4/23/2012

Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard Review

Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard
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I purchased the Xio Synth 25 because of its Midi controller capabilities and its onboard sounds. What also made me want to purchase this was the fact that it serves as a microphone interface with phantom power. I know I have not explored the full potential of this synthesizer with its editing features, etc, which is mainly due to me being new to synthesizers. I purchased Cubase Essentials 5, the Behringer UCA202 U-Control Audio Interface and the Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone to use with the Xio and everything works together great for my needs. The only downside I have personally experienced is that a few knobs have come off. There is one knob I don't remember ever being there and didn't realize it should have been a knob (you can still turn it) and another knob for a pan function came off. Looking at other reviews from other sites, this seems common. Overall, I would recommend it.
Edit 5-7-10:
I want to edit my review to add that my Xio no longer works well when using it as a midi controller. I don't understand why exactly, since the onboard sounds still play and sound well. When using it as a midi controller, I have to press the keys down hard just to trigger the sounds I am trying to play. Shortly after I purchased the Xio, I had purchased an M-Audio 61 Key midi controller, so that is what I primarily use for midi. I still use the Xio as a microphone interface and for its onboard sounds.

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Never before has a Novation synthesizer been so accessible! Stylish, compact, and affordable, the XioSynth offers a staggering amount of classic and cutting edge sounds, many from internationally acclaimed artists, along with a brand new X-Gator patch programmer and optional filter distortion. Furthermore, the XioSynth provides everything required for producing on the move, through its synth, audio interfacing, and MIDI controlling capabilities – all three in one keyboard.Includes Fantastic ‘Xpression' pad and pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode; allow 6 parameters to be tweaked at once!USB bus-powering is available, as well as optional battery (AA)/PSU operation, making the keyboard highly portable.

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4/22/2012

YAMAHA DD55 7 Pad General MIDI Digital Drum System Review

YAMAHA  DD55 7 Pad General MIDI Digital Drum System
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I'm a drummer in a 5-piece band that plays 2 or 3 times a month. I recently had the opportunity to try out the DD55 and was very impressed. Though I'm not ready to show up at a gig without my conventional set, the DD55 would be great for practicing with headphones or for taking to a rehearsal when I don't want to lug my set. It has a nice feel to it, the sound is good, there are lots of options, and it's just plain fun. And it doesn't cost an arm and a leg like some of the electronic drums do.

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This drum set by Yamaha is no mere toy; it marks a transition to a more professional and versatile digital-drumming instrument. It has stereo-sampled voices, a bass boost system and digital processing that gives it an irresistible, thundering beat. The addition of the adjustable pad sensitivity also allows you to pound out a spicy rhythm with your hands.

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Behringer PMP3000 1,200-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer Review

Behringer PMP3000 1,200-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer
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We bought this powered mixer to replace a defective one at our church. Our sanctuary can seat 900 people and so it is a fairly large auditorium. The mixer has more power than the previous powered mixer and many more features. I especially like the individual channel mute buttons so we can kill a mic without having to move the gain adjustments. The only thing I did not like about this mixer is there was no block working diagram available. So we had to construct one for ourselves. To a trained eye, by using a block schematic diagram, it is easier to know how to set up the mixer for different applications and to troubleshoot a problem.
The actual steady state power output is more like 200 watts (each of the two stereo outputs)for our 8 ohm speaker system but still is greater that the old powered mixer. That is a total of 400 watts as compared to the (at first glance) advertised 1200 watts. We do not have to use the maximum gain on any channel so the output is fine for our use. There is also a headset output that follows the actual powered signal which can give you a better idea of mixed signal that is sent to the speakers and to our DVD and CD recorders.
The people at Behringer were able to answer all my questions without any problems so tech support was great. We did have a little difficulty in figuring out how to use the FX special effects (reverb, etc) generator but once we did figure it out, using it was just as advertised. You can probably guess that the instruction manual is not extensively done. But with a limited budget for an emergency purchase of a powered mixer, we are thoroughly satisfied with the quality and price.
The price is exceptional and caused a few doubting comments about how could we get what we needed for such a small price. We have been using the unit for two months now with absolutely no problems.
My suggestion is that before you purchase this unit, download the instruction manual from the Behringer site. You will see the output connection is not a 1/4 jack. If that is what you have, you will have to buy an adapter or convert the present cable connection to the new type. The adapters or connectors are not very expensive (Neutrik NA4LJX Speakon To 1/4" Mono Jack Adapter)and cost under $11 including shipping. You can optionally by the Speakon connectors and convert the speaker cable to the new connector type.

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If you need superior stereo sound for small club gigs, churches or speeches, but have to keep the outboard gear to a minimum, the 16-channel PMP3000 can deliver. This 1,200- Watt mixer has built-in mic preamps and an FX processor, as well as enough power to drive mains and monitors, thanks to dual onboard 600-Watt power amps.

