Commentary

The microphone manufacturer RØDE has released their first USB audio interface dubbed the AI-1. The interface is aimed at home users and adds input and output to any computer and features a Class-A preamp. The AI-1 can be purchased on it’s own or part of the Complete Studio Kit. The kit version comes with a RØDE NT1 microphone, SMR shock mount, and cables. Featuring 24-bit, zero latency playback, phantom power, the AI-1 needs no drivers and comes with a free version of Ableton Live Lite.

Key Takeaways:

• Rode Microphones has dipped a first toe into the waters of A1-audio interface with AI-1.
• Interested buyers can purchase the AI-1 as a stand alone unit or as part of a complete bundle, known as the Complete Studio Kit.
• Available for a limited time period, a free version of Ableton Live Lite comes with every AI-1 unit sold.

“Aimed at home recording, the AI-1 sports a Neutrik combo jack input and discrete Class-A preamp, allowing users to connect a microphone, guitar or line-level instrument, like a synthesiser.”

Read more: http://www.audiomediainternational.com/new-gear/r-de-enters-new-territory-with-the-ai-1-audio-interface/07122

Reason 10 now gives artist more options than every before including longer, larger drum loops and over 20 new instrument effects. One is now able to import more original content and tweak to create fresh new vibes and jams.The interface is even more user friendly than the previous 9.5 version, with a crisper, cleaner look.While it is a bigger download at 3GB, all the extras and possibilities it makes possible are well worth the investment.

Key Takeaways:

• Reason 10 brings a ton of features to the party while keeping the workflow the same as 9.5
• Content includes new synths, sample-based instruments, rack extensions, and lots of loops and hits.
• Reason 10 is worth the upgrade price simply for the two synths, but you will have to decide if you want to spend the money after 9.5

“I’m not sure if the Prop’s video on its website announcing Reason 10 is tongue in cheek– it very probably is– but it implies that we all want ’MORE’ from Reason.”

Read more: http://www.musictech.net/2018/01/propellerhead-reason-10-review/

Evolution provides a library of over 28,000 samples acquired over a span of five years. The interface allows 12 voices containing 3 sample layers each to meld in a kit preset. The Macro system allows a wide variety of parameters from instruments. The classic sequencer, FX sequencer, and global sequencer provide any number of effect combinations related to beats in the track. The author refers to Evolution as the next-generation of drum kits and provides a very detailed explanation for such a label.

Key Takeaways:

• Wave Alchemy recently released their new software drum called Evolution.
• Boasting over 28,000 acoustic and electronic sounds, Evolution will allow you to create the drum kit of your dreams.
• Evolution features an impressive sequencing engine, the Classic Sequencer, which allows the user to create grooves and patterns in mere seconds.

“Evolution is a state-of-the-art software drum machine powered by a vast collection of electronic and acoustic drum and percussion hits, and sound design tools.”

Read more: http://www.musictech.net/2018/01/wave-alchemy-release-evolution/

Pro Audio Files brings us six ways to easily use EQ. The first tip is assume that the audio is already perfect and doesn't need a lot of work. This will keep you from overdoing it. The second tip is hear it in your head; and the third tip is to not just automatically fix everything on the first listen. Fourth, a slight boost can help you hear mistakes that may be there. Fifth, there's a place for subtractive EQ. And lastly, don't over think it.

Key Takeaways:

• One mistake commonly made is looking for an excuse to do more than required – look for excuses not to EQ
• Don’t boost narrow resonances and only do so if you truly hear a frequency that is poking out
• Unless you want more of something, subtractive EQ is the method preferred

“Our purpose here is to give the end listener the most enjoyable experience we can.”

Read more: https://theproaudiofiles.com/make-eq-easy/

Key Takeaways:

• This year’s best music-making accessory, hands-down, is Contact Sound Technology’s AKG K872 Headphones.
• The AKG K872 headphones deliver comfort and pin-sharp accuracy for a retail price of only £1,500.
• These closed-back headphones allow you to hear every minute detail, which is perfect for precision mixing.

“The closed-back K872 experience is somewhat harsher in terms of accuracy – nothing escapes, so you hear the minute detail – meaning these are probably the better options for precision mixing.”

Read more: http://www.musictech.net/2017/12/gear-of-the-year-2017-the-best-accesory/