, linear sound reproduction for critical monitoring applications
• Optimum impedance ensures universal compatability
• Space saving design features collapsible, rotating earcups
• Up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation
• Neodymium magnets for high maximum SPL
• Single-sided, coiled cable with 3.5 mm mini jack with locking 1/4" adapter
• Very comfortable, even if used for long periods of time
• Rugged construction with user-replaceable parts
• 2 year warranty

Technical Data
Transducer
Ear coupling Circumaural, Closed
Frequency response 8 Hz - 25 kHz
Characteristic SPL 113 dB (at 1 kHz/1Vrms)
THD
Nominal impedance 64 Ohms
Weight (without cable) 285 grams
Connection cabl e 1 meter single-sided coiled cable, OFC copper
Connector 3.5 mm stereo mini jack with screw-on 1/4"

The HD280 Professional is Sennheiser's most significant closed, circumaural headphone
to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional
environment, the HD280Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with
extensive features that meet the requirements of today's most demanding applications.
The unique collapsible design combined with swiveling ear cups, offers maximum flexibility in any application.

Replaceable Parts
Ear cushions
Headband cushion
Driver elements
Cable

Top 10 Reasons To Buy A Macbook For Making Music

2006-09-11T02:00:00.001Z

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After years of putting it off, I finally succumbed to the world of Apple and bought myself a new MacBook. Two months after buying it I feel it is time to give my fellow musicians the heads up on this amazing machine. I only wish I had found out how good it was before now. Here are the top 10 reasons I could think of to buy a MacBook for making music:-

Garageband - Garageband has been underated by a lot of musicians - its basically a user friendly version of Logic. Its great for getting ideas down fast and the supplied plugins sound superb - especially some of the pads and synth leads. The audio side of things is also great and allows you to do Ableton Live like timestretching to keep your newly created loops in time. Another great feature is that it is Rewire enabled, which means you can sync it with other programs such as Reason, Ableton Live, Cakewalk Project 5 and loads more. Its not a replacement for a high end DAW, but its great as a quick sketchpad.
Excellent low noise, low latency soundcard built in. Because Apple owns Logic, its hardware has been configured to work with high end music applications from the ground up. This means that you can literally plug your instrument - whether it be a guitar, bass or keyboard and start playing and recording in Garageband, with low latency and excellent sound quality. With my previous windows laptop I would have to carry around a bulky USB audio interface around with me, which was a bit of a pain. The MacBook really allow you to be spontaneous - just plug in and you're good to go.
Its super fast - more tracks, more plugins, less crashes. The new MacBooks are super powerful and can handle pretty much whatever you throw at them. It used to be argued that because Apple used Power PC processors they weren't as powerful as Windows computers. That's simply not true now that Apple uses the same Intel processors Windows laptops use. Because the hardware and operating system are manufactured by Apple they also work seamlessly together. However, if you want to go faster, the new iMacs or Mac Pros may be a better choice for professional DAWs, as they have faster hard drives, which is always an advantage. If you are a big user of plugins you might also want to increase your RAM to 1GB, although I have been fine with 512MB. Personally, I chose the MacBook for its portability - it allows me to knock out a few beats while travelling on long journeys!
As used by the Pros! If you flick through the pages of magazines such as Future Music, you will see interviews with top producers and musicians and lists of the equipment that they use to make music. There always seem to be a heavy bias towards using a Mac as the centre point of their studio setup. If its good enough for the Pros' why not you? Check out this article with Super Producer BT and how he uses his Mac setup.
$$ The Price! If your looking at buying a new laptop why not go with a MacBook. You would be lucky to find a Windows based laptop that has more features for the same price:-

