Some more cool gear from Musikmesse. SM Pro Audio has released 3 pieces of hardware able to host VST’s. Much like Muse’s Receptor only in smaller packages. The most interesting to me is the V-pedal:
The V-Pedal has been specifically designed for guitarists wanting to take the best guitar plug-ins (and more) out on the road in a rock-solid ‘all in one’ hardware unit. With mic/line inputs, programmable stomp switches and rotary encoders, TFT display, expression pedal, and a host of other features, the V-Pedal gives guitarists something they have never had before. The freedom to develop unique sounds from the thousands of available VST plug-ins. It’s no secret that some of the very best guitar tones and effects are now being created from within computer software plug-ins. The V-Pedal gives guitarists access to these and many more sound options in a dedicated floor stomp box. Built like a tank, simple to use, and with unheard of sonic flexibility, the V-Pedal rocks like no other.
Audio equipment of all stripes needs more blind testing. Every blind test I see brings surprising results. If it is done by industry people they just can’t believe something without the big reputation or big price tag is so good. And I not just talking about audio equipment. Most anything blind tested has surprises. Sometimes the big name big ticket is the best but often it is not. It really has saved me money and gotten me better products in the past.
I am very interested in blind testing of software versus their hardware equivalents. Maybe not even does this virtual Moog sound like the real thing. But can you tell which is which or which sounds better, etc. Which is analog hardware, digital hardware & which is software. I don’t think I am biased either way I just am interested.
I am going to look for lists of audio related blind test and if i can’t find ‘em make my own both on and off line(magazines, etc.) If I can’t find a comprehensive list I will try to make one. Anyone that can wend me links it would be much appreciated.
Last year In_Rainbows got so much publicity last. Well Radiohead I got news. NIN is cooler than you.
The case for NIN being the leader of a new music industry model keeps mounting. The Saul Williams Album The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Niggy Tardust free for the first 100,000 & now presumable passed that number only $5. Then the Remix Album & Site allowing anyone to remix and upload material easily. And mix in a plethora of very anti-big music statement.
As of yesterday Nine Inch Nails instrumental album Ghost I-IV is available after some tecnological problem(which I can sympathize with lately.) The is no less than 5 choice of how you would like it. $10 for 2-CD’s set to ship April 8th(can do a download now), a deluxe edition of Ghosts I-IV in a hardcover fabric slipcase containing: 2 audio CDs, 1 data DVD with all 36 tracks in multi-track format, and a Blu-ray disc with Ghosts I-IV in high-definition 96/24 stereo and accompanying slideshow for $75 dollar, for $300 you could have got a Ultra Deluxe Limited Edition Package but the have sold the 2500 copies.
There are two download options. The first 9 tracks free in DRM free mp3 of the whole .pdf art work. Or for the reasonable sum of $5 download the whole 36 tracks and art work. The download choices are 320kbs mp3, FLAC, or Apple lossless. IMHO they got it right. Options, Artwork & a Sample. You can not go wrong. Myself & others suggested should be done after In_Rainbows.
If you are not a NIN fan or instrumental fan or whatever but are a gear head you should check out the .pdf artwork that comes with the download. It doesn’t really matter what kind of gear porn you are into there are intimate phots of it. Vintage amp, boutique pedals, pile o’ spaghetti patch cord modular madness, etc. It is all there. Death by Audio couldn’t ask for better product placement.
Livid Has this new fancy controller that comes in two flavors wood which I like(pictured) and metal. The surface is loaded this lots of controls as you can see so it can do all those things that you can do with lots of controls.
From the site:
Real-time MIDI Performance Instrument
BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE
Ohm is the innovative new MIDI control surface from Livid Instruments. Custom designed for real-time audio and video performance, Ohm gives you expressive hands-on control of sound, video, and images. This top-quality MIDI instrument is backlit for use in any environment, and comes in rugged rackmount metal or handcrafted mahogany.
