This is crazy. Lives are being lost because of words exchanged online. To make matters worse the victim's friends are vowing revenge. SMH.
"A 14-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after turning himself into police Tuesday afternoon following the shooting of a 12-year-old boy outside a South Side elementary school.
The boy is charged as a juvenile with one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and one attempted first-degree murder, police announced Wednesday evening.
The teen turned himself in about 5 p.m. at the station, 7808 S. Halsted St., Gresham District police Capt. Juan Morado said.
The shooting stemmed from an argument that began on Facebook, witnesses and relatives of the 12-year-old victim told the Sun-Times."
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Got a ground loop? Hum X to the rescue!
The Hum X from Ebtech gets rid of hum caused by ground loops by filtering out unwanted voltage on the ground line. It doesnt lift the ground so your gear remains safe. It's easy to use, just plug the power cord for your gear into the Hum X and then plug into the nearest power strip. That's it, and it wont degrade your audio.
So the next time you're in the middle of a recording session and ground hum becomes an issue, reach for Ebtech's Hum X. It works.
- Eliminates ground loop hum
- Maintains safe, solid ground
- Avoids loss of volume, tone or both in your audio signal
- Plugs conveniently into your power cord and wall outlet
$71.99 at Sweetwater Sound:
Blast from the Past-- Publison Infernal Machine 90
"Chemical Brother Tom Rowland notes "it was a favorite machine of Ivan 'Doc' Rodriguez who worked on Boogie Down Productions, Grandmaster Flash, Spoonie G, T-LaRock, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Run DMC, LL Cool J and others" [including Eric B & Rakim's Paid In Full and records by EPMD]. But they were widely used in other genres besides hip hop (Prince was apparently a fan of the Publison) despite it's reputation of being very unreliable and difficult to repair,
DBM Pro Audio/Music Services was one of the few places that could service a Publison. Not sure if they still do.
http://www.dbmproaudio.com/index.html
GOOD MORNING!!
This is the view that greeted me this morning as I ventured out. It made me pause for a moment and reflect on my life and the many people and situations I've encountered over the years. I consider myself lucky and blessed to be able to pursue my life's passion which is music. I'm eternally grateful to have worked with (and continue to work with) so many talented and gifted artists, musicians, producers and songwriters.
I would be lying if I said it was a smooth ride (more like a roller coaster) but overall it was and continues to be a great experience.
Here's something I wrote due to a certain situation that occured recently. It allowed me to express my feelings without resorting to a physical response:
"Sometimes when I witness wrong I get enraged but I can't turn that page. Don't want my loved ones seeing me from the other side of the iron bars. Can't take it that far, so instead I smile and remind myself that the mind is the most powerful weapon. Words can cut deeper than any knife and can lift your spirits higher than any bird can fly. Put words to music and they become an unstoppable force that can change lives or make time stand still. Music is my armor, part of my chi, my legacy, my gift."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Lavry AD11 A/D Converter with Mic Pre
The Lavry AD11 makes the perfect front end for a portable rig. It even works with Protools 9 and can record a D.I. signal and a vocal at the same time.
From their website:
"The AD11 stereo A to D converter offers USB connectivity, ideal for portable recording systems. Other features include built-in microphone preamplifiers with phantom power, large wide-range LED meters, and Lavry’s exclusive Digital Tape Saturation Emulation (“Soft Saturation”). All settings are controllable from the AD11’s front panel using a system similar to that of the companion D to A converter- the DA11.
Building on Lavry’s long established reputation of making the most accurate AD converters available, the AD11’s no-compromise design offers substantial value at an affordable price. With converter and microphone preamplifier performance that exceeds other manufacturer’s stand-alone units, the AD11 combines musicality with functionality. The USB output is available in parallel with both XLR and RCA AES/SPDIF digital audio outputs, so more than one recording or monitoring device can be fed directly from the AD converter. The MicPre function and phantom power are selectable on each channel, as well as the Soft Saturation and +4/-10 level functions.
Like the previous LavryBlack model AD10, the AD11 has “XLR-TRS combo jacks” for the analog inputs. When a balanced or unbalanced ¼” plug is inserted, 12 dB’s of fixed gain is automatically added to the front panel adjustable gain, to boost “-10” consumer level signals to “+4” professional level. Front panel line level input gain adjustment is available for each channel in 12 precise one dB steps. Additional gain in the range of 20 to 65 dB’s is provided for balanced low-impedance sources (typically microphone).
