Good Morning!

One of my favorite groups Earth Wind & Fire performing a medley with the supreme songstress Natalie Cole on her 1978 TV Special.

Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph

The Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph is a 500 series compressor based on their flagship mastering Compressor. This is definitely a case of big things come in small packages as the sound of the Vandergraph can be described as "larger than life". It is fairly easy to use and the compression ratios and fixed attack/release times are well matched.

Compression Ratios     Attack            Release
1.2:1                                    30ms             100ms
2.5:1                                    30ms             500ms
4;1                                       10ms             500ms
8:1                                       0.5ms            250ms

Features:

• Input impedance 20k
• Minimum load impedance 600 ohms
• Stereo
• Fully Class-A
• Discrete audio path
• Discrete gain cells from Mastering Compressor
• Sidechain Filter Matrix from Optograph (high-pass filters - 90,150, 250 hz and bandpass 250hz - 6khz)
• Swiss made discrete attenuators
• Military Spec build quality
• Meets the specifications of the VPR Alliance

Here's a TapeOp review of the Dual Vandegraph.

$1875 at Vintage King.

Building Relationships

Some more insight on life in the music biz from Carlisle's blog:

"No matter what industry you get into, your relationships are what will determine your future. My goals at this point were to be the most reliable, the most available and to create a long contact list. I met a young producer by the name of Hi Tek and he was producing a few songs for an independent rap group called Mood that was signed to TVT Records. He was the 2nd most humblest producer I’ve met up until this point. All he had was an Akai MPC-60, a turntable and some headphones and he was turning out a good amount of beats everyday I saw him. When the album was done, we exchanged contact info and every now and then we’d hear from each other....."

Read the rest of the post here.

JBL LSR4326 Studio Monitors

The JBL LSR4326 has been around for a few years and if my memory serves me correctly one of the first to offer DSP Room Correction. It's always best to work in a properly built and tuned room but for those times when that's not feasible the Room Mode Correction System can be very useful. However, take note it only works for the spot where the calibration mic is placed. So other parts of the room outside of the mix position will not be corrected.

JBL LSR4326 Pak Monitor System Features:

• Bi-amplified monitor with JBL DSP-enabled RMC Room Mode Correction system.
• 6" polymer-coated fiber low-frequency transducer with self-shielded neodymium magnet structure
• 1" soft-dome tweeter with self-shielded neodymium magnet structure and ferro fluid cooling
• 150 watts amplification for LF
• 70 watts amplification for HF
• XLR and 1/4" balanced analog inputs
• AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital inputs
• Integrated processing provides Automated Room Mode Correction, and compensation for speaker-to-speaker placement variations
• Front panel includes output level meter and user controls
• Harman HiQnet network and USB computer interface provide centralized control of entire system from any speaker
• Network cable included

Check out Electronic Musician's review of the LSR4326.
$1098 at Sweetwater Sound.

Chord Detector App for iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad)

Chord Detector by Martian Storm Ltd. is aimed at musicians of any ability to help you learn to play the tracks on your iPod music library by automatically detecting their chords.
Features:

• Algorithm – select between 3 chord detection algorithms.
• Beat Detection – enable beat detection to reduce the number of chord changes.
• Key Detection – enable to use only detected chords appropriate for the songs key.
• Optimise – reduce the number of chord changes by removing subtle changes.

• Play/Pause – play or pause the track.
• Rewind 30s – rewind the track by 30 seconds.
• Forward 30s – forward the track by 30 seconds.
• Tempo Adj. – slow down the track without affecting the pitch by a variable amount down to 1/4 of its original speed.

Visit the website for more info: http://www.chord-detector.com/
$2.99 on the App Store

Sknote's STRIPBUS Console Emulation plugin

Console Emulation plugins have a new contender, Sknotes STRIPBUS which consists of two plugins:
A Channel Strip and a Bus Compressor.

"Strip":

• dual mode: "Tube channel", "Solid state"
• input stage saturation
• hipass, parametric mids, lowpass
• VU and peak combined metering
• bypass-all menu for fast wet-dry comparison (bypasses all plugin instances from a single menu)

"TwoBus":

• dual mode: "Tube summing", "Solid state"
• stereo bus compressor (with oversampling)
• K-meter
• Low and high frequencies enhance controls
• Mid-side balanced compression

It is currently being tested and should be released shortly.

Anamod ATS-1 ANALOG TAPE SIMULATOR

The ATS-Analog Tape Simulator is a one of a kind unit that adds analog tape warmth and/or saturation to your sounds by emulating the sonics of certain tape machines when used with particular types of tape. It is stereo but can be used as dual mono to process two different sounds at the same time.


Their website states:
"Unlike digital plug-ins or processor-based outboard gear, there is no latency, and no A/D or D/A conversions to compromise the sound. The result is a faithful recreation of the original response, without using the original analog hardware."

