Pensado's Place: #31 - Eric Valentine

Ethiopia Habtemariam is the new Senior VP of Motown.

Ethiopia Habtemariam

Congratulations Ethiopia. Well deserved.

"Ethiopia Habtemariam, an influential young executive at Universal’s music publishing arm, is taking over as Motown’s senior vice president. She will retain a role in the company’s publishing operations as the executive vice president and head of urban music of the Universal Music Publishing Group."

"Ms. Habtemariam, 31, has risen quickly at Universal’s publishing division, where she has signed acts like Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Ciara. But her Motown appointment instantly makes her one of the most prominent women in the industry, as well as one of the most prominent blacks...."

“Ethiopia represents the new breed of today’s best creative music executives,” Mr. Weiss said in a statement. “There is no one more relevant and credible in the creative community to help us build upon Motown’s fantastic legacy and move the company into its next groundbreaking era.”

Read the rest of the article here.

The BeesNeez Judas Ribbon Microphone

The BeesNeez Judas ($799) is an affordable ribbon microphone with an expensive sound.
The Judas is not your typical ribbon mic. It can withstand SPLs up to 135db while retaining that warm, realistic sound ribbons are known for.

"Like many of it’s predecessors, the BeesNeez Judas has a clear and flat frequency response, the output is a little hotter than most though, due to the superiority of great modern components such as the neo magnets and Lundahl transformer that were not available during the height of ribbon popularity."

"The BeesNeez Judas is at home recording Brass and Wind instruments, guitar cabs and sounds stellar as a room mic or drum overhead. The clear and flat frequency response makes the mix phase a dream by remaining punchy and defined in the mix with minimum post processing."

FEATURES:

•Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient

• Polar Pattern: Figure-8

• Generating Element: 2.6-micron aluminum ribbon

• Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium

• Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB

• Sensitivity: -50 dBv Re. 1v/pa

• Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1K (nominal)

• Rated Load Impedance: >1500 Ohms @ 300 Ohms

• Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20 Hz• Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot)

For more info visit BeesNeez.com

Apple releases Logic Pro 9.1.5 update

Apple has released the 9.1.5 update to Logic and it includes many bug fixes and much improved compatibilty with the Apogee Duet 2.

From Apple's Release Notes about the Logic Pro 9.1.5 Update:

Compatibility

• Resolves an issue which could cause unexpected feedback in Logic after importing a song from GarageBand for iPad.
• Selecting the “Open Apogee Control Panel” command will now launch Apogee’s Maestro 2 application if a Duet 2 is attached.

Performance and Stability

• Resolves an issue in which Logic might quit unexpectedly when creating a new project.
• Resolves an issue in which Logic might quit unexpectedly when moving audio regions in the Arrange window.

Plug-Ins

• Resolves an issue introduced in Logic 9.1.4 in which LFO sync for some Logic plug-ins did not sound as expected.
• Resolves an issue introduced in Logic 9.1.4 in which automating the Wet/Dry mix control in Delay Designer resulted in zipper noise.
• The EVB3 plug-in now correctly responds to sustain off messages.
• Direct text input of the pitch reference for the Tuner plug-in now works correctly.

General

• Fixes an issue in which performing undo after recording a MIDI take sometimes caused the MIDI track to stop sounding.
• The “Toggle Zoom to Fit Selection or All Contents” key command now correctly recalls the the previous zoom view rather than zooming in on the entire project.
• Resolves an issue introduced in Logic 9.1.4 in which some regions might shift out of position after using the Pack Take Folder command.
• Fixes an issue in which Japanese key command sets were not available if Logic was updated to version 9.1.4 before launching Logic for the first time.
• Resolves a rare take folder issue in which performing undo after deleting a comp section could cause regions in subsequent tracks to shift to the next adjacent track.
• Fixes an issue in which take folders would not sound on soloed tracks if the Track Mute/Solo mode was set to CPU-saving (Slow Response).

Download the update here

Musicovery.com - Online radio station with a twist.

I found this on StumbleUpon.com. Musicovery is an online music radio station that plays songs determined by the mood you choose with you cursor. You can also type in the name of an artist and it will start to play songs by said artist and other artists of a similiar genre and mood. Now listening to Bob James, Lou Donaldson and Joe Sample.

