Showing posts with label mac. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mac. Show all posts

7/07/2012

Edirol FA-66 6 x 6 FireWire Audio Interface Review

Edirol FA-66 6 x 6 FireWire Audio Interface
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using this product for about a year now and it has some real strengths in terms of audio fidelity and everything being in the one unit. I shared some of the difficulties of the last user initially, using a Dell Inspiron 8600, but was able to resolve them. The FA-66 can be resource fussy - not much extra needs to be going on with the computer before there is skipping. Maxing out the buffer fixes this, but this is devastating in terms of latency. The Windows that ships with Dells is less customisable than plain-vanilla Windows, and does have lots of things running in the background. I eventually identified that the anti-virus software was launching a separate app to check for updates (every 10 minutes!) and that this was causing skipping. Audio programs themselves - despite being resource intensive - don't seem to cause the problem. Once I disabled this app everything was good and I could operate at latencies of about 4ms without any problems.
There are a lot of good external units out there of which this is one. It really comes down to what you want and what software is packaged with the unit. 192KHz is overkill since consumer products like these have too much DAC jitter for this to be relevant. 96KHz is probably pushing it. But for straight-forward home or field recording where you don't want to bother with a mixer or a separate midi box, this is hard to look past. The inclusion of an analogue limiter sets it apart from offerings from M-Audio and the like, it is solidly built and having phantom power is very handy.
November 2007 Update - I've been using this with a MacBook Pro for a year now and its a dream. My recent purchase of Apple Logic Studio completes a really solid set up, exposing me to the harsh reality that any remaining limitations are user-based.

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6 x 6 FireWire Audio Interface

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6/13/2012

Line 6 POD Studio KB37 Review

Line 6 POD Studio KB37
Average Reviews:

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I'm new to creating music on a computer, and my research, along with tons of positive reviews from others, led me to the POD Studio KB37 as a good all-purpose starting point. In terms of flexibility, this package is very hard to beat. The built-in inputs and mic preamps let you record just about anything, from guitar/bass and other electric instruments to vocals and acoustic instruments (using your own mic, of course). For these uses alone, the KB37 is a great way to get sound into your computer with minimum headaches. Simply connect the KB37 to your computer with a single USB cable. It's USB-powered, so you don't even have to plug it into a power outlet.
The hardware's MIDI keyboard and control surface open up a whole new dimension. They allow you to add keyboard parts and adjust some software parameters via real-world knobs and buttons; this is much faster than clicking and dragging onscreen "virtual" controls.
The included software package reveals the KB37's full potential, transforming an otherwise great product into an incredible bargain. Sure, the Reason Adapted (synth, sampler, sequencer, and effects) and Ableton Live (multitrack recording) software are the "lite" versions of these programs, but even so, they're very versatile and powerful. If you're fairly new to DAW software, trust me, even the lite version of Reason is pretty incredible -- you'll get a lot of use out of it. It includes tons of sampled real-world instruments, fully functional and tweakable soft synths, drum machine, sequencer, effects, and a lot more. It takes quite a while to explore its impressive capabilities. Once you do, you'll know whether you want to upgrade to the full version, which is available at a discounted price. But again, the lite verion will be plenty for many users.
Finally, you get Line 6's POD Farm software, which gives you an arsenal of stompbox and rack effects for guitar, bass, vocals, and just about anything else. On top of that, it includes amp, cab, and mic preamp modeling. You get everything that most guitar multi-effects units provide and then some. Because it runs on your computer, naming and saving patches is quicker and easier than stand-alone multi-effects units, and you can save as many custom patches as you like. And, unlike stand-alone units, POD Farm is expandable. Line 6 claims that the KB37 allows you to monitor your tone, complete with effects, without a latency problem (a lag between playing a note and hearing the output). This is not an empty promise. On my modest laptop, which runs Windows Vista on an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz) with 3GB of RAM, I experience zero latency problems.
All told, for the price of one guitar multi-effects unit, you get everything you need to start a home studio. If you're a full-time keyboard player, this package probably isn't aimed at you. As its name suggests, the KB37's keyboard has only 37 keys. So, there are probably better MIDI keyboard controllers out there for you. Plus, as a keyboard specialist, you'd most likely want a full version of whatever synth software you prefer. On the other hand, if you play guitar or bass and you want all the building blocks for tweaking your tone, adding vocals, effects, *and* getting your feet wet with powerful synths, sampling, and multitrack recording, here it is for a laughably low price.


