| Login |
Not a member yet? Click here to register.
Forgotten your password? Request a new one here.
|
|
|
| What speed is my USB? |
 USB has evolved over the years, from USB 1.0, to 1.1, to 2.0. USB 1.1, with a maximum data rate of 12Mbps (Megabits per second) is used in a lot of audio interfaces, and can work reliably with four channels at 44.1kHz/24-bit or stereo at 96kHz. It can typically handle a MIDI data stream as well, as MIDI doesn’t require much bandwidth.
USB 2.0 interfaces are much faster, as they run at a maximum rate of 480Mbps and can therefore handle many more channels of audio—18 channels at 44.1kHz is common. But how can you tell what type of USB your computer accommodates?
You’d think a port labeled “Full Speed” would be USB 2.0-compatible, but actually, that term applies to USB 1.0 and 1.1. USB 2.0 is called “High-Speed.” But in either case, USB devices are totally compatible: A USB 1.1 device will work with a USB 2.0 port, and a USB 2.0 device will work with a USB 1.1 port—but only at 1.1 speeds, of course.
All modern Macs use USB 2.0 ports. USB has been standard on Windows machines going back to Windows 98SE, so with older machines you may not know if it has 1.1 or 2.0 ports. To find out, right-click on “My Computer” then go to Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers tree; if you see “enhanced” for a host controller, then your computer has USB 2.0. You should also see standard controllers too, which handle 1.0 and 1.1 devices transparently.
|
|
| Stupid Computer Mistakes |
Usually, I like to write about some clever trick. But this time, I want to explore stupidity, particularly because stupidity breeds stupidity: Sometimes a stupid mistake will make you do an even stupider mistake, like re-installing your computer's operating system when it isn't really necessary. Here's a chance to learn from my stupid mistakes, and those of others.
GETTING LOOPED ISN'T JUST ABOUT DRINKING
I was trying out a new interface. I booted up my host program, loaded a sequence, hit play, and...got blasted across the room by a loud buzz. Latency problem? Eventually I realized that the loop left and right locators were on top of each other, and loop was enabled. I separated the loop locators, and all was well.
GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND
I was doing some Pro Tools work with a Digi MBox 2, then wanted to use it with a Sonar project. The file would play briefly, then quit. I spent hours trying to find a solution. Finally, I googled "Sonar Mbox2 'known issues' buzz interface audio." Up popped a discussion forum that mentioned that you should avoid using Sonar's multiprocessing mode with the MBox 2. I unchecked multiprocessing, and got back to work.
SO THAT'S WHY THEY'RE CALLED "READ ME" FILES
Another Sonar tale: I wanted to try the ReValver SE guitar amp with Sonar 5. So I put a signal through it, and got the sound of a blue jay stuck in a blender, processed by ring modulation. I emailed Cakewalk support, and it turned out that at that time, ReValver wasn't compatible with Sonar's 64-bit double-precision audio engine - as stated in the Read Me file. But the stupid mistake wasn't not reading the Read Me file; I had read it when I first installed the program. The stupid mistake was not checking the Read Me file first.
KILLING A COMPUTER WITH KINDNESS
I upgraded my daughter's computer with a new graphics card. I turned the power back on, and booted to a...black screen. Then I remembered I hadn't disabled the onboard graphics. Once disabled, it worked great. The same thing often holds true for Windows sound cards: Disable any onboard sound to avoid conflicts.
DON'T TRY, TRY AGAIN
One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. If something goes wrong, and you try to fix it but it still doesn't work, don't try the same fix again. One friend tried to install a program and it wouldn't install. So he tried installing it again. And again, with the same results. Then he tried uninstalling other programs in case there was a conflict. Finally, he called me in desperation.
I asked if he'd forgotten to disable his anti-virus software during installation (Fig. 1). There was a very long pause at the other end of the phone.
NATURE ABHORS A VACUUM, AND SO DOES A COMPUTER
Help keep a computer clean by not letting dust get into it - throw a plastic cover over it when not in use. If it does get dirty inside, use compressed air to blow out the dirt. Do not open up the case and use a vacuum cleaner. They're designed to vacuum Big Things like rooms, not delicate Little Things like computers.
SO THAT'S WHY THEY'RE CALLED BETA DRIVERS
I have a friend - let's call him, oh, Craig - who because of his gig, needs to stay on top of the latest upgrades. He's smart enough to know that not updating drivers can lead to problems, but not smart enough to know that updating with beta drivers is not a good idea - as he found out when trying out beta drivers for his graphics card, and every time he moved a window in his sequencer there was a symphony of little clicks. Now I - I mean, Craig - knows better. He also knows how to roll back drivers to previous versions.
IT PAYS TO LISTEN
When your computer is trying to tell you something by making a strange noise, don't be stupid and pretend it will go away. Is it quieter than normal? Maybe a fan died, so your CPU might be next. Is there a grinding noise? The bearings on a hard drive might be going - back up immediately. Your ears can be valuable early warning indicators if you pay attention.
UPGRADES GONE WILD
Congratulations! You upgraded your cheapo computer with two new hard drives, a hot graphics card, DVD-ROM writer, lots more RAM, DSP board, and a couple new interface cards. And your computer's great - until after about 12 minutes, when it starts acting flaky and does spontaneous reboots. Hmm...did you upgrade the power supply, too so there's enough juice to feed all this stuff? Ooops.