"All of the important features of a two-track analog tape machine are found in the ATS-1, including speed selection, bias, LF record and HF Repro EQ, and the option of adding tape hiss, if desired. The reference 'record' level, as indicated on the illuminated VU meters, can be adjusted from 0 to +12 dBu in 3 dB increments.
The ATS-1 accurately models the behavior of specific tape machines and tape formulations, and allows the user to select from up to four machine and tape types. Optional machine and tape types are available on easy-to-install SIMM cards. Standard tape formulation cards shipped with the ATS-1 are the GP9 and 456. Standard machine cards are the A800 and M79."
Features: 
• Two channels of analog tape simulation
• Up to four tape machine models
• Up to four tape formulation models
• 7.5, 15 and 30 ips speed selection
• Bias, LF and HF EQ, and Hiss
• User-installable upgrade cards

The ATS-1 can be purchased directly from Anamod:

phone ((201) 728-8490) or email info@anamodaudio.com

Read Sound On Sound's review of the Anamod ATS-1 here.

MashTactic - A Remixer's dream come true.

QuikQuak's MashTactic Mashup Tool is a plug-in that can separate various parts of a full audio mix. 
Many sounds, include vocals can be cut or isolated from a track.

* You can have eight different locations, all panned and scaled independently.

* Automated filter sweeps.
* A great tool for mashup music makers. 
* Can be used as a sharp cut-off filter, as demonstration in this video. 
* MashTactic works on transients, allow the user to emphasise and cut percussive sounds, allowing control over the punch of drum tracks for example. 
* Great for analysing stereo spread and mix of a track you're composing.

It will be released shortly for both Mac and PC. Check out the video:

Line Audio Design's Microphones

Line Audio Design located in Sweden is a company known for making "quality microphones for demanding situations".


STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE FEATURES:

•Large membrane area using triple small membranes.
•The triple membrane cartridge combines the low noise of a large membrane with the fast and detailed response of smaller membranes, which besides their fine tonal quality are tougher and not as easilly destroyed.
•Well balanced, uncoloured response, covering the full audio spectrum.
•Solid deep bass, natural midrange and silky soft top ensures that all qualities of the source and ambience are captured with minimal distortion.
•New"i"-types with even lower noise level!
•Elastic holder and protective case included!

The  QM12i is actually four complete/independent SM3Ls in one body with each membrane angled 90 degrees. It's capable of recording true stereo and quadraphonic (four channel) sound with one microphone!

Prices range from $156.60 (CM3) to $806.77(QM12i Quad Mic).
http://www.lineaudio.se/
They can also be purchased from No Hype Audio located in Belgium.

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 543 Compressor/Limiter

The Portico 543 Compressor is the latest entry to the 500 series format from RND. I'm quite sure it will live up to my expectations. I plan to put it through its paces shortly and give a more in-depth review. In the meantime, here is some info on the the 543:

From the RND website:
"The Portico 543 Mono Compressor features a fully controllable compressor-limiter with feed-forward/feedback modes, Peak/RMS detection and a built in side chain high pass filter. With an unrivaled heritage and a tremendous feature set, the 543 yields a combination of rich warmth, flexibility and precision that is sure to resonate in the ears of sound engineers the world over."
"Built around Mr. Rupert Neve’s custom transformer designs, each 543 module has individually controllable threshold, attack, release, makeup gain, ratio, side chain HPF, Feed-Forward/Feed-back selection and Peak/RMS detection modes. With the compressor inactive, the 543 may be used as a transformer-coupled, high-performance line amplifier, and two 543 may be linked for stereo operation as well. The chassis is built to standard 500 series specifications, with power and I/O provided by the rack."
$995 at Sweetwater Sound

Could you live on $5 a day?

Here's another post from my friend Grammy winning Producer/Engineer Carlisle Young. It's about his early days working at Platinum Island Studios:
"By the 2nd and 3rd month of school, a third of the class dropped out and I started to second guess myself again. Selling crack for a G a week was an option but I’ve held out for this long and I don’t want to start selling drugs because I don’t want to end up like a few of my friends either dead or deported. The only thing that was good about Linden Blvd and Merrick Blvd was half chicken and fried rice and going back there will never be an option ever again. One of my teachers gave me 2 phone numbers to premiere studios that he thought would fit me best, Platinum Island Studios and Chung King Studios. Well the good thing was that Platinum Island was a few blocks away from my school and the day after my appointment, I was hired as an intern. My first day there I was dressed in a white button down, slacks and dressy shoes and I was handed a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towel. I cleaned the entire halls and bathrooms and was going to make the most of this place. Platinum Island was going to be my home......."
Read the entire post here.

DDMF Chorddetector ($15)

Even if it's not 100% accurate I find this amazing:
"Chorddetector is an mp3/wav-player with an integrated chord detection engine. Just load the song whose chords you’re interested in, press play, and off you go! Chords will be displayed in realtime, so you can play along live with your instrument."
Cost: $15 with a demo available here.

Lexicon PCM Total Bundle

Lexicon has combined their premier Reverb Bundle and their new Effects Bundle into "The total studio package for those who demand only the best". Below are some screenshots from the Plug-in Bundle.
A demo (ilok2 required) can be downloaded here.

