Tweak's Blog

2010-07-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

Kaossilator Pro Review
New ways to shape your sound
by TweakHeadz Lab

Korg Kaossilator Pro Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer
Announcing the KAOSSILATOR PRO - a supercharged version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR, reborn as a powerful track-making tool and loaded with live performance power.

What it is and Does

The Kaossilator is here at the lab, arrived Friday from zZounds, absolutely perfect new stock, already updated to OS1.2. I just finished a rough draft of a techno-ish piece using only the Kaossilator pro in logic and it went well. I've read all the documentation, formatted an SD card for storage, made up a bunch of loops as I went through the library of 200 patches.

Most of the patches appear to use Korg's virtual analog engine, though they never explicitly mention it in the docs. There are some PCM samples, like drums, brass and guitar hitz, that are documented as such. (See the program list in the manual). While, there is no mention of the sound generating engine anywhere, it sounds like a Virtual analog engine to me. There are leads, chords, pads, just dripping with character, and controlling them with a finger is a delight. You can set any program to any of 31 scales and many are truly exotic sounding. You can also turn off the scaling and you can be in the land of microtonality. You can have the touch screen control between 1 and 4 octaves or "all" which seems to be 7 octaves. At max range you can roll up or down an octave by rolling your finger. You can tap a melody, glide, zig zag or make quick jabs and quick smears for an animated lead.

You can also put the Kaossilator pro in "external" mode. This lets you play external instruments like a midi controller. it did great with my V-synth and with my Motif and with all the soft synths I tried. Anything that is a one voice solo synth works well. The Kaossilator does not send polyphony. Controlling drum kits is quite interesting. Korg's internal kits typically have 4 samples so making a pattern is not difficult with a little practice.

You can tweak exactly what controllers the Kaossilator will send in external mode. Make sure you download the free editor at one of the links below. So you can tailor the X-Y pad to your favorite synth. You can save and load settings from this editor, or to/from SD ram.

You can also record through a microphone/line inputs through the Kaossilator's onboard vocoders and effects patches. Yep you tweak the finger as you speak through the mic. While this vocoder is not going to rival the one on my Vsynth, its got its positive attributes. Yes you can record the vocoder in loop mode.

Read the rest of this article http://www.tweakheadz.com/reviews/kaossilator_pro_review.html

2010-06-03T00:40:00.001-07:00

Korg Radias-R Virtual Analog Synthesizer Rack

Based on Korg's cutting-edge MMT engine, this 24-voice synthesizer offers a variety of synthesis algorithms together with multiple effects, new comb filter and wave shaping features, modulation sequencing, as well as new formant-motion vocoding.

Tweak: Price was $999.00
Now 699.00

2010-04-23T04:16:00.000-07:00

Adam A7 Powered Nearfield Monitor

NEW Price: 74.56 less than Tuesday's price!

Learn about monitors

Lower Price! Focusrite ISA One Microphone Preamp

2010-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Roland MV8800 Production Studio

TWEAK: When I saw the price I had to look again. How much? $1,099. Read what our members say. Watch videos and get more specs from Roland This is for a NEW unit.

You can add a computer monitor and a mouse to give you a DAW like experience. The MV8800, like the MPC5000, is a sampler, multi track recorder, mixer and effects processor in one unit. Using the pads as triggers is great for making beats and doing all kinds of sample based music. If you have always wanted an MV--don't wait.

2010-03-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

Apple Logic Studio Music Production Software (Macintosh)

Logic goes 64 bit.

Apple just released Logic 9.1 via the software update process which is now can be run as a 64 bit application from inside Snow Leopard (Mac OSX 10.6). You can choose to run in 32 bit mode if you want, for compatibility with older soft synths and plugins. However, you can also run 32 bit plugins in 64 bit mode thanks to Logic's 32 bit Audio Unit Bridge, which launches automatically when you load songs using 32 bit plugins. This also allows you to start a song in 32 bit mode and once you have defined al the synths you want to use, then switch to 64 bit mode to take advantage of the faster processing. As a long term logic user I will only say--this is the best Logic yet!

