Tascam M-164 16-Channel Analog Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)Tascam makes great products and we have several excellent pieces of equipment from them.
When I saw the price for this new mixer, the M-164UF for $349, 50% off, I couldn't resist buying it to replace our M-Audio NRV-10 which never worked well.
I ordered the product from Amazon and waited for the expedited shipping which took 4 days. The product came, and... it was the wrong model. OK, I'm now irritated.
I call Musician's Friend and they argued about what I ordered though my Amazon order clearly stated the m-164UF. Finally he agreed and argued that the price was incorrect. Not exactly my problem since Amazon posted the price and usually the vendor enters it.
After numerous times putting me on hold he comes back and offers an RMA number. I had to ask if they would replace the wrong one with the right one ordered and honor the price. He said, "Yes" but only when prompted. Then the new mixer would only be shipped AFTER the wrong one was sent back. We're a corporation, not an individual and thought this was rather untrustworthy. He finally sort of apologized for the inconvenience, and it was inconvenient since we had planned several recording that had to be postponed.
All in all, Musician's Friend left a lot to be desired... But please, beware of the price you see here as it may or may not be honored.


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Samson MB1 - Microphone stand - steel Review

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(More customer reviews)Product arrived on time within the time window seller provided. The reason I chose this stand over others is because of its weight. I wanted a bass mic stand that would not topple over with a heavier mic attached to its end. Product was in excellent shape, looks great and is pretty well constructed! The reason I say pretty well is that the piece that connects boom to stand is made of some type of plastic not steel like rest of stand... whatever.. Still works great and is very sturdy. Thank you!

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Hip Hop eJay Review

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(More customer reviews)This "Music Creation Game" is totally awesome. If you have ever wanted to scratch like a pro-dj, make phat raps, or even record your OWN raps this is the game. With over 1,000 loops, bass lines, raps, sound effects, voice recordings, your own scratches and more. There is two side screens other than the 6-line music creator that you drag&drop effects for the song the scratch and the recording studio. The scratch area is where you can scratch like a pro by draging your mouse to turn the record, drag your own sound effects into there and scratch the ... out of them. You can make a whole scratch line for your song or make a perfect scratch for your other songs. This is great if you can't afford all the expensive equiptment to scratch really! The recording studio is where you "record lyrics" or "effects" for your song. In all this is a phat 5 star game for anyone who has the talent of music creation.

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Create you own music on your PC with Voyetra's Hip Hop eJay 2. The program includes everything that you need, with over 3,500 professionally recorded audio samples that you can use to build your songs. Choose from drum beats, bass lines, keyboard parts, raps, vocal hooks, and sound effects to create your mixes. Record your own voice or samples, and drop them into your songs. Hip Hop eJay 2's powerful utilities give your mixes a professionally produced sound. Add life to your samples with robotize, echo, overdrive, and filter in the Effects Studio. Cut and scratch audio clips in the Scratch Generator II. Scratch live to the playback with your mouse, record it, and then manipulate the recorded sample. Blend your songs in the 16-Track Mixer. Control the volume and speaker placement of up to 16 different tracks during playback. Make virtually any audio sample eJay-compatible with the Time Stretch utility. The samples include a wide array of musical styles, like Old Skool, Nu Skool, East Coast, West Coast, and Freestyle.

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PreSonus HP60 6-Channel Headphone Amplifier/Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)If you play live and your band is constantly complaining that they can't hear themselves in the mix, this is the perfect product to solve that. Lets back up...if you are a vocalist trying to hear yourself or to do harmonies, it is almost impossible if all you have is the main mix in your phones. This device allows you to take, say, the direct feed from your vocal channel and plug it into a stereo input...for each channel. The three singers in my band each have an output that they are able to mix into the main mix. The result: "more me" since my vocals are boosted above the other vocals and instruments. And you can't believe how much better you can sing when you can actually hear yourself.
Of course, the other vocalists can hear you too, but they can mainly hear themselves, so everybody can sing their parts without getting disoriented by the other vocalists
You get two stereo inputs for all the channels, and you can mix them together, so you could theoretically have a backing track mix on A and a click track on B. If the drummer needs the click, mix heavy toward B. If you are a singer and dont need to hear the click, mix heavy toward A. Then, boost your own personal direct signal from the mix board so that your vocals stand head and shoulders above the other stuff. NOW you can hear!!!
This is one of those products I'm constantly inventing in my head that don't exist, except that this one does, and with more features and flexibility than I ever would have imagined. Plenty of volume in the headphones, nice clean sound, and you can hook up six headphones to this thing, each with individual A/B track mix and "more me" mix input. Pricey, but worth it. This thing is a game changer. As the guy who usually gets the middle David Crosby part in the harmony matrix, I no longer get confused, off pitch, or lost. Bring it on...I can sing ANYTHING now...

