Showing posts with label recording equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recording equipment. Show all posts

Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller with Serato ITCH Software Review

Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller with Serato ITCH Software
Average Reviews:

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Coming from a turntable and vinyl background, I was and still am excited about this product. I purchased it and have been very content. The unit is about 35lbs. and VERY solid. I have to get use to scratching on it compared to turntables. The platter should have been made 9" but I'm taking it in stride. All crossfaders have a quality feel, no static and the scratch curves feel as good or better than my Rane TTM57sl.
My only complaint is that Numark did not future-proof this unit with effect buttons. I find the software (Serato iTch) and mixing is (CURRENTLY) a little more boring than Serato Scratchlive and my 57 mixer. Serato is supposedly working on effects and making iTch's software closer in features to Scratchlive.
I purchased the Numark case with the unit and REALLY love doing mobile gigs now. No more individual TT cases and mixer cases. No more RCA and ground wires and at least 15 minutes less setup time. I'm saving close to 70 lbs. in travel weight too. One bit of advice is to be wary of using PCs with this unit. I have a Unibody Macbook Pro 2.66Ghz but struggled making a Core2-Duo 2.2Ghz 4GB ram PC work "glitch-free" with the NS7 and iTch. It had quirky behavior while tracks were playing, random stops and various audio dropouts. Many PCs will (by default) have IRQ sharing which can hose up USB connectivity (the main source of NS7 communication to your laptop) if there are conflicts.
In troubleshooting, I had to insure bluetooth, anti-virus, firewalls, NIC cards, screen savers, wireless Network cards, on-board video and all sorts of services were disabled on the PC (a TOTAL administrative nightmare!) and still ended up having to run the latency at 5ms or greater for decent performance. My mic had major echo delay with this setting so enough was enough.
I purchased the MBPro and have not had a SINGLE glitch since. My latency is at 1ms AND I can run apps in the background while DJ'ing without problems. I highly recommend the NS7 (with adequately powered MAC) for any mobile DJ.

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Designed in collaboration with Serato, the Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller combines an all-metal chassis with adjustable torque, motorized, aluminum-turntable platters, vinyl, and a professional audio interface to deliver a complete performance solution that will satisfy even the most hardcore turntablist.
It offers a full complement of premium faders, knobs, buttons and the new Strip Search virtual-needle-drop control, which integrates seamlessly with the included Serato ITCH software. The NS7 delivers hands-on control of every aspect of Serato ITCH and sends data to the software more than ten times faster than standard MIDI resolution. And because it was designed for ITCH, NS7 setup time is the bare minimum--no tweaking, no mapping; just plug and perform.
The NS7's dual decks flank the mixer section. Its recognizable, professional appearance is supported by clean design in matte and glossy black. The entire unit is housed in a heavy-gauge, industrial-strength metal casing that is ready for the torture of travel.
Key Features
High-resolution controller built for Serato ITCH and compatible with Scratch LIVE libraries
Direct-drive, motorized turntable platters with classic and modern feel settings
Includes Serato ITCH DJ software, fully pre-mapped
Audiophile-grade audio circuitry with mic and line inputs, system and cue outs
Extensive loop, cue, and track-access controls
Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle-drop control
Controls most MIDI applications without requiring a mouse or keyboard
Rugged, all-metal construction
High quality, replaceable, customizable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders
Support for Whitelabel.net files in ITCH
Mix using either 33 RPM or 45 RPM speeds

