GLS Audio Professional Microphone ES-57 Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this mic as a decent alternative to my crappy vocal mic's. I needed a mic for recording and some live performances, but primarily for instrument use. I heard about this mic as a good one modeled after the famous SM57 but at a fraction of the price.
I recorded a quick acoustic thing as a sample for a dance performance and when I listened to it play back on giant speakers, I was literally blown away by the lack of static sound I heard. I did very little post recording work, just some levels to make everything louder and about the same, but no noise canceling and it turned out amazing.
I would absolutely recommend this mic for someone that wants good to great sound but with a limited budget. I plan on buying more, maybe even the vocal mic too.

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Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Review

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(More customer reviews)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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Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great all-purpose dynamic microphone for everything from amps and instruments to vocals, and it's far and away one of the best mics out there in terms of durability (they don't call them the industry workhorses for nothing)/sound/value. This'll blow the socks off those $30 mics.
But what's the difference between the SM-57 and the SM-58? Besides the grill, the main difference is Frequency response. Take a look at the charts in the manuals for both, and you'll note that in the slice of spectrum normally associated with the human voice, there's a boost with the SM-58. This may make your voice sparkle a little more on the SM-58, but if you were planning on possibly micing anything else, it's going to also have a boost in the same range, distorting the original sound slightly.
Plus, if you've got a decent equalizer, you can probably achieve close to the same vocal sound the SM-58 provides with just a little tweaking after the fact.
So, if you plan on using your mic for anything beyond singing, I'd suggest the SM-57 over the SM-58 (even though you may not look as cool holding it). And I'd definitely recommend this little baby over those cheaper models. Unless you need a condensor mic, this is the way to go.

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The Shure SM57 is a fixture in the music business. You see it everywhere. In small clubs and 100,000 seat stadiums. This renowned mic is used by legendary performers and the latest up-and-comers.What you may not have seen are the thousands of SM57s at work behind the scenes in professional recording studios around the world. In fact, you'll probably find it in more studios than any other mic.Not surprising. The unidirectional dynamic SM57 has set the industry standard by defining the way instruments should sound. Which is why it's used by any serious musician or recording professional. Its warm, clean sound along with its carefully contoured presence rise make it ideal for a wide range of instrument miking applications, particularly guitar amplifiers and drums.The SM57 features a uniform cardioid pick-up pattern that isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise.

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CAD Audio KBM412 Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

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(More customer reviews)Good mic, nice pickup. The mount is a little shaky here and there, but thats mainly because of it being right at the back of the mic. Use a nice weighted stand to keep it steady, and on position, and youre away.

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ACID Pro 6 Review

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(More customer reviews)I looked at the Acid program several years ago and dismissed it because it was previously designed for loops only, and it wasn't as intuitive as I needed at that time.
A month ago, I worked through an Acid tutorial from Computer Music Magazine using the Acid Express program that is given free of charge from Sony on their website. Within a half an hour, I KNEW this program was a WINNER and I ordered it immediately.
I'm much more skilled at sequencing now than I was when I first looked at it. I couldn't believe how easy, useful, fast and fun it was to use. Now that Sony has taken some excellent steps toward making it a competitive DAW, I've switched from my linear DAW to Sony Acid Pro 6 for programming and sound design. The workflow in the program beats every single linear DAW by the sheer nature of it's design, and I've tried or used all of the major ones at one time or another.
This is an excellent program for general sequencing. Everything constructed in it can be exported to more complex software for finishing. The beauty of it is how quickly songs can be constructed compared to most DAWS, and how easy it is to learn to use. I've wasted more time editing to perfection in my other DAW, when the same functions take a split second in Acid.
It's a fine program and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to version 7 as I write this. This is NOT a full feature program that you can or should use to finish a commercial project. But it will take you to that moment of export faster and with less quirks and flaws than any linear DAW available today.