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"Turn my headphones up!" "More me, I can't hear myself!" "Turn down that click!" It gets old. Change that tune with the HP60 headphone distribution system. The HP60 is more than just a half-dozen headphone amps, it's a field-tested solution to a host of common headphone-monitoring problems. Let's start with "turn my headphones up." Each of the HP60's six headphone amps has its own level control and puts out 150 mW, which is loud enough to drive the alligators out of the Louisiana swamps. If they can't hear this headphone system, they're stone deaf. More likely they'll scream, "turn it down, you're killing me!" Problem solved. Now let's solve "turn down that click." The HP60 features two sets of line-level, stereo inputs that are routed to all six headphones, a Mix control that sets their relative levels for each headphone output, and a mute switch for each headphone. So you can feed the main control-room mix to channel A and the click to channel B and use the Mix controls to individually raise or lower the click relative to the main mix for each musician. Problem solved. As for "more me," in addition to the two pairs of main stereo inputs, you get an external stereo input pair with level control for each headphone channel. A Mono switch lets you sum the left and right inputs. So you can send each of the whiners a feed of just their instrument or voice and can control the level separately for each. Problem

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Alesis MultiMix 4 USB Four-Channel USB Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)In general, I like it, but it has warts. The biggest issue, which was mentioned differently in other reviews was the hum & noise when you're monitoring a live recording through headphones. The weird thing is that this noise doesn't appear on the finished digital file. Since I'm not taking this into the field, I'll live with this odd behavior because the other features be the heck out of all of the other USB mixers in this price range (here's a hint: there aren't any, or at least their weren't any when I bought this). Before I got my cushy desk job, I moonlighted as an A2 so part of me wants to cringe at the noise in my headset; however, in an earlier life I worked with the old Hitachi HR100 1" VTRs, and they had the same problem except for about 100 times more money. I can live with this, and it gets a 3 only because of the monitoring issue...otherwise this little baby excellent.


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Perfect for using in basic computer-recording setups, video editing and production studios, and portable podcasting setups, the Alesis MultiMix 4 USB outputs not only line-level analog audio but also stereo 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio over USB for low-noise, easy computer connection. You can also monitor back from your computer through the same USB connection.
The MultiMix 4 USB mixer has four input channels, all of which can accept a 1/4-inch line input. You can plug XLR microphones into channels one and two, including condensers thanks to the mixer's switchable 48V-phantom power supply. You can also plug a guitar or bass directly into channel one's switchable high-impedance input.
Channels one and two offer switchable high-pass filtering at 75Hz to eliminate low-frequency rumble, handling and wind noise. Each channel has an independent pan control and channels one and two provide high and low-shelving EQs. Channels one and two have independent gain trims, while channels three and four are configured as a stereo pair at the level and pan controls.
Key Features
Four-channel mixer with USB stereo input and output
Low-noise digital 16-bit, 44.1 kHz signal on USB for easy computer interface
Four 1/4-inch line-level inputs plus RCA tape in/out
Two XLR mic inputs with gains, high-pass filters, and switchable 48V phantom power
High-impedance guitar input
Dual-band EQ on mic inputs
Multicolor LED metering
Main and headphone outputs with independent level controls

Specifications

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TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio Review

