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Line 6 are releasing a new portable handheld recording device. There are two variations, with or without a built-in microphone. They are expected to start shipping on October 10, 2008. Here are some links to all the relevant information: See the details
It is no secret that I’m a big fan of the Line 6 tones and method of doing things. Back before POD XT had the Metal Shop amp pack, there weren’t really any outright, crushingly good metal tones on that unit. I experimented with integrated The Weapon into my setup to fill this gap. Though a bit focused in the type of metal tones it offers, this pedal sounds fantastic. I did eventually sell the pedal but I have regretted it ever since. Check out this sound sample of me playing through all the settings of The Weapon
straight into my computer.
Be sure to pay special attention to the sitar sound around 2:30 of the clip.
As digital gear becomes more prevalent I see the same question asked over and over again, “Should I record using the analogue outs or use the USB (or S/PDIF) outputs?” The popular answer is, “keep it digital or you’ll lose sound quality!” Is there any merit to this claim that sound quality is lost if you do not “keep it digital” all the way? Does it matter in a home recording studio which you choose? Let’s find out. Give me the test »
Miking drums is a subject that seems to be surrounded by a lot of voodoo in the home recording studio. I know it was certainly something I had a lot of agony over for years. Truth be told, there are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to putting microphones on drums. The purpose of this article is to give some loose guidelines to help you develop your own drum miking techniques. I have also provided some sound clips so you can hear my discussed techniques in action. Show me how to get great drum sounds
No new purchases will qualify.
The Line 6 TonePort series are great audio interfaces. The TonePort UX8 is the flagship of the series. It has eight great mic preamps with phantom power, inputs for instruments, and the ability to put Line 6’s awesome amp modeling on your tracks. For a limited time Line 6 are offering you free model packs to expand the capability of your TonePort UX8. Show me how to get free model packs »
Mixing is certainly a specialized craft but I believe in learning all I can about my craft. Much of my time is occupied by reading about mixing, talking about mixing, thinking about mixing, and actually mixing. This page is intended to serve as a resource for finding some interesting mixing related material to help you hone your own craft. Our home studio is our playground and there are many books available to help us learn the ropes. Show me some mixing books »
Jamstix 2 is a VST drum plugin that is more than just a drum machine. This plugin is an entirely customizable virtual studio drummer. You can get very precise if you want to work that way, but the more impressive aspect of this software is to use it more like you might communicate with a human drummer. Tell him the arrangement of your song and what style you imagine. Then just keep asking him to change the riffs here and there until you hear a groove you like. If you need drum tracks in your home recording studio that are more individual and more human than midi loops, Jamstix 2 is for you. Let’s take a look at what it takes to get a basic groove going. Show me the Jamstix 2 way
A few days ago, Musician’s Friend featured the Line 6 Gearbox Plugin Silver bundle as their Stupid Deal Of The Day at $100. Normally the plugin can’t be had for less than $300. It would seem this was only a hint at things to come as now the Silver and Gold bundles are available at bargain basement prices. Show me the deals»
In Home Recording Basics 1 we covered configuring your computer for recording. Home Recording Basics 2 showed you how to create and save a new project. In this installment of Home Recording Basics we are going to talk about recording your first tracks. After going through this tutorial you should be well on your way to a home studio addiction that can last you a lifetime. (more…)
In Home Recording Basics 1 we talked about getting your computer set up to operate as a DAW. The next step is to create your first project and get ready to record a few tracks. With REAPER and your soundcard properly configured, it is now time to take that next step. (more…)