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Studio Pak Pro Ultimate Drums Audio Sound Sample Library Review

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(More customer reviews)
Still picking my way through this kit. I got a good collection of sound but it's getting harder to find a kit that comes with the entire kitten kaboodle. I'm very pleased with the kit a good bang for the buck. 500 samples plus the free kit it came with was more than enough. I wouldn't say this kits for people expecting to make push button tracks. You gotta put your work on. I layered some of the drum samples and tweaked him right into my MPC and it came out nasty. for forty bucks the kit was well worth it vs. other kits I've seen for the same price that came with like 32 sounds. I just needed lots of sounds and this kit delivered it for me how good they are depends on how good you are. It's the producer that makes the difference. I've spent hours diggin through records to find one snare or kick I'd like chop cut and edit it. With this kit it was more like a library nah I say like a warehouse of sounds waiting to be customized. I ain't complaining I just need more time to sift through it all.

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Sony Acid Music Studio 8.0 Review

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(More customer reviews)Your level of creativity is the only limit with this great value program.
I downloaded the FREE trial of this software from Sony Creative Software and mucked around with it for a whole month, to see if it would do the things I wanted. I am using Acid Music Studio 8.0 to create sound effects and soundtracks for my YouTube videos and my multi-media video artwork.
This program would suit the home musician or the musician just starting out with a limited budget who would like a professional program to record and mix their music.I warn anyone who is creative, that this software is Highly Addictive. You can spend many, many hours exploring all the inbuilt synthesizer preset programs and tweek them with an infinity of different settings contained within the Fx Effects chains.
You can also use the 3.5 Gigabytes of loops and samples that come with the "purchased copy" (not available with trial), to construct your own music in just a few clicks.
Please note something once you have downloaded the "loops & samples":
In the explorer view tab of Acid Music Studio, make sure you click the View button and tick all options - especially tick "Show All Files", otherwise you may freak out and think that you can't access the loops and samples.
This is a MIDI file based program, actually a very large part of the program. So if you want to make the most of using Acid Music Studio 8.0, then get a MIDI to USB connection so that you can connect a Synthesizer Keyboard to your computer. If you do this, you gain amazing control of the program and can control the inbuilt synth on your computer.
You will have to be patient in learning how to set things up, if working with connected instruments. There are a lot of little settings that have to be set just right for the sound & MIDI files to communicate in both directions. There is a fairly good Help file which will teach you how to do things, but as they say: Rome wasn't built in one day!
This product really seems to have hit the mark this time with Version 8.0
I use it with Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum HD 10 production suite and it works just fine.
I'm not a musician, just a novice.
Whether you are a novice or a musician, I'm sure you will love this program.
Ridiculous value for money - honestly.
I hope this review can help out a little bit.
Regards Dex.
P.S. I had problems downloading from Sony once, however my Customer Support Request was answered immediately and the problem was resolved in just a few hours.

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Shure Beta 52A Instrument and Bass Drum Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I actually used this Mic while on tour with The Wallflowers. I loved the great low-end response!

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Designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments, the Shure Beta 52A high-output dynamic microphone provides superb attack and "punch", and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels. A successor to the popular Beta 52, the 52A features a redesigned knob and tightening mechanism for more durability and a wider mounting base that can accommodate a larger range of mic stands.
The Beta 52A features a modified supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range to insure high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound. A built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installation, particularly if the microphone is to be placed inside a kick drum. The stand adapter keeps the microphone position fixed and resists slipping, even when subjected to sharp blows and strong vibrations. A hardened steel mesh grille protects the Beta 52A from the abuse and wear associated with touring.
Key Features
Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
Studio quality performance, even at extremely high sound pressure levels
Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse
Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
Legendary Shure quality and reliability

Specifications
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage: -64 dBV/Pa* (0.6 mV)*1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 ohms (45 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low Z
Phasing: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Maximum SPL: 174 dB at 1000 Hz (calculated)
Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
Case: Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel grille
Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter: Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180 degrees, with standard 5/8"-27 thread
Weight: 21.6 ounces

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PreSonus ADL600 2-Channel High-Voltage Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're thinking of purchasing this hi-end pre, I'm sure you have googled it. So, I won't bother with all the tech stuff. Many reviews say the ADL is great. It is. Everything that you read is true. If you record at home, it will breath new life into your rig. Truly amazing preamp!
If you haven't found this review yet, give it a read. It's long, but very comprehensive and well done.
[...]