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(More customer reviews)After wanting a digital multi-track for a long time, I finally decided on this model, and I'm glad I did.
One thing that is not included in a list of specs is the usability factor. I've purchased my share of electronic devices for making and recording music over the years. Just looking at a dry list of specs has often been my method of deciding on what to buy. Well, on paper the DP-008 looks good, but it's not until you use this to cut a few tracks that you realize how well it is designed. I'm SOOOO glad I didn't buy the DP-004, as this model is clearly the results of Tascam eliminating the weaker aspects of the 4 track model just in time for the 8 track version.
I have seen a lot of digital multi-tracks that look good on paper, but to use them is a real pain. The fact that the DP-008 has all the individual track knobs means that you don't have to go flipping through pages on a menu or choosing the "hot track" in some other way. Here it's all laid out logically and makes tweaking the final stereo mix a piece of cake. Sure it would be nice if there were level sliders rather than dials, but these work just fine.
I use this model to record myself playing guitar and bass, run a Boss drum machine into it, and I record vocals with an external mic though a small mixer that has some helpful effects on it. You don't need a mixer, though, as the included mics are quite good. I am able to record several tracks, "bounce" them if I want to, and then write them to a stereo master mix. Then, I export that mix on the unit itself (sounds weird, but basically you're just creating a wav file that can be seen by a computer). The final step is connecting the DP-008 to a computer and merely dragging the song files over to the computer. I then use Audacity to convert it to an ogg file or mp3.
I use Linux and the process of transferring songs to the computer is very simple. In the past you would have received a useless cd-rom with a crappy "song transfer" program and maybe some crapware to go along with it. I'm glad that Tascam has decided to treat the customer right and state it clearly: There is no need for special software. Once you export the song, it will show up as an external storage device and you can simply transfer the files over to your computer, whether it's a PC running Windows or Linux, or a Mac.

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Allen & Heath AH-ZED-12FX 12-Channel Mixer with USB Interface and Onboard EFX Review

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(More customer reviews)Great unit once I got A good one that worked right. Perfect size/features for a home recording, and live performance. I do some ripping/remixing for my radio show.
1st & 2nd machine didn't have a working CODEC. A&H knew exactly what was wrong when I called and had repair people lined up in my area to fix it!!!
I sent it back to Amazon 2X before I got a good one.
Amazon was very helpful in getting squared away.
Check all feature on arrival. JM

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Complementing the existing ZED series, the ZED FX has been developed around an FX chipset purely for the new model. Our DSP engineers have been working hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms. The effects are available nowhere else - this quality and integration is only available from the ZED FX. The ZED-12FX is a 12 channel mixer with USB interface and onboard EFX. It has 16 essential time-delay effects which add to the already bulging feature set. The mixer is ideal for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings.

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Behringer XENYX X1204 USB mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used this mixer both for recording and live shows, and am pretty satisfied with it, as it generally does what it is supposed to do. It does (despite adjusting the high and mid-tones) sometimes produce a tinnier sound than I'd prefer, but I can't be sure as to whether this is due directly to the mixer or to the sound systems it has been connected to. The USB-to-computer recording feature is convenient, but for certain instruments it is difficult to get enough volume output. However, it is important to note that I am by no means a professional sound engineer, and have a lot to learn about how to optimize my equipment. All told, there is a lot of music I wouldn't have been able to produce without this mixer, and I certainly couldn't beat the price.

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PreSonus Tubepre Single-Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Pre Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great starter preamp.
When i first started recording i was using an akg perception 200 and tascam 122L. the 122 is a decent interface but is almost too transparent for its own good. All of my vocal recordings sounded lifeless and detached.
I purchased this inexpensive preamp and found that it certainly did add the subtle harmonics needed to liven up the tone.
I read online that many people thought that while this preamp is decent for the price, merely switching out the stock chinese vacuum tube can really enhance its tone. So I went to G***** C***** and purchased a replacement russian made groove tubes preamp tube and WOW, It really did make a huge difference!(the entire tube switching process took me about 4 minutes, i had never done such a thing before but it was very easy)
So while this is a nice little preamp, a simple $20 upgrade took the quality way above and beyond what you get out of the box.

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The TubePRE is the highest quality vacuum tube preamp in its class. Loaded with PreSonus award winning dual servo preamplifier, the TubePre affordably delivers low noise tube warmth for vocals, guitars, bass guitars, synths and sound modules. The TubePre noticeably outperforms preamps in low cost mixers and recording interfaces making it an easy choice for anyone desiring to enhance their recordings with the magic of tubes.

