9/05/2012

Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Combo Amp Review

Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Combo Amp
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this amp in 2005 to use in church as my monitor and DI for an acoustic electric guitar. I was totally happy with the natural acoustic sound, and the amp had more than enough power to fill the church on the few occasions where the main PA failed.
My criticisms may be minor to some, and admit that I am very picky:
1) I really wish that the line level XLR outputs had a switchable pad to allow for connection to a microphone level input. As it stands I need to use a XLR attenuator or direct box to tame the signal by -20 db. It works fine but it is another piece of gear I have to remember to bring along.
2) I would have also liked a sturdier kickstand clip -- the stock nylon clip is reminiscent of an old zip tie, and it broke one winter's day -- not at all consistent with the rest of the package.
3) I like the shoulder bag but the strap gets cinched at it's attachment point on the bag. Also, the strap cannot be shortened maximally, and there is no top handle on the bag, which means it has to stay on your shoulder or you need to use two hands to carry the bag.
Ultimately I decided it was easier to carry the unit by the handle and only use the bag to protect it in my vehicle. Nevertheless, the true test of this unit is that I have continued to use it for the past 4 years, even after experimenting with all sorts of direct box combinations including a Roland AD-8, Roland CM-30 monitor, Behringer GI-100, UltraSound PDI, Demeter Tube Direct, and BBE DI-1000 direct boxes. I still use this amp with a Guild Peregrine, a Whirlwind -20 db XLR pad, a Korg CA-30 tuner, and a FS-5L switch to control muting.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Combo Amp



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Combo Amp

Read More...

9/04/2012

M-Audio Torq Xponent Advanced DJ Performance/Production System Review

M-Audio Torq Xponent Advanced DJ Performance/Production System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
So after scouring the internet for reviews of the xponent, and having used its cousin the Torq Mixlab and getting down the basics of CPU based DJing, I am proud to say that I couldn't be happier with the Xponent. I got it a few weeks ago, have a Macbook that runs great with it, and have so far had no problems whatsoever. The software is fast and loads my itunes library (over 16k songs) in about 30 seconds. One of the best features of the Torq software is how it figures out (or you can override) the beat of each song and SAVES it. This means that when you're spinning, you can sort by BPM and see the 20 songs that are close in BPM that you have used before. This makes song selection a pleasure!
All the switches and knobs are very responsive, and as a person who basically started DJing (beatmatching, mixing, cueing) a month ago, I feel right at home here. The loop features are easy to use and drop in, and the sampler is very powerful and easy to use. I just spun a big house party with this thing a week ago and it went great! The effects are fun, and using the mouse pad like a Chaos Pad allows for some cool remixing on the fly. I find that scratching is easy to do and there are various settings to determine how sensitive the wheels are.
All in all, this is a great product for a novice or someone who likes to pick music and wants to get into real mixing. If you're the person always holding the iPod at the party but want more control, this is definitely a great place to start (and as far as I'm concerned, finish). As for all the haters of digital DJing, I don't really care, its much easier than bringing vinyl and remembering BPMs and you can plug in someone at the party's ipod and use their music in real time. I find that the Xponent is extremely versatile, perfect for a beginner or seasoned DJ alike, and it and its grandchildren will be leading us into the future of DJing. Hope this helps, there is a lack of people talking about the Xponent and its a truly great device that has allowed me to finally do something I've wanted to do for years, but I've never had the resources to get set up with vinyl and dj lessons.
Cheers!
-DP


Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Torq Xponent Advanced DJ Performance/Production System

The professional-grade Torq Xponent system seamlessly integrates high-performance DJ software with a fully functional hands-on controller, representing a new era in digital DJ performance and production. The Xponent hardware combines the features of a two-channel DJ mixer with CDJ-style tactile controls, letting you cue, mix and manipulate digital files without touching the host computer. In addition to the essentials, M-Audio Torq 1.5 software delivers a variety of real-time creative tools to take your sets beyond the ordinary--and the Xponent hardware control surface puts all that power right at your fingertips. This integrated solution opens the door to new techniques that are simply impossible with traditional DJ setups.