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The ADL 600 is a high voltage two-channel original microphone preamplifier designed by world-renown analog tube circuit designer Anthony DeMaria. The ADL 600 utilizes a unique high voltage, Class A discrete design with three vacuum tubes per channel for maximum headroom and tonality. The ADL 600 is built by hand in the USA by PreSonus and utilizes the finest components in the world including switched attenuators, military-grade vacuum tubes, analog VU and LED meters, custom-designed proprietary transformers, and the list goes on. No expenses are spared with the ADL 600 down to the last polypropylene film capacitor. The ADL 600 is big, warm, smooth, and clear; a sound like no other.

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Cakewalk Studio Instruments Review

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(More customer reviews)Cakewalk Studio Instruments are a great foundational set of instruments to add to a persons home digital recording studio. Drums,Bass,Keys,Strings. The salt N pepper that most music requires at a great price and easy function.
I am a confessed Gear-a-holic. I love to find things like the studio instruments kit that don't cost an arm n leg, but that will "Broaden" your color pallet of sound. It's a tool that is fun to use, visually easy to understand and the sound is pleasing. What more could you ask for?


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Can't play bass drums piano or violin? No problem! Just point and click and you are making music. It's that easy!Introducing Cakewalk Studio Instruments the world's first easy-to-use and affordable software instrument collection for Mac and PC. Cakewalk Studio Instruments includes a high quality Drum Kit Bass Guitar Electric Piano and String Section that can be played stand alone or inside your favorite music-making software such as Cakewalk Music Creator Apple GarageBand Magix Music Maker Deluxe SONY ACID Music Studio and more (see list below for complete list of compatible products).Cakewalk Studio Instruments include pre-recorded patterns played by ace session musicians so you can build sections for your songs practice or just have fun jamming along.And Studio Instruments sound great because they're from Cakewalk makers of the most popular music creation software in the world used daily by Grammy® winning musicians and producers. Start making music today with Cakewalk Studio Instruments!Format: WIN XPVISTA/MAC 10.4 OR LATERUB Genre:PRODUCTIVITY UPC:787537171044 Manufacturer No:10-CWSI1.00-10C

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CAKEWALK Dimension Pro Virtual Synthesizer Win/Mac Review

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(More customer reviews)I started with Dimension LE bundled with Cakewalk Home Studio 6 XL, but upgraded to Pro when they ran an upgrade deal. The more I use Dimension, the more I like it... it's now the primary synth in my virtual rack. Free upgrade sound packs and a software update are available on the Cakewalk web site, be sure to download. The grand piano is particularly striking, as are all the string patches in the Garritan Pocket Orchestra; very realistic sounding.
The manual is pretty weak in terms of describing how to create new sounds beyond the presets (there are whole books available on that topic), however the synth is capable of quite an array of sounds and includes a large number of built-in effects that can be chained together. The envelope generation editors allow envelopes to be applied to just about every facet of the sound module; thus using the included analog waveform samples (saw, square, etc.) you can actually make some pretty interesting analog synth-style sounds; check out some of the presets to see how this is done.
So right in the box you get a very nice sampler synth, that also can be programmed like an analog synth using raw waveform samples and the effects/oscillators, capable of stacking up to four samples at once each with separate envelopes and useful effects, that is even capable of firing MIDI sequences/loops as well, with MIDI controller/note mapping any of the settings in the patch... this is pretty much a "work horse" synth.
As a result I find I reach for Dimension as my first choice when adding a virutal synth. It's simply a great, versatile, all-round synth with a huge library of presets (counting the free downloads something like 8 _Gig_ of samples!) and an amazing amount of control to find that perfect sound. The user interface is indeed a bit daunting, so I would probably recommend getting one of the books available on Amazon if you want to dig deeper than the presets (of which counting the free addons must be around 2000 or so presets).
It may not be the perfect sampler synth, or the perfect analog-sound synth, or the perfect loop player... but it does a very decent job of all three of those with a high degree of controllability for the musician, so it's quite a nice "1-stop shop" once you get to know it.

