Showing posts with label garage band. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garage band. Show all posts

2/01/2012

M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboard Review

M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboard
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was surprised at the low price of this keyboard considering it has 61 semi-weighted keys. I thought maybe it wouldn't be such great quality but I was pleasantly surprised.
I thought at first that the keys were a little bit "springy", but I soon got used to them. So much so that when I went back to my old Yamaha keyboard (not weighted), the Yamaha felt terrible. This M-Audio lets you play nice and subtle.
There's not much to this keyboard, just a couple of very smooth acting wheels (pitch and modulation), a volume slider and a couple of function buttons. It all seems well-made and the keyboard is heavier than I expected.
I was pleased to find that when I took it out of its box, plugged in the USB cable and opened GarageBand, everything worked perfectly, immediately. No messing about.
It works well with GarageBand (not tried it with anything else), and being powered by the USB cable means it's dead easy to plug in and start playing.
At this price, I can't see how you can go wrong.

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboard

The Keystation 61e is a 61-note USB keyboard with velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys that is designed to easily integrate in any computer music environment. Class compliancy with Mac OS X and Windows XP delivers true plug and play setup. The KeyStation 61e is also compatible with many music education and music creation software titles, making it ideal for classrooms and studios alike.More advanced users can control software synths, external sound devices, and more with the assignable slider and pitch and mod wheels.This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus-powered and requires no external power supply.

Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboard

Read More...

12/21/2011

Behringer XENYX1002 10-Channel Mixer Review

Behringer XENYX1002 10-Channel Mixer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have owned this mixer for a little over 6 months and could not be more pleased. The sound quality, inclusion of two high quality phantom power inputs, and configurability make this ideal for podcasting. This mixer has a small footprint considering the number of inputs it can handle and feels like a quality piece of gear. All controls have a firm feel.
There is no analog level meter, which keeps the cost and size of the unit down. However, there is a 5 segment LED that approximates input levels and signals red on clipping. Essentially this is all that is really needed and works quite well. If you record into software, that will give more precise levels if needed.
The cost of the unit is such that for most it leaves the budget available for a decent quality condenser mike which is just as essential, if not more so, for quality audio recording.
While the larger Xenyx models do include a built-in USB interface for immediate connection to a computer, this mixer does not. However, you can pick up either a USB or Firewire interface separately and inexpensively. I use the Behringer FCA202 firewire interface which works great and is also priced for tight budgets.
The signal path, described in the user guide with a diagram, is simple yet versatile. It is possible to interface to an external effects processor and also send a separate mix for control room or tape out purposes.
Most critical, as Behringer promises, the inputs are very clean. This value oriented mixer offers everything needed for basic recording,e.g. podcasting, with quality and durability.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer XENYX1002 10-Channel Mixer

From bare-bones rock and roll to a mellow folk ensemble, the 10-input, two-bus XENYX 1002 can give an intimate performance the vibe it needs to sound great in the crowd as well as on record. It's simple to transport, simple to use and simply essential.

The Ins and OutsThe XENYX 1002 has two XENYX mic preamps with +48 V phantom power, making it possible to use two dynamic or condenser microphones. The three-band British EQ ensures warm, musical sound. Simple controls with rich musicality make it possible to create beautiful mixes with minimal technical expertise.
Play music between sets via the RCA CD/tape inputs (assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs) and record your performance to an outboard recording device via the RCA outputs.
FX SendAdd some outboard digital magic to your sound using the FX SEND. Simply connect an outboard device to apply effects such as reverb or delay.
So Very PortableWeighing in at just 2.3 pounds (1.05 kg), the XENYX 1002 is the portable, practical way to turn a small performance with two vocalists into an arresting sonic spectacle.
ValueLending optimum sound quality to small-scale performances has never been this easy or affordable. The XENYX 1002 provides incredible versatility at a price other mixers in this class simply cannot touch.
XENYX 1002 Features
Premium ultra low-noise, high headroom analog mixer
2 state-of-the-art XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
Neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
1 post fader FX send per channel for external FX devices
Main mix outputs plus separate control room, phones and stereo CD/tape outputs
CD/tape inputs assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs
FX to control room function helps to monitor effect signal via headphones and control room outputs
Long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper master fader and sealed rotary controls
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

What's in the BoxBehringer XENYX 1002 Mixer, Power Supply, User's Manual, Quick Start Guide

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Behringer XENYX1002 10-Channel Mixer

Read More...