Massive Mono or Stunning Stereo The PMP3000 gives you the choice of 2 x 600-Watt stereo, 2 x 600-Watt dual mono or 1,200-Watt bridged mono sound. Whether the center of attention happens to be a folk trio, a speech, or a synth-rock band with mind-boggling stereo patches, the PMP3000 can accommodate. This sonic versatility also makes it an excellent choice for churches, where vocals and stereo recordings often share face time.
Classic Control, State-of-the-Art Sound Leave the mic preamps at home, because the quality of sound that was once only available in the studio is ready to go wherever you do. Eight built-in, boutique-caliber mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power make it possible to use either dynamic or condenser mics with the PMP3000.
Built-in Digital Effects Processor The PMP3000 is also equipped with a 24-bit FX processor, giving you 100 mind-blowing digital effect presets such as delay, chorus and reverb. Apply them to any channel, as well as to the monitors and main output. In case you're pulling double duty as sound engineer and performer, the FX processor features a footswitch jack for remote on/off.
Changing the Channels The PMP3000 gives you excellent flexibility to accommodate whatever a performance requires. Channels 1-8 are for mics, guitars and other mono instruments. Stereo channels 9-16 are ideal for keyboards. All mono channels have 3-band EQ, switchable Low Cut filter for eliminating infrasonics, and Clip LEDs to indicate when the input signal is too hot.
The Ins and Outs Use the CD/TAPE IN RCA inputs to feed in external stereo signals from CD players or tape decks. The VOICE CANCELLER switch eliminates the vocals from pre-recorded music for karaoke applications.
CD/TAPE RCA outputs send line-level signals from the mixer to a recording device. Left and right output 1/4" connectors are there in case you need to connect more power amps. Connect your monitor power amps or active monitor speakers to the MON SEND output.
A STANDBY switch mutes all mic channels during breaks, preventing the microphones from picking up noise or interference. You can leave all faders untouched while you play a CD via the CD/TAPE inputs.
The FBQ Feedback Detection system automatically shows you which frequencies are causing feedback. Just touch the FBQ button and watch the red LEDs on the 7-band graphic EQ pinpoint which frequencies to adjust for optimized sound, without the feedback.
Speaking of Optimized Output The PMP3000's POWER AMP switch toggles between three operating modes: MAIN, MON/MONO and BRIDGE (the power outputs of A and B on the back panel are added and provided at OUTPUT B). Dual mono mode allows you to use Output A for mono Mains and Output B for monitors. This clever functionality powers both your mains and monitors without the need for an additional power amp.
What's in the Box Behringer PMP3000 Powered Mixer, Power Cable, User's Manual

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Amplitube Live Review

Amplitube Live
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To my ears, the software is quite good. It does take the raw signal from an electric guitar and process it in such a way that it sounds like it is coming out of a selection of real amplifiers. This way you get some classic sounds without having to go out and buy a half dozen amplifiers--and you don't have to lug them around! The software also includes noise gate, reverb, delay, distortion pedal, etc.
To correct a few erroneous comments in other reviews . . .
Even if you have a fast computer, you can still have unacceptable delays between when you strum your guitar and when the processed sound comes out of your computer. This is not Amplitube's fault. You also need a high quality sound card and low latency drivers such as ASIO or WDM, and you need to know how to optimize the latency settings. If you are using a laptop with a generic sound card and MME drivers, your delay will be long regardless how good your computer is.
You can use Amplitube LE for recording, but you will need a host software such as Cakewalk, or Cubase. You can't record if Amplitube is all you have, and I don't think they made that claim.
As I said, Amplitube sounds pretty good and realistic to my ears, but of course, that is a matter of taste.

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AmpliTube Live includes the AmpliTube LE plug-in for most major formats (VST, Audio Units, DX, and RTAS), so you get a standalone app and plug-in in one box! Combine 3 different preamp models and related EQs with 3 accurately emulated cabinets to precisely craft a wide palette of guitar sounds ranging from clean to crunch to lead. A set of 4 classic effects, including a spacious spring reverb and 3 stomp-like effects wah-wah, delay, and overdrive are all modeled on acclaimed classic guitar effects. In addition, there's a chromatic tuner so you always know you're in pitch. AmpliTube takes full advantage of ASIO, DirectX, and Mac OS X Core Audio drivers so it plays without any perceptible latency. Extremely easy to use, and works with built-in Mac and PC audio cards. AmpliTube LE is designed to work in all major audio sequencers, including Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic, Sonar, Digital Performer, GarageBand, or any Audio Unit, VST, DX, or RTAS-compatible host application. Record guitar tracks, fully integrating AmpliTube LE in your DAW. Both AmpliTube Live and LE come packed with killer presets that can be changed with a MIDI footcontroller.

