Showing posts with label podcasting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcasting. Show all posts

6/26/2012

Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB Review

Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been looking for a mixer for my home studio. I use it to produce audio programming for a radio station.
I checked several others along with this. I heard good reviews on Mackie products. I have seen them in action and I believe they are quite good. However, after a comparison, the Behringer is of equal quality with more features for a lower price. I would highly recommend this to anyone needing to mix several aux sources along with microphones.

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The X1622USB features four XENYX-fueled mic inputs with channel Inserts, "one knob" compressors and 3-band British-style EQs with a sweepable, semi-parametric mid frequency band. The four stereo line-level channels offer enhanced fine-tuning via 4-band EQ, which is extremely handy for adjusting critical keyboard midrange frequencies. Aux 1 Sends are switchable (pre- or post-fader) and individual channels can be assigned to two subgroups for mixing flexibility.

XENYX USB Series Mixers XENYX USB Series mixers are designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, XENYX USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high-performance home recording studio.
Sonically Superior Mic Preamps All XENYX mixers have one thing in common--great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology--and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren't looking.
Sublimely Musical British EQ The British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll--without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
One-Knob Compression Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous--dynamic compression. What is compression? We're glad you asked. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our "one-knob" compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class--but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.
Effective FX All XENYX USB Series mixers (except the 1204USB) feature our new 24-bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio-grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the Parameter control. Time-based functions can be entered manually by pressing the Tap button in tempo with the music.
Recording Bliss There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio--and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive.
Software Included Because you'll want to take full advantage of the XENYX USB Series mixers' recording and podcasting potential, Behringer has thrown in a massive software package that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.
energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition Included When you're ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software's energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or Web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, plus a built-in synthesizer/sampler and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as our UMA25S) or programmed in step-write mode.
What's in the Box Behringer 1622FX Mixer, Power Cable, User's Manual, Software CDs, Rack Mount Brackets

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6/08/2012

Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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This microphone is terrific. I'm a classically trained vocalist, and I recently recorded an entire demo album using the C1 (with the Edirol UA-5 as a preamp). The microphone captured a warm, true, and vibrant sound right out of the box, and its dynamic response was excellent. In fact, I was so pleased with the raw sound that I left it entirely untouched in the mixing process. While this unit's price is extremely reasonable, this is not a great microphone "for the price"; it's simply a great microphone that happens to be priced affordably.

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The Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is a versatile, well-proven and award winning tool, designed to deliver the finest quality vocal and instrumental recordings. It will enhance any professional or project studio at an unbelievably low price. This large diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone employs a 1.06 inch (27mm) capsule, high quality, low noise amplifier and balanced, transformerless output circuitry. The C1 also features a pad that is switchable at -10dB and -20dB as well as a 6dB high pass filter adjustable at 75Hz and 150Hz for added control in various recording applications and a clear, full response expected from a large capsule microphone design. As a result of uncompromising dedication and advanced production capabilities, Studio Projects will continue to broaden the range of quality pro audio microphones & electronics for today's recording environment. Studio Projects C1 Features Pressure-Gradient Transducer: 1.06 inch (27mm) 6um mylar diaphragm High Pass Filter (75Hz and 150Hz) Pad (-10dB and -20dB) Applications Designed for the professional and home project studio A do-all, general purpose recording Mic Great for close miking amplifiers with high sound pressure levels Production, broadcast, and voice-over work A quality vocal mic suitable for most vocal styles Included Accessories Shockmount Foam wind screen Case AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Studio Projects products.

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6/06/2012

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone Review

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone
Average Reviews:

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Great mic - excellent sound. I have been a pro voiceover artist for over 30 years and have dealt with a variety of studio mics. In building my own studio I really wanted a front end that had a clear and smooth full-range sound. The R0de NTK was recommended to me by another "big voice" artist, and completely lives up to the recommendation. Everyone I have talked to says it's about the best value out there. If you have cash to blow, you can get a "noyyyyyymannnnn" (raise eyebrows here), or you can enjoy the sound of this mic and take the extra $3200 and spend it on more gear. The hard plastic padded case for the mic and power supply are a nice touch. Don't forget to buy a shock mount for it!
Enjoy -