2010-02-19T02:49:00.000-08:00

Review of the Tenori-ON
http://tweakheadz.com/reviews/tenori-on_review.htm
I don't get exited too often about a new synth these days. I've got plenty to play with now. Yet I keep looking for the next thing that is going to help me break, shatter, transmorgify the sound barriers. I think I have some new plans, now with my new Tenori-ON, the Orange version. I just went through the research process, so I know the questions you may have that you can't find answers to. I'm going to tell you all the answers.

2010-02-06T14:10:00.001-08:00

Microphones!

Do you need a Dynamic? Condenser? Ribbon?
For Vocals, Guitar Amps, Drums?
Learn the Answers
We have huge body of knowledge on Microphones here!
Read Tweak's Introduction to Studio Microphones. Check out theAMAZING forums on Mics. Check out Tweak's entertaining reviews of classic Mics! We have the Answers to every Mic question a new home studio enthusiast will have.

Each of these mIcs has a Sonic Signature. A studio professional can predict how each will sound on different sources. This is the basis for musing that an sm81 is good on acoustic guitars, an sm57 can do amps, the re20 can do a nice HH vocal. Then you try it and realize how much the choice of microphone affects the final recording.

2010-01-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Tweak: You NEED Better Sound than your Audio interface preamps can deliver? The Golden Age Pre-73 is worth your consideration.

Golden Age Pre-73 Microphone Preamplifier

The Pre73 provides a low cost alternative to microphone preamplification featuring a fully discrete signal path by utilizing separate transformers for the balanced mic input, the line input and the output. Similar to the circuit you would find in the Neve 1073 preamp/EQ with a remarkably similar output.

FIND OUT why Preamps are Important
LEARN why getting a low budget preamp can be a costly mistake.
Find out how to get better quality with an average preamp

READ Tweak's newly revised "How to Make Sense of the Mic Preamp Jungle" before you buy ANYTHING!

Take/View the latest Mic preamp POLL 250-$399

2009-12-30T01:44:00.000-08:00

The Korg M50 has a Touch screen. The Fantom and Motif do not. There is a blemished unit under 9 bills. New ones go for $1099.00. Both are great deals.

Korg M50-61 61-Key Synth Workstation

Tips on Buying a MIDI Keyboard
Some Key Issues (ouch!) for first time Buyers
Fortunately, there is such a wealth of keyboards, new and used, available now you don't have to break the bank to get something that will fit a working person's budget. Yet at the same time you should not settle for anything here. A keyboard is something that ideally, grows with you as your primary axe, much as guitarists develop a long lasting relationship with their instruments.

The Korg M50 is a low cost alternative to hi-priced workstations. Hi end features abound like the Touch screen.
You should take time to find one you really like. One that sends a signal to the brain, when you play, that says "ahh cool". Yet, simply buying a top of the line Kurzweil, Fantom or Triton is not necessarily going to turn out great music. There are so many ways to get quality sounds in the mix these days, with soft synths and soft samplers, having a great sounding keyboard is not an absolute requirement.
Browse Keyboard by Size in Tweak's Keyboard Showroom
What is a requirement is that the keyboard actually works. You press a key and a note on event is sent over MIDI. Be careful buying a used keyboard. Test it. Make sure all the keys work evenly. Lots of old synths with have a note or two that is temperamental. If one note is significant louder/softer than all the rest, pass on it. Beware of buying synths in online auctions. Old synths dofail. Their internal rom batteries die, displays flicker and go out or just get dim. Unlike wines and vintage guitars and violins, synths do not get better with age. Like your car, they are only more likely to fail with age.

Read the rest

http://www.tweakheadz.com/tips_on_buying_a_keyboard.html

2009-12-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Tweak is learning Pro Tools 8.1. New article started. Getting into Pro Tools 8.1

Excerpt

On the whole, I am liking the way PTLE is handling plugins, but if their is a weak point in any recording system, its when you add trailer park variety 3rd party plugins. I'm probably going to weed out my Digidesign plugin directory. Pro Tools LEhas class as a sequencer. Unlike Cubase, it has a sensible menu system that most computer users will understand intuitively. Unlike Sonar, the windows move with grace and there is not a sense of visual clutter. And for Logic, well, I see where Logic got a lot of its ideas for features in its editors. And I see Pro Tools has what i thought were Logic features. Not sure who is borrowing from who, but there are lots of commonalities.

