Computer Audio
Vlogging, or intertwining video content with blog posts, looks like it might become the new blogging. If you are thinking about starting a vlog, or already have one, you might want to know what tools are best to use. In this part of Explora’s vlogging how-to series, we will consider sound; in particular, how to capture and record great sound.
With vlogging, as with other types of audio acquisition, the basic challenge is the same
What is a synthesizer?
The advent of the synthesizer and its subsequent popularity in the late 1960s and throughout the ’70s forever changed the landscape of music and sound design. The concept of imitative synthesis, where a device is used to emulate a particular acoustic instrument, has been a huge boon for the advancement of the technology of synthesis. For instance, if we wanted the sound of a violin or oboe added into a musical piece, but neither do we play nor have the ability to hire someone who can play said instrument, having a
Zoom is a company that knows a thing or two about guitar effects, and its G-series processors are trusted around the globe by players who demand tons of functionality in one convenient pedal. At the 2016 NAMM show, the company has just announced the G5n, a feature-rich floor unit that comes loaded with 68 all-new DSP
Zoom has announced its newest music-making device, the ARQ Aero Rhythm Trak; an all-in-one production and live performance tool with an integrated drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, clip launcher, and MIDI controller. The ARQ consists of two powerful components, the Base Station (AR-96) and the detachable Ring Controller (AR-96c).
The Base Station houses all the
Yamaha Corporation has been breaking boundaries in music technology since it was founded in Japan more than a century ago. Though it originated as a piano and organ maker, in 1887, the company has since branched out into many avenues of manufacturing, developing products as diverse as motorcycles, sporting goods, and industrial robots, to name a few. However, despite its expansion into other markets, Yamaha has always kept its eye on the musical prize, consistently
Denon has announced the release the MCX8000 DJ Controller/Media Player, a DJ hardware/software controller that offers total command of both Serato DJ and Denon DJ Engine technology in the same instrument. At the heart of the MCX8000 is the Denon DJ Engine, which allows DJs to access content from any connected USB drive without a
Join Enrique Martinez as he composes a dance track—on the spot—using the Novation Launchpad Pro with Ableton Live. Though it’s been designed specifically for Ableton Live, the Launchpad will work equally as well with any DAW or hardware MIDI device. The enhanced RGB LED back-lit pads are velocity and pressure sensitive, allowing for fluid expression and creativity when composing and
Apogee has announced its next-generation flagship audio interface, Symphony I/O MK II, a multi-channel audio interface featuring Apogee’s latest AD/DA conversion, modular I/O (up to 32 inputs and 32 outputs), an intuitive touchscreen and front panel control, and optional world-class microphone preamps. Apogee engineers have improved upon the previous version by using the latest components and designing circuitry that exceeds the expectations of the component manufacturers. This new flagship interface promises better audio clarity and sonic
The original Seaboard RISE 25, along with the Seaboard GRAND, pointed the way to an entirely new method of triggering software sounds with the introduction of keywaves. The instruments remodeled the traditional MIDI keyboard controller as a pressure-sensitive, continuous surface that responds to even the subtlest gestures. Four months after the release of the two-octave RISE 25, ROLI has added a four-octave version, the
Following up last year’s release of the Boutique series synth modules, Roland has just released the A-01K at the 2016 NAMM show, another highly portable, compact synthesizer and keyboard controller that’s just at home on the subway as it is in the studio. The A-01K comes with the A-01 Compact Synth Module and the K-25m 25 Mini
Roland is now shipping the System-500, a fully analog recreation of the System-100m, one of the most revered electronic instruments of all time. Newly designed in Eurorack format, the System-500m Complete Modular Synthesizer delivers the classic character and functionality of the original with the advantages of a modern instrument. Made with
Pittsburgh Modular, innovator in the resurgence of modular synthesizers, is showing up at NAMM 2016 in a big way with the announcement of the Lifeforms Eurorack Systems and a line of Professional Eurorack Enclosures.
The Lifeforms Eurorack systems are regarded by the company as its best synthesizer yet. Available in the System 101,
My love affair with synthesizers began in the mid 1990s. With a number of electronic musicians flooding the airwaves with incredible synthesized music, I was drawn into this world and have been obsessing over it ever since. My very first synthesizer was a vintage Roland SH-09, which I still own today. At the time, computer-based synthesizers were in their infancy, so hardware was the only real option. As the years and technology progressed, I went to a mostly software-based studio, which is incredibly powerful, fun, and affordable. However, I
In the following video, Andrew Eisele demonstrates the Moog Mother 32 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer, and how it can be a useful addition to any musician’s inventory. This video explores the functions, controls, and features of the Mother 32, including the use of the synthesizer in a studio setting and how it interfaces with a DAW. The video showcases how to quickly build up a track using MIDI and how the device converts MIDI
by Andrew Eisele and Nicholas Messitte ·Posted
Regardless of your experience level or focus of expertise, B&H has many fun and inspiring audio tools to help boost your creativity. Space is at a premium in the bedroom or dorm, and most students will want to be mobile, so here’s a list of cool products that are small and easy on the wallet.
Audio Interface
One of the most important pieces of technology you will need is an audio interface, which is a device that records and plays back audio from your computer. Most interfaces will have a microphone preamp, instrument input, and line input