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Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my video review of the AT2020 USB microphone from Audio-Technica. USB Microphones are made to be plugged in directly to a laptop or desktop. I connected this to a Vista 64 laptop during filming and did the voice over on a Macbook Pro.
Text review:
I give this product a 5 star rating. It is easy to use, high quality and very competitively priced. This is a great desktop mic to use for making podcasts or recording music.
I am not a musician so I am not able to speak to that aspect of the microphones ability. I did use it to make several voice over videos and it performed perfectly. Never a hick-up or any spurious noises heard at all.
I did not include specs into my video review because it would add to the file size and be too small to read here on Amazon's video player.

Regular readers of my reviews know I try to supply specs when necessary.
Here are the specs:
Element:Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser
Polar pattern:Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz-16,000Hz
Power Requirements: USB power (+5VDC)
Bit depth: 16
Sample Rate:44,000 kHz
Weight: 374g (13.2 oz)
Dimensions: 162.0 mm (6.38") long
52.0mm max body diameter (2.05")
Output connector: USB type
Accessories:Pivoting stand for 5/8"-27 threaded stands, 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter, soft protective pouch, tripod desk stand; 3.1m 10' USB cable
System Reqs: Mac OSX, USB 1.0 or 2.0 64MB RAM minimum. Windows XP Home or professional USB 1.0 or 2.0 64MB RAM minimum.
So for a great USB microphone I recommend this highly!
About the video: After uploading I noticed that Amazon's codec (video compressor) has made the video quality sub-par. I will try to reupload it again with a different codec.
Thank you for watching!

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The new AT2020 USB offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility with modern convenience. It plugs right into your computer's USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use.

Based on the Renowned AT2020 The AT2020 USB is a side-address studio condenser based on the design of Audio-Technica's critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone, which can be found in studios worldwide. Like the AT2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. The Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.
Digital-Ready With low self-noise, the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Audio-Technica's state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company's renowned consistency and reliability standards.
This means you'll get crystal-clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use.
AT2020 USB Specs
Element: Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20 -16,000 Hz
Bit Depth: 16 bit
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
Power Requirements: USB power (5V DC)
Weight (less accessories) 13.2 oz (374 g)
Dimensions: 6.38" (162.0 mm) long, 2.05" (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter
Output Connector: USB-type connector

Audio-Technica 20 Series--Affordable Pro Audio Microphone Solutions Audio-Technica's stringent consistency, reliability and quality standards bring professional performance to this extremely affordable line of home/project studio microphones.
What's in the Box AT2020 USB microphone, tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable & storage pouch

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M-Audio Pro Tools M-Powered 8 Review

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(More customer reviews)I am running Pro Tools 8 with Windows 7 64-bit and it works great. Yes, there were a few MINOR bugs with the initial release, but Pro Tools has made it very clear that Windows 7 64-bit is not yet officially supported. Their latest update however works PERFECTLY with Win 7 64-bit. In fact, the application runs very smoothly with minimal stress on CPU and memory. I typically use a lot of tracks and plug-ins. To date, this is the best application I've used in terms of system stress and audio quality.
These bad reviews seems to come from rookies who aren't quite sure how to use Pro Tools. Newer audio production apps are geared toward home studio/rookie musicians. Because of this, these same rookies pick up Pro Tools because it's the "industry standard" and immediately go back to SONAR because it's too complex for them. Just give it some time - learn the application and you'll love it.

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Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software puts the industry standard in audio/MIDI production on the fast track, letting you enter the powerful world of Pro Tools on your own terms. Pro Tools M-Powered has the same user interface as Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE, all while expanding your creative hardware options to dozens of M-Audio interfaces. Session compatibility with all current versions of Pro Tools software means that you can easily move your projects between pro, project and mobile personal studios. And at just $299.95 MSRP, anyone can become a member of the Pro Tools community. Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is the serious music production choice for power, compatibility, options and ease of use--without spending serious money.