This makes it possible to record the “direct” signal from a guitar effects unit or keyboard at the same time as a vocal mic, with no more than the AD11 and a laptop! In addition to “dual monaural” recording; extremely precise matching between channels makes the AD11 equally well suited to high quality stereo Mastering applications or “true” stereo recording. Whether it’s home, on location, or professional studio- the AD11 is the right tool for the job!"
The LavryBlack AD11 features:
- Built in Microphone preamps with phantom power
- Accepts +4 or -10 line level inputs balanced or unbalanced (MicPre’s are relay bypassed)
- Front panel adjustable gain for each channel
- 0 to 12 dB of gain for line level inputs in precise 1 dB steps
- 20 to 65 dB of gain for low impedance balanced microphone inputs in 1 dB steps
- Recording at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz with 24 bit word length
- Super-stable internal clock
- External clocking via Word Clock or AES/SPDIF sync
- BNC Word Clock output for synchronizing other gear to the AD11
- Digital output format selectable between AES/EBU and SPDIF (IEC 60958 type II)
- Peak hold selectable on large wide range LED meters
- Soft Saturation for “hotter” level and peak level control without time constants
- Built in Microphone preamps with phantom power
- Accepts +4 or -10 line level inputs balanced or unbalanced (MicPre’s are relay bypassed)
- Front panel adjustable gain for each channel
- 0 to 12 dB of gain for line level inputs in precise 1 dB steps
- 20 to 65 dB of gain for low impedance balanced microphone inputs in 1 dB steps
- Recording at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz with 24 bit word length
- Super-stable internal clock
- External clocking via Word Clock or AES/SPDIF sync
- BNC Word Clock output for synchronizing other gear to the AD11
- Digital output format selectable between AES/EBU and SPDIF (IEC 60958 type II)
- Peak hold selectable on large wide range LED meters
- Soft Saturation for “hotter” level and peak level control without time constants
$1680 at Front End Audio:
LG unveils new "Flicker Free" 3D LCD computer monitors
LG Electronics (LG) announced the release of two CINEMA 3D Monitors –D41P and D42P – equipped with LG’s new Film Patterned Retarder(FPR) 3D technology. With FPR 3D technology, the monitors offer a brighter display, clearer images, and a “Flicker-Free” certified 3D picture that makes 3D viewing more comfortable.
“Although 3D is one of the hottest items in technology today, some consumers are holding back from purchasing 3D products because of concerns over performance and price,” said Si-hwan Park, Vice President of the Monitor Division, LG Home Entertainment Company. “With CINEMA 3D Monitors, we’ve addressed all these concerns. The advanced picture quality, more comfortable glasses and competitive pricing makes it very hard to keep putting off 3D.”
A new version of Tweetdeck (v2.0) has been released for the iPhone
"Tweetdeck has release a new version 2.0 of its app for the iPhone. They are calling it a ‘Hollywood-esque “re-imagining” where the essence of the original remains but it’s brought up to date. It’s taken “several months of feverish work”.
Improved features include swiping between columns, navigation through user profiles and the ability to add columns as well as ‘Pull to Update’ and Follow/Unfollow sliders tweaks."
Read the full article here:
Purple Audio Biz Mk -- Discrete Class A+A/B Dual Mode 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier with DI
"The smooth Gain control helps you dial in the sound you want. If the output level is too high (the Class A/B output opamp can pump out up to +27 dBu), you can ride the level down with the separate Level control. Pressing the "Dual" switch splits the gain between two of our Class A opamps, enabling up to 75 dBu of clean gain, making the Biz a perfect match for ribbon microphones.
With different Gain, Level, and Dual settings the Biz can produce an infinite variety of tonal variations with the same amount of output level. The front panel DI helps you record instruments and line level sources with unrivaled clarity and punch. Two LEDs clearly indicate signal level for the gain and output stages at a glance, turning green to indicate signal present, yellow for 10dB below clipping, and red for clipping."
Features:
Output level control
Input and output tricolor LED metering
Mic / Line switch for rack input
Bridging line input for high output mics or line level sources
Use with our Moiyn 8x2 mixer module in the Sweet Ten rack for mic or line mixing
DI Load switch for front panel input
33kohms as in the original Biz or 100kohms for a more open tone
Discrete signal path
Over Current Resettable Fused (prevents any module problem from affecting your rack)
ROHS - Lead Free
Specs:
Maximum output level +27dBu
Frequency response 10hz – 70kHz +/- 1db(3db down at 100kHz)
Transformer input:
Mic modeMaximum gain 60dB in single modeMaximum gain 75dB in dual modeLine modeMaximum gain 35dB in single modeMaximum gain 50dB in dual mode
Direct input:
Maximum gain 30dB in single modeMaximum gain 40dB in dual mode
$725 at Dale Pro Audio:
Monday, April 25, 2011
A16 MK-II 32 CHANNEL AD/DA CONVERTER
"The A16 MK-II lets you convert 16 audio channels from digital to analog and 16 audio channels from analog to digital at the same time. You can use both, MADI and ADAT as digital interfaces. Furthermore, you can also transmit signals between these two interfaces.