Rock-Solid Professional DJ Hardware The Torq Xponent hardware/software system delivers everything a professional DJ needs to perform with a computer. Xponent is both an advanced MIDI control surface for Torq software and a four-output USB audio interface that includes two stereo RCA outputs and a standard 1/4-inch headphone output for cueing. Every control on Xponent boasts the same rock-solid construction and rugged feel as traditional DJ hardware. So if you're ready to make the leap to the world of software-based DJing, you'll feel right at home with Xponent.
Get Inside the Mix Torq 1.5 DJ software makes it easy to go beyond basic beat matching and crossfading between tracks. With a 16-cell, tempo-synced sampler, easy looping capabilities and multiple cue points, you can chop up a song--on the fly--and reorder, remix and extend any section you want, all while staying perfectly in time. The QuickScratch feature lets you instantly scratch with any two loaded samples. Tempo Anchors remove tempo variations from your tracks--or cause other songs to adopt the tempo changes--making mash-ups and live remixes a breeze. Tempo Master synchronizes all tracks, samples and effects within Torq, while MIDI clock transmits tempo information to outboard hardware and other computers so you can collaborate with friends. And if you also want to produce, Torq is ReWire-compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered software and other popular applications.
Advanced Effects Processing Torq 1.5 gives you 10 essential effects right out of the box for dynamic manipulation of your tracks. Imagine the possibilities of stacking multiple distortion, filter, repeat, chorus or bit-reduction effects while mixing between songs. You can turn any track into your own original creation--and even record it on the spot with the integrated performance recorder. Torq also allows you to create recallable snapshots of your favorite EQ, effect and mixer settings, and even supports the vast world of third-party VST effects plug-ins.
Dynamic Control Over Torq 1.5 Software The best DJ tools allow you to get your hands on your music--from cueing to beat matching to scratching. M-Audio designed the Xponent control surface with full-size, DJ CD-player-style controls so you can get into the music and engage the crowd during each moment of your set. Xponent features 64 assignable backlit buttons (including Play, Cue, Seek, Loop, Key and Sync controls), two volume sliders, eight assignable knobs for effect control and two 100mm pitch sliders. The built-in touchpad/assignable X/Y controller allows you to control your mouse or the effects in Torq, so you never have to take your hands off the unit in the middle of a performance.
Made to Work Together Torq 1.5 DJ software for Mac and PC automatically configures itself to work with Xponent--every hardware control is pre-mapped to its corresponding function in Torq. It's easy to get up and running with Xponent because all of the hardware controls are located exactly where you'd expect them to be. The transition into digital DJing couldn't be simpler.
Plays Well with Others In addition to VST compatibility, Torq 1.5 software can interface with any ReWire-compatible host application. You can easily route the output of Torq to a program like Pro Tools M-Powered and explore even more performance, production and sound design possibilities. When ReWired to a host application, the tempo of Torq automatically locks to the current session tempo, so you never have to worry about syncing playback between Torq and your preferred DAW. In addition, the Xponent control surface can be MIDI-mapped to other digital audio workstation software including Ableton Live.
What's in the Box Xponent USB DJ Controller and Audio Interface, Torq CD-ROM (Torq Software, Xponent Drivers, and Documentation), USB Cable, 12VDC 1000mA Power Supply, Quick Start Guide

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about M-Audio Torq Xponent Advanced DJ Performance/Production System

Read More...

KRK RP8G2 Rokit G2 8In Powered Studio Monitor Ea Review

KRK RP8G2 Rokit G2 8In Powered Studio Monitor Ea
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
*If you do electronic music (like I do) or hip-hop, consider the Rokit 8's*
I acquired these about 3 weeks ago to do my mixing and mastering. Having previously did my music on non monitor speakers, these take a lot of the guess work out.
Here are a few things to know:
1. A lot of people who get these aren't aware of what a monitor speaker is and what it does. Only the best recordings and mixes will sound good on them. That's what they're for; listening for flaws and defects in a recording. Monitors are unforgiving in that way and they're supposed to be. Basically, if you can make your mixes sound good on a monitor, they will sound good on any system.
2. These are $500 a pair. That's in the budget range for this class of speakers. However, for their price they are exceptional. There is a gain control on the back of each speaker. More importantly, there is also a high end/treble control. This is important for adjusting them to your room environment.
3. Something else to note; These monitors are not completely flat in their response. They tend to be a bit heavy on the mids and low mids. At first this will throw you a bit off but once you're used to their response, you will be perfecting your mixes and masters in no time.
Some reviews have claimed that there is sometimes a high frequency hum. I've found that this tends to be a DAW related issue. This happens from time to time in Cubase 4 but not in Mixmeister. Also, you should try to have them as close to ear level as possible. The bass is excellent and if you EQ just right, these things will really boom! These are excellent for electronic and hip-hop music. the high ends are crisp as well. The front firing bass port is smart, no interference with walls. The KRK just below and to the left of the tweeter light up to let you know they are on. Having the switches and knobs on the back is a bit inconvenient but it's not a huge deal.
Overall, I'd say these are good monitors for the money. Just be aware of the few minor pitfalls.