Real Pro Tools Pro Tools M-Powered is Pro Tools. There are actually three flavors of Pro Tools, all of which share the same user interface and file format. The primary distinction is the hardware they complement. Pro Tools|HD runs on elite DSP-powered Pro Tools|HD hardware. Pro Tools LE works with a variety of Digidesign hardware including the Mbox 2 family. And Pro Tools M-Powered delivers even more options via compatibility with dozens of M-Audio interfaces.
Produce with the Industry Standard--Anywhere, Anytime The combination of M-Audio gear and Pro Tools M-Powered 8 lets you work anywhere, anytime with the industry standard in music production software. Seamlessly collaborate with anybody running any version of a current Pro Tools system, including cross-platform between Windows and Mac OS X. Easily take your projects to just about any recording studio to have it mixed by a pro. Or take your pro studio projects home or on the road with you. With Pro Tools M-Powered, owners of most M-Audio interfaces instantly become members of the largest community of digital audio workstation users in the world.
Flexible and Portable--More Choices for You A wide variety of M-Audio PCI, FireWire and USB hardware interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered software, giving you more options in where, when and how you work. Whether you need just a little I/O or a lot--or a desktop, mobile or hybrid system--you'll find the perfect solution with our PCI, USB/USB 2 and FireWire audio interfaces. Mix live and in the studio with the NRV10 interface/analog mixer. Experience compact productivity with an M-Audio audio interface keyboard. And DJs can enter the world of Pro Tools with our Torq products.
Easy to Use Elegance and power are the reasons why Pro Tools is used in the majority of professional recording studios around the world. At the same time, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is very simple and intuitive. And once you know how to use one version of Pro Tools, you know how to work in any Pro Tools environment--from personal to pro studios. And if you want help, Pro Tools is supported by more educational materials and classes than all other DAW software put together.
Stunning New Look and Interactivity With a sleek new look, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is as easy on the eyes as it is to use. All of the Pro Tools M-Powered functionality you know and love is still in place--now with double the inserts per channel, more customizability, easier access to editing options and more. Customize the toolbar to show only your favorite tools and rearrange them the way you want. Tile or cascade your window arrangement. Change the color of your channel strips, tracks, regions, groups, and markers to any hue. Navigate through sessions quickly using the Universe view. And with the QuickStart dialog, you can jump right into an existing session, quickly create a new session from scratch, or start from one of the new session templates.
A Well-Stocked Studio Pro Tools M-Powered 8 comes fully packed with a huge, comprehensive collection of music creation and sound processing plug-ins--giving you a well-stocked studio right out of the box. You get an incredible array of 70 DigiRack, A.I.R. and Bomb Factory plug-ins right out of the box, including EQ, dynamics, delay, reverb and many more. You can also create and play music with six groundbreaking virtual instruments from the renowned Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group: the Mini Grand piano, Boom drum machine, DB-33 tone-wheel organ, Structure Free sample player, and Vacuum and Xpand!2 synths. See the complete list of bundled software.
As if that weren't enough, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software also lets you take advantage of a variety of RTAS and AudioSuite plug-ins designed by the recording industry's largest professional third-party developer community. Track with powerful host-based vintage instruments from GForce and Way Out Ware. Polish your mixes with effects and mastering plug-ins from iZotope that surpass even expensive hardware. See more plug-ins from M-Audio, Digidesign and our partners.
Professional Recording, Editing and Mixing Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software enables M-Audio hardware enthusiasts to easily access the powerful recording, editing and mixing features of Pro Tools. Now with up to 48 simultaneous stereo tracks of 16- or 24-bit digital audio, and support for up to 96kHz sample rates, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is an ideal companion for M-Audio interfaces and audio interface keyboards--whether you're recording solo or entire bands. And the optional Music Production Toolkit 2 expands Pro Tools M-Powered 8 to up to 64 mono or stereo tracks, and adds more effects and instruments, a multi-track version of Beat Detective and the Pro Tools MP3 Option.
Once you've finished your recording, you can fine-tune your performances with Pro Tools software's unmatched nondestructive editing tools. Shape sounds, compose parts, and add effects with RTAS instrument and effects plug-ins--then create polished mixes with professional mixing features and full mixer automation.
With Pro Tools M-Powered 8, your system has even more editing and mixing capabilities. Lock regions to the timeline to prevent them from being inadvertently moved or edited. Use the Automation and Controller lanes to view and edit track automation (such as volume, pan and plug-in automation) and MIDI CC data (such as velocity, pitch bend, and modulation) without changing track views. And with ten inserts to play with per track, you can now use more plug-ins than ever before.
Looping Tools Pro Tools M-Powered 8 features a variety of tools that make loop-based music creation faster and more imaginative than ever. In addition to importing REX and Acid files, the Loop Trim tool also makes it easy to turn audio or MIDI regions into loops. The Elastic Time and the new Elastic Pitch features make it a breeze to change tempo/time and pitch on the fly. As a result, you can integrate a wide variety of loops and audio files with your current session throughout the entire writing process. And DigiBase--the program's internal database--even has a Loop Preview feature that allows you to preview loops in sync, in real time, before bringing them into your session.