Perfect Feel The NS7 has two seven-inch, motorized, high-torque aluminum turntable platters, and the turntable controls feature modern and classic settings that alter the feel to model the feel you prefer. Seven-inch, legit vinyl records with 45 RPM adapters sit on real slipmats--no simulation.
Solid, rugged, rubberized buttons and knobs compliment a high precision, replaceable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders for an unquestionably high-quality feel. The CP-PRO digital-VCA crossfader has a solid feel that is smooth and rigid. Like the crossfader, the D-TYPE digital-VCA line faders are replaceable. The crossfader offers contour adjust and reverse adjustment, enabling you to customize its operation.
System Simplicity Forget the mouse and the keyboard. The NS7 renders ITCH software perfectly simple to operate, with its click knob and large, backlit buttons navigating though your music library. You'll spend less time looking at the screen and more time enjoying performing thanks to the visual feedback you get from NS7's more-than 100 LEDs and more-than 100 hands-on controls.
A single USB cable between NS7 and your Mac or PC is all you need to send audio and data back and forth. The NS7 has onboard audio outputs so it's the only piece of gear you need to connect to the PA system or powered speakers. It outputs 24-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio to the sound system on XLRs and RCAs. The front panel contains mic input, RCA line input, and both 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outputs with volume control.
The NS7 comes with an integrated laptop stand that supplies safe, secure mounting for your laptop. You can use an ultra-small space because NS7 elevates your laptop off the table.
Precision Control The NS7 sends control information over USB at more than ten times the standard MIDI rate. This innovative communication technique yields extremely high-precision, low-latency control.
There's nothing like dropping the needle on a record for quickly locating a point in the track, and with Strip Search--the unique virtual-needle-drop touch strip--you can locate a point instantly within the track using the on-screen waveform
Five hot-cue-assign buttons on each deck digitally mark your cues on the track. These marker points are recallable in ITCH and Scratch LIVE, and you can load Scratch LIVE cue points in ITCH.
Each deck offers an extensive Serato-style loop section, and you can choose between manual and auto-loop functions and an automatic BPM analyzer further assists loop makers. Creating automatic smart loops of any measure length is a breeze, and you can mutilate and modify to heart's content with a variety of controls such as Doubling, Halving, Shift, and manual controls.
Audio Quality The NS7 contains a host of professional audio connectors and a multichannel, 24-bit USB digital-audio interface. The high-definition post-mix analog audio output features a minimized circuit path with containing only one audiophile-grade bipolar capacitor. This optimized design maximizes phase coherence, ensuring that audio is tight and punchy.
Serato ITCH Software IF you use Scratch LIVE, you'll become quickly familiar with Serato ITCH. Because ITCH doesn't require a timecode interface, your system can be as simple as, say, NS7 and your computer. Since ITCH makes timecode a thing of the past, you won't need to worry about needles skipping or vinyl wearing out. You can load your Scratch LIVE crates, loops, presets, and cue points seamlessly in ITCH. The NS7 also works with most other MIDI DJ software and supports iTunes.
ITCH handles audio processing and mixing including channel fading, EQ, crossfading and track trim are processed for outstanding control and management of your tracks, ease of recording your set, clip-proof gain management, and BPM calculation using the power of your computer's processor.
The History function in ITCH keeps a comprehensive record of every track played and exports sessions from your history to 'txt', 'csv', or 'm3u'. ITCH also has a Loop Roll function that provides a looping effect where the playhead jumps back to normal time when you release the loop. Built-in key support ensures that ITCH reads key tags from MP3 files and displays them in the 'key' column in your library.

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Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer Review

Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer
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This is the best drum machine out there, because it's the only one I could find that allows you to substitute any yamaha keyboard sound for a drum. In other words, instead of the limit sounds you get from other drum machines (snares, kicks, symbols, and maybe bass), you get EVERY sound with this thing. So what you can do with this thing is take, for example, the kick on any preset drum loop this thing has, and replace that kick with a trumpet or guitar or strings. And obviously with such an awesome feature like that, it would be important to be able to set the "key" for those other instruments, which this thing does better than any other with its built-in miniature keyboard (look at the photos to see, it has a two octave keyboard of white and block keys) which you can use to "record" the key changes of your sequence. So you take, for example, a preset sequence/loop and you hit "record" and you begin to play along with the keys, and it records that as a song. You can then play back that song in any tempo, and it's like you got a whole band accompanying you. And more than this, this thing has a full-feature synth so you can edit every sound, make it dull, make it echo, add any effect, adjust the equalization of any sound, resonance, cut-off certain frequencies, etc. The only thing I wish this thing would do is light-up better in the dark. It can be hard to see in the dark. I had to use a book-reading light to see it in some live settings.

