2012 Sweetnotes - Sweetwater.com

Transcription

special
issue
SweetNotes
SPRING 2012 Issue | Vol. 97
®
inside this issue
From the Editor.........................................................1
Dunlop Eric Johnson Fuzz Face...............................7
MOTU Digital Performer 8.........................................1
Pigtronix Philosopher’s Twin....................................7
Cool New Fender Products from NAMM..................2
Hands On: Novation Impulse....................................7
Dangerous Music Dangerous Source......................2
Mackie DL1608.........................................................8
Apogee MiC...............................................................2
New Roland Products from NAMM..........................8
iOS Update................................................................3
Akai Professional MPC Workstations......................8
Hands On: Universal Audio Apollo............................4
Mojave Audio MA-301 FET.......................................9
Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387..................................4
Hands On: Toontrack EZkeys....................................9
DigiTech iStomp........................................................4
Customer Profile: Robby Benson ............................9
Arturia MiniBrute......................................................4
Inside the Sweetwater Difference..........................10
Line 6 StageScape and StageSource.......................5
Samson Graphite 49...............................................10
Moog Minitaur..........................................................5
Sennheiser XS Wireless..........................................10
Hands On: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2..............................5
Hands On: Steven Slate Drums SSD4.....................10
Synth Tricks..............................................................6
Dave Hill Designs Titan...........................................11
Hands On: Orange Dark Terror.................................6
Nord Drum...............................................................11
Hands On: RME Fireface UCX...................................6
Radial Firefly...........................................................11
Inside Sweetwater....................................................7
Meet Luke Herian....................................................11
Digital Performer
Comes to PC
MOTU’s long-time flagship DAW, Digital Performer, is now more
powerful and flexible than ever! And the big news is that the new
Now available for
Digital Performer 8 now operates in 32- and 64-bit modes, and
works with Mac OS X and Windows 7! So, welcome PC users to
the Digital Performer family! This time-tested, much-loved DAW
offers tons of new features. DP 8’s new Punch Guard feature
actually records an additional four seconds of audio before and after your recorded pass, so you can
easily edge-edit audio you may have accidentally cut off during your recording — no more struggling to
make punches fit just right. Fifteen exciting new plug-ins have been added, including a pair of new guitar
amp models as well as classic guitar pedals, modeled analog delay, a multiband dynamic EQ, a Subkick
kick drum enhancer, and more.
Digital Performer 8 gives you access to models of five well-known guitar amps — the best of American
and British tonal flavors. You can also create your own amp! Plus, you can craft tones by using models
of classic guitar pedals from BOSS, Ibanez, electro-harmonix, and more. Really tweak your tone with
new physical-modeling guitar and bass speaker cabinets. DP 8 still includes all the amazing recording,
editing, notation, and music-for-film features that made the last version such a powerhouse. Find out
what the buzz is all about — call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today!
> >Get the complete details from our NAMM show report at www.sweetwater.com/namm.
(800) 222–4700 | Sweetwater.com
from the editor
Mitch Gallagher
Editorial Director
[email protected]
Sometimes I feel like I should introduce
myself. “Hi, I’m Mitch, and I’m a music
gear geek.” Hey, it’s true. I love gear, and
I’m proud of it! Guitar gear, keyboard gear,
recording gear, software, computer audio
gear, live sound gear, drums… you name it,
I love it! That’s why the Winter NAMM trade
show is always such a big thrill for me every
year. I mean, c’mon, four days in California
geeking out over new products in hundreds
and hundreds of manufacturer booths? If
that’s not heaven, I don’t know what is. (Well,
minus the sore feet, the convention center
food, the inescapable din, and the masses of
people clogging the aisles.)
In this issue of SweetNotes, we set out to bring a bit of that NAMM experience to you, with coverage
of a bunch of exciting products that caught the eye of the Sweetwater team. If you’re a gear nut (and
why would you be reading this if you weren’t?), then you’re going to have a blast checking out this
issue. Dig in and enjoy, and remember, call your Sales Engineer or visit Sweetwater.com for more
information.
SWEETNOTES | SPRING 2012 | PAGE 2
Cool New Fender
Products from NAMM
The Winter NAMM 2012 trade show brought us some very cool new releases from
Fender. Here are just a few that caught our eye at the show:
Fender Select Series
Never content to sit still, Fender has upped the game with the new Fender Select
Series. These guitars’ premium materials and workmanship provide the bestplaying instruments possible. The Stratocasters and classic-style Telecasters use
gorgeous flame-maple tops, flame or birdseye maple necks, premium fretboards,
and Select pickups. New Fender Select pickups were designed exclusively for
Select Series guitars and basses. Two carved-top Telecasters feature either a
maple top or a koa top, both with flame-maple necks. Select Series Jazz Bass
and Precision Bass models round out the series. Both feature maple necks, alder
bodies, flame-maple tops, and Select pickups. Select Series instruments play great
and sound as good as they look. These are the top-of-the-line Fender guitars today.
Pawn Shop Amps
Fender Pawn Shop amplifiers are another new and exciting line this year. With
all-tube designs and retro looks, these amps are just plain cool. Sporting a 15"
speaker, the Fender Excelsior amp is a stripped-down tone machine. Single
volume, tone, and tremolo knobs plus a bright/dark switch are the only controls on
the amp. Three inputs, labeled Guitar, Mic, and Accordion, each offer individually
optimized circuitry. You’ll love the thick, swampy tremolo tones that the tube-bias
trem circuit provides. The 14-watt Excelsior features two 12AX7 preamp tubes and
two 6V6 power tubes, for vintage Fender tone.
In a radical departure from most guitar amps, the Greta looks like an old tabletop
radio. A 4" speaker, a VU meter, and volume and tone knobs adorn the front of this
all-tube amp. There is an 1/8" TRS input on the back for hooking up your MP3
player for playing along with or just listening to your music through a great mono
tube amp. The 2-watt Greta uses one 12AX7 in the preamp and one 12AX7 in the
power amp.
Super Bassman
Bass players rejoice! Fender has created a new backline beast, the Super
Bassman. This 300-watt all-tube head is one of the most powerful bass amps
Fender has ever produced. The preamp section uses two 12AX7 tubes; the power
section uses one 12AX7, one 12AT7, and six 6550s. The Vintage channel delivers
full, deep bass tones, with the classic Fender tone stack. An aggressive Overdrive
channel has the modern sound of an active tone stack. A cool and innovative
Fender Automatic Bias system constantly monitors and adjusts tube bias for
optimal performance and sound. The Super Bassman also features a silent-record
function via XLR.
50th Anniversary Jaguar
Fender introduced the Jaguar electric guitar in 1962, and now, half a century
later, the 50th Anniversary model is out to commemorate the birth of this unique
instrument. Loved by surf bands and alt rockers alike, the Jaguar has been a
mainstay in music for a long time. The 50th Anniversary Jaguar retains the
original 24" short-scale design, but the tremolo has been repositioned to provide
a great string-break angle and better sustain. The neck pitch was also increased
to provide better tuning stability. Color options include Candy Apple Red and the
original Burgundy Mist Metallic finish from 1962.
A Mic That Connects
Digitally to Your
The Solution for Mobile Studio Monitoring iOS Devices
Dangerous Music has introduced the Dangerous Source, the all-in-one portable monitoring system we’ve all been waiting for. The
Dangerous Source gives you access to a complete set of audio sources, including USB and AES digital audio, as well as a balanced
XLR and an 1/8" stereo input (perfect for your iPod!). Its separate source selections for your headphones and monitors will come in
handy when collaborating with artists. The Dangerous Source pops into your backpack and fits right under your laptop. If you’re a
producer, an engineer, a DJ, or a video editor who’s always on the go, it’s great to have access to studio-quality monitoring on the road.