Transpose Audio with Elastic Pitch As a complement to Elastic Time, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 introduces Elastic Pitch, which allows you to you to effortlessly manipulate or correct the pitch of any audio region in real time, right inside the Edit window. Easily transpose an entire audio region in semitones--up to four octaves in either direction--without affecting its timing or tempo. Fix a less-than-perfect vocal performance by altering the pitch of individual notes in cent intervals. You can also create cool sound effects by linking pitch changes with time compression/expansion using the Varispeed algorithm.
Stretch Your Sound with Elastic Time Pro Tools M-Powered features Elastic Time, a powerful real-time tempo manipulation feature that makes it easy to change tempo or time on the fly. For musicians, composers and music producers, Elastic Time puts loop-based music creation in the fast lane, giving you the freedom to explore different tempos and experiment with loops and audio files that sync with your current session throughout the entire writing process. For post-production editors and engineers, Elastic Time makes it easy to stretch or squeeze audio tracks to fit video time frames, using high-quality algorithms that make your time manipulation virtually undetectable.
With Pro Tools M-Powered software, you can change the tempo and timing of loops, music, dialogue and other sound files without cutting up audio. Easily create loops from any audio file--even entire compositions--with the help of powerful tempo and transient analysis. Want to hear how a certain audio bit will sound in your song? The new Context Preview lets you quickly audition loops and audio files in sync with the tempo of your session. Even imported audio files and loops automatically conform to match your session's tempo.
Pro Tools M-Powered also makes it easy to perfect the timing of performances. You can improve errant beats by quantizing audio to your session's Bar|Beat grid--or to grooves extracted from other audio or MIDI performances using the Beat Detective feature, which offers better peak detection accuracy than ever before. You can also fine-tune "Elasticized" regions, with precision control over each individual beat, using the new warp track view and warp markers. You can even make the same precise changes across multiple grouped tracks while preserving timing offsets in multitrack recordings, such as with drums.
To ensure that you get the highest quality results, Elastic Time delivers some of the best-sounding processing in the industry. You can choose from several premium time-stretching algorithms on a per-track basis. You can even adjust the decay and processing window length to tailor the audio processing for each track, rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all algorithm.
Comp Tracks to Perfection Creating flawless performances is easier than ever with Pro Tools M-Powered 8. New track compositing features let you quickly and easily piece together the best possible version of a performance from multiple recording passes. Simply loop-record multiple takes on an Audio track, view and audition the takes in Playlist view, select the best parts from the track's alternate playlists, and copy them to the main playlist with a single click. You can also rate regions on a scale of one to five to help identify which takes you like the most when compositing playlists.
Advanced MIDI Production Pro Tools M-Powered software's fully integrated MIDI sequencer and editor allow you to record, edit, and mix up to 256 MIDI tracks alongside your audio tracks. Dedicated Instrument tracks combine the audio and MIDI elements of a given virtual instrument into a single channel strip to streamline your workspace. Launch your favorite instrument plug-in to get the sound you want. Engage loop recording to quickly develop a multi-layered drum pattern, then use Groove Quantize or Groove Templates to give it the right feel. Switch to MIDI Step Input to lay down a difficult passage. Turn on real-time MIDI processing to quantize your performance as it goes down.
Pro Tools M-Powered 8 also features a comprehensive array of new MIDI tools to streamline production with both virtual and traditional instruments. Gain extensive MIDI editing power through MIDI Editor windows, which can display MIDI and automation data for Instrument, MIDI and Auxiliary Input tracks. Work with new features that let you separate, consolidate and mute MIDI notes; scrub and shuttle through parts; view superimposed MIDI and Instrument tracks for easier arrangement editing; color code MIDI notes by track, type or velocity; audition velocity changes; and play MIDI notes when tabbing. Edit MIDI automation and continuous controller (CC) data through multiple Automation and Controller lanes. You can even watch your musical handiwork scroll by in real time during playback.
Score Your Music Based on the Sibelius notation engine, the new Pro Tools M-Powered 8 Score Editor window lets you view, edit, arrange and print MIDI data as music notation. Whether you want to compose music using the notation tools--or transcribe recorded, imported, drawn (with the Pencil tool) or step-entered MIDI data into notation--the Score Editor features everything you need and nothing you don't. Write parts on a single staff--treble, bass, alto or tenor clef--or grand staff. Place and edit notes, and edit the meter and key signature on a whim. Add chord symbols such as Dm7 and guitar chord diagrams to sessions. Transcribe MIDI parts in real time. Print out a score in its entirety or print only certain instrumental parts. You can even export sessions as Sibelius (.sib) files for further finessing in Sibelius.
ReWire Torq and More Fans of M-Audio Torq DJ software and other standalone applications can utilize ReWire within Pro Tools M-Powered for the best of both worlds. Simply send Torq software's output streams into Pro Tools M-Powered via ReWire for further mixing and processing. Pro Tools M-Powered also accepts MIDI directly from ReWire applications for recording controller data to a Pro Tools MIDI or Instrument track. With Pro Tools M-Powered and ReWire, the creative possibilities are endless.
Control Surfaces If you want the tactile feel of a pro console while enjoying the benefits of a personal or project studio, Pro Tools M-Powered supports both the M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and Digidesign Command|8. Both give you control over the software's mixing and transport functionality. ProjectMix I/O even incorporates a built-in 18 x 14 FireWire audio interface complete with eight preamps so you don't need any extra gear. If you're a DJ, Torq Xponent gives you a familiar DJ mixer surface combined with an audio interface and RCA outputs. And now with Pro Tools M-Powered 8, you can map plug-in parameter controls to almost any encoder on your controller, and access each track's ten inserts.