Read the Rest!

You can get into Pro Tools for under $300

Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini USB Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)

Meet Mbox 2 Mini the worlds smallest, most affordable Pro Tools LE recording, editing, and mixing system ever. Whether youre a singer/songwriter whos new to recording or a seasoned pro on the go, Mbox 2 Mini packs professional features into a robust, ultra compact, easy-to-use audio workstation to record and mix music wherever your inspiration takes you. And with its diminutive size, Mbox 2 Mini literally puts the power of Pro Tools in the palm of your hand.

2009-12-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

Session Pro Bundle contents:
1 x AKG C214 Stereo Set Matched Pair w/Shockmounts and Case
1 x RODE NT5 Matched Pair of Condenser Mics w/Case
1 x M-Audio Studiophile BX8a Deluxe Studio Monitors (Pair)
1 x Stoppit Microphone Pop Filter/Popper Stopper
1 x On Stage 7701B Tripod Boom Mic Stand
1 x Audio Technica ATHM40FS Precision Monitor Headphones
1 x Hosa CSS410 Dual Heavy Duty TRS Cable (10 Foot)
1 x On Stage SMS6000 Adjustable Monitor Stands (Pair)
1 x CBI MLC20 Mic Cable (20 Foot)
Choose "New, With Session Pro Bundle."

New Article on Windows 7

2009-12-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

Should you upgrade?
My answer is simple. Yes! IF! Especially if you are new and building your first system. Don't bother with the old Windows OS. Just make sure all the gear you acquire is also new and has Win 7 drivers. For the rest of us, the answer changes. The real question is probably not IF but When should you upgrade. The fact is that not all the drivers are ready. Manufacturers that intend to update their products may not have done so. I doubt the situation becomes much better quickly, though its evident that the big players are getting onboard. After all, we are in a recession.

Read the rest:

http://tweakheadz.com/windows7.htm

Sonar 8.5 Producer on the way to the Lab

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Look for a review of Sonar 8.5 Producer coming soon. I'll be running it under Windows 7, which is a fantastic OS for Windows.

TweakHeadz Lab MOBILE is operating

2009-12-18T14:03:00.001-08:00

Designed explicitly for smartphones.

http://mobile.tweakheadz.com/

Major features.

1. RSS feed from forums
2. Gear search engine tailored for shopping on the go
3. Select guide articles
4. Fast Link index to major articles
5. Cool Items The Best deals I can find a zZounds

2009-12-17T03:30:00.000-08:00

Tweak from TweakHeadz Lab wishes you happy holidays! Check out my page on holiday gifts. Don't forget to get a gift for the studio too! If you are interested in putting together a hiome recording studio TweakHeadz Lab is the place to be! My goal is to give you the best online resource for home studios in the world. Check out Tweak's Guide, which has around 80 online classes to teach you what you need to know. Look at some suggestions for building your studio rig (total system). There is so much more, like reviews by the ton. We have Tweak's forums with nearly a half million posts, which contains a place where you can have your songs reviewed for free.

There is never any pressure to buy anything. Though the forum operates as an affiliate for zZounds.

Low cost Firewire Rig

Presonus Firestudio Mobile (includes Cubase LE4)
Mackie MR5 Reference Monitor
Studio Projects B1 Microphone
Emu Xboard 25 key Controller
Sonar Home Studio (PC) On the Mac use GarageBand orLogic Express
Add your computer and your talent and make a masterpiece.

Tweak's Blog

Kaossilator Pro ReviewNew ways to shape your soundby TweakHeadz LabKorg Kaossilator Pro Dynamic Phrase SynthesizerAnnouncing the KAOSSILATOR PRO - a supercharged version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR, reborn as a powerful track-making tool and loaded with live performance power.

Kaossilator Pro Review

New ways to shape your sound

by TweakHeadz Lab

What it is and Does

Review of the Tenori-ON

http://tweakheadz.com/reviews/tenori-on_review.htm