1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
Built in iSight webcam
13.3-inch (diagonal) TFT glossy widescreen display
Apple Remote with Front Row
Up to 2GB memory
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Slot-loading optical drive
Up to 120GB hard drive
Built-in 54-Mbps 802.11g AirPort Extreme wireless
Analog and digital audio in and out
FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports
iLife ’06, Mac OS X Tiger. - This was the big selling point for me. The included free software is a lot of fun and the operating system features, especially Spotlight allow me to search for all my samples and patches on my hard drive really easily. This always seemed a chore on my Windows setup, although I think this might be addressed when Vista is released.
Design That Turns Heads - You won’t want to hide your Mac in a corner of your studio. As Apple says "You’ll want it front and center in your life. The Apple style shows in every detail, from its sculpted surfaces to its gorgeous Mac OS X graphics". Just the little design touches like the magnetic lid shut and power cord, which stops you dragging your new MacBook across the floor when you trip over the wires in your studio.
Create Hollywood style movies for your music. Or score a movie with Garageband's inbuilt music for picture abilities. "Connect your DV camera and turn your movies into spectaculars. Add graphics, titles, and sound effects in minutes. Then use your Mac to burn a DVD or post to your website". I'd never really been interested in making movies before owning the MacBook, but the ease of use of iMovie and iDVD have really got me into it.
Remote Control your music apps. With the aid of the handy Apple remote that comes free with your Macbook and this piece of software - Mira, you can control all your favourite music apps, for example I use it for controlling Propellerheads Reason - the transport controls and switching from sequencer to rack views, its so much easier than using your mouse. I also use it for controlling the record button in Garageband, its so much more liberating to press record on your sequencer when you are stood 20ft away from your laptop.
It also runs Windows XP. With the aid of an application called Boot Camp you can use Windows XP on your MacBook as easily as you would on any Windows based laptop. This allows you to use any Windows based music software you have which hasn't been ported over to Mac OSX. So its not like you'll lose any of the music software that you already bought for your Windows PC, which was one of my big concerns and a big reason for me not to switch.
It Just Works! No Viruses, Rock Solid Operating System, Built With Musicians In Mind, Super Fast, Well Priced, Ultimate Music Making Machine! Go check one out at your local Apple or Music Store.

Although I was happy with my PC based setup, my new MacBook has helped me to take my music making to the next level and more importantly has made it a lot more fun!

Other sites of interest:-
Mac Audio Guy
Mac Music
Sound On Sound
Apple MacBook

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Zero 7 On Tour With Ableton Live

2006-06-11T15:54:00.000Z

The benefits of using Ableton Live seems to be spreading to even the big name music stars. Zero 7 who are currently at No.4 in the UK album charts with their excellent Summer album "The Garden", are taking Ableton Live out on tour with them.

"Taking computers onstage isn't something we've done before, and it's pretty scary," Zero 7's Sam Hardaker says. "I'm sure there are times when they're going to let us down. We've got to be comfortable with that (possibility)."

But Hardaker believes the cyber additions will be worth the risk: They'll make it possible for him and Zero 7 partner Henry Binns to "incorporate some aspects of the record" into the duo's otherwise classic drums/bass/guitar setup. "Rather than using the exact sound (from the record), we'll create something that gives a similar effect," he says. "It won't be a glitch-fest--there will be a strong live element -- but it can bring something to the performance that we haven't before."

You can read the full Zero 7 and Ableton Live story here....

Korg padKONTROL USB MIDI Controller

2006-05-12T03:11:00.000Z

Korg padKONTROL Best USA Price Here!

Click on picture to enlarge

Provides a powerful array of hands-on MIDI control and includes professional drum software.

The Korg padKONTROL adds another dimension beyond traditional keyboard control for incredibly expressive and versatile pad control. In addition to accessing drum sounds and samples the padKONTROL can also control soft synths, effects, and DAW transport controls as well as trigger loops and video clips. The assignable X-Y touchpad provides realtime, natural-sounding flams and rolls while 16 great-feeling illuminated trigger pads and assignable knobs give all the control you need.

Each of the 16 pads can be individually assigned a note number and MIDI channel, and you can choose from eight different dynamic curves as well as either MIDI or USB output for each pad. The display reminds you know what you're doing at a glance while the illuminated pads visually groove along with your playing. You can save controller setups in one of 16 User Scenes in the padKONTROL and it includes 30 preset scenes.