The Dangerous Source lets you listen to any combination of four input sources; you get two speaker outputs and two headphone outputs. For instance, you can let the singer hear her own headphone mix from the Analog 2 input, while you monitor the main mix from
your computer via the USB input (which can run up to 24-bit/192kHz). The Dangerous Source gives you the flexibility to handle virtually
any monitoring situation that might crop up.
> >Dangerous Music Dangerous Source
Sweetwater price CALL
www.sweetwater.com/source
Renowned for their no-compromise designs and build quality, Dangerous Music
products have earned the fierce loyalty of legions of audio pros the world over. The
Dangerous Source lives up to that reputation. If the complexity of your monitoring
setup has you tied in knots, check out the Dangerous Source.
The MiC by Apogee is the first condenser microphone we’ve seen that
connects digitally to iOS devices. Plug this puppy into your Mac, iPad, or
iPhone, and you’ll get studio-quality results, wherever you are. The MiC
ships with two cables: a 30-pin cable for connection to your iOS devices
and one that plugs into the USB port on your Macintosh.
Ideal for everything from podcasts to live recordings to mobile studio work,
the MiC offers a perfect blend of performance and portability. It works
great on both vocals and instruments, and it’s incredibly easy to use. The
MiC also gives you a handy onboard input-level control, so you can dial in
the perfect gain level, instantly. Why compromise your audio quality just
because you’re on the move?
> >Apogee MiC Grab your MiC and go!
Tech support 24/7 at www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare
Sweetwater price $199.00
www.sweetwater.com/MiC
iOS Update
To learn more about the iPad, apps, and
iOS accessories, visit
www.sweetwater.com/feature/ipad.
by Mitch Gallagher
Welcome to the first installment of the “iOS Update”! In this regular column, we’re going to talk about all things iOS, including the
iPad 1 and 2, the iPhone, and the iPod touch, along with all the accessories and apps that make iOS devices so useful (and fun!).
I have to admit, as much of a gear geek as I am (see my editorial on the front page for more on this topic), I put off getting an
iPad and an iPhone for a while. Even though I’m a Mac user and have had several different iPods, including a new iPod touch,
I didn’t see where I needed an iPad. I especially couldn’t see where I would use an iPad, given that I have a fully loaded studio
computer and a laptop that hold my entire life. But the bug bit me hard last year, and I became the proud owner of both an iPhone and an iPad 2.
Good grief, what was I waiting for? Both have become indispensable to me. The iPad, in particular, has changed my life. I use it constantly for e-mailing, browsing,
taking notes, practicing guitar, and much more. Geeks of the world, rejoice! This thing rocks! And I’ve found that my laptop gets every bit as much use as before.
Having an iPad and a MacBook is the best of both worlds. Factor in the iPhone for photos, movies, notes, on-the-go e-mail and browsing, and more,
and you’ve got a completely integrated suite of devices that will rock your world.
Now, with all that fan-boy exultation out of the way, let’s talk about why I’m now a complete iOS convert. (And I’m not alone; I can’t believe how
many iPhones and iPads I see out there.) The iOS format itself is simply an operating system that runs on portable devices. What makes iOS devices
so powerful, though, are the apps — small, inexpensive (or free) software applications that provide endless functionality and capability for your iOS
device. Whatever you want, from foreign-language lessons to diet and exercise tracking, music practice tools to virtual Real Books, drum machines
to synths, remote control over your DAW to remote control over your mixer, and much more, there is an app for it! There are thousands and
thousands of apps available, with more being released every day.
Then there are the hardware accessories. Check out the list below, but suffice it to say, your iOS device is not limited. By combining the right
accessories — from audio interfaces to stand mounts, microphones to guitar boxes — you can turn your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch into whatever
you want it to be. Your iPad can even become a full-on live sound mixer or a multi-effects pedalboard!
In future installments of this column, we’re going to be taking a much closer look at the full range of apps and accessories for iOS devices, so stay
tuned! And speaking of the future, I have to tell you about one of the coolest new apps I saw at the recent Winter NAMM 2012 trade show: Auria
from WaveMachine Labs. Auria is a full-blown 48-track DAW that runs right in your iPad, complete with mixing, audio editing, and even a new
version of VST that supports plug-ins. Crazy! Using an Apple Camera Kit (highly recommended for interfacing your iOS device with USB), you can
connect an audio interface and get up to 24 simultaneous inputs. As I said, crazy!
The iOS world is exploding, and Sweetwater is staying on top of all the latest developments. Tune in next issue for much more!
DOCK
STAND/STAND MOUNT
MIDI INTERFACE
MICROPHONE
GUITAR
KEYBOARD
A dock provides a mount, input/
output connections, and extended
features. Many also power/recharge
your iOS device.
Mount your iPad or iPhone/iPod to a
mic stand or position it on your desk
for easy use.
Route MIDI signals and messages in
and out of your iOS device.
Record audio directly into your iOS
device. Many of these microphones
feature built-in, latency-free
monitoring.
Send your guitar output directly into
your iOS device for processing in
amp/effects apps. You can also turn
your iOS device into a stompbox,
record your guitar, and more!
Turn your iOS device into a
synthesizer with built-in hardware
keys and controls!
Alesis
iO Dock
DM Dock
AmpDock
JamDock
Apple
iPad 2 Dock
Cambridge Audio
ID100
IK Multimedia
iKlip
iKlip Mini
iKlip Studio
StudioKlip
K&M
iPad StandHolder
Primacoustic
ShowPad
TelePad
TelePad 4
iConnectivity
iConnectMIDI
IK Multimedia
iRig MIDI
Line 6
MIDI Mobilizer II
Yamaha
i-MX1
DJ MIXER
Blue Microphones
Mikey 2
Mikey Digital
Spark Digital
Fostex
AR-4i
IK Multimedia
iRig Pre
iRig Mic
iRig Mic Cast
Used live or in the studio, these iOS
accessories provide hands-on control
TASCAM
for DJs.
iM2
IK Multimedia
iRig Mix
Numark
iDJ Live
AUDIO INTERFACE
TASCAM
iXZ — Turn your iOS device into a
DAW.
Fostex
HP-P1 — Get a 32-bit D/A converter.
Apogee Digital
JAM
DigiTech
iPB-10
iStomp
IK Multimedia
Amplitube iRig
iRig Stomp
Line 6
Mobile In
Peavey
AmpKit LINK
PocketLabWorks
iRiffPort
RAPCO/Horizon
iJam
Sonoma Wire Works
GuitarJack Model 2
Discover the Sweetwater Difference — (800) 222–4700 or Sweetwater.com
Akai Professional
SynthStation 25
SynthStation 49
LIVE SOUND MIXER
Mackie
DL1608 — This full-on live sound
mixer uses the iPad as its user
interface and remote control.
OTHER
Apple
iPad Camera Kit — An iOS essential,
the Camera Kit allows you to
connect many USB devices, such as
microphones and audio interfaces, to
your iOS device.
Sound Devices
CL-WIFI — It's a remote control for
your 744T recorder.
Hands On
Universal Audio Apollo
Check out Mitch Gallagher’s video tour
of the Universal Audio Apollo
at www.sweetwater.com/feature/apollo.
By Mitch Gallagher
At the annual Winter NAMM trade show, there are
always a few products that become the “buzz of the
show.” This year, that honor goes to Universal Audio,
with their super-exciting new Apollo audio interface. Apollo offers 18 inputs: eight analog, eight ADAT optical, and stereo S/PDIF. It also provides 24 independently accessible outputs: eight analog, eight ADAT
optical, stereo S/PDIF, two separate stereo headphone outputs, and stereo monitor outputs. There are also four excellent microphone preamps built in. These preamps are clean, transparent, and dynamic, and
accept line-, instrument-, and microphone-level inputs. The Apollo connects to your computer via FireWire 400 or 800, and there will be an optional Thunderbolt card available later this year.