COMPLETE CONTROL
Ohm provides both MIDI out and USB connectivity and has the controls you need for any MIDI compatible software. Ohm has a wide range of audio and video control capabilities. The control layout was not only designed as the most comprehensive controller for VJ software, but was inspired by some of the most innovative and popular audio software programs that have revolutionized the way music is created and controlled. Ohm users will find it to be highly intuitive and adaptable to music generation with programs like Ableton Live®, and FL Studio®. Ohm also makes an ideal companion for hardware such as analog synthesizers, video mixers, DJ software, lighting equipment, and other musical instruments. tech specs >>
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
An expressive performance instrument with exceptional looks, Ohm will inspire your imagination. Ohm’s LED backlit controls feature a thirty-six button clip bank, onboard function controls, effect mute buttons, BPM tap, high-quality faders and knobs, and a DJ-style crossfader. This comprehensive control array feels solid and smooth, a tactile environment designed for confident creativity. Livid’s two-handed layout with a center button array is ergonomically designed for multichannel performance.
SOFTWARE INCLUDED
Ohm includes a free, fully functional copy of the all-new Livid Union 2.5 VJ software, completely integrated to match the controls of the instrument. Union and Ohm bridge the hardware and software performance gap, creating the ultimate all-in-one VJ performance package. Audio applications are also included: Ableton Live® Demo, FL Studio® demo, and AMG One® Demo.
I found a good article on small room acoustics from GCM Recording Studio. I know must don’t have the means or room for a professional studio in your home. There are some good point in this article that we all can use. The is some good sceincy explanation of the why also. Which I always like.
I just discovered C64 Music. It been around a few years and I wish I had heard of it sooner. If you like or have any interest in 8 bit music, SID chip or geek retro computing you must check it out. The is so much cool stuff.
Somehow I have missed these but Source Audio have cool effects. If you have missed them too you might want to check them out. Motion control is cool but combine with wireless operation makes them even cooler.
The drum buddy is one of the coolest strangest pieces of gear every. One will be up for auction from FRESHKILLS over Marti Gras. We you have several thousand dollars you need to get rid of make a bid.
NIN is Cooler Than You or Options, Artwork & a Sample
Last year In_Rainbows got so much publicity last. Well Radiohead I got news. NIN is cooler than you.
The case for NIN being the leader of a new music industry model keeps mounting. The Saul Williams Album The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Niggy Tardust free for the first 100,000 & now presumable passed that number only $5. Then the Remix Album & Site allowing anyone to remix and upload material easily. And mix in a plethora of very anti-big music statement.
As of yesterday Nine Inch Nails instrumental album Ghost I-IV is available after some tecnological problem(which I can sympathize with lately.) The is no less than 5 choice of how you would like it. $10 for 2-CD’s set to ship April 8th(can do a download now), a deluxe edition of Ghosts I-IV in a hardcover fabric slipcase containing: 2 audio CDs, 1 data DVD with all 36 tracks in multi-track format, and a Blu-ray disc with Ghosts I-IV in high-definition 96/24 stereo and accompanying slideshow for $75 dollar, for $300 you could have got a Ultra Deluxe Limited Edition Package but the have sold the 2500 copies.
There are two download options. The first 9 tracks free in DRM free mp3 of the whole .pdf art work. Or for the reasonable sum of $5 download the whole 36 tracks and art work. The download choices are 320kbs mp3, FLAC, or Apple lossless. IMHO they got it right. Options, Artwork & a Sample. You can not go wrong. Myself & others suggested should be done after In_Rainbows.
If you are not a NIN fan or instrumental fan or whatever but are a gear head you should check out the .pdf artwork that comes with the download. It doesn’t really matter what kind of gear porn you are into there are intimate phots of it. Vintage amp, boutique pedals, pile o’ spaghetti patch cord modular madness, etc. It is all there. Death by Audio couldn’t ask for better product placement.