The padKONTROL also comes with free Editor/Librarian software, Creative Kontrol Pack Vol. 2 music software, as well as a special Korg edition of dfh SUPERIOR from Toontracks. This 260MB drum kit features multiple velocity levels and a variety of microphone positions with 2,700 samples in all.

Korg padKONTROL USB MIDI Controller Features:
16 velocity-sensitive Trigger pads with LED illumination
X-Y pad
2 assignable knobs
Assignable pedal jack (pedal not included)
7-segment, 3-digit LED display
16 user scene memories
30 preloaded scene templates
USB bus power
MIDI I/O
USB port
Power supply jack (DC9V, not included)
Pedal jack
12-1/3"W x 9-1/4"H x 2 D
2 lbs.
Includes USB cable, CD-ROM containing padKONTROL Editor/Librarian software, CD-ROM containing dfh SUPERIOR Korg Edition drumkit, and software license agreement

Korg padKONTROL USB MIDI Controller Specifications:
Windows system requirements: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional/x64 edition and USB port (drivers for Windows XP x64 Edition are in beta)
Macintosh system requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later and USB port

The padKONTROL is ideal for creating natural, organic sounding drumbeats.It also doubles as a great DAW controller. Order yours now!

Last.FM

2006-03-05T04:54:00.001Z

If you've not tried Last.FM radio yet you're in for a treat. Its one of those ground-breaking programs that could change the way we listen to music on the internet.

It basically allows you to create your own internet radio station that is based on your own musical tastes. What you do is enter the name of an artist you like and it will choose artists that are similar. It will learn over time what music you like and become better and better at guessing your taste.

There is also a huge community element to the site where users swap their playlists and introduce other users to new music that they might also like.

How much does this fantastic service cost? - Nothing, its absolutely Free! Even the advertising on the site is unintrusive and kept to a minimum.

To get started you download something called the last.fm audioscrobbler, which is a program that analyzes your music collection in order to help establish your musical taste. The second part of the installation is a specialized music player that plays your created radio station (there is an option to play it through your own chosen audio player as well).

One of my concerns when I downloaded the software that it might be spyware, but all my concerns were addressed in the FAQs on the site.

After having played with it for the last 24 hours, I've been pleasantly surprised at how accurate the music that they have served up matches my tastes.

Recommended - Check out Last.FM

Roland SH-201

2006-02-08T05:20:00.000Z

Roland SH-201 - Best Price Here!

If you’re new to synthesizers, meet the most friendly and fun analog-modeling instrument on the market: the Roland SH-201. If you’re a synth pro, the SH-201 will remind you of why you fell in love with synthesizers in the first place. Simply, the SH-201 is a blast to play! It sounds great too, thanks to such features as Roland’s famous Supersaw waveform, Feedback Oscillator, D Beam, and more. The SH-201 is also equipped with an external input, so you can manipulate your CDs, MP3s, or other external input devices and instruments.

Gig bag for SH201

Great-sounding analog-modeling synth

Ultra-EZ front panel is logically designed to teach the basics of synthesis

External input for manipulating external audio from CD/MP3 players, etc.

Built-in delay, reverb, and overdrive effects

Arpeggiator adds instant rhythmic motion to sounds

USB port for audio/MIDI connection to computer

VSTi Editor software included for computer integration

Invisible infrared D Beam controller

Short recorder onboard to capture and loop your performance and knob tweeking

Roland SH-201 - Best Price Here!