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POD Studio KB37 combines the stunning sound of POD Farm' plug-in with a powerful and versatile USB interface and 37-key MIDI controller. Essential to the success of countless platinum-selling albums, these immortal Line 6 guitar, bass and effects tones are now available for recording guitarists. POD Farm, The Premium Tone Plug-inPOD Farm plug-in features the sounds of the sought-after vintage essentials and must-have modern monsters necessary for a pro-sounding recording. It includes 18 immortal guitar amps Models,24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps and 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox and studio effects. Drag and drop models into the signal flow, pre or post amplifier. The carousel-style gear browser, displaying each and every coveted model Plus, get your free FX Junkie model pack and add 35 more effect models including synths, filters, delays, and more to POD Farm!KB37, the Lowest Noise for the Clearest RecordingsKB37 boasts the lowest noise for recording guitar, 12dB more dynamic range than similar interfaces, for clear and dynamic recordings. Plus, exclusive Line 6 ToneDirect' monitoring virtually eliminates latency allowing you to record with amp and effect modeling and without sacrificing tone or feel.Half rock-solid guitar interface, half feature-packed MIDI controller, KB37 is as versatile as it is powerful. It features 37 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, a pitch bend wheel, octave up/down buttons and a set of software-assignable controls.Start Recording Right Out of the BoxPOD Studio KB37 includes POD Farm plug-in, Ableton Live Lite Line 6 Studio Edition 16-track recording software ideal for guitarists, and award-winning Reason Adapted production software featuring a sought-after sequencer and tons of stunningly lifelike instruments. This collection of studio-standard hardware and software provides instant pro recording, right out of the box.

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5/26/2012

Pro Tools Mbox Mini (3rd gen) Review

Pro Tools Mbox  Mini (3rd gen)
Average Reviews:

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First let me say, I have no idea what the other guy is talking about. I just got my Mbox Mini the other day and had zero issues installing the program.
As for using the Pro Tools, it can do everything and sets the standard. I wish it came with more plug-ins, but those that are included cover all aspects of sound production. I was surprised to see a trimmed-down Guitar Rig 4 plug-in included.
While the learning curve for Pro Tools is steep, once you get the hang of it, there isn't anything it - and you, can't do!

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Professional around the world have long been using Pro Tools recording systems to create award-winning music and sound for film and TV.Now you can get the same professional results in your personal studio with Pro Tools Mbox Mini - a complete, integratd, computer-based music creation and production system.The ultra-portable Pro Tools Mbox Mini features everything you need to easily compose, record, edit, and mix music-including studio-standard Pro Tools LE software.You get over 70 stunning effects and virtual instrutments, plus other tools and features to help you create music quickly and easily.Mbox Mini also delivers premium sound quality, plus rock-solid compatibility with nearly every popular audio recording application.

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3/30/2012

Logic Studio Retail Review

Logic Studio Retail
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I use to use Logic Pro back in the day of Atari Falcon and STE1080. then i went to PC and used Logic 4.7. Though i never used the audio with it back then due to the instability of the product. It was easier to use a Mackie HDR 24/96 with midi clock to sync.
Before obtaining Logic Studio i was using Ableton Live versions 5,6,7 and now 8. The reason i bring this up is that i am now back to Logic Studio Pro on a MacPro 8 Core. The major reason for this change back to Logic was for 3 main reasons that blow away Ableton 8:
* Midi control for external and internal instruments
* Clean, Tight, Dynamic Headroom, clarity of sound. Audio Engine is far better then Ableton even at 44.1 (though i use 96k)
* for the price and what you get, this software is incredible!
The new features of Logic Studio 9 is the Flex and Guitar suite. Though i have not been impressed with the flex (perhaps because i am not sure how to use it correctly yet) the Guitar suite is AMAZING. I have owned a Line 6 pro and a Line 6 bass pro and this Guitar Suite is amazing if you run it under 96k.
The Logic Pedal board has a great slew of guitar stomp pedals that sound amazing and better then most other emulations i have heard. the distortions are warm and tube like, unlike more software emulations i have heard. it rips just right even with a guitar straight into the A/D and processed by Logic. They have a Tape Delay that emulates the Roland 201 tape echo or EHX Memory Man Deluxe and it sounds sweet and mixes very well.
The automation features are tight and crisp as well. Though it takes a bit more time to get setup on Logic for controller setup then Ableton, it is tight once you get it there.
User friendliness is not as good as Ableton but then you are getting a more PRO engine then Ableton has thus been able to deliver. In Ableton it seems the 'warp marker' technology seems to 'fuzzy' then audio in such a degree that the clarity is not tight. the dynamic headroom and stereo separation is not there. I was wondering if i was loosing my mind, but it is not the A/D Presonus firepod it was the engine of the Ableton 8. Once on Logic Studio 9, the clarity and tightness of the mix returned. This proving this engine is far superior to Ableton for a studio mix.
NOTE: if you can handle the disk space and processing power required to run 96k, do it. It will tighten your mixes amazingly.
Should you buy this? here is my suggestion:
If you run a Mac it is worth the cost. for what you get for such a pro engine and features and plug-ins this blows away the competition. At now version 9.0.2, the system on Snow Leopard is stable. very stable. It runs cleaner and crisp on snow leopard with the 64bit processing. It utilizes all the cores effectively as well. With the new imac @ 4 cores, it really could be a mini pro monster for recording.
If you own a PC, you can't use Logic, so you have to consider Sonar, Cubase, Ableton, ProTools.
I have not tried protools due to the cost of upgrades and truly to use it as tight as the industry standard, it takes a year for upgrades to happen after a new OS and the cost is outrageous compared to Logic.
I have not tried Sonar. I have used Cubase. the engine is clean though cumbersome to use.
Hope this is helpful.