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Denon BU4500 Dual Drive DJ CD Player Review

Denon BU4500 Dual Drive DJ CD Player
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it made my denon hc4500 perfom better than using them natively. i could skipp to the beginning of tracks rather than having to go and look up at my laptop and click the track back button its helping making my djing experience better than ever b4 well atleast when i use my mobile rack.

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Digidesign Command 8 Control Surface for Pro Tools Review

Digidesign Command 8 Control Surface for Pro Tools
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My son is a sound recording technology student at college. I'm a computer expert. To help my son in his studies, I upgraded his Apple/Sonar DAW to a ProTools environment. We spent many thousands of dollars doing so, and it was a painful experience.
The Command|8 proved to be the most frustrating element in the entire digital sound chain, and a lack of good documentation and support from Avid (or whatever it is called today - the company appears to merge and change its name weekly) does not help.
It took weeks to get the device configured and working reliably with ProTools 8. Even after that it would constantly require recalibration or would go offline arbitrarily, requiring reinstallation of protools to bring it back. I have no idea how pro-am studios manage to survive using ProTools.
A few weeks out of warranty, the display failed and the unit refused to come online. The faders go crazy for a few minutes then park at the bottom although you can hear the fader motors still clicking wildly. This problem is posted several times on the Avid user forums, and appears to be a common defect. Repair costs might run to several hundred dollars.
Unlike most users, we read the user manuals "avidly" and followerd all user directions. As a former sound engineer myself, I insisted that all equipment in the sound chain was covered with dustcloths when not in use. This device was probably used less than 100 hours in its lifetime.
Do not buy this product.

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Behringer DJX700 Professional 5-Channel DJ Mixer with Digital Effects and BPM Counter Review

Behringer DJX700 Professional 5-Channel DJ Mixer with Digital Effects and BPM Counter
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this was my first mixer, in my DJ'ing Business. i use this thing ALL THE TIME! ive had it for over a year, and have nothing to complain about. great item! no problems!
so worth it!


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The PRO MIXER DJX700 is a professional 5-channel DJ mixer with great features for club-worn veterans and starry-eyed newbies alike.

Five-Channel DJ Mixer The DJX700 features four dual input stereo channels, and 1 ULN microphone channel with "on air" switch. A dedicated effects loop is ideal for connection of external devices (sampler, reverb processor etc.), and the adjustable crossfader curve lets you adjust for all mixing styles.
Three-Band Kill EQ Dial it in with a three-band kill EQ (-32 dB) and precise level meters with peak hold function on each channel.
ULTRAGLIDE Faders The faders are the heart and soul of every mixer. With their 500,000 cycles life expectancy, Behringer's high-grade 45-mm ULTRAGLIDE faders outperform standard faders more than twenty-fold. VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) technology goes hand in hand with our faders--audio signal does not run directly through them; instead, the faders only provide a control voltage to the VCAs. The advantage: practically no audio noise caused by mechanical wear.
Built-In Digital Effects Your crowd will be astounded by the 47 breathtaking digital effect presets in 24-bit quality: delay, reverb, flanger, filter, panner, ultrabass, exciter, Vinylizer, voice changer and more. Your audience will be astounded, but they'll never have to know your secret.
Track-Matching Tools Matching tracks is an art in itself. It takes countless nights of practice before you can truly say you have it under your belt. With the intelligent BPM counter, Behringer take a lot of the guesswork out. Features like SYNC LOCK and BEAT ASSIST help you seamlessly align two tracks without having to rely solely on your ears.
Surround Function Behringer also gives you the awesome XPQ 3D surround function. It widens the stereo image and adds life and transparency to your sound--it's a great way to put a unique finishing touch to your sound and make it feel bigger and wider.
Low-Noise Preamps You work either with CDs or vinyl--sometimes both--and they all induce their own noise into the mix. The last thing you want is to pile even more mixer-originated noise on top of that. That's why all of Behringer's DJ mixers incorporate the improved ULN (Ultra Low-Noise) preamps: what comes in comes out, with nothing added. So you get maximum headroom, minimal noise and ultra-transparent sound.
What's in the Box Behringer DJX700 DJ Mixer, Power Supply, User's Manual

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Fender Vintage Reissue '59 Bassman LTD Review

Fender Vintage Reissue '59 Bassman LTD
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This amp sounds incredible. Sparkling cleans and it can get downright dirty. The Tweed is a great touch. 4x10 inch speakers=plenty of volume.
I was also surprised by how light the amp was, it's not as heavy as other tube amps that I own so that is a major plus. This pedal also sounds great with any pedals you put in in front of it. I highly recommend this amp.