Sitemap

2006-02-05T05:43:00.000Z

Bedroom Musician News

Line 6 Toneport Review

Boards Of Canada - The Campfire Headphase - Album of the Year

Access Virus TI Polar

Fostex MR8HD 8-Track Digital Recorder

PreSonus FIREBOX Review

Yamaha DGX-505 Review

Akai MPC1000 Review

Apple GarageBand Jam Pack Software

Apple Logic Pro 7

M Audio iControl

Apple G4 Powerbook Notebook

Pro Tools 7 Software: Power to Create - Now Available

Steinberg Cubase SX 3 Recording Software

MAudio Project Mix I/O Control Surface/Interface

RODE CLASSIC II Valve Studio mic

Korg microKORG

Melodyne 3 Studio Edition

Numark Fusion111 Complete DJ Package

Korg Kontrol 49

Cakewalk Sonar 5

Genelec 8030A Bi-Amplified Monitor

M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 Mobile Recorder

Behringer BCR2000

Mbox 2

Behringer Mixers

M Audio Audiophile USB

Alesis Micron

Cakewalk Sonar 4 Producer Edition

Novation Remote LE

Native Instruments Akoustik Piano Plugin

MOTU Traveler Firewire Interface

E-mu 1820M audio interface

Digidesign Digi 002 +amp; v2 software bundle

Yamaha Studio Monitor Speakers MSP3

MOTU Traveler Firewire Interface

Tascam US2400 control surface

Yamaha Music Tenori-On

M-Audio Black Box

JazzMutant Lemur

Bob Moog Dies

FREE IK Multimedia Amplitube!

E-MU 0404 PC Audio System

Mackie Universal Control Surface

MAudio Trigger Finger MIDI Controller with Pads

Numark CDN90 Dual Rackmount CD Player

Ibanez JEM77B Steve Vai Bad Horsie Electric Guitar

Digidesign Digi 002 LE Rackmount FireWire Music Production System

Korg Triton Extreme 61-Key Synth Workstation

Roland Fantom-X8 88-Key Sampling Workstation

Focusrite Saffire - Best Audio Interface On The Market?

Music downloads at TuneTribe.com

M-AUDIO - ProKeys 88 - 88-Key Hammer-Action Premium Stage Piano

Numark - iDJ Mixing Console for iPod

Propellerhead Software

Bargain Tascam US428 For Sale

Ableton Live 5 Released!

SOS Home

Peff.com

Combinator HQ

Reason - Digital Village

Boards Of Canada - The Campfire Headphase - Album of the Year

2005-12-24T01:00:00.000Z

My album of the year has to be Boards Of Canada - The Campfire Headphase. The introduction of guitars on this album has added another dimension to their sound.

The subtle addition of these extra textures to their soundscape has added to, rather than taken away from their signature sound. If you are a fan of My Bloody Valentine's Loveless album, you will probably notice the references to that album, particularly on the building intro of Dayvan Cowboy. Other highlights are Satellite Anthem Icarus and Oscar See Through Red Eye, which could possibly be their best track to date.

Anyway, don't take my word for it, if you're into chilled electronic music that gets better with every listen, then you can't go wrong with this album.

Boards Of Canada - The Campfire Headphase - Check It Out Here on iTunes!

Access Virus TI Polar

2005-12-24T00:38:00.000Z

The Access Virus TI Polar features include greatly increased polyphony, 2 new oscillator types, a per-patch programmable arpeggiator, 16x2 delay/reverb fx, embedded singles in multimode, and much more. The Virus TI Polar links to your computer with VIRUSControl, a companion software product that ports the hardware synth into a host sequencer for use as a sample-accurate VST/AU instrument, simultaneously offering 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity, control surface functionality, editor and librarian functions, and more.

Sound On Sound Magazine had this to say about the Virus TI "The Virus has always been a fine-sounding synth, and it's always been fun and intuitive to program. The TI takes this to the next level; the new engine, with its additional DSP resources, is fantastic, and the improvements to both the Virus' hardware user interface and the new software interface, in the form of Virus Control, make the TI a dream to program. The 'total integration' features have been well thought out, and, for the most part, well implemented — everything you could conceivably want to do with a Virus attached to your computer seems to be possible. The only missing piece is the 'still to come' Remote mode, but I don't think this is a serious omission.

I think I'm going to buy a TI Polar because, for me, it's the perfect desktop instrument. I can have it right next to my computer keyboard and mouse, it's the perfect master keyboard for generating MIDI data when an 88-note keyboard isn't required, and, of course, it has the best-sounding Virus synth engine to date. It's not particularly cheap, and the Polar costs the same as the 61-note Keyboard version, but it's such a great instrument that I can't really criticise the price, because you really do get what you pay for."

