Help me help you! April 13, 2009
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Computers, General Announcements , 81commentsI’ve been getting a lot of emails lately on computer problems/DAWs crashing/etc. Please keep them coming, I’m glad to see systems are working the bugs out (plus it helps me document trends and figure out problems with patches/gear).
We’ve been able to solve a high percentage of problems, but often it takes 2-3 emails back and forth before we have all the information available to help.
If you are emailing us (or even posting in the comments) about a problem you are having, please include the following information, as it will make it possible to help you:
- Computer OS (which version of windows, leopard, tiger, etc.)
- Computer specs (processors, RAM, HDDs, firewire cards, etc.) – if its a Mac, let me know if its a Mac Pro, MacBook, iMac, etc
- Which DAW and what version (i.e. say “Pro Tools 8.0cs2″ not just “Pro Tools”)
- What interface you are using
- What plug-ins/VIs do you have installed
(more below the fold) (more…)
Why All DAW Users Should Use a Kensington Expert Mouse February 25, 2009
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Computers, Editing, Reviews , 3commentsThis is one serious mouse. This is the single greatest improvement to work speed and fluidity I’ve seen in my setup. (Perhaps with the exception of a fast computer). (more…)
Use the Official Playstation Bluetooth Headset with GarageBand January 3, 2009
Posted by PJ in : Computers, Digital home recording studios, GarageBand , add a commentThis one is for all my gamers out there that want to maximize the potential of their Official Playstation Bluetooth headset. Not only can you use the headset with your Playstation 3 console and Bluetooth enabled cell phone (such as the iPhone) but you can also use it with virtually any application on Mac or PC (such as GarageBand) that utilizes a microphone.
Sending Large Files over the Internet March 17, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Computers, General Announcements, Studio Setup , 2commentsPJ’s post gave me the idea to share my experience with sending large files of the internet (Thank’s PJ!). If you need to send session files, wavs, other sound files, omf interchange files, etc… over the internet, its unlikely your email provider will let you attach such large files (plus you will clog the receiver’s inbox). Here are the two ways I like to send files. (more…)
A home studio setup you can take on the road February 12, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Computers, Project Studio, Studio Setup , 7commentsI just got an email from Aaron S. asking about putting together a home studio that he could also take to do live stereo recordings. This is a very common setup, and for a reasonable price, you can get excellent sound quality. Aaron said he had about $2000 to work with, including the purchase of a computer.
What to look for when buying a computer for audio production January 29, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Apple, Computers, Project Studio , 6commentsWHAT COMPUTER SHOULD I BUY TO MAKE MUSIC?
Wow, what a big question. There are so many options. When you install software for editing and manipulating audio onto a computer equipped with audio input/output hardware, you have what is called a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
As in my post about building a home studio, you need to ask yourself some questions:
1) Would an upgrade to my current computer be sufficient?
2) What would I like to be able to accomplish with my computer DAW?
3) What is my budget?
4) Do I want to use a Mac or a Windows PC?