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Infrasonic Quartet Pci Aud I/F Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this card so I could do 192000 sampling with my Windows 7 64bit Computer. It works perfect and was easy to setup.
The company I bought it from had a great price and shipped promptly.I am very pleased.

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Shure Beta 57A Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)They survive drops onto hard surfaces and still sound great. Buy this. This is the go-to mic for mic'ing amplifiers, snare drums, wind instruments, vocals, or anything you need to mic. Its great to have fancier mics for specific purposes; this mic is for everything else.

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Shure PG58-XLR Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with XLR-to-XLR Cable Review

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(More customer reviews)So I run a small recording studio in my home and work with the audio systems at our church and other events. All the places I've ever worked at trust SHURE microphones. I bought the PG58, and its apparent why that is. Giving little or no feedback at high volumes, the PG58 really owns up to its SHURE name. It has a shockmount inside so the handling noise is barely there. The rugged handle and materials used to build it can take a serious beating. I myself treat my equipment very well, but I know others who use SHURE microphones and DON'T take the best care....and they're nearly indestructible! Bottom Line, great mic for a great price, especially if you buy it on Amazon! So far, its pleased me endlessly, and I'm sure it will continue to do so!

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Tailored for performers of every level, the affordable Shure PG58 vocal microphone is a rugged performer that's tuned to accentuate the clarity of lead and back-up vocals. This PG58-XLR model includes a 15-foot XLR-to-XLR cable, microphone clip, 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter, and a storage bag. It's backed by a 2-year warranty.

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Shure Popper Stopper Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and Heavy Duty Microphone Stand Clamp Review

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(More customer reviews)Hard to be flowery about his product. It's durable. It's sturdy. It catches spit and allows you to get right on your microphone and get the most out of your voice. I hooked it onto a snowball microphone stem and it works well.

