Q and A

Thru my research and friends, the answers will be short to some of the questions I always run into.
How to succeed in recording in 5 easy steps!

1-No one start out a producer or audio engineer without going thru some sort of basic skills or understanding of audio basic and music. You can side step all you want with new expensive gears, forum advices, hip new DAW, and tricks from your friendly neighborhood engineers, but all will collapse on your head one day or hit the wall, it will come. When it comes, you will look like a "midget". Learn your audio basic, signal routing, and the most important...Stage gain.

2-Get yourself a "solid" studio set up within your financial mean, if engineering is what you are you dream or goal.

So you need a studio setup that consists of a good vocal mic, a decent preamp or audio interface, versatile recording and mixing software (or standalone DAW), equalizers, compressors and reverb units or plug-ins. Software to burn CDs. And of course instruments

3-Learn to listen and train yourself to listen to the nuances in music. It is right in front of you in the music Cd you are listen everyday of the best producer and engineer...oh yeah, the song writers too. No it is not an easy task to do but learn it. Basically learn what you "can't hear" in a record. Eventually you will listen to music with an acute ears and determine your own sound or color of your strength.

4-Let your work out of the cage. Let professionals listen your music or work and listen to what they have to say. Let's say you have achieve the commercial sound and somewhat the work are comparable with the commercial sound. GET IT OUT!

5-Let's say the god are smiling on you and you are now successful. Work work and work harder than before.

these are giant steps but they are not easy. I hate to be vague but it is basic and personal. DO IT!

If you can only buy one channel strip

This isn't just another 2 RU signal path... the Quartet is an all-purpose recording tool designed with the ultimate in sound quality and flexibility in mind. We have combined four elements - Mic/DI preamp, Opto-compressor, EQ, and De-esser -into a fully integrated package that it makes it easy to track any source.

It's the mic pre from an MDP-1A, a channel of compression from the OCL-2, with a brand new equalizer design and one of the least offensive 'de-essers' we've ever encountered. The mic pre is very detailed an opulent sounding (as one would expect from Pendulum Audio), the compressor can go from nearly seamless and transparent to being a very audible effect by altering the 'time constant presets' or using the fully variable attack and release functions.

The equalizer is a brand new design that offers 3 frequency selectable shelving on the top and bottom bands, and a rather musical selection of 'peak/dip' midrange selections. All in all, this is very possibly the best value we've seen in an "all in one box" with absolutely no sonic compromises. A true original, with a remarkable pedigree...

FEATURES

• The tube Mic/DI Preamp from the MDP-1
• The tube Opto-Compressor from the OCL-2 using our proprietary optoelectronic cell
• A new three band tube EQ with HI and LO shelving and peaking MID band
• A new de-esser design using opto-inductive filtering and a highly selective detector
• The Mic/DI, EQ and Compressor/De-Esser can be patched out and used independently.
• Transformerless or transformer output
• Gold-plated switch contacts, I/O connectors and tube sockets
• Polypropylene caps and metal film resistors (pairs matched to 0.1%)
• Fully regulated high voltage (300V) and filament power supplies with soft-start warm-up and muting
• Custom toroidal power transformer with shield for minimum hum
• 120V or 240V ac voltage switch on the rear panel.

The Mic/DI preamp, borrowed from our acclaimed MDP-1, can handle mics, pickups, keyboards, or line-level signals. It features phantom power, input pad, phase reversal, and a switchable lo-cut filter. Independent gain and output controls permit overdrive of the tube stage to vary the harmonic content of the preamp.

The Opto-Compressor, derived from the popular OCL-2, uses our proprietary optoelectronic cell, and has a sound all its own. It can be used in one of four modes: Fast (for 'invisible' compression), Average (rms responding), a new Vintage mode (with program-dependent response), or full manual operation.

Our new 3 band tube EQ, a modifed Baxandall design, is simple but very effective. The HI and LO bands have up to ±10dB of shelving at 15, 10 and 7 kHz, and 50, 100 and 200 Hz respectively. The MID band has a broad ±10dB peaking response centered at 0.7, 1.6, 2.2, 3.3, 5.0 and 6.5 kHz. The EQ can be placed before or after the compressor with the flip of a switch.

The new De-esser, which is implemented within the opto-compressor, uses a novel approach. A highly selective inductor-based detector triggers a very fast opto-inductive notch filter. The user can control the depth of the notch, which in turn controls amount of sibilance to be removed. When not triggered, the de-esser is out of the signal path entirely.

You can use this unit with an 'external pre-amp' [if desired], you can use this unit "line in", or access the EQ and or 'dynamics section' from an external source while in use with another sound... the flexibility of this unit is absolutely astounding!!!

TNT!

The Manley TNT (Tubes -- No Tubes) New 2-Channel Mic Pre:
Here is a twist: two different and discrepant mic preamps in one box for two different colors. By popular demand, one channel is the exact same micpre as in our SLAM! with tubes and transformers. The second preamp is a fresh "No Tubes" design from Hutch and is inspired by old British console preamps with a tasty combination of "No Tubes" design with transformers. This one is not a clone of anything preexisting. It is a new flavor but reminiscent of that classic discrete sound. Both channels are designed around the basic goal of “just plug a mic in and it sounds great.” The tube channel excels on traditionally difficult sources like some bright guitars, reed and brass, cymbals and some vocals. The "No Tubes" channel might be more suited for smoother vocals, drums, bass and raunchy guitars, but you never really knows which preamp is best for the job at hand until you try them. At least you’ll have two qualified candidates in one handy 1U chassis. For spec (http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/TNT.html)

Phase corrected and freak'n accurate!