All of that is very nice, but there are tons of audio interfaces on the market today. What really sets the Apollo apart?
There’s a UAD-2 card built right inside! This means that you can run all the cool UAD plug-ins for mixing and mastering. And there’s another huge benefit: you can use UAD plug-ins while you’re tracking. UAD console software is
included, allowing you to set up DSP-powered, latency-free monitoring and to insert whatever plug-ins you want right onto any input channel. Want an 1176 compressor on your guitar while you’re tracking? Insert one! Want an LA-2A
and a Neve EQ on your vocal mic? Just insert them! You can choose to record with the plug-in processing, or just monitor the plug-in outputs without recording them, for the ultimate headphone mix. You can also use UAD reverbs,
delays, and other effects while tracking, with no hit on your CPU and no additional latency.
Because of Sweetwater’s close relationship with Universal Audio, I was fortunate to receive a pre-release Apollo DUO for testing (with two SHARC DSP chips; there will also be a QUAD version with four SHARC chips). I immediately fell
in love with this audio interface. It worked perfectly with Avid Pro Tools, PreSonus Studio One v2, Ableton Live, and other DAWs. The sound is transparent and dynamic, and the mic
> >Universal Audio Apollo QUAD
preamps sound great. But the real joy is being able to use the UAD plug-ins while tracking, mixing, and mastering. This takes the recording experience to an entirely new level.
www.sweetwater.com/apolloquad
If you’re in the market for an audio interface, you must check out the Apollo. Universal Audio has clearly thought through how we make music in our studios, and this interface gives
us the tools and features we need. I predict the Apollo will be one of the biggest products of 2012.
Lauten Audio
iOS, Meet Stompbox
Goes to Atlantis
Looking for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone
that can be used for anything? Check out the Lauten
Audio Atlantis FC-387 FET mic!
This mic packs two innovative
features that set it apart: a 3-way
voicing switch and a 3-way gain
switch, both of which significantly
affect the Atlantis’s sound and
response. The Gentle setting
controls harshness and sibilance
in brighter-sounding sources.
The Neutral setting provides flat
frequency response. The Forward
setting adds life to dull signals.
These three voicings shape your
recorded sound beyond what you
can do with EQ.
To make the Atlantis even more
useful, its 3-way gain switch
accommodates louder sources.
However, this isn’t a typical signal
pad — there’s also a +10dB boost,
in case you want to hear more of the
mic’s character and less from your preamplifier.
No matter how you slice it, the Lauten Audio Atlantis is
sure to become a big hit. If you want a great mic that’s
flexible enough to handle any source you put in front
of it, you’ll definitely want to check this one out!
> >Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387
www.sweetwater.com/atlantis
Hey, guitarists! You’ll be excited to know that your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad has officially
arrived as a real music-making tool. DigiTech’s incredible new iStomp pedal actually lets you
load stompbox models from your iOS device straight into the pedal itself. So you can take
astounding effects onstage and use them right alongside your other conventional pedals.
Want to change up effects flavors? DigiTech makes it easy. Just put their Stomp Shop
app on your device, choose the effect you want, and download it. Then plug your iOS
device into the iStomp and load your new effect. Your iStomp takes on the properties of
that pedal instantly! You can choose among distortion boxes, choruses, delays, phasers,
and more. The Stomp Shop constantly adds new pedals, so you can keep your hunger for new
pedals satiated without breaking the bank. This setup also comes in handy if one of your regular pedals bites the
dust at an inopportune time. Just load the effect into the iStomp, and you’re good to go, in minutes.
The iStomp comes loaded with DigiTech’s Redline Tube overdrive, and the Stomp Shop app offers the Total
Recall digital delay for free. So grab your iOS device and your iStomp, and you’re off and running! Call us or go
to Sweetwater.com to find out more about this very cool pedal!
> >DigiTech iStomp
www.sweetwater.com/istomp
An Amazing Analog Synth from Arturia
Arturia’s affordable MiniBrute makes getting your hands on a true analog synthesizer easier than ever.
But the MiniBrute has much more going for it than its accessible price. It comes loaded with features
that will capture the imagination of even the most seasoned synth nut. Technically, the MiniBrute is a
single-oscillator synth, but its sophisticated waveform mixer and unique controls, such as Metalizer
and Ultrasaw, let you create extraordinarily complex sounds. And when you add in Arturia’s Brute Factor
cross-modulation effect, the MiniBrute can create richer sounds than many multi-oscillator synthesizers!
To make the most of the MiniBrute’s powerful oscillator section, Arturia loaded it with a full complement
of sound-shaping tools. Its multiple-waveform LFO lets you modulate five different parameters at once,
plus there’s a versatile onboard arpeggiator with a convenient tap-tempo control. But for old-school
synth lovers, the star of the show is the genuine Steiner-Parker two-pole multimode filter (designed by
Nyle Steiner himself), which lets you add rich resonance to your sound. And, there are CV connections,
along with USB and MIDI, too.
Whether it’s your first analog synth or a prized addition
to your collection, you’re going to have a lot of fun with
Arturia’s MiniBrute!
> >Arturia MiniBrute
www.sweetwater.com/minibrute
Exclusive videos, features, and hands-on reviews at www.sweetwater.com/expert-center
Line 6 Presents
the Future of Live Sound
Line 6 introduces an incredibly innovative way to approach live sound, with their StageScape M20d digital mixer and StageSource L3 loudspeakers.
Line 6 is one of very few companies to approach digital mixing in a unique way, instead of mimicking the layout of a traditional analog console.
The StageScape M20d digital mixer introduces us to the next level of live sound mixing. It automatically senses when you plug in a microphone, an
instrument, or a speaker, and sets up the channel accordingly! That means that once you tell the StageScape M20d that the mic you just plugged in
is for a kick drum, your EQ and effects settings are optimized for that particular instrument. These “presets” sound great, but you can also dig in as
deeply as you’d like, with complete control over every parameter. The big, colorful touchscreen gives you interactive control over every part of your
show. Intuitive interaction with EQs, effects, feedback suppression, and more makes mixing a breeze — even for novices! The StageScape M20d is
perfect for bands that mix their own shows or for engineers who are simply looking for a new, more efficient way to work.
Combine the StageScape M20d with Line 6’s StageSource L3 speakers to create a complete, intelligent live sound system that provides clean,
clear studio-quality sound. Use the convenient L6 Link capability to digitally network your system, and the StageScape M20d will make speaker
management, signal routing, and system optimization easier than ever! StageSource speakers are amazingly intelligent on their
own too. Built-in accelerometers know whether the StageSource speaker has been pole-mounted for use as a main speaker or
placed on its side as a floor monitor, and built-in DSP adjusts the settings for optimum playback in any setting. The StageSource
L3 speakers also feature a built-in mixer for solo use, with two mic/instrument inputs as well as EQ and reverb and chorus
effects. So you can use just one StageSource L3 speaker for a solo gig at the coffee house, then use both speakers and your
StageSource M20d mixer for club performances!
There’s so much more to say about the StageScape M20d mixer and the StageSource L3 speakers — we’re talking about
serious innovation that gives you a completely new way to work with live sound. If you mix live audio, you owe it to yourself to
learn more about this incredible new system from Line 6.