"People often listen to music according to the mood they want, whether to reinforce the state they are in or rather to change it. Musicovery has created a graphical interface to meet this need, the "mood pad": it displays two axes - dark / positive and calm / energetic - axes that are continuous and progressive, and offers an infinite range of moods; every song has a specific position on the mood pad. When rolling over the mood pad, music samples are played, allowing the listener to intuitively find the mood and the music he wants and to launch the program from the desired position...."

Check it out at http://musicovery.com/

There's also an iPhone app

Congrats to Peter Edge_the new CEO & Tom Corson_the new COO of RCA Music Group

Peter Edge                                   Tom Corson

"Peter Edge has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, RCA Music Group, it was announced today (August 8) by Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris.
 
Edge will report to Morris and oversee the day-to-day operations of the group and its labels, which is now comprised of RCA, Jive, J, and Arista, as well as their affiliate labels. He had been the company's president of A&R since 2007.
 
During his RMG tenure, which began with the inception of J Records, Edge has signed Alicia Keys, Dido, Mario and Jamie Foxx, among others, according to a press release. Edge has recently been working with Pitbull, Mike Posner, Jazmine Sullivan and Marsha Ambrosius.
 
Edge previously held posts at Chrysalis Records and Warner Bros.
 
The company also announced that Tom Corson has been named President & Chief Operating Officer of the RCA Music Group. In this role, he will report to Edge and oversee promotion, marketing, publicity, digital, sales, international, video and operations for the label group.
 
Corson most recently held the position of Executive Vice President/General Manager, RCA Music Group, where he oversaw operations for RCA, J and Arista Records. He has been with the company since J's inception in 2000. Corson has played a leading role in the careers of Kings of Leon, Rod Stewart, Ke$ha, Foo Fighters, Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull and Jennifer Hudson among others...."
Read the rest of the article here.

Waves offers CLA Signature Plugins Collection for $279 (44% off)

They call him Lord of the Mix. For over 20 years, Chris Lord-Alge has been the mixing engineer of choice for rock & roll royalty. Green Day | U2 | Nickelback | Creed | Pink | Nine Inch Nails Foo Fighters | Daughtry | Avril Lavigne and many others Now, he can be yours too. The Chris Lord-Alge Artist Signature Collection Six application-specific audio plugins, created in collaboration with GRAMMY® award-winning producer/mixer Chris Lord-Alge

The new Slate Pro Audio FOX is like having 4 mic pres in one!

The new Slate Pro Audio FOX is a Dual Channel Mic Preamplifier and D.I. with each channel comprised of two separate audio paths that can be used separately or combined in any order to provide you with the tone you need when recording. Whether it be vocals, acoustic instruments or drums the FOX is more than capable of capturing that perfect take. It is destined to become a staple in many studios. I love the fact that I can audition four different tone variations without re-patching.

From their website:
"Covering the range from classic “British Class A-style” vintage tone to ultra-clean modern sparkle, the Slate Pro Audio Fox 2-channel microphone preamplifier is one of the most versatile mic pres out there. The way the Fox shapes tone is brilliant. There are two completely independent microphone preamplifier circuits in each of the Fox’s channels. The Vintage circuit calls up the sound of the legendary 1073-style preamp – warm, fat, and full of lush harmonics. Conversely, the Modern setting gives you a sparkling clean sound that’s perfect for capturing acoustic instruments in picture-perfect detail. What’s more, the Fox features two Combo modes, which combine the input and the output sections of both circuits, giving you a pair of completely unique preamp sounds."

From their manual:
"VINTAGE is our take on the classic British Discrete Class A design. It is thick, rich, warm, and sounds great on just about everything. MODERN, is a new design based on ultra hi-fi solid state components that provide a sound that is very precise, clean, and detailed. The preamp adeptly catches the stick attack of a snare drum or the crispness of a vocal."
"In COMBO mode, the input of one of the preamp circuit is combined with the output of the other preamp circuit. So VINTAGE/COMBO means the input is the VINTAGE circuit, and the output is the MODERN circuit. With MODERN/COMBO, the input is the MODERN circuit and the output is the VINTAGE circuit. Now the FOX had four great sounding mic preamps in ONE box!"
"You can switch the different mic pre circuits while monitoring your source live, so that you can optimize the best sound for that particular source. Listen to that guitar track in the VINTAGE circuit... Now hear how it sounds in the MODERN... Then try MODERN/COMBO.. Nope-that’s not it… Now VINTAGE/COMBO… and BAM! That works!"

