AOTD: VI December 9, 2008
Posted by Damon Sink in : Composing, Digital Audio Workstations, Virtual Instruments , 1 comment so farVI: Virtual Instrument. This can be an emulation of a real instrument like a trumpet or violin, or a strictly synth-based sound. It’s called “virtual” because your computer is creating the sound from digital information and instructions in the VI programming. You play a keyboard controller and the instrument responds. All of this sound generating used to be done strictly by “standalone” (now sometimes called “outboard”) synths–either with keyboards (think DX7) or without (think Roland 1080).
A great resource: Virtual Instruments Magazine
Examples are Garageband instruments, Spectrasonic Triology Bass instrument, NI-Kontakt (sampler), or Play (from East West Soundsonline). Yours truly has too many of these to count. If you are in the market, ask a question and I’ll be glad to help.
Damon
The Studio Files
So Connor will be incommunicado… December 5, 2008
Posted by Damon Sink in : Chit Chat, Music Reviews , 1 comment so far…because he and Chip Christy are opening for The Verve Pipe this weekend!
Knock ‘em dead C-dog(s)! Wish I could be there.
Damon
The Studio Files
Pro Tools version 8 -> 9 days left! December 1, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Digidesign, Pro Tools , add a commentThe countdown has begun!
Pro Tools version 8 (LE, HD, and M-Powered) is set to be released in 9 days. Be sure to check back to thestudiofiles.com within a few days of the release for the latest info and tutorials (and of course, if there are bugs, learn how to fix them here… but hopefully it won’t come to that)
Post-Thanksgiving Weekend Stuff November 30, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Chit Chat , add a commentOnce I get back from Thanksgiving break tomorrow, I will be posting more articles in the series that I’ve started (as well as some articles covering new topics).
Also remember to keep your browser on thestudiofiles.com after December 10th. Pro Tools 8 ships on the 10th, and as soon as we get our copies, expect articles and videos covering all of the new features.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! November 27, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Digital home recording studios , add a commentHappy thanksgiving from TheStudioFiles.com!
AOTD: 11/26/08 November 26, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : AOTD , add a commentDAC – a digital to analog converter
Studio Etiquette 101: Engineering efficiency! November 25, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Microphone Techniques, Project Studio , 3commentsAs an engineer, you have a multitude of tools at your disposal to create near-endless sonic possibilities. Mics, preamps, compressors, EQs, plug-ins, virutal instruments, other effects, jecklin discs…
Its no wonder its such a daunting challenge to figure out which pieces of gear to use on each source, and then figure out how to blend them all together musically… Spending too much time switching equipment to “find” sounds can really drag a session down, but rushing through things can sacrifice sonic quality (or at least sonic “interest”). (more…)
AOTD: 11/25/08 November 25, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : AOTD , add a commentMIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
A super quick note about Pro Tools 8 upgrades – November 24, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Digidesign, Pro Tools , add a commentJust thought I’d add that I called Sweetwater today to pre-order Pro Tools 8, but found out that the upgrade fro the Music Production Toolkit to the MPTK 2 ($50) isn’t available through the normal retailers. That will be obtainable once you register Pro Tools 8 through your Digidesign account (on Digidesign.com).
AOTD: 11/24/08 November 24, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : AOTD , add a commentMS – Mid-Side stereo recording. This method uses two mics: (typically) one in bipolar and one in cardiod. The bipolar track is duplicated, one side flipped in polarity, and panned oppositely (the “side”). The cardiod track remains in the center (the “mid”). (There will likely be a more in-depth post on MS recording in the future)
A new DAW comparison… November 23, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Digidesign, Digital Audio Workstations, Pro Tools , add a commentWith Pro Tools 8 on the verge of release, I think its worth updating the Pro Tools LE features description. Although there are still some features that we are still waiting for in Pro Tools LE (ADC…), version 8 brings a lot to the table. (more…)
Everything about File Compression: Take 6 November 23, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : File Compression , 2commentsProblems with lossy (mp3, AAC, Vorbis…) encoders
We’ve established that there are a lot of good things about these encoders (dramatically reduce file size, allowed the internet to be the new battleground for music, etc…).
But what are some problems that these encoders can introduce? Why do they sometimes sound wonky? (more…)
AOTD: 11/23/08 November 23, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : AOTD , add a commentCPU – central processing unit… obviously a fairly essential part of your computer :O The higher the speed, the better!
From Theory to Practicality – Comb Filtering November 22, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Acoustics, Digital Audio Workstations , 4commentsWhat is comb filtering? What does comb filtering do to the audio? What causes comb filtering?
^^These are all things that people involved in audio (from beginners to professionals) should know. This article will discuss comb filtering from theory to practicality. (Including a preview of a MAX program I’m working on that will do all the plotting and calculations for you…) (more…)
Pro Tools 8 Prices November 22, 2008
Posted by ConnorSmith in : Digidesign, Pro Tools , add a commentLooking for information of how much it will cost to upgrade (or buy) the new Pro Tools 8 (and the new Music Production Toolkit 2, etc)??
Here is what you will be paying for the new Pro Tools 8 (and add-on kits): (more…)