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.

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.

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

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.

61-Key Synthesizers 76-Key Synthesizers 88-Key Synthesizers Compact Synthesizers Digital Pianos Personal Keyboards Keyboard Controllers 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

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.

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

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