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The RODE NTK sets the standard for value in professional microphones. This is a tube mic designed exclusively for recording professionals who want what only the best can offer. The heart of the NTK is the Australian designed and manufactured HF-2 capsule. The electronic circuitry complementing this very sensitive transducer includes a hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve and audiophile grade components and lay-out. The result is an ultra-wide dynamic range, very low noise, and stunning tube warmth. The NTK's rich valve sound is ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar amps and pianos. It includes a power supply, 30 foot cable, stand adapter and case. RODE NTK Features Large 1 inch capsule with gold plated diaphragm Class A valve circuitry Ultra low noise Wide dynamic range Hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve Dedicated Power Supply High strength heat-treated steel mesh head Durable satin nickel finish Internal capsule shock mounting High level of RF rejection When professional performance counts use only a Rode NTK tube microphone. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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5/28/2012

Yamaha MG166C 16 Input 6 Bus Rack Mountable Mixer Review

Yamaha MG166C 16 Input 6 Bus Rack Mountable Mixer
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(More customer reviews)
This mixer is great, I can connect my drum set 9 mikes to the XLR plugs, and I still have several open lines. Very easy to use and it takes no time to understand the way it works. Only thing I could have done is take the one with built in effects. Now have to buy a separate Lexicon. As for the USB, I think that standard connecting to a sound card works good as well. I use it live with a Crown, in my studio with headphones, and to my MAC to record on Garage Band. It is big, but not heavy, now a rack is useful when hitting the road. A very good mixer indeed for a reasonable price.

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The MG166C is a compact mixer with 16 input channels, ten mono and four stereo line inputs, Mono inputs have switchable 80Hz high pass filters, switchable 48V phantom power and can accept either ¼" or XLR connections, while stereo inputs can accommodate either RCA or ¼" connectors. All inputs have three band EQ, with a sweepable midrange band on mono channels, as well as 3 aux sends, one switchable pre/post. Six channels offer Yamaha's exclusive single-knob compression. Lighted channel on/off and phantom power switches are easily seen, even on a darkened stage. Dual 12 segment LED meters allow visual monitoring of the main stereo outputs.

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5/26/2012

Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Review

Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using this microphone for years. I have two of them, actually. I didn't buy them as a matched pair, so one is a bit brighter sounding than the other. That can be an advantage, as I use the darker mic for overly bright sound sources, and vice-versa. I've used these mics with good results in my project studio, on vocals, guitars, and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for music I created in that studio. I think the mics sound particularly good on female voices (as a number of reviewers have noted). The figure-of-eight pattern offers the flattest response curve, and I almost always use that for vocals. (The cardioid and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost--useful for some applications, but a little harsh on my voice.)
Bottom line: This is a well-made, versatile microphone that will do pretty much anything you ask of it.

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The Audio Technica AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone is like getting three completely different microphones for the price of one! Meet the studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. Ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. Audio Technica AT4050 Features Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone The 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Custom shock mount provides superior isolation AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Audio-Technica products.

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5/20/2012

MAudio GuitarBox Review

MAudio GuitarBox
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Let's start with the downside. For a semi-pro guitarist, the sounds are too amateurish. I could never use these sounds to record anything for public release. For home recording use, it is pretty good. The hookup is easy and you just can't beat ProTools.

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With the Black Box, M-Audio gives guitarists the power they need to produce astounding guitar tones and mind-blowing sounds that no one has ever heard before. This is due in part to the collaboration between M-Audio and Roger Linn while developing the Black Box. With Linn on board, a good idea - a user-friendly interface aimed at guitarists - became a powerhouse, with the addition of Adrenalinn technology, allowing beat- and MIDI-syncing of the effects. The USB connector pumps the output of the Black Box into a computer. And the new firmware update recently added a handful of new features to this already impressive unit, one of which is adding the Black Box to the list of Pro Tools M-Powered interfaces. If you?re a guitarist, you can?t afford not get one of these! And with Pro Tools M-Powered and the Black Box, you can now work anywhere, anytime with the industry standard in music production software! Create and record your project using any of the M-audio interfaces listed below, with genuine Pro Tools software. You can open sessions created in Pro Tools M-Powered software with any Windows XP or Mac OS X Digidesign Pro Tools TDM or LE system, giving you unprecedented production options for your music. Realize your creative vision with the perfect interface for guitarists - the Black Box - and the industry-leading DAW software.