> >Line6 StageScape M20d > >Line6 StageSource L3t Sweetwater price $2499.99
www.sweetwater.com/ssm20d www.sweetwater.com/ssl3t
> >Line6 StageSource L3s Power Sub
www.sweetwater.com/ssl3s
Your Ticket to Legendary Hands On
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Analog Synth Sounds
This mini monster of a bass synth reminds us why we've always loved Moog products. You won’t need a lot
of desktop or rig space to accommodate the Minitaur, but be prepared for an earthshaking experience when
you fire it up. Looking for huge bass sounds? Craving ripping, low-register leads? You’ll get both and much
more out of this compact module. The Minitaur’s all-analog signal path, dual-oscillator design (with both
sawtooth and square waveforms), and classic Moog filter section let you conjure classic synth sounds, and
its comprehensive controls allow you to shape and tweak tones to your heart’s content. These one-knob-perfunction controls spark your creativity and let you intuitively dial in all kinds of incredible synth sounds. It’s a joy
to play these sounds too. CV, MIDI, and USB connections make it easy to play and control the Minitaur’s sounds
and settings from either a keyboard controller or your computer DAW’s sequencer.
Want to hit the road with the Minitaur? No problem.
This module may leave a small footprint, but
it’s built tough. Once you incorporate the
Minitaur into your live keyboard or
DJ rig, you’ll wonder how you
ever got along without it. Call
your Sweetwater Sales
Engineer and get ready
to experience this
astounding bass
synth for yourself.
> >Moog Minitaur Sweetwater price $599.00
www.sweetwater.com/minitaur
By Mitch Gallagher
Looking for a portable audio interface for your Mac
or PC, one that sounds great but won’t break the bank? If so, then
you’ve got to check out the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The latest member of the
Scarlett interface family, which also includes the Scarlett 8i6 (6-in/6-out) and
the Scarlett 18i6 (18-in/4-out), the Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio
interface with two mic/instrument preamps, each with built-in phantom power.
The Scarlett 2i2 also has a control-room monitor section, with a large level control knob, a headphone output with
its own volume control knob, and a switch to engage direct monitoring for low latency when tracking.
As a bonus, the Scarlett 2i2 comes with the Scarlett plug-in suite for VST, Audio Units, and RTAS. The Scarlett suite
includes compression, reverb, gating, and EQ — all the essentials for music production.
Weighing in at barely more than a pound, the Scarlett 2i2 is the ideal interface for upgraded, pro-quality sound on
the go. It’s great for stereo capture, overdubs, editing, mixdown — any audio production task that doesn't require
more than two simultaneous inputs or outputs. The preamps sound good, the monitor volume control is handy, and
the unit installs quickly and easily. Simple to use, with great sound
> >Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
quality, in a 4" x 7" package. Nice!
Discover the Sweetwater Difference — (800) 222–4700 or Sweetwater.com
www.sweetwater.com/scarlett2i2
Hands On
Synth
tricks
Orange Dark Terror
By Mitch Gallagher
Orange set a new standard for great tone in a
compact package with their Tiny Terror amplifiers, and the family has continued
to expand with new offerings that provide additional features and tonal colors.
If your tonal leanings fall toward the heavier end of the sonic spectrum, then
the latest Terror amp, the Dark Terror, is just what you’ve been waiting for.
By Daniel Fisher
Sweetwater has a number of attributes that have made
the company what it is today. Without question, two
of those attributes really stand out: Sweetwater’s long
history of producing musically useful soundware libraries
and their companywide appreciation and understanding
of the power of Kurzweil synthesizers.
The Dark Terror is an all-tube amp that can crank out 15 watts of EL84 power,
switchable down to 7½ watts for lower-volume situations or if you want less
headroom. The controls are very simple: Gain, Volume, and Shape, which is a
powerful tone control. I was pleased to see the inclusion of an effects loop on
the back panel; in high-gain situations, it’s nice to be able to place delays and
other effects after the gain stages for better processing control.
So it should come as no surprise that Sweetwater is
proud to introduce the Sweetwater PC3K Library,
a collection of instruments for the Kurzweil PC3K (6,
7, and 8) synthesizers. The instruments for this library
were cherry-picked from our award-winning CD-ROMs,
including Stratus Classical Instruments, American
Standard, Exotic Instruments, RSI Library, Finger Juice,
Grand Piano Collection, Ultimate Guitars, Pocket B3, and
Total Stereo Drums.
The instruments in this collection were chosen to offer
a good contrast to and a “blendability” with Kurzweil’s
internal ROM sounds. And because they were designed
in an era when instruments had to sound great with just
one or two megabytes of ROM, you can simultaneously
load many of your favorite instruments into the flash ROM
and leave them there, knowing you’ll still have room for
instruments you’ll need for specific occasions.
Rather than fill the rest of this article with a long list of
instruments, we’ll list them on the Sweetwater PC3K
Library product page, along with a video and audio demos.
Check it all out at www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/
PC3KLibrary.
The retail price is $149 for the library, which comes on a
2GB thumb drive that’s been formatted so that you can
plug it directly into the PC3K and start loading. Since there
will be plenty of room left over on the drive, we’ll include
the latest operating system and objects, as well as the
currently available Kurzweil PC3K libraries (including the
SynthScapes and Take 6 collections) and the K2661 ROM
Compatibility files.
It’s time to start putting your PC3K’s 128MB of flash ROM
to use. And the Sweetwater PC3K Library is a great way
to start!
There is a ton of gain on tap with the Dark Terror. You can set it for cleans, light
crunch, or ‘80s-style metal, or you can push the Gain control up for extreme
metal saturation. The Shape control does more than just adjust the treble. It simultaneously affects the entire frequency band, creating
everything from classic rock tones to scooped metal sounds. There’s plenty of sustain; big bottom-end chunk; and fat, rich depth to
the sounds the Dark Terror puts out.
In short, if you’re after heavy sounds, the Dark Terror can get them, at reasonable volume levels. This amp is also surprisingly versatile.
While it is clearly aimed at metal styles, it can cover clean sounds and classic rock
sounds as well. The Dark Terror is a killer little amp loaded with tone, wrapped up in a
compact, lightweight package with just
To hear the Orange Dark Terror
> >Orange Dark Terror
the right amount of power.
in action, visit
www.sweetwater.com/darkterror
www.sweetwater.com//DarkTerror.
Hands On
RME Fireface UCX
By Mitch Gallagher
RME interfaces have long been known for their feature-heavy design, rock-solid
drivers, low latency, and pristine sound quality. With the Fireface UCX, RME has
brought all of these qualities together into a compact, portable Mac-/PC-compatible
interface that can connect via FireWire or either USB 2.0 or 3. And check this out: the
Fireface UCX is class-compliant, so you can hook it up to your iPad using the Apple
Camera Kit. How cool is that?
The half-rack Fireface UCX has eighteen inputs and outputs (eight
analog, eight ADAT optical, and stereo S/PDIF). There are two
mic preamps with phantom power, as well as word
clock I/O. They even found a way to squeeze in MIDI
input and outputs plus a connection for a remote
control — the Babyface-style remote is included,
or you can upgrade to the RME Advanced Remote
Control, which adds even more features.
See the Fireface UCX
in action with an iPad at
The Fireface UCX comes with RME’s TotalMix FX software for latency-free
www.sweetwater.com/FirefaceUCX.
monitoring. In fact, there are two DSP chips built into the unit — one for eliminating
monitor latency and one for providing DSP-driven effects. TotalMix also includes a complete control room monitor-control section for handling your speakers.
In use, the Fireface UCX is a joy, getting out of the way so that you can make music. The array of I/O covers all needs, and TotalMix FX drives the whole thing transparently
with a user-friendly interface. With its compact size, the Fireface UCX is the ideal laptop companion for location recording. The mic preamps deliver the goods, and the
overall sound quality is clean and clear. And the iPad connectivity (via the optional Camera Kit) is a bonus that shouldn’t be overlooked. I was able to get eight analog ins
with my iPad 2, at resolution up to 96kHz/24 bits! I predict this will become increasingly important as the iPad comes into its own as a DAW host.
