Behringer B2030A Active 2-Way Reference Studio Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased these with the assumption that I was not going to get the quality sound I wanted as opposed to KRK monitors (WAAAY overpriced) for my small studio. Boy was I wrong! The sound quality is better than expected to say the least. They're HEAVY, thus you won't be too worried about knocking them over (like the smaller KRK's or M-Audio Studiophiles I've seen). Took these over to a friends house for mixdown of video's he's been working on, and adjusted the settings for his video editing hardware and room dynamics. He then changed his mind after about some 5 hours of video editing. Not the best, but I'll be putting my money into what I can use rather than a name (KRK, JBL, Tannoy, Genlec are just TOO much. . .even for just one monitor). And it'se never about what you got, it's what you do with it.
There are going to be reviews bashing them, but when I have audio engineers telling me "good choice, cuz the KRK's are sometimes WAAY too bassy", I feel I've done my job and research into finding what I can afford.
Just a quick note. . .do give these "burn in" time. meaning give them some time to run before going all out on those mixes. Similar to tube preamps for guitar heads/cabs. . .burn em in slowly so you can get the full effect later. I haven't had these long enough, but I can say they are the best part of my studio.

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The TRUTH B2030A has all of the great features of an active TRUTH monitor packed in a compact cabinet.It's a high-resolution, active 2-way reference studio monitor that is perfect for nearfield monitoring applications: from small mixing environments to multi-channel surround setups.

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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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MXL V67Q Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this microphone to record piano music, chamber music and choral concerts. This is a serious professional microphone at a very reasonable price. It is stereo, and requires phantom power, which right away limits the devices you record on. You basically have to use pro equipment. It comes with a 5 pin stereo XLR connector cable which is only 10 feet long, You can get longer 5 pin stereo XLR connectors from musiciansfriend, Amazon or B and H photo/video. I use a Marantz CDR-300 recorder, but you could also use a marantz 310, any digital multi-track recorder or pro-tool/mac/digidesign interface box setup. (just make sure the interface box has two XLR inputs). The advantage to using a stereo mike is that it only requires one stand and one cable, and this mike sounds fantastic. You do have to back up from whatever you are recording, because it is very sensitive. Watch your levels when you are recording. It records the entire frequency spectrum, very quiet mike, but also very sensitive, you will hear every sniff and cough. It is a neutral mic, warm enough, and doesn't have a digital "edge" to it. I'm very happy with it. The color scheme is a little loud (I call it my Notre Dame Leprechaun Bling-Bling microphone) but once you get past that, it's a serious piece of electronic recording hardware. My previous microphone was a $200 Sony ECM-957 and I've also used a Rode NT-4 (~$600) this is as good as the Rode, but at one third the price. The MXL V67Q is the same price as the Sony but much better, wider spectrum, more neutrl and quieter. You should get a shock mount (I use the MXL 57) and a good tripod (I have an On-stage tripod, the end of the tripod accepts the MXL 57 shock mount). In summary, you can't do much better than this if you are trying to record classical music in a live venue with a digital recorder that has phantom power and XLR connectors. Highly recommended. for more info, go to www.mxlmics.com.

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MXL is proud to announce the newest addition to the V67 series, the V67Q Stereo microphone. This mic is the perfect addition to the home recording or studio environment. A fixed 90 degree XY pattern delivers a spacious stereo image, but also minimizes loss when translating to mono. The width can be adjusted later with panning if desired, as the left and right signals are delivered on separate balanced XLR connectors. The open tonality of the microphone compliments close micing by capturing the natural reverb of a room, provides an easy solution for drum overheads, and fits nicely under the lid of a grand piano. Follow the link above to hear a sample of the V67Q on guitar as well as other microphone samples.