The First Totally Integrated Synthesizer

A scalable USB link connects the VIRUS to a Mac or PC for total integration of synth and studio. The VIRUSControl plug-in automatically detects and connects the synth, ensuring a hassle-free configuration every time.

From inside a host application, the plug-in enables the new VIRUS hardware to appear as a multichannel VST/AU soft-synth with up to 4 sub-mixes (or 2X stereo). Access' proprietary driver technology makes VIRUS TI the world's first hardware synthesizer with sample-accuracy timing and a delay-compensated audio/MIDI connection.

Seamless interconnectivity also provides a real benefit in the software sequencer environment. All multitimbral sounds and settings used for a project are stored within it with the plug-in, for snapshot total recall plus editor and librarian functions with no SysEx or 3rd-party software hassles.

The new VIRUS hardware is also well-equipped to capitalize on the power of Total Integration. With 24-bit 192KHz balanced analog, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI in and out ports, the new VIRUS is well-suited for use as the main audio and MIDI I/O center for your entire rig. These functions are especially practical for the laptop studio, offering an unmatched range of features and capabilities from one product.

Additionally, a new Remote Mode allows the VIRUS hardware to become a control surface for any MIDI-capable device or software, mapping each of the 33 knobs to a specific MIDI message. TI ships with a great selection of templates and includes 32-user memories for custom controller maps. It's a powerful addition that greatly increases the value of the synth's studio footprint.

The Legendary Sound of Access: Evolved

Of course, TI is still a VIRUS, with all the soul of its legendary predecessors, but for Total Integration, the power and performance of the synth engine have been taken to higher extremes, thanks to a freshly optimized core which delivers unprecedented performance. For starters, polyphony is more than doubled, to 80 voices under average conditions.

And the sound? Phenomenal! Alongside the award-winning VIRUS oscillator models, 2 completely new types have been added. First is the real Wavetable oscillator model. This unique algorithm can blend waves to create evolving motion or switch between them to create gritty lo-fi textures.

The Amazing HyperSaw model can generate up to 9x the number of saws without using 9x the required polyphony. In fact, its polyphony is comparable to that of a single voice saw oscillator. With 2 oscillators, each playing 9 main plus 9 subs (36 oscillators per key), you can still enable Unison mode and get impressive polyphonic results. In one test, we calculated over 2000 simultaneous saws! Now imagine all this through Access' award-winning filters, including MiniMoog cascade emulation; shaping raw, pulsating WaveTables; or insanely fat HyperSaws. With its upgraded features, the Virus has never done more or sounded better.

The Mod Matrix has also been expanded to 6 sources with 3 destinations each (18 routings total) for greater realtime control and patch programming freedom. The new Knob Quantize Mode syncs the effect of realtime or sequenced parameter changes to a preselected clock interval. Changes are updated on the selected pulse and held until the next, resulting in staggered parameter movements like those produced by a step sequencer.

New and existing Virus owners will love the addition of a programmable arpeggiator! Users can create and store their own rhythmic pattern in every patch.

Enhanced with new power and resources, Multi Mode now embeds 16 patches for self-contained sounds you can tweak and transform without overwriting your singles or affecting other Multi programs. Use it to build impressive layers, splits, or poly-arps for performance or recording. A mode for use with sequencers is also provided, emulating the classic Multi which loads sounds from within the single banks.

In either case, the complete sound engine is always available to each Multi part, including dedicated delay and separate reverb fx for all 16 sounds. In effect, the full VIRUS TI single modes is replicated 16 times!

Optimization from the Ground Up

Besides adding great convergence and synth engine features, Total Integration is built around a major hardware platform upgrade, sporting a complete redesign inside and out.

A large white graphic display shows multiple parameters at the same time which can be edited using 3 Soft Knobs. Keyboard models feature an illuminated logo on the I/O panel (it looks great, and even pulses in sync with the tempo for other musicians or the audience to enjoy).

Also added in the hardware, a Tap Tempo button helps live VIRUS musicians stay in sync with drummers and turntablists using a sophisticated algorithm based on Access' SyncXtreme technology.

How is it all possible?

