Archives for July 2019

How to use Ableton Live with MIDI keyboards

July 31, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

When you have several high-tech ways to control live, a MIDI keyboard might seem unnecessary. However, if you already have one at home, use it once in a while and keep it next to your fancy LED boxes. One of the significances of a keyboard is that using it can impart transferable skills.

On different instances in a set, it can be used to play instrument parts; at others, it can be a controller, if it has knobs and buttons and faders. There is no relevance in utilizing a new musical interface unless you’re actually going to create new music. A typical MIDI keyboard is also a generic platform for live use and is both effective and disposable.

Meet ReClouder, a portable recorder that syncs to the cloud

July 30, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

There’s a new device that allows you to automatically back up recordings to the cloud via WiFi. It is called ReClouder. You could manage your recordings better by using its companion mobile app for Android and iOS devices. This would be perfect for those who are into portable recording devices and are always on-the-go.

The device has two mic/line combo inputs: one has phantom power and supports both mono and stereo, while the other goes direct to a PA mixer. The recordings are stored on an SD card and simultaneously backed up online when ReClouder is connected to the internet.

6 Tips for Widening the Stereo Image of a Mix

July 29, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Succeeding in having the stereo imaging done right isn’t easy. When you thought that you’ve achieved wonderous mix width, you pull up a reference track and realize that your music seems narrow in comparison. Moreso, when you fold your mix into mono it shrinks down even further.

There’s a handful of factors we should consider when we do stereo imaging. Adjusting the width of a sound and finding its ideal position in the stereo field is one of the more fun, but challenging tasks in a mix. Multiple factors such as genre, instrument type, mono compatibility, monitoring setup, and more—need to be taken into account.

Review: Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen

July 26, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Most companies would take a year or so to release a new product. However, Focusrite has core ranges which they update, so you get half a dozen models and a couple of bundled packages all released at once. Now, let’s talk about their Scarlett range which they claim to be the best-selling range of interfaces.

The Scarlett range is the main USB entry point to Focusrite interfacing. They have models for everyone whether you are a beginner or a professional. In the third generation of Scarletts, the much-needed upgrades among the set were scattered accordingly. They boosted the tech specs, added inputs and improved the whole user experience.

SDCs vs LDCs: Which Condenser Mic Is Right For Me?

July 25, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

With the wide variety of microphones in the market, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. Every mic and every brand is different, so how will you determine which one is best for you? Well, you need to know what you’re trying to achieve during recording to be able to choose the best mic.

The most sought after microphones by artists and engineers are the condensers. They have the ability to capture top-end better than any other type of microphone. There are two main types of condenser microphones: large diaphragm and small diaphragm. Both are useful in the studio, yet have very different sounds.