THE RIGHT WAY TO DO DRIVER UPDATES
I've done driver updates wrong so may times let's just proceed directly to how to do them right. A driver is a software routine that provides a bridge for data between a piece of hardware, like an audio interface or graphics card, and your computer's innards. Drivers are updated often, both to improve performance and to eliminate conflicts that either didn't exist or weren't noticed when a product was first introduced.
It's important to keep on top of driver updates, and not just for your audio interface. For example, if you use a PCI sound card and PCI graphics card, there could be conflicts between the two that a driver upgrade will resolve. But there's one caution: Sometimes a new driver will solve old problems, but introduce new ones. Make sure you know how to roll back a driver (e.g., using System Restore with Windows XP) before you install a new one, and never install multiple new drivers - try one, then test, then the next, then test, etc.
|
|
| IK Multimedia - Downloadable Bundles |
IK Multimedia has announced an extended range of downloadable products for purchase from the IK online store.. (Link)
Previously available only for single FX plug-in downloads, IK's downloadable product range has now been extended to include the following instruments, workstation plug-ins and bundled effects:
Virtual Instruments:
* SampleTank 2.5 XL
* SampleTank 2.5 L
* Miroslav Philharmonik
* Miroslav Philharmonik CE
* Sonik Synth 2
* SampleMoog
* SampleTron
Effects Bundles:
* Total Effects Bundle
* Total Guitar & Bass Gear Bundle
After purchasing IK's downloadable products from the IK online store, customers will receive a serial number that, once registered, will enable them to download the purchased software and sounds from their IK user area. Thus, giving them instant access to the products they have purchased.
IK's new downloadable versions are available both as regular and special reduced crossgrade priced versions, available to all previous IK registered users of any full, lite or OEM bundle version software.
|
|
| Buy Gibson and Epiphone at Best Buy |
Just a few months ago, national retailer Best Buy decided to add musical instruments and recording equipment to its already diverse line of products in a few test markets. The move proved so successful that this past weekend they opened their largest outlet to date at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minn.—one of the best-known shopping and entertainment destinations in the United States—complete with a section devoted exclusively to musical instruments and recording equipment.
Seeing a great opportunity to expand its customer base, Gibson has partnered with the retail giant to include a full line of guitars and products from Gibson Custom, Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustics, and Epiphone in Best Buy locations that sell musical instruments. And the move isn’t limited to just the Minneapolis area—also home to Best Buy’s corporate headquarters. The company is already selling musical instruments and recording equipment, including Gibson guitars and products, in 13 other locations, and plan on outfitting an additional 75-85 stores with the company's "store within a store" concept. They also plan on offering group and individual guitar lessons at each location.
“The introduction of musical instruments is a natural progression for Best Buy,” explained Steve Hehir, senior vice president of musical instruments for Best Buy. “Consumers have always looked to us as a resource for music in a variety of formats. Now they’ll be able to rely on us for help with musical performance and creating too.”
The Best Buy grand opening in Minneapolis will also be the home of the company's new Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America, which will host a variety of entertainment ranging from musical performances and celebrity appearances to game launches. An entire lineup of world-class performers, celebrities, and special events greeted shoppers this past weekend at the Best Buy Rotunda, including New Kids on the Block, NBA basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and a Best Buy Madden NFL Tailgate Party to introduce the new Best Buy ’08 Madden Challenge. The grand opening continues through next weekend, with an appearance by former Minnesota Twin baseball legend Harmon Killibrew and current centerfielder Carlos Gomez. Both will be signing autographs and taking pictures at the Best Buy Rotunda on August 17.
“We are excited to bring the latest in technology and services to this popular venue,” said Brian J. Dunn, president and COO of Best Buy, referring to the Mall of America store. “Our new 45,000-square foot store gives us a prominent presence within the mall, which is only a short distance from our U.S.-based headquarters. We also look forward to hosting a number of special events at the Mall that will provide our customers with amazing and inspiring entertainment experiences.”
For more information on which Best Buy locations sell Gibson and Epiphone products, click here.
|
|
| REAPER |
REAPER is a fully featured multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering environment.
REAPER is reasonably priced, requires no dongle, has no copy protection, and can be evaluated with full functionality.
Recommended system: Multiple processors, Windows 2000/XP/Vista with 1GB RAM, >1GB free disk space, 1280x1024 in 16.7M colors, ASIO sound drivers
Minimum system: 500mhz processor, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/WINE with 128MB RAM, 10MB free disk space, 800x600 in 256 colors or higher, Windows compatible sound hardware
Windows x64 and OS X BETA versions available
Feature highlights
* Unlimited creativity with no track limit, free routing for sample-accurate MIDI and audio alike, sidechain control of any plugin
* Incredibly flexible and powerful routing - functions as an entire virtual studio with patchbays, enabling all sorts of effects not possible anywhere else
* Fast installation and execution - starts up in seconds, always ready to record
* Streamlined, tool-less work flow with context menus and item handles for fades, volume, per-item effects, etc
* Integrated network FX processing - use spare machines for additional processing power
* Supports mixing sample rates and media formats on the fly - WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, ACID, APE, WavPack, MP3*, and more
* Intuitive editing features - auto-crossfades, takes and lanes, ripple editing, arbitrary item grouping and locking
* Unlimited sound processing - tons of included FX, support for thousands of third party virtual instruments, sample players, audio and MIDI processing plug-ins (VST, VSTi, DX, DXi, JS)
* Design your own graphical interface and create your own custom action lists for total customizability
For more information, visit http://www.reaper.fm/
|
|
|
Posted by 
v6.01.15 © 2003-2008