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B600 1x12" Bass Combo Amplifier Review

B600 1x12 Bass Combo Amplifier
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I'm a guitar player, first and foremost, but I do a lot of recording in my basement where I play all the instruments, so I also have a Fender jazz bass for laying down bass tracks. Recently, I started playing bass for a small band. I had a Peavy Microbass that sounded, well, OK, but it turned out not to be loud enough with live drums, piano and a couple of guitars. I didn't want a giant, heavy bass amp to give me hernia just to play in my local synagogue, and I didn't want to spend a lot of money. After some internet searching, I went and played the Hartke B600. I found it at a local merchant who was having a 15% off sale and grabbed it for $169.00.
It has tons of power and a 12" driver, plus an effects loop, line out and headphone out. It stands upright or tilts back. Great tone control circuits. All under 40 lbs. I need to play more with the tone settings but even straight out of the box and with random twiddling it sounds great. It is truly an amazing, lightweight but powerful 12" 60 watt bass amp for an unbelievably low price (even at retail).
JMT

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Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Review

Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler
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This is a great product especialy for those wanting to make some hip hop or techno or whatever. Everything came in the box; mpc, ac adapter, manual, quick start, cf card, and latest version (1.31). The manual is great I have learned much in just a couple of days, though im still learning but its great. great price for what it is capable of.

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Sample and create music wherever inspiration strikes with the portable Akai MPC500 all-in-one Music Production Center. Whether you travel around the globe or across town, the MPC500 is the ultimate answer to your mobile production needs. It weight just under 3 pounds--a perfect fit for your backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase--and it can be powered for up to 4.5 hours on 6 AA batteries
The MPC500 combines a 48-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 12 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads. It comes standard with 16 MB of on-board memory and can be expanded up to 128 MB of RAM. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and the MPC500's CF card.
Key Features
Battery powered (6 AAs) or wall powered (AC adapter included)
Pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for responsive, accurate programming
12-level function places one sound on all pads with progressive level or tuning per pad
Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Support for standard WAV files and MIDI sequences
Analog I/O, headphone output, MIDI I/O
Sounds included to get started quickly
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Low-pass filter with resonance per voice
On-board effects: two stereo effects and a master effect

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(2) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs
(1) Headphone Output

MIDI Input/Output:
(1) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(1) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +5dBu

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song
24 "Active (loaded)" Programs max

Pad Details:
12 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Power Options:
12V DC 500mA pin-negative power adapter (included)
(6) AA batteries [lasts about 4.5hrs continuous use w/backlight ON]

Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.73 x 6.89 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 2.93 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility



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Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center Review

Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center
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My first impressions on the newest and smallest MPC in Akais great lineup of sampler/beat machine was thatit just HAD to be a lesser equiped version of those higher numbered MPC. WRONG!!!. I've used all MPCs and can say that I am pretty skilled with the MPC-60, 60 II, 2000, 200xl, and 3000 and just begining to peak at what the MPC4000 can truly do (it is in a whole different level and not at all for the novice).
The MPC1000, in my opinion is the best of the lot (not including the MPC4000). It doesn't have the warm sound that the MPC-60/60 II has but overall it can do anything that you want it to do. It does everything that a 2000/2000xl can do. It may have a smaller number of outputs but that is not that big of a deal if you know what you are doing.
Armed with a computer (as most of us are) the MPC1000 is extremely capable of accomplising any task that its big brothers can. In fact it handles many things better than those costing much more.
The MPC1000 is set up more like an MPC4000 and will aid those who hope to step up to using the big boy. Starting with a 2000 or 3000 will hinder you, in that some of those things you will do on those machines you will have to re-learn how to do those same things on the 4000 (once you pay the big bucks to make that move).
Don't be put off by it's tiny size. Max out it's memory, get a big compact flash card (it canhandle up to a 2 gig card, WOW) and this little box will STOMP the 2000 and 3000, even the 60 (remember those aren't made anymore and are quit old).
This thing KICKS.