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With over 200 new features and enhancements, the new Logic Studio delivers everything musicians need to write, record, produce, and perform on a Mac. The center of Logic Studio is Logic Pro 9, which makes it easier than ever to create your own compositions. Produce and play nearly any sound imaginable with a huge collection of effects, instruments, and loops, including the new Amp Designer and Pedalboard plug-ins. Use MainStage 2 to perform live with the instruments, amps, effects, and sounds you used to make your tracks. Logic Studio also comes with applications and utilities that expand your creative options into audio post-production and mastering, including Soundtrack Pro 3, WaveBurner 1.6, and more.

Logic Studio. A studio on your Mac as big as your ambitions.

Top Features New Pedalboard with an assortment of 30 virtual stompbox pedals inspired by the classics.

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3/10/2012

Apogee Duet - Audio input adapter - IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Review

Apogee Duet - Audio input adapter - IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought the Duet to use with my Aluminum iMac and Logic Studio 8 and have had zero problems with the unit. The interface is very streamlined so you have to get used to using a single, multi-function knob for everything. The quality of conversion between analog and digital is head and shoulders above anything else near this price level. It sounds as good as units costing 3 times as much due to the designers' emphasis on quality sound. To get the high quality conversion at this price you are limited to the line outputs and headphone output levels being permanently linked. Some people find this a drawback, so be aware before you buy if this feature is something that is a deal breaker for you.
The small form factor is nice because as anyone with a home studio can attest to, space is not a luxury we have. I didn't pick this for its portability but as it is the size of a paperback book I can imagine it being very easy to tote around with a macbook/pro.
The included Maestro management software is straightforward and lets you set the unit up in seconds with a very easy to understand user interface. Configuring my iMac to use this as the audio input and output took less than a minute from reading the instructions. Making Logic label its mixer to match is equally simple. One thing I found convenient is how OSX lets you still use the iMac's built in speakers for the system alerts so that an error message gong sound isn't sent out through your 100watt studio monitors. You can set the output level of the system alerts separate from the duet's outputs.
The breakout cable is securely attached and the plugs are labeled with big, clear markings so changing hook-ups is easy. It has phantom power if your mics require it, which is set using Maestro.
Most audio interfaces in this price range try to win you over with more I/O channels or other add-ons instead of making the best sound conversion. They trade quality for quantity with predictable results. Apogee decided on doing a simple 2 channel interface, a single physical control and top shelf A/D/A converters so the result is the best 2 channels you can get. When you want more channels without sacrificing quality then you can step up to their Ensemble line.

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The Duet is a two-channel FireWire audio interface that features the amazing sound quality that made Apogee Electronics famous. With control functions built directly into Apple's Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand software, Duet empowers you to create professional recordings effortlessly on your Mac.With Duet, you can plug in guitars, keyboards, and microphones to record your music, or simply experience how much better your favorite tracks in iTunes sound. Duet is compact and powered by FireWire, so you can pack up your studio and go anywhere your music takes you.Its dual, 1/4" high impedance inputs allow you to combine and record your two favorite instruments, whether it be two guitars, one bass, one guitar, etc., simultaneously using your favorite Core Audio-compatible application. You can also capture vocals with two microphone inputs that have phantom power and 75dB of gain. Whether you're noodling out new ideas, completing a personal tune, documenting a podcast, or recording a live performance, your new little buddy can handle it. The flexible breakout cables come with icons to make it easy to know what goes where, keeping everything in order, out of the way, and properly connected for maximum input and output, with minimal mess. Duet's bus-powered FireWire interface frees you from the traditional four-wall studio setting. So grab your laptop, find a spot where inspiration takes you, whether it's in the solace of a park or in the echoey confines of a subway tunnel, turn it on, and start doing your thing.If you don't have Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Garageband, don't panic. Apogee's includes it's own Downloadable Maestro software, so you'll still be able to work with any Core Audio-compatible application. Maestro allows you to turn the Duet's multifunction control knob into a one-click manager.