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SmartScore X Midi Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this MIDI version (very unique software). It does one thing -- convert sheet / book music to MIDI format file. I then use the MIDI file in Band In A Box and that is why the SmartScore software shines in my book.
It takes some self-learning. The documentation is terrible and written by a 3rd-grade non-American using severely broken Engrish. You can figure it out if you have the persistence. It really has more settings than you need as far as I'm concerned (feature-bloat) -- seems like the settings could be done on the 'finished' MIDI side instead of making it a 'requirement' before scanning your music.
All in all -- I'm satisfied except for the documentation.

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Scan & Play! There is simply no faster way to get printed music into your computer. Scan in sheet music with up to four staves per system (4 joined parts), play back then save the MIDI file. SmartScore's SmartScan interface operates almost any scanner and adjusts each setting automatically. No guesswork or expertise required. SmartScore recognizes more musical symbols more accurately and more quickly than any other music-scanning product. Nuances written into scores are accurately captured resulting in astonishing playback realism. Use the fully integrated notation, MIDI piano-roll and MIDI list editors to correct mistakes and easily make changes to your music. Instantly add or create multiple drum patterns with the Auto-Drum Groove to enhance the playback. Recognize PDF files from the Internet and send finished MIDI files to your favorite notation, sequencing package or to your friends. SmartScore MIDI Edition is more than a powerful tool; it's also a lot of fun!

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Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This thing is killer; throw in a pop filter and some sort of stand and you have an amazingly pro setup for not much. If like me you have tried using a different type of mic (like a standard dynamic mic) to record normal accoustic sounds like voice or non-amplified instruments, this thing will be way, way better. I can't compare directly to other condenser mics but do not perceive any fundamental drawbacks with this one, which is amazing given the price.

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The C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials.

What is a Condenser Mic? Condenser microphones are the ideal choice for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They're the primary type of microphone used in recording studios and radio stations. They are capable of capturing much more detail than dynamic microphones because of their wider, flatter frequency response. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is that they contain active circuitry that requires phantom power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped BEHRINGER XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of our state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.
Why the C-1? The C-1 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. Thanks to its cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern, the C-1 microphone picks up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. With its pressure-gradient, shock-mounted transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-1 is very neutral sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.
With its exceptionally flat frequency response and ultra-high sound resolution, it's perfect for perfect for acoustic instruments, overhead, piano, and plenty more.
Built to Last The C-1 is built to be your go-to condenser mic for years to come. Its tough, die-cast body can withstand all the rigors of bleary-eyed late-night recording marathons. And with its rugged foam-padded carrying case, it travels in safety and style. We also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.
C-1 Specs
Transducer Type: Condenser, 16 mm
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connection: Gold-plated balanced XLR connector
Open Circuit Sensitivity: -33 +/- 2 dBV (0 dBV = 1 V/Pa)
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Max. SPL (1% THD @ 1 kHz): 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: 100 ohms
Load Impedance: >1 kohms
Supply Voltage: +36 - 52 V
Supply Current: 2.5 mA
Dimensions: Shaft: 54 mm, length: 169 mm
Weight: Approximately 0.45 kg

What's in the Box Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone, Carrying Case, User's Manual

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Music Maker 17 Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this,and I have to admit that it is absolutely terrible. For one,the technical support sucks.
You have to pay just to get help with any of their products. This software isn't like Magix music maker 15 and 16. This one is more geared towards "MIDI" and everything else,but not actual recordings.When you try recording (like guitar for example) the tracks just erase each other,and you have to everything manually. Unlike Magix music maker 15,each time you would record it would record on a new track and it would ask you if you wanted to keep that take or not. This one is just so dumbed down,I hate it.
I hate this software and I completely regret buying it. I cant even record anything. Don't buy this.If your serious about your music,buy something else.This is a joke.

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Music Maker 17 will put you in the composer's shoes and provide you with all the tools you need to create your own songs fromscratch. Plus, being your own artist will allow you to decide whether you want to stick to conventional musical genres, suchas Rap, R'n'B, pop, or classical music or take the plunge and develop your own--no musical training required! With over 1,500sound loops and an extensive number of virtual instruments at hand, Music Maker 17 will help you to complete your masterpiecein an instant.

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