The two built-in TFT screens display the levels of both, inputs and outputs. It's not only the audiophile characteristics that allow the A16 MK-II seamless integration into your professional studio, but also its flexibility."
Sonic Core Ferrofish A16 Mk-II 32 Channel AD/DA Converter Features
Analog Interface
- 16 x in, 16 x out, symmetrical phone plugs
- 24 bit AKM converters, 32kHz – 192kHz
- Input-gain and output-levels individually adjustable for each channel
Digital Interfaces
- Optical MADI interface (incl. MIDI over MADI)
- Two ADAT interfaces for 16 channels
System Interfaces
- BNC wordclock
- MIDI connectors for remote
Frontpanel
- Two TFT displays show the high resolution level meters of all inputs and outputs
- Preset management
- Keyboard lock
- Detailed status display for monitoring all inputs
- Graphical adjustment of levels and gains
- Routing Editor
- SMUX control
- 32 bit high performance ARM processor
PC Software
- Remote software for the A16 MK-II via MIDI or MADI (MIDI over MADI)
- Cascading of multiple A16 MK-II
- Easy channel assignment with the graphical routing software
- Adjustment of levels and gains with the mixer
- Own graphics can be stored to individually label your A16 MK-II
Available at Front End Audio for $1390:
Radial Engineering Komit VCA Compressor/Limiter with Auto-Tracking
I was introduced to the Komit when it was being sold by the original manufacturer BMD (Burgin Mcdaniels Design)
http://www.burginmcdaniel.com/products/komit01.html.
The Komit was then purchased by Radial Engineering who added some nice touches to it and now sells the Komit as part of their 500 series line.
Excerpt from the manual:
"The Radial Komit is a combination compressor-limiter designed for ‘one knob’ operation. This eliminates the guess work that often makes dynamic processing a challenge. But don’t let the diminutive front panel make you think that the Komit is ‘limited’… there are tons of features just raring to get used!
The Komit is made up of two major building blocks: the compressor and the limiter. The Flex-Knee™ compression circuit is a voltage controlled amplifi er (VCA) while the limiter is a unique clipping circuit designed to simulate the sound created by old school diode bridge inputs from the early days of radio. In between is a gain make-up control that lets you adjust the output to compensate or drive the clipping limiter to create various effects."
The Komit is made up of two major building blocks: the compressor and the limiter. The Flex-Knee™ compression circuit is a voltage controlled amplifi er (VCA) while the limiter is a unique clipping circuit designed to simulate the sound created by old school diode bridge inputs from the early days of radio. In between is a gain make-up control that lets you adjust the output to compensate or drive the clipping limiter to create various effects."
Visit Radial Engineering at:
Quad Eight Limited Edition Classic Channel Strips
"The 333c Classic and 444 Classic are limited edition recording channel strips from the legendary Quad Eight Electronics.
Each 333c Classic channel strip features an original factory restored, 70’s limited production 3-band eq with many special features including precision stepped potentiometers, with 31 frequencies per band, and .8dB per step gain on each of 3 bands. 11 frequency selectable High and Low pass filter frequencies, +/-15dB overall gain trim and a signal presence led.
The 444 Classic channel strip EQ section includes an original factory restored, 70’s 4-band quasi-parametric eq with separate controls for gain, frequency and Q on each band, with peaking and shelving positions selectable on high and low bands. Two selectable frequencies are available for both High and Low pass filters.
Both Classic equalizers are paired with the QE MP-227, a world-class 70’s single stage preamp, renowned for its warm qualities on guitars, vocals and harmonically complex instruments. Transformer coupled, in and out, selectable input impedance for optimum matching to each microphone, Phantom, Phase, Pad switching, and gain control up to 56dB."
The RED12 Omni Condenser Microphone is made from shotgun shells!
"The RED12 Microphone is perfect for drum overheads and acoustic instruments such as guitar, mandolin, and violin. The custom assembly achieves the dependable and consistent performance you need for recording inside a compact, aesthetically pleasing shell that is as unique as it is bad ass.
These omni microphones are built into an actual spent 12-gauge shotgun shell casing!"
Talk about going GREEN!
http://www.12gaugemicrophones.com/
White iPhones will be available at Best Buy on Wednesday April 27
This pic is from an article on 9 to 5 Mac's website about the iPhone being launched this Wednesday at best buy stores.