Inside, a cutting edge Dual-DSP core delivers stellar performance with super-low latency. TI Polar also employs studio-grade converters with 192kHz/24-bit D/A. These are paired with +4dB balanced inputs and outputs and a switchable soft limiting algorithm, and accompanied by S/PDIF digital stereo output and input as well. The onboard USB port is compatible with USB 2 specifications and works with USB and Hi-Speed USB devices and peripherals. For easy access to all these new jacks, the entire I/O panel of the TI desktop model can be rotated 90 degrees so the interface is on the rear panel. The 4U Rack mounting kit is also included.

Last but certainly not least, the onboard memory has been drastically expanded: 512 RAM patches and 2048 (rewritable) ROM patches plus space for 16 self-contained Multi Mode programs described above. All these new numbers add up to one hell of a synthesizer.

Access Virus TI Polar Synth/Controller Features:

* 80-voice polyphony
* 36 oscillators per key including Wavetable and HyperSaw
* Per-patch programmable arpeggiator
* 16 x 2 delay/reverb effects
* High-powered controller of a host sequencer
* Appears in host as a multichannel VST/AU soft-synth
* 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity
* Editor and librarian functions
* Scalable USB link
* S/PDIF I/O
* MiniMoog cascade emulation
* Large graphic display
* Tap tempo
* Dual DSP core
* Super-low latency
* Studio-grade A/D/A converters

FREE Delivery & Best Price on the Access Virus TI Polar Here!

Fostex MR8HD 8-Track Digital Recorder

2005-12-19T03:22:00.000Z

The Fostex MR8HD 8-Track Digital Recorder with 40GB hard drive, is an excellent choice for those bedroom musicians that want to record their music quickly and easily, without the hassle of using a computer.

Fostex MR8HD - Lowest Price Guaranteed Here!

The Fostex MR8HD 8-Track Digital Recorder with 40GB Hard Drive records to an internal 40GB drive for more than 15 hours of 8-track digital recording at CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz). The simple and intuitive operation inherited from the MR-8 is enhanced by features like 4-track simultaneous recording, push-dial button for easy menu operation, full-track bouncing to a new song, and a USB Host function for external CD burning. Also has a USB port for stereo WAV file-transfer between the unit and a PC. Built-in digital effects including reverb and delay, and guitar amp and microphone simulations. Dedicated analog guitar distortion knob, S/PDIF digital out for digital mastering, and twin headphone outs give you added control and versatility.

Fostex MR8HD 8-Track Digital Recorder with 40GB Hard Drive Features:

* Internal, 40GB, 3.5" hard drive provides more than 15 hours of 8-track recording at 16-bit/44.1kHz
* Intuitive, simple control environment
* 128 x 64-dot LCD
* Full-track (8-track) bouncing to a new song
* Push-dial button for easy menu operation
* USB port for stereo WAV file-transfer between unit and PC
* Built-in digital effects including reverb, delay, and guitar amp and mic simulations
* Dedicated analog guitar distortion knob
* USB Host function for external CD burning
* S/PDIF digital out for digital mastering
* Twin headphone outs

The Fostex MR8HD represents outstanding value for all these features plus hard drive ease.

Fostex MR8HD - Lowest Price Guaranteed Here!

Fostex MR8HD Reviews Here!

PreSonus FIREBOX Review

2005-12-19T03:09:00.000Z

The PreSonus FIREBOX 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Recording System is an ideal choice of audio interface for anyone setting up their own bedroom studio. With its excellent quality preamps, you won't find a better way of getting your guitar, bass or vocals into your computer.

Tiny size--huge sound.

PreSonus FIREBOX Lowest Price Guaranteed, Free Delivery & the following free gifts - 1 - Konik Musician’s Friend Studio Clock
1 - Audio-Technica ATH-M30 Professional Monitor Headphones ($119.00 List Price!)
1 - IK Multimedia Amplitube Live ($129.00 List Price!) HERE!