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Dimension Pro combines real instruments with advanced synthesis. This two-DVD sound library has over 1500 sound programs, with tools that are ideal for preset addicts, while its deep editing and sound generation capabilities should appeal to sound designers. It offers n abundance of sounds that range from pristine realistic acoustic instruments, thumping basses, cutting leads, to complex, evolving atmospheres.Multi-stage effects sections and filters -insert and send effects for each part including -Bit reducer and Decimator 16 filter types; 5 tone drive modes; 3 stackable parametric EQs; 6 delay types; 3 chorus types; LFO filters; Autopan Room simulation and modulation effects Mix and layer up to 4 stereo parts per program Vector Mixer for real-time sound morphing - morph sounds by gliding between the different elements of a program Drag-and-drop MIDI into host applications for groove manipulation

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Audix DVice Drum Microphone Clamping System Review

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(More customer reviews)These are designed well as they are easy to attach to the hoops and easy to adjust. I'm not sure what microphone would stay in the mic clip because the vibrations from the drum will cause it to drop out of the clip and onto the head. I've used gaff tape to keep my sm57's in place and might see about getting some clamp type mic clips to see if that will do the trick.

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Musician's Gear Double Microphone Attachment (Standard) Review

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(More customer reviews)Mic Clip threads bottom out against the black bar on the brass screws at rotations other than 90 degrees to the bar. Adjustments by turning brass threaded "thumb screws" out don't matter. It's like turning two nuts on a bolt to lock them. Turning the bolt will not change where the nuts lock because the bolt turns the same in each nut(mic clip and the black bar). If this unit had brass screws that had a space after the brass screw was all the way screwed into the black bar they would work well but they don't. The brass screws bottom out and tighten up against the black bar, So... a shim (one or two small pieces of electrical tape under each clip allow for clips to "bottom out" at 90 degrees to horizontal bar and then life is good. It was either a design or a manufacturing flaw. It's a shame because the picture of the unit leads one to assume the brass "Thumb" screws would tighten into the mike clip and not the black bar of the unit. The black bar should be "pinched" between the mike clip and the bottom of the brass "thumb screw". Oh well....

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Shure KSM44 Large Dual-Diaphragm Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This is Shure's flagship studio condenser mic. It is also the most versatile and underrated/overlooked mic on the planet.
This is the best sounding microphone under $1000. You will not find a better mic for around $600. It is built like a tank, has superb frequency responses, is one of the quietest(7db self-noise) I have ever heard, and sounds just as good as those uber-expensive German mics. With the adjustability of patterns and pads, you can use it on anything. Voice, guitars, drums, up-close, overhead, whatever. The sound when matched to a quality tube preamp is amazing.
This mic has delivered everything it promised and more. I have a decent list of clients that are completely blown-away by this obscure powerhouse. Go ahead and read other reviews online. Everyone is impressed and extremely pleased with the Shure KSM44. I am getting a second one and will keep them forever as the first mics I grab out of the locker.
Thank you Shure! How about a tube mic to top this one?

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The KSM44/SL is a multiple pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional), externally biased, dual large diaphragm condenser microphone with extremely low self-noise (7dB). Developed to meet the needs of studio recording musicians, the warm, rich sound of the KSM44 delivers exceptional performance, tailored to deliver vivid reproduction of voice for the most critical recordings. The KSM44 also offers great flexibility in a variety of recording applications, working well on acoustic and amplified instruments, as its capacity for managing high SPLs accommodates loud sound sources such as drums and guitar amplifiers.

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CAD PRO-7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)I needed a set of drum mics for a recording and live project. I had no idea what to expect. With a limited budget, I went out on a limb and figured....whatever, I could always send them back. The band was shocked at the clearity and how hot the condensers are!!! The drum kit just blew up with sound. Since my purchase, I have thoroughly enjoed this product and if you are on a budget, you can't beat these microphones for their cost!!!!

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Samson MB1 - Microphone stand - steel Review

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(More customer reviews)Product arrived on time within the time window seller provided. The reason I chose this stand over others is because of its weight. I wanted a bass mic stand that would not topple over with a heavier mic attached to its end. Product was in excellent shape, looks great and is pretty well constructed! The reason I say pretty well is that the piece that connects boom to stand is made of some type of plastic not steel like rest of stand... whatever.. Still works great and is very sturdy. Thank you!

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Adam AMS6163B Mini Desk Boom Mic Stand Review

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(More customer reviews)The Adam Boom stand arm is smaller then I thought but sturdy. I had placed it on a countertop and the rubber cushions keep coming off.

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