"both 16 GB and 32 GB white units have already been shipped to Best Buy locations across the United States, so those models should arrive by Monday or Tuesday ahead of the Wednesday launch...."
Read the full article here:
Apple signs cloud deal with Warner Music
Apple has reached an agreement with Warner Music Group to offer the record label's tracks on iTunes' upcoming cloud-music service, music industry sources said.In the race to the cloud, Apple is apparently stepping on the gas. All Things Digital reported Thursday that Apple has signed two of the top four record companies and wrote that Apple content chief Eddy Cue was due to be in New York on Friday to try and finalize agreements with the two still unsigned labels.
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20056528-261.html#ixzz1KXbYqPbd
Sunday, April 24, 2011
On a tight budget but still want that Fairchild sound? Try the UAD Fairchild 670 plugin
There are a couple of plugin emulations of the Fairchild Limiter but UAD's Fairchild 670 is my favorite.
The above pic shows the setting I used for Ricky Martin's vocals on "Drop It On Me" (produced by Luney Tunes). The UAD Fairchild 670 plugin ($149) is a faithful replica of the 1950's hardware 670 which goes for over $30,000 on the vintage gear market. This compressor is one of the most sought after compressors ever made and with good reason. The smooth sonic quality of the unit is unmatched by any other but comes at a high price and requires a great deal of maintenance. Thank you UAD for making this 670 emulation. It's definitely easier on the pocket and allows me to use as many instances as the UAD cards can handle (approximately 76 stereo or 88 mono instances on a UAD QUAD card). The main controls consist of Input Gain, Threshold and Time Constants. The compression ratio is determined by the interaction between the input and threshold controls similar to the LA2A. The attack and release of the 670 is controlled by The Time Constants which has 6 modes. Mode 1 is the fastest, 4 the slowest and 5 and 6 are program dependent. The Metering, Link / Unlink and Output controls are self explanatory. The DC Bias controls are best left alone unless you know exactly what they do. See the manual for details. The UAD Fairchild is different from most compressors in that it offers the LAT / VERT mode (see AGC switch in pic) which allows you to process the mono and stereo elements of a M / S signal separately. In this mode the left input is for the mono signal and the right input controls the stereo signal. Back in the days of vinyl this was very important as it enabled the mastering engineer to have precise control over the cutting head of the lathe. Too wide or too deep a groove could destroy the vinyl masters. You can use this function in your DAW to play around with the stereo imaging / mono presence of a sound or groups of sounds. In the LEFT / RIGHT mode the 670 acts like a regular compressor / limiter and can be used on mono tracks if so desired. If you unlink the controls it operates as two mono compressors which is a great way to control the left / right balance of a loop, guitars or background vocals. I've used the 670 on a variety of sounds including vocals, bass, drum buss and string sections. For more details on the UAD Fairchild 670 go to http://www.uaudio.com/store/co
ADL 670 Stereo Tube Mastering Limiter
There's no doubt that the original Fairchild 670 was and still is the "Big Daddy" of tube compressors. That's why people don't hesitate to pay over $30,000 for one if they can find it. Unfortunately, most of these units are getting very old and unreliable and don't sound as great as they once did. Well, what if you could buy a brand new one today...with a warranty...for substantially less!!! Can't be...well, guess again!!
The ADL 670 is a perfect copy of the original Fairchild 670. After years of testing and research, Anthony DeMaria Labs has matched part for part the specs and sound of the original unit. Every detail has been scrutinized to perfection...no corners were cut. Yes...believe it or not, ADL has painstakingly sourced all the parts of this puzzle to offer a very limited run on these uncompromised, untouchable sonic giants!!! Many in the past have attempted to reproduce the sound of the classic Fairchild 670 but no one until now has taken it to the level ADL has with the ADL 670 compressor. With it's beautiful "military strength" chassis, stand alone PSU, 20 vacuum tubes and 14 transformers...it doesn't get fatter than this. Call ADL today to find out more.
They also carry direct replacement parts based on original Fairchild 670 design. Please call ADL today for further details: 845 255-4695
Here's an excerpt from a TapeOp review by Pete Weiss on the ADL 670:
" I was able to check out the ADL 670 and A/B it with a vintage Fairchild
670...running identical material through them with matched settings I would be hard pressed to say there was any difference in the two. They both made the mixes louder and thicker without sacrificing any high or low end or distorting in any audible way."