Click Here to see more reviews about: KRK RP8G2 Rokit G2 8In Powered Studio Monitor Ea

The KRK RokitG2 Series takes value-priced monitors to a new performance level. All of the great stuff that Rokit's have been known for (front-firing bass port, soft-domed tweeter, glass aramid composite yellow cone) are still there, but the G2 Rokit's feature refined voicing and a new curved baffle that looks great, reduces diffraction and provides even better monitoring accuracy.

No Pain With Gain Why compromise gain structure to achieve a comfortable listening level? As musicians and recording people ourselves, we've asked that question too. So each Generation 2 Rokit comes with an Input Volume Control that provides an adjustable gain range from +6dB to -30dB. Just another way the Rokit lets you focus on your mix, and not on compatibility concerns.
Catch a Wave, for a 3D Mix Recessed tweeters may look the same, but they don't perform the same. KRK has designed a superior tweeter wave guide for the Rokit that provides optimal high frequency pattern control and focuses the sound outward, away from the cabinet. More conventional designs direct sound along the plane of the cabinet where waveform interaction can cause phase problems and increased diffraction. KRK knows a properly engineered high frequency wave guide is a critical component to great sound, and one key to our award winning performance.
You've Got Connections At KRK our focus is your mix. But it doesn't stop at creating accurate monitors. We live this stuff and appreciate the need for monitors that not only sound great but work easily into your particular set up. That's why you'll find plenty of input options with your Rokit, sure to accommodate any studio environment. So if it's RCA, Quarter-Inch (balanced/unbalanced) or XLR inputs you require, Rokit has got you covered.
Even More Accurate Than Before We took a great monitor series and made it better. Our engineers and listening panel took the Generation 2 Rokits' speaker voicing to even more accurate levels. 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 clear, low-distortion performance.
Take Control While your Generation 2 Rokit leaves the factory voiced to our demanding specs, KRK also knows that no two rooms "sound" the same. As such, each Rokit comes equipped with a High Frequency Level Control. This feature provides specific adjustment of high frequency output most commonly affected by room acoustics. It's just one extra level of control that KRK gives you to ensure the most accurate mix for your particular room's acoustics.
Don't Be Square, Curves Ahead Our new Rokit looks different, so it can sound better, and in a wider "sweet spot." Traditional rectangular speakers suffer from diffraction as sounds leaving the edge of the cabinet are reflected back into the original sound field, and at different time intervals. This phase distortion creates a "narrow" or boxy" sound. The Generation 2 Rokit series eliminates this issue with radically engineered curved surfaces, so diffraction is virtually eliminated. Simply put, you'll get better sound in a wider area.
Let's Be Up Front Take a look at competitive monitors and you'll find ports on the back of the cabinet. These rear-firing ports tend create bass coupling with walls and corners amplifying low frequency information which will color your mix. The superior design of the KRK Generation 2 Rokit's include front-firing ports, which are just the right shape and taper to reduce port turbulence. You'll appreciate the clean and accurate bass performance, this approach delivers, even at high SPL's.
Power Up! A great sounding monitor doesn't stop with a great cabinet and custom drivers. Our true bi-amplified amplifier system provides discrete low-distortion power for each driver. While our active crossover systems provide smooth and accurate frequency response, and again, accurate diffraction control.
KRK Rokit 8 Specs
Drivers: 8-inch Glass Aramid Composite Woofer; 1-inch Neodymium Soft Dome Tweeter with Ferro Fluid
Input: XLR (3-pin), RCA & 1/4-inch TRS--10k Ohm, Balanced / Unbalanced
Amplification: HF: 20 Watts/LF: 70 Watts
Freq Response: 45Hz - 20kHz (+/- 1.5 db)
Video Shielding: Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D): 15 x 10 7/16 x 12 inches (38.1 x 26.5 x 30.4 cm)
Weight:26.1 lbs (11.8 Kg)

What's in the Box KRK Rokit 8 Powered Monitor, AC power cord, Owner's manual

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about KRK RP8G2 Rokit G2 8In Powered Studio Monitor Ea

Read More...