RME’s reputation for building quality audio interfaces and drivers is well deserved. That reputation is enhanced even further
by the Fireface UCX — another great interface from a company that clearly “gets it” when it comes to understanding what
recording musicians want and need.
View online versions of our print publications at www.sweetwater.com/publications.
> >RME Fireface UCX
www.sweetwater.com/firefaceucx
Inside
ProGear and
SweetNotes are
now mobile!
By Chuck Surack
Here at Sweetwater, we’re all about relationships and communication. That’s
why your relationship with your personal Sales Engineer is so important. Staying
in touch lets us serve you better, whether that’s to provide you with information
about a new product you might need, to follow up on an order you’ve received, or
to just say hello!
Then there are all the other ways that we stay in touch, from our daily inSync
internet news to our GearNet e-mailings to our SweetNotes print newsletter to
our massively popular ProGear Directory. And now we’re happy to announce
another way that you can receive our popular publications: our brand-new
Sweetwater Magazines app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad 1 and iPad 2.
The free Sweetwater Magazines app lets you to download issues of SweetNotes
and ProGear directly to your iOS device. Turning pages is as easy as a quick tap.
Zoom in and out with a double tap. You can even post a page from the publication
directly to Facebook or send it to a friend in an e-mail, all with a simple tap!
Fuzz — Eric Johnson Style
In the ever-expanding signature-pedal market, Dunlop has released the
Eric Johnson Fuzz Face. Eric is known for being a tone junkie, so
no fly-by-night, run-of-the-mill fuzz pedal would make it past him,
much less have his name on it. This signature Fuzz Face was
designed in collaboration with pedal guru Jeorge Tripps and
is based on Eric’s prized vintage Fuzz Faces. The handselected BC183 silicon transistors give the Eric Johnson
Fuzz Face the sweet, singing lead tone often associated
with Eric’s playing. Other features include custom ’68’69 knobs and a vintage-style hammertone finish, for a
one-of-a-kind look. Add a killer custom-circuit fuzz to your
pedalboard with the Dunlop Eric Johnson Fuzz Face!
SweetMags
Sweetwater
Magazines
FREE at Apple’s App Store
At this writing, we already have a number of back issues of SweetNotes ready
for download, with more on the way. And the latest issues of ProGear are also
available for download. Best of all, everything is completely free! We’re not
charging a penny for the app or the publication downloads.
Now you have another way to keep up with all the latest and greatest gear! I
love using this app to page through ProGear and SweetNotes, and I hope that
you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. Just point your iOS device to the App Store and
download Sweetwater Magazines for free today!
Hands On Novation Impulse
By Mitch Gallagher
The latest USB keyboard controller from Novation, the Impulse aims to provide complete control over your
entire rig, with a slew of controls and functions. Does it succeed in its goal? Let’s check it out!
There are three flavors of Impulse available: 25-key, 49-key, and 61-key. I received the 49-key Impulse for
review. Aside from the number of keys, the controllers are all similarly featured. The semi-weighted keybed
has assignable aftertouch, and it feels great under your fingers. The obligatory pitch-bend and modulation
wheels are provided. A nice blue LCD screen gives you visual feedback for what you are doing.
> >Dunlop Eric Johnson Fuzz Face
www.sweetwater.com/fuzzfaceEJ
Sweetwater-exclusive
Sustainer/Distortion from Pigtronix
Pigtronix builds some of the coolest, most drool-worthy
stompboxes out there. Now we’re proud to announce that
they’ve custom-built one just for us — and you! The new
Philosopher’s Twin gives your guitar incredible sustain,
with ultra-smooth compression. This beauty lets you take
lead parts to new levels and add girth to chords. The
Philosopher’s Twin has all the controls you need to dial in
your tone. The “Twin” part is the second footswitch, which
triggers smooth germanium diode-clipping “grit” with its own
adjustment knob. Use the Blend control to mix clean and dirty
compression sounds to your liking.
On its own, the Philosopher’s Twin sounds fantastic, but it loves other pedals. Use
it to hit the front end of your favorite box — you’ll love the way the compression
and sustain from this pedal add new vitality to all your stomps. This Sweetwaterexclusive pedal looks great too, thanks to a custom paint job
> >Pigtronix Philosopher’s Twin
from renowned pedal artist Jason Myrold. You’ll only find the
Philosopher’s Twin here, so call your Sales Engineer today.
But this controller is about more than just the keys. It’s decked out with eight assignable rotary controllers
(knobs) and nine sliders. (The sliders are only available on the 49- and 61-key versions — there isn’t room
for them on the 25-key version.) Having nine sliders allows for full control over tonewheel organ simulation,
if that’s what you’re using them to control. They could also be assigned to control DAW mixer faders or other
control applications. Each fader is accompanied by an adjacent assignable soft switch.
There are eight responsive groove-box-style pads for playing drums. Additional switches allow you to use
these pads to do rolls, launch clips, or arpeggiate. A full set of transport controls rounds things out.
All of these controls, plus others, can be quickly and easily assigned to send out MIDI control change
messages. As just a MIDI controller, the Impulse has all of the control and features you could want. But it’s
when you install the included Automap V4 software that things get hopping. Automap V4 is an application that
automatically detects what software you are running on your computer and instantly configures the Impulse
to be able to control the parameters in that software — be it your DAW, a plug-in, or a virtual instrument. This
feature is amazing, and it truly allows the Impulse to become
> >Novation Impulse 61
command central for your entire virtual studio. It’s a joy to
be able to get your hands on your software, whether you are
www.sweetwater.com/impulse61
mixing, tracking, playing, or processing. Automap V4 makes
the process seamless and transparent.
The Impulse is one of the most full-featured controllers I have
encountered, with a great-feeling keyboard and plenty of
controls. Combined with Automap V4, it’s a stellar package
that can take charge of any virtual rig.
www.sweetwater.com/PhilosTwin
Mackie’s DL1608 Turns
Your iPad into a Live
Sound Mixer
Incredible New Music
Gear from Roland
Roland showed up to the Winter NAMM 2012 show with a killer collection of new music
gear. There were a pair of custom Stratocasters (built in collaboration with Fender), an
awesome multi-effects pedal from BOSS, a lineup of amazing new V-Drums kits, and
much more. Here are a few of the highlights:
One of the big trends we noticed at Winter NAMM 2012
was the integration of iOS devices into music gear —
and it went beyond simple interfaces and apps. A great
example is Mackie’s DL1608 digital mixer. It packs 16
acclaimed Onyx microphone preamps and Cirrus Logic
digital converters into a Mackie-tough chassis, but
lets you use your iPad for navigating your mix. Using
familiar iPad gestures, you can navigate through virtual
faders, manage signal routing, and tweak processors
and effects.
What really makes the Mackie DL1608 stand out,
though, is that it gives you the ability to mix wirelessly
with your iPad, from anywhere in the room! In our
personal demonstration, Mackie’s product specialist
removed the iPad from the DL1608 while a full mix was
playing. He tweaked multiple settings just as you would
if you were walking the room and judging the sound.
He then slipped the iPad right back into the DL1608’s
dock. Audio playback never skipped a sample. Even
better, we learned that as many as 10 iPads can be
connected wirelessly so that band members can control their own monitor mixes! If you’ve ever looked at the price
of personalized monitor mixing systems, the DL1608 should have some serious appeal.
A clean, simple control
layout gives you instant
access to a range of
great guitar sounds and
alternate tunings.