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5/17/2012

Mackie Onyx 1220i FireWire Recording Mixer Review

Mackie Onyx 1220i FireWire Recording Mixer
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I was recently looking into ways of kicking my podcasting setup up a notch, and settled on the Mackie Onyx 1220i FireWire mixer. I'm extremely pleased with this decision.
Obviously you don't need something this fancy if you're just getting started. And indeed I've been producing my show, Otaku no Podcast, for almost 4 years using just a standard USB microphone. But I was beginning to outgrow that setup. Adding a co-host was one factor that pushed me to upgrade. Having each host on their own mic just sounds much better than having everybody crowd around one mic "jazz singer" style. But what really made me upgrade is dealing with group Skype calls. I have been using computer-based Skype call recording software until now, which worked well enough when I only had one other person on the line with me. But things quickly degenerated when I had more than one additional Skype caller. The way Skype call recording software works is that it puts you on one channel, and all other Skype callers on a second channel. Which is fine if you only have one other caller on with you. But if you have two or three (or more) people on a Skype conference call, then they all get mashed into one channel. Which means that, if one person coughs or sneezes while someone else is talking, or somebody's Skype connection goes haywire, or an ambulance/police car screams by in the background of someone's audio, you're in a world of hurt. There's just no way to edit around that.
What I really needed was a way to put each individual Skype caller on their own channel. Which meant that I needed a multi-channel mixer. The Mackie 1220i's four XLR mic inputs means that I can have up to four "live" cohosts, each on his or her own mic. But its two AUX buses means that, using a "mix minus" type setup, I can have two Skype callers each on their own channel. Mix minus means that the Skype callers can hear everybody else, both myself and my "live" cohosts as well as other Skype callers, but they don't hear an echo of themselves (which gets really weird and annoying). And all of these channels get sucked into my Mac where I can individually tweak or fiddle around with them to my heart's content. Finally I have a Zoom H4n solid state recorder plugged into the mixer's "main mix out," which serves as a backup recording in case the computer recording fails for some reason (it's been known to happen). This has turned out to be a very flexible setup, and the Mackie has performed like a champ. It's well built and rock solid.
Unfortunately, the way "mix minus" works is that you need one AUX channel for each Skype caller. So with this setup I can have up to two Skype callers. If I wanted more, I'd need to move up to a bigger board with more AUX buses such as the Mackie Onyx 1620i, which has four of them. Maybe next year.


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The 12-channel Onyx 1220i delivers stunning performance in a size that is decidedly desk-friendly. Premium analog features like boutique-quality Onyx mic pres, smooth 60 mm channel faders and the proven tone-sculpting capability of Perkins EQ allows for performance that is unmatched in this category. The 16x2 built-in FireWire interface will simultaneously deliver all 12 channels, all auxes and the master L/R signal straight to your favorite DAW with zero routing. How easy is that? You can even return a couple of channels from the DAW right back into a channel strip for mix integration. It's easy, it's professional--it's the Onyx 1220i.

DAW-Friendly Doesn't Even Begin to Cover It Mackie-designed gear is more often than not the result of customer interaction and suggestion. After all, we are making gear for you. For years, our customers have been asking for the freedom to work with any DAW they choose. So when we designed the Onyx-i series, we took this suggestion to heart. We are very proud that Onyx-i mixers are more DAW-friendly than any other interface ever. Onyx-i mixers are qualified by Mackie for use with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools M-Powered 8* Logic, SONAR, Cubase, and more. Now, dedicated Mackie customers can enjoy using their Mackie mixer with the world's most popular DAW. And Pro Tools M-Powered 8 users now have a variety of new--and different--tools to use with their favorite DAW. It's a win-win situation.

*Pro Tools M-Powered 8 users will need to purchase the Mackie Universal driver upgrade available at Mackie.com.