The Firebox is a powerful 24-bit/96kHz FireWire recording interface that fits in the palm of your hand. It has 2 mic/instrument preamps with 48V phantom power conveniently located on the front panel. On the back you'll find 2 balanced TRS line inputs, 6 balanced TRS analog outs, MIDI I/O, and S/PDIF I/O. This Firebox allows recording and playback of 6 inputs and 8 outputs simultaneously. It also has a stereo headphone output and the main volume control on the front panel.

The Firebox is compatible with both Windows XP and Mac OS X and comes with Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track, 24-bit/96K recording software. It's also compatible with many popular ASIO/WDM and Core Audio based applications including Sonar, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Digital Performer, Premier, and many others.

PreSonus FIREBOX 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Recording System Features:

* 24-bit/96kHz FireWire recording interface
* 2 front panel inputs with preamps and 48V phantom power
* 2 balanced TRS line inputs
* 6 balanced TRS analog outs
* MIDI I/O
* S/PDIF I/O
* Recording and playback through 6 inputs and 8 outputs simultaneously
* Stereo headphone output
* Volume control
* Steinberg's Cubase LE
* Compatible with most ASIO/WDM and Core Audio based applications

The speed of FireWire in an extremely portable, yet highly functional, interface. Order yours today.

PreSonus FIREBOX Lowest Price Guaranteed, Free Delivery & the following free gifts - 1 - Konik Musician’s Friend Studio Clock
1 - Audio-Technica ATH-M30 Professional Monitor Headphones ($119.00 List Price!)
1 - IK Multimedia Amplitube Live ($129.00 List Price!) HERE!

PreSonus Firebox Reviews....

Yamaha DGX-505 Review

2005-12-19T02:55:00.000Z

The Yamaha DGX-505 is an ideal choice for the bedroom musician, who wants a quality selection of sounds as well as midi capabailities.

A fabulous keyboard to learn on.

Check out the Yamaha DGX-505 88-Key Portable Grand Digital Keyboard and Wood Grain Stand. The expanded WAVE ROM is loaded with Sweet!, Live!, and Cool! voices while the improved speaker system delivers powerful, resonant sound. A large LCD displays crystal-clear scores, lyrics, and graphics for every function. Advanced learning tools include a Your Tempo feature that monitors your performance and slows down difficult passages. The Performance Assistant lets anyone play music right away for instant gratification. The EZ Song Arranger instantly rearranges songs while the Yamaha Educational Suite's interactive lessons help you polish your skills fast. USB and MIDI connectors plus a one-touch PC button offer plug-and-play connectivity with your PC. Flash ROM memory plus a SmartMedia slot let you import and store new songs.

Yamaha DGX-505 88-Key Portable Grand Digital Keyboard and Wood Grain Stand Features:

* Expanded WAVE ROM is loaded with Sweet, Live, and Cool voices
* Improved speaker system
* Large bit-mapped LCD display
* Your Tempo feature monitors your performance and slows down difficult passages
* Performance Assistant lets anyone play music right away for instant gratification
* EZ Song Arranger instantly rearranges songs
* Yamaha Educational Suite's interactive lessons help you polish your skills fast
* USB and MIDI connectors
* One-touch PC button for plug-and-play connectivity with your PC
* Flash ROM memory plus a SmartMedia slot let you import and store new songs
* Woodgrain stand

Yamaha DGX-505 - Guaranteed Lowest Price Here!

Yamaha DGX-505 Reviews Here!

Akai MPC1000 Review

2005-12-19T02:29:00.000Z

Free shipping, and the lowest price guaranteed on the Akai MPC1000. The Akai MPC-1000 Production Center is a scaled-down, laptop-sized little brother in the renowned MPC series with all the primary features of its bigger MPC siblings. Functions as a portable complement to the MPC2000 and MPC4000 and is a powerful music production tool on its own. It has a friendly interface, easy-to-use MIDI sequencer/drum sampler, and velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive play. 2 separate effects processors plus a main-out processor can be used simultaneously. Also 2x2 pole filters per voice, 2 Q-link sliders for realtime control, and 16MB capacity expandable to 128MB. It saves/loads data to the included 32MB CompactFlash card and connects to computer via USB for drag-and-drop convenience. 2 MIDI in, 2 MIDI out.