G-5 VG
Stratocaster
A New Generation of MPC
Workstations
GT-100
TD-30
Unlike traditional MPC models, both the MPC Renaissance and
the MPC Studio use the power of your computer for sampling,
sequencing, and processing. In addition to the tried-and-true MPC
workflow, the MPC software’s DAW-style environment opens up new possibilities, such
as adding VST and AU plug-ins directly to your tracks. You can even use these MPCs as
plug-ins in a separate host DAW!
The MPC Renaissance controller includes a full 4-channel audio interface as well as a Legacy Mode, which
emulates the sound of classic MPC hardware. The slim MPC Studio controller is designed to fit in your laptop case
for maximum portability. Both models feature real MPC pads, a
> >Akai Professional MPC Studio
large backlit LCD display, and enough tactile controls for you to
create music without ever looking at your computer screen.
www.sweetwater.com/mpcstudio
If you prefer to do your guitar-tone and effects
modeling with one of Roland’s amazing GKequipped synths, then check out the GC-1 GK-ready Stratocaster. It comes
loaded with a Roland GK-2A pickup system built into its body, so you’re ready
to rock your GR-55 or VG-99, right out of the box. Beyond the cutting-edge
technology onboard these instruments, both the G-5 and the GC-1 guitars are
pure Fender Stratocasters through and through, so you
always have access to real Strat tone and feel.
GC-1
GK-ready
Stratocaster
Speaking of tone, check out the new BOSS
GT-100. This monster tone machine takes the
concept of the multi-effects
A built-in 13-pin
guitar pedal to a whole new
connector lets you
dimension. Equipped with
plug directly into
Roland’s fantastic MIDI
the latest COSM amp
guitar synths!
modeling, the GT-100
re-creates the precise
sound and feel of the
vintage amps you love,
and it lets you tweak
their tones to perfection.
Simple controls make accessing your effects
parameters entirely intuitive, and there’s even a USB connection onboard
the GT-100, which lets you use it as an interface with your favorite
recording software.
It’s been interesting to watch how the music industry is adapting Apple’s iOS products toward serious audio use.
It’s easy to dismiss some products as a “me too” way of using the iPad, but when you dig in a little deeper, you
truly realize how many cool new things we can accomplish with
> >Mackie DL1608
these amazing devices. If you’re looking for a new way to approach
mixing live sound, you’ll definitely want to learn more about
www.sweetwater.com/dl1608
Mackie’s DL1608!
Akai Professional announced the next stage in the evolution of their
MPC workstations, introducing a pair of hybrid hardware/software
workstations as well as an iPad 2 music production system called
the MPC Fly. If you’ve been waiting for a system that gives you
the hands-on workflow of a traditional MPC, plus the power of a
DAW, then you’ll be excited to hear about Akai Professional’s MPC
Renaissance and MPC Studio.
The G-5 VG Stratocaster comes loaded with Roland’s latest
onboard guitar-tone modeling. If you play a wide range of styles
and like to use alternate tunings, then this guitar was made for
you! For one song, you can play a Strat in drop D,
and then for the next, a baritone acoustic — all
without having to put down your instrument!
Changing tones on the G-5 VG Strat is so fast
that you can easily jump from D-A-D-G-A-D
tuning to standard tuning while you transition
from the chorus to your solo.
HD-3
New TD-30 series V-Drums kits gave drummers plenty to talk about.
A major update to Roland’s V-Drums line, the TD-30 drum
controller features Roland’s new SuperNATURAL sound engine.
This incredible sound engine provides you with a level of
natural acoustic drum sounds and nuanced playing dynamics
unlike anything we’ve heard before. In fact, Roland recently
stopped by Sweetwater to show off their new TD-30KV kit, and
we were all completely blown away. If you want the ultimate
electronic drum kit, this is it! If, on the other hand, you’re
looking for a super-affordable compact kit, then check out the new HD-3.
It features the same all-in-one design that has made the HD-2 so popular,
but with all-cloth-head tom pads and tons of great new sounds.
These are just a few of the great new products from Roland for 2012.
Catch up with your Sales Engineer or check out our online Winter NAMM
2012 show report to find out more.
Moving? Moved? Want more than one copy? Call, fax, or e-mail us your new address and don’t miss an issue of SweetNotes!
This Award-winning Mic
Series Just Got Better
There is no doubt that Mojave’s MA series microphones have set a new standard for
affordable, pro-quality mics. It all started with the MA-200, a cardioid tube condenser
with a bold character that consistently outperformed microphones well above its price
point. Mojave followed up on this success with the MA-201fet, a solid-state version of the
MA-200, with a different sonic character and an even lower price point.
To expand the versatility of the MA series even further, Mojave has introduced the new
MA-301fet, a multi-pattern version of the MA-201fet microphone. The MA-301fet
sports omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns, as well as a -15dB pad and
a bass roll-off filter. The selectable polar patterns open the MA-301fet up to a variety of
recording possibilities, from using it to capture great room sound with its omnidirectional
pattern to using it as the stereo component of mid-side recordings. Of
course, the MA-301fet also has all the same sonic mojo that made the
MA-200, the MA-201fet, and the MA-300
> >Mojave MA-301 fet
some of the most popular microphones
around. There’s no doubt the MA-301fet will
www.sweetwater.com/ma301fet make plenty of amazing recordings too!
Hands On
Toontrack EZkeys
By Mitch Gallagher
For many musicians, the piano is the ultimate
instrument for writing songs and composing. But what
if you don’t have the keyboard chops to really play
the parts you want to hear? Toontrack has the answer
with EZkeys! Designed for the piano-challenged
among us, EZkeys contains a gorgeous sampled grand
piano and a huge assortment of MIDI files, played by
a real pianist. These are organized into intros, verses,
choruses, bridges, endings, and so on, in many musical
styles. You pull MIDI parts into the built-in song track. Now you can manipulate
them to your heart’s content. Try different tempos, new keys, new chords.
Rearrange the progression...write a song! When you’re done, simply
drag the song track out and it becomes a MIDI file you can load into
> >Toontrack EZkeys
any DAW. Your song is written and your keyboard part is done. This is
Sweetwater price: Call
the piano/songwriting tool we’ve all been waiting for!
www.sweetwater.com/EZkeys
Customer Profile
Robby Benson
By Mitch Gallagher and Mark Hutchins
Benson began as a stage actor, and he has appeared in several Broadway productions. But it may be his first love (aside
from Karla and his kids), music, that truly defines him. From his early appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and American
Bandstand to his Pepsi and Dr. Pepper jingles to his full-fledged recording productions (most recently, his daughter Lyric's
album Lyric's Love Light Revolution), Benson has remained immersed in music. “My entire life has really been more
about music than anything else, but it’s not the thing that has been publicized,” he points out. In fact, he’s maintained a home studio since the ’70s, and his
enthusiasm has never waned.
Photo by Karla DeVit
o
Yes, that Robby Benson. He may be most widely known for his film roles and heartthrob status in the late ’70s and early ’80s —
not to mention as the voice of the Beast in Disney’s hugely popular Beauty and the Beast. But Benson is more of a renaissance
man than most people realize. He’s a best-selling author with a new book on the way. He cowrote the film One on One and
has scored films, including Walk Proud, Die Laughing, and Modern Love. He placed a song in The Breakfast Club. (“We Are Not
Alone,” sung by wife Karla DeVito.) He has been a professor of film for more than 22 years; his last teaching job was at NYU.
