8/29/2012

SKB Bose L1 Model II Pedestal Case Review

SKB Bose L1 Model II Pedestal Case
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If you saw my other review for the Bose L1 "speaker" case, you'll know how much I love this case, as well! The base for the Bose L1 systems are not as "delicate" as the speakers, however this case does provide both protection AND a place to safely transport the Bose "Tone Match" mixer that most people buy with the system. Prior to this case I was always concerned about transporting that little $500 mixer, as one drop and it would be toast! Now that I have this case for my power base and Tone Match mixer...very easy and SAFE way to transport these components. With the wheels on the case...it's a "grab and go" transport...a LOT easier than "lift and carry" method I lived with for a year before I got this case! Highly recommend the case if you have the Bose L1 PA system!!

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PreSonus FireStudio Mobile Review

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile
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I have had this one for 3 weeks now, and have been using it for recording since. I'm using it to replace the Mackie Onyx Satellite I have (which doesn't work with Win Vista) in my home studio.
The first thing I "must" notice was the 4 rubber feet at the bottom of the unit keep coming loose. Presonus didn't do a very good job gluing these to the unit. I got tired of sticking them back on and just leave them off, but that's harmless. Maybe my unit is a pre-release unit or something, cuz I got it 1 week before the supposedly release date of 10/22.
The second issue is the noise I got when plugging my condenser directly into the Mic/Inst 1 (and use the 48V provided by the unit). Quite a bit of noise at 1/2 of the knob. I ended up turning the gain on Mic/Inst1 down to minimum, and have my condenser go to a Studio Projects VTB1 pre-amp instead. WIth this setting, I could crank up the VTB1's Input Gain to 40/60, and Output Level to max (12), while leaving the Mobile's Input Gain at just 1 click above the minimum. I now have no noise on the line. So the preamp on the Mobile is very noisy. I'm using an AKG C414B condenser as my primary mic.
There is no issue with the software driver. Presonus is always good at staying on top with their drivers. Installation is easy. The Firewire connection is very reliable.
The bundled StudioOne software seems very easy to use. But I'm not using it as I already have Cubase 4.5. It's probably just a good starting out software, just like Cubase LE.
I would recommend upgrading your PC should you have anything slower than 2.4GHz. When the CPU is too slow, you're gonna get pops and clicks in your recording, and that usually is not the Audio Interface box's fault. In my case, I have an over-clock i7 Quad Core CPU.
Based on my past experience with Presonus interface (I had a Firepod in the past), Presonus stuff are reliable, their preamp is probably a little noisy, though.

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Aguilar DB 212 Bass Cabinet, 8 Ohm, Boss Tweed Review

Aguilar DB 212 Bass Cabinet, 8 Ohm, Boss Tweed
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Aguilar is known for many things: their high standards, the build quality of their products, impressive sound, warm deep tone etc. This cab is no different. Simply put, it's a stunning piece of equipment. It's got that signature Aguilar sound: very warm and punchy, with deep lows and slightly subdued highs. Don't get me wrong, you can get plenty of crispness out of this cab, but it really excels at those punchy midrange frequencies and the low lows. Volume-wise, it really packs a punch. Paired with my Aggie AG500SC, it shakes the house by a quarter-turn of the master volume knob. By itself it is perfectly capable of cutting through the mix at mid-size venues.
The build quality is top-notch. It's solid as a rock (and about as heavy). The tolex and grill-cloth are a bit fragile, so be prepared to take care of this cab (or fork over some dough for a cover), but the looks are so stunning I'm more than willing to put up with it. The boss-tweed tolex is immaculate; no seams, folds, tears, or bubbles to be found. The grill-cloth has a beautiful pattern to it, which you will catch yourself staring at during rehearsals. When paired with a matching head and headcase, you've got a seriously beautiful piece of equipment on your hands. It never fails to draw compliments when I bring it out for gigs and rehearsals.
There are a couple of really nice little details on this cab as well. There's a knob on the back to adjust the tweeter, giving you precise control over the crispness of the tone. In addition, the DB212 sports a speakon connection, which is a delight to have. The casters are solid and the recessed grips are very heavy-duty and impeccably built. You'll even enjoy the craft that went into the name-plate and the trim that surrounds the grill-cloth.
So in a nutshell, this is a fantastic cab with great tone, impressive build quality and stunning looks. You will not be disappointed.
I must also give my highest recommendation to Amazon, which not only has hands-down the BEST selection of Aguilar products, but also has the best prices by a wide margin (including FREE shipping). Delivery was quick and efficient, and there were no problems with the cab.