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Attenuates unwanted breath noise and plosives and can be clamped onto most stands.

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MAudio Audiosport Quattro 4x4 USB Audio/MIDI Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I use this item for a virtual DJ setup with my technics 1200's and finalscratch time coded vinyls @ 125grams. I also use groovemaster IIrm and IIpro which suites my needs for beatmixing. This was my last piece of DJ equipment to complete my setup. Don't be fooled by the usb...it boast a latency under 10ms depending on PC configuration. I bought mine on ebay for 105. make sure you use TS to rca cables when you connect your preamp from your turntables to you quattro. you have to use all the channels for it to work with all virtual dj software. kudos to m-audio, they know whats up

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M-Audio's Quattro USB audio interface is perfect for any application that requires high-quality audio as well as portability and/or compactness, such as tight studio spaces. The Quattro provides four .25-inch TRS analog audio inputs and four analog audio outputs in the ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) format and two in/out in Windows MME (multimedia extensions) or when using the Macintosh Sound Manager. It also offers a front-panel 1 x 1 MIDI port.High-performance, 24-bit/96 kHz analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters ensure faithful reproduction coming and going, and all audio inputs and outputs are switchable between balanced (+4 dBu) and unbalanced (-10 dBV) operation to accommodate professional and consumer devices--and to work between them. Each 1/4-inch jack will accept either TRS or TS 1/4-inch plugs.You may connect the output of a line-level instrument such as an electronic keyboard or instrument preamp, the output of a microphone preamp (a mic preamp is required for use with a microphone), or the output of a CD player or similar line-level device.The Quattro lets you record at any sampling rate that your recording software will allow, up to 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution. You can also work at 16 or 24 bits with a sampling rate of 48 kHz or less. An ASIO control panel comes with your driver software, which lets you set the Quattro to its different operating modes. If you are not using ASIO or otherwise wish to monitor the signal at the Quattro inputs, a convenient direct/monitor switch bypasses the computer so you can directly monitor the input signal present at the Quattro.When all four input and output stereo pairs (two input pairs and two output pairs) are enabled, the Quattro will operate in 16-bit mode at either the 44.1k or 48k sampling rates. With three stereo pairs enabled, i.e., either one input and two output pairs or two input and one output pair, the Quattro will operate at 48 kHz sampling rate or lower, and at either 24- or 16-bit. When one stereo pair is enabled and in 24-bit mode, the Quattro will operate at the 96 kHz sampling rate or lower.You may connect the four outputs of the Quattro to a mixing console, or use two of the outputs for a stereo send to a monitoring system (power amp and speakers, or a home stereo), powered speakers, or a headphone amplifier.The Quattro can be your only MIDI device, or it can be used in conjunction with as many other MIDI devices in your system as your music program allows.
Additionally, the Quattro can be used in conjunction with M-Audio's Omni I/O desktop recording system (not included). The Omni will add two microphone/instrument preamplifiers to the Quattro inputs, and a mixer to the Quattro outputs. The Omni will let you blend MIDI keyboards with audio tracks, add effects to the Quattro outputs, and control monitor and headphone levels while mixing down.What's in the Box Quattro USB audio interface, one (1) USB cable, one (1) 9V AC 1,000mA power supply, one (1) driver disk containing drivers and additional software, and a user's manual.Note: It's usually possible to connect multiple devices to your USB port through the addition of a USB hub. The Quattro, however, requires all of the bandwidth that is available to the USB port, and therefore it is required that you plug the Quattro directly into your computer's USB port, and not into a USB hub with other USB devices. MIDI operation on Macintosh computers requires the OMS MIDI Manager from Opcode, which must be installed prior to the installation of the Quattro drivers.

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Pyle Pro PDMIK5 Handheld Dynamic Cardioid Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This microphone was a Xmas present for my daughter as an extra one for her Karaoke machine. Plugged it in, worked for a few minutes, went completely dead. 100% piece of junk, unfortunately. Amazon is fantastic as usual, though - processed a refund immediately, and I will order another brand here for sure...

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