“I started in the ’70s with TASCAM stuff,” he recalls. “I had an 8-track studio with the patch bay that I miss so much to this day, because that’s how my mind works: common sense.” He used the studio to work out songs and movie scores,
and for demos for his wife (an accomplished Broadway performer and a recording artist — she also toured with Meatloaf during his Bat Out of Hell tour; you may have seen her in the “Paradise By Dashboard Light” video) as well as Diana
Ross. “I’m very proud of what Karla and I accomplished in that little studio,” he says, adding that he’s excited about recording her next project with his current computer-based system. Benson points out that moving from analog to digital
was a real leap. “It was a huge, huge crossover for me into the digital world because I’m 56, and there are probably a lot of people like me who understand that there are amazing possibilities in what’s happening and what we can do now
in the digital world.” He also points out that his career dictated the move. “I had to make the transition based on my voice-over career. I used to do a lot of voice overs, and I’m a bit of a hermit, so I got an ISDN line into my house, and I
would engineer and perform in a closet and make the clients very happy. And some of those voice overs were for credible clients — I mean, one was the GE account.”
Benson is a fan of how a professional-sounding project can be made in a home-studio environment. “When I made Lyric’s album, the entire album was made using a Creation Station. The idea that I could put my DAW in there and then
have some plug-ins and just go at it [was great] — just me and the computer, no one else in the room, with some monitors at a really low level, literally trying to hear everything in the song that I could possibly hear. I had so much fun, I
can’t tell you. And the whole thing was done with Sweetwater gear — everything.” Benson appreciates Sweetwater’s personal approach. “I have never worked with a group of people who have helped creatively like every single person at
Sweetwater. There is not one person that I have run into who hasn’t gone out of their way to make me able to be more creative.”
Benson’s Go-to Gear
Whether he’s doing voice-over work,
producing full-length album projects, or
just following his creative muse, Robby
Benson relies on studio gear that fits his
approach and gives him the results he
wants. Here is a sampling of his go-to
gear and software.
Sweetwater Creation Station audio computer
Steinberg Cubase production software
Steinberg UR28M USB interface
Groove3 tutorial software
Waves plug-ins
Sonnox R3 EQ plug-in
Universal Audio UAD card and plug-ins
iZotope Ozone mastering plug-in bundle
Neumann U 87 microphone
sE Electronics Reflexion filter
Novation Impulse 25-key controller
Novation UltraNOVA synthesizer
Native Instruments Guitar Rig software
Roland GR-55 guitar synth/processor
M-Audio active monitors
Sennheiser HD 380 headphones
Creation Station: The Heart of Robby's Home Studio
Robby Benson counts on his Sweetwater Creation Station audio computer as the center of his
recording rig. He explains, “You can make music all night long, all day long, and it’s not going to
end up costing you thousands of dollars. A whole album lived inside my Creation Station. That’s
fantastic!” Built from the ground up for audio, our ultra-fast and compact Creation Stations are
perfect for running today’s powerful DAWs, plug-ins, and
virtual instruments. Call your Sales Engineer
today and choose the Creation Station that
fits your needs best.
Continuing with the theme from last issue, I’ve reached out to one of our long-time
customers to get his perspective on the Sweetwater Difference. Rob Pottorf has
been gracious enough to provide his personal insights on Sweetwater. Rob’s Sales
Engineer is Jeff Law (employee #2 at Sweetwater), who has worked with him for
almost 15 years.
Inside the
working with us and standing behind each and every product with exceptional tech
support. It was like having my own personal tech department.
“When I left Paramount in 1999 to pursue a career as a composer for film and
television, I didn’t expect the same type of corporate treatment, since my new venture
was not a multimillion-dollar company like Paramount. I was wrong.
Rob is a very successful composer of film and television music. His recent films
include 20th Century Fox’s The Trial (starring Matthew Modine), Lions Gate’s
Unrequited (starring Michael Welch of Twilight), and GMC Channel’s Trinity
Goodheart (starring Eric Benet) and The Heart of Christmas (starring Matthew
West). He also worked on CBS’s Saturday-morning cartoon Danger Rangers
(starring Mark Hamill and Jerry Houser).
“Jeff and the Sweetwater team were even more helpful in getting me set up for the next
chapter in my career. They also helped me get the biggest bang for my buck, which was
important since I was spending my own money this time. Twelve years and several films
later, they continue to keep me on the leading edge of music technology and software.
In fact, my most recent visit to the Sweetwater campus inspired me to upgrade my
studio to a Pro Tools|HDX system.
After attending school at Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati, Rob took
a position with Paramount Parks as the music director and senior music composer.
In 1999, he left Paramount to pursue film and television work. Rob has worked on
projects for CBS, Disney, Paramount, Lions Gate, 20th Century Fox, Turner Network,
HGTV, CourtTV, Nickelodeon, and others.
“Film scoring is a very competitive business, and Sweetwater has helped me to stay on
top of the latest libraries, equipment, and technology. It is truly a one-stop shop for any
musician or engineer.
Jeff Radke
“One of my first responsibilities after being hired as staff music director for Paramount Parks in the late ’80s was
to build an in-house studio and update the park’s lacking technology. Sweetwater became my valuable partner in
making this happen.
“Thank you all for the opportunity to be a part of the Sweetwater story — you guys
have been a part of mine!”
Thanks to Rob for the kind words and for taking the time to give us his perspective.
Rock and Roll!
“After discussing our goals with Jeff Law, he and his team were great at suggesting equipment and software,
and continued their service through the complete install process. It was great having a company like Sweetwater
Jeff Radke
Vice President of Sales
A Controller for Your
Computer or iPad
High-performance Wireless
for a Low Price
At NAMM, Samson entered the
keyboard controller market with
the Graphite 49. This USB
MIDI controller is loaded with
features every studio needs.
The Graphite 49 can serve
as the hub of your studio, controlling everything from
virtual instruments to your DAW’s transport. You can program the large control
array, including nine faders, eight encoders, and 16 buttons, to work with your
software. You can map organ drawbars to the faders, LFOs to the encoders, and much more. Transpose and
octave buttons as well as handy pitch and mod wheels are also built in. The semi-weighted keys give you
responsive feel and expression. Customizable aftertouch can be assigned to a variety of parameters.
This compact, lightweight keyboard is great for making music on
the go. You can even hook up the Graphite 49 to your iPad and use
it with recording and synth apps! Call your Sales Engineer or visit
Sweetwater.com now!
Hands On
> >Samson Graphite 49
Sweetwater price: CALL
www.sweetwater.com/graphite49
If you’re looking for a UHF wireless microphone system
that’s both budget friendly and reliable, check out the
new XS Wireless from Sennheiser. This complete line of
wireless systems includes dynamic and condenser handheld
microphone sets, as well as lavalier, headset, and
instrument bodypack sets. Sennheiser XS
Wireless systems operate in the 24MHz range,
with a total of 960 available frequencies and
ample bandwidth to ensure interference-free
performance, even in crowded cities.
Using Sennheiser XS Wireless systems is remarkably
easy. A powerful scan function automatically identifies available channels and takes the guesswork out of setup.
Sennheiser’s Remote Channel Sync lets you synchronize your
> >Sennheiser XS Wireless transmitters and receivers from the convenience of the sound booth.
A 250-foot range makes XS Wireless systems perfect for clubs and
www.sweetwater.com/xsw35-a
churches. And since the XS Wireless runs for 10 hours on two AAs,
you never have to worry about swapping batteries during the show!
Steven Slate Drums 4.0 Platinum
By Mitch Gallagher
I’ve been a fan of Steven Slate’s virtual drums for several years, for a number of reasons, the
biggest being that the drums are preprocessed and ready to drop right into your mix. Slate
has used his years of experience as an engineer and drum specialist to create a collection
of great-sounding software kits that always sound “right” when you use them for a project.
Want a metal kit? Load one up and you’re ready to go. A rock kit? It’s there. Load up a
“signature” kit, which duplicates the sound of a famous drummer’s drum set. It all works
very well, and the Slate drum kits are playable, dynamic, and responsive.