Deep FireWire Integration The Onyx-i Series features deeper FireWire integration than any other mixer out there and offers immensely powerful routing capabilities:

Wet or Dry?--Every channel on the mixer can be routed pre or post EQ to the computer, allowing you to choose whether to implement "EQ to tape" or not.
Studio Quality Effects--All aux sends are routable to the computer, allowing you to utilize your computer as a powerful FX engine by implementing your favorite plug-ins in a live scenario.
Preserve Your Mix--Master L/R is routable to the computer for recording your analog mix. Burn and sell CDs of the mix at the end of the gig!
Mix Integration--Stereo return from the computer can be routed to either the control room for instant monitoring or to a stereo channel for mix integration.
Latency-Free Overdubs--Having a "real" mixer has its benefits. Latency-free overdubs are simple since you are using an analog mixer. No more wasted time dealing with the complicated "DSP" mixers commonly used on standalone interfaces.

TThe 1220i delivers seamless, routing-free FireWire connection to your favorite DAW. All channels, auxes and (of course) the master L/R are simultaneously available to your DAW--with zero routing. The Onyx-i FireWire connection has amazing bandwidth, and the 1220i takes full advantage.

Premium Analog Mixer When it comes to the high pressure environment of a recording session or live performance, you simply cannot beat the stability and reliability of an analog mixer. With features honed over 20 years of design by some of the legends in the industry, the Onyx-i Series mixers are simply the best sounding full-featured analog mixing boards available to the modern sound engineer.

The 1220i has a plethora of analog features that are sure to please. First off, there are four Onyx mic preamps which have been proven as some of the best boutique quality preamps available today. That is, without having to re-mortgage your house in order to pay for all the inputs you need. Then there's the Perkins EQ, which offers highly musical Q filter without sacrificing the precise control that Mackie EQs are known for. Four mono mic/line channels feature 3-band Perkins EQ with a sweepable mid and the additional stereo line channels have 3-band EQ. So, regardless of the type of signal you need to input, there is sure to be a channel with the right EQ for the application. Other analog tools include two aux sends with pre/post fader assignment, allowing for monitor mixes, effects loops or additional headphone mixes. There are built-in DIs on the first two channels for direct connection of guitars or bass and a dedicated talkback section with a built-in mic that lets you easily communicate with band members while on stage or recording. With all these proven, great-sounding analog features, it is easier than ever to create a memorable mix.

Smacks of Quality The Onyx 1220i offers a tremendous collection of professional analog features and extremely deep DAW integration, but it is so much more than that. The sleek, modern design might even tempt you build a museum quality display for your engineer friends to admire. Plus, since it's a Mackie, you can be sure that it is "built like a tank" and will survive years of abuse.

Any audio company can cram a bunch of inferior components into a chassis and, believe us, a lot of them do. This is never the case with a Mackie mixer. Everything about the Onyx-i Series smacks of quality, because only the most quality, high-end components are used throughout the entire signal path. At the front end, you have the pristine signal boost offered by the Onyx mic preamps, which will likely get routed through the legendary Perkins EQ. The signal then passes through a series of sealed rotary knobs, which keep dust and grime out of the potentiometer. Then your mix hits the summing bus, which has been custom-designed to offer the highest possible headroom while preserving the sonic quality offered by the aforementioned components. Maybe you assigned the signal to stream across the FireWire outputs. If so, they had the pleasure of passing through the high-quality Cirrus analog-to-digital converter on their way to your computer. Or maybe you were overdubbing and streamed your backing tracks from your DAW and integrated them into the mix. In that case, you can thank the ridiculously high-end AKM digital-to-analog converter for the immaculate quality of the playback. These converters are extremely high-quality and easily rival the most esoteric (and expensive) interfaces out there today. From start to finish, no matter how you use it, the 1220i offers the quality demanded by industry professionals.

Software Requirements:For PC
Microsoft Windows 7 32 / 64, Vista 32 / 64 RTM, or XP SP 2
Pentium 4, Celeron, or Athlon XP processor
512 MB RAM
For Mac
Mac OS X 10.4.11 – 10.6.2
G4 processor
512 MB RAM



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4/22/2012

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone

The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

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4/17/2012

Behringer Xenyx X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps & Compressors Review

Behringer Xenyx X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps and Compressors
Average Reviews:

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I bought this board to do music and voice tracks for a documentary on the Anasazi. I came up with the initial themes on my old Steinway, and ended up using Finale's PrintMusic to input and arrange them for flute, piano, bass and drums.
I used an EV RE20 microphone with the board to record voice tracks and send them to a computer running energyXT 2.5 Compact, the DAW software that comes with the board. I added mild reverb to the voice with the board, and used it to monitor punch-in edits and the overall mix. It worked seamlessly with energyXT, making the recording process much easier than it used to be when I was working with 16 tracks on 1 inch tape.
The final documentary used stock bird and environmental sounds and 15 years of photographs from Anasazi ruins to show what happened at Chaco Canyon, Aztec Ruins, Salmon, and other sites across the Southwest. While I didn't end up using the board to live-record keyboard parts and synthesized drum tracks, it and the included DAW software made "Tracking the Anasazi - How Great Houses and Stripped Resources Led To Abandonment" very successful with audiences.
Within the two-channel stereo transmission limitation of the barefoot board, I highly recommend it. It and hardware like it have radically changed the face of recording from my last studio time in 1986. It made this project very easy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer Xenyx X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps & Compressors

The X1222USB is a step up from the X1204USB with six mono mic inputs. These two additional channels can also be used for stereo line-level devices, such as keyboards or sound modules. The X1222USB also comes equipped with channel Inserts for inputs 1-4, a stereo 7-band graphic EQ, which can be assigned to the main or monitor buses, and our proprietary FBQ Feedback Detection System. Other features include full-sized faders for MON and FX SENDs, our XPQ 3D stereo surround effect (creates a broader, enhanced stereo image), and a handy Voice Canceller function for removing vocals from pre-recorded tapes and CDs for 'instant-karaoke" applications.

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4/15/2012

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid

The SM7B is a selectable frequency response microphone that delivers warm and smooth audio in close-proximity studio and vocal applications. Optimized shielding from external electromagnetic hum, along with internal shock mounting, external windscreens and adjustable bass roll-off and midrange emphasis response settings provide clean, consistent reproduction.

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4/08/2012

Mackie PPM1012 12-Channel, 1600-Watt Powered Desktop Mixer Review

Mackie PPM1012 12-Channel, 1600-Watt Powered Desktop Mixer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been a musician playing in clubs and all types of other venues since the sixties. Some of the bands I've been part of used massive PA systems to get a quality sound. I'm talking racks of power amps, EQ's, Effects , etc. etc..
That was then, this is now. This Mackie board does it all and does it all extremely well !! You'll have plenty of headroom. There is more than ample power when you need it, just waiting to kick in and support your vocals and anything else you run through this board. The effects are superb with two high quality effects processors that you can tweek out and blend the effects to your liking. The clarity of this board is so good that all I have to run is a slight curve on my equalizers to get a nice clean and clear sound. Match this unit up with a high quality pair of speakers and a couple of good powered subs, and you're sound is Happening !!
Sizing down and maintaining good sound at my age is important to me. Other powered consoles I used and thought were OK just don't compare to this. Having a well-polished act, I need the best sounding equipment with the smallest footprint. Although a tad bit heavy, this mixer takes the place of hundreds of pounds worth of PA.
Now, I can't wait to get to the gig and hear my new Mackie. I couldn't be more pleased !!
Jim, SW Fla.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mackie PPM1012 12-Channel, 1600-Watt Powered Desktop Mixer

Ultra-light and rack-mountable, the Mackie PPM1012 professional powered desktop mixer features two ridiculously robust power amps for mains and/or monitors (800W + 800W). With 1600 watts of system power, this mixer provides all the raw power that you need. Things can get pretty intense out there, and your gear needs to be able keep up the pace. We custom designed the PPM1012 with Class-D amps, which are cool-running and boast maximum efficiency, keeping your sound pumping until they start kicking people out. We had to include Mackie's proven Fast Recovery circuitry, eliminating the risk of pesky amp latching. The result is a distortion free mix even when pushing peak levels. The built-in limiter can go toe-to-toe with the most popular outboard stereo limiters used in live sound today, protecting your speakers from damage. The limiter's attack and release times are specifically selected to address full-bandwidth music and will not muddy things up by adding any unwanted pumping. PPM mixers are surprisingly lightweight, but tremendously powerful. You can push the PPM608 to its maximum output, distortion free!

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