Sunday, November 30, 2003
Band in a Box 2004
PG Music has announced their next version of Band in a Box for Windows. Wisely named Band in a Box 2004 instead of Version 13, this is probably the most exciting new version ever! With support for DXi soft synths such as Super Quartet (ideal for BB as it includes high quality drums, piano and guitar), or Reaktor, you will now be able to get realistic playback without spending money on expensive hardware. Very cool.
Another interesting new feature is the ability to create an audio harmony track using your own vocals! The really cool thing is that it includes pitch correction technology, should your singing not always come out how you want it :-)
Aside from the "cool" features, there are also some important enhancements, such as the ability to use any time signature, and a hybrid style feature that allows you to use multiple styles in a single style.
- Kelly
Posted at 7:39 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Cubase and Nuendo Now Compatible with DigiDesign Hardware on OSX.
With DigiDesign's support for CoreAudio, Cubase and Nuendo are now compatible with DigiDesign hardware such as the 002 on Mac OSX. Windows users can already use Digidesign gear with Cubase or Nuendo, using Digi's ASIO drivers. This is great for anyone that has invested in ProTools gear only to be disappointed or frustrated by the software and high cost of TDM plug ins. Switching to Cubase and taking advantage of the VST architecture without having to change your hardware is a real plus.
- Kelly
Posted at 1:43 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Product Comparison Charts!
After many months of hard work, our product comparison charts are now on-line! This means you can compare the specs for any number of products in the same category side by side. Want to know the difference between Print Music and Finale? No problem - click on Info Guides, then Notation, and then choose them from the list - you will then be able to add or remove as many other notation programs as you want!
You can also quickly see a comparison chart of all of the products in a category by clicking on Software or Hardware, and then the category - such as Soundcards. From there, click on the link to the comparison charts, and you will see all of the products listed.
We are still adding a few missing products and categories, and as always, are tweaking based on customer feedback. So be sure to drop us a line letting us know what you think!
- Kelly
Posted at 7:44 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Berklee Shares...
In an effort to increase interest and awareness for their on-line courses, Berklee has released a bunch of free lessons on topics ranging from music production, MIDI, improv and instrumental lessons. The music technlogy section includes an overview of sequencers, some tips on "getting your studio sound" and some Pro Tools tips.
- Kelly
Posted at 10:01 AM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Friday, November 14, 2003
M-Audio - Great Prices, Great Sound!
I am the web programmer here at Kelly's music and computers. I am an amateur musician as well and when I started working here last spring I was excited to start working here to find out more about music and technology. I quickly noticed that it is confusing and expensive to start spending money on Audio equipment. I started researching and asking Kelly and Brian many questions about the equipment and what would be reasonable for me to purchase. I quickly found out that M-Audio has a good quality line of products offered at price that someone who is not making a living with their music can still afford. Since then I purchased the M-Audio Ozone (Midi controller/Soundcard) and a pair of Studiophile BX8 (Studio reference Monitors).
So with these 2 products some software and a good pair of headphone when I am on the go and can't bring my Studiophile BX8s. I have pretty much turned my laptop into a nice little home studio. Add a Microphone and instruments and some hard work and you will have hard time finding something you can't do. Your needs might be different so look into what you really want to do with your music and try and figure out what you will need to realize your goal. Chances are there is an M-Audio product to help you out with your goal. I suggest M-Audio products as best value and quality full functionality. The only thing I need now is the Musicians Laptop backpack. This backpack carries the Ozone a Laptop and has more room for cables and a microphone. Then I would be a walking M-Audio Advertisement. I usually don't like giving my loyalty to any company but I now swear by my M-Audio products.
Keep your eyes peeled for a full product review of the Ozone and Studiophile BX8s. Till then check them out on our website.
- Gilles
Posted at 1:38 AM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Understanding MIDI
I recently joined Kelly's Music & Computers - being the new guy on the block in a very different environment from what I have been used to has challenged me, fascinated me and intimidated me. I definitely have more questions than answers in this ever changing world of music/computer technology. I am a visual learner and so to try and imagine how all these pieces of music hardware and software fit together to make a whole has placed me in a steep learning curve. What are things like sound cards, midi interfaces and devices, Wavelab, Cubase, Sibelius and the list goes on. What do they do and how do they complement each other to become part of the whole?
Well, I need to start somewhere and so I put my hand in the hat and pull out MIDI. Kelly's Music has lots of great resources on their site, and one of them is an FAQ on MIDI. WOW, a whole world opens up - and it is in layman's language and I THINK I understand most of it. Basically Midi (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a digital communications language that acts like a translator so that various different kinds of midi devices (like keyboards, electronic instruments, performance controllers, computers, and other related devices) can communicate with one another within a connected network. Having lived in various cultures other than North America I can relate to this need of needing a translator to communicate even the most basic messages and needs. So if you are like me, and have been wondering what all this talk about MIDI is, try reading our FAQ!
- Rick
Posted at 1:22 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::