I am going to set up a 5.1 for a post house in Singapore this spring. Check out the spec. on this baby.

HD-1 : High Definition Audio Monitor

Features & Benefits • Unprecedented accuracy for mixes that translate consistently • Exceptional transparency for fine control of EQ and effects • Consistent, smooth coverage pattern for very large “sweet spot” • Individual alignment provides matched pairs with pinpoint imaging • Flat low-frequency response to 32 Hz without subwoofers • High peak power minimizes distortion or compression

Applications • Near-field tracking and mixing studio monitor • High-end stereo and surround sound playback systems • Mastering studio reference monitor • Surround mixing for post production

The HD-1 is a self-contained, ultra-precise loudspeaker for near-field sound monitoring in tracking and mixing. Aligned to closely approximate a point-source radiator, the HD-1 features exceptionally broad directivity to maintain a large “sweet spot.” Patented circuitry tightly controls time delay response for minimal deviation from linear phase, and individually hand-tuned equalization circuits assure flat frequency response within extremely tight tolerances across the full frequency range of operation.

The HD-1 is an active biamplified two-way system comprising an 8-inch cone driver and 1-inch soft dome tweeter in a vented cabinet. The low-frequency driver features an exceptionally large magnet structure and 2-inch voice coil for high efficiency and rapid heat dissipation. The tweeter is a specially developed, impregnated silk dome that affords extremely smooth response while minimizing breakup and coloration.

The HD-1 presents an active balanced input (switchable for +4 dBu or –10 dBV nominal operating level) and an active crossover with optimized pole-zero filter combinations for acoustical transparency and linear phase.

The integral power amplifier features complementary MOSFET output stages operating as class A at low-to-moderate levels (less than 90 dB SPL) and class AB at high levels. The HD-1’s free-field frequency response is flat within ±1 dB from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, and it delivers high peak SPL with greater than 100 dB dynamic range and extremely low distortion.

Gibson new Guitar

Gibson Presents The Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck Guitar

Gibson Guitar has partnered with legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to produce a limited-edition replica of Page's iconic double-neck guitar. The guitar was created through a partnership with Page and the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tenn. and is based on the specifications of Page's original '71 Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck model that boasted a 12-string electric on top and a six-string electric on bottom.

Throughout Led Zeppelin's golden years in the 70s, Page's majestic double neck was a fixture of the band's legendary live shows; just the sight of the iconic, distinctive SG Double Neck, slung around Page's neck spellbound audiences and elicited their howling approval.

The replica took a little over a year to create with hands-on analysis throughout the process from Page himself. The discussion between Page and Gibson Guitar started back in 2004 when Gibson introduced his signature Les Paul Standard. Gibson revisited the idea again in 2005, following the overwhelming success of his Signature Les Paul, and the project began to evolve.

The Gibson Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck is a precise duplicate of Page's original EDS-1275 guitar. Gibson has made only 25 Limited Edition Aged Double Necks that replicate every detail of Page's iconic guitar "ding for ding," featuring 20-fret rosewood fingerboards on both necks, period-correct headstock style for 12-string with a Page profile neck, master volume and tone controls for each neck, a "master" three-position pickup selector switch, as well as a three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necks.

The replicas also feature a weathered Heritage Cherry finish that is unique to the new model and will be enhanced on the 25 Limited Edition Aged models with authentic custom aging by Gibson Custom. Each of the 25 Limited Edition Aged guitars will feature Page's signature on the rear of the headstocks, plus a certificate of authenticity signed by Page, as well as, a specially designed Custom Shop case, the acclaimed two-DVD Led Zeppelin box set and a copy of a private interview with Page regarding the Double Neck. These 25 exact replicas will list for $33,500. Gibson has also produced 250 Vintage Original Spec Signature Double Necks that don't feature the same aging or a signature on the headstock but will be accompanied by a standard certificate of authenticity which will retail for $10,000-$12,000.

"Working with Jimmy Page has proven, once again, to be a wonderfully rewarding experience," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "We are thrilled to be able to offer fans the replica of his legendary double-neck guitar which will put his unique sound and style right at his fan's fingertips."

Gibson's Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck specifications:

Model: Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck Pickups: Jimmy Page Pickups (Unique to his Custom Shop signature models) Hardware: Chrome Fingerboard: Rosewood Scale: 24-3/4" Nut Width: 1.687" for six-string, 1.715" for 12-string Nut: Corian Bridge: Chrome ABR Neck Material: One-Piece Mahogany Body Material: Period-Correct Solid Mahogany Controls:Master volume and tone controls for each neck A "master" three-position pickup selector switch Three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necksColors: Dark Cherry

www.gibson.com

Self powered monitor?

Meyer is rolling out their new MJF-212 and I had a chance to try it out. LOUD LOUD!
The MJF-212 high-power stage monitor (named in honor of the Montreux Jazz Festival and used in studio by Metallica) and the M'elodie ultracompact high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker. Showered with worldwide acclaim for its astonishing power-to-size ratio, the enchanting M'elodie loudspeakers will arrive garbed in both basic black and custom-painted white finishes.