Krankenstein 4x12 Speaker Cabinet with Black Grill Review

Krankenstein 4x12 Speaker Cabinet with Black Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I own several different cabinets and I prefer different speakers but this sounds good. Normal price is high but I got this for an unbelievable price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Krankenstein 4x12 Speaker Cabinet with Black Grill



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Krankenstein 4x12 Speaker Cabinet with Black Grill

Read More...

VocoPro PV-802 (PAIR) Professional Stereo 400W Powered Vocal Speakers Review

VocoPro  PV-802 (PAIR) Professional Stereo 400W Powered Vocal Speakers
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought these speakers for home indoor/outdoor party use, like listening to music and karaoke. The sound quality of it is what you'll expect from an 8" woofer, if you want a fuller sound, buy a powered subwoofer and you will have a good portable PA system. This pair of speaker has a lot of power and I am happy with my purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: VocoPro PV-802 (PAIR) Professional Stereo 400W Powered Vocal Speakers



Buy NowGet 32% OFF

Click here for more information about VocoPro PV-802 (PAIR) Professional Stereo 400W Powered Vocal Speakers

Read More...

Yamaha EMX5014C 14 Input Stereo Powered Mixer 500 Watt Per Channel Review

Yamaha EMX5014C 14 Input Stereo Powered Mixer 500 Watt Per Channel
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is my first mixer I have ever owned. At first I wasn't all that sure about what I had bought, but it seemed to work out OK. I have now had it for almost a year and I know it was the right choice. I had managed to find a way to make this thing do anything. I got a condenser mic for a really good price and without realizing it I forgot to check to see if there is phantom power on my board. I was happily surprised to find a nice little button with a label and everything. Works perfect for audio in like a DVD player or anything like that. My friends and I were playing Xbox through a pair of 400w speakers... awesome. This mixer is very lightweight and easy to use. If you have any knowledge of mixers at all then you can use this board. It's very strait forward and has some nice features on it as well. I think it even has a separate power source for a pair of monitors which is really nice. All in all this mixer is probably the best for the money. The only reason I could see myself replacing it for something else is if I needed more power, but even this thing really packs a lot in there, producing a max of 1000w of power.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha EMX5014C 14 Input Stereo Powered Mixer 500 Watt Per Channel



Buy NowGet 21% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha EMX5014C 14 Input Stereo Powered Mixer 500 Watt Per Channel

Read More...

9/03/2012

Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs Review

Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This board is packed with features that you would be hard-pressed to find in a board at this price. I wondered how they could do it, until I bought the board. The answer is, they included a lot of features, but left out quality.
The first board I had developed intermittent channel failure. For a while I thought it was bad cords or something else besides the board. The problems became more predicable and were related to 3 of the channels. I stopped using those channels, but didn't trust the board.
Behringer replaced the board with a "new" board, but it was obvious the board had been taken apart - finish worn off the phillips screw heads, scratches on the bottom. When I questioned this, they told me that the board was indeed new, but had been taken apart for "enhancements", although they could not tell me what the enhancements were.
The board worked okay for about 4 months, but now a channel is completely out on the "new" board.
When this thing works, it is a great board. The preamps sound very, very nice. 6 aux, 2 monitor mixes, 4 subgroups - it really has a lot. But, none of that matters if the board does not work as a whole.
My VISA has a free 2 year extended warranty with anything I purchase with the card, so I will get the board fixed, but I honestly don't know what I will do with it after that. I have already ordered a Allen & Heath MixWizard3 16:2 Mixer, which is what I had intended to buy when Behringer came out with this and I decided to give the XL1600 a shot at 1/2 the price.
It was a good try on Behringer's part, they just can't get the quality mixed in with this versatile board. You have heard it many times before, but you usually do get what you pay for.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs



Buy NowGet 56% OFF

Click here for more information about Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs

Read More...