Disqus - Latest Comments for markkus

Re: Remix reviews URS Classic Console Strip Pro channel strip plug-in Mac/PC

markkus — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:04:20 -0000

Hi Stuart. Thanks for your opinion. We hope all our readers appreciate that when it comes to comparing the fine nuances in the sound of signal processors and other audio gear, there will never be one definitive and consensus opinion, even among professionals of however many years of experience. Especially when it comes to comparing the sound of plug-ins to analog gear, there are variances within each individual hardware unit that can color the sound of one vintage model differently than another unit of the same model. This is just the imperfect reality of dealing with subjective judgment within the esoteric merging of art and science that it is audio engineering.

Pretty much any engineer we've come across will tell you that your own ears are more important than any piece of gear, so I trust you when you say that the URS Classic Console Strip approximates the 1176 sounds better to you than anything else you've heard.

However, the author does "have a clue." He has nearly two decades of recording, mixing, live performance and mastering experience, as well as a loyal fan following, and we stand by his meticulously thought-out reviews.

Re: Remix reviews the M-Audio NRV10 combination analog mixer and FireWire audio interface with plug-in bundle | M-Audio NRV10 is a combination analog mixer and FireWire audio interface in a single cohe...

markkus — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:53:31 -0000

Hi Shiva:
It sounds to me like this mixer/interface will help you do everything you need. It does come with a manual, and M-Audio manuals are usually pretty approachable. If you are brand new to music production, you have to expect some learning curve, but it will be worth the time you put into it.
VST is simply a plug-in format. Plug-ins are software apps that work with host music software to expand your musical options. Think of them as helper apps. If you are familiar with Photoshop, there are plug-ins available for that, as well. Pretty much every music sequencer (GarageBand, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc.) can work with plug-ins. A good place to find a lot of free plug-ins is http://www.kvraudio.com/
Have fun!

Re: Remix reviews the Korg Zero8 Live Control Console FireWire mixer/controller

markkus — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:38:38 -0000

Jeremy:
Yes, the Zero8 appears as a full 16 I/O (8 stereo channels) audio interface over FireWire on a computer. So you'll have the full routing ability within your DAW that you'd have with another FW interface.
One note: you get the full 16 I/O at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Going up to 96 or 192 kHz will limit some of the FW capabilities. Consult Korg or the manual for more details.
Thanks, and good luck.

Re: Remix November 2008 New Products, featuring new gear for DJs, producers and performers of electronic and hip-hop music.

markkus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:23:30 -0000

What do you mean by that? Care to elaborate?

Re: Remix reviews Cakewalk Sonar 6 Producer Edition | DAW, Cakewalk Sonar 6

markkus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:38:15 -0000

Kerry:
I believe your machine has the specs to run Sonar 6 producer Edition successfully, but only Cakewalk itself could guarantee that. Also, Cakewalk is now up to Sonar 8 and is no longer selling Sonar 6. So unless you already have a copy or get one on Ebay or something like that, it may be hard to find Sonar 6 now.
However, it looks like you could even run the new Sonar 8 on your machine. Check out the system requirements here:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Pro...

Re: Novation ReMote 25SL�Remix reviews Novation ReMote 25SL

markkus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:51:12 -0000

Hi Tito:
Cakewalk Sonar was one of the programs we did not test the Automap software on. I'm sorry to hear you're having problems, but you should try downloading the new Automap 3 upgrade that Novation just announced at NAMM. They made a lot of improvements to this update, so hopefully solving your Sonar troubles is one of them. Automap 3 is supposed to be available in a couple of weeks.
http://www.novationmusic.co...

Re: Gabriel & Dresden "Tracking Treasure Down" Remix Contest | Remix Gabriel & Dresden's single, "Tracking Treasure Down" for awesome prizes!

markkus — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:32:45 -0000

Yo, nice job. thanks for sharing. If you're not already, you should be entering our active contests. We post new ones periodically, and there's usually something worthwhile going on. The current Maroon 5 remix contest has a really nice prize attached. Check it out at http://remixmag.com/contest/

Re: TuneCore.com Offers "Music Industry in a Box" Online | TuneCore.com "One-Stop Shop" for Working Musicians

markkus — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:49:50 -0000

Thanks Steven!
I hadn't heard of Ditto before. I'll check them out.

Re: Remix reviews the Eiosis ELS Vocoder 1.1 plug-in

markkus — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:48:02 -0000

Hey Fishman:
Fair enough, you are right about Roger. Anyone who's seen the lousy Zapp V album knows that he used a talk box. I probably should have said "Without electronic frequency-shifting speech effects, would Roger Troutman still want to be your man?" but that just didn't have the same ring to it.

I've also been known to confuse catsup with ketchup, so please forgive me.

Fortunately, unlike the vocoders that existed while Roger was shaping his sound, modern vocoders such as this ELS Vocoder can pretty give you the Zapp talk box sound as well as all the sounds from famous vintage vocoders such as the Korg VC-10 or Roland VP-330, and new sounds that none of that old hardware could make.

However, if you have the substantial coin needed to pick up one of those classic hardware beauties still in excellent condition, by all means do so; you'll get a creamier analog sound than with a plug-in. But otherwise, software is a practical way to go for someone who doesn't care so much about where the sound comes from, but just wants to make the music they envision.

Re: Antares Introduces Next Gen Pitch Corrector Auto-Tune Evo | Antares Auto-Tune Evo Now Available

markkus — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:19:23 -0000

You may want to try the TC Helicon VoiceTone Correct floor pedal. It's intended for vocalists, but it does real-time pitch correction and may also work for electric fiddle.
http://www.tc-helicon.com/v...
I recommend trying it out at a store before buying. good luck.