FEATURES:

• 2-channel microphone preamplifier
• 4 distinct microphone preamplifier sounds in each channel
• 2 independent preamp circuits in each channel
• Classic circuit provides 1073-style sound
• Modern circuit provides ultra-clear sound
• 2 combo modes combine the input and output sections of each preamp circuit
• Includes instrument inputs, phase controls, and phantom power
• 100% made in the USA

$1799 at Sweetwater Sound.

Urei 1176 Peak Limiter

I used the Urei 1176 Peak Limiter on The Fugees "Nappy Heads (Mona Lisa)" remix produced by Salaam Remi.

The 1176 is one of Urei's most well known units (now manufactured by Universal Audio as both hardware and software). The controls are pretty simple. There is an input and output, attack and release and 4 ratio buttons. There are also meter display select buttons and an off switch. The input knob adjusts the input signal level and also acts as a threshold for the limiter circuit. The output knob adjusts the output level of the unit so you can apply make-up gain to the signal after limiting. The 4 ratio buttons are 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 which might seem like a limitation but when used in conjunction with the input knob is actually quite versatile (to really squash the signal try pressing down all 4 buttons at once.). The attack ranges from 20 to 800 microseconds which is very fast (great for drums) and the release varies from 50 milliseconds to 1.1 secs. which gives you extensive control over the signal. The attack knob also serves as the limiter switch (notice the word off under the knob. When the attack knob is turned completely counterclockwise limiting is disabled. For both the attack and release knobs fastest settings are when the knob is turned completely clockwise. The meter select switches allow you to view the amount of gain reduction (GR) or the output level at +4 or +8 reference level which is important to maintain proper gain structure. The OFF switch turns off the unit. The little box sitting on top of the pair of 1176's in the pic is called an 1176 SA and is basically a Stereo Adapter (SA) which allows you to link 2 1176's together as a stereo unit. The connectors are the barrier strip type and are found on the rear of the 1176 along with the rca connector for the 1176 SA. There are many revisions of the 1176 (A thru H) with the original being a silverface with blue paint around the meter section. 

Here's a link to a page with descriptions of the different revisions:

http://www.dancetech.com/i​tem.cfm?threadid=4219

Here's an Ebay page with a list of current auctions: Ebay_1176 

For more info on the UA reissue of the 1176 go to: 

http://www.uaudio.com/hard​ware/compressors/1176LN.ht​ml 

and for the UAD software 1176 ($149) which requires a UAD card or firewire accelerator: http://www.uaudio.com/stor​e/compressors-limiters/117​6ln.html 

The UA 1176 reissue ($1999) can be purchased at B&H Photo, Video and Pro Audio:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/342384REG/Universal_Audio_1176LN_1176LN​_Dynamics_Processor.html 

Here's the iTunes link to the "Nappy Heads(Mona Lisa)" remix:

http://itunes.apple.com/us​/album/nappy-heads-remix/i​d169704381?i=169705241

Pensado's Place: #30 - Steve Baughman

Drawmer S2 Dual Channel Tube Compressor

The S2 is a Two Channel Tube Compressor introduced in 2008 from Drawmer's Signature Series. It has some great features that gives many creative options when it comes to dynamic control.

Take a look at Sound On Sound's Musikmesse '08 video of the S2:

From their website:

"The S2 Signature Series Dual Channel Tube Compressor is one of the latest products to emerge from Ivor Drawmer's high end designs and offers an ‘all tube - no technical compromise' circuit using only the highest grade components. The S2 features a host of new creative processing possibilities never before found in an all analogue dynamics package.

V-BIG: Retains bass frequencies and minimizes undesirable ‘pumping' by rolling off the detection signal at 75, 125 or 250Hz (user switchable). A fully variable level control allows for the desired amount of Big processing and an in/out switch provides the option to remove from the signal path for A/B comparison.

V-BRIGHT: A dynamic high frequency enhancer to keep compressed audio sounding fresh and bright with continuously variable frequency control (500Hz to 20kHz) and amount of dynamic enhancement.

DRY: Mixes user defined amount of ‘uncompressed' signal with the compressed signal to create ‘parallel compression effect' without the need for external mixing devices."