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2/20/2012

Gio Review

Gio
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(More customer reviews)
Decided to add a GiO to my (Apogee Ensemble-based) system for controlling guitar effects in Logic Studio. It works perfectly, and as a guitar player I love having a pedalboard that integrates seamlessly with my new virtual amp and stompbox rigs! The color-coded LEDs are a nice touch, and I've really come to rely on them for at-a-glance operation while writing and recording. Clever design. I've also run the GiO as a primary interface using the guitar input and headphone output - which is absolutely great - perfect for a portable setup on a MacBook Pro. How they pull off all of that low-noise, high-res audio I/O running off USB power is amazing. You simply can't go wrong with this latest Apogee stuff - the folks in Santa Monica are certainly "using the old noodle" and coming up with some innovative and well-executed products - well done!

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The Apogee GiO is the complete guitar interface for Apple's Logic Studio 9, MainStage 2 and GarageBand '09. Combining effects control, recording functions and amazing sound quality, the GiO delivers total access to incredible sounding guitar amps and effects in a single foot controller and audio interface.Designed to work with the Apple Logic Studio 9 and MainStage 2, GiO allows guitar players to control recording functions, preset changes and plug-ins like Amp Designer and Pedalboard, along with Playback and Loopback features in MainStage. With GarageBand '09, Apogee GiO is truly plug-and-play pedal and lets users quickly connect their guitar, select and control built-in amps and stompboxes, and record.Stomp on it. Effects control without the mouse.Find your sound without going back and forth from your guitar to your Mac. With GiO, you can audition effects presets in GarageBand, Logic, and MainStage, and turn effects on and off while playing or recording . . . all without touching your keyboard.Hands-free recording. Apogee GiO frees you from key-command recording allowing you to concentrate on your performance and not the space bar. The five transport buttons on GiO let you record, play, stop and quickly navigate through your track without taking your hands off the neck of your guitar."Next" preset please. Previous and Next preset select buttons let you quickly audition and toggle between guitar amps and effects presets in Logic and GarageBand and the patch lists in MainStage.Instrument inputGiO's ¼" instrument input features Apogee's world-class instrument preamp and converters. Hear and record your guitar's true tone straight into Apple's GarageBand, Logic and MainStage without compromise. The Apogee GiO is optimized for all pickup configurations from the most basic single coil to sophisticated active electronics setups.MIDI Expression pedal inputGiO's Expression control pedal input allows access to traditional effects like wah-wah, and volume. Also, contr

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2/14/2012

Apogee ONE USB Interface with Microphone Review

Apogee ONE USB Interface with Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm a new MacPro owner and bought the Apogee One so that I could plug in my guitar and use Garageband. I did a bunch of research on the different interfaces and picked the "One" because of the reviews and the price. I'm certainly not disappointed.This thing works way better than I expected. It is sleek, low profile, simple to hook up and sounds great. I was kind of worried that I read USB connections had more issues with latency than Firewire. That is certainly not the case here. I can detect ZERO latency. I plugged my Bose computer speakers into the One's headphone jack and my guitar sounds great. And it works great with the Mac and Garageband.
Anyway, I could ramble on but need to get back to practice.Excellent product. Thank you Apogee!

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ONE is powered by a USB connection to your Mac and offers 24 bit audio at sample rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for pristine sound quality. With a footprint slightly larger than an iPhone, ONE's compact size is travel friendly, allowing you to record and perform professionally any place your music takes you.There's a Mic Inside:Tuned Aperture Microphone TechnologyUnlike any interface in its class, ONE features an internal reference condenser microphone that has been fine-tuned by professional recording engineers to create Apogee's Tuned Aperture Microphone technology. ONE with its tuned aperture microphone and fitted with the optional custom mic mount is the ultimate portable recording solution for quickly capturing musical ideas, recording high quality demos, rehearsals, podcasts, lectures, interviews, voice-overs and more.Choose your Mic: World-Class Mic Pre inputFor those who prefer the sound of their favorite microphone, ONE features a worldclass microphone preamp with phantom power and a gain range of +10 to 65 dB. Based on the award winning mic preamps in Apogee's Ensemble and Duet, ONE's preamp is digitally controlled by the encoder knob. Level can also be set from within Apogee's Maestro, or your Mac's Sound and Audio MIDI Setup control panels.Guitar, Bass and Keyboards: Instrument InputsPlug-in and play is made easy with ONE's instrument input. Perfect for guitar, bass, and keyboard, ONE's instrument input has extremely low noise and a transparent signal path making it the ideal solution for recording or performing live with your Mac.Headphones or Speakers: Studio Quality Stereo OutputHear your recordings in their truest form and rediscover your iTunes library with ONE's studio quality stereo output. Controlled by the encoder knob, the output of ONE is supplied by the 1/8" jack on the front allowing connection to either headphones or powered speakers.ONE Touch Control: The multifunction encoder knobAll...

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