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Behringer OD100 2-Mode Overdrive/Distortion Review

Behringer OD100 2-Mode Overdrive/Distortion
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Yeah, I know, you get what you pay for.... I figured with electronics the way they are today, even a cheap unit would be pretty good, but I was disapointed. It is barely better then the cheap fuzz box I had 20 years ago. Additionally, the electronic switch is very touchy and keeps swapping in and out (the humidity in my house is a bit low this winter).
For 10 bucks more, the one my nephew bought has a much better sound and more change in sound as you play with the controls.
Go for more.

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Get unapologetic distortion while preserving the character of single-coil guitar pickups. The Behringer Overdrive/Distortion OD100 Effects Pedal includes dedicated Level, Tone, Drive and Mode controls for effortless sound shaping. A status LED is included for effect On/Off and battery check, and you can run your OD100 on a 9 V battery or a DC power supply (not included). For absolutely noise-free operation, a first-class electronic On/Off switch is integrated.High quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

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THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 2 Ohm Review

THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 2 Ohm
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This product does wonders for a tube guitar amplifier. It permits great amp sound at reduced sound amplitude.

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The THD Hot Plate Attenuator is a power attenuator and noise reducer that lets you attain the incredible sound of your amp running at high output and full distortion but at recording, small club, and neighbor-friendly volumes. It also makes a perfect dummy load.A power attenuator is simply a device placed between the speaker output and the speaker cabinet. It acts like a huge master volume control and permits the amp to be turned up most or all the way while absorbing most of the power generated by the amplifier and turning this power into heat. It passes a small part of the power to the speaker.Designed for use strictly with vacuum tube guitar amplifiers, each version of the Hot Plate is optimized for a specific impedance. These inductive loads are frequency-compensated, which means you get the best possible sound for that impedance speaker and amplifier combination. Plus the Hot Plate is no simple power attenuator. It offers many capabilities that make it a great addition to any tone-hungry player\'s arsenal.Built-in Noise ReductionThe THD Hot Plate is the only attenuator on the market with built-in noise reduction to reduce the hiss and hum between notes. Its passive, single-ended noise-reduction system provides approximately 10dB of broadband noise reduction without gating or pumping and without affecting the tone of the amp. A by-product of the noise reduction circuit is that it generates light via a front-mounted bulb as you play. The harder you play, the brighter it glows.Tone ControlsThe Hot Plate is also the only attenuator offering a Bright switch and a Deep switch for tailoring your sound. The Bright switch gives you 2 different high-frequency levels so you can compensate for an overly bright or dull speaker cabinet. The Deep switch offers 2 distinct bass settings to help you fill out the bottom end or reduce the bass in a cabinet with too much low end.Adjustable Line OutTHD Hot Plates also feature a Line Out, which is adjustable by its own volume cont

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4/21/2012

Nady Small Diaphram Condenser Microphone Review

Nady Small Diaphram Condenser Microphone
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I am a drummer with a home studio. I was looking for a small condensor to place over my ride cymbal to gain a tad more control aside from the stereo over heads I am already using. This mic was my choice because of my past experience with Nady products and the price. It has a full clear sound with very high gain. What I actually ended up doing was using it as my Hi Hat mic and using the AKG i had over the ride with fantastic results. The only thing I can say is the mic does not have a low end roll off switch which would make it it top notch, but that was easy to remedy by just using a parametric EQ to gain the results I wanted. 2 thumbs up for the Nady condensor. Just the price alone makes it worth buying

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The DM Series Drum/Percussion/Instrument Dynamic Microphones are equipped to handle extremely high sound pressure levels without distortion. The DM Series microphones are ideal for live and studio closemiking of all types of drums and percussion instruments, and also for accurate sonic reproduction of brass, woodwind and other instruments producing high sound fields. The CM-90 is a Classic small diaphragm (20mm) condenser mic. Perfect for recording and stage reinforcement of acoustic guitar, drum overheads, hi-hats, snares, piano, and horns. High sensitivity, extended smooth, full frequency response and very high SPL capability Transformerless design for minimal self-noise and increased dynamic range Rugged, turned-brass housing internal sub-assembly shockmount, and engraved markings Requires 48V phantom powerSpecifications:Type: True condenser pressure-gradient microphone with 0.79 inch(20mm) diaphragm and FET Polar pattern:Cardioid Open circuit sensitiity: 14mV/Pa=-37dBV (0dBV=1V/Pa)Frequency range: 40 to 16000HzRated output impedance: < 200 OhmsRecommend load Impedance: -1000 OhmsMax. SPL (1% THD @1000Hz): 131dBEquivalent noise level to DIN 45405(CCIR 468-2): 28DB Max.SPL (1% THD @1000Hz): 131dBPower requirement: +48VDC phantom powerEquivalent noise level to DIN 45405(CCIR 468-2): 28DBIEC 268-4(A weighted): 19dB-AS/N ratio re 1Pa: 75dBCurrent cons

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