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Inheriting all the essential MPC series features, the Akai MPC1000 complements its larger siblings while also providing a powerful Music Production Center on its own. It features 32-voice stereo sampling, 64-track sequencing, and 16 velocity, and pressure-sensitive MPC pads--all in an affordable and compact package that weighs just 7.6 pounds. The MPC1000 is small, rugged and incredibly portable for an easy fit into a backpack or laptop bag for the traveling producer.
It comes with 16 MB of onboard memory (expandable up to 128 MB), and you can further enhance your storage with optional standard Compact Flash memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). A preloaded CF card with popular Akai Pro samples is included to get you going. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and MPC1000's CF card.
Key Features
Pattern-based and linear 64-track sequencer with 32 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive programming
16-level pad function maps one sound to all pads with varied level, tuning, attack, decay or filter per pad
Two Q-link sliders for real-time performance control
Built-in Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Standard WAV files samples and MIDI-file sequences
Analog and digital I/Os, headphone output and two MIDI In/Out
Internal sounds in flash
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Four-pole filters (two two-pole filters) filtering for each of the 32 voices
Two on-board effects processors plus main-output effect processor, all which can be used simultaneously
Outputs can be re-sampled

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Hard Drive (optional - req. HDM-10): any standard IDE 2.5-inch hard drive
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(6) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs [Stereo L/R + 4 Assignable Outs]
(1) Headphone Output

Digital Input/Output:
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Input [RCA]
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Output [RCA]

MIDI Input/Output:
(2) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(2) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(2) 1/4-inch Footswitch
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +17dBu [Stereo & Assignable Outs]

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song

Pad Details:
16 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Synchronization: MIDI Clock only
Power Options:
100v - 240v
50/60Hz
19W

Dimensions: 13 x 2.97 x 8.98 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 7.6 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility



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QSC GX5 Stereo Power Amplifier Review

QSC GX5 Stereo Power Amplifier
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I bought the QSC GX5 stereo amplifier for use in my band's practice studio. We previously used a Mackie mixer/amp setup and we recently bought an Allen & Heath mixer along with the QSC Amp. We've gone from a little noisy system to an absolutely silent (no hiss, no noise) system even when turned all the way up. It's nice! We A/B'd the amps and while the Mackie is rated to have more power, the QSC is clearly punchier and so much cleaner. I can't say enough about how nice this amp is. I've owned Crown, Crest and Yamaha amps as well and none of them were cleaner than this one.
As for durability, it's still new BUT QSC is offering a 6 year warranty for free on this model (until March 09) so I can't imagine they would do this if these amps were a service problem.
Oh and it looks great in my rack. I read somewhere that the amp is noisy when the cooling fans get going. Knowing this, I cranked the amp full and ran a punchy CD through the mixer full blast (no distortion!) and waited while the amp warmed up. After it reached operating temperature, the fan(s) indeed came on but by no means were they "loud." If I had this amp in a recording studio, I would have the amp in a soundproof room or enclosure as I suppose the fan could be audible during very quiet recording sessions. On the other hand, it is reassuring that I know the fans are indeed working, keeping the rails cool. For live sound, it just isn't a real issue.
Now I'm considering getting another QSC for a monitor amp. I heartily recommend this amplifier.


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DENON DN-HC4500 DJ Mixer USB Controller Review

DENON DN-HC4500 DJ Mixer USB Controller
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Although the controls, buttons and display make for a "busy" looking layout, it performs to perfection! Easily configurable to PCDJ-Red Mobile (my software of choice at the present) and VERY responsive! For me, this was an upgrade from the PCDJ DAC-3 and I'm glad I made the switch as I have restored confidence in my mixing/transitions: when I press PLAY, it plays!! Worth every penny.