Now, with Steven Slate Drums 4.0 Platinum, Slate has upped the ante. Rather than base
his instruments on a software engine from another manufacturer, he’s created his own virtual
drum instrument, still featuring the great sounds and kits for which he is known. Within the
Slate virtual instrument plug-in (which supports Mac/PC RTAS, VST, and AU), you’re given
detailed control over your kit. You can change instruments in the kit; mix
various mics (four on the snare, for example, two top and two bottom);
blend in mic bleed; process dynamics and velocities; load different mics; change an attack,
sustain, and release envelopes; adjust note mapping; route to aux buses; and cover all the
usual mixing parameters as well, such as panning, solo, mute, phase/polarity, and so on.
Steven Slate Drums SSD 4 is amazingly detailed yet simple to navigate. A bunch of grooves
are included to get you going. You can use these grooves — which are played by real
drummers and feel great — to audition kits or
to build songs. All in all, it’s a powerful package
> >Steven Slate Drums SSD 4
that can cover any drum sound in any musical
style. Highly recommended.
www.sweetwater.com/ssdrums4pl
Tech support 24/7 at www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare
A Hardware
Compressor with a Few Tricks up Its Sleeve
Dave Hill Designs’ Titan is a hardware compressor that does a superb job of transparently controlling dynamic range, but it also gives you a broad palette of tasty
coloration options. A digitally controlled analog feedback compressor with two types of VCAs plus a crossfade, the Titan equips your studio with a huge spectrum of
color and control choices. Use the crossfade to blend between squeaky-clean and ultra-colored compression. The Titan’s stepped controls and color LCD display let you
easily recall your settings from previous sessions.
The Titan gives you all the controls you’d expect in a high-end hardware compressor, but there are also several unique controls onboard. VCA Color lets you move
between a very clean pulse-width modulation gain-control device and a vintage gain-control element. Parallel Mix serves up parallel compression, letting you blend
your unprocessed and compressed audio. Dynamic Color generates harmonic content of an opposite nature to that served up by a vintage gain control, imparting
meaty mass to the signal. Lastly, the Fat/Air switch lets you enhance your sound with palpable girth or a delicate sense of space.
If a definitive hardware compressor — with serious coloration mojo — is on your studio
shopping list for 2012, Dave Hill Designs’ Titan certainly deserves your consideration.
Great-sounding, Versatile,
Portable Tube DI
Analog Drum
Sounds Make a
Comeback!
Here’s a great way to add an exciting new set of electronic percussion
sounds to your rig! The Nord Drum takes you back nearly 30 years
to Nord’s origin as a digital drum company. This retro-style virtual
analog drum synthesizer lets you create your own drum sounds and
play them using standard drum pads. But unlike most contemporary
electronic drum controllers, which use samples as the basis for their
sounds, the Nord Drum uses analog-style subtractive synthesis,
allowing you to create wholly original percussion tones.
Who couldn’t use a great-sounding tube DI? Radial’s Firefly gives you dual inputs and is fitted with
a highpass filter, so you can tailor the low-frequency content of your signal to best complement the
instrument you’re recording. The Firefly’s Drag control lets you adjust the input load to give you the
most natural sound possible, whatever the source. With the Drag control off, you get a 4-MΩ input, optimized
for instruments that use a piezo pickup, such as an upright bass or a passive acoustic-electric guitar.
The Firefly features a front-end circuit that is 100% discrete Class A, without any circuit-stabilizing negative feedback. You’ll love the warmth and detail you get from
the Firefly’s unique front end and its 12AX7 tube drive circuit. And the Firefly has plenty of gain to drive a power amp or a
self-powered speaker. With its robust construction, recessed switches, built-in handle, and rackmountability, the Firefly is
> >Radial Firefly
ideal for both studio and live use. And Radial’s proven construction methods and materials will give you years of trouble Sweetwater price $599.00
free service.
www.sweetwater.com/firefly
Each of the Nord Drum’s four drum channels lets you mix a
fundamental tone, a click sound, and a noise generator, all of which
you can shape via a full set of analog-style controls. It’s the perfect
drum sound module for the synth nut in you! Add a trigger and a Nord
Drum to your acoustic kit, or expand your traditional electronic kit with
fun analog-style tones. You can even build an excellent all-electronic
kit with just the Nord Drum and a few pads. And since the Nord Drum
also features MIDI I/O, you don’t have to be a drummer to explore the
creative possibilities
> >Nord Nord Drum
this unique instrument
has to offer.
www.sweetwater.com/norddrum
Luke Herian
Technical strengths: Guitars, drums, and studio technology, old and new
How would your boss describe you? Dedicated and intelligent
Favorite music-related website: Good ol’ Sweetwater.com is my
most frequented, followed probably by Soundonsound.com. My own site,
beardsandgear.com, is no slouch.
How would your best friend describe you? Uncensored
Instruments you play: Guitar, drums, bass, keys, and vocals
Describe the most dramatic situation in which you provided the
Sweetwater Difference for a customer, or the most unusual/creative
solution to a customer’s problem: A customer bought software that
required an internet connection to authorize. With no internet service in his
area, he was left without a fully functioning copy of the software he just paid
for. I had him mail me the materials necessary for registration. I authorized it
with my computer here, then read him the activation codes over the phone
for him to activate it on his machine. After that, he was up and running.
Gear you own: Digidesign 003; Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56; NI Maschine;
many mics; several preamps; plug-ins from Waves, Sonnox, McDSP, Avid, etc.;
TAMA Starclassic Maple kit; vintage Ludwig kit; assorted Zildjian cymbals;
Fender Strat and J Bass; a few acoustics; two gorgeous custom guitars made
by Dave Blackburn of Michigan; and a pile of stompboxes and amps.
Name: Luke Herian
Position at Sweetwater: Sales Engineer
Start date: 9/11/06
Family info: An incredible wife, (soon to be) two daughters, and a son
Hired as: Sales Engineer
Education: A semester shy of a degree in art education
Where are you from originally? Nebraska
What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater? I was a
restaurant manager by day, a musician by night, and an audio engineer every
other free moment.
Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater? I was tired of gigging,
and Sweetwater seemed like a very intriguing opportunity.
Foreign languages: Some Spanish, but nothing to brag about.
Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests,
etc.): I love grilling — strictly charcoal — and I’ll do so regardless of
weather. I also build furniture, am a hack photographer, and am starting a
fledgling record label, Unboxed Records (www.unboxedrecords.com).
Personal motto: I don’t really have a motto. I just continually try to justify
my wife’s decision to marry me.
Real-life hero: I haven’t found one yet, but I’m accepting applications.
Guilty pleasure of choice: A German sausage made only in the small town
of Pierce, Nebraska, called a Wragge Dog.
What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing
up? Becoming a great artist and traveling
What in your life best prepared you for the work you do here at
Sweetwater? Nothing could have adequately prepared me for my job here,
but I pull from almost every experience I’ve had.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
This group of employees is the smartest, funniest, and most creative that I
have ever met in my life.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned at Sweetwater?
Your daily experience and attitude are 100% in your control.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
SweetNotes
®
Inside This Issue:
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
PAID
SWEETWATER
SOUND
(800) 222–4700
Sweetwater.com
Change Service Requested
MOTU Digital Performer 8
Line 6 StageScape and
Exclusive
StageSource
New Gear from
NAMM ’12
...and much more!
SweetNotes
®
Exclusive
New Gear from
NAMM ’12
(800) 222–4700 | Sweetwater.com
Inside This Issue:
MOTU Digital Performer 8
Line 6 StageScape and
StageSource
...and much more!

2012 Sweetnotes - Sweetwater.com

Transcription

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