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Akai MPC-1000 Production Center Features:

* 64-track MIDI sequencer
* 32-voice, 16-bit stereo sampler
* 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive rubber pads with 4 banks
* 2 simultaneous effects processors
* Realtime sliders and knobs
* 2 MIDI I/O
* 32 MIDI channels
* Backlit LCD
* 16MB onboard memory, expandable to 128MB with optional EXM128 RAM card
* USB port
* User-friendly MPC interface

Akai MPC1000 Production Center Specifications:

* GENERAL
* Display: 240x64-dot graphic LCD with back light
* Memory card slot: CompactFlash type 2 (32MB-2GB)
* Dimensions (WxHxD): 13" x 3" x 9"
* Weight: 7.6 lbs
* Power requirement: 19W

SOUND GENERATOR
* Sampling rate 44.1kHz
* Sampling capacity: 16MB standard (expandable to 128MB mono)
* Recording time: 136 seconds (16MB mono)
* Memory expansion slot: 144-pin for optional EXM128
* Data format: 16-bit linear
* Polyphony: 32
* Dynamic filtering: 2x2-pole filter per voice
* Filter type: Low pass, band pass, high pass
* Preset sound memory: 5MB

EFFECTS
* Effects: 2 stereo effects and master effect
* Effect types: Chorus, flanger, bit grunger, 4-band EQ, compressor, phaser, tremolo, flying pan, reverb
* Master effect types: 4-band EQ, compressor
* Number of programs: 24

SEQUENCER
* Maximum events: 100,000 notes
* Resolution: 96 parts per 1/4-note
* Sequences: 99
* Tracks per sequence: 64
* MIDI output channels: 32 (16 channels x 2 output ports)
* Song mode: 20 songs, 250 steps per song
* Drum pad banks: 4
* Sync mode: MIDI clock

INPUTS/OUTPUTS
* Record input (L and R): 1/4" stereo phone x 2, balanced -40dBu; input impedance 11kOhms; maximum input level +10dBu
* Digital input: RCA-pin x 1 S/PDIF
* Stereo output (L and R): 1/4" phone x 2 unbalanced +11dBu; output impedance 1kOhms; max. output level +17dBu
* Phones output: 1/4" stereo phone x 1; 200mW/32 ohms
* Digital output: RCA-pin x 1 S/PDIF
* MIDI inputs: 5-pin DIN x 2
* MIDI outputs: 5-pin DIN x 2
* USB: Slave connector x 1
* Footswitches: 1/4" phone x 2
* Standard accessories: 32MB CompactFlash card, power cable, operators manual
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Apple GarageBand Jam Pack Software

2005-12-17T04:18:00.000Z

The Jam Pack Software for Apple GarageBand has over 2000 Apple Loop and over 100 software instruments.

Apple Garage Jam Pack opens a new door of musical creativity with its diverse set of prerecorded loops, software instruments, and audio effects for iLife '04. Whether you're laying down tracks for your next hit single or creating your own dance party grooves, this expansion pack gives you thousands of new ways to enhance your music projects.

Features

Over 2000 Apple Loops in a Variety of Instruments and Genres Kick-start your next composition with a wide selection of prerecorded musical performances. It's like having your own backing band.

Over 100 Software Instruments
With a USB or MIDI keyboard, you can play and record using hundreds of additional instruments including a new grand piano, 12 string guitars, vibraphones, additional drum sets, new organs, electric pianos, synthesizers, and basses.

Over 100 audio effects presets
Sweeten, distort, and adjust individual sounds or entire tracks with even more preset mixing board effects to choose from.

15 New Guitar Amp Settings
New amp sounds, from clean bluesy rhythm tones to distorted grunge, and everything in between.

Technical Description

System Requirements

Installed copy of iLife '04

Macintosh computer with G3 600Mhz processor or higher to use Apple Loops (G4 or G5 required for software instruments)

256 MB of physical RAM

A DVD optical drive (such as a Combo drive or SuperDrive)

Mac OS X version 10.2.6 (Jaguar) or later

3 Gigabytes (GB) of free hard disk space

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