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KRK K10S Powered Subwoofer - 10 Inch, 225 Watts Review

KRK K10S Powered Subwoofer - 10 Inch, 225 Watts
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I purchased this subwoofer as part of a 'system' (which includes 2 KRK RP8 speakers) for my Korg M3 Keyboard Workstation. I was using my old computer speakers until I got this setup. This subwoofer is impressive, however, I must say my days of having 'golden ears' is long gone. Too many years of exposure to loud sounds (concerts, guitars, motorcycles) and age (51) means I don't have the kind of ears that are particularly discriminating. However, the new keyboard needed a sound system that covered lots of frequencies, the bottom end in particular. I looked into a lot of 'studio monitor' systems, and decided that KRK offered the best options in terms of price/performance. I also must admit that I didn't audition any speakers by listening. It was purely a documentation type review. That said, I'm thrilled with what I've got. The subwoofer has a volume control (which needs to be barely cracked off zero to create a balanced sound with the RP8s), and a variable crossover frequency, to allow a good mix with the other monitors (again, this is something someone with good hearing could take advantage of, which I don't; I left the crossover at 130Hz, the top end). KRK offers a tool which is said to create optimized settings for any room, but I didn't see a need for that. You WILL need cables, though, 4 total, two from the mixer/keyboard, and two more from the subwoofer to the other monitors. The nice thing about KRK is that they provide a number of different options for those connections, at least the input to the subwoofer (only XLR or RCA on the output side of the subwoofer). The input to the subwoofer can be XLR, 1/4" (like a regular guitar/amp cord) or even standard RCA (stereo type) cables, those these latter are unbalanced (which essentially means that a long run may end up being noisy, since there is no shielding in this kind of cable). I used old guitar cables at first, while I waited for my the XLR cables which I ordered from Amazon to get here. I'd be lying if I told you that I could tell any difference between the types of cables, sonically. They are equally secure in terms of solidity of connection. Still, if you want the best possible performance, get XLRs.
I'm very happy with this unit. I've read that it puts out 150 watts, and other places say 225, and I'm too lazy to look up the details in the product documentation. Suffice to say, the power is ridiculous, and would, I believe, easily fill a small concert venue. In my office, a 10'x12' room with cathedral ceiling and hard floor, it's way overkill. In fact, with the 8" drivers of the main monitors (the RP8s), I may have been able to get away without the subwoofer. However, because of the synthesizer portion of the keyboard, I definitely wanted to take advantage of the low end it can produce. The K10S definitely fills that part of the sonic spectrum for me. KRK used to make a 12" subwoofer, with even more wattage, which is what I wanted originally, but the K10S is more than I need as it is,
You have the option to remove the grill, to expose the really cool yellow rimmed speaker cone, but probably not a good idea; the grill provides protection (but the RP8 monitors come without grills; they are an extra cost option). One other thing, if, like me, you like to keep things 'clean', the subwoofer doens not come with a cover. I had one made, to keep the dust off.
Overall, highly recommended.

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The KRK K10S powered subwoofer is designed to extend the low frequency portion so your mix can be properly engineered. The K10S cabinet has radically curved surfaces for a great look and amazing performance. The front-firing bass port and KRK's trademark yellow glass-aramid composite woofer ensure accurate and powerful low-end punch. A sturdy grill which is removable protects the woofer and adds to the sleek appearance of the unit. A high power amplifier and active crossovers provide smooth and accurate reproduction. To accommodate any studio environment, the K10s has RCA, 1/4 inch (balanced/unbalanced) or XLR inputs for all your input options.
KRK K10S Powered Subwoofer Features:
225 Watt (peak) powered subwoofer for studio use
SPL rating of 110db music and 113db peak
Frequency response of 34 Hz- 50Hz to 130Hz variable
10 inch high excursion glass aramid composite woofer
Variable and sweepable low pass filter
80Hz high pass filter
Radically curved front baffle design for amazing performance
Front firing port provides low frequency extension without boundary coupling
Bypass control using standard footswitch
A New Standard in Low Frequency Monitoring For years, KRK subwoofers have been the choice for accurate low frequency monitoring in studios large and small. Now, the K10s provides a new standard for even better performance and accuracy, raising the bar once again. Whether you are mixing in a 2.1 or 5.1 surround environment or just looking to upgrade the low-frequency extension of your existing monitors, the K10s will provide the low frequency detail and accuracy that will help you to create a better mix. Let's Be Up Front Take a look at competitive subwoofer monitors and you'll find ports on the back of the cabinet. These rear-firing ports tend to create bass coupling with walls and corners over-amplifying low frequency information which in turn colors your mix. The superior design of the KRK10s includes front-firing ports which are just the right shape to reduce port turbulence. You'll appreciate the clean and accurate bass performance this approach delivers, even at high SPLs. Feel the Bass You need to feel the bass and our proprietary signature yellow woofer delivers tight, clear low end response. Our engineers and listening panel took the K10s speaker voicing to even more accurate levels. Featuring a sweepable 50 Hz – 130 Hz low pass filter, your K10s provides flexible control for any monitoring system. What you hear is what you are intended to hear, coloration is not part of the spec. This performance is brought to you by drivers that are custom-designed by our world-class studio monitor engineering team, for a clear, low-distortion performance. Take Control Professional engineers like the ability to hear how the sub is affecting the mix. Your KRK subwoofer is equipped with a bypass feature which allows you to defeat the sub and provide full range audio to your recording monitors. To use the bypass function, you will need to use a standard latching 1/4 mono footswitch.