FEATURES:

• 2 CHANNEL SOFT-KNEE TUBE COMPRESSOR
• FULLY BALANCED INTERNAL SIGNAL PATH
• CLASS A DESIGN
• ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS IN AND OUT
• ‘ALLTUBE' CIRCUIT DESIGN
• VARIABLE ATTACK AND RELEASE WITH OPTIONAL ‘PROGRAMME DEPENDENT' AUTO RELEASE OPERATION
• DUAL MONO OR STEREO LINK OPERATION
• SWITCHABLE ‘PEAK' OR ‘VU' METERING TO DISPLAY TRANSIENTS
• SWITCHABLE +10dB OR +20dB METER RE-SCALE MODES
• 8 SEGMENT GAIN REDUCTION METERING
• ‘BIG' MODE FOR RETAINING LOW FREQUENCIES
• ‘BRIGHT' MODE FOR ENHANCING HIGH FREQUENCIES
• ‘DRY' MIX MODE FOR ‘PARALLEL COMPRESSION EFFECT'
• BALANCED XLR INPUTS/OUTPUTS

$4995 at Vintage King

Slate Digital's_TRIGGER Upgrade Special_only $50 till 8/8/11

Slate Digital's Trigger is an excellent drum replacement tool. The upgrade to the Platinum version is currently on sale at their online store for $50. To get the upgrade you must already own the EX version which sells for $129. The usual price for the Platinum is $299. So if you take advantage of the sale you will get the Trigger Platinum for $179 (a savings of $120). Sale ends on Monday Aug. 8th.

TRIGGER Ex to Platinum Upgrade Pack Only $49

Train, Taylor Swift, Shinedown, Reba McEntire, Black Eyed Peas, Megadeth, and Avenged Sevenfold are just some of the bands that have had their drums pushed to the max with the help of Steven Slate's Platinum drum sample pack.  Now, until Monday August 8th, you can upgrade TRIGGER EX to PLATINUM to get the remainder of Slate's monstrous sounding samples, including all of his famous models such as the Steely Dan, Chili Peppers, and Metallica kits!

To purchase, go here:

http://www.slatedigital.com/shop/home.php?cat=249

YOU MUST OWN TRIGGER EX FIRST!

In order to use the TRIGGER EX to PLATINUM Expansion Pack, you MUST HAVE TRIGGER EX already installed.  If you don't own TRIGGER EX, you can purchase it at our store first and then buy the upgrade special.

Check out Slate Digital's Youtube clip and see how versatile and easy it is to use Trigger:

Dangerous Music D-Box Summing and Monitoring System

Dangerous music has a knack for making great products to integrate the analog world with your DAW. The Dangerous Music D-Box is perfect for the modern workflow and compact environment of the Mobile and Small-Footprint DAW Studio Setup.

"More and more records are being tracked and mixed in remote or temporary locations with mobile DAW rigs. Control room setups can be tight. A reliable and flexible audio environment is a must. No need to sacrifice mix quality or struggle with monitor control! For integrated monitoring, mixing, and input selection for the computer musician on the go, the Dangerous D-Box is the uncompromising and affordable solution for all DAW-based musicians and engineers who need to trust what they hear."

SUMMING SECTION: 
8 input dedicated fixed-gain analog summing buss
Master output trim with 10 dB range
Inputs 7-8 with pan control
Signal present indicators for all inputs


MONITOR SECTION: 
Analog and digital capable input selector designed specifically to facilitate the analog summing workflow
Programmable exclusive/additive function- listen to selected inputs individually or combined
High-quality onboard D/A conversion 2 digital inputs - AES or PDIF 32kHZ - 100kHz sample rate
Auxiliary stereo analog input- +4 dBU or - 10 dBV programmable
2 sets of speaker outputs
Mono function


CUE/TALKBACK SECTION: 
Built-in talkback microphone with "momentoggle" switching
2 headphone outputs with independent level controls
Auxiliary talkback switch input

FEATURES:

• Analog Summing
• Monitor Control
• On-board D/A conversion
• Talkback
• Headphone Cue
• Simultaneous Input Monitoring

• Unmatched Analog Summing Section
• Superb Onboard D/A Converter
• 2 Speaker Outputs
• Affordable for most DAW studio owners

Here's two examples of D-box setups to give you an idea of how best to integrate it into your own rig:

SPECIFICATIONS:

Summing Section:
Frequency Response: 1Hz-100kHz within 0.1dB 
THD+N: < 0.003% 
IMD: < 0.004% 
Crosstalk: < -97dB 
Noise: < -89dBu total energy in audio band 
Maximum Input: +27dBu 

Monitor Section:
Frequency Response: 1Hz-100kHz within 0.1dB 
THD+N: < 0.003% 
IMD: < 0.0035% 
Crosstalk: < -100dB 
Noise: < -91dBu total energy in audio band 
Maximum Input: +26dBu 

D/A Converter:
Locks to standard AES or SPDIF signals 32kHz-100kHz 
Crosstalk: < -101dB 
Noise:< -92dBu 
THD+N: 0.005% 

Nominal operating level: +4 dBu 

Input impedance: 
25 kohms balanced

Output impedance: 
50 ohms balanced

Power consumption: 25 Watt

Warranty: 2 years parts and labor, subject to inspection. Does not include damage incurred through abusive operation or modifications/attempted repair by unauthorized technicians.

$1399 at Sweetwater Sound

Pre-Order NI's KOMPLETE 8 from AudioMidi.com & get up to $100 in Gift certificates

Pre-order your version of Komplete 8 prior to August 30, 2011 and we will do our best to get it 

to your door on September 1st! Now is the time to insure you'll get Komplete 8 as soon as we do! 

Prices start at $199 for the Komplete 8 Update, $369 for the Komplete 8 Crossgrade, and $499 for the full version. 

New for this year is Komplete 8 ULTIMATE.  This version ships to you on a dedicated USB 2.0 drive, 

saving you hours of installation time, and offering additional storage for more content. You get everything in 

Komplete 8, plus 23 additional instruments and effects including Kontakt, Guitar Rig, and Reaktor. 

Prices start at $499 for the Komplete 8 Ultimate Upgrade and $999 for Komplete 8 Ultimate. 

As an added bonus, all versions include a gift certificate, exclusively with audioMIDI.com!

 

Komplete 8 is the quintessential collection of tools and sounds for musicians, producers  and sound designers. Packed full of cutting edge and award-winning samplers, synths  and creative effects, there’s more than ever to explore. Latest versions of the flagship  Kontakt 5, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, and Reaktor 5.6 are included, as well as over 1,300 additional sounds for the renowned Massive, Absynth, and FM8. Plus, great new products like  Transient Master and Studio Drummer round off the arsenal. What’s more, Komplete 8’s  presets are now optimized for browsing in Maschine.

What's NEW in Komplete 8: Brand new versions of industry standards Kontakt and Guitar Rig New: STUDIO DRUMMER – Ultimate software drummer, with premium kits, high-end effects, and over 3,500 grooves New: TRANSIENT MASTER – A powerful studio effect for placing instruments in the mix New: WEST AFRICA – Compelling, cutting-edge rhythms, percussion and melodic instruments New: RETRO MACHINES MK2 – A collection of legendary analog synths and keyboards Over 1,300 additional sounds for Massive , FM8 and Absynth 5 All sounds optimized for seamless integration with Maschine Ready to run in Pro Tools®, Logic®, and all other major DAWs

Komplete 8 Ultimate is the all-inclusive premium bundle for music production, live performance, and sound design. Own the last word in NI excellence – 50 products from flagships such as Kontakt 5, Guitar Rig Pro 5, and Reaktor 5.6, to brand new stars like Session Strings Pro, Studio Drummer, the high-grade studio effects of Solid Mix Series and Vintage Compressors– each boasting intuitive user interfaces and fast and efficient workflows. Komplete 8 Ultimate includes literally every Komplete Instrument and Effect currently available– 50 products in total. It’s so big it comes on a sturdy, dedicated USB 2.0 drive. Install everything in one sitting, by simply copying over Komplete 8 Ultimate to your chosen drive.

Key Features of Komplete 8 Ultimate: The all-inclusive premium bundle for music professionals 50 products in total, with 240 GB of samples Fast, convenient, one-step installation from a dedicated USB 2.0 hard drive Includes latest versions of Kontakt, Guitar Rig, and Reaktor Comprehensive range of Komplete Instruments, featuring Studio Drummer, Razor and Sessions Strings Pro Premium collection of Komplete Effects, including the Solid Mix Series, Vintage Compressors, and The Mouth. Ready for Pro Tools®, Logic®, Cubase®, & Live™. Seamless integration with Maschine