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Based on the same sonic footprint as the DB 112, the DB 212 is a great mid-sized cabinet for medium to large venues. The 13-ply birch cabinet, which is tuned for deep lows and a punchy midrange, benefits from the full, round sound of the 12" speakers. Specs: *Impedance: available in 8 ohms *Frequency Response: 41 Hz to 16 kHz *Sensitivity: 98 dB 1W 1M *Dimensions: 24 3/4" H, 24 1/2" W, 17 3/8" D *Weight: 70 lbs. *Warranty: 3 year limited *Optional: Padded Cover

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Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System Review

Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System
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I have a home studio and have used the Big Knob for about 2 years now. This is exactly what I was missing in my chain. Very well made, this thing is constructed like a tank and built to last. I can easily switch between my monitors and headphones with the push of one button and you always know where the volume knobs is. The Big Knob can also make things easier if you are using multiple inputs. My computer is hooked up to one input, my guitar to another and electric keyboard to another....and all with a push of a button or two I can easily select which combination I want to hear. Each input has a gain level knob associated with it. Two headphone jacks are included with individual volumes for each. I have not seen anything on the market that quite compares. Presonus has a similar unit, but it does not appear to be made nearly as well or useful despite it's glowing buttons. You can't go wrong with this at all. I bought mine off an auction site, so shop around for a good deal.

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Mackie?s Big Knob lets you easily switch between studio monitors, stereo sources, and even send musicians their own custom headphone mixes, all from your desktop.

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Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Microphone (3 Pack) Review

Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Microphone (3 Pack)
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Hi there, I'm currently using a single Sennheiser e835 Dynamic microphone. It delivers professional quality sound. Now when you hear that, your thinking... it means whatever your mind wants it to mean. Basically when i say its got professional quality, i mean.. it'll suite you... for whatever you have to record. It does an amazing job for my podcasting studio delivering great variance between highs and lows. As long as your between 1-4 inches from the mic you will get amazing quality sound, everything outside that will be ignored. I often times have my tv going, my music playing or i'm having a conversation at the same time as having a podcast, and all i have to do is move the mic away from my mouth. The 10 year warrenty is very good, and the construction of this microphone screams nothing but quality. The Shure Sm57 and 58 havn't been changed since.. *cough* 1957 and 1958. In these last 40-50 years we've come up with a lot of better tech to go into a mic, this microphone hosts some of that. The cage on top is also much more durable than the Shure models. I believe i'll be happy to have this microphone for 10+ years.

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8/28/2012

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4 Bass, Natural, Maple Board Review

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4 Bass, Natural, Maple Board
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If you've played an Ernie Ball bass, you know what's up. For those still wondering, here's the scoop: the Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray is played by countless musicians. The only "other" bass out there worth noting is the Fender P-bass. Both are great, but why pick a Stingray over the Fender? For me its easy: versatility. With a Fender P-bass, you're stuck with one tone, basically -- which is a fine tone indeed -- but what if you want to branch out? You can't really with a Fender. But with a Stingray, you can tweak the knobs for everything from blues, to metal, to funk, and then some. It's just a well-rounded, versatile bass.
The construction is excellent. The wood, the hardware, everything -- is top-notch. Nothing skimped on here. No negative comments at all. The one I order from this link was intonated fairly well (although you should always take a new guitar to your trusted luthier for a proper setup), and it came with a pro case. Nice!

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Zildjian A Custom 20-Inch Sizzle Ride Cymbal Review

Zildjian A Custom 20-Inch Sizzle Ride Cymbal
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If you've never played on a sizzle before it takes some getting used to because of the sustain. However, it is an essential sound in R&B and some jazz, especially for slower tempo using triplets.
This particular model sounds identical to my 30+ year old Avedis Zildjian 20" - even the sustain is the same. Do not expect a lot of definition from this (or any other sizzle) because they were designed for a drawn out washy sound with slightly less than moderate definition.
If you're unsure about getting a sizzle, a great compromise is the 19" Zildjian Armand Signature Ride (ASIN B0002GFNF4). That cymbal has a three-rivet cluster near the edge, but has higher definition and less sustain and wash. I have both the Armand and regular sizzle models, so there is a difference in tone and texture these cymbals produce.

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