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Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine Review

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine
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Okay, so there's a bit of a learning curve with this drum machine. You have to go into it knowing that. Also, you'd be an absolute fool to not also invest in the DVD manual. The DVD walks you through every single nuance of the DR-880 and you can easily index any portion of the DVD to learn the specific skill you need to learn for what you're trying to accomplish.
That being said, this thing is untouchable! There is no reason why anyone can't achieve the precise sound they're looking for with this drum machine. You can make it sound as synthetic or authentic as you need it to, depending upon the style of music you're creating. The bass guitars can be made to sound like fingers are sliding on the strings. The drums can be made to sound like there's a real drummer in the room inadvertently brushing and tapping his (or her) sticks on the snare between actual strokes. For those in the know, these are called "ghost notes," and the DR-880's got 'em!
You can record in step mode or real time... or a combination of both to get the exact sound quality, timing precision, velocity, and little nuiances you're looking for.
For guitarists, there are pre-programmed grooves, or you can use the EZ Compose feature to quickly give your jam a sick backbone in like seconds. So while there is a learning curve for composers, this thing is also very much a plug-and-play unit for someone who just needs a quick rhythm section to jam with. And check this out: This thing even has built-in Roland effect pedals and amp simulations built right in! From metal to jazz, chorus, distortion, 60's, 70's, and whatever the hell you need! You're getting literally thousands of dollars worth of top of the line Roland pedals built-in to it.
I use mine every single day and simply cannot recommend it enough to... well, anyone who is serious about recording, jamming out, or composing a professional sounding piece of music with complete and total control of the situation. I strongly urge anyone who buys this drum machine to get the DVD as well. Frankly, you'd be an idiot not to.
If you want to know what kind of amp is best for the DR-880, I run mine through a Roland KC-350 120W Keyboard Mixing Amp, and it sounds absolutely brilliant!

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Bose T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine Mixer Review

Bose T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine Mixer
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I've had over a dozen mixers in my life and the Bose T1 is by far the best I've ever owned.
The Pros:
It has the best Pre Amps I've ever heard! Same quality you would find in many high end studios.
It replaces a rack full of processors I no longer need including a guitar tuner.
It's extremely compact, light weight and almost fits into the palm of your hand.
It can hang on a Mic stand which I believe is the only mixer to do that.
It's user friendly and a novice can run it.
You can record with the built in USB straight into a computer without an interface.
It can be used with ANY brand of speakers and not just Bose.
It can save your settings, removing the need to "re-EQ" everything when you play the same room twice. This is a HUGE time saver.
Bose has software on their web site that lets you "back up" all your settings in case your T1 gets broken or stolen. This is an invaluable feature.
It's reasonably priced considering everything you would have to buy separately for the same set up.
The Cons:
It doesn't come with a power supply. Bose makes you buy it separately.
It doesn't have FireWire.
It needs more Mic inputs.
It runs in Stereo but there's NO Panning.
Running a monitor mix through the AUX is not user friendly.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars because of the Cons. Otherwise, it's light years ahead of the competition and there's nothing else out there like it. It's in a class of it's own.