"A powerhouse bundle of heritage and innovation, the PCM Total Bundle is the ultimate studio plug-in package for creating professional, inspirational mixes within popular DAWs such as Pro Tools^®, Logic^®, Nuendo^® or any other RTAS^®, AudioUnit^™, or VST^® compatible host. Designed to bring unsurpassed sonic quality to all of your audio applications, the PCM Total Bundle will take center stage in your DAW."

       Features

• 14 sonically brilliant Lexicon effect algorithms
• Hundreds of versatile presets
• Multi-platform compatibility (Windows^® XP, Vista, and 7; Mac^®OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, PowerPC and Intel)
• Formats that work seamlessly in any VST, Audio Unit, or RTAS compatible DAW
• Graphical real-time display for visualizing the effect in different ways
• Stereo/Phase meters for ensuring mono compatibility
• Presets can be stored in a DAW-independent format which allows custom presets to be transferred between DAWs
• Full parameter control and automation
• Input, output and feedback meters for quick assessment of audio levels within the algorithm
• iLok2 protected software (Requires 2nd Generation iLok USB smart key - not included)

$1995 at Audio Vengeance.

World's First OLED (and most expensive) Computer Keyboard

                         

Optimus Maximus Keyboard

The Optimus Maximus Keyboard designed by Artemy Lebedev is the first of its kind and won the iF (International Forum) Communication Design Award in 2008. The keyboard (available in black or white) is fully configurable for your software of choice on both Mac and PC.

"The Optimus Configurator software enables users to program each button to reproduce a sequence of symbols and edit images separately for each layout."

Features

• Revolutionary Keyboard Features a tiny OLED screen on each key. 113 screens total.
• Each key can be individually programmed to perform a series of functions, open an application or run an Applescript (Mac only)
• Various System Monitor functions can dynamically display on a key including CPU usage, CPU temperature, Network Speed, and Memory Usage
• Play a GIF animation or Quicktime movie on a Key
• Paint images across all keys at once in your image editor of choice
• Key sets can be linked to an application, so whenever you open that app the appropriate keys come up
• Powerful layer function allows you to combine existing key sets in different ways
• Use any language with the appropriate key images including Cyrillic, Ancient Greek, Georgian, Arabic, Quenya, and Hiragana.
• Display notes, numerals, special symbols, HTML codes, math functions or any other special symbol.
• Any key (or to be exact, a unit consisting of a cap, a microchip and a display) can be easily removed by hands to be cleaned or replaced
• Built in USB hub
• SD Card Slot for Storing keyboard Settings

System Requirements

• PC with installed OS Windows XP or Vista, with a USB 1.1 (or better 2.0) port; Mac OS X 10.5.1 or higher.
• At least 20 MB of free space on hard drive.
• At least 256 MB of RAM.

Specifications

• Keyboard Dimensions: Length 537 mm, Width 173 mm, Height 38 mm
• Key Dimensions: 20.2 x 20.2 mm
• Display Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 mm viewable area on each key
• Display Resolution: 48 x 48 pixels per key
• Frame Rate: 10 FPS
• Color Depth: 65,536 Colors
• Viewing Angle: 160 degrees

Cost $2400 on Amazon

UCube - USB powered speakers

"At $150 per pair, these sleek sound machines aren't cheap, but each speaker is able to pump out 15 watts of peak power -- you won't be filling a large room with crisp, distortion-free sound, but they're probably loud enough to play your tunes or flicks for a group of friends, or to annoy strangers in a park. UltraLink claims that the speakers use DSP-controlled power supplies to "store energy during quiet passages," allowing the 3.25 inch cubes to reach their 15 watt peak output with 170-degree listening angles." 
Check out the video.
via Engadget

David Foster's 10 Tips for Songwriters

"In recognition of his "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers," songwriter/producer David Foster was presented with BMI's Icon award Tuesday night in Los Angeles, and during his acceptance speech, he listed 10 rules for up-and-coming songwriters, which offers good advice for almost everyone."

via Billboard

Klinger Favre Speakers - handmade in France

Klinger Favre Audio (since 1975) is located in the East of France. They are known for having a "no-compromise" approach to audio and producing "exceptional handmade hi-fi systems". I've heard great things about these speakers but have been unable to audition them stateside. I will definitely have to pay a visit to Klinger Favre's owner Mr Jean-Jacques Bacque on my next transAtlantic trip. His lifelong commitment to providing the very best in sonics has led to products that are well suited to theater, home and studio installations. Klinger Favre also makes a DAC (which weighs 15kgs!) and high precision amplifiers and cables.
Visit their website for more info:
http://klinger-favre-english.blogspot.com/

Beats by Dr. Dre Collector's Edition

These are the Special Edition Beats by Dr. Dre headphones from ColorWare .


"These very limited edition ColorWare "Chrome Beats" headphones don't actually have any color, but they admittedly do look pretty slick, excepting the $1,000 price tag necessitated by this perfect storm of overpriced branding. ColorWare is only decking out 50 of these 'cans, so grab that platinum card and head over to our source link to get your pair. " via Engadget