The ADL 670 can also be purchased at Vintage King:
http://www.vintageking.com/ADL-670-Stereo-Tube-Limiter?sc=18&category=332
FEATURES INCLUDE
- All tube design (no IC's or chips)
- All parts are designed based on the original Fairchild 670
- All capacitors and resisters match values as per original
- XLR input / output
- Handbuilt in the USA
- Heavy-Duty Chassis
- Handles located on front and sides
- Great for analog & digital recording, tracking, mastering, as well as live
- One Year limited warranty
- Vents on front and sides for maximum air flow
- Two 24 volt fans (voltage set at 20 volts for silent operation)
- One Bottom PCB (Hinged Standoff)
- One Top PCB (Hinged Standoff)
- Two Back PCB's
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| +4 input / 600-ohm Load | Unit Gain Clockwise : 15.1dB @ +4 Output |
| Noise | -82.6 with 400-Hz Filter = 89.2 |
| THD | 0.028% @ 100-Hz : 0.189% |
| IMD | 0.100% |
| Frequency Response | 50-Hz............20-k (± 1db) |
| Input / Output Impedance | 600-ohm |
| Output Level | +4 or +8 VU (+27 dBm clipping point) |
| Gain | 7 db (no limiting) |
| Attack Time (adjustable) | 0.2 milliseconds in Pos-1, 2 and 6 0.4 milliseconds in Pos-3 and 5 0.8 milliseconds in Pos-4 |
| Transformers | 14 total - same as original |
| Tube Complement | -8- 6386 -2- 12AX7A -2- 12BH7A -4- 6973 |
| Main Unit Rack Space | 6-U high, 13-1/2"depth |
| Main Unit Shipping Weight | 45 lbs |
GML 8200 Equalizer- An Industry Standard
The GML 8200 by George Massenburg has been an industry standard for over twenty years that can be found in virtually every major recording studio. The 8200 has five broadly-overlapping bands which offer 15dB of Boost or Cut and adjustable bandwidth (or “Q”) from 0.4 to 4. The lowest and highest bands can also be used as shelving eqs. Its extraordinary resolution, surgical precision, transparency and tons of headroom have made the 8200 the reference for many other equalizers.
This 8200 gets used on the stereo buss of many consoles but also sounds great on vocals, guitar, piano, strings and brass.
Here's a Youtube video with George Massenburg showing the 8200 being used on acoustic piano:
The GML 8200 can be purchased at Sweetwater Sound:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GML8200/
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Joe McGinty's Carousel Studios has an incredible collection of vintage keyboards!
I like this video because it gives you a chance to see and hear a lot of rare and vintage keyboards.
Check out their equipment list on the website at: http://www.joemcginty.com/carousel/
Genelec 8260A Tri-Amplified DSP Monitoring System
Genelec MDC™ Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Mid/High driver technology takes a big step in perfecting audio quality in professional active studio monitors. This breakthrough in coaxial driver design provides more accurate imaging and improved sound quality both on the acoustical axis as well as off-axis. The extremely smooth frequency response leads to outstanding clarity and definition of the inner details of the music.
The 8260A combines, for the first time, a coaxial driver (MDC™) with a modern waveguide technology (DCW™), ensuring drivers to couple coherently over their full operating bandwidth, as well as creating coincident mid-frequency/high frequency point source.
As a new member of the TEC Award-winning 8200 Series, the 8260A features Genelec DSP signal processing responsible for all loudspeaker functions, such as the crossover filters, driver equalizers, driver position alignment, room response alignment, calibration, and equalization related filters as well as distance compensating delays.
The Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™ (GLM™) software manages all these functions allowing the 8260A to be used together with other 8200 Series DSP monitors and 7200 Series subwoofers in the same setup. Genelec AutoCal™ automated room calibration and sound system alignment method provides consistent and accurate frequency response for a multichannel audio system in widely varying room environments.
The 8260A is housed in a die-cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure™ (MDE™) with acoustically optimized rounded edges to prevent diffractions and yielding superb sound stage imaging. The robust enclosure is also completely immune to vibrations. Each 8260A also comes with an Iso-Pod™ (Isolation Positioner/Decoupler™) which eliminates coloration of the sound by decoupling the monitor from its mounting surface. For ideal mounting in differing environments, the 8260A includes integrated rear support points for various floor and wall stands."
Check out the video explaining the features of the 8260A:
The world’s best selling wearable HD cameras for sports.
"Developed for professional use, but at a consumer price, the HD HERO line of wearable cameras capture full HD video rivaling brands costing 10x the price. How? Their team consists of some of the the brightest minds in Silicon Valley who also happen to be obsessed with outdoor sports, race cars, and all things moto. Athletic super geeks? Indeed."
Visit http://gopro.com/products/ for more details and pricing.
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