11/12/2011

Line 6 POD Studio KB37 Review

Line 6 POD Studio KB37
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm new to creating music on a computer, and my research, along with tons of positive reviews from others, led me to the POD Studio KB37 as a good all-purpose starting point. In terms of flexibility, this package is very hard to beat. The built-in inputs and mic preamps let you record just about anything, from guitar/bass and other electric instruments to vocals and acoustic instruments (using your own mic, of course). For these uses alone, the KB37 is a great way to get sound into your computer with minimum headaches. Simply connect the KB37 to your computer with a single USB cable. It's USB-powered, so you don't even have to plug it into a power outlet.
The hardware's MIDI keyboard and control surface open up a whole new dimension. They allow you to add keyboard parts and adjust some software parameters via real-world knobs and buttons; this is much faster than clicking and dragging onscreen "virtual" controls.
The included software package reveals the KB37's full potential, transforming an otherwise great product into an incredible bargain. Sure, the Reason Adapted (synth, sampler, sequencer, and effects) and Ableton Live (multitrack recording) software are the "lite" versions of these programs, but even so, they're very versatile and powerful. If you're fairly new to DAW software, trust me, even the lite version of Reason is pretty incredible -- you'll get a lot of use out of it. It includes tons of sampled real-world instruments, fully functional and tweakable soft synths, drum machine, sequencer, effects, and a lot more. It takes quite a while to explore its impressive capabilities. Once you do, you'll know whether you want to upgrade to the full version, which is available at a discounted price. But again, the lite verion will be plenty for many users.
Finally, you get Line 6's POD Farm software, which gives you an arsenal of stompbox and rack effects for guitar, bass, vocals, and just about anything else. On top of that, it includes amp, cab, and mic preamp modeling. You get everything that most guitar multi-effects units provide and then some. Because it runs on your computer, naming and saving patches is quicker and easier than stand-alone multi-effects units, and you can save as many custom patches as you like. And, unlike stand-alone units, POD Farm is expandable. Line 6 claims that the KB37 allows you to monitor your tone, complete with effects, without a latency problem (a lag between playing a note and hearing the output). This is not an empty promise. On my modest laptop, which runs Windows Vista on an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz) with 3GB of RAM, I experience zero latency problems.
All told, for the price of one guitar multi-effects unit, you get everything you need to start a home studio. If you're a full-time keyboard player, this package probably isn't aimed at you. As its name suggests, the KB37's keyboard has only 37 keys. So, there are probably better MIDI keyboard controllers out there for you. Plus, as a keyboard specialist, you'd most likely want a full version of whatever synth software you prefer. On the other hand, if you play guitar or bass and you want all the building blocks for tweaking your tone, adding vocals, effects, *and* getting your feet wet with powerful synths, sampling, and multitrack recording, here it is for a laughably low price.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Line 6 POD Studio KB37

POD Studio KB37 combines the stunning sound of POD Farm\' plug-in with a powerful and versatile USB interface and 37-key MIDI controller. Essential to the success of countless platinum-selling albums, these immortal Line 6 guitar, bass and effects tones are now available for recording guitarists. POD Farm, The Premium Tone Plug-inPOD Farm plug-in features the sounds of the sought-after vintage essentials and must-have modern monsters necessary for a pro-sounding recording. It includes 18 immortal guitar amps Models,24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps and 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox and studio effects. Drag and drop models into the signal flow, pre or post amplifier. The carousel-style gear browser, displaying each and every coveted model Plus, get your free FX Junkie model pack and add 35 more effect models including synths, filters, delays, and more to POD Farm!KB37, the Lowest Noise for the Clearest RecordingsKB37 boasts the lowest noise for recording guitar, 12dB more dynamic range than similar interfaces, for clear and dynamic recordings. Plus, exclusive Line 6 ToneDirect\' monitoring virtually eliminates latency allowing you to record with amp and effect modeling and without sacrificing tone or feel.Half rock-solid guitar interface, half feature-packed MIDI controller, KB37 is as versatile as it is powerful. It features 37 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, a pitch bend wheel, octave up/down buttons and a set of software-assignable controls.Start Recording Right Out of the BoxPOD Studio KB37 includes POD Farm plug-in, Ableton Live Lite Line 6 Studio Edition 16-track recording software ideal for guitarists, and award-winning Reason Adapted production software featuring a sought-after sequencer and tons of stunningly lifelike instruments. This collection of studio-standard hardware and software provides instant pro recording, right out of the box.

Buy NowGet 29% OFF

Click here for more information about Line 6 POD Studio KB37

Read More...

5/08/2011

Alesis GuitarLink AudioLink Series 1/4-inch-to-USB Cable Review

Alesis GuitarLink AudioLink Series 1/4-inch-to-USB Cable
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this cable to interface my electric guitar with my Macbook Pro in order to record using Garage Band.
Simply put, the device seems to technically work, but there is a split second delay between playing and hearing. It may be a half or quarter second delay, but it's enough to completely interfere with my timing while playing. I found it unusable and returned it.
Now I'm using a simple 1/4" to 1/8" mini plug into my computer's line in port without any problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alesis GuitarLink AudioLink Series 1/4-inch-to-USB Cable

Record your guitar direct.GuitarLink makes it easy to direct-connect nearly any guitar, bass, or other line-level audio source to USB for mono recording. The AudioLink Series USB-audio cable outputs studio quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. GuitarLink connects plug-and-play to your Mac or PC for an all-in-one USB audio solution.

Buy NowGet 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Alesis GuitarLink AudioLink Series 1/4-inch-to-USB Cable

Read More...