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Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Review

Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track
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This is an outstanding system for demo recording and I am sure it would also be useful for live recordings with some added components.
After much research, I purchased the Tascam DP02 Portastudio instead of the Boss BR900CD. I had previously used the BR900 with much success and had my mind set on it for quiet some time. I kept my options open and the DP02 seemed to be the most comparable system. Despite some reviews stating the DP02 did not allow you to hear the effects while recording, I decided on it due to the on-board high, low, and reverb adjustment options. (I did not want to transfer to a computer for mastering) I was going to add an effects processor and pre-amp for the mic, but found all effects do play through recording.
The system has a lot of built in guitar (acoustic and electric), drum, bass, and vocal effects. It took me only a few hours to record several tracks, master them, and burn them to disk. Only being able to record to 2 tracks at once is a small drawback, but if you are doing all of your own recording shouldn't be a problem.
READ THE MANUAL!
Although it is not the easiest to follow page to page, if you know how to find what your looking for it's in the manual. For those of you that want to sit down, push record, and be on your way, you may want to look for a simpler system. Once you get it down, the DP02 is quite easy to use, but not something you can just turn on and go without some instruction. The trickiest part would would be mastering, but it is by no means difficult if you follow the directions.
All around this is a great system for a home studio and possibly more.
P.S. Thanks to Amazon for having the lowest price, and quick delivery.Just a quick update. May 29, 2010. I have put many hours onto this Portastudio and can say it has absolutely been worth it. The volume on the final track can be a little tricky, but nothing some time and patience cannot overcome. It has not given me any trouble and has never locked up as some people have said. Great piece of equipment for a very fair price.

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With a classic, well-known interface that's easy to pick up by new users, the 8-track Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio sports dedicated controls for level, pan, effects send and EQ instead of the menu-cursor interface found on most other recorders. You can make music with two hands with the DP-02--just reach and twist a knob when your creativity strikes. The DP-02 records to a 40 GB hard drive, and it includes a multi-effect processor, stereo reverb and CD burner for CD masters and song backup.
A pair of CD-quality XLR mic inputs includes phantom power for condenser mics and a direct guitar input. High and low EQ controls for level and frequency are provided for every channel. It also includes a multi-effects processor, stereo reverb, even a dedicated stereo channel for recording your mix. You can transfer tracks and mixes to a computer using USB 2.0, or burn a master disc in the CD drive.

Key Features
Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones
Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality
Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel
EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies
USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer
Dedicated stereo master track for mixdown
Internal metronome and bar/beat display for song position
Headphone output
Stereo line outputs on RCA analog and S/PDIF optical digital connectors
40GB internal hard drive
Multi-effects processor with guitar, bass, vocal and drum programs
Stereo reverb processor with send/return controls for multichannel mixing
Built-in chromatic tuner
Built -in CD-RW burner for CD mastering and song backup


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JBL LSR2310SP Powered Studio Subwoofer Review

JBL LSR2310SP Powered Studio Subwoofer
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This thing is CRAZY! It is the loudest speaker I have ever heard. Deepest bass I have ever felt. Have to keep it turned way down. Would be good for parties. For mixing I feel like I almost dont use it. Though it does give you great control of the super lows, but not all samples have super lows. I love it. Could ask for nothing more. But it is huge. Bigger in size than I imagined. But worth it,,,

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VocoPro SV-500 (Pair) 10 3-Way Vocal Speaker Review

VocoPro SV-500 (Pair) 10 3-Way Vocal Speaker
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i have high-end 7.1 surround speakers for my home theather. so when i bought a karaoke & equalizer & pre-amp units, i thought i was done. wrong.
you need these vocal speakers! period. loud yet clear and crisp. they bring out the vocal, and the right mix of mid and high . a little weak at the low bass, but im sure its by design, can be easily compensated with existing sub-woofer or by adjusting the EQualizer.
highly recommended.


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